Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce

What it reported doing in 2025

In 2025, the chamber strengthened the local business ecosystem through direct support, referrals, visibility, and networking opportunities. The chamber welcomed 57 new members in 2025 and ended the year with over 380 active members. Through programming and events such as a small business resource fair, a+ awards, and business expo, the chamber increased opportunities for members to build relationships, promote their services, and access community connections. Chamber staff supported member businesses through introductions, problem-solving assistance, marketing visibility, and visitor-facing referrals.in 2025, the chamber delivered 21 signature and networking events with over 2,000 attendees, and (continued on schedule o)organized community programming that increased foot traffic, strengthened local identity, and generated support for chamber services. Events such as lighting of the merry maple engaged residents, visitors, local businesses, and institutional partners, creating shared experiences that support local spending, downtown vitality, and community connection. Our amherst area gift card program surpassed $220,000 in total sales with 770 gift cards sold. Looking ahead we remain committed to advancing economic development, fostering meaningful connections and strengthening meaningful connections, and strengthening our chamber's strategic direction. Our focus in 2026 will be on expanding advocacy efforts, workforce initiatives, and small business resources to ensure a thriving and inclusive economy. With a strong foundation, engaged membership, and a collaborative approach, we will continue to serve as a catalyst for business success, a champion for local economic development, and a connect of people ideas, and opportunities.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: Limited
• Program expense ratio: Limited
• Fundraising efficiency: Limited

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 87.5%; rating input score 88; 4th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: 58%; rating input score 58; 47th percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Limited
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 64th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 2 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 25
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Fail
  • Whistleblower policy: Fail
  • Document-retention policy: Fail
  • CEO compensation review process: Fail
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Missing
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Fail

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -6.4%; rating input score 23; 23rd percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 0.53; rating input score 26; 26th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.36; rating input score 11; 11th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 22.9%; rating input score 16; 16th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: Limited
• Revenue growth: 5.5% per year; rating input score 100; 49th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 12% per year; rating input score 100; 67th percentile among comparable filings