Telling "Our" Story

Good afternoon Chamber members,

I want to share with you a milestone and update you on the Chamber's communications efforts.

Just over a week ago, the Chamber's Twitter account welcomed its five thousandth follower!

When I began as president and CEO, a little over four years ago, we had just 467 followers. This is nearly a 1,000% increase. Similarly, in June of 2013 we had 400 likes on Facebook, today we have 2,640 likes, representing a 667% increase. During this timeframe, we also dramatically increased our communications platforms beginning with a new website and an integrated membership relationship software (CRM) called Chamber Master that allows us to listen and engage with our nearly 2,300 members.

We also re-launched the TV show renamed Chamber Exchange, The TV Show, which airs three times a week on Charter TV 3 and is sponsored by Worcester Regional Airport. A Chamber radio show called The Voice of Business, on WCRN - 830AM was also launched and will soon begin airing again after a brief hiatus due to staffing changes at WCRN. Nearly a year ago, we published our first biannual newspaper called Chamber Exchange, The Newspaper. More recently we established a Chamber YouTube page called Lights, Camera, Chamber where video interviews of Chamber members and staff are distributed via our growing social media presence. Segments from our TV show are posted on this YouTube channel as well. We will also soon be adding a LinkedIn and Instagram accounts to our communications portfolio.

One might ask, "Why is the growth and expansion of the Chamber's communications platforms important?" Succinctly, it allows us to tell the story of our members and and our Chamber. Secondly, it also allows us to educate and advocate on economic development and public policy issues to a broader audience.

I want to thank the Chamber staff for their hard work and commitment in this successful effort. In particular, I want to recognize Chamber Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Programs and Events, Sharyn Williams, for leading the implementation of this proactive communications strategy. I also want to use this opportunity introduce you to Zaven Donoian. Zaven recently joined the Chamber staff as a Marketing and Communications Assistant. He started at the Chamber as an intern from Fitchburg State University and earned his way onto the staff, reinforcing why every business should consider an internship strategy.

Please follow us or like us on Twitter and Facebook, and soon, on our LinkedIn and Instagram accounts. Also please email us your social media address information so we can follow you in return. Moreover, please do not hesitate to contact Sharyn or Zaven to see how we might help get the word out about your business and any milestones, achievements, recognitions, or community involvement that you want to share.

We have made a lot of progress over the past four years not only on the communications front but on several others as well. We have significantly expanded and improved the quality and content of our programs and events, grown revenue through sponsorship participation, and added new members to the Chamber rolls. This work, coupled with our business recruitment efforts and our Chamber Higher Education-Business Partnership, has us firing on all cylinders. We continue to look forward to working with our members and others in strengthening the economy of the Central Mass. Region.

Enjoy the remainder of your summer.

Yours Truly,

Timothy P. Murray, President and CEO

Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce