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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!
When you sponsor a BVCC Event you are increasing your marketing and exposure to the Blackstone Valley's businesses, local residents, and potential customers! Take your marketing to the next level with unique sponsorship opportunities with the Chamber!
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NEW! BVCC Ambassador Program
If you are interested in the program, our first kick-off meeting will be
Tuesday, April 29th | 9:30am-10:30am
held at the BVCC Office, 670 Linwood Ave, Ste. 5, Whitinsville MA.
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As of December 2024, VBN is not currently hosting meetings. For more information please contact Liz O'Neil at loneil@blackstonevalley.org. | |
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New Tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China:
What You Need to Know
At 12:01 this morning, the United States imposed 25 percent tariffs on products of Canada and Mexico, along with additional 10 percent tariffs on products from China, in accordance with President Donald Trump’s February 1 Executive Order.
China and Canada immediately imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, while President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico said Tuesday that her country would announce its countermeasures on Sunday.
The additional tariffs apply to all products of Canada and Mexico with limited exceptions. Products are subject to the additional tariffs even if they were already in transit when the new tariffs were officially announced.
China’s finance ministry announced 15 percent tariffs on imports of chicken, wheat, corn and cotton from the United States, as well as 10 percent tariffs on imports of sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables and dairy products. China is also halting the sale of Chinese goods to 15 American companies.
Canada imposed 25 percent tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods but did not specify which products would be affected. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada said in a statement that the tariffs would extend to $125 billion of American goods in 21 days.
These measures affect many AIM member companies – both those that import materials from these nations and those that sell products and services internationally. Canada, Mexico and China account for more than a third of the products brought into the United States.
AIM will update members as the situation develops. Please contact Stephanie Swanson, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs, sswanson@aimnet.org, with questions or comments.
For additional detail, here is a summary provided by Eric Lesser, Esq., Senior Counsel at AIM member WilmerHale.
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Community One Stop for Growth:
Expressions of Interest Being Accepted
Expressions of Interest are now being accepted for Community One Stop for Growth awards for communities and organizations. This Community One Stop program serves as the Commonwealth’s single application portal and collaborative review process for grant programs offered by the Executive Office of Economic Development, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and MassDevelopment. The submission period for Fiscal Year 2026 runs from May 5th and June 4th, 2025.
Expressions of Interest, or EOIs, while optional, are highly recommended to provide prospective applicants with necessary information as to whether their project aligns with the funding streams offered within the One Stop for Growth. The deadline to submit an EOI is March 26th. Click here to access the EOI form.
For those seeking assistance with the application and/or EOI, MassDevelopment's Community Investment team is able to assist via their Virtual Office Hours or by calling 617-330-2000. Click here for the Office Hours schedule.
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Are you looking to uncover Social Security secrets that could make a real difference in your retirement?
On Tuesday, March 18th at 12 pm EST, join G9 Financial as we host a complimentary webinar called, "Uncovering Social Security Secrets" with Marcia Mantell, RMA®️, NSSA®️, President of Mantell Retirement Consulting, Inc!
Learn more here!
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Corporate Transparency Act – Yes, it's Back, but no Fines or Penalties for Now
by Julie O'Neill and Zachary Chupak, Bowditch
On February 27, 2025, in a move to comply with the Treasury’s commitment to reducing regulatory burdens on businesses, FinCEN announced that it will not impose fines or penalties or take other enforcement actions against any entities based on failure to file or update beneficial ownership information reports.
Pursuant to this new guidance, the deadline of March 21, 2025, to file beneficial ownership information reports is now the deadline for FinCEN to issue to an interim final rule that extends BOI reporting deadlines. For now, there is no deadline to file beneficial ownership information reports.
Employers and companies with questions about how to comply with the CTA should consult their Bowditch attorney. We will assume you are handling these matters on your own unless you request assistance from your Bowditch attorney in writing.
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Two Years In The Biz!
