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Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
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Executive Committee
Jessica Bettencourt
Chair
Board Members
Michael Checkosky
Alycia Dzik
Michael Wales
Michael L. Wales Painting Co.
Jim Donahue
Honorary Board Member
Counsel
Padgett D. Berthiaume
Chamber Staff
Executive Director
Finance & Administration
Communications Specialist
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Welcome to CROSSROADS NEWS!
Are you ready to March into a brand new season? We sure are, and your Chamber has a lot to offer this month. Take advantage of an extra hour of daylight and join us for Fun at Five at Baba Sushi. Kick off the new season with a free Chamber Orientation designed to get you up to full speed and taking advantage of all that Chamber Membership entitles you. This session takes place on the first day of Spring. April's JOB FAIR is coming fast as well with 10 of the 35 tables already reserved. If you are looking to hire, read more about the JOB FAIR below and give us a call to reserve today. Tables are FREE for our Members! You'll find all the details and much more from our Members and friends in this issue.
Got news? Thank you for emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in
Crossroads!
Keep posting your upcoming events to our online events calendar! We love sharing them with our readers!
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NETWORK WITH YOUR CHAMBER
Fun at Five!
Monday, March 11
at 5:00pm
Baba Sushi Sturbridge
453 Main Street, Fiskdale, 774-304-1068
Network with us at Baba in March!
Step into BABA. Feel the energy. Seductive, Sophisticated, Cozy and Subdued. Modern Asian décor. Eclectic music. Enjoy the freshest, most innovative, mouthwatering sushi dishes anywhere. This is a total sensory feast.
Enjoy spectacular hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer and cocktails, chances to win awesome drawing prizes and the opportunity to mingle with local professionals at one of the area's most creative dining destinations!
Wilson Wang, BABA's master chef and owner is metrowest's premier sushi innovator and showman. He has created a world-class dining experience. Classically trained in China at the Zibo Chef School and Shandong University he came to the U.S. in 1995 where he trained under Master Sushi Chef Yen of the acclaimed Oishii Sushi Bar in Chestnut Hill, consistently voted "Best of Boston." Wilson has been a master chef since 2001 and is well known in the area for his artistry.
Register for Fun at Five by email or phone.
508-347-2761
Cost is $10 for Members who pre-register,
$15 at the door, or $20 for non-Members.
We hope you'll join us on the first business day of Daylight Savings Time!
Thank you to our
March Fun at Five Sponsor!
Country Bank made donations that exceeded one million dollars in 2018. The bank's Charitable Giving program provided generous support to local non-profits; more than 400 organizations received donations last year. In addition, Country Bank's Employee Charitable Giving Program raised more than $30,000 in 2018, through events such as jean days, bake sales and raffles. In 2018, the Country Bank team volunteered more than 1,100 hours of personal time at various events within our local communities. To learn more about Country Bank's Charitable Giving Program, visit
www.countrybank.com/about-us/
Main Office: 75 Main Street, Ware, MA 01082
800.322.8233
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2019 Chamber Scholarships: Apply Now!
The Chamber of Central Mass South is now accepting applications for the 2019 CMS Chamber Scholarships. You may download the application to apply below.
Typically, three $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year. The final decision is subject to our Board of Directors approval.
Scholarships are disbursed directly to the student upon presentation of grades from first semester completed after the award is announced and a minimum 3.0 GPA attained. Students must be a resident or student within the towns served by the Chamber of Central Mass South.
For information call 508-347-2761. The Chamber does not discriminate against an applicant because of race, color, sex/gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or homelessness.
DEADLINE: Return the completed application, transcript, recommendations and student essay by April 1, 2019 to Scholarship Committee, Chamber of Central Mass South, 46 Hall Rd., Sturbridge, MA 01566
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Welcome New Member!
Please join us as we welcome the newest Member to the Chamber of Central Mass South!
