We're Not Just a Chamber of Commerce;
We're a Chamber of Connections.
8
|
|
Chamber Members are Hiring
Check Out Our Job Board
We posted new job openings on our website
Job Board
.
- Landscape America is looking for a crew member specializing in Design/Build and Maintenance
- CTS Services is looking for a Senior Network Administrator and an Inside Sales Representative
Follow the directions in each individual job post to apply for a job.
And if your organization is hiring,
let us know
and we will publicize the job openings for you.
|
|
Member of the Month, Steve Sherlock,
of Franklin Matters
When Steve Sherlock was nominated for URCC Member of the Month, it was said that he “likes and shares all of our posts.” OK. We ask everyone to like and share our posts. But when you or I like and share a post, we are on a completely different level. When Steve likes and shares the chamber’s posts, the word REALLY gets out. The brains behind the website,
Franklin Matters
,
Steve is a one-man digital news powerhouse for the town of Franklin. He has been sharing information to empower the voters and residents of Franklin since 2007.
Steve attends around 60 meetings each year – taking him out of his house at least one night and, sometimes, as many as three nights each week. These meetings include Town Council, School Committee, and the Finance Committee, to ‘follow the money’. He records the meetings and creates posts and podcasts for his audiences. And did we mention that this is a volunteer job?
Seems like a lot and it is, but now newspapers are cutting back more and more and the first thing on the chopping block is local coverage. So, the work Steve does is even more important now than it had been in the past. Franklin Matters has more than 4,000 people in its Facebook group; more than 2,000 Twitter followers, and an email list of over 1,000 that continues to grow. And when Steve posted recent election results, more than 20,000 people viewed the results on his site. Franklin residents count on Franklin Matters and Steve for their news because they know that they can rely on his level head and just reporting.
And the volunteering does not stop there. For several years, Steve also volunteered for the
Franklin Food Pantry
, where he held the positions of chairman as well as secretary.
In his real life day job, Steve is the Senior Director of Information Protection for John Hancock. He has held this position, which involves security and privacy, for more than four years now. We would guess that he probably logs in more than 60 meetings a year at his day job. Steve and his wife, Dolores, have lived in Franklin since 1995 where they raised their two daughters. He is a fixture in Franklin and the town is oh so lucky to have him. Not many towns or cities can say they have such a dedicated resource.
On LinkedIn, Steve says he has a six-word resume – Project delivered, team happy, customer elated. We can say that about Steve not only for his day job, but also for his second job – bringing the news to the people of Franklin.
So, the next time we are watching that baseball game, binge watching our favorite shows, or reading a book, we can be grateful to people like Steve Sherlock who bring our news to us without any bias. And that is more than enough reason for Steve to be the United Regional Chamber of Commerce member of the month.
Join us in congratulating Steve. Franklin Matters has been a member of the chamber since 2008 and we are grateful that he is on board with us – liking and sharing our posts. He certainly helps us get the word out.
|
|
Executive Express-0
Join the Conversation
United Regional Chamber of Commerce
310 South Street, Plainville
Friday, September 6, 2019
7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Each month, in an informal atmosphere, we help business leaders overcome the obstacles they face in growing their businesses quickly and more profitably.
This month's topic is
What office automation software have you used? What has been your experience?
We hope you will join us.
|
|
Ribbon Cutting
Help Us Welcome New Member
FYZICAL Dizziness and Fall Prevention Center
FYZICAL Dizziness and Fall Prevention Center
188 Washington Street, Unit 3
Plainville
September 9
12:30 p.m.
ENT Specialists
is excited to announce the opening of its new Physical Therapy Clinic,
FYZICAL Dizziness & Fall Prevention Center
. Their new state-of-the-art clinic offers specialized treatment for Dizziness/Vertigo (BPPV), Fall Prevention/Balance Issues, Concussions/Post-Concussion Syndrome, and Pre-Concussion Screening by their Certified Vestibular Physical Therapists.
|
|
It's that Time Again
Tri-County Regional Vocational High School
147 Pond Street
Franklin
Tuesday, October 22
6:00 p.m.
