Blackstone Valley Chamber
of Commerce Newsletter
March 16, 2023
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UP & COMING CHAMBER EVENTS
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BVCC Annual Charity Golf Tournament
May 8, 2023
10:00am
Hosted by Pleasant Valley Country Club
95 Armsby Rd. Sutton
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Business After Hours with Affiliates
April 27, 2023
5:00pm-7:00pm
Hosted by Southwick's Zoo
2 Southwick St. Mendon
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Interested In Sponsoring One Of Our 2023 Events? |
When you sponsor a BVCC Event you are increasing your marketing and exposure to the Blackstone Valley's businesses, local residents, and potential customers! Take your marketing to the next level with unique sponsorship opportunities with the Chamber!
Please click the button below, or contact us at 508.234.9090 for more information.
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Exclusive BVCC Member To Member Benefits |
Being a member of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, has so many benefits! One of those benefits is sharing offers, promotions, and discounts with your fellow members!
Please click the button below to view all the BVCC Member To Member offers.
(may take up to 2 weeks lead time to be featured)
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Be Our Guest On "About The Valley" Hosted By Harry Berkowitz! |
Tune into "About the Valley", hosted by Harry Berkowitz!
New members are encouraged to sign up for a space. Past sponsors, it may have been included in a sponsorship level package.
Interested in being a guest?
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JOIN A BVCC NETWORKING GROUP!
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Join Us On A Committee!
Want to get more involved in the WSN? Volunteer on one of our three committees: programs, community support and marketing. Our volunteers help the WSN implement the goals and objectives of the network. Our Programs Committee, co-chaired by Alise Breton and Carol Dauphinais, plans and organizes events, meetings and seminars for the network. Our Community Support Committee, chaired by Heather Elster, focuses on the needs of our community by building awareness and providing resources and charitable aid. Our Marketing Committee, chaired by Ashley Daviau, and Pat Hurton, assists in promoting the network and various functions.
For more information about these committees or to connect with some of our volunteers, please email Pat Hurton at pjhurton@yahoo.com.
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"With more connections there is always more opportunity!" |
What is the VBN?
The Valley Business Network
(VBN) uses the power of the BVCC to help businesses connect at fun and interactive “Networking at Night” events. These free monthly events provide opportunities for the businesses of Blackstone Valley to be “top of mind," cultivate new relationships, and connect with like-minded people to share best practices.
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Food, Beverage And Hospitality Network
This group meets the first Thursday of the month from 8:30am-9:30am, Virtual (Hiatus in July and August). There is no fee to join!
Discuss current topics affecting the food & beverage economic forecast in the Valley. Get critical information out quickly (ex: changes in rules, regs etc.)
For more information please contact:
Liz O'Neil at 508-234-9090 ext 102, or email Liz at,
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Not getting member pricing when you register for an event? Be sure to log in to your MCT account, and here’s how: |
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GRANTS & PROGRAMS FOR
SMALL BUSINESSES
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BVCC & WRCC Small Business $1,000 Energy Relief Grants!
The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce (BVCC) in conjunction with the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce (WRCC) recognizes the high energy prices and the financial challenges facing small businesses, so to help with some of these costs we have partnered with National Grid to make a total of 250, $1,000, one-time grants available to our small business owners who are Chamber members. The grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and will be administered directly from the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Applications opened on Friday, January 20th, but there are still grants available!
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Grants and Programs for Small Businesses 2023
Take a look inside to see if your small business qualifies!
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NEW Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Preferred Energy Monthly Member Benefit
Monthly Member Electricity and Natural Gas Aggregate Program.
Pool your businesses electric and/or natural gas usage with fellow members to generate optimal fixed rates through bulk block purchasing.
“Open Enrollment” period is monthly and based on individual meter reads.
Benefits to BVCC Members
- Reduced fixed rate resulting in lower annual costs.
- Cost control with budget security.
- No cost and no obligation.
- Risk management and protection from market volatility.
- Protection from market volatility.
- Additional accountability and onsite.
- Hands-on, local and fellow member, energy expert and personal account manager & more!
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LOCAL GRAPHIC DESIGN AGENCY MOVES INTO NEW HISTORIC SPACE
Millbury, MA – Allen Creative Group, a best-in-class, visual solutions graphic design agency, has moved into the historic Felter’s Mill in Millbury MA. Their new office location is 22 West Street Millbury MA, 01527.
