This decision follows several months of engaging in some great conversations with members of the Wellesley Chamber’s board, during which we mutually agreed that the businesses and nonprofits in our region stand to prosper from the connections, networking and camaraderie that could come from being under the same umbrella. (Read the Swellesley Report story here.)

 

Working together, we can also become a more powerful voice on Beacon Hill, across the region and even in media; advocating for resources and attention for Greater Boston’s inner western suburbs.

 

Bringing our 900 member businesses and nonprofits together with Wellesley’s 200 members will create one financially strong chamber that can produce robust programming and advocate for the economic and cultural vitality of our region for years to come.

 

And nothing can be more essential than that now as we collectively look to get through the next few months and rebuild our economy in 2021.

 

While regionalization can be powerful, we also recognize that municipalities across Massachusetts each have their unique flavor, history and priorities. That is why we will be forming a Wellesley subcommittee within our chamber devoted exclusively to Wellesley.

 

The Wellesley business committee would serve as an advisory board to our board, staff and me to ensure that Wellesley’s interests are well represented in our advocacy and programming. This committee would also be empowered to organize events and speak up on behalf of Wellesley businesses at Town Hall or other forums.

 

We are so grateful to the Wellesley Chamber’s board and outgoing president Maura O’Brien for making what I’m certain was a very difficult decision to close their chamber.

 

The Wellesley Chamber has a 61-year history of service to the town and its members. We’re committed to respecting those traditions and doing our utmost to win the confidence and support of Wellesley’s businesses and nonprofits as we bring our communities together.

 

Sincerely,

President, Newton-Needham Regional Chamber

617-244-1688