History of the Chamber
The Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce opened its doors in 1988. The original Chamber members had been part of the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, but with the growing economic power within the Souhegan Valley, they soon realized a new Chamber was necessary. Hence, the Souhegan Valley Chamber was born.
The Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce changed its name from the Milford-Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce to the Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce in 1998. We are fortunate to represent not only Milford and Amherst, but all of the 11 towns within the Souhegan Valley Watershed.
On February 1, 2020 , the Merrimack and Souhegan Valley Chambers merged together to form a new regional partnership and became the Greater Merrimack-Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce. Combining our resources means GMSVCC now offers a broader range of member services and programs. Equally as important, we will be an even stronger collective voice of the business community watching out for area businesses, large and small, at local, regional and state levels. With the merger, our geographical footprint also increased significantly, meaning our members now have a much greater reach to network, connect and grow their businesses.
These towns include:
Amherst, Brookline, Greenville, Hollis, Lyndeborough, Mason, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, New Ipswich, Temple, and Wilton.
What is A Chamber of Commerce?
The Chamber is a Non-Profit business association, sustained by volunteer effort. The Greater Merrimack-Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce is governed by a Board of Directors who determine Chamber direction, policies, and activities. Directors are elected from and by the Chamber membership and are all volunteers. Day-to-day operations of the Greater Merrimack-Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce are the responsibility of a full-time executive director. The members fund the Chamber with a combination of membership dues and other income-producing activities.
What Does the Chamber Do?
The Chamber helps to make individuals aware of the activities, services, and businesses available in our area, in order to help stimulate the local economy, and enhance, support and promote the prosperity of its members.
- Raises awareness of the community, its businesses, and activities by maintaining a staff who answer inquires and sends out free information to individuals.
- Helps to create a positive image for the Souhegan Valley.
- Works to stimulate the local economy.
- Provides free information to individuals about the area.
- Encourages the public to use local services and products.
- Creates business activities and opportunities.
- Enhances, supports, and promotes its members’ businesses.
- Promotes a positive business environment.
- Nurtures new businesses that become members.
Membership is open to all legal businesses who comply with all federal and state laws and the Chamber complies with all antitrust laws. The Chamber, its Board of Directors, Chamber staff, and contracted agencies do not specifically endorse the views or opinions of participating members.
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