Strengthening Communities. Advancing Regional Growth.
For 125 years, the South Shore Chamber has been the driving force behind economic growth in our region — advocating for a vibrant business climate, supporting employers, and strengthening the communities we serve. But as our region evolves, so do the challenges we face. Workforce shortages, housing pressures, infrastructure needs, and a lack of coordinated regional data require more than advocacy alone — they require investment.
Why the Foundation Exists
The South Shore Chamber Foundation was created to expand the Chamber’s impact beyond traditional membership and programming. As a 501(c)(3) public charity, the Foundation allows us to secure philanthropic, corporate, and government funding that the Chamber and the South Shore Economic Development Corporation cannot access on their own.
Its purpose is simple: to fund projects and initiatives that strengthen our communities, support local businesses, and drive inclusive economic growth across the South Shore.
Its purpose is simple: to fund projects and initiatives that strengthen our communities, support local businesses, and drive inclusive economic growth across the South Shore.
How Our Three Entities Work Together
Together, the Chamber, the EDC, and the Foundation function as a unified regional engine:
- The Chamber — The Voice: Advocacy, member engagement, and business support.
- The EDC — The Strategist: Planning, data analysis, and long-term regional initiatives.
- The Foundation — The Funder: Aligning charitable resources with strategic priorities and turning strategy into action.
Our Mission
South Shore Chamber Mission
We are the driving force behind economic growth on the South Shore. We advocate for a vibrant business climate, provide the resources businesses need to succeed, and strengthen the communities we serve.
Foundation Mission
We are the philanthropic arm of the South Shore Chamber, aligning charitable resources with strategic priorities. Through grants, partnerships, and initiatives, we advance the Chamber’s mission to grow the workforce, support local businesses, and strengthen the communities of the South Shore.
We are the driving force behind economic growth on the South Shore. We advocate for a vibrant business climate, provide the resources businesses need to succeed, and strengthen the communities we serve.
Foundation Mission
We are the philanthropic arm of the South Shore Chamber, aligning charitable resources with strategic priorities. Through grants, partnerships, and initiatives, we advance the Chamber’s mission to grow the workforce, support local businesses, and strengthen the communities of the South Shore.
Our Vision
A South Shore where businesses thrive, people have good jobs and housing, and every community prospers.
Early Priorities
The Foundation’s initial focus includes:
These efforts are not separate from the Chamber’s work — they amplify it, allowing us to scale impact in areas where investment is essential.
- Workforce development, especially in our largest regional industry — healthcare
- Talent pipeline strategies that support employers and attract new workers
- Regional data initiatives that help the South Shore compete for resources and investment
- Community-strengthening projects aligned with long-term economic prosperity
These efforts are not separate from the Chamber’s work — they amplify it, allowing us to scale impact in areas where investment is essential.
Leadership and Launch Timeline
The Foundation will officially launch on January 1, 2026, with founding board leadership including:
Governance, compliance, and early pilot initiatives are currently being finalized as we prepare for launch.
- Peter Tedeschi, Chair
- Deirdre Savage
- Carol Bulman
- Additional community and business leaders now being considered
Governance, compliance, and early pilot initiatives are currently being finalized as we prepare for launch.
