The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) welcomed six new Board members from across the Hampshire County region at its first meeting of 2021 last month. The new Directors come from diverse ethnic, racial, and professional backgrounds, bringing fresh, new voices and ideas to the GNCC Board.

“I am so pleased to see a broader representation of what our Greater Northampton community represents in our new, 24-member Board of Directors,” said Vince Jackson, Executive Director of the GNCC. Read about the new Directors on the GNCC Connections blog.

The 413 Takeout campaign started off on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14, 2021, and to date 124 individuals have taken the “413 pledge:” inspire four friends to get takeout one time per week for three months. If each of these 124 community members adheres to the pledge, that’s over 5,500 meals taken out of local restaurants by the end of the three-month challenge (February 14 – May 14, 2021), and we’re just getting started!

Each week, all those who have taken the pledge will be entered to win one of two $25 Northampton Gift Cards—redeemable at over 60 restaurants, shops, salons, and service providers in the Greater Northampton area! Today, we are delighted to announce the first two winners* of the 413 Takeout weekly giveaway:

Nicholas Grimaldi and Meshia Begin!

Visit Northampton.live to take the pledge then use the #413TakeoutPledge hashtag on social media to share where (and what) you are eating each week. Share your love for local restaurants by spreading the movement far and wide—follow and share 413 Takeout on Facebook for campaign updates, upcoming giveaways, and more!

Read more about the 413 Takeout campaign on the GNCC Connections blog.

*Anyone who takes the pledge is automatically entered to win a $25 Northampton Gift Card. Winners are picked weekly and announced in the Community Connector and on the 413 Takeout Facebook Page. Individuals are not eligible to win more than once.

The Friends of Northampton Trails (FNT) is partnering with Bicycle Benefits, a national program of businesses that provide a small benefit to customers who bicycle to their shops. Here's how it works:

To kick things off, FNT is excited to offer the first 20 business participants the kits at no cost -- just fill out this form and we will be in touch and drop off your kit to your location. The starter kit includes decals and helmet stickers to sell.

It is our hope that through this program, Northampton residents and visitors will take full advantage of the city's bicycle infrastructure while shopping and visiting Northampton.

In an effort to identify businesses and organizations owned and/or led by those who are veterans, or who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC), and/or who identify as woman, or who identify as disabled, or who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer (LGBTQ) in Hampshire County, the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) has developed a brief (2-minute) survey for leaders of these businesses and organizations.

The information gathered through this form will be shared on the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce's (GNCC's) website and used to develop future marketing campaigns to support these businesses. Click here to take the survey.

Visit the City of Northampton's website for updated, accurate information on vaccine availability at Northampton clinics. If you are eligible for a vaccination in Phase One or in the first two groupings under Phase Two, you can make an appointment to receive the vaccine here.

Cooley Dickinson Health Care has created a FAQ page that answers basic questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, and contains links to many resources including federal, state and local government health departments, vaccine manufacturer websites and their parent organization, Mass General Brigham.

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the disruption and devastation it has wreaked on every aspect of our lives, Mass Cultural Council (MCC) launches a 5th COVID impact survey for cultural organizations. The data collected will be shared broadly throughout Massachusetts and directly inform MCC's continued advocacy efforts for public investment to fund cultural sector recovery needs.

All Massachusetts cultural organizations are urged to respond to this survey by March 1, 2021.

A recorded presentation of the Link/Learn session, 2021 Outlook: Northampton's Road to Recovery is now available on YouTube. Presentation features Vince Jackson, Executive Director of the GNCC, Amy Cahillane, Executive Director of the Downtown Northampton Association (DNA), and Alan Wolf, Chief of Staff to Mayor David Narkewicz of the City of Northampton. Watch it here.

Meet the newest investors (members) of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) community. We now refer to our members as "investors" because their affiliation with GNCC is an investment in our community and we are deeply committed to ensuring a return on their investment. To learn more, contact us.

Join Backyard ADUs for a FREE virtual open house of their newly completed Florence Backyard Tiny Home on March 11, 2021, at 5:30 PM.

Ever think of adding a guest house, In-law apartment, or Tiny Home? Get your questions answered about the approval process, what you can build on your land, what building a backyard home looks like, as well as best practices in small home design.

Cutchins Programs for Children and Families Inc. is proud to present their 4th Annual Dancing with the Local Stars: Silent Auction and Fundraiser and this year they are going virtual!

Over the course of three days, Cutchins Programs will host an array of local talent showcasing dances from around the world. They will also host a virtual silent auction with nightly raffles, musical performances, and more!

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cutchins Programs has had to adjust to extraordinary circumstances but the quality of their care has persisted.

Be a community hero and support children's mental health services locally while enjoying this fantastic annual event!

The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) is seeking models of diverse racial, ethnic, gender, age and disability identities for a photoshoot to support our efforts in promoting opportunities for outdoor recreation in Hampshire County.

Specifically, we are hoping to find individuals willing to pose as a couple on an accessible walking trail for one hour within the month of March 2021. Models will be compensated with a $50 Northampton Gift Card. No prior modeling experience necessary; only a willingness to be photographed at the location. All participants will wear masks and safety precautions will be strictly followed for the duration of the shoot. If interested, please contact lu@northamptonchamber.com.

Looking to keep your eating and shopping local and support our small business community? Northampton.live is your ticket to all things happening right now in Northampton, including information on how your favorite shops, salons, restaurants, and coffee shops are operating during the pandemic. Keep it local, and stay informed with Northampton.live.

Have you heard about the campaign to save Northampton's restaurants? Learn more and take the "413 pledge" here.

There are still some remaining sponsorship opportunities for investors. Contact Jessica Thompson, Director of Investor and Community Relations to discuss options today!

Interested in joining our virtual events, but just can't make it to the computer during your busy day? Check out our archive of program recordings on YouTube to learn on your own time!