Thursday, December 31, 2020 |
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Claudia Pazmany
Executive Director
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Greetings!
We are heading into 2021 with a sense of pride and humility. Gratitude for our members who have stuck with us, when there was ZERO additional funding for us, and for those who invested with us that kept us whole during the darkest of times, our Chamber Champions.
Please join me in thanking them here: PeoplesBank, Pioneer Valley Hotel Group, Cooley Dickinson Health Care, Encharter Insurance, Greenfield Savings Bank, University of Massachusetts, Hampshire Hospitality, Steve Lewis Subaru, Applied Mortgage, Hampshire Mall and Amherst College. Speaking of gratitude, I must thank my board led powerfully by Lynn Gray, General Manager, Hampshire Mall, and my exceptional staff, John Page, Membership & Marketing Manager and Laurie Freitag, our bookkeeper. This team truly helped shoulder the burdens of these times.
And before we close the books on 2020 we were able to accomplish a lot of good with all who donated to the Downtown Amherst Foundation - we continue to leverage your gifts to provide these creative solutions to support our businesses - micro-grants, signage, PPP, restaurant support - which extends to our greater community. If you have not yet donated, our fundraising remains open. As we enter the winter months, with a surge in the pandemic, imminent closures, and still without many colleges and university patrons on which our local economy relies, our businesses remain at their most vulnerable. So if you want to give before midnight tonight please do so but know you are welcome to give in the New Year as well.
And a huge acknowledgment to all who gave generously to our Become a Food Champion campaign. We met the $5K challenge match by PeoplesBank and together we have taken our collective 'holiday gathering monies' and put it to feeding our neighbors...over 40,000 meals! Thank you.
As we say farewell to 2020 let’s turn all the innovation, patience, and adaptation we have learned into new opportunities for continued growth, partnership and development in 2021!
And on behalf of our board and staff we leave you with this for 2021:
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
- Emily Dickinson
In your corner now and in 2021! Happy New Year to us all!
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Claudia Pazmany, Executive Director |
P.S. For local New Year’s specials and holiday hours follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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A friendly reminder when you are out supporting local: |
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Contented Cats is a unique kind of boarding experience...a home away from home for your cat. We are purposely small to provide the best care possible. We also offer a full range of cat caregiving services including home visits and play dates, behavior consultations, and litter box cleaning services.
We take pride in being a place where the staff is experienced and loving, a space that is safe and enriching, and a place where people truly love and understand cats.
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Osterman Propane / Superior Plus Energy |
Osterman Propane offers propane fuel solutions for commercial businesses and residential customers including:
- 24/7 on-call emergency service
- On-site consultation by our expert Propane sales specialists
- Sales and service of all Propane appliances
- Online bill payment and account access
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Fine wines, craft beers, amazing cheeses and specialty foods in the center of downtown Northampton and the Mill District in North Amherst. Current hours Monday thru Saturday 10AM-8PM and Sunday 12-6PM in their North Amherst location. Stop in and tell them the Chamber sent you! |
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Hillmann provides environmental consulting, risk management/loss control, and construction risk management services to our clients. Our local presence is provided by Jack Jemsek, Ph.D., LSP, LEP, PG. |
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Country Crossroads Wine Outlet |
Country Crossroads is a beer and wine store in Belchertown that offers delivery service in the Western MA area. Open 11AM to 10PM every day with online ordering and delivery available. |
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Johnny's Roadside is classic diner located at 458 Russell Street (Rte 9) in Hadley. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. NOW offering hand-made desserts and family meals to-go! |
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Seventy University is conveniently located within walking distance of the UMass campus, grocery stores, and restaurants. Less than a mile to the center of Amherst. They offer lots of great amenities including FREE WIFI! |
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Become A Food Champion Goal Exceeded! |
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Thank you! Together we raised $10,131 for The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts thanks to a $5K match by PeoplesBank. That's 40,524 meals for members of our community. There is still a chance to give until midnight tonight! |
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Are you on the list?
Amherst Area Gift Card Program
Our community has purchased over $12,000 in Gift Cards, 400+ cards are in circulation and they are checking this list once and checking it twice looking to spend dollars locally in the New Year. If you are interested in participating in the program contact John Page to get started.
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NEW! Huge Opportunity for YOU- Cooley Cash Gift Card - a Three Chamber Gift Card!
In partnership with Cooley Dickinson Health Care and on behalf of their President and CEO Joanne Marqusee, three area chambers of commerce – Amherst, Northampton, and Easthampton – are pleased to introduce the “Cooley Cash Gift Card” to you. This custom card is Cooley’s way of showing appreciation to their 2,000 employees who provide local care for our communities.
