Chamber unveils new name, brand

The Chamber of Greater Springfield announced during its annual meeting on Thursday that it is rebranding and will now go by a new name.

The chamber, which represents local companies and the area’s economic interest, will now be known as the Greater Springfield Partnership. The news comes as the organization celebrates more than 100 years of service.

“For us to achieve the goals that will help build a vibrant town with a thriving business community, it can only happen through a strong partnership,” said Mike McDorman, the organization’s president and CEO.

“This is arguably the most significant change the chamber has ever made in our 100-plus-year history in

Springfield,” he added.

McDorman said that the rebranding has been in the works for at least two years and the idea is to help better define “who we are as an organization working with community partners to help make our region better.”

The process of rebranding came as members reexamined the different influences that will reshape chambers of all sizes over the next decade.

That includes the nature of belonging and gathering as well as creating a more inclusive partnership and investor model.

The chamber has also been working to create a more unified vision for its three organizations. Those include the Chamber of Greater Springfield as well as the Community Improvement Corporation and the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.