Hey Coffee Lovers! Can you believe it’s already been two years of Stay Awhile Coffee? Time flies when you're roasting, brewing, and sharing great coffee with amazing people like you! We're incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received, and we’re so excited to share all the fun milestones we've hit along the way.
Here are some of the great things we’ve got going on:
- Hot off the press! We’re officially wholesale licensed! Secured late in 2024, this means you’ll soon be able to find our fresh coffee beans in even more places - retail, restaurant, office, you name it! Wholesaling truly sets the path forward for our growth in 2025 and beyond, and represents many avenues of opportunity. Are you looking for coffee beans for your office pot? Have a connection to a restaurant, cafe or store that should be selling SAC beans and coffee? Reach out!
- A second roaster?! Yes, we’re looking to expand our production and are hopeful to take advantage of grant funding provided through the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce for a new, bigger fluid bed roaster. Keep your fingers crossed for us!
- This year, we attended 51 events—yep, 51! From coffee festivals, farmers markets to community pop-ups, we’ve loved connecting with fellow coffee lovers and spreading the word about Stay Awhile Coffee.
- Coming soon! Coffee Pods! We’re getting ready to bring you Stay Awhile Coffee in pod form, knowing that convenience is king when it comes to making sure your mug is always full!
- We’re headed to the Coffee Expo at the end of March! We’re excited to soak up all the coffee knowledge to make Stay Awhile Coffee even better for YOU—new beans, new roasting techniques, and much more!
- Oh, and Chris got a new coffee tattoo to celebrate—because, honestly, what’s a coffee journey without a little ink to mark it?
Now that we’ve gotten our feet underneath us, we’re excited to focus more on raising awareness for mental health. Remember, this is where it all started, and where our name was born. We want everyone to “stay awhile”. The name “Stay Awhile” represents more than just our coffee—it’s about creating a space where people can connect, take a moment to pause, and feel safe and heard. It’s important to us that we use this platform to raise awareness, start meaningful conversations, and provide support. Stay tuned for upcoming initiatives focused on mental well-being.
But, with all this growth comes a bit of a bummer. Unfortunately, due to the rising cost of raw green coffee beans, we’ll be raising our prices a bit in the near future. We’ve worked hard to keep prices steady, but the market has changed, and we have to adjust to continue providing you with the best coffee experience possible. We hope you understand—it’s all about keeping our quality high while staying true to the Stay Awhile Coffee you know and love.
We’re so grateful for your support these past two years and can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes us. Here's to many more years of great coffee, new adventures, and unforgettable moments together!
Cheers,
Chris
Owner, Stay Awhile Coffee
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Important Issue: The BVCC is again working with our partners at NFIB (National Federation of Independent Businesses)
on the campaign to make the 20% Small Business Tax Deduction permanent.
Thank you for previously sharing your story with your members of Congress to make the 20% Small Business Tax Deduction permanent. Since the start of the campaign, you have contributed to sending more than 39,000 messages to Congress! Your stories are building congressional support, but our work is not done yet.
This week, NFIB members are meeting with legislators to ensure the 20% Small Business Deduction is a priority for Congress. Will you amplify NFIB members’ voices?
Email your elected officials today to support the 20% Small Business Deduction.
TAKE ACTION Congressman are Jim McGovern and Jake Auchincloss
Sincerely,
Jeannie
Jeannie Hebert
President and CEO
Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
and
The NFIB Grassroots Team
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Business Builder Sub-Award Applications Are Now OPEN
The Northeast Regional Food Business Center has opened applications for the first round of Business Builder sub-awards, designed to strengthen local and regional food systems by providing direct funding to small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses. $10 million will be made available in this round, with awards ranging from $15,000 to $100,000 to support businesses in scaling their operations, expanding markets and connecting various segments of the regional food supply chain.
In the first funding round, the Center anticipates distributing around $10 million and between 180 and 350 awards. Please reach out to program staff with any questions about the application process.
Application Dates: February 24 – April 7
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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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