Blackstone Valley Chamber
of Commerce Newsletter
January 19, 2023
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UP & COMING CHAMBER EVENTS
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Member Benefit Sessions
January 25, 2023
9:30am-10:30am
Are you new to the BVCC? Have you been a member for years, but need a reminder of your benefits?
Pop into a Member Benefit Session and meet our staff, explore our resources and get involved in our community!
Held at the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Office
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QuickBooks In-Depth Training For Beginners, Plus Bonus Member Benefit!
February 7-9, 2023
8:00am-9:00am
Virtual
These 3 day virtual information sessions are 1 hour, each day of instruction for QuickBooks. These classes are open discussion, non-threatening, educational not overwhelming and have a great deal of participation and specific examples. The purpose of these training sessions is to educate small business owners/staff members who currently do not have accounting software, or who have QuickBooks, but do not use it to its potential due to lack of knowledge or manpower.
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Exclusive BVCC Member To Member Benefits |
Being a member of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, has so many benefits! One of those benefits is sharing offers, promotions, and discounts with your fellow members!
Please click the button below to view all the BVCC Member To Member offers.
(may take up to 2 weeks lead time to be featured)
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Be Our Guest On "About The Valley" Hosted By Harry Berkowitz! |
Tune into "About the Valley", hosted by Harry Berkowitz!
New members are encouraged to sign up for a space. Past sponsors, it may have been included in a sponsorship level package.
Interested in being a guest?
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Join Us On A Committee!
Want to get more involved in the WSN? Volunteer on one of our three committees: programs, community support and marketing. Our volunteers help the WSN implement the goals and objectives of the network. Our Programs Committee, co-chaired by Alise Breton and Carol Dauphinais, plans and organizes events, meetings and seminars for the network. Our Community Support Committee, chaired by Heather Elster, focuses on the needs of our community by building awareness and providing resources and charitable aid. Our Marketing Committee, chaired by Ashley Daviau, and Pat Hurton, assists in promoting the network and various functions.
For more information about these committees or to connect with some of our volunteers, please email Pat Hurton at pjhurton@yahoo.com.
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New Mother's Drive
February 1st-February 28th, 2023
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From February 1st - February 28th, the WSN will have collection boxes throughout the Blackstone Valley for donations for new mothers. The items collected will be sorted and delivered to local food pantries and other non-profit organizations for distribution to the new mothers in our region who need them the most. The goal of this drive is to help new mothers obtain what they need, learn about resources available to them, and feel supported in their important role as a mom. Last year, the new mothers were so grateful, especially for the handmade items.
If you are interested in knitting, crocheting, or would like to handmake anything for the new mothers or their babies, please contact the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce at 508.234.9090.
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MCTrade: THE BVCC's Member Management & Event Registration System
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Make A Resolution to Update Your Chamber Member Information
Having accurate information in our member management system is so important. Log into your member portal and make sure all of your company contact information is correct so you don't miss one bit of news or information from the Chamber in 2023. This information automatically updates into our online member directory, so our community will also be able to see your most accurate information.
Also, please be sure to identify the category that your business falls under (retail, non-profit, bank, etc.) and if you have any special designations (veteran-owned, woman owned, etc.). This information assists us with communication and marketing purposes! The more information the better!
Log in to your Chamber account to make real-time changes to your online company profile in our member directory.
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BVCC & WRCC Small Business $1,000 Energy Relief Grants!
The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce (BVCC) in conjunction with the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce (WRCC) recognizes the high energy prices and the financial challenges facing small businesses, so to help with some of these costs we have partnered with National Grid to make a total of 250, $1,000, one-time grants available to our small business owners who are Chamber members. The grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and will be administered directly from the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.
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Congratulations To UniBank, the largest Mutual Community Bank in Central Massachusetts, in winning two awards for banking.
Michael Welch, CEO of UniBank stated, “It’s humbling to receive such recognition from the community which we serve. Such validation from the people who live and work in Central Massachusetts serves as further inspiration for all of us at UniBank. As the largest financial institution headquartered in Worcester County these awards are a testament to the hard work, and commitment of our employees to our mission as a mutual bank. As a non-stock bank, our mission can be fully about the people, institutions and needs of our community, as distinct from serving the needs of stockholders and share price from across the country. To receive these awards, voted by individuals who live in our communities, including those who own/run businesses, is an endorsement that we are large enough to serve a wide variety of personal and business needs, yet, not too big to know people by name. We are thankful for the faith and trust that the community has in us.”
Thank you for voting!
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MassDevelopment provides loans and guarantees funded through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) to support business investment. Our SSBCI program has a particular focus on SEDI businesses. (See reverse side for definition.)
SSBCI loans and guarantees can offer extremely flexible terms where necessary to make projects happen, for example: subordinated positions, LTV>100%, interest rate reductions to cover debt service, leasehold improvement loans, etc.
All SSBCI projects must also have a loan from a private lender (bank or credit union) with exposure equal to or greater than the amount provided by SSBCI.
