Town of Franklin, MA: When you spend locally, the money stays locally

"For every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in the community. What happens when you spend that same $100 at a national chain? Only $43 stays in the community.* 

That is a GREAT reason to #ThinkFranklinFirst"

*Source https://t.co/HDBCQktNef (top link to page) 

Detailed link http://www.civiceconomics.com/indie-impact.html

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/P6d4BVXfvw

Town of Franklin, MA:  When you spend locally, the money stays locally

"Why does keeping it local matter so much? There are PLENTY of benefits to spending money on goods and services in your hometown! 

Stay tuned every Monday for our Top 10 Reasons to #ThinkFranklinFirst! 

#topten #keepitlocal #staylocal #benefits #shoplocal #localbusiness #localgoods "

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/vHrAFEaouY

Watch "Think Franklin First ‐ A Keep It Local Campaign" on YouTube

Video link = https://youtu.be/G9tsuCx7uiM 

"Breweries in Pandemic Times" - #thinkFranklinfirst

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Chilly weather didn’t stop a devoted group of thirsty customers from huddling on the concrete patio outside the small Idle Hands brewery one evening last week. Tractor-trailers rumbled past on a busy four-lane road. The clickety-clack of the Orange Line could be heard nearby.

Despite the gritty backdrop, all six outdoor tables were occupied and replenished with India pale ale, pilsner, lagers, and other craft beer. A few steps away, drive-up customers walked just inside the empty taproom to pick up their favorite ale and cart it home.

Chris Tkach, the owner, said he has managed to weather the near-constant reinvention forced on his small business by the pandemic. Revenues are down only 10 to 15 percent so far this year, he said. But as temperatures fall, Idle Hands and the state’s 200 other breweries worry whether all the changes they have made to stay afloat since March will be enough.

“The next six months could be excruciatingly challenging,” said Jack Hendler, co-owner of Jack’s Abby in Framingham. “A lot of breweries have been able to get through the past three months, but it has yet to be seen what will happen over the next few.”

 

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/10/01/lifestyle/hard-hit-breweries-shiver-thought-winter/

This is an opportunity to #thinkFranklinfirst and consider 67 Degrees Brewing Co when looking for craft beer

https://67degreesbrewing.com/

In the News: "Gov Baker touts tax-free weekend, $2M local biz ad campaign"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Gov. Charlie Baker visited a bicycle shop in Belmont on Tuesday, admitting after a tour that he and his wife, Lauren, have “kicked the idea around for awhile” of buying themselves bikes.

Baker insisted, “No, I wasn’t shopping,” but suggested he might take his own advice this weekend and go out to get himself two new wheels during the the state’s annual sales tax holiday weekend.

“I think it would be great if everybody who’s looking to buy pretty much anything that they’ve been putting off or that they might do at some point down the road to find a way to go out and make that happen,” Baker said Tuesday, after touring the award-winning WheelWorks bike shop, co-owned by Clint Paige.

The official reason for Baker’s visit was to draw attention to the upcoming tax-free weekend and announce a $2 million ad campaign that will run through the end of the year, encouraging residents to shop, dine out and travel at local stores and destinations."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200825/baker-touts-tax-free-weekend-2m-local-biz-ad-campaign?rssfeed=true

The "My Local MA" web page  https://www.findmylocalma.com/

Gov Baker's press conf video  https://youtu.be/BwxCT9IT-tI

 

Franklin Downtown Partnership Reminds Residents to "Keep It Local"

The Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) wants to remind residents to “keep it local” by supporting small businesses in Franklin who have been there for them year after year.

With this in mind the FDP's goal is to provide Franklin residents with one place they can visit for all updated information on local businesses, as well as one website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, which lists small businesses in Franklin that sell gift cards.

“During this time of social distancing, the Franklin Downtown Partnership is working hard to keep the community updated on the re-opening plans for each business,” said FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana. “With each new opening phase there is new information that needs to be communicated to residents. The FDP is committed to getting this information out in a timely manner.”

Franklin Downtown Partnership

Businesses should email the FDP at Downtown.Franklin@yahoo.com so they can get their updated business information listed on the Partnership website.

