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The Neponset River Regional Chamber is pleased to announce a second round of businesses have been chosen for a Small Business Digital Assistance Grant.
The eight businesses selected are local to the chamber: Irish Brewing Boston (Norwood), Little Bird Events (Norwood), In Touch Well-Being, LLC., Friends of Norwood Center (Norwood), Norwood Farmers’ Market (Norwood), Clean Sustainable Water Solutions (Sharon), Goodman & Goodman, LLC. (Canton), and My Pediatric OT Services (Walpole). Having received a Digital Grant through Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) in 2021, we saw the positive impact of helping small businesses create a new web presence with updated websites and digital marketing strategies. We are fortunate to be offering a similar grant program for 2022-2023. Senators Mike Rush and Paul Feeney and Representative John Rogers were instrumental in securing the funding for the program. As part of this new grant, businesses will work with Kerry Agluglub, KMA Web Design, and Tricia White, T. White Creations, on a new website, marketing strategy and digital training. Best, Tom O'Rourke, President and CEO Many years ago when rifling through some photos in the Chamber archives I found one of the Fourth of July parade in Norwood probably in the late 50's (when we were the Norwood Chamber of Commerce). It showed a young woman riding in a convertible Cadillac with a sash across her front that said "Chamber of Commerce". There were many men walking along the vehicle, presumably Chamber members (the photo above is from a different year and is better quality). It reminds me of the connection that the Chamber has historically had with the community. For better or worse, the tradition of the Chamber marching in the parade has gone away, perhaps because as a regional entity we couldn't cover all the parades in our area.
Nevertheless, Independence Day does have a lot to do with local business. All the fireworks displays and parades that we will enjoy over the next few days cost money to organize. While citizens contribute to this, by and large it is local business that pays the bulk of the costs through their donations. They also supply volunteer help and trucks to support the floats that are so important to the parades. Of course it is fitting that businesses step up for these events on the Fourth. After all Independence Day is also a celebration of the Free Enterprise system which allows our businesses to exist and thrive in the first place. We often take for granted the freedom we have to take an idea and turn it to something real that provides a needed product or service, puts people to work and pays taxes. It's this system that has allowed our country to be a world leader in innovation in so many areas, particularly right in here in Greater Boston. While there are certainly many who would argue that even more freedom from government regulation is needed for us to continue to lead the way, we are still far better off than in other parts of the world. So while I hope you have a chance to "ooh and aah" at some fireworks, salute the troops marching in a parade, or just sit back with a cold drink and a hot dog surrounded by family and friends, remember that our Independence is what makes our business community strong and our business community is what makes these great events possible. Have a great Fourth of July! Best, Tom O'Rourke, President and CEO Looking for a new way to get involved with the Chamber? We have plenty of volunteer opportunities available. Depending on your particular skills or interests there may be something of interest to you that would allow you meet other Chamber members while helping out the organization.
With a staff of just two people, we rely on member support to help us carry out our mission. Most opportunities require less than an hour a month of involvement and many are still virtual. Here are a few to consider: Golf Tournament - we need on site volunteers to help with registration, raffle sales, and on course activities. You get a day in the sun and a free meal too! ChamberTalks Committee - help us organize our 3rd Annual ChamberTalks event. We need ideas for great speakers. Ambassadors - The face of the Chamber. Welcome new members to the Chamber and help them to maximize their membership. Membership Committee - Help us recruit new members to the organization. More new members means more opportunities to connect and a stronger voice for local business. In addition, we have openings on the Communications Committee and the Education and Business Committee. There are also opportunities to help out with our Young Professionals, Women's Leadership Alliance, Elder Care Alliance and Human Resources Alliance. Your involvement in any of these can help shape our programs and events as we return to in-person activities. If you would like to get involved, learn more or have questions, email me at tom@nrrchamber.com or call 781-769-1126. Best, Tom O'Rourke, President and CEO Yesterday, Governor Charlie Baker declared May to be Small Business Month.