Real estate must be 51% or more owner-occupied for existing buildings, or 61% or more owner-occupied for new construction.
Contact MassDevelopment at 617-330-2000 and let us help you finance your growing business.
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Congratulations To Koopman Lumber & Hardware in receiving LBM Journal’s Dealer of the Year Award!
In an industry in which it’s common to work alongside family members, the leadership team at Koopman Lumber demonstrates how to do so successfully while also adhering to fiercely independent values and topping an 800% revenue growth over the past 12 years.
Founded by Peter T. Koopman in 1939, the company is still headquartered in Whitinsville, Massachusetts, just down the street from where the original location began in Peter Koopman’s garage. The same community-minded values of generosity that drove Peter Koopman, a builder, to sell off extra lumber he had accumulated, still drives the company today.
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LBM Journal’s Dealer of the Year awards, sponsored by Epicor, recognize LBM companies of different sizes that epitomize the entrepreneurial spirit. By our definition, a Dealer of the Year describes a company in which leadership excels at identifying underserved—or emerging—markets, satisfying customers, and constantly working to grow and improve business. While these companies represent vastly different operations, the common thread is their fierce commitment to finding ever-better ways to serve their customers and their communities.
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Patrick Carne
VP Operations at Preferred Energy
508.808.0813
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Greetings fellow BVCC member! Are you feeling the increase in your National Grid and Eversource rates? It’s not too late to do something about it! Preferred Energy can help you save! Would you like to learn more about this opportunity? Whether you already have something in place or not, I’d love to help educate you on what’s happening in the energy markets and how it will effect your specific energy consumption.
NEW Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Preferred Energy Monthly Member Benefit
Monthly Member Electricity and Natural Gas Aggregate Program.
Pool your businesses electric and/or natural gas usage with fellow members to generate optimal fixed rates through bulk block purchasing.
“Open Enrollment” period is monthly and based on individual meter reads.
Benefits to BVCC Members
- Reduced fixed rate resulting in lower annual costs.
- Cost control with budget security.
- No cost and no obligation.
- Risk management and protection from market volatility.
- Hedging longevity and combined usage against inflation and global uncertainties.
- Protection from market volatility.
- Additional accountability and onsite.
- Hands-on, local and fellow member, energy expert and personal account manager.
- Access to personal market updates and trends.
- Proactive strategies given future market opportunities.
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Healthy Mind, Healthy Farm - Sessions Start Next Week
Learn the skills to engage, empathize with and help members of the Massachusetts agricultural community connect to the mental health and wellness resources available to them statewide. In-person statewide training groups start next Monday, January 9th in Lakeville. Select one of many other virtual training times, in-person locations, whichever best suits you - Open to all, sessions repeated over Jan, Feb and early March - Register Here!
MA Farm Succession School Starts on Jan 26th – Few spots left
Three Thursdays, 9:30am – 3:30pm @Fiske Public Library, Wrentham, MA
- January 26, 2023
- March 2, 2023
- March 30, 2023
MDAR is hosting Land For Good’s Farm Succession School for Massachusetts farmers again this winter! This is an opportunity for senior generation farmers to talk with peers, learn from advisors, and get support on the challenging process of farm succession and transfer planning. Register Here!
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2023 Applications Now Open to Exhibit at the Massachusetts Building This Fall During the Big E
Each year, MDAR invites Massachusetts businesses and organizations to apply for the opportunity to exhibit in the Massachusetts State Exposition Building during The Big E, September 15 – October 1, 2023. Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) is an annual event that takes place in West Springfield, MA for 17 days and draws over 1.6 million people.
Interested applicants are encouraged to review the exhibitor guidelines and application, and submit a completed application by 4:00pm on Friday, March 10, 2023.
Multiple exhibiting options include: 17- day indoor, 17- day outdoor, or up to 10-day porch space.
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Community Harvest Project Is Hiring!
Development Manager - Community Harvest Project, North Grafton, MA
Community Harvest Project is currently seeking a Development Manager to work under the direction of the Executive Director. This position will be based primarily in North Grafton, MA with work in Harvard, MA.
Role Description: The Development Manager reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for the strategic growth of the organization’s fundraising and stewardship activities to ensure the organization can grow fresh fruits and vegetables for hunger relief. This person will drive, coordinate, and with assistance of staff, Board members and volunteers, implement the organization’s development efforts, including fundraising events, donor stewardship, correspondence and communications, and management of donor databases.
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Interested applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and 2-3 professional references by January 30 to tori@community-harvest.org.
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Congratulations to BVC Member Bri's Sweet Treats for being voted "Best New Business In Central Mass," in the Worcester Business Journal Best of Business!
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New Year Programs At The Heartwell Institute
1015 Pleasant St, Worcester, MA 01602
Parking Address: 10 Biltmore Road
774-243-6800
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FREE Monthly Meditations, first Tuesday of every month, from 6-7PM at The HeartWell Institute for FREE stress-reduction meditation practice
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Virtual Multi-Industry Job Fair
January 26, 2023
10:00am – 1:00pm
Open to employers with multiple, immediate openings. Please visit the Virtual Job Fair Registration Page to apply to join the event and see more details. Registration deadline is Friday 1/20/23. No limit on the amount of employer participants!
