Posts Tagged ‘news’
GMC Staff & Board News
GMC Staff & Board News
June 9, 2026
The Greater Monadnock Collaborative Regional Chamber of Commerce (GMC) is pleased to announce several exciting updates, including a staff promotion, a new addition to the team, a new Board Chair, and board leadership appointments for two GMC representatives.
Jessica Johansson Promoted to Director of Marketing & Communications
Jessica Johansson has been promoted to Director of Marketing & Communications, a new role that reflects the growing scope of her work and GMC's continued investment in its communications and marketing presence across the region. In this position, Jessica leads the organization's marketing strategy, brand communications, content development, digital presence, and membership marketing.
Jessica served on the GMC Board of Directors from 2022 to 2024 before joining the staff in August 2024 as Membership Engagement Coordinator. She brings a blend of creativity and strategic thinking to her work, and this promotion recognizes the depth of her contributions to the organization and the communities it serves.
Welcome, Tracee Bergeron
GMC is also thrilled to welcome Tracee Bergeron to the team as Executive Administrative Assistant. Tracee serves as the first point of contact for anyone reaching out to the GMC office, whether by phone or in person, and plays a key role in keeping daily operations running smoothly.
As always, the entire GMC team remains available to answer questions about membership and the many programs and resources available through the chamber.
Andrew Richardson Elected Board Chair
At its April meeting, the GMC Board of Directors elected Andrew Richardson as Board Chair for a term running through September 2027. Andrew is Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at Savings Bank of Walpole and brings a strong commitment to regional economic vitality and the business community of the Monadnock Region.
GMC also extends its sincere gratitude to Chris Coates, outgoing Board Chair (County Administrator, Cheshire County), for his dedicated service and steady leadership over the past 18 months. His commitment to the organization and the region has helped guide GMC through a period of growth and momentum.
Joining Andrew Richardson and Chris Coates on the Executive Committee are Andy Bohannon, Incoming Board Chair (City of Keene), Sarah Brothers, Secretary (C&S Wholesale Grocers), and Rich Scheinblum, Treasurer (Monadnock Community Hospital), each of whom brings valuable expertise and leadership to the organization as GMC continues its work to strengthen the Monadnock Region.
Board Appointments
GMC President & CEO, Julie Schoelzel, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire (BIA), the state's chamber of commerce, where she will represent the interests of the region's business community at the state level.
Director of Marketing & Communications, Jessica Johansson, has been elected to the Board of Directors of Maps Counseling Services, a nonprofit mental health center that has provided quality therapeutic services to children, adults, and families in the Monadnock Region since 1973.
Rounding out GMC's team is Michelle DellaVita, Director of Leadership Monadnock, whose extensive involvement in community and civic organizations throughout the region continues to strengthen the partnerships and relationships that are central to GMC's work. Her leadership and commitment to the Monadnock Region are reflected in her service on numerous local boards, committees, and community initiatives.
GMC is proud to see its leadership engaged beyond the organization, strengthening the connections that benefit businesses and communities throughout the Monadnock region and the state.
About the Greater Monadnock Collaborative Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Monadnock Collaborative is a nonprofit membership organization serving employers and professionals across Southwestern New Hampshire. As the region's chamber of commerce and regional promotion organization, GMC advocates for the business community and works to build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life in communities throughout the Monadnock region. Learn more at greatermonadnock.com.
The GMC’s Move to Marlboro Street
The GMC’s Move to Marlboro Street
Dear Members,
For 36 years, 48 Central Square has served as home first to Keene's Chamber of Commerce, and now the Greater Monadnock Collaborative (GMC) Regional Chamber of Commerce. That small brick building, a former bank at the heart of Central Square, has long been home to the team behind our ribbon cuttings, business celebrations, leadership programs, regional marketing, community conversations, and countless moments that have strengthened and connected our region.
As we look ahead to the future of the GMC, we have made the decision to sell and move out of our longtime home and begin a new chapter, one that positions us to better serve our members, strengthen our regional mission, and give us the flexibility to thoughtfully plan our next permanent location.
Beginning in January 2026, the GMC will maintain an office at 310 Marlboro Street in Keene, where I will work consistently and where you can continue to meet with me and our team. This transitional space allows us to stay fully operational while giving us the breathing room we need to evaluate where the Chamber should be located for the next generation of our work. During this time, we will explore options, gather input, and ensure our long-term home aligns with the needs of our members and the region we proudly serve.
310 Marlboro Street carries its own remarkable history of innovation, craftsmanship, and resilience, mirroring the very qualities that define the Monadnock Region’s business community.
Built in 1947 as a paintbrush factory, the building went on to serve Kingsbury, Don Brehm’s early precision manufacturing ventures, and later a mix of educational and social service organizations. In recent years, it has been reimagined as “@310,” a flexible hub for businesses, our new home, and soon a sustainable live-work community with 57 apartments (not to mention, GMC’s newest member!).
Moving into a space with this kind of history, and into a project that will soon bring much-needed housing to our region, reflects the values we carry forward: innovation, collaboration, sustainability, and community impact.
While our physical footprint will temporarily be smaller, our work will not be. We will continue hosting events, convening leaders, supporting businesses, championing regional marketing, and moving our strategic initiatives forward with the same energy and commitment you expect from us. Most importantly, this move gives us the opportunity to step back, ask big questions, and ensure the Chamber’s next permanent home strengthens our mission, expands our reach, and reflects the future we want to build together.
We will also be taking this moment to be more present in the community, holding meetings, conversations, and even “office hours” at member businesses across our region. This transition is as much about flexibility as it is about connection. You’ll hear more about that in early 2026.
Thank you for your continued support, your belief in our work, and your partnership during this transition. After 36 years in one place, change brings both emotion and possibility, and I am confident this step positions the GMC for long-term success.
Finally, I want to express my gratitude for the generations, past and present, of Chamber leaders, staff, Board Directors, and members who have carried this organization for over 70 years. This stewardship built a legacy that inspires us today and will continue to shape our path forward.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. I look forward to welcoming you to our new temporary space and, more importantly, to seeing you out in the community as we continue to move our region forward.
With gratitude,
Julie Schoelzel
President & CEO
Greater Monadnock Collaborative
P.S. Please update your records with our new address – we’re ready to start receiving mail today!
Greater Monadnock Collaborative
310 Marlboro Street, Suite 207
Keene, NH 03431