Chamber Focus: East Bay Chamber of Commerce

We continue our series of profiles on Rhode Island’s Chambers of Commerce…a trememdous resource for the business community. This week the East Bay Chamber serving Bristol, Warren and Barrington.

History  

62 years of growth. In 1958 the Warren Chamber of Commerce was incorporated. At that time the towns of Barrington and Bristol each had their own Chamber of Commerce. In 1972 our Chamber was organized and incorporated when the Bristol, Warren and Barrington Chambers merged to become the Bristol County Chamber of Commerce. In 1998 the name of Bristol County Chamber of Commerce was changed to the East Bay Chamber of Commerce to reflect our wider vision. Emerging from three small retail groups, our Chamber has grown in size and programming to meet the needs of our business community and to be proactive in the concerns of our businesses as well as the communities we serve.

Growth and change in the East Bay have occurred and will continue to occur. Planning this growth is essential. The quality of life in the East Bay is our strongest asset and must be preserved. There is still much to accomplish here at home. To preserve the best that we have, to improve that which needs improvement, and to promote a strong economy must be the goals of those in East Bay leadership positions. Our heritage and culture is extraordinary, our potential is promising and our future holds many challenges that must be met in a proactive and intelligent way.

Structure

The East Bay Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization, and not part of local or state government. The Chamber is financed primarily by membership dues, and is supplemented by various grants and fundraiser. These fundraisers, in addition to raising funds for the organization, are also extremely enjoyable networking opportunities.

The East Bay Chamber of Commerce’s 300+ members continually invest in the county’s future. These business leaders have pledged their time and talents to improving the business climate, fostering economic development and promoting our splendid resources.

MEMBER BENEFITS

East Bay Chamber of Commerce membership offers numerous benefits to businesses large and small. Our members enjoy networking and volunteering opportunities, discount programs, free advertising and much more. Membership dues are based upon the number of employees in your company.

Tuesday at Two Newsletter

Our Tuesday at Two is our weekly email newsletter that is delivered right to your inbox every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Subscribers range from parents to empty-nesters, business owners to employees, and area visitors. The Chamber has more than 700 subscribers, which increases daily. Members have the opportunity to place ads in Tuesday at Two.

Legislative Updates Link

East Bay Chamber monitors legislation at the RI State House and provides formal Updates on Legislation that could impact business member and the community.

Ribbon Cuttings

Opening a new office, space, program – Chamber will help organize this.

M2M Discounts

50 Local businesses provide coupons and discounts to Chamber members.

Networking

Two groups are offered and meet regularly – the CEO Manufacturers Roundtable and WeBond  

Annual Awards Dinner

End of July the Chamber holds an annual Awards event to recognize Emerging Leader, Citizen of the Year, Chamber Member of the Year, and Business of the Year.

Speakers Bureau

Need a speaker?  Want to speak?  The Chamber coordinates Speakers Bureau services for Chamber members.

Online Training

Chamber Members have the opportunity to take over 1,000 courses in an assortment of topics like HR, Finance, Technology, Business, Programming, Security, etc. through a relationshiop with COGGNO, a marketplace for training courses. Courses are self-paced, on demand, many with certification, and are distributed online to each employees’ computer via a free Learning Management System where you can track and view reporting.

US Chamber Membership

The East Bay Chamber maintains membership as one of the US Chambers – thereby having access to national connections and information for all its members.

RI Chamber of Commerce Coalition Membership

The Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Coalition is a lobbying partnership representing eleven Chambers of Commerce and more than 7,500 member businesses throughout Rhode Island. Members of the Chamber of Commerce Coalition are the Northern Rhode Island, North Central Rhode Island, Central Rhode Island, East Bay, East Greenwich, East Providence Area, Newport County, North Central, North Kingstown, Southern Rhode Island & Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chambers of Commerce.

Job Bank

Members can post opportunities at no cost.

Research

Chamber will provide customized Economic Data Profiles for your needs. They  also offer guidance for new companies setting up business in the community.

Tourism

A most active service about promoting companies and opportunities for the East Bay area. Includes information on living and working in the East Bay, a calendar of events, etc.

2020 East Bay Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is composed of a minimum of 17, and a maximum of 23 Chamber members. This includes the Executive Board and Committee Chairpersons.

The Board of Directors is responsible for establishing policies of the East Bay Chamber, the Program of Work, the budget, and the general affairs of the Chamber. They meet monthly. 

Board of Directors

Chairman, Mark DeVine, DeVine & Associates

Vice-Chairman, Michelle Hughes Michelle Hughes, CPA

Past Chairman, Bette Walpole

Steve Primiano, Steve Primiano’s Custom Window Treatments

Cidalia Rodrigues BankNewport – Bristol

Jimmy Stuart Jimmy Stuart’s Floor Covering & Cleaning

Andy Arruda Parker Mills

Bob Casale Personal Security Consultants

Joe Hozempa Round Two

Katahy Marabello Navigant Credit Union

Michelle Cartwright RE/MAX River’s Edge

Robin Silva Piccolo

Scott Pickering East Bay Media Group

Stephanie Borden One & Done Concierage

Steve Miglizzi i3 Broadband

Tim Pray Tap Printing

Brenda Santos New York Life

Jeanne D;Agostino Highlander Charter School

Sandra Dugan Atria Aquidneck Place

The East Bay Chamber of Commerce maintains offices at 16 Cutler St., Warren, RI 02885. Phone is 401-245-0750. Email: [email protected]. 

For more info: https://www.eastbaychamberri.org