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It's Your Turn to Share Your Story!
Every business has a story, and we'd love to hear yours!
In honor of Support Your Local Chamber Day, the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce invites our members to share how being part of the Chamber has made a difference in their business.
Have you made a valuable connection, discovered a new opportunity, found a trusted business partner, or built lasting relationships through BVCC? We want to hear about it!
Here's how to participate:
• Share your story in the comments or in a post of your own.
• Tag the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce.
• Use #SupportYourLocalChamber so we can follow along and celebrate your stories!
Your experience might inspire another local business to get involved, make a connection, or discover the value of being part of our business community.
Thank you for growing with us!
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LAST CALL TO REGISTER!
The question isn't whether AI belongs in your business. The question is how to use it thoughtfully, strategically, and responsibly.
At the Chamber's upcoming Business Leadership Summit Series: Leading Through the Age of AI, we'll tackle the questions leaders are actually facing:
- What matters and what doesn't?
- How do you build confidence in your decisions?
- What guardrails should your team follow?
- Where should AI assist, and where should human judgment lead?
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Join Massachusetts Secretary of Education Dr. Stephen Zrike Jr. and Congressman Jake Auchincloss for a regional listening session focused on education, workforce development, STEM, career pathways, and strengthening the connection between learning and work.
Space is limited!
Secretary Zrike brings extensive experience in public education leadership across Massachusetts. Most recently, he served as Superintendent of Salem Public Schools, where he led academic recovery efforts, expanded student-centered programming, strengthened educator support, and advanced initiatives including full-day pre-kindergarten, dual-language learning, and early college. He previously served as Receiver/Superintendent of Holyoke Public Schools and has held leadership roles in Wakefield, Boston, and Chicago.
Congressman Auchincloss represents Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District and has been a strong supporter of STEM education, career preparation, workforce training, and stronger connections between education and employment. His work in Congress also includes transportation and infrastructure, clean energy, healthcare, and economic opportunity.
This session is designed as an opportunity for educators, school and community leaders, employers, workforce partners, and other regional stakeholders to share perspectives, priorities, and questions with our speakers.
Have a question you would like the speakers to address?
Questions may be submitted in advance during registration or emailed to Lauren Barrett at barrett.lauren@bvhub.org.
| | Congratulations To Our Award Recipients! | | |
Gerry Gaudette Extra Mile Award
- Denise Brookhouse, Koopman Lumber & Hardware
Economic Development Award
- Keith Havalotti, Blackstone Creamery
Community Catalyst Award
- Chris Whitten, Premeer Real Estate
Entrepreneurial Spirit Award
- Bri's Sweet Treats
- Chris Mahoney-Pick, Stay Awhile Coffee
Environmental Stewardship Award
- Douglas Orchard & Farm, LLC, Nick Socrat
- EARTH, Ltd., Betsey Brewer
Non-Profit Impact Award
- Heather Elster, Whitin Community Center
- Mark Mandeville, Blackstone Valley Music & Performing Arts Collaborative
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Congratulations To Our 2026
Annual Meeting Milestone Award Recipients!
Join us in celebrating these honorees at our 48th Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony, on November 19, 2026, from 7:15am-9:30am at Pleasant Valley Country Club! Register here!
- Asa Waters Mansion, 200 Years
- Gaudette Insurance Agency, 100 Years
- Blackstone Valley Rotary Club, 100 Years
- WCC's Blackstone Valley Children’s Place, 50 Years
- Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, 40 Years
- Whitin Community Center's Camp Whitin, 40 Years
- Whitin Community Center's Youth Outreach, 30 Years
- J.E.P. Contracting, 25 Years
- Truth Organic Spa, 20 Years
- Blackstone Valley Emergency Shelter, 10 Years
- Gem Marketing Solutions, 10 Years
- Douglas Orchard & Farm, LLC, 10 Years
- Through The Trees Therapy, LLC, 5 Years
- Bri’s Sweet Treats, 5 Years
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FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT ANNOUNCEMENT
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Federal Scholarship Tax Credit
The Program
The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) is a federal program that allows taxpayers to receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for contributions to nonprofits that provide education scholarships. These scholarships can support a range of educational expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring, special education services, transportation, and out-of-school-time programs.
