As national and state officials lay out their plans to get the economy moving, it's important to remember that local action is important, too. I'd like to take a few minutes of readers' time to remind them of what the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce has done -- and is doing -- to bolster business in Wareham and surrounding towns.

The Cape Cod Canal Chamber, established in 1972, has a long history of working with community leaders on economic development and community issues.  Here are are a few examples:

We are a Regional Chamber delivering services to businesses seeking customers from local and surrounding towns.    

CCCRC maintains a website and member database allowing us to report referral numbers to our members on a regular basis.   We are ahead of industry standard with most social media outlets.

A South Shore/Canal Region Economic Development Organization has been approved by the State to boost economic development efforts at the local level, especially in Wareham.  The Mass. Office of Business Development approved this collaboration between the Plymouth Area and Cape Cod Canal Region Chambers, due to their ability to bring together a partnership for 11 municipalities.

We have a long history of working with the Wareham Village Association and the Onset Bay Association to promote and participate in their programs and activities.

The CCCRC has been at the forefront of the Cape Cod Canal Centennial Committee which includes many representatives from Wareham, including the Village Association, the Onset Bay Association, the Wareham Historical society, and the Harbormaster.

We have been vocal regarding important Town Meeting articles pertaining to zoning, hotel and motel taxes, split tax rates, and other issues affecting the business community.

Yearly, our Foundation donates a scholarship to Wareham High School and funds to Damien’s Food Pantry, and to other schools and non-profits in the region.

We coordinate with the Mass. Small Business Development Center to provide FREE business counseling services to all businesses.

CCCRC helped promote and participated in two Wareham Works Summits organized by the Town.

Marie Oliva is President and CEO of the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce.  For more information or a complete Wareham report, go to www.capecodcanalchamber.com or call 508-759-6000.