When you hear the words "Chamber of Commerce", you might think business, or a group that helps companies thrive, and employees network. Well, one local chamber has a new name but the same hometown pride.

The North East Region is the heart of grape country. Where wine flows from more than a dozen wineries, and charming downtown businesses surround a community park.

Nearby is what used to be known as the North East Chamber of Commerce, but after COVID, was re-branded as Enjoy North East.

“We’re kind of the open door to the community," said Jennifer Smith. 

Smith is the director of Enjoy North East, which puts on a host of holiday and community events every year.

But the biggest one is Wine Fest. A more than 45-year tradition, highlighting the work of local wineries. And it’s the primary source of revenue for Enjoy North East.

The organization also has a seat on the local group: Downtown North East. 

"That is a small group that is kind of our grant writing arm," said Smith. "Since the inception of ECGRA, downtown North East has helped bring more than a million dollars in funding to North East."

Local winemaker and restauranteur, Michael Yori, has been on the receiving end of some of those grants. 

"Working with them as a business owner is great, because if we can be in conjunction with them, and get people to town, then it benefits everybody in town," said Yori. 

Helping to beautify the facades of downtown North East businesses is just part of what the organization does. They also work to beautify parts of Gibson Park like the art zones seen on the sidewalk.

Enjoy North East is the primary organizer of the community art installation project. The organization is also a haven for all that the quaint community has to offer residents and especially visitors. 

"I've seem this happen just in my few years here," said Smith. "They come for an event, they might buy a home, they might start a business, or they might just find a way to be more involved in the community."