A Proclamation WHEREAS, small businesses are the backbone and life blood of local economies in communities throughout the Commonwealth, and serve as job creators and place-makers in our downtowns, WHEREAS, shopping locally allows Massachusetts residents to invest in their own neighborhoods and grow the vibrancy of their communities, making the Commonwealth a great place to live, work, and play, WHEREAS, small businesses demonstrated resilience, flexibility, and courage in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts, and were a driving force in the economic recovery of this Commonwealth, WHEREAS, small businesses employ 1.5 million individuals, constituting nearly half of Massachusetts employees (45.7%), WHEREAS, small businesses reach communities that have not always benefited from the Commonwealth’s overall robust economic vitality, and serve an important role in access to economic opportunity, WHEREAS, small businesses and small business support organizations like Chambers of Commerce; small business associations; and Main Street and other nonprofit service organizations are key collaborators in advancing our agenda for equitable economic growth, WHEREAS, the contributions of our small business sector should be recognized and celebrated by our Commonwealth, NOW, THEREFORE, I, Charles D. Baker, Governor of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim May 2022, to be, SMALL BUSINESS MONTH And urge all the citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance. Given at the Executive Chamber, this first day of May, in the year two thousand and twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America, two hundred and forty-fifth. God Save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Chamber will be receiving a check from the IRS for roughly $8,000. How much could your business get?
After hearing many of my colleagues talk about the refunds they and their member businesses were getting, I tuned in to a webinar by our payroll provider, ConnectPay. The webinar was about the Employee Retention Tax Credit, a program included in the CARES Act in 2020. Employers, including tax-exempt organizations, are eligible for the credit if in 2020 and 2021 they experienced either: the full or partial suspension of the operation of their trade or business during any calendar quarter because of governmental orders limiting commerce, travel or group meetings due to COVID-19, or a significant decline in gross receipts as compared to 2019. After reviewing our eligibility with ConnectPay, we determined that we were eligible for a refund of $8,000. And that is for a business with just 2 employees and we only qualified for one fiscal quarter. If you haven't looked into this program, you really need to. We will host a webinar with ConnectPay on Tuesday, April 19th at noon at which they will go over the details and take questions from members. You can register here and there is no cost to attend. Additionally, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development has announced the creation of a new employer grant program designed to facilitate hiring and training of new employees. The HireNow Program provides eligible employers flat rate awards in the amount of $4,000 for each eligible newly hired employee. To be eligible for the grant, new hires must be (1) brought on between March 23, 2022 and December 31, 2022, (2) retained for 60 days, (3) a Massachusetts resident working in Massachusetts, and (4) work at least 30 hours per week for a salary between minimum wage and $85,000 a year. These funds are being issued on a first come, first serve basis through December 31st or until funds are exhausted. To learn more please visit the Commonwealth Corporation’s HireNow webpage. Tom O'Rourke President and CEO The Chamber has been working with the Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association (TMA) and the Suburban Mobility Working Group on a Route 1 and 1A Corridor Mobility Study. The final report was recently completed by MAPC and can be viewed via the link above.
The projects goals were to:
As part of the study an analysis was conducted to determine which areas within the Neponset Valley Route 1/1A study area would be the best candidates for local public transportation improvements. Report Recommendations: The study proposes a near term recommendation of new and expanded microtransit services, as well as a long-term revitalization and redesign of Route 1. The Chamber recently participated in a virtual forum with the TMA, Suburban Mobility Working Group, MAPC and planners from the towns within the region to discuss the studies findings. The Working Group, which I co-chair along with Canton Town Planner Laura Smead, will continue to work with all of our stakeholders to move toward implementation of the studies recommendations. Please take a moment to review the recommendations (page 44), share with others who may be interested and let us know your feedback. Traffic is already returning as more people head back to work and making it safe and easy for people to commute locally will be paramount to attracting workers today and for years to come. Tom O'Rourke, President and CEO Mark your calendar for our Annual Meeting on January 27!
The meeting will run from 7:30 to 9:00 am at the Four Points Sheraton in Norwood and include a delicious breakfast. The meeting will feature guest speaker Mike Kennealy, the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Secretary has worked closely with Chambers across the state throughout the pandemic to coordinate relief efforts for local businesses. It was through his office that we were able to access $95,000 in grant funding to hold our “Regional Restaurant Week” and provide technical assistance to a number of small businesses in the region. In last month's Business Connection we wrote about some of that work and at the annual meeting we will share more information about our partnership with state government and Chamber members resulted in meaningful results for local businesses. We will also welcome our new board members and officers for 2022. To learn more or to register, please click here. Tom O'Rourke, President and CEO "The Dedham Women’s Exchange has certainly entered a new era. On-line shopping and a positive presence on social media are so important in this day and age! It is very exciting to hear the daily “analytics” reports from our on-line team and to see that we have actually had on-line sales!"
