Jack Lank talks about making connections, small business issues, and the split vs. single tax rate (audio)

FM #1508 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1508 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with Jack Lank, Executive Director for the United Regional Chamber of Commerce. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio studio on Tuesday, September 2, 2025

 

Our conversation covers Jack’s role in fostering connections amongst business and government to meet the needs of the 16 communities the organization covers. We touch on the split tax vs single rate property tax, the tariffs situation and business disruption it brings given all the legal uncertainty around them. 

The recording runs about 46 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1508-jack-lank-chamber-small-business-connections-09-02-25/

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United Regional Chamber of Commerce page -> https://unitedregionalchamber.org/ 

On Facebook main page -> https://www.facebook.com/UnitedRegional/ 

 

Ribbon Cutting at BFT in Franklin Village on
Friday hosted by United Regional Chamber of Commerce

On Facebook “Rally Around the Restaurants” -> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057116753301 

Original post in 2007

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2007/12/20-reasons-to-not-implement-dual-tax.html

Updated post in 2010 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/12/split-tax-vs-single-tax-rate.html

Updated post in 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/20-reasons-to-not-implement-dual-tax.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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share, and show you what, and how we do what we do

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

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"

The next Heart Of Massachusetts Networking & Referral Group is April 16

We’re excited to share that our good friend Bee Santangelo, will be our April 16th Sponsor of The Heart Of Massachusetts Networking & Referral Group!

next Heart Of MA Networking & Referral Group is Apr 16

Bee is the Owner of @busybsocial BusyBSocial - Social Media | Marketing | Advertising Agency. She extremely talented and is our number one referral partner! We’ve been collaborating for years on social media to bring value to the people in our lives - more specifically, the network we’ve built together. She’s a friend, mentor and networking partner. I trust her so much and can say from my heart that you’re in the absolute best hands with her helping your business with social media advertising! 🐝

You can register on Eventbrite -> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-heart-of-massachusetts-networking-referral-group-tickets-1290253265249?

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DHhXLZmxoxQ/

Reminder: MetroWest Network Group: Stephen Melanson presentation scheduled for Oct 4

Stephen Melanson

Personal Branding: How to use 'Simplicity'
to differentiate, compete, and win

 

Friday, October 4, 2024  

 

If you're looking for your next professional role, you have to break away from the pack and be clear about your value. And if it's not simple enough, it won't work as well as you need.

MetroWest Network Group: Stephen Melanson presentation scheduled for Oct 4

Why would an employer be crazy to not hire you? Do you know?

Can you verbalize it in about 5 seconds, or describe it in a few words?

 

Join us to learn how to establish a proper networking relationship. You'll learn:

•        The rules for 'Simplicity' as a business tool

•        What 'Verbal Branding' is, and how to use it

•        How to differentiate and not commoditize yourself

•        The mindset you need for selling yourself

Why you should attend: After you attend, you'll feel more comfortable presenting yourself, promoting yourself, and differentiating yourself from the other job seekers---to land the job you want.

Stephen Melanson has been a management consultant, speaker, trainer, Verbal Branding expert, and originator of the only 'Differentiation and Business Simplicity' platform of its kind. He has worked with individuals and small through Fortune 500 firms, and is currently a Multimedia professional and Brand Ambassador for the iconic Keene Sentinel in Keene NH.

 

MetroWest Networkers Group

1st & 3rd Fridays of the month: 10 am - Noon

24 Vernon Street, Framingham, MA 01701

At the offices of the First Parish in Framingham Unitarian Universalist Church

 

** This is an in-person presentation ***

Feel free to share this email and its promos.

--

Ed Lawrence

www.getstart-ed.com

CPRW; NCOPE

Certified Interview Coach

Authorized DISC Administrator

Member, CPRW Certification Committee

MetroWest Network Group: Stephen Melanson presentation scheduled for Oct 4

Stephen Melanson

Personal Branding: How to use 'Simplicity'
to differentiate, compete, and win

 

Friday, October 4^th  

 

If you're looking for your next professional role, you have to break away from the pack and be clear about your value. And if it's not simple enough, it won't work as well as you need.

MetroWest Network Group: Stephen Melanson presentation scheduled for Oct 4

Why would an employer be crazy to not hire you? Do you know?

Can you verbalize it in about 5 seconds, or describe it in a few words?

 

Join us to learn how to establish a proper networking relationship. You'll learn:

•        The rules for 'Simplicity' as a business tool

•        What 'Verbal Branding' is, and how to use it

•        How to differentiate and not commoditize yourself

•        The mindset you need for selling yourself

Why you should attend: After you attend, you'll feel more comfortable presenting yourself, promoting yourself, and differentiating yourself from the other job seekers---to land the job you want.

Stephen Melanson has been a management consultant, speaker, trainer, Verbal Branding expert, and originator of the only 'Differentiation and Business Simplicity' platform of its kind. He has worked with individuals and small through Fortune 500 firms, and is currently a Multimedia professional and Brand Ambassador for the iconic Keene Sentinel in Keene NH.

