Chamber Corners Departments

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

AFFILIATED CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555
 
• Jan. 14: Speed Networking, 3:30-5 p.m., at the Sheraton Springfield, One Monarch Place, Springfield. Meet up to 50 contacts in under an hour. Don’t miss this high-speed way of working the room. Tickets are $20 for members ($25 at the door), and includes complimentary admission to the After 5 immediately following so you can continue to network. For more information, contact Sarah Mazzaferro at (413) 755-1313.
 
• Jan. 14: After 5, 5-7 p.m., at the Sheraton Springfield, One Monarch Place, Springfield. Enjoy networking in a casual atmosphere and expect some surprises. Event sponsors: Wolf & Co. P.C.,  DevelopSpringfield Corp., Springfield Falcons Hockey Club, United Way of Pioneer Valley Inc., and BusinessWest. Tickets are $5 for members, $10 general admission. Complimentary with purchase of January Speed Networking. For more information, contact Sarah Mazzaferro at (413) 755-1313
 
• Jan. 28: January 2015 Lunch & Learn, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Springfield College (Dodge Room in Flynn Campus Union), 263 Alden St., Springfield. The event topic is “Question 4: Mandated Sick Leave … Now What?” presented by Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. Core concepts discussed include who is eligible and who isn’t, what it means for your workforce, and the subtle nuances of the law. Sponsored by Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. Tickets are $25 for members, $35 general admission. For more information, contact Sarah Mazzaferro at (413) 755-1313.
 
• Feb. 4: February Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at Crestview Country Club in Agawam. The guest speaker will be Dr. Steve Sobel, humorist and motivational speaker, who will present “You’re a Piece of Work! Celebrate Joy, Passion, and Influence!” This presentation will illuminate all of life’s possibilities and provide attendees with the tools  to embrace all things coming their way and bring their ‘A game’ to their customers. Sponsored by United Personnel. Salutes: FIT Solutions, 10th anniversary; GZA GeoEnvironmental, 15th anniversary; and Shriners Hospital for Children, 90th anniversary. Tickets are $20 for members ($25 at the door), $30 for non-members. For more information, contact Sarah Mazzaferro at (413) 755-1313.
 
AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700
 
• Jan. 13: Business Buddies: Grow Your Business with Co-hosted Events, 8:30 a.m. to noon, at Hadley Farms Meeting House, 41 Russell St., Hadley. Join Liz Provo, authorized expert for Constant Contact, and Thom Fox, business advisor, for a free workshop. Learn how to plan, hold, and run successful events for your business. Special focus on collaboration, online registration tools, e-mail and social media. For more information, e-mail [email protected].

• Jan. 13: Chamber Brown Bag, noon to 1 p.m., at Downtown Mindfulness, 67 North Pleasant St., Amherst. Topic: “Rewiring the Brain For Success.” Start the new year learning skills to rewire the brain for success. The brain is naturally wired to be more sensitive to failure, which can limit people from knowing their full potential and power. What distinguishes successful people is their attitude toward failure. In this workshop, become familiar with your explanatory style — how you talk to yourself when you experience a setback — and learn mindfulness-based practices to overcome your negativity bias. Admission is free and open to the public. Register at downtownmindfulness.com.

• Jan. 14: Chamber Annual Meeting, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Chandler’s Restaurant. Guest speakers will be Kerry Miller, director of Membership Services, and Stephen Clark, director of Government Affairs. The meeting will also feature the formal election of the 2015 chamber board of directors, including the installation of Nancy Buffone as board president. Sponsored by the UMassFive College Credit Union. Tickets are $25. For more information, e-mail the chamber at [email protected].
 
• Jan. 29: Chamber After 5, 5-8 p.m., at artALIVE, 35 South Pleasant St., Amherst. Ever try a Wine & Paint night? Here’s your chance to do so. Don’t know how to paint? Who cares, neither do we. We’re all on the same level, folks — that’s why we will have an instructor. Admission is $20, and the price includes wine and two and a half hours with a personal instructor.
 
GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101
 
• Jan. 21: January Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., 
at the Munich Haus, 13 Center St., Chicopee. 
Tickets are $23 for members, $29 for non-members.

• Jan. 28: January Business After Hours,  5-7 p.m., at H & R Block, 1475 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

• Feb. 11:
CEO Luncheon, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hosted by Collegian Court Restaurant, 89 Park St., Chicopee.
Tickets are $25 members, $30 for non-members.

• Feb. 18: February Salute Breakfast & Annual Meeting, 7:15-9 a.m., at the MassMutual Learning & Conference Center, Chicopee. Tickets are $23 for members, $29 for non-members.
 
GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414
 
• Jan. 22: Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner, 5 p.m., at Southampton Country Club. The event will feature presentation of Business of the Year awards and celebrate member milestones. For more information, contact the chamber.
 
• Feb. 9: Getting Down to Business about Business, 8-9 a.m., on the second Monday of each month.  Mayor Karen Cadieux will be hosted by one of Easthampton’s businesses for casual question-and-answer sessions.
 
• Feb. 14: Second annual Easthampton WinterFest, starting at 11 a.m. The Nashawannuck Pond Steering Committee and Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce invite you to the second annual Easthampton WinterFest. This community-wide event features family-friendly winter activities held throughout the day, featuring an historical ice harvest on Nashawannuck Pond, horse-drawn wagon rides, snowshoeing, snow sculpture, a chili cook-off, a community bonfire, and much more. There will also be winter-themed indoor activities for all ages. Most events are free or by donation. A lineup of the day’s events will be posted on www.nashawannuckpond.org.
 
GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376
 
• Jan. 13: “How to Start and Maintain Your Business: Finding a Location,” 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the chamber, 177 High St., Holyoke. Join us in this workshop series as members of the chamber teach members of the community the steps it takes to build a successful business. Tickets are $20 per session or $175 for the series. Series sponsors: PeoplesBank, Common Capital, Mass Cultural Council/the Artery in partnership with Holyoke Creative Arts. Call the Holyoke chamber at (413) 534-3376 to sign up or online at holyokechamber.com.

• Jan. 30: Legislative Coffee Hour, 7:45-9 a.m., at the Summit View Banquet House, 500 Northampton St., Holyoke. Speakers will be state Sen. Donald Humason and state Rep. Aaron Vega. Tickets are $25 for members with reservations, $35 for non-members and at the door. Price includes a continental breakfast.
 
• Feb. 3: “How to Start and Maintain Your Business: Staff – Hiring and Firing,” 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the chamber conference room. This program, the latest in a series, will provide all you need to know about employee handbooks, insurance, performance evaluation, job descriptions, sexual harassment, sensitivity training, and human resources. Tickets are $20. Series sponsors: PeoplesBank, Common Capital, Mass Cultural Council/the Artery in partnership with the Holyoke Creative Arts. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or sign up online at holyokechamber.com.
 
• Feb. 18: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m. Business networking event includes complimentary appetizers, 50/50 raffle, and door prizes. Sponsored and hosted by Gary Rome Hyundai, 1000 Main St., Holyoke. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for the public. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or sign up online at holyokechamber.com.
 
• Feb. 24: “How to Start and Maintain Your Business: Marketing Your Business,” 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the chamber conference room, 177 High St. This program, the latest in a series, will provide all you need to know about designing a logo, branding your business, advertising opportunities, social media, and developing a website. Tickets are $20. Series sponsors: PeoplesBank, Common Capital, Mass Cultural Council/the Artery in partnership with Holyoke Creative Arts. Call the Holyoke chamber at (413) 534-3376 to sign up or online at holyokechamber.com.
 
GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

• Jan. 27: New Member Orientation at Northampton Chamber of Commerce, noon to 1 p.m. This is the chance to tell us more about your business and how the chamber can best serve you, meet other new members, and learn how to make to the most of your chamber membership. RSVP to (413) 584-1900 or [email protected]. Cost: free.
 
GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618
 
• Jan. 14: January After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at the Arbors of Westfield, 40 Court St. in Westfield. Sponsored by Susan Allen Financial. Cost is $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members. Refreshments will be served. Bring your business cards and make connections. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
 
• Feb. 2: Mayor’s Coffee Hour with Westfield Mayor Dan Knapik, 8-9 a.m., at McDonald’s, 182 North Elm St., Westfield. This event is free and open to the public. Call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618 to register.

• Feb. 11: February After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at Betts Piping Supply Co., 14 Coleman Ave., Westfield. For more information, contact the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER
www.professionalwomenschamber.com
(413) 755-1310
  
• Jan. 21: 2015 Tabletop Expo/Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Storrowton Tavern at Eastern States Exposition, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Reservations are being accepted for the 17th annual Tabletop Expo. Last year’s successful Expo was a sellout. Sign up today to showcase your company’s products and services or to attend the event. Display price includes a draped table and lunch for one. General-admission tickets include specialty sandwiches, fruit, chips, and dessert. Please note on your reservation form if your exhibitor’s table will require electricity. Luncheon admission: $25 for members, $35 for non-members. Tabletop exhibitors (includes one luncheon ticket): $75 for members, $105 for non-members. For more information, contact Sarah Mazzaferro at (413)755-1313.
 
WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880
 
• Jan. 15: Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Lattitude, 1338 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. One must be a member or guest of a member to attend. Enjoy a sit-down lunch while networking with fellow chamber members. Each attendee will get a chance to offer a brief sales pitch. The only cost to attend is the cost of your lunch. Attendees will order off the menu and pay separately the day of the event. Please note that we cannot invoice you for these events.
 For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].
 
• Feb. 4: Wicked Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Flowers By Webster 82 Elm St., West Springfield. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events hosted by various businesses and restaurants. These events bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. Free for chamber members, $10 for non-members. Event is open to the public; you must pay at the door if you’re a non-member. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].
 
• Feb. 19: Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Lattitude, 1338 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. One must be a member or guest of a member to attend. Enjoy a sit-down lunch while networking with fellow chamber members. Each attendee will get a chance to offer a brief sales pitch. The only cost to attend is the cost of your lunch. Attendees will order off the menu and pay separately the day of the event. Please note that we cannot invoice you for these events.
 For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

• Feb. 25: Legislative Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., at Storrowton Tavern,  1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. The breakfast will feature a panel of various leaders, including state Sen. James Welch, state Sen. Donald Humason, Agawam Mayor Richard Cohen, and West Springfield Mayor Edward Sullivan. Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members. For more information on ticket sales, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].
 
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD
www.springfieldyps.com
  
• Jan. 15: January Third Thursday, 5-8 p.m., at Nadim’s Mediterranean Restaurant & Grill, 1390 Main St., Springfield. All are welcome; admission is free for non-members. Community spotlight: Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Come learn more about SSO and their upcoming events. They’ll be raffling off pairs of SSO tickets at the event and selling tickets at a discount for YPS members.