BACC-2-BACC Vol. 1: How Chamber Connections Turned Collaboration into a Statewide Win

BACC-2-BACC Vol. 1: How Chamber Connections Turned Collaboration into a Statewide Win

Collaboration is at the heart of the Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce’s (BACC) mission and goals, and several members have put that mentality into action. By combining their expertise and resources, The Black Dog Group, The Graphic Group, and CROSS Digital have demonstrated the power of partnership, and highlighted the strength and innovation of the Chamber’s local business network. 

When The Black Dog Group began preparing its response to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts PRF86 Statewide Contract, they knew that strong partnerships would be essential.

The PRF86 Contract is a Statewide Contract, managed by the Massachusetts Operational Services Division, that pre-qualifies vendors to provide a broad range of advertising, marketing, and event planning services to state government agencies and other eligible public entities across the Commonwealth.

The Black Dog Group firm was recently awarded this Statewide Contract across all five categories of service: Web-Based, Social & Emerging Media Services, Creative Services, Marketing Services, Event Planning & Support Services, and Integrated Marketing Services. The achievement reflects the dedication, creativity, and collaboration of The Black Dog Group and their trusted partners. 

“Through our membership with the BACC, we had built meaningful relationships with other member businesses whose expertise complements our own,” said The Black Dog Group CEO Liana Henry. “That network became a powerful resource.”

For this opportunity, The Black Dog Group collaborated with fellow BACC members The Graphic Group and CROSS Digital. Black Dog Marcom’s leadership and innovation helped make the opportunity a possibility, while CROSS Digital helped to strengthen their technical and digital capabilities, and The Graphic Group was as a trusted print production partner able to support public-sector agencies across Massachusetts when needed. 

Each company brought its own independent strengths to the table. The Black Dog Group led strategy, storytelling, and integrated marketing direction, CROSS Digital contributed technical insight and digital infrastructure expertise and The Graphic Group offered scalable, high-quality print production capabilities. The result was a comprehensive, competitive response that reflected the power of aligned expertise.

The Commonwealth ultimately awarded The Black Dog Group a PRF86 Statewide Contract across all categories — an achievement made stronger by the collaborative relationships that helped shape the submission. 

“This experience reflects what the Chamber does best: creating an environment where businesses build trust first — and then build opportunity together,” Henry added. “Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards. It’s about forming relationships that allow each company to remain independent, excellent in its lane, and stronger through collaboration when the right opportunity arises. We’re proud to be part of a Chamber community that makes those connections possible”.

Lori Michaud, Marketing Manager at The Graphic Group added, “The Graphic Group was thrilled to collaborate with the Black Dog Group, providing our Print Production expertise for this opportunity. Partnerships like this exemplify the mission of the BACC — building strong relationships to support mutual growth and long-term success. By working together, we strengthen our organizations, expand our reach, and create greater opportunities for collaboration”. 

The success of this effort shows the power of connection; and is an example of what can be accomplished when BACC members collaborate together. The BACC’s mission is to encourage collaboration by fostering meaningful connections and creating opportunities for shared success.

Have a story about a successful collaboration between BACC members? Email nquinn@baccma.org to be featured on the next BACC-2-BACC story!

Contributors: Liana Henry - CEO, The Black Dog Group
Lori Michaud - Marketing Manager, The Graphic Group
Nathan Quinn - Marketing Specialist, Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce