Chamber of Commerce to reevaluate its options

In recent years, Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce has held ribbon-cutting ceremonies such as this one at Millie’s Coffee House last fall for their grand opening.

by Marsha Chartrand

The past few years have been challenging ones for the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC). Declining membership, resulting in a lack of volunteers and changing leadership, has taken its toll on the organization first chartered in 1984 by three dedicated community volunteers: Monty Okey, David Little, and Susan Hamilton.

Over the years, the role of the Chamber has evolved in the Manchester community, as it has in many others. Originally, Chambers of Commerce were envisioned as ways for professionals in a community to network with other business owners and to create social contacts and events to connect industries, small businesses, organizations, and volunteers. In recent years, social media has definitely changed how that works, particularly in small towns like Manchester.

Other organizations, like the Downtown Development Authority, have been coordinating some new initiatives, such as the social district.

So it was with sincere regret that the MACC sent a letter this week to its members, notifying them of the possible dissolution of our nearly 40-year-old Chamber.

“The MACC has tried, without success, to find new leaders; and without officers, our Chamber cannot continue,“ the letter stated. “According to our bylaws, we must hold a meeting to agree on whether to dissolve the Chamber. (This) meeting will be held on February 8 at 6:30pm in the Village Room at 912 City Rd. A decision will be made by the board after the general meeting.“

Those members who may wish to join via Zoom can email Manchester48158@gmail.com the day before and they will receive information for the log-in.

“If you do not wish to dissolve the Chamber, please come to the meeting prepared to accept leadership responsibilities necessary to reactivate it, and prepare to persuade others at the meeting to support you in this effort,“ the letter continued. “We will notify all Chamber members of the final decision via email or mail within 10 days of the meeting. We appreciate your support over the years and know that in the future, leadership for our area may eventually emerge again.“

The MACC treasury still maintains adequate funding to continue sponsoring its two signature annual events — the Halloween Caramel Apple event and Christmas in the Village. The funds can be donated to an appropriate 501(c)(3) organization for timely distribution so that those events can continue into the future.

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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.