Showing posts with label United Chamber of Commerce. Show all posts
Showing posts with label United Chamber of Commerce. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Franklin (MA) News Summary as of June 2, 2023

The Franklin Town Council approved the FY 2024 budget with a unanimous 9-0 vote on May 25, 2023. The Town has a balanced budget with minor increases to Police, Fire, and Senior Center funding. However, the Franklin school budget remains short $2.3M from what they requested.

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen has a plan to add about $700K to the school budget and that is up for Town Council vote on June 7, 2023. Assuming it passes, the schools still need to adjust their budget down by about $1.6M. The schools and Franklin are faced with hard choices.

It may seem like tough budget choices this year but according to the fiscal outlook it will get even tougher next year. Hence, now would be a good time to get involved and be part of the discussion to understand the cost drivers, and what can be done with what we have.

The one good item coming out of the Council and Finance Committee budget hearings seems to be a consensus on truly taking some action to resolve this systemic budget problem. The Joint Budget subcommittee will be tasked with that. The Subcommittee is composed of 4 Town Councilors, 3 from the School Committee and 3 from the Finance Committee. This group has its work cut out for themselves.

They don’t need to do it alone.

An informed resident can provide input to help this subcommittee make the best decision when it comes to advising the Town Council with our budget priorities for FY 2025 and beyond.

Also on the bright side, the 9th Annual Strawberry Stroll is scheduled for downtown Franklin Friday, June 9 from 4 to 9 PM (rain date June 10). Additional info on the event can be found on the Downtown Partnership page -> https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2023/06/many-activities-and-booths-set-for-june.html 

Subscribe to Franklin.news to get the info on all these discussions and links to the budget documents, the video, and audio replays of the meetings as they progress.

Find us at www.franklin.news/ and subscribe for one email per day.

Franklin News Summary as of June 2, 2023
Franklin News Summary as of June 2, 2023

This was originally shared via the United Regional Chamber of Commerce weekly newsletter. Businesses should consider becoming a member -> https://unitedregionalchamber.org/

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Ribbon Cutting for New United Regional Chamber of Commerce Member Attleboro Dental Group

Friday, Sep 29, 2022, we cut the ribbon at new United Regional Chamber of Commerce member Attleboro Dental Group, 1174 South Washington Street, Suite 400, North Attleboro (across from the Emerald Square Mall in the 7 Mile Shops).

 

Dr. William Herr and Dr. Andrew Luccio welcomed the group and State Representative Adam Scanlon presented a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives from himself and Senator Paul Feeney. Feeney’s Chief of Staff Keith Drucker represented the senator at the event.


Attleboro Dental Group is open for all dental care procedures and emergency needs. Protecting the health and safety of their patients, families, and team members is their number one priority. Their office in the 7 Mile Shops is this practice's second location, the first being Capron Park Dental, which is across the street from the park. Patients are able to go to either location which opens up more available hours for treatment.

 

At Attleboro Dental Group, their goal is to provide superior dental care for patients in Attleboro as well as the surrounding towns of Mansfield, Plainville, North Attleboro, Norton, Valley Falls, and Central Falls. Their team has decades of experience in dentistry. Combining that expertise with their state-of-the-art dental offices results in dental care unlike any other.

 

To learn more about Attleboro Dental Group, visit www.attleborodentalgroup.com. To schedule an appointment, call 774-331-0260.


L to R: URCC President/CEO Jack Lank, Senator Paul Feeney’s Chief of Staff Keith Drucker, State Representative Adam Scanlon, Dr. William Herr, Dr. Andrew Luccio, Casey Araujo, Christina Powers, Dr. Aliza Hanif, Carolyn Rogers, Sandra Barbosa, Dr. Alyssa Neelley, Jessica Pfanstiehl
L to R: URCC President/CEO Jack Lank, Senator Paul Feeney’s Chief of Staff Keith Drucker, State Representative Adam Scanlon, Dr. William Herr, Dr. Andrew Luccio, Casey Araujo, Christina Powers, Dr. Aliza Hanif, Carolyn Rogers, Sandra Barbosa, Dr. Alyssa Neelley, Jessica Pfanstiehl

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Looking for a Job? Consider stopping at the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets - May 19

Full-time & part-time positions available at Wrentham Village Premium Outlets retailers & restaurants. The United Regional Chamber of Commerce members will also be tabling on the turf area to promote local business's hiring. Come with your resume for on the spot interviews & more.

Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 4 PM

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets

Looking for a Job? Consider stopping at the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets - May 19
Looking for a Job? Consider stopping at the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets - May 19

Friday, May 6, 2022

Looking for a Job? Wrentham Village Premium Outlets - May 19

Full-time & part-time positions available at Wrentham Village Premium Outlets retailers & restaurants. The United Regional Chamber of Commerce members will also be tabling on the turf area to promote local business's hiring. Come with your resume for on the spot interviews & more.

Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 4 PM

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets

Looking for a Job? Wrentham Village Premium Outlets - May 19
Looking for a Job? Wrentham Village Premium Outlets - May 19

Friday, March 18, 2022

Do you know about our Chamber of Commerce Job Board?

Are you looking for a new employee or looking to hire a new employees? 

We have a fabulous Job Board! An exclusive benefit for our member companies, our Job Board is a valuable tool for hiring managers looking to attract and find new talent. Currently, the following members have available positions: The Arc of Bristol County, School of Rock Attleboro, Paul Davis of Boston South, Metro West and Rhode Island, Attleboro Kitchen and Bath, and HMEA.

To view these jobs, visit unitedregionalchamber.org/job-board/. If you have a position to fill, please forward your job postings to jack@unitedregionalchamber.org .

We're looking forward to helping you fill your open positions.

 

Jack Lank, IOM
President & CEO

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce
310 South Street
Plainville, MA 02762
Phone:  508-316-0861

www.unitedregionalchamber.org

"People Do Business With People They Know"

Do you know about our Chamber of Commerce Job Board?
Do you know about our Chamber of Commerce Job Board?


Wednesday, May 19, 2021

We're Teeing Off; Registration and Sponsorships Open for Our Golf Tournament






SPECIAL eNews

Registration and Sponsorships Open for Our Golf Tournament

Register by June 10

 


 

 

 

Time to Register

 

This year's URCC Golf Tournament

will be Monday, June 21

at the Norton Country Club

We're looking forward to teeing off with you again this year.

We're so glad to see the state opening up.

Register by June 10:

$185 per golfer or $210 per golfer with passport*

*Passport includes automatic entry into the individual hole competitions

Sign up today! Email Jack Lank or call him (508) 316-0861.

 

Schedule

11:00 a.m. - Registration and Boxed Lunch

11:30 a.m. - Putting Contest

Noon - Shotgun Start (Sharp!)

5:00 p.m. - Awards Dinner, Cash Bar, Raffles 

If you have any questions, please call the chamber office at 508-316-0861.

 If you're interested in being a member of the golf tournament support team the day of the event, please contact Jack Lank at jack@unitedregionalchamber.org.



The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 310 South Street, Plainville, MA 02762


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Friday, May 7, 2021

SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund

SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund

The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location.

Eligible entities who have experienced pandemic-related revenue loss include:

  • Restaurants
  • Food stands, food trucks, food carts
  • Caterers
  • Bars, saloons, lounges, taverns
  • Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars
  • Bakeries
  • Brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms
  • Breweries and/or microbreweries 
  • Wineries and distilleries 
  • Inns 
  • Licensed facilities or premises of a beverage alcohol producer where the public may taste, sample, or purchase products

Learn more about on their website here https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/restaurant-revitalization-fund

SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund
SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund


"Thank you to all who registered and attended yesterday’s informative session on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund with Dan Martiniello from the SBA.  ….and the Chamber is here to help you!

Attached is Dan’s presentation.  And if you want to watch or listen, the video link is below.  Dan also provided links to help make life easier for you as well.  These links are below.  If you need further assistance or direction, please feel free to contact you local Chamber and we will direct you to the right people to help you!