Franklin business owners or residents who would like to receive the FDP newsletters should contact the FDP office. The newsletter provides updates on local businesses, town news and information that affects local businesses. The FDP also provides lots of information through social media - follow the FDP on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of more than 300 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. Visit www.franklindowntownpartnership.org for more information. 

What Small Businesses Need Now

"A month ago, if you had told me that schools and colleges would be closed, graduations postponed, all NCAA and pro sports cancelled, restaurants and bars forcibly shuttered, non-‘essential’ businesses closed down, and gatherings of more than 10 persons forbidden, I would have thought you were cooking up an elaborate April Fool’s joke. If you had added that it would be impossible to purchase chicken, beef, eggs, or toilet paper, I would have asked what you were smoking.

Sigh. If only.

We’re living in some deeply weird times, which are presenting some unique challenges, none more so than for small businesses. Restaurants- my heart just breaks for them. Pubs and diners may be able to-barely-scrape by with takeout, but fine dining restaurants are not set up for that. Many of them will simply not survive this.

What Small Businesses Need Now

And what about other businesses that have been forced to close? Clothing stores, toy stores, book stores, nail and hair salons…yeah, way too many to name. Small businesses are fragile. More than 50% of new small businesses fail in the first year-in normal circumstances. Being forced to close your doors is not a normal circumstance. No money coming in, while rent, utilities, insurance, and other liabilities still need to be paid? That’s a small business nightmare.

The coronavirus relief bill that (finally) passed Congress will help, but will it be in time, and will it be enough? Honestly, we all need to do our part to ensure that the small businesses that keep our communities vital can hang on until this is over.

So please, if you can, order takeout from a local restaurant. Contact services you usually use (hair, nails, massage, etc) and buy a gift certificate. They’ll get the money now, you can use the service later. Before buying something from Amazon, see if a local merchant would be willing to deliver that item to you. If a shop is still open, but you don’t want to enter a public space, ask if they’ll do curbside pickup for you. Each of these is a small gesture, but a multitude of small gestures just may save these businesses.

Eventually, this too shall pass. Let’s help make sure our treasured small businesses survive to see that day."

Ann Williams - Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits  https://pourrichardswine.com/

Shared with permission
https://pourrichardswine.com/whats-new/what-small-businesses-need-now/

Simon's Furniture: Coronavirus Emergency Operations - OPEN FOR BUSINESS

"Dear Customers,

The Governor has ordered a shutdown of all non-essential businesses. As an appliance retailer Simon's is allowed to stay open per the governors order.

We are down to critical employees only and are practicing extreme physical and social distancing. We are also no longer allowing anyone into our showrooms or warehouse.

If you have a scheduled delivery our warehouse is open and we are still delivering product. If you need to change your delivery please contact us 48 hours in advance.

Please feel free to contact us with any concerns, below is a list of key contacts. Our main office number is 508-528-0501.

Donna Arpin - Director of Operations - darpin@simonfurniture.com
Jared Simon - Director of Sales and Marketing - jsimon@simonfurniture.com
Kirk Simon - General Manager - ksimon@simonfurniture.com

Sincerely,


The Team At Simons"

Shared from an email. Visit them online
https://www.simonfurniture.com/promotions/miscellaneous/2020/03-our-showroom-is-closed/with-chat/savings.html?

Simon's Furniture: Coronavirus Emergency Operations

Shades IN Place: This wasn't the plan! (3/22/20)

Keeping you up to date on the latest...