Key features:
● Taxpayers may receive a federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 for contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs).
● The Governor must opt in for families in their state to benefit from the program.
● Scholarships are distributed by SGOs to K–12 students from families earning up to 300% of the area median income (approximately 90% of Massachusetts families). Individual SGOs may set additional eligibility requirements or income limits.
How It Works
● Taxpayers contribute to approved SGOs.
● In return, they receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700.
● Scholarships may be used for:
○ Tuition
○ Tutoring
○ Special education services
○ Books and educational technology
○ Transportation
○ Out-of-school-time or enrichment programs
● The U.S. Treasury is finalizing regulations; implementation begins January 2027.
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The Harvest Home Auction is One Week Away!
Bid on items, make a difference in your community
It's time to mark your calendars, the Harvest Home online auction begins on October 26th! From vacation stays, to sports games, to spa days, there is something for everyone!
This year, the online auction will include a variety of items, experiences, and gift cards including:
· 4 admission tickets to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
· 2 tickets to a Patriots game
· A weekend stay on Cape Cod
· An organic facial (worth $110) at Truth Organic Spa
· Tickets to see the Boston Red Sox
· A weekend in Vermont
· And more!
Every bid that you place will help CHP provide hunger relief to our community!
Wondering where to access the online auction? We'll send out a link when it is live. Make sure to check your email and follow CHP on Instagram and Facebook to get notified.
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🎄✨ IT’S ALMOST TIME! ✨🎄
Our Holiday Open House is Saturday, October 31st, and we cannot WAIT to welcome you into District V House for our 5th Christmas season! ❤️
The store will be completely transformed for the holidays and packed with Christmas magic, beautiful displays, vintage and antique finds, gifts, home décor, and so many special pieces for the season.
🍷 20 Hudson Street Beverage Trailer will be joining us with beer & wine to make the day even more festive!
🎄 HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
📅 Saturday, October 31st
⏰ 10AM–5PM
📍 District V House
356 Manchaug Road • Sutton, MA
Come have a drink, wander the shop, soak in all the Christmas magic, and help us kick off our 5th holiday season at District V House! 🎅🏼✨🎁
We’ve been dreaming up this Christmas for months…and we are SO ready to finally share it with you. ❤️🎄
Christmas starts in Manchaug. ✨
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT
Elysia Rodriguez, elysia.rodriguez@mass.govHealey-Driscoll Administration Launches New Program to Help Businesses Explore Employee Ownership
New program will help cover costs for businesses considering employee ownership transitions
BOSTON – As National Employee Ownership month begins, the Executive Office of Economic Development today announces the launch of the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO) Technical Assistance (TA) Stipend Program, a new program to help Massachusetts businesses explore employee ownership as a strategy to support long-term business growth, business continuity and job retain.
Through the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO) Technical Assistance Stipend Program, the state will cover 50 percent of eligible costs for businesses assessing a transition to employee ownership, including feasibility studies, valuations, legal services and transaction planning. Businesses can receive up to $25,000 for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) projects and up to $12,500 for worker cooperative projects.
“Employee ownership can be a great way to keep a business thriving and give workers a stake in its future,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “A feasibility study helps owners understand whether that path makes sense for their business. By helping cover the cost, this stipend gives more Massachusetts businesses the opportunity to explore employee ownership and plan for what comes next.”
The program will connect businesses with qualified consultants selected by MassCEO who can provide specialized assistance for potential ESOP and worker cooperative transitions.
Businesses can apply for assistance on a rolling basis, subject to available funding. For more information and to apply click here.
About MassCEO
The Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO) supports businesses converting to employee ownership models across Massachusetts. MassCEO provides education, outreach, and technical assistance to help business owners evaluate and implement employee ownership models that support long-term business continuity and shared prosperity. MassCEO is part of the Executive Office of Economic Development’s Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), which assists businesses expanding in and relocating to Massachusetts, with specific attention paid to projects that create and retain jobs and invest capital.
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Requesting your participation to help a Worcester State University student from Sutton
The Chamber was contacted by a Worcester State Student from Sutton who is studying Business Administration. As an assignment, he is reaching out to business leaders in the Blackstone Valley to learn how business owners think about life insurance, investing, and financial planning. He has created a short survey that we are posting here, hoping you will participate to help him complete the assignment.
