Chambers of commerce have arguably lost their luster over the last decade as their memberships have waned in Connecticut and nationally. But two chambers that have either withstood the test of time or gotten a shot in the arm recently are the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, led by Larry McHugh, and MetroHartford Alliance, led by David Griggs.
McHugh has by far the most active chamber in Connecticut with more than 2,000 members, and his monthly meetings are typically headlined by top statewide or even nationally known business, political and other leaders.
A former high school teacher and football coach, McHugh is also known as one of UConn’s biggest boosters, having served as the school’s board of trustees chairman from 2009 to 2017. In 2018, the school named an academic building after him — Lawrence D. McHugh Hall.
Griggs is a relative newcomer to the state having taken over the Alliance in 2018. Since then, he’s completely reshaped the organization, turning it more into an economic-development entity that is playing a larger role in recruiting companies and talent to Greater Hartford. Just as important, Griggs has the backing of major downtown corporations, including Travelers Cos., which have poured more money into the Alliance to support its new mission.