The Annual Meeting will include the presentation of the Annual Business Awards, and new this year, an Educator of the Year award and recognition of the Charles E. Volkmann Scholarship recipients.

We are excited to announce the Business Award honorees:

Congratulations to the Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year, Steve Kulpa, Special Ed Teacher at Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School.

The two recipients of the Charles E. Volkmann Scholarship are Alec Rego and Timothy Luc, both of Taunton High School.

This year's keynote speaker is Dave Wedge, a New York Times bestselling author, podcaster and communications consultant based in Boston. He has written six non-fiction books, including “Boston Strong: A City's Triumph Over Tragedy,” a drama about the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings which was adapted for the 2017 movie “Patriots Day”; “Hunting Whitey: The Inside Story of the Capture and Killing of America’s Most Wanted Crime Boss”; and “The Last Days of John Lennon,” written with co-author Casey Sherman and James Patterson. His next book, “Riding with Evil: Taking Down the Notorious Pagan Motorcycle Gang,” comes out March 15 via William Morrow/Harper Collins.

Dave was an award-winning investigative journalist for the Boston Herald for 14 years and has written for VICE, Esquire, Newsweek and Boston magazine. He and Sherman host the true crime podcast, "Saints Sinners & Serial Killers." He has also worked as a communications consultant with a diverse roster of clients in politics, business, nonprofit, hospitality, health care, sports and more.

Register below to attend this virtual meeting.

Contact Kris for more information about sponsoring a breakout room at the start of the TACC Annual Meeting on April 27th.

The Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce is creating a new Human Resources group to enhance the knowledge and resources of our Chamber members working in the field of human resources management through shared information, experiences, education and networking.

Meetings will be held via zoom to start and may remain a full or hybrid virtual meeting based on the group’s preference.

To learn more about this group, email Kris.

Join our TACC Team! 🎉

We have a part-time Membership Coordinator role to fill who will work closely with our President & CEO in implementing a strategy to increase memberships, sponsorships, and programs. The position is 20 hours per week, and has a base + commission pay module.

For full position description and application details, visit our website.

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, MassHire Career Centers and Workforce Boards, and the Commonwealth Corporation are joining forces to present a series of workforce and upskilling “road shows” this spring. These regional events will seek to provide important information on how employers can access state resources, as well as serve as an opportunity for the business community to engage with state workforce officials.

Specifically, these events will highlight:

• Talent acquisition strategies, challenges, and available services

• Workforce training partner and pipeline connections

• Information on new grants, available funding, and application support

Event details are in the works. If you are interested in attending a session in your region, please fill out this brief form.

GET MOTIVATED! Join SBA on Thursday, March 24th from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. for educational panels with small business owners who will share their challenges and successes in the areas of Supply Chain, Employee Management and Government Contracting. Additionally, there will be an overview of SBA programs/resources and a presentation on Hiring Resources. Register here.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, join the SBA's Office of Women’s Business Ownership and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center for the virtual Women’s Business Summit on March 29-30, 2022. The free event will include power-packed panels, inspirational fireside chats, and 'Ask an Expert' workshops to help you build, scale, and grow your business. Click here to learn more and to register.

Does Boston hear you? Join the conversation during Small Business Day 2022, virtually - Tuesday, April 12, 2022, from noon until 1:30PM.

Learn about pending legislation dealing with healthcare, taxes, labor mandates, UI, and energy.

This year’s program will focus on small business health insurance affordability and what can be done to lower costs for employers and their workers. As you are aware, health costs continue to rise in Massachusetts forcing many small businesses into high deductible, high-cost plans. There will be a robust discussion on this topic with policymaker guests to explore potential solutions and cost relief for employers.

In addition to healthcare affordability, NFIB will present on other issues facing Massachusetts small businesses like unemployment insurance, labor mandates, taxation, and energy.

Ready to register? Click here.

To receive additional updates please email, Elizabeth.parks@nfib.org and continue checking your inbox for details!

The $75 million will be focused on small businesses that employ between two and 50 people, with $25 million directed toward businesses that did not qualify for previous MGCC grants because of a lack of revenue loss in 2020; and $50 million directed to businesses that reach underserved markets and historically underrepresented groups, or are minority-, women-, or veteran-owned businesses, or are owned by individuals with disabilities or who identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Applications for each grant program will be accepted now through Monday, April 4, 2022 and will award grants ranging from $10,000 to $75,000.

