My company, Blue Jay Marketing, has been a member of the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce for the past two years. It has been a very productive partnership as I have had the chance to meet with many intelligent and personable people with diverse backgrounds. This relationship has allowed me to share challenges with other small business owners and consultants that share common business problems for their respective products or services. The discussions that I have had with these professionals have helped me to attack these challenges on both a short and long term basis.

I have been a member of the Tri Town Chamber of Commerce for 18 months. Not only have I derived business directly from the Chamber and its members, I have benefited from opportunities to refine my marketing message, brainstorm with fellow business people and increase my effectiveness using professional networking to find clients.

John Bates, The Job Guy “The Un-Headhunter”, Mansfield

The Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce is an outstanding business advocate and has a proven track record. The Chamber has been instrumental in assisting to retain and attract businesses to the region. As a result, the Chamber region has benefited from hundreds of new jobs, private real estate investment, and a positive impact on the local economy. As a Chamber member, we are directly benefiting from the team spirit and involvement of the Chamber.

Lynn Tokarczyk, President, Business Development Strategies, Inc., Medway Government Incentive Consultants

Our family has always known that we made a good choice when we decided to build our home here 17 years ago. But we never could have predicted the groundswell of support- emotionally and financially- that would overwhelm us after our house fire. The generosity and the outpour of concern has taken all the sting away. We are feeling so positive because of the daily actions of people and organizations like the Tri-Town Chamber.

When I started my business in December 2002, the first organization I joined was this one. I try and do business and refer business to chamber members whenever possible- because I believe in community spirit. It has meant so much for my business. But now…with all that has happened to me and my family, I see how community support comes into play on a very personal level. I promise you, each gift and each act of kindness is deeply felt and appreciated.

My family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts. We are so proud and happy to say we’ll be rebuilding in a community that we love and call home.

With thanks and appreciation — The Furey Family — Ann, Chuck, Chad and Gillian

This thank you letter is from Ann Furey, owner of Placelift, One Day Redecorating.Her house burned to the ground in February 2006. Chamber members came together to offer donations and services for the family.

I joined the chamber last year when I open my business. Probably for the reasons most people join the chamber-to network. I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet some of the business people in my community, since my business is a community-based business. It has been a wonderful experience. I try to attend as many events as possible, not only to network, but also because I enjoy them. Some of the people I have met through the chamber are now familiar friends to me when I see them at events.

I also joined the first PRO group formed. This has been a wonderful experience. It allows me to meet a small group of professionals to discuss a wide variety of topics related to our businesses. One of my employees, Joan Baldini, also joined the PRO-2 group and is enjoying it very much.

I am always impressed with how well you and Ruthie pull off all the wonderful events that you host. The Chamber is an excellent investment for my company.

Debbie Nichols, Owner, Home Instead Senior Care, Norton

An important part of the mission of the Hockomock Area YMCA is being active members of the communities we serve and collaborating with local agencies and organizations to meet emerging community needs. One of our most effective partnerships is with the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce. Our association and membership with the Chamber enhances our involvement in the communities of Mansfield and Foxboro and provides additional opportunities to inform area communities of our YMCA's values driven programs for kids and families. The Tri-Town Chamber works tirelessly to impact its member communities and we are proud of our relationship with the Chamber.

Edward Hurley, President, Hockomock YMCA, North Attleboro

The Chamber has provided the TPC of Boston an opportunity to showcase to the community what we are about. In addition, we have used several vendors who are Chamber Members. We save time and money when we can work with other businesses we trust and share the same objectives with.

Brian Connor, Director of Marketing, Tournament Players Club of Boston, Norton

The first thing I did when I opened my business door in April, 1997 was join the Chamber. I was new to the area so the Chamber was one of the critical steps I took to get my business off the ground. By participating as an Ambassador for the Chamber and later as a Director on the Board, I was able to make many important long lasting contacts in the communities to grow my business. I encourage all new members to get involved in the Chamber Ambassador program and work on as many committees as your business allows.

Joan Gagnon, Gagnon Investment Advisory Services LLC, Mansfield

Thank you very much for your support of Small Business Day at the State House. With the backing of the Tri-Town Chamber, we were able to present a successful and informative program that placed the small business legislative agenda front and center.

Bill Vernon, MA State Director, National Federation of Independent Business