Community Business Associates (CBA), the official referral program of the Chamber, is an established business group focusing on networking and community involvement. Membership in the group is subject to an additional application and fee, and open to only one industry category at a time---for example, one real estate agent or lawyer or restaurant operator, though in certain cases this restriction is negotiable.

CBA meets on the second and fourth Fridays of each month at Old Sturbridge Village’s Oliver Wight Tavern. Guests are welcome to attend meetings to learn about CBA activities, and all Chamber members are encouraged to attend meetings with guest speakers. Meetings are designed to provide a venue for networking, enhance your public speaking skills, exchange of business referrals and marketing ideas, and guest speakers who share their knowledge of the latest developments in business. Comprised of local business owners and professionals, CBA is committed to establishing and strengthening relationships with companies and community organizations in the Chamber’s service area through networking, education and trust.

Meeting format:

• Introduction of attendees and “elevator pitch” skills development
• Guest speaker presentation followed by Q&A
• Discussion on local developments, businesses, Chamber events
• CBA business
• "Breakout topic" discussions and problem resolution ideation
• Networking and passing of referrals

2012 Speakers and Topics include:

• Dennis McCurdy: “Two Things” to turn around 2012
• John Chapin: Sales tips from a Master
• Michael Donnolly: Making Messages that Matter
• Steve Gamlin: Confident Communications
• Debby Hoffman Adair: The Power of Compliments
• Margo Chevers: The ‘BS’ of Bad Service