Eligible uses of these funds include the following:

• Employee payroll benefits costs

• Interest on other debt obligations incurred after March 3, 2021

• Cost to pivot company due to COVID-19 pandemic

• Business mortgage or rent and utilities

Sole proprietors without any employees or 1099 workers are not eligible. If you are a sole proprietor and you have employees or 1099 workers and you meet all other criteria, you might be eligible.

For more information about each grant program, visit the links below:

Supporting businesses negatively impacted by COVID that have not previously received financial relief from MGCC’s COVID-19 Relief Grant Programs.

Supporting business negatively affected by COVID that are also socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented, underserved markets, and businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, disabled individuals, or those that identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

The Site Readiness Program application is available through the Massachusetts Community One Stop for Growth portal. Applications must be submitted for consideration between May 2 — June 3, 2022.

The Site Readiness Program funds site preparation, predevelopment, and permitting activities that enhance a site’s readiness for commercial, industrial, or mixed-use development. Administered by MassDevelopment, the program aims to increase the state's inventory of large, well-located, project-ready sites; to accelerate private-sector investment in industrial and commercial projects; and to support the conversion of abandoned sites and obsolete facilities into clean, actively used, tax-generating properties. Grants typically range from $50,000 - $1 million.

Eligible applicants include Massachusetts cities and towns, municipal agencies or authorities, economic development and industrial corporations, economic development authorities, and nonprofit entities.

Interested parties should submit an application through the Community One Stop for Growth, the state's single application portal and collaborative review process for grant programs offered by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, Department of Housing and Community Development, and MassDevelopment.

• To receive guidance on a potential project you may submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the One Stop until March 18, 2022.

• To learn more about the Site Readiness Program and eligible activities, please review the program guidelines.

• For assistance, please contact MassDevelopment's VP of Real Estate Services Amanda Gregoire at agregoire@massdevelopment.com.

The current global “go-ings on” are the closest we’ll ever get to advanced warning that cybersecurity is something every business needs to worry about. Big or small, selling globally or just in your tiny town, if you do anything online, your data is in (potential) jeopardy. Here are the things you need to do now.

Join us for the next session of our Chamber Chat virtual networking series! Meet other members in this fun and informal setting with trivia and prizes! This session is Tuesday, March 22nd at noon and is sponsored by Bristol Community College.

Register below for this event.

You could sponsor a future session for just $50! Email Kris for sponsorship details.

Ladies! Get ready for a great night by supporting #womenownedbusinesses and a few TACC members at Berkley Beer Company’s Painted Laydezes Night on March 23rd! $15 entrance ticket includes a flight of 4 Painted Laydezes brewed teas. A Special 3-Course Menu will be available for $35 and you’ll get to meet business owners from: The Luxury Booth, Anchor Barre, Honest Books, and KatieJodly!

Tickets for each seating (5-7p.m. and 7-9p.m.) are available at Berkley Beer Company during business hours.

There is a Google tool for just about everything. Whether it’s creating and sharing lists, collaborating on documents or drafting meeting agendas, Google has got you covered. Join us to learn more about the different tools available and how you can use them to boost productivity and create a more efficient and organized life.

Join Bryan Caplan, your Dedicated Trainer for Grow with Google, as he walks you through the ins and outs of Google Workspace in this value-packed virtual class. Seats are limited, so register today!

Join us for the first Business After Hours of the year! The Clarion Hotel & Conference Center (formerly Holiday Inn Taunton) will be hosting on Wednesday, April 13th from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. They are located in the Myles Standish Industrial Park at 700 Myles Standish Blvd. Watch a video at the event to learn about the exciting renovations to come!

Business After Hours is an evening of fun, food, and fellowship among Chamber members and their guests, with a chance to network, make new friends, and meet potential customers.

Register below.

LeBaron Hills Country Club is having an Easter Bruch again this year on Sunday, April 17th. First seating is at 11:00 a.m. and second seating is at 1:30 p.m. Reservations are required - call 508-923-5706. Click here for the menu.

