Where business meets community: Inside the North Central Connecticut Chamber

The North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon at its new Enfield location on June 19, 2025.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo

ENFIELD — The North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce has long served as a connective thread for businesses, nonprofits and organizations across the region, bringing together a diverse membership under a shared commitment to growth and community.

According to Executive Director Karen Campbell, that sense of unity is the chamber’s defining strength.

“The North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce represents businesses and organizations of all sizes and across a wide range of industries,” Campbell said. “While our members may do very different work, they are united by a shared commitment to growth, collaboration and community. There’s a strong sense of connection among our members, and they value building relationships, supporting one another and being part of a network that strengthens the region as a whole.”

That philosophy shapes how the chamber operates day to day. While networking remains a core function, Campbell emphasized that the organization’s role extends well beyond exchanging business cards.

“Beyond traditional networking, the chamber supports its members through referrals, advocacy and professional development opportunities that help businesses grow and adapt,” she said. “We work to create meaningful connections not only between members, but also with community partners and regional resources.”

Those connections take shape through a robust calendar of events designed to meet members where they are, whether they are new entrepreneurs or long-established organizations. “Our chamber stays active year-round with a mix of networking, educational, and signature events,” Campbell said.

Monthly offerings include Networking Luncheons, Business After Hours and Coffee Connections, alongside quarterly educational workshops. Signature events such as the Home & Product Show, Golf Tournament, Quality of Life Expo, Business-to-Business Expo and the Annual Holiday Dinner and Meeting provide larger opportunities for visibility and relationship-building.

The impact of those gatherings often extends well beyond the events themselves. Campbell pointed to collaborations that grew organically through chamber connections. “We’ve seen members team up for food drives and fundraisers that benefit local food pantries and community organizations, strengthening relationships along the way,” she said. In other cases, newer businesses have partnered with established members to cross-promote products and drive foot traffic. “In one case, that collaboration helped boost business during what’s usually a slower season, and the member was incredibly grateful for the opportunity.”

Community engagement is another cornerstone of the chamber’s mission. Campbell noted that members consistently step up to support civic and nonprofit efforts throughout the region. A standout initiative is the North Central Act of Kindness Award program. “Supported by local business sponsorships, the program allows us to visit middle schools and high schools throughout our region and recognize up to 80 students each year for leadership, kindness, inclusion and community service,” she said. Honored students are recognized in front of their peers, and the chamber makes a donation in their name to a charity meaningful to them.

Looking ahead to 2026, the chamber is focused on amplifying member expertise and ensuring programming reflects real needs.

“We’re focused on highlighting the value of chamber membership and showcasing our members as experts in their fields,” Campbell said.

Member surveys and feedback guide new initiatives, while the Business Resource Committee helps connect members with relevant insights and resources.

For businesses considering joining, Campbell described the chamber as both a support system and a strategic partner.

“Businesses that join the North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce become part of a community of supportive, like-minded professionals,” she said.

She also had a message for the broader public. “When you’re looking for a product or service, we encourage you to start with the chamber,” Campbell said. And for members, her advice was simple: “Get engaged and be active. Like anything, the more you put in, the more benefits you’ll get out of it.”