Ambassador Program
The Springfield Regional Chamber Ambassador Program offers a unique opportunity to act as an influencer within the greater Springfield community and work to expand your reach within the business sector, all while helping SRC increase its membership and impact.
As an Ambassador, your enthusiasm and desire to make a positive impact will be the keys to your success. Gain a better understanding of the volunteer initiatives required of an Ambassador and the significance of the Ambassador role below:
- Ambassador profile on the Chamber’s website
- Social media spotlight
- Newsletter spotlight
- Meaningful networking opportunities
- Exclusive positioning as part of the Welcome Committee at events
- Direct communication with regional leaders
- Learning opportunities that will build your resume, promote your business/organization, and advance the Chamber’s reach
To be an active member of the Ambassador program, you must be willing to make the following 12-month commitment:
- Complete an application for the Ambassador program.
- Attend monthly Ambassador meetings (in-person and virtual meetings, depending on the month).
- Maintain ongoing communications with assigned member and prospective member contacts.
- Call and email members to invite them to upcoming meetings and programs.
- Participate in the Chamber’s social media engagement.
- Serve as part of the Welcome Committee at monthly SRC events.
- Visit or patronize a local business at least once a month – but more than that is encouraged! Show your support through photos and word-of-mouth promotion through your network.
If an Ambassador is not employed at an SRC member company in good standing upon joining the program, the Ambassador has a 60-day period to onboard their company and solidify their company’s Chamber membership. Any Ambassador who voluntarily resigns from the Ambassadors program may re-apply for activation following the same procedures as a new Ambassador.
Ambassador meetings are held on a mutually agreed-upon date and time each month, in person at Chamber offices or via Zoom. Monthly meetings are held to update Ambassadors on upcoming involvement opportunities, identify each Ambassador’s 2-3 prospects/new members to cultivate that month, discuss outreach strategies to those members/prospects, and assign tasks. These meetings also monitor the progress of Ambassadors as well as celebrate successes from the past month.
In addition to building relationships with new and prospective members, ambassadors serve as greeters and support staff at SRC’s signature events. Event support assignments are discussed at each meeting for the following month’s event(s). Greeters assist at the registration table, welcome guests to the event, and perform other duties as needed. As an added benefit, ambassadors assisting with the event or escorting a new member will be granted entrance at no charge.
- Ambassadors assisting with an event receive complimentary registration.
- Ambassadors in good standing who are not assisting with an event receive a discount to that event.
- Ambassadors receive a personalized nametag indicating they are an Ambassador.
- Ambassadors are featured on the Chamber’s site to share with co-workers and connections easily.
- Ambassadors are highlighted in our social media channels, linking back to the profile page on our website.
- Ambassadors are spotlighted in our monthly Member Communication with wide distribution throughout the community.
- Upon designation, Ambassadors are announced in a press release shared with all local media outlets.
We would love to have your voice heard in a greater capacity in our regional business community. Take a seat at the table and be part of something bigger.
Meet Our Ambassadors
Nicole Blais
Chief Executive Officer
HCS Head Start, Inc.
Nicole's Profile
Meet Nicole Blais, Chief Executive Officer of HCS Head Start, Inc. and proud Springfield Regional Chamber Ambassador. Nicole first connected with the Chamber through her nonprofit work, attending events that offered valuable networking and community engagement opportunities. A highlight of her involvement was participating in the Leadership Institute in partnership with Western New England University, which she describes as an experience that “really helped me grow both personally and professionally.”
Nicole’s positive experiences at Chamber events sparked her interest in becoming an Ambassador. She enjoys being part of a supportive, welcoming team and working alongside Chamber staff and fellow Ambassadors to strengthen the local business and nonprofit community.
Her advice for anyone considering membership or the Ambassador program: “Being involved with the Springfield Regional Chamber has been such a rewarding experience. It’s a great way to build connections, stay in the loop on what’s happening in our region, and continue growing as a leader.”
Outside of work, Nicole enjoys trying new recipes, planning day trips, and relaxing with a good book on the beach.
If you’re inspired by Nicole’s story and want to get more involved, consider joining the Chamber’s Ambassador Program. It’s a great way to represent the Chamber, welcome new members, and play an active role in strengthening our region.
