Note from the President
of the GMCC

Welcome to the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce!

Whether you're a GMCC member, prospective member, longtime Manchester area resident, newcomer, or considering moving your home and /or business here, we hope you find our new web site informative and helpful.

Please remember at the Manchester Chamber of Commerce we are anxious to help you - in any way we can - to learn more about the Town of Manchester and business community we are so proud of how the many resources and opportunities we offer that can benefit you, your family and / or your business.

Please do not hesitate to call me or other members of our Chamber staff for assistance at any time. We encourage you to use our on-line directory of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce member businesses to quickly find the finest products and friendliest service in all of central Connecticut. Once again, welcome!

Sue O'Connor President

Message from the Chairman of the Board

Thank you to Rich Cohen whose past two years as Chairman have seen the Chamber continue to grow and prosper. And thank you to the Chairmen who have preceded me. You have all worked together with our members and our team in the office to keep the Chamber strong and viable.

Welcome to our new Board members: Linda Wieleba, Cliff Ferguson, Laurie Brooks, Mary Rossettie, and Renee Pasay. We believe you will enjoy the experience and we look forward to working closely with you.

Thank you to our retiring Board members: Ken Charpentier, John Crouse, Mike Nowicky, and Don Samartino. Your time in support of our Chamber is certainly appreciated.

And congratulations to Marty Fins, our 2009 Community Achievement Award Winner. Your commitment to the businesses and the community of Manchester over the years has made a difference, and we thank you.

The Chamber has had many good years and increased membership growth and participation, retention, and income. The Chamber's internal team, Amy Belske, April DiFalco, Lisa Lamb, and Sue O'Connor, along with our Board of Directors carefully monitor expenses to keep them low. These efforts have certainly paid off as the Chamber remains financially very stable today.

As we celebrate the 108th Annual Meeting of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, we remember the 35 area businessman who, in 1901, established the Manchester Businessmen's Association to deal with matters of inerest to its members, the community, and to the general public. To forward the mercantile, manufacturing, agricultural, and civic interests of the Town. To procure and spread such informaiton and assist in bringing about such conditions to advance and elevate the standing of its members in their lines of activities and promote the general welfare and prosperity of the Town of Manchester.

These men knew then what we know now; businesses working together can accomplish what no one business can on its own. Chamber membership is worth your time and your investment. Chamber members have many opportunities, as a group or individually, to take advantage of numerous programs, events, educational sessions, the camaraderie that grows as members get to know each other, and more. Collectively, members' concerns are heard through the Chamber's voice at the local, state or regional level. Put the Chamber to work for your business.

We expect a year of changing times and conditions as we move forward, but while the Chamber will be mindful of conditions, we will continue to grow and retain our members, to work with them to meet their needs, and to remain financially stable.

I thank you for the opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Board of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, and look forward to working with you.

Thank you

Mike Downs

Chairman, GMCC Board of Directors

Brescome Barton