Metrowest Chamber of Commerce

Background

For the past two years, the MetroWest Chamber has played a key leadership role in building an affiliation of chambers on the 495/MetroWest Corridor, as well as restructuring economic development and public policy programming through the formation of the 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership, Inc. 

495/MetroWest Affiliated Chambers: Several chambers were invited to an initial presentation by Doug Marsh of Organization Dynamics, Inc., in January of 2002.  These chambers had been participating for several years in the loosely organized I-495 Chambers Public Policy Alliance.  From that initial meeting, Marlborough Regional Chamber, MetroWest Chamber and United Regional Chamber began a due diligence process to create an affiliation of chambers along the 495 Corridor.  In September, the newly reorganized Corridor Nine Area Chamber joined the three other chambers as the 495/MetroWest Affiliated Chambers.  Throughout this process the other chambers along the 495 Corridor have been invited to the regular meetings and informed of progress.

459/MetroWest Corridor Partnership: The due diligence process started in January of 2002 led to discussions with the I-495 Technology Corridor Initiative regarding joining forces around economic development and public policy programming.  After extensive negotiations, the 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership was formed in late 2002 to promote economic vitality and sustain natural resources, while maintaining the quality of life in the 495/MetroWest region.  Each of the partners brings a history of accomplishments which have set the stage for meeting the goals of the combined program.

• MetroWest Momentum:  For 13 years, this MetroWest Chamber program has established a strong economic development reputation backed with a track record of success. Staffed by a certified economic developer, the program has focused on the ten communities covered by the MetroWest Chamber. 

  • Momentum fought for and won significant changes to proposed highway district zoning along Route 9, which made possible the rebuilding of the Natick Mall and Shoppers World, as well as consolidation of other parcels along Route 9.

  • Momentum helped several communities in the region win state designation as an Economic Opportunity area.  This paved the way for ADESA to purchase the former GM plant, as well as encouraging NMS Communications, Staples and Computer Associates to build at the 9/90 site. Additional companies took advantage of the state designation to build in Marlborough and Hudson. 

  • In Natick, Momentum helped community leaders in bringing Boston Scientific to town and supported TJX’s expansion in Natick and Framingham.  Momentum also led efforts to keep Natick Labs from closing in 1995. 

  • In Hopkinton, Momentum helped with the permitting of additional electric supply, which allowed EMC2 to expand locally. 

  • Momentum supported zoning changes in the Framingham Technology Park, which allowed Bose and Genzyme to continue their local expansion.  Most recently, Momentum supported zoning changes in Southborough and Westborough needed for a new EMC2 R&D facility. 

  • Numerous smaller companies have been counselled by Service Corps of Retired Executives and the Small Business Development Center from Clark University. 

  • Hundreds of companies large and small have been honored at the annual Celebrate MetroWest Momentum Reception for expanding or locating in the region.

• I-495 Technology Corridor Initiative:  Founded in the late 1990s, the Initiative brought together businesses, residents, state and local officials, higher education leaders, real estate developers and environmental and planning professionals in a regional dialogue to address the related challenges of growth, business competitiveness and the enhancements of the regional quality of life along the 495 Corridor. 
  • The former I-495 Technology Corridor Initiative provided a public/private forum to find solutions to many of these regional issues resulting from rapid growth. 
  • I-495 Initiative members worked closely with state legislators and the Congressional delegation, obtaining funding for its initiatives and attracting participation of the White House when the Secretary of Transportation met with the organization. 
  • Reverse commuting, improved public transportation, and the newly established rail shuttle from and to area offices were among the priorities of the Transportation Committee of the I-495 Initiative, under the leadership of the Mayor of Marlborough.
• The 495/MetroWest Affiliated Chambers:  The Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce, the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce, and the United Regional Chamber of Commerce have a strong history of cooperation and are committed to an action-based agenda. Together, these chambers represent more than 2,500 businesses in the 495/MetroWest region.  Joint programming activities have included:
  • 495 Business EXPO in May 2002
  • Workforce Summit in October 2002
  • Economic Forecast Breakfast in February 2003
  • 495 Business EXPO in May 2003
  • Mega Networking in September 2003

Opportunities for potential savings for the individual participating chambers are also being explored.  These include:

• Data Base Management
• Financial Services
• Member Benefits

459/MetroWest Corridor Partnership:  Through joining the MetroWest Momentum Program, the I-495 Technology Corridor Initiative, and the existing Affiliated Chambers, the Partnership is taking a regional, streamlined approach to addressing the need of the 32 communities, 2,500 Chamber member businesses and 538,926 residents located in the Corridor. To this end, the Partnership will enhance our individual and collective ability to promote the region in which we work and live through realizing the following strategic goals:

• 1) Regional Identity and Political Impact: “Getting Our Fair Share”
  The new Partnership has developed a brand identity for the 495 Corridor and is implementing a regional marketing plan to promote the area as a superior business location.  In addition to branding and marketing, the Partnership will work closely with regional, state and national public sector partners to raise their awareness of issues facing the growth and development of the region’s business base.  The Partnership will become more active in the legislative arena, working with elected officials on the issues impacting the future growth of the region.

  Specific Partnership goals include:

  • Develop a regional brand/identity
  • Implement a marketing plan to promote the region as a single cohesive entity
  • Identify 495/MetroWest as a distinct planning region and coordinate regional agencies to represent interests through effective collaboration
  • Develop a communication plan to promote regional objectives and Partnership activities
  • Promote a common understanding of the region’s priorities for our legislators
  • Establish a legislative agenda and governmental interface for the region
  • Lobby effectively for the region’s share of the resources
  • Develop activities/forums that promote awareness of the region’s strengths on the regional, state and national levels
  • Build regional understanding and approach to key issues through the Institute of Local Officials.
• 2) Business Retention and Expansion: “Taking Care of Business”
  A major focus will be the facilitation of expansion/retention projects in the region.  The Partnership will actively assist companies with their planned expansions and provide support to companies that may be considering re-location. 

