Think Franklin First - gift cards now on sale

"Today is the day! Think Franklin First gift cards are now available for purchase both online and at Dean Bank!  

You can redeem the gift cards at the local businesses pictured below beginning next week!  

www.franklingiftcard.com #thinkfranklinfirst #GivetheGiftofFranklin #localsupport #shoplocal #keepitlocal Dean Bank, Random Smile Project"

Buy your gift card online = www.franklingiftcard.com

Or in person at the Dean Bank branch office on Main St, Franklin

Use the gift cards at these participating Franklin businesses =   https://franklingiftcard.com/participating-businesses

Shared from Facebook =   https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopFranklin/permalink/3334797786630718/

Think Franklin First - gift cards now on sale

Keep It Local - Support Franklin Businesses

Keep an eye open for the new Keep It Local signs in the windows and on the doors of many Franklin businesses. The Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) has been distributing the signs to remind people of the importance of continuing to support our local establishments who have been hit so hard by the pandemic. Residents and businesses are invited to take photos with the signs and post them on Facebook and Instagram. Tag the FDP on those posts and the FDP will share them on its social media.

"We need to keep the focus on our local businesses, not only during the holiday season, but throughout the winter,” said FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana. “The Partnership reminds members of the community to spend locally whenever possible.“

If you would like to support local Franklin businesses, join the FDP as a resident member for only $25 a year. Visit the FDP website or email downtown.franklin@yahoo.com for more information.

The FDP is a non-profit 501©3 organization made up of nearly 300 residents, business owners and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org

 

Keep It Local - Support Franklin Businesses

Town of Franklin, MA: Think Franklin First gift cards coming Nov 25

"BIG NEWS ALERT! We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of Think Franklin First gift cards!

With the incredible support of Dean Bank & the Random Smile Project, these Franklin-only gift cards will be available for purchase beginning on Wednesday, November 25th.

See more... https://t.co/XQ3RcLIvwj"

"They will be redeemable at a wide variety of local businesses! This economic development initiative is intended to help support our local businesses by directing spending away from competition/online retailers into our local economy, where it makes an important impact"

"especially in these difficult times. Stay tuned for more information as we move towards our official launch date! http://franklingiftcard.com #shoplocal #shoplocalma #ThinkFranklinFirst"

 

Think Franklin First gift cards

Think Franklin First gift cards coming Nov 25

Town of Franklin, MA : Reason #6 to #ThinkFranklinFirst

"Reason #6 to #ThinkFranklinFirst is a big one! Taking time to find items you want /need locally, rather than buying them online, is well worth the effort! #KeepItLocal #ShopLocal #LocalEconomy #ItMatters #Franklinma https://t.co/j33MVuCmX6

Town of Franklin, MA :  Reason #6 to #ThinkFranklinFirst

FM #383 #shopFranklin Sarah Mabardy - 11/04/20 (audio)

FM #383 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 383 in the series.

This shares my discussion with #shopFranklin’s organizer Sarah Mabardy. Our discussion was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

This is the start of sharing the conversation Sarah and I have around how to help the small businesses of Franklin. We have some thoughts, you may too. If you have questions, ideas, or suggestions, feel free to reach out to Sarah or myself.

The recording runs just about 26 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sarah   Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-383-shopfranklin-sarah-mabardy-11-04-20

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Facebook page for #shopFranklin: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopFranklin

 

#ThinkFranklinFirst reason referenced about keeping dollars local    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/town-of-franklin-ma-when-you-spend.html  

 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Facebook page for #shopFranklin

Reason#5 to #ThinkFranklinFirst

"Reason#5: Local businesses create local jobs! Consistently supporting small businesses helps them to thrive! As they grow and expand, they often need more help, which means new local employment opportunities!" #ThinkFranklinFirst #ItMatters #KeepItLocal #ShopLocal

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1323375235622731779

 

Reason#5 to #ThinkFranklinFirst

Keep It Local - Support Franklin Businesses

As part of its Keep It Local - Support Franklin Businesses campaign, the Franklin Downtown Partnership is distributing these signs to local businesses. Please look for these signs on businesses doors or windows and support our local establishments!

Keep It Local - Support Franklin Businesses

Shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page
https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2020/10/look-for-keep-it-local-signs.html

Note: Franklin Matters/Steve Sherlock is a individual member of the partnership and proud supporter

#ThinkFranklinFirst

Reason #4 to #ThinkFranklinFirst

Reason #4 to #ThinkFranklinFirst: 

Local support! #localeconomy #smallbusiness #shoplocal #keepitlocal #itmatters 

https://t.co/KO3ks83P96

Reason #4 to #ThinkFranklinFirst

Town of Franklin, MA: Reason #3 - #ThinkFranklinFirst

Everyone loves a great customer service experience! Local businesses enjoy getting to know you, love sharing their passion for their business & want to do everything possible to make you feel good about choosing to visit their establishment! #ThinkFranklinFirst #KeepItLocal  

 

Town of Franklin, MA:  Reason #3 - #ThinkFranklinFirst

 

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/GxZ6C3U7NE

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!