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2027 Marketing Budget Planning in the AI Search Era Webinar Announced by Brick Marketing
Brick Marketing has announced its upcoming webinar, “2027 Marketing Budget Planning in the AI Search Era,” scheduled for Wednesday, December 9, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST, replay will be sent to all registrants. The free webinar will run for 60 minutes and focus on helping businesses make informed decisions about their digital marketing investments for the coming year. Registration is open, and space is limited.
The webinar session will examine budget planning across search engine optimization, AI search, pay per click advertising, content marketing, and other channels that can help attract higher quality leads. Attendees will also learn how to evaluate spending based on measurable sales contributions and brand value, rather than simply carrying the same expenses into another year.
For business owners and marketing leaders, the starting point is a familiar concern: where should the money go? A company may have several marketing programs running, regular reports arriving, and a team working hard to keep everything moving. That does not necessarily make it clear which investments are helping the business grow.
“Before you decide what to spend next year, you need to understand what you are trying to accomplish and what your current marketing is doing for the business,” said Nick Stamoulis, President of Brick Marketing. “Adding another channel is not always the answer. Sometimes you need to improve the work already being done, adjust your priorities, or stop paying for something that no longer makes sense.”
Webinar registration is available at https://www.brickmarketing.com/webinars.
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October is Manufacturing Month and an opportunity to explore new ways to grow your international sales.
Throughout the month, the U.S. Commercial Service and its government and industry partners will connect U.S. manufacturers with practical resources to help them:
- Identify promising export markets
- Navigate international business opportunities
- Access market intelligence and trade counseling
- Build relationships with prospective buyers and partners
- Learn about federal programs that support global growth
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Blackstone Valley Emergency Shelter
We are gearing up for our Blackstone Valley Festival of Trees which supports the Blackstone Valley Emergency Shelter and could really use your help.
We are starting to get ready for our 4th Annual Festival of Trees on December 4, 5, and 6. We could use your help. We will need:
- Set-up coordination throughout the week
- Raffle sales during the event (2-hour shifts)
- Help at the welcome table during the Preview Party
- Help packing up the winning trees
If you want to help, you can go to our SignUpGenius and look
at the available shifts. We can't thank you enough for considering to help us share hope throughout the Valley!
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Willard House & Clock Museum Announces 5th Annual David G. Gow Memorial Scholarship
The Willard House & Clock Museum, in partnership with the family of former museum conservator David G. Gow, is pleased to announce the 5th Annual David G. Gow Memorial Scholarship for Horology—and an exciting expansion of the program: the annual scholarship award has doubled from $5,000 to $10,000.
The increased award reflects the Gow family's continued commitment to advancing the highly specialized field of horology and helping talented individuals pursue professional careers in clockmaking, conservation and museum-grade restoration.
"The Gow family is passionate about supporting the highly specialized and technical role of clockmaking and museum-grade restoration work," said Robert C. Cheney, Executive Director of Willard House & Clock Museum. "These are extraordinary skills that require years of education, hands-on experience, mentoring and specialized tools. Increasing the scholarship to $10,000 gives the next generation of clockmakers a significantly greater opportunity to pursue the training they need to build successful careers."
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With your membership to the BVCC you are entitled to a FREE membership to the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.
** To add you to their database, please complete the application on their website: https://business.worcesterchamber.org/member/NewMemberApp/.
Please check off ‘to be invoiced’ and select a ‘standard membership.’ Once you submit the application, they will change the fee to $0. In the ‘Comments/Questions section’ of the application, please write ‘BV Member’ Once you set up your login credentials, you will be able to register for events, add reps to your account, access their member directory etc.
Your contact at Worcester is:
Kristen Luna
Membership Sales and Service Representative
Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
508.753.2924, ext. 226 | kluna@worcesterchamber.org
311 Main Street, Suite 200 | Worcester, MA 01608
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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
jhebert@blackstonevalley.org
Kristen Kearnan, Program and Events Director
Phone: 508.234.9090 ext. 100
kkearnan@blackstonevalley.org
Kelley Marathas, Administrative Assistant/Membership Manager
Phone: 508.234.9090 ext. 103
kmarathas@blackstonevalley.org
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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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