Chamber Connection

Dear Chamber,

Many of you joined us yesterday as we welcomed EOED Secretary Yvonne Hao, Undersecretary Ashley Stolba, Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle, and Kristen Elechko, Governor Healey's Western Massachusetts Director, for a listening session followed by site visits to Chamber businesses located within walking distance of our office in Easthampton. The room, filled to capacity with small business owners, Corporate sponsors, board members, and Chamber supporters, buzzed with excitement and hope for the opportunities that lie ahead for small businesses in our Commonwealth.

The lifeblood of our work is connection. In very practical terms, we connect businesses to tangible resources that make growth possible. But there's another level of connection that is paramount to our ability to serve Chamber members effectively: the shared experiences that weave us together in a beautifully diverse tapestry strengthened by common threads.

Because we are a Chamber whose membership qualification is predicated upon an affinity of identity rather than geography, industry, or size, we are uniquely positioned to amplify a tradition that has carried our community through the many challenges we've needed to face: our steadfast commitment to supporting one another. There are countless examples of remarkably successful Chamber-to-Chamber collaborations: Colorful Resilience and Skytop Digital Services. Radiate Consulting, Tomo360, and Lollie Videography. John Walsh and countless members who have received his support with COMMBUYS. ShanHair and Wilder Strategies. Sage Meadow Farm and Oxbow Design Build. The list goes on (and on!).

We were thrilled to share some of our work with Secretary Hao, Undersecretary Stolba, Kristen Elechko, and Mayor LaChapelle, and we are thankful to each and every one of you for being an integral part of what makes our Chamber great. As we gear up for the busy weeks ahead of Pride Month, we hope to see - and support - you as we work together to create opportunity, increase resources, and improve outcomes for the LGBTQ+ community in Massachusetts.

With gratitude,

Thaís De Marco

Deputy Director

MEET OUR INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jon joins the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber with both a wealth of relevant experience, as well as a track record of being a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community. As the Executive Director of Family Access, he supported and helped create an early education center that provided a safe, welcoming and loving community for LGBTQ+ parents and their children.

Jon has been a recognized chief executive for the past 25 years, first at Jewish Family Services of the North Shore in Salem and then at Family Access in Newton, Massachusetts. At each organization, he led the Board and management to identify and launch core, revenue-producing social enterprises that support and sustain their mission and finances. Jon’s experience in the use of business tools, such as strategic, business unit and succession planning, helps organizations stay in front of changes in community needs, economic and political shifts, and leadership or key personnel succession.

Jon has been an Adjunct Faculty member at Boston College, teaching courses such as “Nonprofit Financial and Human Resource Management” in the Graduate School of Social Work and “Social Entrepreneurship” in the MBA program at the Carroll School of Management.

UPCOMING EVENTS

PRIDE 2024 LGBTQ+ JOB FAIR

Employers! If you are interested in participating in this event, please contact Jamie Berg, Events Project Manager.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

FLOURISH & FOUNDRY

Guiding & furnishing a better life at home

Flourish & Foundry is a beacon of ethical sourcing and sustainable living. Dedicated to offering products with a low environmental impact, Flourish & Foundry epitomizes the harmony between conscious consumerism and stylish living. With a commitment to quality, value, and ethical sourcing, this LGBTQ+ and women-owned business sets itself apart by prioritizing people and the planet.

Founded by entrepreneurs with backgrounds in interior design, Flourish & Foundry not only curates exceptional home goods, but also fosters individuality.

Beyond furnishing spaces, they empower customers to cultivate their personal style through workshops and events. Flourish & Foundry isn't just a store; it's a catalyst for mindful living and flourishing in both personal style and environmental stewardship.

For more information, visit flourishandfoundryshop.com or contact hello@flourishandfoundryshop.com.

SANGHA NEW BEDFORD

Nurturing wellness, fostering belonging

Get ready to meet your new yoga oasis: Sangha New Bedford! As an LGBTQ-owned studio, school, and shop, Sangha is all about fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive Healing Arts culture for everyone. In Sanskrit, "sangha" means community, and that's precisely what you'll find within our welcoming space—a vibrant community where everyone is embraced just as they are.

Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a first-time practitioner, you'll find a warm and welcoming space where you can truly be yourself and embrace the life you love.

From studio classes to private sessions and specialized offerings like Yoga for Early Parkinson’s and Yoga Dance, Sangha New Bedford has something for everyone.

For more information, visit sanghanewbedford.com or contact cofounders Jeff and Howard at jeff@sanghanewbedford.com and howard@sanghanewbedford.com.

COPYCAT NORTHAMPTON

Designing success with branding brilliance

CopyCat Northampton is a woman-owned small business proudly serving the Pioneer Valley for nearly 40 years. Led by Amanda Shafii and her dedicated team, CopyCat specializes in elevating brands and marketing strategies for businesses of all sizes. Whether you're a large corporation or a solopreneur, CopyCat welcomes everyone with open arms and a passion for bringing creative solutions to life.

From pens to shirts, business cards to catalogs, signage to mailings, and everything in between, CopyCat offers modern design and eye-catching products to help market your business successfully.

Need to check off that design, print, swag, or website goal? Look no further than CopyCat—they partner with you every step of the way to make it simple. Reach out today and let CopyCat help bring your ideas to life!

For more information, visit copycatink.com or contact noho@copycatink.com.

CLEAN RUN PRODUCTIONS

Your partner in canine training & performance

Elevate your dog's training and performance with Clean Run Productions! As a leading provider of training products and educational materials for dog sports enthusiasts, Clean Run offers a curated selection of high-quality gear that you won't find in typical retail stores. From agility equipment to canine performance gear, every product is meticulously tested by both human and canine office staff to ensure usability and quality.

Established in 1995, Clean Run has been a trusted resource in the agility community, evolving from a weekly newsletter to a full-color magazine and now focusing on their online learning platform, the Clean Run Learning Center.

With a passion for canine sports and a dedication to customer satisfaction, Clean Run's team of dog lovers and agility enthusiasts strive to deliver friendly, knowledgeable, and quality service. Discover a world of possibilities for you and your furry companion at Clean Run Productions!

For more information, visit cleanrun.com or contact info@cleanrun.com.

NEW CHAMBER MEMBER

Announcing our newest small business who has joined our Chamber since our last newsletter — Push for Joy! We're proud to welcome you to the MALGBTCC community.

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

BRIGHT HORIZONS

"We are delighted to announce the inauguration of a new Bright Space at OUT MetroWest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering inclusive communities where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive.

Through the collective efforts of the Bright Horizons COVID response team, we successfully fundraised for a comprehensive renovation of their facilities, including an activity room, therapy space, and parent room. This endeavor will provide hundreds of young individuals with a safe and nurturing environment to connect, engage in activities, and access essential services."

NEW CHAMBER PARTNER

Announcing our latest corporate partner — Carrier! We are thrilled to develop this partnership and work together towards LGBTQ+ economic equality. Thank you for supporting our mission!

PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSORS