John C. Gregory, 25 Over Fifty-five

CHAMBER KEEPER: John C. Gregory has built the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce into a success in the 27 years since he became CEO and president. Now he’s near retirement.
 / PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY
CHAMBER KEEPER: John C. Gregory has built the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce into a success in the 27 years since he became CEO and president. Now he’s near retirement.
 / PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

25 Over Fifty-Five 2019 Award Winner
JOHN C. GREGORY | CEO and president, Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce


THE NORTHERN RHODE ISLAND Chamber of Commerce was near bankruptcy when John C. Gregory joined as CEO and president 27 years ago. Today, it’s a thriving organization representing 600 businesses in 13 communities.

Gregory’s entrepreneurial spirit is largely responsible for the turnaround. He boosted membership and sponsorship by hosting more networking events and seminars – more than 60 each year. The Chamber’s Eggs and Issues breakfasts are especially popular because they feature speakers – such as Gov. Gina M. Raimondo and Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor – who have a big influence on the business community.

“It gives [people] the opportunity to hear from these folks in more than just a sound bite,” Gregory said.

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Gregory also has been opportunistic. After the Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Federation folded, several chambers were left without lobbying support. Gregory founded the Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Coalition in 1996 to fill the void. “We had a full-time lobbyist on staff, so we talked with other chambers and said for a small fee, we’ll lobby on behalf of not only our members but your members, too.” Gregory still leads the coalition.

Collaboration has been crucial to Gregory’s success. In addition to the R.I. Chamber of Commerce Coalition, he’s a founding member of the Rhode Island Business Coalition, an advocacy organization representing business groups at the Statehouse. “We took folks who might have been considered competitors because we’re all membership-based organizations and we changed the mindset,” Gregory said. “Instead of having a small spotlight where we try to elbow each other out of the way, we make a bigger spotlight.”

Gregory has also held leadership roles at the Greater Providence and Cranston chambers of commerce. His next gig? Retirement later this year.

“I’m planning not to plan,” he said.

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