WILMINGTON, MA — For the past 55 years, the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce (WCOC) has been dedicated to promoting the economic growth and well being of the Town of Wilmington by supporting local businesses through community development programs, business partnerships, events, educational meetings, and sponsorships.
With an increase of Tewksbury businesses approaching and joining the WCOC with expressed desire to be part of a smaller, more local Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director Nancy Vallee and the Board of Directors spent the Spring and Summer exploring the viability of a bi-town Chamber. After overwhelmingly positive discussions with many Tewksbury business owners and welcomed support from State and Town Government, the Board of Directors unanimously voted to expand services to the Tewksbury business community. Effective January 1, 2017, our expanded, newly formed organization will be known as The Wilmington/Tewksbury Chamber of Commerce (WTCOC).
“The business, professional, and demographic similarities of these two towns are compelling and a perfect fit for a bi-town Chamber,” says Chamber Board President Audrey Kelly. “We are very excited about the possibilities and opportunities this will bring to both business communities.”
“This is a great opportunity for our Tewksbury businesses and community at large,” states Tewksbury Selectmen Vice Chair Mark Kratman. “I encourage businesses of all size to consider membership and get involved in the new Wilmington/Tewksbury Chamber of Commerce.”
“I am excited to hear that the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce is bringing its expertise and is expanding to include Tewksbury,” announces State Rep. Jim Miceli. “I’ve said it many times before, Tewksbury is on the cusp of great economic growth and I know a resource such as a chamber of commerce will help local business owners grow immensely.”
“Throughout the years, the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce has made a real difference in strengthening the local economy, providing support for small business, and improving the quality of life in the community,” says Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, who represents Wilmington. “Now, through collaboration with its Tewksbury partners, the chamber can have even greater impact, and expand its role in the region.”
“Congratulations …I think it will be a great partnership and look forward to working with you,” adds State Senator Barbara L’Italien, who represents Tewksbury.
What are the benefits as a Wilmington/Tewksbury Chamber Member?
The WTCOC breaks down member benefits into three categories: networking, corporate visibility, and community news & events.
Networking:
Every chamber event is a networking opportunity, a chance for your business to make a connection, grow your contacts, and possibly obtain referral sources. Events will be planned in both towns providing exposure and greater opportunity for all members.
Corporate Visibility:
All memberships come with a complimentary online directory listing, open for viewing to anyone searching the internet for services in the Wilmington/Tewksbury area.
Members also receive $250 worth of free advertising in the “Chamber Corner” section of the local Town Crier weekly newspaper distributed to 6,500 residents in Wilmington & Tewksbury.
Increased exposure on local social media sites including our Chamber Facebook page, Town Community Boards, Wilmington Apple, Your Tewksbury Today.
Opportunity to promote business/services to new homeowners moving into Wilmington & Tewksbury via advertising in Welcome Gift Bags and at Community Welcome Receptions.
Various low-cost marketing options help put your business “on the map”, including eBlasts, eNewsletter, and event sponsorships.
Community News & Events:
Access to partnerships with other community/non-profit organizations, town government, and schools that provide new events and networking opportunities for our members.
How will the transition to the Wilmington/Tewksbury Chamber of Commerce be made?
A “soft launch” is currently underway which includes announcement of expansion to existing and prospective members.
Meet & Greet Mixers will be held over the next few months to provide introductions amongst existing members, new members, and our Board of Directors. These Mixers are also an opportunity to provide expansion updates and for members to provide valuable feedback thus shaping the future of their Chamber.
Chamber Orientations are held the first Wednesday of every month at the Chamber office from noon to 1pm. Existing or prospective members are invited to stop by with membership questions.
Administrative tasks such as updates to our logo, website, social media sites, bank accounts, by-laws, mission statement, etc. will be a focus for the remainder of 2016.
Tewksbury businesses are encouraged to join now.
The newly formed Chamber will be effective on January 1, 2017.
How do businesses join the Wilmington/Tewksbury Chamber of Commerce?
Businesses are encouraged and welcome to join the newly formed Chamber NOW. Membership dues are based on the number of full-time employees and billed in January. However, any new business that joins NOW and pays their annual dues will be paid up through January 2018.
Membership renewal invoices will be mailed out to our existing members in January as usual.
What if an individual is interested in serving on a Committee?
Committees will be reviewed by the WTCOC Board for relevancy, duplications and best practices. The WTCOC will develop newly-formed Events and Membership Committees with bi-town representatives. If you are interested in serving on a committee, please contact the Chamber directly.
Ready to Get Started? Get Plugged In! Get Involved.
To learn more about the Wilmington/Tewksbury Chamber of Commerce or how to get the most out of a membership, please join the Chamber at its “Meet & Greet Mixer” on Thursday, October 27th, 5pm to 7pm, at Merrimack Valley Pavilion. Or, come to one of the Chamber Orientations offered the first Wednesday of every month (November 2, December 7) from noon to 1pm at the Chamber’s Office (226 Lowell Street, Suite B-4-A, Wilmington).
(NOTE: The above press release is from the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce.)
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