We're Not Just a Chamber of Commerce;
We're a Chamber of Connections
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Ribbon Cutting This Friday, February 24 at Pet Supplies Plus
Friday, February 24, 11:00 a.m.
1150 Newport Avenue
Attleboro
At Pet Supplies Plus, They Say "We Love Giving Your Pets The Good Stuff"
Join us as we cut the ribbon to kick off the Grand Opening Weekend for new URCC member Pet Supplies Plus. Owner John Barris says, "I am a financial risk manager with over 25 years of experience, having owned and operated a small consulting firm for many years. I realized that I have a love for animals and decided to apply my finance and operational skills to opening a franchise of Pet Supplies Plus. My goal is to become a part of the local community and my neighbors' number-one source for all their pet needs."
Welcome, John and Pet Supplies Plus. We are looking forward to meeting you and seeing what you offer for our furry family members.
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Are you coming to our ribbon cutting?
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DATE AND TIME
02/24/23 11:00am
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02/24/23 1:00pm
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Join Us at Our Upcoming Events
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Wednesday, February 22; 11:45 a.m.
36 Common Street
Wrentham, MA
Friday, February 24, 11:00 a.m.
1150 Newport Avenue
Attleboro, MA
Friday, March 3; 7:45 a.m.
in the Chamber Office
310 South Street
Plainville, MA
Wednesday, March 8; 11:45 a.m.
36 Common Street
Wrentham, MA
Wednesday, March 8; 10:00 a.m. - noon
Save the Date
Monday, April 10
It's going to be a great event, so mark your calendars.
Details to come.
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Alive After Five at Zahara Cannabis
Last Wednesday, we held an Alive After Five event with Chairman's Circle member Zahara Cannabis on Frank Mossberg Drive in the Attleboro industrial park. We learned about the cannabis industry, toured the facility, and networked with local business professionals.
Very impressive!
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URCC President Jack Lank with Zahara's General Manager and Member of our Board of Directors Michael Kochekian. |
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Check Out Our Job Board
Our Job Board, an exclusive benefit for our member companies, is a valuable tool for hiring managers looking to attract and find new talent.
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Send your job postings to us and we'll add the information to our Job Board.
And for the past couple of months, we have been offering a new service. Each week, we'll post new job listings on our Facebook page.
Your posting will be seen by many potential job candidates.
We're looking forward to helping you fill your open positions.
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Economic Benefits for Growing Businesses
How to Tap into Government Tax Incentives
for Real Estate Expansion Projects
Lynn Tokarczyk
Government Tax Incentives Consultant
Lynn Tokarczyk of URCC member Business Development Strategies has essential information for us about available tax incentives. Contact Lynn with questions and requests for more information at [email protected] or
508-966-4300.
Companies that plan to expand their footprints in 2023 may have concerns about record inflation, workforce and housing challenges, and other economic conditions.
Growing businesses have a decision to make when it comes to expansion. Is it safer to wait for economic equilibrium or to forge ahead and pursue the right growth plan? While uncertainty does present risks, it can also bring financial benefits if you know where to look.
A variety of tax incentives under the Massachusetts Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) are available to businesses that plan to expand and create new jobs. The tax incentives can save growing businesses thousands - even millions - of dollars. These include:
· State EDIP Credit based on job creation and other criteria, if applicable
· State 10% Abandoned Building Tax Deduction for costs associated with renovating an abandoned building at least 75% vacant for two years
· Municipal Tax Increment Financing (TIF), a negotiated real estate tax exemption of up to 20 years on the increased assessed value of the project property
· Municipal Personal Property Tax Exemption, a negotiated personal property tax exemption of up to 20 years with a TIF, if applicable
· Municipal Special Tax Assessment (STA), a negotiated real estate tax exemption of up to 20 years on the total base value of the project property
Due to the complexity of the incentives process, it is critical that participating companies possess strong communication and negotiating skills. The ability to present the project to government officials and resident voters at numerous municipal meetings and community sessions is essential to achieving a positive outcome. Getting the “green light” is not a simple process. Once available incentives have been identified, the company must garner approval from various municipal boards and committees, the city council or town meeting, and eventually the state.