RRF Registration Link:   SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund::<https://restaurants.sba.gov/requests/borrower/login/?next=/>

RRF Sample Application: SBA Form 3172 Restaurant Revitalization Funding Application (Sample only)<https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2021-04/SBA%20Form%203172%20RRF%20Application%204.20.21-508.pdf>

RRF Program Guide Updated 4/28/21: Restaurant Revitalization Funding Program Guide as of April 28, 2021 (sba.gov)<https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2021-04/Restaurant%20Revitalization%20Fund%20Program%20Guide%20as%20of%204.28.21-508_0.pdf>

RRF FAQs: Restaurant Revitalization Fund Knowledge Base – SBA Restaurant Program (zendesk.com)<https://ussbaforgiveness.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/categories/360005965311-Restaurant-Revitalization-Fund-Knowledge-Base>

RRF Website Informational Landing Page on SBA.gov: Restaurant Revitalization Fund (sba.gov)<https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/restaurant-revitalization-fund>

Video of Info Session:  https://www.youtub
e.com/watch?v=-wdoCyMa_3E&t=4s"


Saturday, January 2, 2021

New York Times: "A Canadian ‘Buy Local’ Effort Fights Amazon on Its Own Turf"

 

"The snow was falling outside Ali Haberstroh’s apartment in late November when the idea came to her. 
At the time, Canada was nearing a second lockdown to curb rising coronavirus cases. In anticipation, the owner of a vintage clothing store in Toronto who is a friend of Ms. Haberstroh’s had put together a list of other local vintage shops offering curbside pickup and deliveries in lieu of being able to open their doors. 
“It was a wake-up call,” Ms. Haberstroh, 27, said of the list, which reminded her how enormous retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon had thrived during the pandemic while many smaller, local businesses had been shut. “I thought if there is one tiny thing I can do to help, then I should get on it.” 
Inspired to build a more comprehensive list, Ms. Haberstroh promptly created an Instagram post, tagging independent businesses and shopkeepers across Toronto. Included was a new website, Not-Amazon.ca — a URL that she had bought for $2.99."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

The Franklin Downtown Partnership has a similar listing of local Franklin businesses  https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/p/shop-dine-more.html

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce has two Facebook pages, one for restaurants and one for other businesses

Of course, consider using a #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card for your local shopping

consider using a #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card for your local shopping
consider using a #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card for your local shopping


Tuesday, December 15, 2020

United Regional Chamber issues the $50 Challenge


"I'm Issuing a $50 Dollar Challenge"

A Message from Our CEO/President Jack Lank 

Typically, right about now we'd be singing about "the most wonderful time of the year". It's an understatement to say that 2020 has had other plans. If you've replaced wonderful with some other choice words, I promise, you're not alone.

I always ask small business owners, "What keeps you up at night?" In the past, they responded that prime concerns are regulations or the ability to retain quality employees. This year, the most common response has been, "How is my business going to survive?" The corona virus has significantly hit our communities' economy. 

 
Jack Lank
Jack Lank

How can the chamber help? The chamber supports local business by advocating on their behalf and communicating their needs to elected officials. We work with local partners to provide a prepared workforce so that our member businesses have access to qualified employees. We hunt down resources designed to help them succeed in entrepreneurial ventures. We create networking opportunities and facilitate connections.

THIS year, especially, shopping local is what's going to keep small businesses ALIVE. The truth is we can shop and remain safe.

Shopping looks different this year, but most small businesses are still open for business. We can shop safely (masks ON please), support our community, and make a significant difference in our friends' and neighbors' lives. This isn't about politics or your opinion on wearing a mask. This is about preserving what makes our communities special before it's too late.

One study found that for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 remained in the community. However, only $43 of $100 spent at a chain retailer remains in the community.

I'll be the first to admit that I shop at the big chain retailers. Many of these businesses employ our friends and neighbors, and they're a vital part of our community. However, let's not forget the local businesses – the ones that support our children's baseball team or theater program, volunteer their time, and give to the non-profits in our community.

According to the small business support organization Independent We Stand, "If every family in the country shifted $10 a month to locally owned, independent businesses instead of national chains, over $9.3 billion would be directly returned to local economies."

I have a challenge for you: Shift $50 of your holiday budget this month to a locally owned, independent business. If you don't have $50, shift $25. If you don't feel comfortable going inside, every shop will walk products or gift cards out to your car if you'll only ask.

Post this challenge on social media with the hashtags #50 DollarChallenge, #URCC, and #Supportsmallbusiness. Check in and tag businesses on social media and post pictures to show your support.