  Specific Partnership goals include:

  • Insure that the 495/MetroWest Corridor is the region of choice for companies to stay and expand
  • Create a positive business environment for existing area businesses
  • Measurably reduce the commercial vacancy rates
  • Identify state tools/policies that could benefit the region and its businesses
  • Aggressively market the region to the following industry clusters such as: Financial Services, Research and Development, Hi-tech Manufacturing, Medical Device Manufacturing, Bio-tech, and Technical Services
  • Implement a formal Business Advocacy Program including an annual business call effort, rapid response teams and general support mechanisms for expansions.
  • Streamline and increase the effectiveness of site development permitting to make the process transparent, consistent and efficient.
  • Develop model electronic licensing and permitting through the e-government initiative.
• 3) Sustainable Development: “Planning for the Future”
  Sustainable development is a central focus of this section of the Partnership’s three-year plan. Working closely with the public sector, the Partnership will work on comprehensive plans that include transportation, watershed management, local site development, permitting process and quality of life issues, such as housing and education.

  Specific Partnership goals include:

  • Create public transportation alternatives
  • Identify key areas for traffic flow improvements
  • Establish a comprehensive sustainable approach to watershed management, including the operation of the MWRA in this region
  • Sustain our natural resources
  • Promote the use of natural resource conservation strategies, such as grey water usage.
• Management and Oversight
  The Partnership Board of Directors will maintain a focus on investor relations, ensuring that investors and stakeholders are well informed and up to date on how the Partnership is doing relative to its goals and the return on investment. An Oversight Committee will monitor administrative, financial and program aspects of the Partnership, including program oversight and accountability.  The committee will:
  • Initiate a comprehensive investor relations strategy
  • Hold annual meetings and regular conferences to present information on the progress on the Partnership’s economic development and public policy agenda
  • Sponsor workshops on issues of interest to the region
  • Develop metrics to track progress on goals
  • Monitor administrative, legal, accounting, and fundraising expenses. 

Setting the Stage for Refocused Strategic Planning in MetroWest

The new 495/MetroWest Chamber Affiliation and the new 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership present new resources for working on broader regional issues.  There are also new opportunities for the MetroWest Chamber to refocus its own business plan on issues specific to the ten communities of MetroWest. 

The MetroWest Chamber of Commerce held a Strategic Planning Session on September 11, 2003.  This half-day session involved 34 Board members and key volunteer leaders, plus chamber and affiliate staff.  As a result of this effort the Chamber Board of Directors adopted the following Strategic Business Plan for 2004-2006.

MetroWest Chamber of Commerce Strategic Business Plan for 2004-2006

Our Vision: A regional environment that fosters and supports commercial activity, enhancing the ability of businesses to function in a global economy, while ensuring a high quality of life for our communities.

The strategic goals of the 495/MetroWest Partnership, Inc., are an integral part of the business plan for the MetroWest Chamber.  MetroWest volunteers and staff play key leadership roles in the Partnership and will provide a continuing liaison through the implementation of Partnership programs.

Many of the MetroWest Chamber program areas have been refocused on the local level.

Economic and Workforce Development

Goal:  Increasing economic activity in MetroWest by promoting and assisting retention and expansion of existing companies and start-ups of new companies, while supporting efforts in education at all levels and inclusion of new workers.

• Coordinate with 495/MetroWest Partnership efforts
• Assist in retention and expansion of companies
• Support SCORE and SBDC Counselling
• Recruit for 495/MW Business Call Program
• Develop Local Liaisons
• Support ESL Programs
• Participate in MetroWest Alliance for Workforce Diversity (MAWD)

Public Policy
Goal: Advocating for public policy that is responsive to community and business interests

• Coordinate with 495/MetroWest Partnership efforts
• Identify issues
• Develop policy positions
• Engage policy makers
• Advocate for Natick Labs
• Tax Classification Representation

Transportation
Goal: Improving the quality of life in MetroWest by enhancing transportation options.

• Coordinate with 495/MetroWest Partnership efforts
• Support MetroWest/495 TMA
• Advocate for highway improvements
• Support passenger and freight rail improvements
• Promote creation of Regional Transportation Authority

Small Business Development
Goal: Helping small business grow and prosper

• Continually improve existing Networking opportunities
• Networking Breakfasts
• Business After Hours
• Implement new programs as needed
• Seminars
• Explore Leads Groups
• Expand Discount Card Program

Marketing and Membership
Goal: Positioning the MetroWest Chamber as a trusted leadership force and service provider to business and community constituencies.

•  Improve Member Communications
• Newsletter
• E-mail (HTML)
• Fax
• Media Contact
• Provide Event Management
• SBC Programs
• Annual Meeting
• 495 Business EXPO
• MAWD events
• Assess Existing Member Benefits   
  •   Networking
  • Group Health & Dental Insurance
  • Credit Card Processing
  • Payroll Services
  • Phone Programs
  • Member Discount Card
  • Marketing Services
  • Buyers’ Guide and On-Line Directory     
• Expand Member Benefits
• Assess Needs
• Request/Select Vendor
• Market to Members
• Explore Affinity Credit Card Program
• Stay competitive and up-to-date on healthcare insurance
• Member Retention and Growth
• Support Ambassadors
• On-going Surveys
• Member Referrals
• Staff Sales
• Volunteer New Member Campaign 

Strategic Alliances
Goal: Enhancing strategic alliances along the 495/MetroWest Corridor.

• 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership
• Involve Volunteers Leaders
• Provide Financial Administration
• Establish Service Corporation
• Identify and implement joint efforts