About the Chamber

More than a network, your partner in progress.

Rooted in business and community well-being, we lead with clarity, kindness, and purpose.

Our Mission

A Vital, Thriving Business Climate

The mission of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce is to create, maintain, and promote a vital, thriving business climate throughout the Amherst area, and to initiate and support the civic, educational, recreational, and economic well-being of the Amherst area.

Amherst Chamber of Commerce

Whether you’re just starting out, expanding your reach, or deepening your local roots, the Chamber gives you access to a trusted network, powerful visibility, and a platform to help shape the future of the Amherst area.

For 70 years, the Chamber has helped strengthen the Amherst area by bringing people together.

Jacob Robinson, Executive Director, October 8, 2026

Our Team

Staff

**Polina Potochevska**Marketing & Events Coordinator

Executive Director

Jacob Robinson, Executive Director since April 2024, steps down on October 16, 2026 to join the Community Development team at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. Board President Kishore Parmar and the executive committee will lead the search for the Chamber’s next Executive Director and share updates as the process moves forward. Read the announcement

Marketing & Events Coordinator

Polina Potochevska. Polina serves as the Marketing & Events Coordinator for the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. In her role, she leads the Chamber’s marketing efforts through newsletters, social media, press releases, and other communications that highlight member stories and community impact. Additionally, Polina plans and supports Chamber signature events, working closely with dedicated committee members and partners to create engaging, inclusive, and memorable experiences for the Amherst Area community.

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

**Kishore Parmar**PresidentVice President, Pioneer Valley Hotel Group

**Amy Watts**TreasurerVice President and Financial Advisor, Greenfield Savings Bank

**Sarah Barr**SecretaryAdvisor to the Provost on Campus Initiatives and Director of Community Engagement, Amherst College

**Heidi Flanders**Immediate Past PresidentOwner and Principal Designer, Integrity Development and Construction, Inc.

**Nancy Buffone**Associate Vice Chancellor for University Relations, University of Massachusetts at Amherst

**Jonathan Scully**Executive Director of Community Relations, University of Massachusetts at Amherst

**Alex Laguerra Sierra**Director of Property Management, Amherst Innovative Living

Board of Directors

**Robin Brown**Director of Sales, Inn on Boltwood

**Steve Duffy**Senior Director of Facilities and Grounds, Hampshire College

**Jennifer Faulkner**Founder, Innovate Culture Lab, LLC

**Jamie Fitzgibbon**Regional Sales Manager, Superior Plus Energy

**Jenicca Gallagher**VP, Branch Manager, Greenfield Northampton Cooperative Bank

**George Michelakis**Branch Officer, bankESB

**Ben Palkowski**Attorney, CPA, Old Colony Law

**Brian Pearson**Founder, Adventure East

**Alden Peotter**Operations Manager, Protocol

**Aelan Tierney**President, Kuhn Riddle Architects

Our committees and their members

Visitor Information Center

Welcome to the Amherst Area!

Are you visiting the Amherst Area to explore one of the Five Colleges, try a new restaurant, or enjoy a night out? You’re in the right place!

Come visit us at the Visitor Information Center in the heart of downtown Amherst at 35 South Pleasant Street, located directly across from the historic Amherst Town Common designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and steps from the historic Amherst Town Hall.

Whether you’re a first time visitor, returning after a long hiatus, or are a longtime resident looking for information about upcoming community events and local attractions, our team is here to help. We proudly serve the seven towns of Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Sunderland, Leverett, Shutesbury, and Pelham.

Monday to Friday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday: 10 AM to 2 PM

The Visitor Information Center is co-hosted by the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and the Amherst Business Improvement District (BID).

Visit Hampshire County · Amherst Downtown · Amherst Cultural District

Programs & Resources

What the Chamber Runs

Amherst Area Gift Cards

Experience the Amherst area and support local with the Amherst Area Gift Card. Get a taste of our local ingredients and global flavor, do a little retail therapy, or spend hours exploring our bookstores and museums. Anything is possible with the Amherst Area Gift Card. These are perfect as gifts for local Amherst Area students, family and friends and make a great local investment. They are even reloadable.

Small Business Advising

Chamber Members can sign up for FREE one-on-one advising sessions, no matter what stage of growth your business is in: business planning, financial management, marketing, and more! The Chamber’s Small Business Advising Sessions are led by Rob DelMastro, the Regional Director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Downtown Banner Program

The "Home Of" Downtown Banner Program brings color, energy, and community pride to downtown Amherst by proudly showcasing 20 Amherst-based businesses. Banners are displayed year-round in high-traffic areas in the heart of downtown Amherst, viewed daily by thousands of residents and visitors. Banner spots are selected annually on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more, email info@amherstmachamber.com.

Belonging in Business

From new startups to established businesses, the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce is here to help you connect and belong, grow, and thrive. We champion inclusion and belonging, elevate voices, and expand access to the tools and opportunities businesses need. Our commitment is action: measurable progress, meaningful partnerships, continuous learning, and a stronger, more connected community.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Chamber offers sponsorship opportunities throughout the year, with each quarter featuring at least one flagship event, making it easy to plan consistent, year-round engagement with high-impact visibility.

Job Board

Current job postings, and local, regional, and national job search websites compiled with the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center.

Start Connecting Today

You belong here. As a member, you become part of a welcoming, engaged network of business owners, civic leaders, educators, and neighbors who believe in growing stronger together. From networking mixers to affinity groups and collaborative initiatives, we create real spaces for relationship-building, support, and shared success.

Join Today Contact Us