The Blind Spot March 2020 I hope that you are safe and well during this crazy time. Like me, I bet you did not plan to stay put in your own home this Spring. In fact, I was scheduled to head down to Charlote, NC for a national convention this coming week. But sometimes, life throws a curvy ball at us, doesn't it? We are living an unprecedented time and a global crisis that no one ever considered be possible (other than Hollywood movies) Every business and every person / family will get a punch. Some will feel it harder than others, but nobody is out of the woods.  I am sure that my shade business is not your top priority at this moment. I get that, but please consider supporting the local small businesses in your neighborhood. They have a smaller financial cushion than large corporations. Order food from local restaurants, keep your house cleaner schedule and why not get your shades from a local shady guy? My hope is that since you are spending extra time inside your home, you will notice those twenty-year old mini-blinds must go. All jokes aside, I wish that you and your family stay safe, wash your hands often and consider social distancing to slow the spread of the virus. We are a strong nation and UNITED STATES to fight this pandemic. God Bless America and the World. Roger Magalhaes started in the window coverings industry in 2006 as a part-time installer for a national chain. After only two months, he was asked to leave for "standing out." Clients continuously requested him over the other installers and this didn't sit well with his colleagues. He knew he was on to something! Following this experience, Roger traveled to many parts of the country, acquiring formal training and receiving certifications from respected vendors such as Somfy, Hunter Douglas, Norman Shutters and Lutron. He also attended the Custom Home Furnishings Academy for formal installation training focusing on drapery and other soft treatments. Roger is the owner of Shades IN Place, Inc., located in the Boston area. He has done installations in seven states, as well as Cape Cod and the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. He is the founder of the Facebook group Free Speech Window Covering Pros, a regular columnist for Window Fashion VISION magazine, a presenter at the International Window Coverings Expo and the installation instructor for the Window Fashion Certified Professional FastTRACK program. Learn more 508-520-6700   roger@shadesinplace.com   www.shadesinplace.com   ‌ ‌

Shades IN Place Inc. | 76 Grove St, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by roger@shadesinplace.com in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

B I N G O, and Bingo was his name oh! #ShopFranklinBINGO

Catching up to sharing this #ShopFranklinBINGO card

Thanks to Melanie Hamblen for creating this excuse to visit some Franklin retail locations!

"Happy March! Happy #ShopFranklinBingo month. Bring this card with you as you #ShopFranklin for the month of March. Have the shop keeper sign and date the square that corresponds to your purchase. Be creative and most of all have fun! 

Turn in one Bingo, or fill up the card. Your BINGO's are entries into raffles. More than one entry is allowed. 

Turn the cards in by April 7 for some awesome prizes. Purchases must be from locally owned, independent businesses."

Download your #ShopFranklinBINGO card here or via the embedded file below
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NdEVKi7WCbh8qwRh_2O3ODnTFSxgcUEJ/view?usp=sharing

B I N G O, and bingo was his name oh!

This was shared from the #ShopFranklin Facebook post
https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopFranklin/permalink/2628373703939800/

Choose and cut your own Christmas tree at Lyon Landscape Nursery

"Looking for a Christmas tree this year?

Come on over to Lyon Landscape Nursery located on 250 Bent street starting Friday (11/29) at 8 AM to get your own locally grown tree. Trees under 8’ are $55, over 8’ $75."

We stopped by on Saturday to walk the rows of tree to pick out a nice one for our house.

Choose and cut your own Christmas tree at Lyon Landscape Nursery (Lyon Nursery Facebook photo)

Info shared from Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2793680260645052&set=gm.2461858754084136&type=3&theater

Melanie Hamblen says "Thank you!"

Via Facebook post by Melanie Hamblen:

"This was amazing. Thank you everyone for participating. Together we can stomp out the stigma of addiction and support our community. 

Jen Knight of the SAFE Coalition and I picked out 21 games at Pete's Nerd Emporium Wowza! Thank you Franklin!"

With collaboration among the #ShopFranklin business like this, here is a good reason to visit both establishments (if you haven't already).

Jen Knight of the SAFE Coalition and I picked out 21 games at
Pete's Nerd Emporium Wowza! Thank you Franklin!

close up on the games selected, quite a variety!

The Facebook post can be found
https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopFranklin/permalink/1852416648202180/

The challenge ran from Nov 24 to Dec 8
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/11/charitable-givings-with-petes-and.html

For more information about the work of the SAFE Coalition
http://www.safecoalitionma.org/

"You know you’re going to like it when you leave here”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"It starts with the distinct flavor of Italian basil, freshly plucked from the garden -- summer distilled down into a teaspoon, washing pleasantly over every taste bud. 

And then it transforms and there are strawberries, warmed by the sun, lingering like a late June twilight, a luxurious afterthought. 

The taster’s face blooms with pleasure: The pairing of basil-infused olive oil and strawberry balsamic vinegar is a pure delight. The connoisseur grins, pleased to have elicited such a response. He pokes a finger into the air in a “just wait” gesture, his expression speaking volumes. He has another palatable creation to share. 