“We were located at this same location but in a different studio from 2015-2020 but decided to move out of a brick-and-mortar environment during the pandemic. We became fully remote and were able to continue to function seamlessly and provide our clients with the same top-quality service and design capabilities we’ve always delivered, despite the worldwide disruption. Now, we are physically reunited in a spacious studio, still thriving,” said principal and creative director Jennie Allen. “We’re glad to be in a space where our creative team can once again collaborate. Working remotely is very hard creatively. We enjoy working with businesses and organizations that have a national profile, and we are eagerly pursuing a new strategy to build a more locally focused client base. Now that the pandemic is over and we can again meet in person, we’d like to add some of the local and regional businesses here in Central Massachusetts to our client roster who can benefit from our expertise” she said.
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Koopman Lumber & Hardware
Our Newest Paint Store is OPEN in Uxbridge!
22 Douglas St. in Uxbridge
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This new store boasts an extensive range of premium paints, stains, and coatings from Benjamin Moore. Their team of knowledgeable paint experts are committed to helping you find the perfect color and finish for your next project. Whether you're a professional painter, a DIY enthusiast, or just need a coat of paint for your bedroom, they have everything you need to achieve outstanding results. |
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Employers Beware of Confidentiality Provisions | DOL Guidance on Remote Employees
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VA Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (CFBNP) Information Sharing
VA to award $16 million in grants to help Veterans and service members with disabilities participate in adaptive sports
WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced the availability of nearly $16 million in grants to qualifying organizations to help more than 13,000 Veterans and service members with disabilities participate in adaptive sports. This funding will help these organizations plan, develop, manage, and implement a variety of sports and equine therapy activities, including life-improving programs for Veterans and training for providers. More information about these grants can be found in the two Notices of Funding Availability.
Adaptive sports are competitive or recreational sports and activities customized to fit the needs of persons with disabilities, including paralympic sports, archery, cycling, skiing, hunting, rock climbing, and sky diving. These activities allow Veterans to rehabilitate through recreation and encourage an active and fit lifestyle.
“Adaptive sports improve Veterans’ physical and mental health,” said VA Director of the National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events Leif Nelson, DPT. “These VA grants will help ensure that Veterans with disabilities have access to sports and activities that build independence, well-being, and quality of life.”
“Without [the VA Adaptive Sports Grant] program, I never would have believed that I could ski with my disabilities,” said U.S. Army Veteran and retired infantry sniper Landon Ranker. “This program opened new doors for me in that way and allowed me to be a part of an active and athletic world that I never thought possible.”
In 2022, VA awarded $16 million in adaptive sports grants to 108 organizations headquartered in 32 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. VA has awarded a total of $100 million in adaptive sports grants in the last eight years to improve Veterans’ well-being and independence.
To be eligible for a grant, an organization must be a non-federal entity with significant experience in managing a large-scale adaptive sports program for persons with disabilities. Applications must be submitted online at www.grants.gov by 3 p.m., ET, April 11, 2023. VA will announce award decisions this fall based on a competitive selection.
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Pictured Bob Minarik signing the pipe. |
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Town of Douglas Celebrates Access to Natural Gas With A Pipe Signing!
Last Friday morning Douglas Town Officials, local legislators and businesspeople gathered to witness the installation of a pipe to connect natural gas from the town of Sutton into Douglas. The town of Douglas has been at a disadvantage for economic development projects without access to the infrastructure of natural gas. Douglas officials have been actively working to obtain approval for many years, to no avail. After a connection was made with now Governor Maura Healey at a Blackstone Valley Chamber Breakfast, and a personal meeting scheduled through the outreach of Economic Development Project Facilitator, Robert Minarik, with the help of Town Manager, Matt Wojcik, the project was finally able to move forward. “This is going to be a gamechanger for the Town of Douglas,” said Bob Minarik. “This has been successful because of the support of so many, including Selectmen, the Manager, business owners, CMRPC, and the BVCC.’”
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We've Moved!
Massachusetts Export Center
Mt. Ida Campus of UMass Amherst
Campus Center, Suite 207
100 Carlson Avenue
Newton, MA. 02459-3326
617-973-6610
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Pet Rock Fest 2023
SUNDAY, SEPT. 10 | 12:00pm-5:00pm
SAC PARK, Shrewsbury, MA
Celebrating 25 years, Pet Rock Fest is the largest event of its kind in the Northeast, an annual festival that promotes kindness to animals and responsible pet ownership. Pet Rock Fest, held in September each year, is a family festival that features guest speakers, vegetarian food, live music, games, events, a raffle, vendors, and hundreds of area animal welfare organizations. Pet Rock is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax deductible.