Are you thinking it's time to start thinking about pumpkin spice and apple crisp? Well, yes, it is.
But it's also time for our
much-anticipated
annual Taste of the Region at Tri-County Regional Vocational High School.
We always draw a crowd. Hope to see you there!
If you would like to be on the Taste of the Region Planning Committee or if you represent a restaturant or facility and you want to participate, contact
Jack Lank
.
|
|
Make a Brand-New Connection
Promote Your Business to Our New Members While You Help Us Welcome Them
One of our board members came up with a great idea!
But we need you to make it work.
We are creating Welcome Packs for our new members. These Welcome Packs will contain promotional products and coupons from the URCC community. It’s a great way to get your business in front of a new audience.
If you have a promotional product or an offer that you would like to include in the Welcome Packs, contact
Jack
at the Chamber office.
PS: If you are wondering about the Tru Red logo, it's a promotion for Staples, the URCC member company that sponsored the program.
"
|
|
Host an Alive After Five Event!
Our members would love to learn more about you and your business
Our
Alive After Five
events for Chamber members and their guests provide an opportunity for informal, one-on-one business introductions with other Chamber members.
To bring Chamber members to your location, host an Alive After Five!
Contact
Jack
at the chamber for more information about hosting an Alive After Five event.
|
|
MassDevelopment
Office Hours at the Chamber
Jay Pateakos, vice president of Business Development for the South Region of
MassDevelopment
will hold office hours at the United Regional Chamber office at 310 South Street in Plainville.
Pateakos will be available to provide information and answer questions about how the organization can help businesses, financial institutions, and municipalities in southeastern Massachusetts. Here are the dates for the the rest of 2019.
September 4, October 2, November 6, and December 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
For more information
email Jay
or call 508-678-0533 ext. 1201.
|
|
Like, Comment, and Share
Hey folks, we're on our smart phones and devices constantly (whether we want to admit it or not). We'd appreciate it if you would help us promote our Facebook posts. Like
our page
, share it, but when you see one of our posts, please LIKE, COMMENT, and SHARE the post. This will help us promote our members and will gain interest for our organization.
Help us spread the word!
|
|
J
oin a great team!
Visit the
B&M website
for more information about the jobs that are available.
|
|
Elite Physical Therapy
Celebrates 17 Years of Health and Wellness
Pictured here
Michael Nula (Founder/Physical Therapist) and Jason Harvey (Co-owner/Physical Therapist)
Elite Physical Therapy Inc
., a top physical therapy practice in Rhode Island, is celebrating its 17 Year Anniversary. In 2002, Founder and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Michael Nula had just finished his program at the University of Rhode Island when he and his wife Lisa decided to open their first Physical Therapy practice in Warwick, RI. “I’ll never forget the first day,” Michael said. "I still remember how nervous and excited I was. Funny that our front reception station was on back order and we had to use our breakroom table as the front desk that day. Normally I would have freaked out, but I was so pumped that 'game day' had finally arrived. All the planning, preparation, dreaming, and family support came together in that moment. We received our first referral that day who I ended up seeing as our first Patient. Before I brought the patient in for her initial evaluation, my eyes watered, and I realized in that moment that the adventure was just beginning and that this thing was going to work.“
Starting the practice alone for the first year, Michael now has over 100 employees currently working for Elite. Many have been here since the very beginning such as Physical Therapist Brian Whitcomb. “
I have been part of the Elite Physical Therapy team for 15 years and have been able to see the evolution of our company, not only in size, but also in the positive impact on the wellness and health of the communities we serve,” said Brian. My observation on why Elite has been able to provide quality care in returning so many patients to pain-free living is based on the culture of our team. I value Elite customer service and care when I have received it personally, and I take pride in being a part of an entire team that truly provides that care every day. To me, Elite represents the highest level of care and service as well as a culture based on treating each individual as we would our family and loved ones. I value Elite customer service and care when I have received it personally. I take pride in being a part of an entire team that truly provides that every day.”
The practice has transformed into nine clinics over the past 17 years and will soon be opening their tenth location in Lincoln this fall. This past year, Elite Physical Therapy was proud to be awarded four awards. They were named one of the Best Physical Therapy practices from
The Providence Journal
Readers’ Choice and were awarded the Blue Cross and Blue Shields Worksite Wellness Award for their outstanding worksite wellness. They also received two awards from the
Providence Business News
including Best Places to Work and Healthiest Employers.
Elite Physical Therapy works with businesses and the community to improve overall health and wellness through a variety of initiatives, programs, and events. The organization provides workshops, ergonomic assessments, postural screenings, injury assessments, fall prevention and balance screenings, running clinics, and advice from licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy to meet individual, community, athlete, and employer needs.
Elite Physical Therapy is a privately owned physical therapy practice with locations in Warwick, Providence, East Greenwich, Coventry, Cranston, Lincoln, North Smithfield, RI, and Attleboro, MA. Owned by local Physical Therapists Dr. Michael Nula and Jason Harvey, their group’s mission is to deliver the highest-quality Physical Therapy for orthopedic problems, sports injuries, back and neck pain, and surgical rehabilitation with superior service for outstanding results.
Each patient is assigned their own personal Physical Therapist who utilizes individualized, “hands on” Physical Therapy and therapeutic exercise based on the newest research to achieve the best results in fewer visits. To learn more, call RI (401) 737-4581 or MA (508) 306-9525 or visit their website.
|
|
Only for URCC Members
Rebecca is offering weekly free consultations at the Chamber office Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Send an
email
to her to schedule an hour. Rebecca will review the content in your Marketing material and website. This service is one of your member benefits, so you should take advantage."
|
|
Cultivate Leadership at Your Business or Organization with Supervisory Training from Bristol Community College
The
Bristol Community College
Center for Workforce’s new supervisory training series is designed to bring new and current supervisors up to speed on the skills needed to be a great leader.
Training sessions in the series include developing professional supervisor skills, effective coaching and mentoring, performance management, advancing communication and listening skills, supervising a diverse workforce and human resource compliance.
The supervisory training series is now enrolling with flexible scheduling options and training locations throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. Small businesses may qualify for the training series at no cost* and cost savings are available for larger businesses.
This Small Business Direct Access Program is 100% financed by Massachusetts businesses and is administered by
Commonwealth Corporation.
Under the new Small Business Direct Access Program (DAP), the training is free for employers of small businesses in Massachusetts with fewer than 100 employees and who contribute to the Workforce Training Fund. Companies also must be able to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the Mass Department of Revenue. Businesses with more than 100 employees are not eligible for the Small Business Direct Access Program, but may still participate in these courses at 50 percent off the full cost of the program. This option will be available starting in 2020.
|
|
A Message from CTS Services, Inc.
President Michelle Carlow
Microsoft Warns Windows 10 Users to Update Immediately Because of 'Critical' Vulnerabilities
Maybe you have already been informed by stories in the news recently. Maybe not!
Please protect yourself by taking Microsoft's advice seriously.
It is imperative, according to Microsoft, that Windows 10 users update immediately. Please read the
article by CNN
, featured yesterday, and call us here at CTS Services, Inc if you have any questions or need any assistance.
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND, too, that Windows 7 will no longer be supported. The end of life for this product is at your doorstep.
Call us to help you plan and implement a successful migration to Windows 10. Do not delay as this upgrade is causing severe hardware shortages.
Sincerely,
Michelle Carlow
President
CTS Services, Inc.
www.ctsservices.com
508.528.7720
|
|
Apply for the Manufacturing Matching Grant Program
The
New England Business Association
(formerly the
Smaller Business Association of New England,
or
SBANE) plays a major role in supporting Massachusetts manufacturing companies through the Manufacturing Matching Grant Program (formerly known as the Lay-off Aversion Program) through Management Assistance.
The program, which is funded through an appropriation from the Massachusetts State Legislature, provides targeted grants to manufacturing companies for the express purpose of providing high-powered private consulting expertise to small- and medium-sized Massachusetts-based manufacturers undergoing a business transition. Eligible projects that enhance the company’s top or bottom line will be considered.