Timing of the project is another vital element. If a company has already made a commitment to a property, it may be unlikely tax incentives would be available for the proposed project, with the unfortunate result of the company leaving “cash on the table.”
Taking the time to learn about, apply for, and secure government tax incentives for your company’s real estate expansion is an important step toward keeping your business on the right track to success.
BDS has assisted more than 200 companies with plans to expand, create and retain jobs in Massachusetts. Some of the Commonwealth’s best-known companies on BDS’ list of clients include MilliporeSigma, Analog Devices, Vicor, Waters Corporation, Catania Oils, Lykan Bioscience, and TripAdvisor.
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Manet Community Health Center Wins MHQP Patient Experience Award
URCC member Manet Community Health Center (Manet) is pleased to announce that it has received an award from Massachusetts Health Quality Partners (MHQP) for being one of the top practices in Massachusetts for patient experience in primary care.
The MHQP Patient Experience Awards is an annual awards program introduced in 2018 by MHQP, a nonprofit measurement and reporting organization that brings together providers, health plans, and patients to improve the quality of patient care experiences in Massachusetts. MHQP conducts the only statewide survey of patient experience in primary care in Massachusetts.
Awards were given to top overall performers in adult primary care and pediatrics in each of nine performance categories. Manet received recognition for Distinction in Patient-Provider Communications for adult care.
“It is not easy for a primary care practice to thrive in the current environment,” said Barbra Rabson, MHQP’s president and CEO. “We are thrilled to congratulate each of them on behalf of their patients for their exceptional commitment to excellence.”
“Primary care is the heart of healthcare in Massachusetts,” said Jim Roosevelt, MHQP’s board chair. “The practices from all across the state recognized with this award have distinguished themselves where it matters most – in the experiences of their own patients.”
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Bristol County Savings Bank's Charitable Foundation Awards
$86,298 in Grants to Eight Non-Profits in Attleboro and Taunton
URCC member Bristol County Savings Bank’s Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation (BCSCF) recently awarded grants totaling $86,298 to eight non-profit organizations in greater Taunton and Attleboro, Massachusetts. All told, the Bank presented $294,048 in grants to 36 organizations in the Taunton/Attleboro region, as well as the New Bedford-Dartmouth/Fall River and northern Rhode Island regions. Since the Foundation was formed in 1996, more than $28 million has been committed to hundreds of different non-profits.
The organizations in the Taunton/Attleboro region that received grants from the Foundation are as follows: Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South ($10,000); Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. ($9,298); Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen ($7,500); Our Open Umbrella Incorporated ($5,000); Pro-Home, Inc. ($20,000); Society of St. Vincent de Paul District Council of Attleboro ($7,500); Triumph, Inc. ($12,000); and True Diversity, Inc. ($15,000).
Patrick J. Murray, Jr., President of the BCSCF and President & CEO of BCSB, awarded the grants to the organizations. “Being a community bank, we gravitate toward people who are helping people and what better example of that than the non-profit organizations we are supporting today,” said Murray. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these grants as we continue to realize our mission of making the communities we serve a better place to live and work.” Murray added that the Foundation awarded $2.3 million to various 501(c)(3) organizations last year.
Also participating in the event were Shaunna O’Connell, mayor, City of Taunton; James DiLisio, acting mayor, City of Attleboro; Paul Coogan, mayor, City of Fall River; Janet Barbosa, director of Special Projects and Programs for the office of Jon Mitchell, mayor, City of New Bedford; and representatives from the BCSCF advisory boards and the Bank’s area branches.