308 Lakeside
Dining & Pub on Beautiful Lake Lashaway
308 East Main Street, East Brookfield, MA
774-449-8333
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Remember... MEMBER TO MEMBER!
We THANK YOU for KEEPING IT LOCAL...
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NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION
MARCH 20, 8:30AM TO 9:45AM
(Please arrive at 8:15 for a prompt 8:30 start)
CHAMBER OF CENTRAL MASS SOUTH - CONFERENCE ROOM
46 HALL ROAD, STURBRIDGE, MA
The Chamber offers these 75-minute sessions to help our new members and people who may be considering joining the Chamber to maximize the benefits they receive from their membership. Veteran members are welcome to join in as well and get a refresher on all the benefits of being a Chamber Member. We are very pleased to invite you to participate the next session which will take place on the morning of Wednesday, March 20th in the Conference Room at the Chamber Office in Sturbridge.
The details of this FREE program follow. Please RSVP if you are able to attend.
AGENDA
Welcome
Introductions
My Chamber Experience
Maximizing Your Membership
Networking Exercise
CMS Referral Group
Promotional Opportunities
Venly
SCORE
Coggno
Advocacy
Affiliation with Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
Committees
Questions & Answers
Closing
Coffee & Light Refreshments will be available.
We sincerely hope you will join us as we present these tools, tips, and strategies to help you get the very most out of your Chamber Membership. Feel free to give us a ring if you have any questions.
If you are able to attend, please RSVP
to Paulette via phone at 508-347-2761 or email
[email protected]
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If you are unable to attend this session but would like to be informed of future sessions, please let us know. Thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing you soon!
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Thursday, April 11, 2019
Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School
57 Old Muggett Hill Road, Charlton, MA 01507
Proudly presented by The Chamber of Central Mass South
in partnership with Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School
Are you looking to hire for
FULL-TIME POSITIONS, SUMMER JOBS OR INTERNSHIPS?
Reserve a table today at the Spring JOB FAIR. Designed for employers seeking to fill positions and open to all job seekers, the JOB FAIR will take place in two parts.
From 1:00 to 2:30pm, the fair will welcome Juniors and Seniors currently attending Bay Path RVTHS, Southbridge High School, Shepherd Hill Regional High School and other high schools in the CMS Chamber catchment. Two adjacent classrooms will offer resume building workshops and mock interviews.
From 3:00 to 5:00pm, there will be a full on job fair open to all adult job seekers throughout the region.
The JOB FAIR will be promoted on Indeed, ZipRecruiter, JobFairsIn.com, Eventbrite and in Your Hometown Shopper and supported by posters in high-traffic business locations throughout the region, the Chamber's Membership and the Bay Path School Committee.
Job seekers can view a list of companies as they come on by visiting the Chamber's website.
COMPANIES CONFIRMED FOR JOB FAIR 2019 (as of 2/28/19)
Center of Hope Foundation
Dave's Pest Control
Karl Storz
North Brookfield Savings Bank
Optim, LLC
Schott
Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center
Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center
Table 3 Restaurant Group
You, Inc.
Tables are FREE for CMS Chamber Members! First Come, First Served.
($75 for non-Members but this fee can be applied to a new
Chamber Membership if signed up by the end of April 2019.)
SPACE IS LIMITED! APPLY TODAY!
We will confirm your table reservation via email upon receipt of your application.
RETURN YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:
CMS CHAMBER, 46 HALL ROAD, STURBRIDGE, MA 01566.
NON-CHAMBER MEMBERS MUST INCLUDE PAYMENT OF $75.
PLEASE MAKE YOUR CHECK PAYABLE TO 'CMS CHAMBER.'
Don't delay! This will fill up rapidly.
Fax your completed application to 508-347-5218.
Call 508-347-2761 for more information.
