State and chambers team up
The state Department of Economic and Community Development is partnering with the Connecticut Metropolitan Regional Chambers Alliance to promote business assistance programs and to foster public-private collaboration at the state and local levels.
The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has an agreement to work more closely with the multiple-chamber alliance, which represents the eight major chambers of commerce in the state. The staffs of the two organizations have begun meeting regularly to improve communication, share information and resources, compare legislative agendas, develop marketing strategies, and discuss issues and challenges across the state.
“One of the key components of the state”™s economic development strategy is collaboration among the various state agencies and regional and local organizations,” said Joan McDonald, DECD commissioner. “We want to build consensus on priority issues, and the best way to do that is to get everyone involved. This agreement will pair senior staff at DECD with each chamber, sending the message that we are available and accessible to all businesses in the state.”
Staff from the DECD will be appointed to the boards of directors of the chambers in an effort to encourage more regional cooperation and spur contacts with local businesses.
“I know I speak for the more than 15,000 companies that are part of the Metro Chambers that this partnership will bring real value at a grassroots level to many organizations,” said Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce President Anthony Rescigno, who also serves as chairman of the alliance.
“The Metro Chambers are very happy with the new initiative,” said Larry McHugh, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce president and vice chairman of the alliance. “We feel that this will allow both the DECD and the state”™s largest chambers to establish a partnership, which is a big win for the business community in Connecticut. I applaud Gov. Rell and Commissioner McDonald for this outstanding economic development initiative.”
The eight members of the Connecticut Metropolitan Regional Chambers Alliance are the Bridgeport Regional Business Council; the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce; the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut; the Business Council of Fairfield County; the Metro Hartford Alliance; the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce; the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce; and the Waterbury Regional Chamber.
In addition, the DECD will be provided with exhibitor space at many chamber marketing and member events, allowing the state to increase its outreach efforts.
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