Together we can do this. This time next year, no matter where COVID takes us, we'll all be better for it.


Jack Lank, IOM
President & CEO
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce
310 South Street
Plainville, MA 02762
Phone:  508-316-0861
www.unitedregionalchamber.org
"People Do Business With People They Know" 

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Two Facebook Pages Created to Promote Local Businesses - United Regional Chamber of Commerce is ready to help promote your business

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce (URCC) has created two Facebook pages to promote local businesses – Rally ‘Round the Restaurants and Back to Business. These pages are open to all local businesses (URCC members as well as others) that want to promote how they are innovating to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In these difficult and uncertain times, many local restaurants are struggling, day to day. Local restaurants are welcome to post their specials, events, and hours of operation on the URCC Rally ‘Round the Restaurants page (https://www.facebook.com/United-Regionals-Rally-round-the-Restaurants-109228560731634).  

URCC Rally ‘Round the Restaurants
URCC Rally ‘Round the Restaurants page

Holiday shopping has begun and the URCC wants to help by bringing customers to local businesses. These businesses can post their information including special holiday promotions and sales On the Back to Business Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/United-Regionals-Back-to-Business-106228444403838).

Back to Business Facebook page
URCC Back to Business Facebook page

The URCC has created these pages to get the word out and to help local businesses succeed.

Please contact President/CEO Jack Lank jack@unitedregionalchamber.org for more information or if you have any questions. He is looking forward to hearing from you to learn about anything that the URCC can do to help local businesses.

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

McCoy Stadium Welcomes Diners on the Diamond

McCoy Stadium Welcomes Diners on the Diamond

URCC Member Pawtucket Red Sox Adds a New Fan Experience


Everybody talks about pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic. We all have to think about how people are feeling and how we can best serve our customers.

But United Regional Chamber of Commerce (URCC) member Pawtucket Red Sox hasn't just pivoted; they've reinvented; adding an experience that hometown fans will remember forever. The PawSox, celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, had the 2020 season cancelled by the coronavirus in an announcement made by Minor League Baseball on June 30. You'd think the stadium would be empty, but it isn't. So, what are they doing?

Instead of hosting Minor League Baseball games, McCoy Stadium has morphed into Dining on the Diamond, a unique dining experience that the leaders of the organization created. When they heard Rhode Island Governor Raimondo say in late April that outdoor dining would soon return, they asked themselves, "Who has a better outdoor dining venue in Pawtucket than the actual field at McCoy Stadium?" And the idea was born. Of course, the club is complying with Rhode Island guidelines in light of the coronavirus pandemic and asks diners to wear masks (except when dining) and conduct self-screenings when they arrive at the stadium.

"One of my many roles is to ask families as they're exiting how they would rate the experience," says Rick Medeiros, the club's head of Fan Services and a friendly fixture at McCoy Stadium for years. "It's amazing how, on a scale of 1-10, the most frequently stated number is 11. Really. It's been so gratifying for all of us to present an experience that provokes so many stories and elicits so many emotions. As a five-generation Rhode Islander, I think Dining on the Diamond is the best thing, and the most therapeutic thing, we've done in years. It really gets to the heart of the families and fans — of all ages."

Dining on the Diamond started on June 5 and has continued most Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. During the four weekends in June, the PawSox hosted more than 900 families (which equated to more than 3,000 fans). The phenomenal response inspired more than 25 teams in Minor League Baseball to duplicate the concept. It paused in early July to see if it could co-exist with Boston Red Sox workouts at McCoy, and the big club gave its full support to continue the extraordinary innovation. And now there are more than 3,000 on the waiting list. That's 3,000 reservations; not 3,000 people. The tickets sell out each time in less than two hours, so if you're interested in sharing part of PawSox history, you have to move quickly.

To keep interaction to a minimum, you order your food online when you reserve your table. With ballpark fare and family-friendly pricing, the club added new items to the original menu, including a New England lobster roll, chicken caprese, and Rhode Island steak tips. The rest of the menu includes such specialty items as eggplant parmesan; barbequed beef brisket; pulled pork; and a Grand Slam hot dog smothered in bacon, pulled pork, and macaroni and cheese. More traditional ballpark offerings include Ballpark hot dogs, bigger better burgers, chicken tenders, French fries, and nachos. Vegetarians can enjoy not only the eggplant parmesan (with pasta), but also veggie bites. All dishes can also be prepared gluten free. A full variety of beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits, is available before and during dinner.

