Chamber selects new board, new direction

A large crowd of 40+ members and guests was on hand last week at Two Black Sheep Restaurant to witness the start of a new era for the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce.

With about 43 members and visitors in attendance at Two Black Sheep last Wednesday evening, the turnout for the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) “after hours mixer” surpassed all expectations.

“We were seeing over the last few years that attendance at and participation in Chamber activities and especially at our noon luncheon meetings, was way down,” said Ray Berg, outgoing president. “We realized we were going to have to change our format if we wanted to continue.

“When we started planning this after-hours event, I first expected that maybe 10 people would attend. When the numbers started approaching 20, and then 40, I thought, ‘Maybe we are on to something here.'”

Following a dinner sponsored by Adiska Dental and served by the staff at Two Black Sheep, a brief business meeting was held.

Berg stressed that the MACC is the only local Chamber that operates totally on a volunteer basis. Other Chambers are headed up by a paid Director and staff, and operate out of sometimes-elegant offices in their respective communities. A survey of MACC members two years ago, however, indicated strongly that Manchester businesses were fine with the current model. So, Berg, said, the Chamber started seeking out ways to increase its outreach and effectiveness in the community.

The Chamber sponsors four major events each year: A joint fund-raising golf outing with the Community Resource Center; the annual Business Expo in conjunction with the Farmers Market at Chi-Bro Park; the Caramel Apple event; and Christmas in the Village. It also acts as a fiduciary agent for a few other local events, including the recently-concluded “Third Thursday” activities that spanned May through October.

Berg announced that the Chamber normally elects a new board and officers each fall. He is stepping down from his role as president, after serving in that capacity a majority of the time since 2007. The new slate of board members was presented: Jennifer Wojtowicz, Steven Alber, Linda Stevens, Kathy Dimond, Barry Allen, Tammy Melcher, and Libby Beaudoin. In addition, Matt Lucas was added as a nomination from the floor. Berg stated that the new board will meet and determine its officers, as required by law, at a later date.

Following the board election, Wojtowicz passed the microphone to sponsors, Adiska Dental, and others who wanted a moment to talk about their business or organization’s special projects.

The evening concluded with thanks to all who had participated, and especially to Berg for a job well done over so many years.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.