October 9, 2025

The BVCC would like to congratulate Heather Elster, Executive Director of the Whitin Community Center on her WBJ Outstanding Women in Biz award!

Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Questionnaire

We want your feedback to better help serve you, and

understand your needs as a Chamber Member!

(Deadline to participate is Thursday, October 16th)

Join us on October 22, 2025, at 9:30 AM for a briefing on the future of digital privacy legislation and what it means for Massachusetts businesses. From online advertising and geotargeting to customer engagement platforms, small businesses depend on technology to reach new audiences and compete. This session will explore the legislative landscape, the potential impact on business operations, and how to strike the right balance between protecting consumer privacy and preserving innovation. Hear from local experts about how these policies may impact you and your business. Click here to register!

Congratulations To Our Milestone Awards!

• Millbury National Bank, 200 years
• Country Bank, 175 years
• UniBank, 155 years
• Whittier Farms, 80 years
• Southwick’s Zoo, 60 years
• Advocates, Inc., 50 years
• Venture Community Services, 50 years
• Riverdale Mills, 45 years
• Blackstone Valley Physical Therapy, 35 years
• Al's Rubbish and Container Service, Inc., 30 years
• AllCare Medical, 25 years
• AET, 20 years
• Cake Shop Café, 10 years
• Shawna Shea Foundation, 10 years
• Infinity Events Co., 5 years
• Miss Cookie Packaging, 5 years
• William Stark Photography, 5 years

Stay tuned for more sneak peeks, and award winners!

Early Bird Registration for our 26th Annual Home & Community Expo opened up on October 1, 2025! Don't miss out on the opportunity to save on your booth!

Click here to view our calendar!

No tricks—just treats! This October, grow your HR and leadership skills while saving 20% on select classes.

Choose from sessions designed to sharpen your expertise, strengthen your team, and build your confidence:

October Leadership Classes

Oct 15 | Excel for the HR Professionals (Virtual)

Oct 17 | Emotionally Intelligent Leader (Agawam)

Oct 21 | Critical Thinking for Better Decisions (Virtual)

Oct 22 | Leading Change (Virtual)

Oct 28 | Project Management: Blueprint to Success (Virtual)

Oct 29 | Leading With Presence + Purpose (Agawam)

Use promo code: TREAT20 at checkout.

Hurry—offer ends October 29th.

October HR Classes

Oct 14 | Succession Planning Best Practices (Virtual)

Oct 16 | Reasonable Suspicion (Virtual)

Oct 22 | The Leave Management Playbook (Virtual)

Oct 22 | HR Essentials (Virtual)

Oct 28 | Employee Engagement Check-Ins (Virtual)

Oct 29 | Internal Investigations Workshop (Virtual)

Don’t be spooked—reach out if you have questions!

Email Shaynah Jerman at sjerman@eane.org 

Northbridge Business Community Survey and Focus Group

The Town of Northbridge along with the Northbridge Planning Board, the Economic Development Committee (EDC), and the Master Plan Steering Committee are excited to announce that we are updating our Master Plan, a long-term roadmap that will guide local policies, priorities, and decision-making over the next 10 to 20 years. To support this important effort, we are partnering with the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, to engage the community and gather meaningful input.

As a valued member of Northbridge’s business community, your insight is vital. We want to better understand your needs, challenges, and opportunities, and we invite you to participate in two key ways:

Business Community Survey:

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by Friday, October 17th. Your feedback will directly inform the Master Plan and the future work of the EDC.

Business Community Focus Group:

We also invite you to join us for a Business Community Focus Group on:

Monday, October 27th at 6:30 PM

Northbridge Fire Department Conference Room, 1681 Providence Road

Help Shape the Future of Small Business Support in Massachusetts

MassDevelopment, in partnership with the Coalition for an Equitable Economy and MassINC Polling Group, is conducting a statewide survey of small businesses to better understand current needs and improve programs and policies that support local businesses.

Who should take this survey?

Small businesses with 500 employees or fewer across Massachusetts.

Why participate?

Your input will help ensure that business assistance efforts are relevant, effective, and equitable. Responses are confidential and will only be analyzed in aggregate.

Join the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism for Tourism U - a professional development series for the Massachusetts tourism industry! This series is open to all tourism, cultural, hospitality, and destination professionals.

Date & Time: October 15, 2025 10:00 a.m.

Duration: Approximately one hour

This session will explore:

• Understanding what AI is - and isn’t
• Utlizing AI for marketing in a holistic manner
• Using AI on the go

• Southwick’s Zoo Welcomes Newborn Giraffe
• Press Release - Millbury Good Neighbor Day 2025 At Asa Waters Mansion
• SBA Launches First-Ever Loan Program Dedicated to American Manufacturers
• 100 Hands for Hope Challenge: Local Shelter Seeks Volunteers to Reopen This Winter
• Local Fire Departments Donate Equipment for Animal Enrichment at Southwick’s Zoo
• Press Release: Southwick’s Zoo Welcomes Three Cheetah Cubs
• Press Release: Blackstone Heritage Corridor Appoints Anya Wilczynski as Executive Director
• 100% Reimbursement Available for 2025 Safety Conference – Approved Express Program Training