What is the East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce?
Serving the communities of East Providence & Barrington, Rhode Island and Seekonk & Rehoboth, Massachusetts
Mission Statement
The East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business for our community. We support economic growth, development and prosperity through our advocacy, public relations and member services.
​
Adopted by East Providence Area Chamber Board of Directors
April 21, 2016
125+ Years in Business
A Brief History about our Name and Purpose Throughout our Long History...
A non-profit organization, originally known as East Providence Business Men’s Association. Incorporated on June 15, 1897 for the original purpose of social, literary and educational relations among its members.
(Click here for information about the original founders.)
In 1956, the name was changed to East Providence Chamber of Commerce.
In 2005, it was renamed again to East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce to better reflect the communities it serves.
​
The Chamber is comprised of 200+ member businesses from East Providence & Barrington, Rhode Island and Seekonk & Rehoboth, Massachusetts.
​
What does the chamber do?
The East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based association of businesses in East Providence, Barrington, Seekonk & Rehoboth. We serve as the voice of the local business community. Through our partnership with the Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Coalition and we track and respond to state legislation affecting businesses.
​
We also:
-
Provide services to advertise and promote our members (referrals, social media, sponsorships, online business directory, etc.)
-
Host committees offering insight & opportunities to work with members (Economic Development & Government Affairs, Membership, etc.)
-
Host monthly networking & annual events for meeting other business people (Business During Hours, Business After Hours, Annual Dinner)
-
Offer discounts on products and services from members to members (Member2Member Discount Program)
-
Partner with other organizations and offer free seminars & workshops on topics of interest to business people (SCORE, RISBDC, etc.)
-
Assist in welcoming new businesses (introductions, ribbon cuttings, provide resources, etc.)
-
Self-support our organization via membership dues and our fundraising efforts and events. (We are not a government agency.)
​
​​​Businesses Join the East Providence Area Chamber to:
-
Stay connected to the East Providence and Seekonk area community
-
Increase their networking opportunities
-
Get more visibility for their business in the local community
-
Gain insight and information from other business people
-
Gain access to more customers, clients, suppliers, partners…
-
Take advantage of the tools and resources available for growing or maintaining their businesses
-
Support an organization that follows local, state and national legislation that affects businesses and, when necessary, advocates on their collective behalf at city hall, the State House and with federal legislators.