This is an enormous investment in YOU - in local! This Gift keeps every dollar local and benefits the community on all fronts.
BUT THIS MEANS ONE MORE STEP FROM YOU:
We know you are experiencing considerable ‘COVID-fatigue’ but we absolutely believe this is worthwhile and hope you see its value. Your business will receive enormous added visibility through all three websites as a result. It’s a wonderful partnership that celebrates all who participate.
What you need to know:
Email [email protected] to say you want to participate in this unique Three Chamber gift card.
John will put you in touch with all the information you need to add the Swipe-It app. This is a $.15 swipe fee per transaction and all reconciliation will be made bi-weekly through the Greater Northampton Chamber. These gift cards are only good for one year. Note: this is a separate system from our ongoing Amherst Area Gift Card program.
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Thrive In The New Normal!
All In This Together Membership Drive
Our small businesses are the cornerstone of our society, providing personal prosperity, enhancing quality of life, and creating a sense of community. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chamber membership is more important than ever. As a facilitator, advocate, and solution-finder the Chamber is working to ensure the success of all our small businesses. We are here for you in your time of need.
Our goal is not only to make sure that small businesses in Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, and Sunderland not only survive this dual public health and economic crisis but thrive thereafter. We are stronger when we come together and support one another, therefore, we invite you to join the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce family. Together we can create a more resilient and sustainable economy.
For that reason, we are extending a free three-month membership to any business, shop, store, or non-profit in the Amherst area. Contact us to find an option that works for you. Will you join us?
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LBGTQ+ / Women / Minority-Owned Business Listing |
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Resources on Racial Justice - In Your Business and In Your Community |
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Update Your Open For Business Listing
Have you reopened? Let the Chamber know or edit your listing directly so that our Open For Business Listing most accurately reflects your current services, hours, and protocols.
Also, update your Google listing. Instructions available here.
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Stay Connected - Join Our Slack Workspace!
Since we cannot connect in the same ways we are trying to get folks to try out a new tool – Slack. We have a Slack Workspace and would like YOU to try it out as we continue to add people the conversation. This will also help us keep a lot of Chamber information in one place.
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Keep the Valley Rolling! Make sure you are listed here!
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In the Valley, we support our neighbors. We stand up and lend a hand, even when it’s hard. Our resiliency has been tested time and again – through Tropical Storm Irene, the Springfield tornado, and now a public health crisis. But we always pull through. Together.
Now is the time to rise up again and 'Keep the Valley Rolling.' We will support our local businesses, in the safest way possible. We will encourage those around us, sharing the good and calming the fear. Let’s get creative, be positive, and support local.
#KeeptheValleyRolling is a movement to support local businesses today - so they can keep their doors open tomorrow.
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NEW State Grant Program Administered through MGCC
Last week, the Administration announced a $668 million business relief package to be administered by Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC). The business relief package consists of two programs: (1) a recapitalization of the first small business relief program, which launched in October and (2) additional funding for businesses that fall into specific industry sectors. MGCC is reviewing existing applications from the first small business relief program, and is preparing to post the application for the sector-specific grant program.
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A program overview for the sector-specific program is now online and can be found here.
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The application period for the new program will run from Thursday, December 31 through Friday, January 15.
- Businesses that already applied to MGCC’s first small business relief program from October do not need to reapply to the new program. All applications in the existing program are currently being reviewed.
- Businesses that have already submitted complete and accurate applications to the first program and either (a) meet the demographic preferences from the first program or (b) meet the sector-specific preferences from the new program will receive funding.
- Demographic preferences: Minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, businesses owned by persons with disabilities, or businesses located in Gateway Cities
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Sector preferences: Restaurants/Bars, Independent Retailers, Indoor Recreation and Entertainment, Personal Services, Event Support Companies (additional details)
- Businesses that have already applied to MGCC through the first program will be notified of their award status by January 18.
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Businesses that have not already applied to MGCC and choose to apply in the new program will be notified of their award status in February.
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Pioneer Valley Planning Commission has been awarded federal funds through the CARES Act to support local small businesses hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Valley Community Development Corporation will act as Program Administrator for the application and selection process to award one-time grants up to $10,000 for businesses located in Agawam, Easthampton, Granby, Hadley, Hatfield, South Hadley, Southampton, Southwick or Westhampton.
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The town of Amherst has been awarded federal funds through the CARES Act to support local small businesses hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Valley Community Development Corporation will act as Program Administrator for the application and selection process to award one-time grants up to $10,000 for businesses located in Amherst.
