Falls Chamber of Commerce faces fight to survive, works to rebrand

SOMERSWORTH — The Falls Chamber of Commerce, in a tough financial position, is looking to local municipalities and business communities to help as it works to rebrand.

"The Falls Chamber is at risk of closing, is in dire financial need," said Bonnie McNair, the chamber's executive director told the Somersworth City Council Monday night. "We need donations, sponsorships and new and renewed memberships. We need help to spread the word. Businesses thrive when there is the support of a strong chamber, and we want to continue to be that for our area."

The Falls Chamber of Commerce has a mission to be an "active partner in improving the economic health, business environment and vitality" of Somersworth and Rollinsford, as well as Maine communities of Berwick, North Berwick, and South Berwick.

McNair said the chamber has already begun taking steps toward recovery.

"We have new initiatives like our upcoming holistic Wellness Fair," McNair said. "We are planning our second 3K Fun Run, this one with costumes. We are planning an inaugural Women of Influence Summit. "

McNair said the chamber is working with Darcy Creative of Portsmouth to rebrand. She said the chamber plans to unveil its new look at its annual winter gala in December.

"We started a 'name the chamber' contest, and that's ongoing," she said. "We are looking forward to events, like a street festival and a farmers market. I am here asking for support from the council."

Chamber last rebranded in 2018

The chamber could be headed for a third name in about six years. Formerly the Somersworth Chamber of Commerce, the chamber rebranded as the Falls Chamber of Commerce in summer 2018. At that time, similar issues about financial problems and a need to attract more members were cited.

City Council members on Monday night expressed their support for the current effort to keep the chamber alive. Councilor Ken Vincent asked McNair for a contact number to pass around to local people of interest.

Chamber director says it provides vital services for businesses

McNair said good things are happening in Somersworth and businesses are coming here.

"Many people begin a business because it is a passion for them," she said. "You like to bake; you open a bakery. You like hair, you open a salon. That passion is great, but a Chamber will help with the business aspects, something you might be less versed in. We can help you succeed because we can offer so many resources, many you might not know exist yet. We build the connections between places like the Small Business Administration, the BIA and will know first about the availability of federal dollars to help a business."

McNair said she sees more and more women running businesses and she wants to celebrate that. That's why she is planning a summit in November to celebrate and honor achievements of women.

"We have strong women, and I want that community to become involved in the chamber," she said. "We can help each other to be great successes."

Falls chamber director identifies challenges

Unlike the nearby Greater Dover and Greater Rochester chambers of commerce, which, McNair noted, are well established with long-standing leadership, The Falls chamber lacks continuity.

"When I started here last August, I was already in a concerning place," she said. "There have been three executive directors in the past five years. When I dug into the books and saw the extent of the situation, the finances, the low membership, I knew I had work to do. The chamber, with only about 100 members, was relying on membership dues for its support. We have a caring board, but there are steps we need to take."

One problem McNair said, is its nonprofit status. She said The Falls Chamber is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit and needs to transition to a 501(c)(3).

"That status is detrimental to our seeking certain types of donations that we really need," she said. "So, I am working to remedy that. Right now, we are leaving money on the table."

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Also, McNair noted, chambers like Dover, Rochester and Portsmouth have dedicated buildings and offices.

"We have a small space in the Dumais, Fernald and Fuller CPA building," said McNair. "We don't even have a sign to tell people where we are. You could walk right by my door and never know I was here."

McNair said she is aware some local businesses have joined other local chambers of commerce, and she want to lure them back.

"I am in this for the long haul," she said. "I will find the way to make us a success. This is a passion project for me, and I believe in it. "

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Falls Chamber of Commerce faces fight to survive, works to rebrand