Bill Cole
Owner/Founder
Tiger Web Designs
Bill's Profile
Meet Bill Cole, owner of Tiger Web Designs and a long-time member turned Ambassador with the Springfield Regional Chamber.
Bill’s connection to the Chamber dates back so far he has lost count. As he was building Tiger Web Designs, a B2B business, he knew he needed to be in front of as many local businesses as possible, and the Chamber delivered. The relationships he built through membership continue to support his business today.
After being involved with the Chamber for years, Bill decided to step into the Ambassador role as a way to give back to an organization that played a key role in helping him grow his business. He also saw the opportunity to increase his visibility within the local business community, and that instinct proved right. Becoming an Ambassador has helped strengthen his presence, expand his connections, and continue building momentum for Tiger Web Designs.
When it comes to Chamber programming, Bill enjoys the full range of events, but the Government Reception are his favorite. For him, they strike the perfect balance of fun and productivity, creating space for real conversations that often turn into meaningful business relationships.
Bill encourages anyone looking to get more connected to consider joining the Chamber. “If you want to plug into your community and build lasting relationships with local business people, the Chamber is the place to do it,” he says. Taking it a step further as an Ambassador, he adds, elevates that experience even more.
Outside of work, Bill is deeply involved in the community. He serves as President of the nonprofit Living Local 413, enjoys playing music, and values spending time with his friends and family.
We are proud to spotlight Bill and grateful for the energy, experience, and commitment he brings to the Springfield Regional Chamber community. Want to learn more about the Ambassador Program and get involved? Explore how you can join and make an impact here.
Michael Epaul
Owner/Founder
Epaul Photography
Michael's Profile
Meet Michael Epaul, the owner of Michael Epaul Photography and a Springfield Regional Chamber Ambassador. Michael is dedicated to building community and strengthening our region as a local business owner and as an Ambassador who fosters collaboration and builds meaningful connections.
Michael's passion for establishing relationships within the business community led him to join the Springfield Regional Chamber 14 years ago. Now an integral part of our Ambassador Program, Michael makes tangible connections, grows his network, and gains valuable volunteer and outreach experience.
Super 60 has become Michael's favorite Chamber event throughout his years of involvement. Our renowned event, which brings together diverse individuals and businesses, provides an ideal platform for collaboration and expanding horizons.
When Michael is not busy capturing life's moments through his lens or expanding his reach with the Chamber, he enjoys boating, fishing, woodworking, and cooking. On a day off, Michael watches Top Gun (the original!) with his two cats, Kona and Juno, by his side.
Michael wholeheartedly believes that others should consider joining the Springfield Regional Chamber. Through the Ambassador Program, individuals can tap into a dynamic network of like-minded professionals and unlock growth opportunities. The Chamber's collective strength and shared vision create an environment where businesses can flourish and reach new heights!
If you share Michael's enthusiasm for meaningful connections and professional growth, consider joining the Chamber's Ambassador program. Together, we can drive the economic vitality of our region and make Springfield much more than just a place on the map!
Kathy Mague
Senior Vice President
Behavioral Health Network
Kathy's Profile
Meet Kathy Mague, Senior Vice President of Behavioral Health Network (BHN) and a proud Springfield Regional Chamber Ambassador. In her role at BHN, Kathy values strong relationships and community connection, making the Chamber a natural fit both professionally and personally. She sees the Chamber as a meaningful way to stay connected to fellow members, engage with the Greater Springfield community, and as she puts it, have some fun along the way.
As a self-described “doer” with a service-oriented mindset, becoming a Chamber Ambassador felt like a natural next step for Kathy. The Ambassador Program allows her to support the Chamber’s important events, welcome new members, and play an active role in helping things get done. For Kathy, the opportunity to contribute while meeting new people and strengthening community ties is what makes the experience so rewarding.
When it comes to Chamber events, Kathy especially enjoys Fire & Ice and the Chamber’s topic-specific breakfasts. Fire & Ice offers a relaxed, enjoyable way to connect with others and celebrate the community, while the breakfast programs consistently deliver timely, relevant insights. As Kathy shares, “The topics of the breakfasts are always really on-point to what we need to know, and I walk away with new information and helpful contacts every time.”
