Chamber Committees

One of the best ways to maximize the value of your membership is to serve on a Chamber committee.  Depending upon your area of interest or expertise there is likely a committee that will allow you to contribute your talents in a meaningful way.  You’ll have fun, gain knowledge and exposure along with the chance to build relationships and potentially move into a leadership position with the Chamber.

Ambassador Committee – The premier volunteer group makes personal contact with new and existing members, acting as greeters at functions and inviting prospective members to join our Chamber.  Meets monthly throughout the year.  Membership is by invitation.

Chair – Sam Melkonian, Boston Mortgage Solutions

Scholarship Committee – Screen applicants and selects winners of annual Chamber scholarship program.  Meets 2 or 3 times a year in the spring.

Chair – vacant

Economic Development – Develops positions that will promote appropriate economic growth in the Newton-Needham region.   Key criteria to be used will a projects ability to create jobs, commercial tax revenue and/or infrastructure improvements within the community without compromising quality of life.

Co-chairs – Glen Cammarano, Muzi Motors and Fran Yerardi, Homevestors Bay State Properties

Environment Committee – Seeks to educate and inspire local businesses about ways to incorporate environmentally friendly practices into their daily business operation while saving money at the same time.   Coordinates annual green business awards program.  Meets monthly throughout the year.

Chair – Peter Smith, Green Decade Coalition

Strategic Planning and Development – Works to ensure that the Chamber Strategic Plan is successfully implemented, updated and amended as necessary.  The Committee will focus on long range planning for the Chamber which includes staffing and facilities.  Additionally the Committee will consider ways to expand the organizational capacity of the Chamber through alternative sources of funding. 

Chair – Mike Ciolino, Verve Creative

Governance Committee - Responsible for ongoing review and recommendations to enhance the quality and future viability of the board.  It focuses on the six key areas, with specific duties dependent on board needs at any specific time, as well as evolving practice.  Meets a minimum of 4 times per year.

Chair – Patrick Palmer, West Suburban YMCA

Finance Committee – Works with the President to oversee the financial operation of the Chamber and when appropriate, make recommendations to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors regarding the financial operation.  Meets a minimum of 4 times per year.  Membership is by invitation.

Chair – Walter Tennant, R. L. Tennant Insurance Agency

Special Events Committee - Assists the Chamber in the organizing, planning, and promotion of special fund raising events. The committee is charged with continuing to build upon these successful networking and fundraising special events.

Chair – Joanne Crispin, Geiger Promotional Products

Golf Tournament Chair – Assists staff with planning and execution of the annual Golf Outing.

Chair - Walter Tennant, R.L. Tennant Insurance Agency

Small Business Seminar Committee - Plans and hosts seminars responsive to the interests and needs of the chamber’s small to medium business community.

Chair – Rachel Hillman , Realty Executives

Lawyer’s Council – Plans and hosts quarterly law-based educational forums that are relative to current hot topics. 

Chair – Howard Goldman, Goldman and Pease

Non Profit Council – The Non-Profit Council will provide a voice for the non-profit organizations in Newton and Needham . In keeping with the mission of the Chamber, the Non Profit Council will work to advance the general welfare, prosperity and impact of the non-profit community with particular emphasis on the unique contributions of these organizations to the economic, educational, cultural, health care and community service interests of the area.

Chair – Bob Kelly, NewTV

Women in Networking Committee – The goal of the Women in Networking Committee is to help women of the Chamber advance their careers and grow their businesses in a supportive, collegial environment that values balance and fulfillment in the personal and professional spheres of their lives. This is done through planning and implementing semi-monthly seminars around current women in workforce issues.

Chair – Melody Bohl, Carpe Diem Realty

Membership Committee -- The Membership Committee will work with the Chamber’s Director of Membership to develop strategies to recruit and retain members, as well as recognize loyal members.  The Membership Committee will also review member benefits, member dues structures and help develop member orientations.

Chair - Scott Laughlin, Goodway Group of Massachusetts, Inc.

For more information about the above committees, call the Chamber at 617-244-5300