Legislative Advocacy

The ACCGS and its affiliates aggressively advocate on behalf of its members at the local, state and national levels. We support policies and legislation that advance economic development, strengthen business competitiveness, lower business costs, stimulate job growth and strengthen the overall economic health of the region.

Legislative Steering Committee 2009

The Legislative Steering Committee, comprised of 31 businessmen and businesswomen who are members of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce, oversees the issues and meets on the second Friday of each month. This Committee has four subcommittees that perform in-depth research on specific issues. The Committees are: Budget, Workplace Issues, Health Care, and Outreach. These Committees identify the issues, research the issues, and recommend positions for the Chamber. The Legislative Steering Committee is further charged, through its Outreach Committee, to educate Chamber members, solicit their input and support in advancing the legislative agenda.

Become a Virtual Volunteer!

As a virtual volunteer, we will inform you of up to date actions on legislative issues of particular interest to you and your business. As well, we'll let you know what you can do to make sure your voice will be heard.

For more information on becoming a Virtual Volunteer, contact the
Chamber at (413) 787-1555.

Need Help on Legislation?

Do you know of a bill that may be considered that affects your business? Or maybe you are looking for information on a particular issue? Our new InstaTrac tracking software can help.

Simply contact Jeff Ciuffreda at (413) 755-1312 or ciuffreda@myonlinechamber.com today to see what it can do for you!

Chairman
Rodney Scott, Sovereign Bank

Vice Chairman & Budget Sub Committee Chair
Daniel Keenan, Sisters of Providence Health System

Alfonso Acuna, Acuna Real Estate

Edgar Alejandro, Western Massachusetts Electric Company

Carol Baribeau, Carol Baribeau Consulting Services

Past Chair
Steven Bradley, Baystate Health

Carl Breyer, Jr., Park Place Realty

Andrew Campbell, Campbell Management Co.

Juan Campbell, Health New England

Karen Charbonneau, Hatheway Homes

Jennifer Connolly, Junior Achievement of Western Mass.

Program/Outreach Committee Chair
Thomas Creed, Berkshire Bank

Steven Fitzgibbons, Comcast

Nick Fyntrilakis, MassMutual Financial Group

Chris Gagnon, Western Massachusetts Electric Company

Michael Grandfield, Hampden Bank

Joseph Lawler, The Gaudreau Group

 Work Place Issues Committee Chair
Attorney Timothy Murphy, Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C.

Terry Nelson, Terry Nelson Consulting

Taylor Newton, King & Newton

Jay O’Brien, J.M. O’Brien & Company, P.C.

Ronda Parish, Robinson Donovan, P.C.

Thomas Parkman, Harvey Industries

John Pedro, Sr.
John Pedro Real Estate Associates

Ray Pieczarka, Dee Service, Inc.

Dora Robinson, United Way of Pioneer Valley

Attorney Chris Scott, Smith & Wesson

Mary Ellen Scott, United Personnel Services, Inc.

Health Care Committee Chair
Thomas Tubman, Carlin Combustion Technology, Inc.

John Weiss, Ormsby Insurance Agency, Inc.

Katherine Wilson, Behavioral Health Network

Robert Ziomek, Westfield State College