I have to say it’s been so nice the past couple of months to have begun meeting once again in person. There is true pleasure in seeing so many of you once again “face to face” instead of “mask to mask!!" Let’s all pray that this second go around with the new COVID Variant does not impede or hinder our comeback progress. Without preaching or judging anyone, I would only ask that if unvaccinated, you give serious consideration to the vaccine for your own health and the health of those around you.
Keeping up with tradition on the first Thursday of every month, we had our Breakfast Club networking at Brother's. To the many regulars all with Breakfast Club coffee mugs in hand, “thank you”! As those of you who attended – new and old, know it’s always enjoyable renewing our conversations with business friends and peers. So mark your calendar now for October 7 – the first Thursday in October to join in the networking and making new business contacts and possibly, new friends! These two often go hand in hand!
Happy to share that although busy, the month of August was a positive month for the Chamber. We had two well attended ribbon cuttings for new members-“Simplify with Eileen” and “Valid 8." Special thank you to our two State Representatives Donald Wong and Kate Lipper-Garabedian and Wakefield Community and Economic Development Director Erin Kokinda for attending and supporting the Chamber and these local businesses. Please be sure to check out the pictures included with this newsletter.
Well, it was a bit hot and very sticky but a shout out to all of you hearty souls who braved the 90+ heat and humidity and attended the Business After Hours Networking at the West Side Social Club. While the heat was challenging, the hospitality of the West Side Social Club was tremendous. Thank you to the club for hosting the event and kudos to Chamber member Wakefield Co-operative Bank for their sponsorship of the club's new outside patio area.
Please make a note of this very special event fast approaching on Tuesday morning September 14. The Chamber is hosting an event which is bringing Congressman Seth Moulton to our town for a “Congressional Legislative Update”. We have this informational forum scheduled for Tuesday September 14 at The Four Points Sheraton in Wakefield. The session begins with a buffet breakfast at 7:30 am followed by the Congressman's presentation at 8:00 am. Do not miss this unique opportunity to meet with and speak with your US Congressman. This is your chance to hear firsthand on some of the dramatic and explosive events taking place in our nation’s capital. Take the time to register now!
Small Business Virtual Office Hours
The Chamber recognizes that there still exists the real need for additional information regarding available resources for our members and is continually working to provide that information to our members. Consequently, in partnership with the Town of Wakefield, The Town of Reading and the Reading North Reading Chamber we are pleased to be able to bring to you the following opportunity:
Monday, September 13, 2021 & Thursday, September 30, 2021 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM* via Zoom.
MA Small Business Administration (SBA)- Lisa Gonzalez Welch
MA Office of Business Development (MOBD)- Maria DiStefano
Please take advantage and avail yourself to this chance to meet and speak privately and confidentially with these two very knowledgeable experts. Please contact us at the Chamber office for more information and to register.
As mentioned previously, the Chamber is once again promoting the importance of supporting local businesses. This year’s promotion is called “SHOP LOCAL SATURDAYS”! It began last month, on sales tax holiday weekend and will run through December on alternating weekends. We are encouraging all to shop at local merchants anywhere in the Town of Wakefield. Then, for every $50 spent by an individual with one of our local Wakefield merchants during one of our “Shop Local Saturdays” they will be awarded a $10 gift coupon from the Chamber. This coupon can then be used at any one of almost 30 participating restaurants. Please see the Chamber website for the most up to date list of participating local Wakefield restaurants.
Stay safe everyone,
John