Anyone interested in volunteering for, performing at, or taking part in the festival in any way (including vendors and sponsors) should contact petrockfest@gmail.com.
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College and Career Fair Grafton High School
Tuesday, April 11th, 8:30-10:00am
24 Providence Road
If your organization is interested in attending our fair, please reach out to Grafton High School’s College and Career Counselor, Jennifer Cummings, for more information.
508-839-5425 ext. 2081
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New Year Programs At The Heartwell Institute
1015 Pleasant St, Worcester, MA 01602
Parking Address: 10 Biltmore Road
774-243-6800
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FREE Monthly Meditations, first Tuesday of every month, from 6-7PM at The HeartWell Institute for FREE stress-reduction meditation practice
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The Samuel Slater Experience tells Slater’s Oxford, Dudley and Webster story. We bring Samuel Slater and this rich industrial history of the area back to life. |
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Samuel Slater Experience, Programs & Special Events!
31 Ray Street
Webster, MA 01570
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Samuel Slater's Restaurant & Special Events
200 Gore Rd.
Webster, MA 01570
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INDIAN RANCH ADDS TWO NEW CONCERTS TO 2023 LINEUP
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Join the Community Harvest Project to help grow, tend, and harvest fresh fruits and vegetables for our neighbors experiencing hunger.
Volunteers are welcome Monday through Saturday, May 1 through October from 9:00 am to Noon (excluding holidays) at the Grafton farm. Click here to sign up!
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Russ Swallow
Certified Senior Advisor™
Licensed Insurance Advisor
508-831-0805
508-450-2375 (cell)
Mailing Address
Post Office Box 626
Worcester, MA 01613
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Does your company have employees nearing 65 or 65+ and still working? |
We can help them as many Medicare plans have $0 monthly premiums and lower deductibles than they may have on their group health plan.
And helping them will also help you.
We help employees understand their Medicare options so they can choose a plan fitting their specific needs.
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New Resources for Small Business…
Small Business Strong has Events for Women In Business
In celebration of Women’s History Month, these workshops will feature a variety of topics including funding, marketing, government contracting, and more!
Monday, March 20
Tuesday, March 21
Wednesday, March 22
Thursday, March 23
Business growth support to minority-owned businesses with LESS THAN $500K in annual revenue
WHO: Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council (GNEMSDC)
WHAT: Provide no-charge business services to smaller (<$500K annual revenue) and non-employer New England minority-owned businesses. The objective is to help our smallest minority-owned companies prepare for, and respond to, the continued effects of the coronavirus. The new COVID-19 Project expands GNEMSDC’s support of our most vulnerable New England minority-owned businesses and builds upon the success of our existing MBDA Business Center that provides business growth support to larger minority-owned businesses with >$500K in annual revenue. Please note that GNEMSDC Certification is not required for participation in MBDA funded programs
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Why You Should Join The BVCC! |
When you become a Chamber member, a whole world of benefits and opportunities is opened up to you. Become part of a group of hardworking, collaborative local business people who want to make the Blackstone Valley thrive.
Our #1 priority is to help you!
Serving Northbridge, Grafton, Sutton, Millbury, Uxbridge, Douglas, Millville, Mendon, Hopedale, Upton & Blackstone.
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BVCC Hours
Monday: Remote
Tuesday - Thursday: 9:00am-4:00pm
Friday: Remote
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
Office Phone: 508.234.9090
Jeannie Hebert, President & CEO
Phone: 508.234.9090 ext. 106
Cell: 508.981.5782
Liz O’Neil, Director or Programs, Events & Membership and Marketing Coordinator
Phone: 508.234.9090 ext. 102
Kristen Kearnan, Office Administrator & Membership Manager
Phone: 508.234.9090 ext. 100
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Our Mission
To preserve and enhance the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley by addressing the needs and concerns of businesses and providing leadership, support and resources in connection with issues which impact commerce and the quality of life in the Valley.
Serving Our Community
The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce is a donation site for the Peace of Bread Food Pantry. Please drop off your non-perishable food items in our lobby during office hours for the people of the Blackstone Valley.
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Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
670 Linwood Avenue, Building A, Suite #5, Whitinsville, MA 01588
508.234.9090 | www.BlackstoneValley.org
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