The Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit
organization serving nine communities; Burrillville, Central
Falls, Cumberland, Glocester, Lincoln, North Smithfield,
Pawtucket, Smithfield and Woonsocket.

With nearly 1,000 members, this pro-active and dynamic
organization works to better the business community in areas of
economic development, education, environmental issues,
government affairs, human resources, manufacturing and other
areas important to member businesses and the northern Rhode
Island community.

Accredited by the United States Chamber of Commerce, the
Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce provides a strong link
to government on local, state, and national levels.

The Chamber is a partner in the Northern Rhode Island Economic
Development Partnership, Inc., an aggressive collaborative of
the region's private and public sectors, with objectives to
impact local, regional and state economic development
initiatives.

Through its various committees, task forces and with support of
a professional staff, the Chamber strives toward creating a
better business climate to improve members' profitability
through implementing programs, services and value-added
benefits.

Belonging to the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, can
entitle businesses to discounted member benefits and services
(after qualification).  Chamber member benefits and services
include; long distance, cellular phone, overnight delivery,
health care, Employee Assistance Program, Section 125 Benefit
Plan, Employee Benefit Analyzer, National Position Evaluation
Plan and payroll services.

The Chamber organizes several events throughout the year
providing members with sales and networking opportunities.
These special events include; the Annual Dinner, the Annual
Outing, Business-After-Hours, the Golf Tournament, a Legislative
Reception, the Pawtucket Red Sox Luncheon, the Table Top EXPO
and the 7:45 Breakfast Series.

The Chamber's affiliates provide forums for obtaining and
exchanging current information as it relates to each group.
Affiliates like the Human Resources Association (HRA) and the
Rhode Island Association of Environmental Managers (RIAEM) offer
seminars and workshops to members.  Membership for these groups
is separate from annual Chamber dues investments.

The volunteer Board of Directors consists of approximately fifty
elected and appointed members from the business community, each
bringing specific expertise and experience to the policy making
board of the Chamber.  The membership, representing the
business, civic, and professional leadership of the community,
utilizes the Chamber as its unified business voice.

By action of the Board of Directors, the Northern Rhode Island
Chamber of Commerce has defined its vision for the future
through the implementation of a strategic plan.  This blueprint
will help propel the Chamber into the next century as it
continues to build upon its role as a business leader and works
to foster a strong economy to improve the quality of life for
the northern Rhode Island community.  Copies of the Chamber's
strategic plan are distributed upon request.

The Chamber office is located in the Blackstone Valley Electric
Company Office Park, 640 Washington Highway, in Lincoln.  Office
hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

To learn more about the benefits of becoming a member of the
Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, contact Beth Whirty
by phone at (401)334-1000 or by fax at (401)334-1009.
.