“This!” he says, taking up a small sampling cup from atop a thick cutting board, “This is a sweet pepper stuffed with mascarpone and drizzled with Saba, which is a traditional dark balsamic vinegar.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181216/at-franklins-little-shop-of-olive-oils-taste-is-what-its-all-about

The Butter infused olive oil is great for making popcorn

Lyon Landscape and Nursery: pick and cut your Christmas tree

"I would like to say thank you to all the folks who came to the first annual Xmas tree sale at our farm. The sale exceeded my expectations. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday. Unfortunately, we have sold out of all our trees for this year.
Next year we will have a larger selection of taller and fuller trees. Best of luck in the New Year."
-Alex Lyon, Lyon Landscape Nursery Inc.

updated Dec 2, 2018

"After 7 years of planting, watering, fertilizing, and mowing, our first crop of Frasier Fir Christmas trees are ready for harvest. I invite all friends, family, and valued customers who have supported my Landscape Contracting business over the years to stop by for a locally grown organic Christmas tree. 

We will be open the next (3) weekends 10 AM - 4 PM starting today. We are located at 250 Bent Street, Franklin MA. 

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and all the best in 2019!"

Lyon Landscape and Nursery: pick and cut your Christmas tree (courtesy photo)

Visit Lyon Landscape and Nursery on the internet
https://www.lyonlandscapenursery.com/

Shared via Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2215154692098617&set=p.2215154692098617&type=3&theater

Check out Coffee In Italia

"As the holiday season gears up, check out new(ish) Franklin owned business www.coffeeinitalia.com for gift ideas for those coffee fiends in your life! Like our page and get notified when our Black Friday sales start. 

Or, order now using code "LOCALFREEDELIVER" and pay no shipping if you live in Franklin ... get it delivered straight to your doorstep!"

From the About page:

"Our history with Italian coffee goes back a few years and during that time we've made all the mistakes possible! We received a Moka as a gift and managed to break it after the first use because we paid no attention to the direction not to twist it by the handle. We've learned why the pressure valve is important when making stove-top espresso. We've learned why Italian baristas looked at us knowingly when we order Cappuccino after lunch. We've stared confusingly at an unrequested glass of water provided by the barista in various parts of the country. 

Our Italian travels have deepened our love of espresso, not just the drink itself, but more importantly the culture around it that you find in Italy. Popping into a bar in the early morning, late morning, before and after lunch or whenever you need a boost and some chiacchierata (a chat). The process of going to the register to order and pay the reasonable price, then heading to the counter with the receipt for the barista, standing there to drink it. Perfetto! 

We plan this site to be more than a place to buy espresso and espresso makers at great prices (although if that’s all you want to do, go for it!). Together we will create a community of like minded Italophiles, travelers, former expats, espresso lovers as well as those who either want to reminisce about their magical Italian experiences or prepare for a new adventure. 

We also will be blogging about new coffees, coffee makers, espresso machines and other offerings by the great Italian companies that we love so you can join in the conversation there... "

Let’s talk!
Adrianna and Beppe

screen grab of Coffee In Italia

FTC Consumer Alerts: New materials on cybersecurity for small business

New materials on cybersecurity for small business by Rosario Méndez Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC If you own a small business, you know it's critical to protect your business from cyber threats. Today (Oct 18, 2018), the FTC launched new cybersecurity resources for small businesses. What better time to check out these new resources than now – it's National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and this week's theme is cybersecurity at work. The campaign is co-branded with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/10/new-materials-cybersecurity-small-business?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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In the News: benefits to ballroom dancing; few contests for Primary; Plymouth gearing for 400th Anniversary

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Nina DiPerrio started teaching at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Franklin about the same time “Dancing with the Stars” premiered on ABC in 2005. Her bragging rights include performing with professionals from the hit show who were encouraging and eager to share their knowledge. 

DiPerrio credits the popular television show with bringing an influx of new students to the studio and changing the demographic. Younger people especially, are eager to give ballroom dancing a whirl. 

“Most people say it’s something they always wanted to do, but never tried before. ‘Dancing with the Stars’ showed that it’s doable, that dance is not something that is out of their reach,” said DiPerrio, who started dance lessons at age 5. “The Fred Astaire studios put a lot of emphasis on community and the social aspect, and create a very encouraging and inviting atmosphere.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180901/shall-we-dance-from-salsa-to-foxtrot-ballroom-dance-is-all-rage

Debunking Common Ballroom Dance Myths

"With just a couple days to go before primary elections, contested races have heated up across Massachusetts. 

