Message from the President

On behalf of the board of Directors and the staff of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, welcome to the Chamber’s web site. As you explore this site you will see that we are in fact dedicated to growing the economy for Northern Rhode Island and the balance of the state.

As you read our key initiatives you will see why over 1,000 businesses consider membership in the chamber as an important part of their business plan.

Key Goals and Strategies for 2007
INFLUENCE PUBLIC POLICY THAT IMPROVES THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
In 2006 the Chamber as a leading partner in the Affordable RI Coalition and the Chamber Coalition lobbied successfully for the passage of Senate bill 3050 which limited the amount of spending my municipal governments. We will continue to advocate for this issue along with the R.I. Public Expenditure Council to further explore ways to reduce government spending while not compromising the quality of government and education. For a complete list of our legislative agenda please click here.

IDENTIFY AND PURSUE LOCAL POLICIES AND INITIATIVES CONSISTENT WITH THE CHAMBER’S MISSION
The Blackstone Valley has its own very special identity. In 2007 we will explore the potential of promoting the Northern RI Region as a great place to live, work and do business in.

Recognizing the importance of education as an economic development strategy we will continue our conversations with the NRI Education Collaborative to explore Business /Education Opportunities

The ethnic diversity of the Northern RI area is part of our heritage. In 2007 we will establish a partnership with Progreso Latino and RISBDC to recruit Latino businesses into the Chamber and expand opportunities for all members of the Chamber

CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR MEMBERS TO NETWORK IN ORDER TO FORM MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER MEMBERS AND GROW THEIR BUSINESSES.
Because networking is such an important component of business growth, in addition to continuing our regular and signature events we will introduce new opportunities in 2007. These will include

5 Minute speed networking

Establishing a member to member discount program as well as “Shop NRI” certificates program

Explore a Professional Woman’s Program and expand on the successful first year of the Young Professionals Network

ENGAGE IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES THAT ENCOURAGE THE ATTRACTION, RETENTION AND EXPANSION OF BUSINESSES.
To ensure a quality workforce and well prepared entrepreneurs the NRICC will partner with leading local training providers to meet the training needs of local employers and employees

We will monitor and lobby for workforce training dollars distributed by the state for all size businesses in Northern RI.

Cheryl A. Merchant
Chair of the Board

Chamber Information