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Introducing Comcast Rise
Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment. These are the cornerstones of Comcast RISE, a multi-year commitment to provide marketing, creative, media, and technology services to qualifying small businesses owned by underrepresented groups, beginning with a focus on Black-owned businesses.
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Comcast Extends COVID Support Through June 30, 2021
Comcast announced today that it will extend its commitments to help people connect to the Internet during the COVID-19 pandemic as millions continue to stay home while many workplaces and schools operate virtually.
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Member News & Announcements |
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Cowls conserves the Walter Cowls Jones Working Forest -...
WD Cowls and Kestrel Land Trust Conserve 2,038 acres with MA Fish & Game and USDA FS Located in Shutesbury, Leverett and Pelham, these Conserved Forests are Adjacent to and Expand Upon the Largest Contiguous Private Conservation Project in MA...
Read more
themilldistrictna.com
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MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center Business Services is here to assist you!
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Posting of Jobs to statewide database - use the online form at: https://www.masshirefhcareers.org/post-a-job/ or email: [email protected]
- Hiring and Training - needs analysis, planning and job description assistance
- Access to Qualified Applicants - job matching and pre-screening
- Job Fairs and Specialized Recruitment – mixed industry, industry specific or individualized.
- Virtual Job Fair – new format offering LIVE Chat with Job Seekers; personalized employer booth – social media links, company overview, company video, job descriptions; activity reports for each employer for follow up.
- Labor Market Data
- Testing and Assessment of Job Seekers
- Connect Business Assistance Programs – Workforce Training Fund Program, Work Opportunity Tax Credit and Safety Grant.
- Industry Sector and Career Pathway training programs – Healthcare and Manufacturing
- Subsidized work-based training programs: Internships, Apprenticeship, On-the-Job Training
- Rapid Response assistance - layoff aversion, reduction in force transitions including work share
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Florence Bank Donated Nearly $100K to Ease Food Insecurity
Florence Bank donated nearly $100,000 in 2020 to support a new food distribution collaborative and nine other longtime nonprofits with a mission to feed people who are battling food insecurity in the Valley. The gifts have been made since March...
Read more
www.florencebank.com
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Help Amherst Ballet Survive the Pandemic |
Amherst Ballet has contributed to the community for half a century by providing quality dance instruction and creating beautiful shows, year after year, that involve local musicians, poets, and other artists. With discipline and poise acquired at Amherst Ballet, our alumni have gone on to successful careers in many fields as well as dance.
The current pandemic, however, has been very challenging for our school. Fortunately, we were able to secure a PPP loan and other relief funding last spring, which allowed us to provide virtual classes and then reopen our studios in July with the appropriate safety measures in place. A subsequent fundraising campaign enabled us to purchase air purifiers and continue to maintain a safe environment for our students, thanks to your support. But months of declining enrollment and tuition revenue since the beginning of the pandemic have left Amherst Ballet facing the imminent danger of closing its doors permanently unless we can raise $20,000 by early spring.
Please help this historic local dance school survive by making whatever contribution you feel comfortable.
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Do disruptions and times of transition cause you doubt and insecurity?
Do you care about Dignity, your self worth, and having greater impact?
Are you a small business owner?
Then join our focus group for the pilot program Dignity in Conversation, and build skills to navigate change with confidence and clarity!
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Have you seen Maureen Sullivan Media's new website? Check it out! |
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The Winter Market at Hampshire Mall
Support our local farmers and artisans and enjoy fresh veggies, cheese, meat, crafts and more! Come see them Saturday from 10AM-2PM in their brand new location in the former Autobahn space!
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CISA Winter 2021 Workshops |
This winter, CISA is offering three unique programs for farmers: Making Sound Decisions with Good Data, Financial Benchmarks for Vegetable Farmers, and Profitable Meat Pricing Program. All programs are remote. |
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Country Bank Supports Food Pantries with $130,000 in...
Country Bank donated over $130,000 to local food pantries throughout the year to assist with supplying food to its communities. The Greater Boston Food Bank recently reported that food insecurities in Massachusetts reached an all-time high in...
Read more
www.countrybank.com
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Chamber Champions engage throughout the year deepening their relationship with the Chamber and its business community. If you are interested in learning more about the Chamber Champion Program contact Claudia at [email protected]
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Strategic Partners are organizations with whom your Amherst Area Chamber have agreements that allow us to promote one another while gaining value for you, our Members.
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Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce
Proudly serving Amherst, Pelham, Leverett, Shutesbury,
Hadley, Belchertown, and Sunderland.
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