The primary, scheduled for Tuesday, will decide which Democratic and Republican candidates will go on to run against one another in the general election scheduled for Nov. 6. 

This year, the primary is scheduled for the day after Labor Day, which could complicate voting for some people, such as families with school-age children and college students, who might be leaving the state."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180901/few-contested-races-could-impact-voter-turnout-for-sept-4-primary

Primary Election Info for Sep 4
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/primary-election-info-for-tuesday-sep-4.html

"With the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Plymouth Colony a little more than a year away, state officials this past week looked ahead to what the commemoration would mean for Massachusetts. 

Michele Pecoraro, executive director of the nonprofit organization Plymouth 400, offered up the countdown at a press conference Tuesday in the State Library, where she said the 2020 event series would “reflect the history and culture of the commonwealth from a holistic view.” 

“The native people and English settlers left historic footprints throughout Massachusetts, from Provincetown to Mashpee, from Aquinnah to Plymouth and right on into Boston and beyond,” she said. 

The Plymouth 400 “signature events” will launch on April 24, 2020 with an opening ceremony and run through Thanksgiving week. They will deal with themes including exploration, innovation, self-governance, immigration and religious expression, Pecoraro said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180901/state-plymouth-gear-up-for-quadricentennial

Dress Code Boutique - "Sneak Peek" Party - Dec 16

"So thrilled to invite you all to our grand opening "sneak peek" party Saturday December 16, 2017 for Dress Code located at 58 East Central St Franklin, Ma 

Come take a look at the beautiful one of kind 2018 prom and pageant collection for this upcoming year. Meet scouting agents for the Miss USA and Teen USA pageant system, hair and makeup stylists to help our prom girls this season, skincare experts and not to mention gift with purchase for any gowns you take home that night! 

RSVP to stacey@staceyfrasca.com 

See you all there!!! Drop in times for Saturday December 16 5:00-8:00 PM"

Dress Code Boutique 

58 East Central St 

Franklin, Ma 02038 

508- 440-5591

Dress Code Boutique - "Sneak Peek" Party - Dec 16

Small Business Saturday - Nov 25, 2017

While American Express helps to celebrate Small Business Saturday, many of us know how important it is to shop local and #shopFranklin all year.

Small Business Saturday is a holiday shopping tradition that happens every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. 

Founded by American Express in 2010, this nationwide movement helps bring attention to the importance of supporting small businesses in communities across America.

There are plenty of small business to  wisely spread your dollars around.

View the Franklin map to see the small businesses identified by American Express

https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/maps/near=Franklin,MA,02038/cl=42.0697133,-71.38836350000001?linknav=us-open-shopsmall-globalheader-map&lang=en-US

Small Business Saturday - Nov 25, 2017

Eat, Drink and Shop Local Holiday Extravaganza - Nov 30

Name: Eat, Drink and Shop Local Holiday Extravaganza
Date: November 30, 2017
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST

Event Description:
Interested in being a retail or food vendor? Want to have your looks walk the runway? See link for more info and sign-up forms. 
http://business.milfordchamber.org/events/details/eat-drink-shop-local-holiday-extravaganza-1076

Download, complete and send back to kbrown@MilfordChamber.org or call us at 508.473.6700.

Location:
Lake Pearl
299 Creek Street
Wrentham, MA

Contact Information:
Kelley Brown, Director of Programs & Services
Send an Email

Fees/Admission:
$25 per person

Eat, Drink and Shop Local Holiday Extravaganza - Nov 30

The Little Shop of Olive Oils - Sampling Sundays - Nov 4 to Dec 24

Come join us at The Little Shop of Olive Oils on Sundays during the holidays and sample some of the finest Ultra-Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Aged Balsamic Vinegars from around the word. You can also check out delicious samplings of Tapenade, Pesto and various Dips from local chefs (while they last). Try the stuffed peppers and olives too!

Treat yourself!

From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM every Sunday until December 24

For more about Little Shop of Olive Oils, visit them on the web
https://www.shopevoo.com/