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True Diversity, Inc. - Taunton Check Presentation
Pictured from left to right are: Maureen Cody, BCSCF Taunton/Attleboro Advisory Board Member; Lou Ricciardi, BCSCF Taunton/Attleboro Advisory Board Member; Patrick Murray, President & CEO, BCSB and President, BCSCF; Tanya Lobo, Executive Director, True Diversity; Stephanie Taylor, Board President, True Diversity; Dennis Leahy, Executive Vice President, Treasurer & CFO, BCSB and Treasurer, BCSCF; Dennis Kelly, Chairman, BCSCF; Shaunna O’Connell, Mayor, City of Taunton; and John Silva, EVP/Chief Lending Officer, BCSB.
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Society of St. Vincent de Paul District Council of Attleboro - Attleboro Check Presentation
Pictured from left to right are: Maureen Cody, BCSCF Taunton/Attleboro Advisory Board Member; Lou Ricciardi, BCSCF Taunton/Attleboro Advisory Board Member; Patrick Murray, President & CEO, BCSB and President, BCSCF; Janet Ryan, Outreach Volunteer, Society of St. Vincent de Paul District Council of Attleboro; Dennis Leahy, Executive Vice President, Treasurer & CFO, BCSB and Treasurer, BCSCF; Dennis Kelly, Chairman, BCSCF; James DiLisio, Acting Mayor, City of Attleboro; and John Silva, EVP/Chief Lending Officer, BCSB.
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Say 'Bon Voyage' to Windows Server 2012
A Message from Michelle Carlow, president of URCC member CTS Services
The Microsoft Support Ship Sails On Oct 23
Microsoft will end support for this product eight months from now - and if you are
planning to bring your network performance and security into this century, it's time to start planning now.
THIS IS IMPORTANT - Please Read - Especially if you are at all concerned about security, risk management, network performance, and keeping your business up and running with true confidence in your IT infrastructure.
The purpose of this advisory to inform you that now is the time to start planning your Windows Server migration. It's a process that starts with IT management, and with the right planning, migration goes smoothly.
Are you still using Windows Server 2012, or Windows Server 2012 R? Worse - are you still using Windows Server 2008 in your business?
It's time to get onboard with the current (latest and greatest, new and improved) version of Windows Server!
Why should you take the Windows Server 2012 end-of-life (EOL) announcement seriously?
· Once Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 reach the EOL phase, they will no longer receive critical security updates, which means that companies with these products will no longer get future security patches from Microsoft. You are at risk now, and that security gap widens if you stay on the old, unsupported technology.
· You might need new hardware to deploy Windows Server 2022, and that new hardware might be in short supply given that everyone else is migrating!
· If you use Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 after Oct 2023, you'll be vulnerable to cyberattacks and compliance risks. This poses a serious organizational and personal risk for executives responsible for the security of your digital infrastructure. Now is the time to start planning your migration.
· Risk of fines due to non-compliance issues, and failure to meet cybersecurity insurance requirements because security patches will not be updated.
· Personal liability risk of the company's leadership team is on the rise in legal cases citing failures to deploy best practices.
· Mission-critical applications may not work, exposing the business to operational risk as well as vulnerability to incompatibility and reliability issues.
Here's a really big reason to migrate to Windows Server 2022 now!
Have you read about AI or ChatGPT?
Predictive text, or generative AI writing as it is also called, is here - and hackers are using it to attack your company using what is called computer-created neural networks using YOUR data.
Sure, AI is a useful new development, probably one of the most impactful technologies since the founding of the Internet itself. Hackers are among the groups celebrating its arrival!
Yes, AI is being used by the really smart cybercreeps to trick email users in ways that they have not yet experienced. Using the latest server software and hardware is an essential first step in the email security world.
So, if you are responsible or involved in IT support or business risk assessment, take heed and schedule a time to talk. Otherwise, forward this email to your company president!
Say Hello to Improved Security and Performance
with Windows Server 2022!
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Bridgewater State University
SENIOR COLLEGE
New courses started this month!
More brand new virtual courses are beginning this month.
Register today to reserve your place.
We look forward to learning with you.
