Cape Cod & Hyannis Area Chambers announce new partnership

Published on Wednesday, January 14, 2009

The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce announced jointly with the Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce a partnership between the two organizations.

This new collaboration for the two Chambers of Commerce includes reciprocal and cooperative participation in each other’s programming including policy surveys, committee work, public relations and tourism planning marketing and leads, joint events and cross-promotion of member events, products and services. Along with these programmatic collaborations, the Cape Cod and Hyannis Area Chambers have established a joint dues formula whereby businesses shall receive a 10% discount from each Chamber for those who invest in both organizations.

“This collaboration marks a watershed event in the relationship between the Cape’s two leading business organizations,” said Richard Neitz, Cape Chamber board chairman. “The Cape Cod Chamber, as the regional business entity is quite pleased at the formalization of a productive relationship with the Hyannis Area Chamber, long recognized as one of the leading local Chambers on the Cape.”

The two groups signed a formal memorandum of understanding this week, which spells out the terms of the joint dues offering. In a move that pursues the goals of shared resources and regionalized service delivery, the collaboration is seen as a model that can be applied to the other local Chambers.
“We believe that those who are investing in both their local and regional business advocacy organizations are the backbone of our communities and should be served on a comprehensive basis – at a reasonable cost,” said Skip Simpson, immediate past chairman of the board for the Hyannis Area Chamber. “We discussed our ideas and desire to work together with the Cape Cod Chamber and found a willing and receptive partner.”

Combining the strengths of each organization’s staff, board leaders and active membership is expected to help eliminate duplication and waste and to help deliver programs most meaningful to businesses.

The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1922 with a mission to strengthen, support and promote the economic climate, cultural richness, environmental sensitivity and the social needs of Cape Cod. The purpose of the Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce, formed in 1983, is to be the premier force in fostering, enhancing and promoting a healthy business climate in the greater Hyannis area and the Town of Barnstable.