The Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce & Industry was founded and incorporated in 1966 by a group of business people who had a vision to form an organization that would be instrumental in key Newburyport urban renewal and development efforts. The new Chamber supported the multi-million-dollar restoration of downtown and its waterfront in the 70’s, which today is a bustling center of commerce. It also supported the development of three dormant farms into a flourishing industrial park that today houses close to 70 businesses who employ more than 3,000 people and boast a payroll in excess of $95 million.

It is because of this steady economic growth and healthy business development that the Chamber has proudly grown from a handful of members in the early years to more than 850 today, making it one of the largest Chambers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Today, the needs of members are the same, yet different. The Chamber has evolved into a group of people who own, manage and represent all forms of business. Members range from industrialists to retail merchants and restaurant owners, from banks and financial centers to professional services and sole proprietors, from recreation providers to people whose livelihoods are related to the sea, from non-profit organizations and civic institutions to schools and individual consultants. Many of these members and their businesses are located in Newburyport and surrounding communities, but many also come from the greater North Shore region and southern New Hampshire.

Through this evolution, the mission of the Chamber has remained constant: to address the needs of members and be a leader in economic development while being sensitive to the whole community.

A volunteer Board of Directors representing various business sectors establish procedures and formulate policy for the Chamber. A full-time staff and president maintain and execute these policies.

We are an organization of Board, staff and members working together. Here, the whole truly is greater than the sum of its parts. Each member’s involvement is what makes the Chamber a successful venture. Each member helps to make Newburyport and its surrounding communities better places to work, live, and play. And each member contributes to maintaining a quality of life in this area that is the envy of the country.

As you consider membership in the Chamber, please keep in mind you will get only as much out of your investment as you are willing to put into it. We will do our very best to fulfill our obligation to inform and encourage you to take full advantage of the myriad benefits available to you as a member. Likewise, we hope that you will take the time to learn about all your benefits and participate as much as possible in our many Chamber activities including networking meetings, lectures, breakfasts, training seminars, surveys, committee meetings, and other special events so that you can help us to help you succeed.

OUR VISION

As we head into the new millennium, The Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a leading organization in the port region that advocates for sound, balanced economic development. As a vital organization that represents the diverse interests of our members who are from many different business sectors and locations, the Chamber speaks as a collective voice on issues that impact business, the economy, and the community at large. We recognize that not all businesses are created equal, and while they may be similar, they also have different needs. Our goal is to represent the entire business community as effectively as possible so that not only businesses thrive, but the region as a whole, and we may continue to experience improvements in our overall quality of life.

Through collaboration, education, legislative forums, informational meetings and networking opportunities, we provide our members with the information and resources they need to succeed in today’s economy and make key decisions about issues impacting the future of the region’s character, growth and business climate.

We are recognized as a strong, respected business organization known for our abilities to lead, inform, promote, manage, unify and satisfy the needs of more than 850 members doing business in the Greater Newburyport region.

WHAT THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ISN'T:

Not an Advertising Agency ... but we do promote our Members' Businesses. 

Not a Government ... but we do “watchdog” local, state and federal
governments for the interest of the local business community regarding taxation, etc. 

Not a Library ... but we do provide information about the area ... Community Profile on computer , etc. 

Not a Newspaper ... but we do publish a monthly Newsletter containing Chamber and local business community news. 

Not Environmentalists ... but we do promote community beautification and historic preservation. 

Not Educators ... but we do try to set the facts straight regarding free enterprise and the positive role of commerce in the American society. 

Not a Transportation Agency ... but we do encourage good streets, highways, bus service and shelters. 

Not Solitary ... but we are members of both the State Chamber and the U. S. Chamber of Commerce in order to maintain an awareness of business involvement on the state and federal levels. 

Not Reactionary ... but we are concerned with the ability to “act” rather than only “react” to community plans and problems. 

And, Most of All, We Are:  
Not Exclusive ... but are open to anyone desiring to invest in the Chamber of Commerce and work for the betterment of our area.