I enjoy being a member, not only for my Real Estate business, but to meet people in my community. Just as any neighborhood thrives on residents getting to know one another, communities depend on its Chamber of Commerce to be the building block. This is where you can find a network of businesses, and within those businesses are people that you get to know on a personal level. It is how we build a community – by supporting and depending on one another when in need – it could be a referral for a bathroom facelift or something more urgent, like where the next meal is coming from. I think our community is a pillar of strength for all it has to offer. This has been an exceptional year and the Chamber has made it easier for connections to continue and for business to happen, even if it is out of the ordinary. I commend the Chamber for their efforts throughout the past year especially, as well as the local business owners who have been able to hang in there. I hope the businesses that are struggling can come back soon because we are all anxiously awaiting that day when we can walk around without face coverings, recognizing those we already know and meeting new faces, too!
– Julie Horvath D’Amico, Senne
I really appreciate the multi-chamber virtual networking events! I have met some great contacts there that I otherwise would not have had. This is a great way to network and meet other business owners, thank you!
– Jim White, Owner, Code Wiz Arlington
Just want to say thank you for all of the amazing work the Chamber has been doing to support us. The webinars have been very helpful and well organized. I know this is a challenging time for all of us, and I want to be sure you know how much I appreciate everything you are doing.
– Emily Shea, Owner, Kickstand Cafe
Thank you for all you are doing at the Chamber. I still receive email from two much larger Chambers and the Arlington Chamber is step for step with them in providing excellent information and looking out for the members. You should be very proud of the job you are doing.
– Edwin Guy, Brightview Senior Living
Thank you for all the hard work. Your programs are invaluable to the Arlington business community and the town as a whole!
– Carol Greeley, Realtor, Bowes Real Estate
My real estate career began in Arlington in 1969. It’s not possible to have nearly 50 years of business success without lots of help along the way. The wide array of assistance available to me and my company over the years has been the major reason for our longevity, growth, and success. Any business is blessed to be in Arlington; a loyal and caring customer base,, an active and engaged Chamber of Commerce, a supportive town government and a level and fair playing ground with other businesses. It is rare to find a town government that is so focused on helping and attracting small business. Our Economic Development Coordinator meets regularly with businesses in the three main business districts, listens and responds to comments. made by business owners, collaborates with owners to create a better business environment, addresses and resolves any concerns, and implements new ideas. Our Chamber of Commerce is led by an exceptionally capable Executive Director and supported by an active and involved Board of Directors. Throughout the year, there are numerous networking events, seminars and training programs, as well as personal one-on-one help if needed. All of this helps a business owner build a strong foundation for long term success and prosperity.
– Bob Bowes, Owner, Bowes Real Estate
We’ve had our headquarters in Arlington Center since 1983 when we bought the old police station on Central Street. Since then our company has grown significantly. When we outgrew the police station, we purchased and renovated a complex of two buildings on Broadway. Over the years, whenever, we have faced a decision of whether to stay in Arlington or move our headquarters elsewhere, it was really an easy decision. Arlington is a wonderful community. We enjoy the supportive business friendly culture here – including an active Chamber of Commerce with numerous networking, promotional and educational events. The Arlington town government is business friendly and responsive. The community is vibrant, safe, diverse and welcoming. It’s a great place to live, to work and to do business.
– Lou Sampson, CFO, American Alarm & Communications, Inc.
In 13 years of business I have expanded my store twice and invested deeper in the community with each year. I’ve been rewarded at every turn by the loyalty of customers. Arlington residents love to shop and dine locally, and enthusiastically support independent retailers. If my biggest asset is my dedicated Arlington customer base, the second significant benefit is the support ,promotion, and networking opportunities offered by the town of Arlington and the local Chamber of Commerce. The town supports commerce for small business, from hosting neighborhood merchant meetings, to finding solutions for signage and parking issues. The Chamber has a year round agenda of business promotion and professional development. There is dedicated leadership in these organizations with a plan for mutual success.
– Katherine Venzke, Owner, Helena’s, Est. 2005
Workbar Arlington opened in early 2016 with full partnership from the Town of Arlington. The Town surveyed residents and determined that there was significant interest in co-working and that over 2000 people worked from home. With this groundwork, we believed that we would be successful as the first co-working space in Arlington. The support of the Town, its residents and businesses was critical as we reached full capacity within the first 6 months. Our experience operating in Arlington has been nothing but positive and we look forward to many more years of success and partnership.
– Devin Cole, Head of Community, Workbar
The Mirak family of businesses have long been rooted in Arlington and have been Chamber partners since its beginnings. Town support is helpful to handle growth and changes in business climate whether a business has 10 or 100 employees. A shared voice from the Arlington business community is also needed to ensure that their unique issues are communicated to the town. While the Chamber has been assisting local businesses for years, they have had a much closer relationship with town governance and the community in recent years. From local events highlighting local companies, business networking and training events, as well as collaborating with the town to ensure that Arlington is a vibrant place to set up shop. The Chamber and its volunteer board have proven to be invaluable to those who wish to have an organization rooting for their success here locally!
– Robert A. Mirak, Dealer Principal, Mirak Automotive Group