Learning for learning sake. No tests, no assignments, and no grades!
For the affordable fee of $85, you can take as many courses as you like!
Yes, seriously, AS MANY COURES AS YOU LIKE FOR A SINGLE FEE!
We offer the most affordable life-long learning program in Massachusetts.
If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Reid at [email protected] or call 508.531.1052.
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The First Retail Sportsbook at the First Casino in Massachusetts
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Plainridge Park Casino is beyond excited to announce that the Barstool Sportsbook, the first retail sportsbook at a casino in Massachusetts, is now open! Last week, the ribbon was cut and the first bet was placed by Rob Ninkovich, former NFL Linebacker and Defensive end. Rob Ninkovich was an instrumental part in the run to the AFC Championship in 2012 and their victory in Super Bowl XLIX.
Now is your chance to experience the ultimate in sports betting at their all-new Barstool Sportsbook. With over 20 HD TVs, 20 betting kiosks, and the newest slots, you'll have everything you need for a thrilling game day experience.
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Attleboro School to Career Partnership
Career Day
Norton High School
66 West Main Street, Norton, MA 02766
March 23, 2023
8:45 am -10:15 am
You’re invited to share your expertise and professional journey
Do you love your job?
Would you like to share what you do and why it’s important?
If you answered yes, please click here to join us.
About the day:
❖ This event is designed to introduce students to a variety of different career options
❖ Presenters will meet with students for three 25 minute sessions to share information about their career path as well as insights into their industry and profession
❖ You are welcome to bring colleagues, they can be from your department or other departments within your organization
❖ Each 25-minute session may have more than one presenter representing a specific career field
❖ After each presentation, students will have a chance to ask questions
We are hoping to make this a fun interactive experience for the students and presenters so be as creative as you like, you are welcome to:
❖ Bring props or visual aids
❖ Create a video presentation - Wi-Fi is available, if you have a Mac please notify me so I can get the correct cable to connect to our smartboards
❖ Turn your presentation into a game with prizes
❖ Bring swag or candy
Please contact Heidi Kozikis at [email protected] with any questions, I would also be happy to speak with you about ideas for your presentation.
We value your support and look forward to connecting you with our students!
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MSBDC
Southeast Regional Office
STARTING A BUSINESS THIS YEAR?
We can help!
Take time now to think about how to start or grow your business in 2023.
Reconnect with your MSBDC mentor (or meet with one for the first time) to
plan for your business’s success. Their services are FREE and they are mentoring
remotely (via telephone or Zoom) or in person. Pick what works for you!!!
New clients, please fill out their on-line Request for Counseling form.
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Place an Ad in the Official Plainridge Park Casino 2023 Track Program
301 Washington Street
Plainville, MA
Open 24 hours a day
The Racing Division at URCC member Plainridge Park Casino is currently accepting ad placements in its official track program for the upcoming 2023 harness meet season (April – November).
In addition to a program ad, a digital ad display on the track’s infield video board each live race day is also available for additional exposure on a local and national level. Arrangements to conduct an on-property promotion will also be considered.
This is a great way to boost the exposure for any local business.
For more information or additional advertising opportunities, please contact Racing Services Manager Lenny Calderone at 508-576-4482 / L[email protected] or Mutuel Manager Andrew Tavares at
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The Patio, the Loft, the Revolution Lounge, Entertainment, Cornhole, and, of Course, Slots, Barstool Sports Book, and Table Games. Wow!
If you're looking for excitement and winning at a New England casino, Plainridge Park Casino, the hometown casino, is for you. You can play at over 1,200 slots or electronic table games, enjoy live local entertainment, choose from seven outstanding dining outlets, or hold your meeting or reception at one of their event venues. And they simulcast horse races around the country. You'll find an exciting experience and hometown hospitality every time you visit.
Plainridge Park Casino is proud of its myheroes program and is excited to keep growing. To celebrate hitting 100,000 members, they recently donated $100,000 to local veterans and first responder organizations across the country. Thank you to the veterans and families for your service to our country!
