When Chris Conway became Executive Director of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce in 2018, he brought with him a clear vision: to create an organization that met businesses where they were and guided them toward meaningful growth.
Now the chamber’s president and CEO, he continues to do just that — leading a 580-member chamber that is, Chris says, the largest single-town chamber in Connecticut and a model for community engagement across the region.
“Our goal is always to meet people where they are and provide value regardless of their size, industry, or stage of growth.”
Before he ever stepped into the chamber world, Chris spent 19 years at Barnes & Noble, rising through the ranks in management. That experience, he says, taught him more than just the mechanics of running a business.
“I learned a lot about leadership and management there,” he recalls. “Barnes & Noble was really good about training their managers. We had access to incredible thought leaders. Those experiences shaped how I manage teams and lead an organization.”
His path to the chamber world, however, wasn’t direct. After Barnes & Noble, Chris spent time in the insurance industry, where he was introduced to the West Hartford chamber as a member.
“I encountered so many different types of businesses through that work, and it struck me that any business could benefit from chamber membership—whether you're a startup or a big company,” he says.
That insight led him to the Waterbury Regional chamber, where he served as Membership Director and launched several successful recruitment and retention initiatives. In 2016, Chris received the West Hartford chamber’s Spotlight Award for his work on the annual golf tournament. By April 2022, he had officially been promoted to President and CEO of the chamber—a role that perfectly blends his business acumen with his passion for community development.
Under Chris’s leadership, the West Hartford chamber has grown significantly. Member retention remains a key point of pride.
“We’re getting more members, and they’re sticking around. That tells me we’re offering value.”
A significant milestone was the creation of the Minority Business Network, a member-driven initiative aimed at fostering inclusion and representation.
“It wasn’t just me—it was our members who saw the opportunity, gave feedback and got involved,” he notes. “We’re actually the only suburban chamber in the state that has something like this.”
What sets the chamber apart, Chris believes, is its member-centric approach. “We always ask questions: What are your goals? What do you need? We then match those needs with our programs and benefits,” he says. “An insurance broker and a company with 200 employees are going to have very different needs. We understand that, and we tailor our approach accordingly.”
The chamber’s influence extends far beyond West Hartford. While headquartered in town, it has members in over 50 municipalities across four states. “That’s a testament to our reach and the value we’re providing,” Chris says.
A major focus of the chamber is programming that reflects the interests of its members. One large cohort is in the health and wellness space, so events and initiatives have been customized to reflect that demographic. “We try to create value for all members, no matter their size or sector,” Chris says.
Visibility, he says, isn’t the only way to benefit from chamber membership.
“You don’t have to be at every event or function,” he says. “Some of our restaurant and manufacturing members aren’t physically present often, but they still benefit from the work we do. A rising tide lifts all boats—and that’s what we aim for.”
So why choose West Hartford?
“The town is always looking forward — what’s next, what’s possible,” Chris explains. “When a business comes here, they’re not just supported by the chamber, but by the town government, the community and the residents. That’s a huge part of why we’re successful.”
The chamber also maintains a strong presence through social media, local publications and word of mouth.
“Our members are our biggest fans,” Chris says. “They tell others, ‘You’ve got to join. Here’s how the chamber helped my business.’ That’s the best kind of marketing you can ask for.”
As he looks ahead, his focus remains clear: support members, strengthen the community and ensure West Hartford remains one of the best places in Connecticut to live, work and grow a business.
“West Hartford is a great place to do business. We’re fortunate to have an incredibly diverse and engaged membership.”
West Hartford Chamber of Commerce
948 Farmington Ave.
Phone: 860-521-2300
Email: info@WHChamber.com
Online: WHChamber.com
On Facebook @WestHartford.Chamber