The program has recently been approved for an 11th year of state funding. New England Business Association has allocated $2 million in public funds to over 270 Massachusetts manufacturing companies that supported 11,791 jobs and approximately $723 million in total payroll since the program’s inception.
The Massachusetts State Legislature appropriated funds to the New England Business Association again in FY2020.
To be eligible, companies must meet the criteria used by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to define a manufacturing corporation.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE 2019-2020 FUNDING YEAR:
- Application Deadline: October 4, 2019
- Awards are expected to be made in early November
- All projects must be completed by Friday, May 29, 2020
How It Works
This is a competitive, one-time, matching grant program, which requires the eligible candidate company to pledge a dollar for dollar cash match. For example, if the project will cost $15,000 to hire a person or agency to institute lean manufacturing in a plant, then you will be required to send a $7,500 certified check to New England Business Association for 50% of the project cost. New England Business will pay the third party directly so it can track the progress and benchmarks that have been established at the outset by the recipient company. New England Business Association must submit reports on its expenditures to committees in the Massachusetts State Legislature, so they will monitor performance and accountability to ensure consultant compliance.
Application Process
Interested companies should submit a one-page application along with a detailed statement. The statement should include an executive summary describing the company’s capabilities, as well as how the project will benefit the company. It should include these key components: how many jobs the company has (there are no size limits) and the impact the project will have on the company (i.e. projected job growth, improvements in efficiency, higher projected sales).It should also include a scope of services from the consultant, a task statement, projected outcomes, and a project timeline.
Proposal must be very thorough!
- New England Business Association cannot pay a third-party consultant for work that has already been done; the work must be completed after the date of award.
- The applications will be vetted by a committee of seven and all information will be kept strictly confidential.
|
|
City of Attleboro to Host The Moving Wall
Half-Sized Replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
September 26 - 30
The City of Attleboro has been given the extraordinary opportunity to serve as the host community for The Moving Wall, a traveling half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C, from September 26 - 30, 2019.
“We should take every opportunity we can to tell our Vietnam Veterans ‘Thank you for your service, and Welcome Home.’” said Ken Badertscher.
According to the website
www.themovingwall.org
, “In 1982, when John Devitt attended the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., he felt the positive power of ‘The Wall.’ He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington.” Devitt went on to found Vietnam Combat Veterans, LTD, and with the help of volunteers, created two replicas of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial which have been traveling the country since 1984.
The last time the Moving Wall came to the Attleboro area in 1999 when it was at the North Attleboro High School. Former Director of Veterans’ Services for North Attleboro Jim Bound put together a collection of newspaper clippings about the 1999 event which is currently on display at City Hall in Attleboro.
Bound said of the Moving Wall, “It was one of the most powerful projects I had the opportunity to work on. When you bring it directly to the community, there’s so much healing that comes with it.”
Badertscher said at the City Council meeting that the venue should be Highland Park. “I would prefer Highland to other venues within the City because it’s far enough removed from high traffic areas that we will have the opportunity to guarantee the silence and solemnity that The Wall deserves.”
Anyone interested in volunteering or making a donation to help bring The Wall to Attleboro can contact the Department of Veterans’ Services at Attleboro City Hall at (508) 223-2222 extension 3281.
|
|
URCC MEMBER OPPORTUNITIES
|
|
Looking for talent?
Send your open positions to us to post on our Member
job board.
To help you with outreach, postings remain on our website for two months.
Email for more info.
|
|
|
Sponsorships
Stay in front of your fellow Chamber members by sponsoring upcoming events.
- Taste of the Region (October, 2019)
- Annual Meeting (November, 2019)
- Spotlight on Education Breakfast (May, 2020)
- Golf Tournament (June 2020)
- Women's Expo (September, 2020)
To get involved, click
here
or
email
.
|
|
|
|
URCC MONTHLY MEETINGS
Small Business Advising is available the second and fourth Monday of the month.
|
|
Help us thank our Chairman's Circle Member
|
|
Help us thank our Corporate Partner Members
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