 

MetroWest Networkers Group

1st & 3rd Fridays of the month: 10 am - Noon

24 Vernon Street, Framingham, MA 01701

At the offices of the First Parish in Framingham Unitarian Universalist Church

 

** This is an in-person presentation ***

Feel free to share this email and its promos.

--

Ed Lawrence

www.getstart-ed.com

CPRW; NCOPE

Certified Interview Coach

Authorized DISC Administrator

Member, CPRW Certification Committee

Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (MNN) Annual Conference scheduled for Oct 24 in Worcester

MNN Annual Conference

Each year, the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (MNN) Annual Conference convenes one of the largest gatherings of nonprofit professionals in the state. The day-long event will include an engaging keynote session, a wide selection of exciting workshops, networking opportunities, and the presentation of our Lifetime Achievement Awards.  

Interested in attending this year’s event? The 2024 Conference will return to the DCU Center in Worcester on October 24, 2024. 

Register now! Early-Bird Rates through September 13 only.

for more about the conference ->  https://massnonprofitnet.org/events/mnn-annual-conference/

Young adult (21-35) mixers scheduled in Worcester

"Hi All!

Wanted to share this event for young adults (ages 21-35)!  

Come connect!"

Young adult (21-35) mixers

Register online -> https://bit.ly/MYANmass?r=qr

All participants must be pre-registered to attend the event! The cost is $20 per person with a 2.50 processing fee. This includes appetizers, beer and wine, and dessert. Best of all, it's a monthly mixer geared toward connecting young adults, ages 21-35, for conversation, networking, and fun. We will meet on the third Wednesday from 7-9pm every month in one of two locations which will rotate. Both locations are in Worcester with their own lots for safe and easy parking!

October 16th 7-9pm First Unitarian- Bancroft Room- 90 Main Street Worcester, MA (parking off State Street to the left of the building, entrance in the lower lot.)

November 20th 7-9 pm -The Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester- 140 Shore Drive Worcester, MA

December 18th- 7-9pm- First Unitarian- Bancroft Room- 90 Main Street Worcester, MA (parking off State Street to the left of the building, entrance in the lower lot.)

January 15th 7-9pm- The Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester- 140 Shore Drive Worcester, MA

QUESTIONS? email MYAN@uucworcester.org

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/tkYiGGLtxU7eJvya/

Metrowest Networkers Group schedules Lindsay Benedict as Speaker for Friday, August 2

The Metrowest Networkers Group Welcomes Lindsay Benedict

The Job search from a Millennial Perspective - Friday, August 2nd

The Lindsay has landed! 

Yes, she has a job, will bring treats, and wants to help you land, too.

Lindsay will discuss:

• LinkedIn tips and tricks.
• ChatGPT and how it  fits into the job search.
• Interviews- the peak interview and interviewology- the four types of personalities and how to tailor your approach
• Her approach to the job search as a millennial

Why you should attend: In these turbulent times, your job search and career transition need every edge you can apply. You also need hope and inspiration. When a fellow job seeker lands, it shows us there is still hope, and they can inspire us. Perhaps, you will learn a technique you can apply yourself.

Join us at the Metrowest Networkers Group

1st & 3rd Fridays of the month: 10 am - Noon

24 Vernon Street, Framingham, MA 01702

At the offices of the First Parish in Framingham Unitarian Universalist

https://mwnetworkers.wixsite.com/home

--

Ed Lawrence

www.getstart-ed.com

CPRW; NCOPE

Certified Interview Coach

Authorized DISC Administrator

Member, CPRW Certification Committee

Metrowest Networkers Group schedules Lindsay Benedict as Speaker for Friday, August 2

Save the date - Coach Kevin Dickie - Your Confident Mindset - June 21

Kevin Dickie

Your Confident Mindset

How Your Mindset Can Ensure Successful Networking

Friday, June 21

 

Have you consciously taken control of your life and your career?

If you go into an interview thinking that you will not get hired, you undermine your presentation and your skills, even unconsciously. Interviewers can often tell when you do not believe in yourself.

 

In turbulent times, confidence can be inspiring. Kevin will show you how to develop a confident mindset without coming off as arrogant or self-absorbed.

 

Kevin will provide:

·        Techniques to overcome self-doubt and limiting beliefs

·        How reframing your thoughts changes perspective

·        How a Growth Mindset leads to more confidence

 

Kevin Dickie is a certified Master Life Coach, Confidence Life coach, and Goal Success Life Coach, who successfully transitioned from Program Management and Customer Service into Life Coaching. He specializes in guiding people through challenging life events; helping clients recognize their unique gifts; and attain their goals that seemed unreachable.

 

Why you should attend: In these turbulent times, your job search and career transition need every edge you can apply. This session will answer many of your questions about networking, confidence, and how your mind influences both.

Join us at the Metrowest Networkers Group

1st & 3rd Fridays of the month: 10 am - Noon

24 Vernon Street, Framingham, MA 01702

At the offices of the First Parish in Framingham Unitarian Universalist

--

Ed Lawrence

www.getstart-ed.com

CPRW; NCOPE

Certified Interview Coach

Authorized DISC Administrator

Member, CPRW Certification Committee

Save the date - Coach Kevin Dickie - Your Confident Mindset - June 21

50+ Networkers - Beginning of week events update

1) Practice Interviewing Session

    June 12th; 3pm - at the Framingham Public Library

   We meet on the lower level.