With gratitude to our JOB FAIR Sponsors
KARL STORZ - ENDOSCOPY AMERICA
91 Carpenter Hill Rd. Charlton, MA 01507
SCHOTT FIBER OPTICS
122 Charlton St, Southbridge, MA 01550
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Would you like to get more out of your Chamber? Consider joining one of our committees. Our committees are a vital part of making our programs and services happen. They are also a fantastic way to build relationships with other business people in the area and strengthen your own business network or professional resume.
Two of our committees meet each month, and the third meets every other month, typically for one hour. Between meetings there may be a few light tasks to advance the interests of the membership. The options are:
Promotions Committee - typically meets the last Wednesday of the month at 4 pm at The Duck. They plan the Fun at 5s, Annual Meeting, Clambake, discuss tourism marketing, Chamber marketing, the Job Fair, Membership Directory, our Brimfield booth and the like. Next meeting will be March 27.
Education Committee - typically meets the first Friday of the month at noon at the Chamber. They plan our Brown Bag Seminars, larger seminars, and legislative events. Next meeting will be March 1 and then April 5.
Membership Committee - typically meets every other month on the second Thursday at 2:30 at the Chamber. They plan recruitment and retention strategies, and coordinate 2-3 New Member Orientations per year. Next meeting will be March 14.
If you would like to join one of our committees, please reach out to Alix at
[email protected]. You'll be glad you did!
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Be Visible, Stay Visible: Marketing For Members Only Packages for 2019
The Chamber's Marketing For Members Only packages for 2019 are available to be reserved!
These packages include low cost advertising opportunities using all the Chamber's channels.
Crossroads NEWS and EVENTS ads
Chamber Website Homepage banner ads
Dedicated Email blasts
Featured Member Spotlight in the Chamber Corner of Southbridge News
Just need an E-blast to tell folks about a product or service you offer?
Our E-blasts reach over 625 of our Members and friends in the community.
Our Crossroads E-newsletter reaches over 850 and Crossroads ads are just $50!
Purchase just one item or a comprehensive package to keep you visible all year long.
with questions or to get started.
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50% OFF SHREDDING, NO LIMIT!
Join us for our Secure Shredding Event.
Coupon code: 23515
Sunday, March 17-Saturday, March 23
Paperwork piling up? Drop off your sensitive documents at your local Staples® store and our partners at Iron Mountain® will destroy them in their secure shredding facility.
Visit us at:
120 Charlton Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
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Sturbridge Senior Center News
We've Changed!
Everyone probably remembers when the senior center opened its Memory Café. We have made some changes to our Memory Café which will help include a lot more people.
Welcome to the "Caring Place Café". Doors now open around 2:30, fun starts around 3pm. Open to anyone living with Parkinson's, PTSD, autism, hearing & vision impairment, Dementia, Alzheimer's and any other cognitive or brain related illness or injury. You must come with a loved one/caregiver, multiple loved ones always welcome to come. No diagnosis will ever be asked.
Join us for great shows like: Ragtime Jack Radcliff in March, Tammy Casavant in April and the Gypsy Belly Dancers in May. So many more fun performers and events coming.... Signing up in advance is helpful to us. Call to sign up or for more information: 508-347-7575
Spring has Sprung - Be On the Lookout
Ok, maybe not exactly, but here at the senior center we are done with this cold weather and we're ready to welcome the spring and new seniors.
We have a new Newsletter format, which we feel the public will actually want to read since it's so much shorter and easier.
We are bringing back Roving Restaurants.
Our Friend's Group will be sponsoring or partially sponsoring some lunches and events.
We will welcome back Concerts on the Lawn (senior center) and offer some new and fun guest speakers, presenters and workshops.
The mission of the Sturbridge Council on Aging is to promote healthy and active aging by addressing the physical, social and
economic needs of seniors; and to provide resources, services, education, and activities to embrace aging with health and vi
tal
ity. The Senior Center is located at 480 Main Street in Fiskdale.
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WANTED
Norcom Mortgage is on the hunt for licensed and experienced Loan Officers.