PLEASE NOTE: This event is taking place online.
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The Samuel Slater Experience tells Slater’s Oxford, Dudley and Webster story. We bring Samuel Slater and this rich industrial history of the area back to life. |
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Samuel Slater Experience, Programs & Special Events!
31 Ray Street
Webster, MA 01570
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Samuel Slater's Restaurant & Special Events
200 Gore Rd.
Webster, MA 01570
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INDIAN RANCH ADDS NEW SHOW TO 2023 CONCERT LINEUP
Tickets On-Sale this Saturday, January 21 at 10:00 AM
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Our students are our future, let’s work together to provide them with the tools they need for educational excellence!
IES is now expanding our reach to bring professional and highly qualified tutoring to your school district! Jump into a partnership with us, and we can provide FREE seminars, test prep strategies and so much more!
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CD Special - Limited Time Offer from UniBank!
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Clear Vision Alliance brings a unique perspective to Strategic Thinking and Leadership Mindset in developing long-term strategic direction for their clients. |
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2023 Business Executive Roundtable Season
Season Theme:
This season of roundtables will focus on understanding current state of change, looking ahead, and strategizing for consistent, profitable growth.
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14th Annual Employment Law Update |
Join us for the 14th Annual Law Update, when we will look ahead at hot topics that HR professionals and senior administrators of your organization or campus need to know in 2023. Each webinar will cover different topics and
include time for any questions that you may have (which can be pre-submitted on the registration form).
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Please Help Support Truth Spa Rebuild
One of our fellow BV businesses, Truth Spa in North Grafton, recently experienced a devastating fire. They have been displaced and lost everything. As we do here in the Blackstone Valley, we rally to help. A Go Fund Me page and Amazon Wish List have been created. If you would like to help please reference this information. Thank you for your generosity and kindness.
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Massachusetts Export Center Export Expo
Free Virtual Event, January 27, 2023
pre-Expo Workshops on Thursday, January 26
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Under Secretary of Commerce Alan Estevez to Headline the Export Expo!
Join us for the Export Expo – the state’s largest and most important export event of the year that brings together resources, training and information for the local exporting community! This year's Export Expo will again be a virtual event that will include an exhibit area featuring government, non-profit and private sector service providers serving the export community. The Export Expo will also feature a lineup of workshops, panel discussions and special addresses on a wide variety of export-related topics.
The Export Expo will feature influential guest speakers and opportunities to connect with experts to answer your specific export questions. We hope that you will join us for the same timely and important international trade content in a convenient virtual format! Our virtual platform will provide opportunities for networking and allow participants to view all of the conference’s content, so you won’t miss a thing! Additional speakers and content to be announced soon.
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Alan F. Estevez
Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security
Under Secretary Estevez will provide an update on the latest U.S. export regulatory developments, including new controls targeting China's technology production capabilities, expansion of list-based and end use restrictions, and the strategic evolution of export control policy under the Biden Administration.
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Harbro Auto Sales & Service
SPECIAL!
Buy 4 Tires, get an alignment for a dollar!
WHERE DO YOU BUY YOUR TIRES?
When it comes to tires, think Harbro. We are your local tire experts and we can help you make the best choice for your budget and vehicle. We carry most brands and we will match or beat local competitor's written quotes.
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JOIN A BVCC NETWORKING GROUP!
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Why You Should Join The BVCC! |
When you become a Chamber member, a whole world of benefits and opportunities is opened up to you. Become part of a group of hardworking, collaborative local business people who want to make the Blackstone Valley thrive.
Our #1 priority is to help you!
Serving Northbridge, Grafton, Sutton, Millbury, Uxbridge, Douglas, Millville, Mendon, Hopedale, Upton & Blackstone.
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BVCC Hours
Monday: Remote
Tuesday - Thursday: 9:00am-4:00pm
Friday: Remote
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
Office Phone: 508.234.9090
Jeannie Hebert, President & CEO
Phone: 508.234.9090 ext. 106
Cell: 508.981.5782
Liz O’Neil, Director or Programs, Events & Membership and Marketing Coordinator
Phone: 508.234.9090 ext. 102
Kristen Kearnan, Office Administrator & Membership Manager
Phone: 508.234.9090 ext. 100
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Our Mission
To preserve and enhance the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley by addressing the needs and concerns of businesses and providing leadership, support and resources in connection with issues which impact commerce and the quality of life in the Valley.
Serving Our Community
The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce is a donation site for the Peace of Bread Food Pantry. Please drop off your non-perishable food items in our lobby during office hours for the people of the Blackstone Valley.
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Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
670 Linwood Avenue, Building A, Suite #5, Whitinsville, MA 01588
508.234.9090 | www.BlackstoneValley.org
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