They've spread 33 socially distanced tables throughout the McCoy outfield. The number 33 has a real historic significance. It references the number of innings in The Longest Game in the history of professional baseball, played at McCoy in 1981 between the PawSox and the Rochester Red Wings, who were then the Triple-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Future Hall of Famers Wade Boggs and Cal Ripken, Jr. were among those players in the legendary game that started Saturday, April 18; continued until 4:09 a.m. Easter Sunday, April 19; and then concluded on Tuesday, June 23; a three-day game that attracted an international media throng. And this month, the club is accommodating even more families by adding more tables on the beautiful outfield grass.

And don't forget that the PawSox have a new line of COVID-19 inspired merchandise for charity, with t-shirts that read "Wash Your Paws," "Safe at Home," and "Hands…Washing Hands" which, of course, is a reference to Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline.

Members of the Waiting List have the first opportunity to secure the tables, and fans seeking personal service can call the PawSox at (401) 724-7300, daily, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Also, just announced this past Saturday are their Drive Through Giveaways starting on August 12, they'll be giving away bobbleheads and jerseys that they intended to give away at games this season. This Thursday, they'll be giving away a Keith Foulke Bobblehead. For more information and registration, visit their website.

They're really pulling out all stops to keep the PawSox experience alive. Awesome job!

McCoy Stadium Welcomes Diners on the Diamond
McCoy Stadium Welcomes Diners on the Diamond

Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development: Updates

 August 7, 2020


Good evening,

Today, the Administration announced new initiatives to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other important updates on the Commonwealth’s reopening. You can read details in the press release, while key components are highlighted below. I’ve also included resources and reminders on SBA programs for your reference.

REVISED GATHERINGS ORDER
Effective Tuesday, August 11, the Baker-Polito Administration will revise the Executive Order on gatherings to reduce the cap on outdoor gatherings from 100 to 50 individuals. The inside gathering limit will remain at 25 people. Please note: this will now apply to both public and private spaces. Read the revised Executive Order for more details.

PHASE III STEP 2 POSTPONED INDEFINITELY
Due to the recent increase in positive cases, Step 2 of Phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan has been postponed indefinitely. Refer to the Order Authorizing the Reopening of Phase III Enterprises for a list of businesses in Phase III Step 2.

CHANGE TO RESTAURANT SECTOR-SPECIFIC PROTOCOLS
Restaurant protocols have been updated to state that alcoholic beverages may only be served for on-site consumption if accompanied by orders for food prepared on-site.

CROSS-AGENCY COVID ENFORCEMENT AND INTERVENTION TEAM
The Administration also announced a targeted cross-agency COVID Enforcement and Intervention Team that will be responsible for ramping up enforcement statewide and coordinating local intervention efforts at the local level in higher risk COVID-19 communities. Read more in the press release.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION UPDATES AND RESOURCES
  • As you know, tomorrow (August 8) is the deadline for Paycheck Protection Program applications. 
  • The SBA released a PPP Forgiveness FAQ to support borrowers seeking loan forgiveness this week.
  • The SBA Massachusetts District Office also released its Small Business Resource Guide, available online with tools and information to supports businesses in both business-as-usual and pandemic-related support.
  • A reminder that SCORE, MSBDC, the Center for Women & Enterprise, and others offer virtual counseling and workshops to support small businesses; find an SBA Resource Partner here.
  • If you have not done so already, sign up for Massachusetts District Office email updates, including information about upcoming sessions, here. (The August bulletin with scheduled events for the month is available here.)

From the beginning, we’ve said that every step of the Commonwealth’s reopening will be grounded in positive public health trends. As announced today, we’ve reached what, unchecked, could be an inflection point in the reopening and recovery process – and we all need to buckle down to hold the ground we’ve covered together.

Best,
Mike
Mike Kennealy
Secretary
Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
One Ashburton Place, Room 2101

Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development: Updates
Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development: Updates