Do you have 2+ years of MORTGAGE EXPERIENCE?
Do you have a solid knowledge of FHA, CONVENTIONAL & VA LOANS?
*WE ARE NOW OFFERING REVERSE MORTGAGE LENDING*
INTERESTED?
CONTACT KRISTEN WALTHER
774.241.0770
LEARN MORE BY VISITING US AT
Please share this information with your friends and colleagues who may have an interest!
Thank you!
This is not an offer to make a loan or to make a loan or any particular terms. All loan applicants must qualify under underwriting requirements and satisfy all contingencies of loan approval. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. NMLS ID #71655 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)
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Harrington Auxiliary Irish Feast at The Publick House
Time to get your Irish on! The Harrington Auxiliary invites the general public to its annual traditional, all-you-can-eat Irish Feast, which will be held at the Publick House on Monday, March 11, 2019. The menu features a corned beef and cabbage buffet.
Two seatings are available: 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $14; tickets for children age 4 to 12 are $5.
Advance tickets are available at Harrington Volunteer Services. Checks should be payable to HH Auxiliary. Hospital employees may also purchase tickets through payroll deduction. Call 508-765-6473 for more information. Tickets are available at the door; cash only please.
Proceeds from the event enable the Auxiliary to provide equipment and programs that benefit the health and well being of the members in the communities the Harrington HealthCare System serves.
Harrington Auxiliary, established in 1932, is a non-profit organization of dedicated and impassioned volunteers whose mission is to support and enhance the excellent services provided by the Harrington HealthCare System.
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"March is a tomboy with tousled hair, a mischievous smile,
mud on her shoes and a laugh in her voice."
-Hal Borland
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Sturbridge Federated Church: Baked Potato Buffet
The Federated Church of Sturbridge and Fiskdale, at 8 Maple Street, Sturbridge will hold a Baked Potato Buffet community dinner complete with Irish music on
Friday, March 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Dinner includes a baked potato with a variety of toppings, according to event organizer Nancy Castendyk. Coffee, tea and juice will also be served and an assortment of desserts will also be for sale at the event.
Advance tickets for this special winter event are available for $6 per person from all Sturbridge Federated Church members or the Church office, which is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. Tickets for a child's portion (aged 6 and under) are also available for $4 and take-out orders will be available. For additional information, please call the Church office at (508) 347-3915 or visit the Church website at
www.sturfed.org.
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260 West Main Street, Route 9, West Brookfield, MA
Rich with history, the
Salem Cross Inn
is a restored 18th century farmhouse
nestled on 600 acres of New England countryside.
DID YOU KNOW... Yankee Magazine has chosen SALEM CROSS INN
as the "Best New England Cuisine" in Massachusetts!
March Dates: March 1 (SOLD OUT), 8, 15, 17 & 22
Join us for a special dining event as the Innkeepers at the Salem Cross Inn announce their series of 1700's style feasts, prepared on the open hearth of a great fieldstone fireplace. Relax by the fire or lend a hand as dinner is prepared for you in colonial style. Stir the chowder as it bubbles in our cast iron cauldron. See your prime rib, roasted 'to a turn,' as the only known authentic Roasting Jack still operating in America rotates slowly over a crackling fire of wild cherry logs. Beware the brimming bowl of freshly whipped cream - the perfect complement to New England's best apple pie.
While your dinner is cooking to perfection, enjoy a horse drawn wagon or sleigh ride through the valley on the Inn's pristine 600 acres. Shake off the chill with warm mulled wine or cider upon your return. Browse our extensive collection of colonial and federal period American antiques. The Fireplace Feast makes a thoughtful and unique gift for special friends or deserving associates.
The Fireplace Feast is just one of our many dining events that provides an authentic colonial experience. At Salem Cross Inn, we capture the history and culture of 1700's America. Salem Cross Inn's dining events, excellent cuisine, and atmosphere have been featured on Food Network's "The Best Of," WCVB TV5 Boston's "Chronicle" and chosen as the "Hidden Jewel" by Boston's Phantom Gourmet and WGBY.