A summer of fun and adventure awaits at Camp Riverside in Taunton for ages 5-15! Round-trip bus transportation is available from several surrounding communities! Learn more here. Register here.

Bristol Community College (BCC) is offering the community free webinars focused on professional and technical skill development for job seekers, educators, employers and employees. These short webinars will increase proficiency in current work and learning environments as well as provide individuals critical workforce skills.

For 8 weeks starting March 7th to April 25th, Bristol will offer virtual courses that focus on three areas: Career Exploration & Personal Branding, Upskilling Opportunities, and Professional and Organizational Training. Register today!

Time Management, Efficiency & Productivity - March 21st, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Understanding a Business and Essential Business Applications: Microsoft Suite and Business Writing - March 28th, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Critical Thinking, Problem Solving & Service Recovery - April 4th, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. 

Cultural Competency in the Workplace - April 11th 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Resumes and Cover Letters - April 18th, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Personal Branding: Social Media, LinkedIn and Interviewing Skills - April 25th, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. 

Enroll today in United Way's Spring 2022 Virtual Board Connection Program and learn what it takes to become a stand-out nonprofit board member. This 4-part course will set you apart from other prospective board members by teaching you how to fully engage with all aspects of board membership. You’ll learn the essential skills it takes to be successful through training focused on governance, finance, fundraising, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and more and close with an Agency Fair to connect one-on-one with local organizations! Register here.

United Way is excited to be partnering with Sun Life during this spring's Board Connection program with the primary goal to increase the diversity of nonprofit boards within our regions. To help us achieve this goal, Sun Life is sponsoring spots for BIPOC individuals to register for these trainings and Agency Fair at no cost. To claim a free spot today, register here.

Associates for Human Services’ TASC Career Mentoring Program is recruiting mentors for our 2022 program. Most of the high school students in our program just need a little support and direction. Pretty much, they don’t know what they want to be when they grow up. Most of us can identify with that! Career mentors help them discover the opportunities available to them, explore their options and understand the connection between their education and their goals. Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of having someone listen to them. If you think you could be that person; why not Become a Career Mentor? Learn more here. Registration Form.

Let SCORE business advisors help you navigate the SBA Debt Relief Programs or the start-up and growth of your small business. All services are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. If you are an existing SCORE client, please send an email to your SCORE counselor to schedule a phone call or Zoom conference. If you are new to SCORE, please complete the Request a Mentor form and someone from SCORE will contact you via email to schedule an appointment with an advisor. Sign up for SCORE webinars here. View upcoming webinars here.

How do you set your website up to win over customers? Your website has to attract and engage visitors, educate them about your products and services, and convert them into customers. Success begins with a plan!

This webinar, presented by Co-Founder of Cardsetter Jessica Baldwin, will show you the key elements your website needs to succeed.

After the session, you’ll have a better understanding of:

• The critical role your website plays in your online marketing strategy

• The features and tools you'll need to execute your plan

• How to get everything working together to achieve your goals

• How to set your website up to attract, engage, and convert your ideal customers

Attendees will receive a free website planning workbook. Register here .

Be it blogs, posts, emails, proposals, or presentations, many people are not particularly good writers. They know it hurts their business but are intimidated or don't know how to improve. Join us to see how it is easier than most realize. By accepting "nobody reads anymore", a writer can make it easier for the reader to overcome their challenges.

Take Aways:

1. Allocate your time and organize your thoughts

2. Simple, but important, concepts: BLOT, AAA, Readability, Sesquipedalian

3. Real examples, and follow-on help if desire

Presented by: Peter Poulin, Former senior consulting partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte

Register here .

This year, during an unprecedented national health crisis, small businesses needed help more than ever before. In order to support these business owners when they needed it most, the SCORE Foundation provided funding for SCORE’s Small Business Resilience program. This platform allowed SCORE to pivot their mentoring and educational services onto virtual platforms, where clients could easily access the pandemic-related information, guidance and resources they needed to survive and thrive. Learn more here.

Are you looking for ways to help your small business community? Would you like to grow your network or develop professionally? As a SCORE volunteer, you get it all!

Join the SCORE network of 10,000 volunteers. SCORE relies on volunteers to help small business around the country thrive.

Interested? Visit the volunteer web page to find about the many benefits of volunteering and the right opportunity for you!

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