Slack's Oyster House and Grill and the Food Court are open.
You can make reservations on the Plainridge Park Casino home page.
Your weekend STARTS ON THE PATIO and at the Home Stretch Food Truck.
The patio is open Thursday 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Friday 1 p.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday 1 p.m. -
9 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
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The Loft features a wide variety of entertainment from stand-up comedians and comic hypnotists to live swing bands and musicians. Looking for an intimate night out? Come to The Loft and see what everyone is talking about. Friday and Saturday from 8:00 p.m. to midnight, the Revolution Lounge features the area's best live bands and DJs. Whether you want to dance the night away or relax and hang out with friends, the Revolution Lounge is a great place to unwind after a long week. Best of all, all shows at the Revolution Lounge are completely FREE with no cover charge. No ticket or reservation required!
Here's the Line Up for the Revolution Lounge
February 24 - Guilty Pleasure
February 25 - Front and Center
March 3 - Thirty 6 Red
March 4 - Fast Times
March 10 - Brandy
March 11 - Front & Center
March 17 - Guilty Pleasure
March 19 - Gainsville Road
March 24 - Dave Macklin Band
March 25 - Hipshot
March 31 - The Far
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A Different Kind of Dispensary
Zahara Cannabis
70 Frank Mossberg Dr.
Attleboro, MA
Hours
Seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The folks at Zahara Cannibis invite you to their tranquil, inspired, diverse space where everyone — newbies and seasoned pros — will feel welcome and cared for. They believe cannabis is nature’s most exquisite flower and they are passionate about elevating its positive effects and healing powers.
Explore all of their fine cannabis offerings — flower, edibles, concentrates, vapes, topicals, and tinctures.
Zahara's budtenders can’t wait to guide you on your unique cannabis journey.
One of their signature store experiences is their Cannabar, where you’ll find a choice collection of premium strains they hand-select based on bud structure, terpene profile, trimming, and bag appeal. They also offer a pre-rolling service — you select the flower and cone and one of their budtenders will custom roll it for you.
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URCC Corporate Partner
Check out their home page for upcoming events.
An Unlikely Story
111 South Street
Plainville
(508) 699-0244
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Sign up for their weekly enewsletter on their home page.
Peruse their Staff Picks section and take advantage of the expertise of their amazing booksellers.
Be sure to visit the Unlikely Café for a hot chocolate or delicious hot soup!
Café: 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily
Kitchen: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. daily
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MassDevelopment Hours Announced for 2023
Jay Pateakos, vice president of Business Development for the South Region of MassDevelopment, continues to hold office hours at the United Regional Chamber office at 310 South Street in Plainville.
Jay is available to provide information and answer questions about how MassDevelopment can help businesses, financial institutions, and municipalities in southeastern Massachusetts.
He has announced his office hours for 2023. All office hours are from 10:00 a.m. - noon.
March 8, April 12, May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13, October 11, November 8, and December 13.
For more information, email Jay or call 508-678-0533, ext. 1201.
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Massachusetts Small Business Development Center
Meetings Conducted via Phone and Conference Call
Call 508-673-9783 for a virtual appointment
The MSBDC is committed to helping your business succeed in Massachusetts. They provide free, confidential, one-to-one business assistance, and free or low-cost educational training programs to prospective and existing small businesses throughout the Commonwealth. The MSBDC fosters the start, growth, and sustainability of small business by providing high-quality, in-depth advising, training, and capital access.
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JOIN US
URCC MONTHLY MEETINGS
Our networking group meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., at member Proctor Mansion Inn, 36 Common Street, in Wrentham. Only one person from each profession is invited to join this exclusive group that focuses on providing referrals.
MassDevelopment Jay Pateakos, vice president of Business Development for the South Region, is holding office hours every month.
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Help Us Thank Our Chairman's Circle Members |
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Help Us Thank Our Corporate Partners |
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