HOURS IN MARCH 2019
Thursday & Friday (Lunch & Dinner) - 11:30am to 9:00pm
Saturday (Dinner) - 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Sunday (Dinner) - 12 Noon to 8:00pm
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Maple Days at Old Sturbridge Village
March 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, and 23-24
Times: The Village is open from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm (CLOSED on Mondays and Tuesdays.)
Cost: Included with daytime admission, a season pass, or Village membership
For many at Old Sturbridge Village, the first whiff of spring isn't the aroma of spring flowers - it's the smell of wood smoke and maple syrup, a sure sign that the sap is rising and spring is on the way. Join us for four weekends of "Maple Days" in March, when the Village's working sugar camp demonstrates maple sugaring as it was done in early 19th-century New England.
See the entire sugar-making process, from tapping the trees to "sugaring off," and learn why maple sugar was more commonly used than maple syrup in early New England.
Costumed historians will also cook period foods made with maple products and the potter and cooper will make maple related items.
Did You Know?
- Production of maple syrup is one of only a few agricultural processes in North America that is not European colonial import.
- Maples are usually tapped beginning between 30 and 40 years of age. Maples can continue to be tapped for sap until they are more than 100 years old.
- Once temperatures stop fluctuating between below freezing at night and above freezing during the day, sap stops flowing.
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road
Sturbridge MA 01566
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Poultry Seminar
March 9, 2:00-4:00pm at Klem's
Free to attend. No registration required. Thinking of getting chickens? Have had them for years but have some questions? All are welcome to our Poultry Seminar, It will cover: Poultry Basic Care - Nutrition - Egg Laying - Common Ailments - Flock Maintenance - Question and answer with Nutrena® guest speaker, Amelia Noll.
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Worcester Chamber Member Appreciation Night at the Railers
March 9, 2019 from 7pm to 9:30pm
DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester
We are happy to report that RAILERS TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE for the Worcester Regional Chamber Member Appreciation Night at the Railers!
Tickets are free to members and affiliates of Worcester Chamber! The NHL's Stanley Cup will be there for fans to take photos with from 6-8:30 p.m. Members use this link to register:
http://bit.ly/2DI2XR6
Additional tickets can be purchased from the Railers box office at:
railershc.com/
Tickets can be picked up at the chamber office, or in person at the DCU Center the night of the game.
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Publick House Cooks for Community Organizations
Help us give back to the community by joining us for our monthly feasts to raise money for local organizations. Sponsored organizations will split a minimum of $4.00 from every dinner served!
March 11
Harrington Hospital Auxiliary
Federated Church of Sturbridge
IRISH FEAST
CASH DONATION
Held in Paige Hall or under the Tent!
SEATING ONE: 4:30pm-6:15pm
SEATING TWO: 6:30pm-7:30pm
Casual Dining * Open Seating * No Reservations
All Feasts include...
Tossed Salad with Maple Vinaigrette, Dinner Rolls, Dessert, Coffee & Soft Drinks
Thank you for your support!
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Second Chance Animal Shelter Pet Adoptions
March 15, 2:00-4:00pm
Make an Animal Lucky and Adopt! From 2pm-4pm.
MOBILE ADOPTION UNIT is coming to Klem's! On the road to saving more lives!
Be sure to stop by and say hi to some of the sweet dogs and cats looking for a new home!
Let adoption help you find your next best friend.