This is from an email I received from Robyn Garth, President of the Dedham Women's Exchange last month. The Dedham Exchange is an artisan gift shop offering unique gift ideas for every occasion. From handmade, one-of-a-kind children’s items to beautiful home décor. She was writing because the Exchange's new website recently went live with an online sales feature. The website was the work of Kerry Aglugub, KMA Web Design and Tricia White, T. White Creations. The Chamber was able to hire this dynamic duo thanks to funding received in a grant from the Mass. Office of Business Development. The Exchange was one of 6 small businesses to receive the web development and social media marketing technical assistance provided by the Chamber. These businesses were selected back in June after participating in a 3-part online marketing webinar series taught by Kerry and Tricia. The webinar series provided much needed training to dozens of small businesses who were struggling due to the pandemic, throughout the region. The Chamber is pleased to have been able to act as a conduit to providing direct assistance to businesses in need with the assistance of our partners. Check out the new websites of the 6 selected businesses. The Dedham Exchange Vico Ristorante Italiano Cheff'n & Eetinn Norwood Space Center Vera SkinCare Got Styles Hair Salon Tom O'Rourke, President and CEO (Last week chambers of of commerce around the country commemorated "Support Your Local Chamber Day". Here's a piece from the U.S. Chamber reminding us why your support is so important.)
Local Chambers of Commerce are our nation’s strongest small business advocates, providing a voice for thousands of communities across America. When businesses succeed, communities succeed, and local chambers are there every step of the way empowering businesses to grow and thrive even in the most challenging of circumstances. That’s why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate “Support Your Local Chamber Day” on October 20th. Over the course of the last year, local chambers, with support from the U.S. Chamber, led the way in helping small businesses safely reopen and put them on a path to recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. To celebrate and highlight their efforts, here are three ways you can support your local chamber: 1. Support Other Chamber Businesses Each local chamber of commerce website contains a directory making it easy to find businesses in your community. Supporting these businesses not only boosts the local economy but also fosters deeper community involvement. 2. Encourage Other Businesses to Join Consumers know that businesses that are chamber of commerce members can be trusted to care about their customers and their communities. Becoming a chamber of commerce member means your business is backed by the knowledge and experience that only the U.S. Chamber of Commerce network can bring with its over 100 years at the forefront of the business community. 3. Follow Your Chamber on Social Media If you haven’t already, follow your local chamber on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Let's Get (Re) Engaged The crisp autumn air has returned, the Red Sox are making a late playoff run (or is it a collapse?) and the Patriots are preparing to welcome back their old tight end and quarterback.
We know that the Delta variant is still causing pandemic concern, but isn't time to re-engage? It was great to see thousands of people out and about at Norwood Day recently. I know that Westwood Day and Dedham Day had similar success. I'm sure Sharon Day will be no different on Sunday. We are pleased to welcome back many of our members whom we haven't seen in many months. Our next two events will be held outdoors to ease the concerns of those not ready for indoor events. We hope that you will make the time to join us next Thursday at our Wine Tasting at Debevino in Walpole. Locally made wine, apps and some inspiration as well! Our next Noon Networking will take place at the outdoor courtyard at our world headquarters at the Norwood Space Center on October 12. Later in the month on October 23 we move indoors for a night of bowling, drinks, apps and networking at Splitsville Lanes at Patriot Place. Then we kickoff November with the fastest event of the year: ChamberTalks. You will hear 7 talks by 7 speakers on 7 different topics, all in 7 minute intervals. Enjoy the luxurious new seating at the Showcase Cinema at Legacy Place (with complimentary popcorn and water of course) to enjoy the presentations. Following the talks, we will head out to the main lobby by the bar for cocktails and hors d' ouevres and an opportunity to meet the speakers, ask questions and network with others. Sign up for any of these by clicking here. Let's re-engage! Tom O'Rourke President and CEO |
