What’s in a name? For the newly named Montco Gateway Chamber of Commerce, formerly the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (EMCCC), the question was one of identity and the strides it has made in connecting business professionals countywide.
This had not always been the case. Established over 100 years ago to serve Jenkintown, Elkins Park and Cheltenham, the Chamber’s footprint has been expanding across Montgomery County and beyond through its 2024 acquisition of the Conshohocken Chamber of Commerce, investing in its Emerging Leaders program, and offering high-energy networking events and top-tier educational programming.
The name change to the Montco Gateway Chamber of Commerce was far from capricious.
Membership surveys, strategic planning sessions and a visioning session with board leadership yielded insights into what members wanted from the Chamber, and what needed to be done to meet this challenge. The new name, new website at www.MontcoGateway.com and new tagline — “Connecting today’s leaders with tomorrow’s opportunities”— was the ultimate outcome of this diligent pursuit of data and anonymous feedback.
The new changes were revealed at a “Big Reveal” event on October 15 at the Temple University Ambler Campus.
“The word ‘gateway’ in the chamber’s new name signifies multiple meanings,” said Jude Martin-Cianfiano, executive director. “We are a gateway to new locations, a gateway between generations and a gateway to crucial educational programming. Whether you’re looking for mentorship or new business connections, our chamber will connect you.”
The Montco Gateway Chamber of Commerce is the gateway for connections across the county and beyond. The Chamber is focused on where businesses are growing and opening, such as Conshohocken, Horsham and Plymouth Meeting.
The Chamber also bridges generations to create a supportive community and build leadership skills. Events span generations from Gen Z to Baby Boomers, while the Emerging Leaders Committee provides an opportunity for the next generation of leaders to learn and network with each other.
Top-tier educational programming is provided each month, such as Power Luncheons that focus on relevant issues in the local business community.
“We are excited about this new chapter for our Chamber. We are the bridge between communities, businesses and generations. Our Chamber is the pathway through which our members and potential members can and will create meaningful relationships needed to grow their businesses,” said Amy Chernow, a current board member. “Many changes are ahead, and our new identity is just one of them.”
