The Chamber Belongs to the Businesses

When 30 business owners are put in the same room together and posed with the question “What challenges does your business face?” a colorful wall of sticky notes became the result. 

The most voted topics ranged from storefront visibility and foot traffic to commercial tax rates and public transportation for the workforce. 

As the North Adams Chamber redefines its missions, it becomes clear that the businesses it serves are in fact the chamber itself. 

There are over 600 businesses and nonprofits in North Adams and the industries are vast. They range from artists and makers to landscapers of generations and a tight knit service and hospitality group. 

The NAC business development team found it crucial to host an event that was interactive and informative. Claps aroused after each attendee’s introduction and it helped create immediate connections between owners, transplants who discovered their neighbors and folks from different towns. The representation was apparent. 

The event was held at Greylock Works owned by Sal Perry and Karla Rothstein. Food for the event was provided by new restaurant Door Prize. In the complex attendees enjoyed drinks and food from The Break Room, Berkshire Cider Project and The Distillery at Greylock Works, as well as an open mic performance curated by Common Folk Artist Collective that saw an extraordinary turnout. 

A breakdown of the responses we gathered from business owners can be found here.