2) June 12th - Monthly meeting of my private peer to peer networking group

    New start time:  12 Noon. (1 hr)

    If interested in joining, just let me know and I will explain the cost and benefits.

3) Save the date:  Friday June 21st - Life Coach Kevin Dickie will present "Your Confident Mindset" at the Metrowest Networkers Group."

4) Save the date: August 26th.

    I will present for the Tewksbury Library Networking Group.

--

Ed Lawrence

www.getstart-ed.com

CPRW; NCOPE

Certified Interview Coach

Authorized DISC Administrator

Member, CPRW Certification Committee

50+ Networkers - Beginning of week events update

_

MWNG Welcomes David Hunt - Networking - Friday, June 5

Save the date!!

On Friday, June 7, the MetroWest Networkers Group (MWNG) is pleased to host David Hunt - Networking

Networking is both a science and a black art, and with everyone networking to find work or open alternatives, understanding basics is critical. David Hunt has been networking for years and created a presentation "Hard Won Lessons in Networking" to share those lessons with others.

David is a Mechanical Engineer who has worked for multiple companies across diverse industries and has successfully offered consulting services for 12 years. He's also networking for a new position as well - and applying his techniques to create contacts at target companies.

The MWNG meets

1st & 3rd Fridays of the month. 10 am - Noon

24 Vernon St, Framingham, MA 01701

If you are not yet a member of our networking group -- Come attend a session and sign up to join our emailing service.

--

Ed Lawrence

www.getstart-ed.com

CPRW; NCOPE

Certified Interview Coach

Authorized DISC Administrator

Member, CPRW Certification Committee

 

MWNG Welcomes David Hunt - Networking - Friday, June 5

Mix and Mingle scheduled for May 10 for small business & professionals at Franklin Carpet One

Mix and Mingle scheduled for May 10 

"Save The Date!!

We can’t wait to meet you all and chat!

RSVP to Sandy 😊  Sandy@franklintilecarpetone.com"

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/C6b7XqBxwmx/?igsh=cmQ2aHBmemh1a2xz

Recruiter David Bayuk - next Friday (March-15) at Metrowest Networkers Group

The Metrowest Networkers Group welcomes

David Bayuk

Working with a Recruiter

Strategies for Success

 

Friday, March 15

 

The three main ways people look for jobs are by applying online, networking, and working with a recruiter. Most job seekers talk to a recruiter, apply, and then wait for an answer. But, is that best practice?  Of course not--You can't simply give a recruiter your resume and expect them to find you a job you covet.

So, what are the best practices? Are all recruiters the same? What are the kinds of recruiters?

And how do you know a recruiter is really good?

Join us to learn the answers from David Bayuk, an experienced recruiter and career professional who has worked for multiple recruiting agencies.

Why you should attend: After networking, the next best strategy for landing a role is to work with a recruiter. If you want the recruiter to really help you, you should learn how to best help them help you. It is vital for you to present your best self, know your responsibilities, and understand the role of the recruiter.

1st & 3rd Fridays of the month: 10 am - Noon

7 Bishop Street, Framingham, MA 01702

At the headquarters for the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC)

David Bayuk has extensive experience working in the recruiting and placement industries. He has worked on both the company and client-facing sides for notable companies such as The Eliassen Group, Winter Wyman, Alexander Technology Group, and Experis. He is adept at business development, recruiting, employee training, and account management.

Recruiter David Bayuk - next Friday (March-15) at Metrowest Networkers Group

Reminder: Metrowest Networkers welcomes Marcy Venezia - Feb 16

Goal Setting for Business Success

Plan your year in an Hour

February 16, 2024

7 Bishop St; Framingham, MA

Meeting Time:  10 AM – Noon

 

Join us to learn how to make better decisions and obtain better results.

Planning now can laser focus your job search for the rest of the year.

 

Marcy will show you how to:

·       Review your past efforts and assess what went well and what didn't.

·       Size up your challenges and opportunities.

·       Develop a realistic plan to take advantage of the opportunities

·       Create a roadmap for business

 

Marcy Venezia, CEO Nightingale Group LLC, incorporates business expertise, project planning and holistic practices.  She has an MBA, is a Certified Project manager and has been a consultant for over 10 years.  She has served as Executive Director of Above the Clouds, CEO of Little Turkey REIT and consulted with many businesses to providing guidance and tools. Recent clients include  Metro South Chamber of Commerce,  JT Rydes, and others.

For corporate training or questions call or email Marcy at 781-223-8221 or marcyvenezia@gmail.com  

 

The Metrowest Networkers Group meets the 1^st and 3^rd weeks of the month. Join us to commune with other job seekers and gain support for your job search. In addition to networking opportunities, we shall frequently offer guest speakers and learning opportunities.

Metrowest Networkers welcomes Marcy Venezia - Feb 16