Belonging in Business
Whether you’re just starting out or have been part of our community for decades, the Amherst Area Chamber is here to help you connect, grow, and thrive.
The Amherst Area Chamber is dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment within our organization and the broader business community. Through staff, board, and committee leadership, we aim to uplift underrepresented voices, support inclusive workplace cultures, and provide tools for real equity and inclusion through visibility, recognition, and opportunities. We are committed to moving beyond performative statements to focus on systemic change, measurable goals, and genuine community engagement.
Initiatives
- Building Up Belchertown is a partnership between the Town of Belchertown and the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce that provided one year of free Chamber membership to a cohort of 10 selected local businesses. Part of the Chamber’s Belonging in Business initiative, the program expands access to resources, networking, and visibility opportunities while strengthening small businesses and fostering a more inclusive regional economy.
Accessibility Through Pay-What-You-Can
- The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to ensuring that all members of our business community can participate in our events and programs. Through our Belonging in Business initiative, we offer Pay-What-You-Can scaled ticket options whenever possible, making Chamber events more accessible to entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals at every stage. This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of our Belonging in Business Program Sponsors, whose contributions help reduce barriers and foster a more inclusive, equitable, and connected business community.
Workshops & Programming
- In 2020, the Chamber created the Equity Task Force in response to discussions among Chamber members about racial inequity in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. The Task Force hosted workshops and offered programming designed to foster community connection and engagement. In 2025, the Task Force evolved into the Belonging in Business Committee, continuing its commitment to fostering opportunity and belonging for all through initiatives such as Building Up Belchertown, newcomer-friendly participation options in legacy events such as the Annual Golf Tournament, and ambassador support.
Communication & Outreach Campaigns
- The Equity Task Force launched the #HateHasNoBizHere campaign in 2020 and 2021, encouraging Chamber members and Amherst Area businesses to display a poster affirming their commitment to creating welcoming spaces for all members of the community. You may download a copy of the poster here.
Ways To Get Involved
Become A Sponsor
- Your sponsorship removes barriers to Chamber participation by supporting pay-scale event pricing and subsidized memberships for underrepresented entrepreneurs and organizations. Align your brand with efforts that advance opportunity and belonging in the Amherst Area business community! Reach out to our team at info@amherstarea.com or visit amherstarea.com/sponsorship to learn more.
Join The Belonging in Business Committee
- The Belonging in Business Committee is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment within the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and throughout the local business community. Our committee celebrates diverse perspectives, encourages positive workplace cultures, and provides meaningful opportunities for visibility, recognition, and growth. We are committed to driving lasting change through collaboration, clear goals, and authentic community engagement across the Amherst area—fostering connection, accessibility, and opportunity for everyone.
Thank You To Our Sponsors!
Belonging in Business Committee Members
Alex Laguerra Sierra, Amherst Innovative Living, Chair
Jennifer Faulkner, Innovate Culture Lab, LLC
Heidi Flanders, Integrity Development & Construction, Inc.
Dr. Fadia Nordtveit, Springfield College and New York University
Kishore Parmar, Pioneer Valley Hotel Group
Raquel Wood, Amherst College