For those considering joining the Springfield Regional Chamber, Kathy’s advice is simple: if you’re looking to build strong relationships within the Greater Springfield business community, the Chamber is a great place to start. With events that are informative, engaging, and well attended, members can expect productive networking opportunities in a welcoming environment.
Kathy’s enthusiasm, commitment to service, and belief in the power of connection make her a valued member of the Ambassador team. If her story inspires you, consider getting involved with the Chamber’s Ambassador Program and helping strengthen the business community we all share.
Candace Pereira
Vice President, Business Development Officer & Portfolio Manager
Windsor Federal Bank
Candace's Profile
Ramona Rivera-Reno
Executive Director, Reentry & Recovery Program
MassHire Holyoke
Ramona's Profile
Meet Ramona Rivera-Reno, Executive Director of Reentry & Recovery Programs at MassHire Holyoke and Springfield Regional Chamber Ambassador. Ramona first connected with the Chamber through workforce development collaborations and community engagement efforts. Drawn to the Chamber’s ability to bring people and organizations together, she saw it as a natural partner in advancing inclusive hiring practices and strengthening the regional economy.
Ramona was inspired to become an Ambassador because of her deep belief in the power of connection and collaboration. In her work at MassHire Holyoke, she has witnessed firsthand how a single introduction or shared resource can open doors and change the course of someone’s career. For Ramona, serving as an Ambassador is both a chance to give back and a way to further the Chamber’s mission of building a stronger business community.
One standout Chamber moment for her was attending an event where local leaders shared their personal and professional journeys. “The authenticity and passion in the room reminded me of why this work matters,” she reflects. Whether through educational panels or informal networking, she values the Chamber’s ability to create spaces that inspire connection, innovation, and action.
Her advice for others considering membership or the Ambassador program is simple: “It’s not just about networking; it’s about building real relationships and being part of something bigger than yourself. The Chamber opens doors, and if you’re willing to show up and get involved, it can truly make a difference.”
Outside of work, Ramona enjoys time with her large blended family, especially bragging about her grandchildren. Married to her best friend for more than 40 years, she loves camping and sitting by the fire. She also enjoys crafting, dancing, and traveling, filling her life with laughter, love, and community spirit.
If you’re inspired by Ramona’s story, consider joining the Chamber’s Ambassador Program. It’s a meaningful way to represent the Chamber, welcome new members, and be part of a team working to strengthen the business community and our region.
Jackie Seklecki
Director of Strategic Accounts
BANKW Staffing, LLC
Jackie's Profile
Meet Jackie Seklecki, Director of Strategic Accounts at BANKW Staffing and proud Springfield Regional Chamber Ambassador. BANKW Staffing is a family of specialized staffing companies serving Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, offering expertise in accounting, finance, IT, HR, administration, and more.
For Jackie, the Springfield Regional Chamber is more than just a business network—it’s a welcoming and inclusive community. The Chamber's commitment to fostering a positive environment inspired her to become actively involved and take on the role of Ambassador.
So far, Jackie’s favorite part of being involved with the Chamber has been the people. Whether connecting with someone new during pre-event mingling, sharing a meal with fellow members, or engaging in community events, she finds meaningful connections with each interaction.
If you’re looking to get more involved in the community and make new connections, Jackie recommends joining the Chamber! “There is something for everyone, it just depends on what you’re looking for. The Springfield Regional Chamber offers networking opportunities, access to other members, visibility through sponsorship and marketing, and connection to legislative matters,” she said.
When not busy with work or supporting the Chamber, Jackie enjoys cooking new recipes or finding new dinner places to try with her husband. You can also find her spending time with her two children or decompressing with a reality TV binge session. Jackie is a proud pet owner of her three-year-old French Bulldog, Pepper.
Jackie's dedication to the Springfield Regional Chamber and her vibrant personality make her an invaluable asset to our community. We extend our gratitude for her commitment and look forward to the many years of partnership to come! If you want to make a difference like Jackie, learn more about our Ambassador Program here.