Klem's 117 West Main Street, Spencer 508-885-2708
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BBQ, Bay State Brewing & Blues
Featuring Big Jon Short
The Duck on Thursday, March 21, 2019
What better way to kick off the spring season than with a BBQ & Blues Dinner. Chef Tony and Chef Dan are stoked to fire up the smoker after a long winter and local blues legend Big Jon Short will be laying down some blues to keep the good times rolling. We'll also have a special guest brewer, Bay State Beer Company, in the house with something special to accompany the awesome music and food. The cost for the BBQ, Beer & blues dinner is $29.95 per person and the menu includes chips and salsa bar, loaded BBQ plate, dessert and coffee. A cash bar and Bay State Brews are extra. Tax and gratuity are not included. This special event is limited and likely to sell out quickly. Make your reservations by calling
The Duck at 508-347-2321. Seating begins at 6 pm and the dinner begins at 6:30 pm.
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Village Toastmasters Weekly Meetings
Thursday Evenings, 7:00-8:15pm
CHAMBER OF CENTRAL MASS SOUTH CONFERENCE ROOM
46 Hall Road, Sturbridge
Village Toastmasters is a local group focused on helping its members improve their public speaking and leadership skill while building confidence in their abilities.
As of Thursday, April 27, 2017, Village Toastmasters will meet every Thursday from 7:00-8:15 pm
at the offices of the Chamber of Central Mass South, located at 46 Hall Road, Sturbridge.
Guests are always welcome!!
Please arrive 15 minutes early (6:45pm) as meetings start promptly.
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Worcester 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group
NETWORKING WORKS!! Your AGE really is your EDGE!!
Funded by AARP and Managed by MCOA, we have expanded our 50+ Job Seekers Regional Networking Group program to support and assist people in the 50+ demographic living in the greater Worcester area and looking for a new job, a totally new career direction, re-entering the workforce after an employment gap or looking for a Second Act career.
Meet and network with fellow job seekers at our bi-weekly networking group meetings.
Learn how to Network!
New Topic at each Meeting!
Come join Melody Beach, an experienced Human Resource professional who is the Facilitator for this collaborative Networking Group.
Start your journey towards self-realization, re-invention and transformation!
WHO: Mature Job Seekers! That's YOU! (50 years of age +)
WHEN: Meetings are on the
2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Doors open at 1:30pm
for registration and casual networking so come early! And often!
WHERE: Worcester Senior Center located at 128 Providence St., Worcester, MA (508-799-1232)
Did you know: 85% of all jobs are found through NETWORKING!! REALLY!!
For more Information and Pre-Registration (required), please feel free to contact:
The Worcester COA at 508-799-1232.
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Click on the image to browse our catalog of Coggno training courses!
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We Welcome Interesting Goodies for our Welcome Baskets!
 The Chamber has teamed up with the Center of Hope to create gift baskets to welcome new members to the Chamber of Central Mass South. The Chamber presents our new members with gift baskets that will not only have a monetary value but also to give the recipient an opportunity to learn more about other Chamber members and their services. These baskets make a terrific first impression and are a great way to introduce your business to new prospects. Can you help us fill these baskets with interesting goodies?
We are always seeking interesting, practical items to include in our welcome baskets. We welcome your contributions of items like modest gift certificates, discount coupons, items with your company's logo like piggy banks, thumb drives and coffee mugs, free trial items, small items your company manufactures or whatever else might promote your company and be a value to our new members. We are looking to assemble about a dozen baskets at a time so that time sensitive material will not be out of date when received. If you would like to donate items for this program, please drop them off at the Chamber office or give us a call to arrange pick up your donated items. Contact Alix at 508-347-2761 or e-mail [email protected] if you have any questions or to arrange a pickup. Thank you for your contributions!
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Important Dates to Save!
March 2:
Maple Days Begin at OSV
March 7: United Way Campaign Breakfast
March 7: Woman in Business: All in The Timing
March 10: Daylight Savings Time Begins!
March 11: Fun at Five at Baba Sushi with Country Bank
March 13: New Hope's Open House
March 17-23: Secure Shredding Event at Staples
March 20: New Member Orientation at CMS Chamber
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VISIT US ONLINE FOR LOCAL EVENTS AND MORE
www.cmschamber.org
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