Well, the new year is flying right along and things are getting busier all the time. We have a number of events lining up and it’s great to see things beginning to come back to life, as we are finally seeing the signs that this most recent surge of the latest COVID variant is beginning to fade.
The monthly Chamber Breakfast Club networking went off without a hitch and as always, it’s great to see so many smiling faces to start the day as well as kick off our month. We welcomed our newest member, Tonno with a ribbon cutting to celebrate their recent interior renovations. Be sure to treat yourself to a good night out and visit them soon – you will be glad you did. Special note to all of you oyster lovers out there – they have an oyster special of only $1.00 per oyster. Check out their website (www.tonnorestaurant.com) to get the specifics for this and the other delicious menu items!
Looking ahead, we have a number of events on the horizon and be sure to save the dates for these special events. On Thursday March 3 is our next breakfast Networking at Brothers.
We have a very special Legislative Breakfast scheduled for Tuesday March 8 at the Four Points Sheraton with the Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Housing & Development, Mike Kennealy. Secretary Kennealy’s office also oversees the office of tourism for Massachusetts and his theme for this discussion will be “Navigating in a Post Pandemic Environment.”
We will be having an After Hours Networking on Tuesday evening March 15 at Tonno. This is another terrific opportunity to get out and enjoy yourself while mingling with your fellow Chamber members and extending your networking opportunities. Click here to register!
Special notice to our restaurant and other liquor licensed members: Make a note and Save the Date: Tuesday March 22nd: FREE TIPS Training for all on Premise Alcohol Licensees. It will be co-hosted by the Wakefield-Lynnfield & Stoneham Chambers of Commerce in partnership with the Stoneham Coalition and Wake-Up Coalition. We will be providing more information about this event very soon including a registration link to follow.
Town By-Laws restricting Foam Polystyrene (Styrofoam)
As many of you should be aware by now, Wakefield residents voted at Wakefield’s November 7, 2020 Town Meeting to pass two articles that may impact how you conduct business in Wakefield. They aim to reduce the environmental impact of foam polystyrene (Styrofoam)
Although the bylaws went into effect on June 30, 2021, businesses were given a six-month grace period to learn, ask questions, and use up any inventory they had. Read this overview or watch this short video to learn more.
Enforcement of these bylaws begins January 1, 2022. If you feel your business is not ready to comply, you must fill out a waiver request which will be reviewed by Town Administrator Stephen Maio. Your waiver must be received by December 31, 2021.
Family and Medical Leave Act
A lot has happened since the last Department of Family and Medical Leave quarterly briefing. We feel it important that we (the Chamber) provide you a notice of these changes and bring to your attention how to best access the information regarding these changes.
The following link will help you reach the most recent updates available to educate and guide you and your employees through PFML.
Department of Family and Medical Leave
Thank you all once again for continuing to support the Chamber. We look forward to another year together and hopefully a much healthier and prosperous one for all!
Be safe everyone,
John
