The One SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce and the Bristol County Chamber of Commerce today agreed to form the Southeastern Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Alliance (SMCCA). The purpose behind the two regional chambers partnering together on government affairs is to address regional challenges and opportunities in current and future legislation at the State House in Boston and Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
“For too long, the communities of the Southeastern region of Massachusetts have worked separately to address legislation. This alliance brings together two very strong chambers to let our legislators know that we are united in improving the business climate by advancing business-friendly legislation affecting our region,” said Carl Garcia, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Bristol County Chamber of Commerce.
The Southeastern Massachusetts Alliance, while begun by the two chambers, will invite other chambers in the region with common interests in business-friendly policy to join. The intended objective is to goal increase the visibility of chamber member businesses on Beacon Hill and Washington D.C. Also foreseen are future joint events designed to highlight issues of importance where all business stakeholders may take an interest.
Joe Michaud, Chair of the Board of Directors of The One SouthCoast Chamber added, “Bringing together the top business organizations of the region makes intuitive sense. We will only address issues where there is agreement. The two chambers represent nearly 2,000 businesses and tens of thousands of employees. Their collective economic impact translates into real clout on Beacon Hill. As our ranks swell with other chambers in the region, it is envisioned that SMCCA will become one of the largest pro-business advocacy entities in Massachusetts and New England.”
The alliance is also intended to serve as a platform to work with members of the legislative delegation on policy formation as well as response to existing initiatives put forth at the statewide or national level that directly affect Southeastern Massachusetts.