April 10, 2025

Attention All Members and Residents of Blackstone, Hopedale, Mendon, and Millville


The BVCC is joining the Charles River Chamber in a virtual multi–chamber Town Hall meeting on April 16th with your Congressman Jake Auchincloss


Business Community Town Hall with Rep. Jake Auchincloss:  Join us for a multi-chamber virtual town hall focused on the economy and key issues affecting businesses and nonprofits with Congressman Jake Auchincloss. This interactive forum is your chance to hear from and speak directly with Congressman Auchincloss. **


Congressman Auchincloss is serving his third term representing Massachusetts’ Fourth District. He sits on the House Committee on Energy & Commerce, with a focus on healthcare, clean energy, gun violence prevention, and strengthening the middle class.

Auchincloss is a Marine veteran, Harvard and MIT graduate, and former Newton City Councilor. He’s also held leadership roles in both the insurance and cybersecurity sectors.


This event is organized by the Charles River Regional Chamber and open to businesses and nonprofits across the MA-04 Congressional District.

Learn More & Register Here!
Learn More & Register Here!
Learn More & Register Here!
Learn More & Register Here!

RIBBON CUTTING

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. 

Learn More & Register Here!
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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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Winter Newsletter!

A message for our members from our MA Office of Business Development Regional Director, Kevin Kuros:

 

The MassCEO Central MA Symposium on Employee Ownership will be held on Tuesday, April 29, beginning at 9AM, at the Glass Tower in Worcester. The event page with a registration link can be found at Central MA – Symposium on Employee Ownership.



I hope you will consider joining us!


Willard House & Clock Museum

Grafton Troop 107 Eagle Scout candidate, Jeremy Reddy has been involved with the museum's Pollinator Meadow Project for over a year. He came to me and expressed interest in doing a project for the museum. I said, "benches would be great!" So here's what happened:


· Jeremy wrote a detailed project plan and schedule, complete with a materials budget.

· He found build plans for the benches and researched the proper wood for the project.

· He created a GoFundMe page to raise funds to buy lumber. A digital entrepreneur.

· Jeremy had no woodworking experience or tools of any kind. Thanks to you, Jeannie, Artie Young offered up his shop, tools and fabrication experience to Jeremy.

· He recruited other scouts and adults for assistance.

· Jeremy built 5 benches for the museum. They will be distributed around the Pollinator Meadow so that anyone may stop by and enjoy the surroundings.

· LIke any good project manager, Jeremy kept me regularly updated on the project and communicated any changes in scope.


Mr. Reddy is an excellent example of what scouting is all about. BVCC and its connections were important in making this project a reality. And Jeremy's contribution to the museum should hold up for many years. A win-win-win.


The BVCC Congratulates the Town of Uxbridge Being Named One of the 6 Most Beautiful River Towns in Massachusetts


Uxbridge is a town located in Worcester County, with an estimated population of 14,270 as of 2021. It is situated within the Blackstone River Valley, a hidden gem known for its historic mill towns that border the state of Rhode Island. The area is rich in mills and historic sites that highlight the beginnings of American clothing manufacturing, a significant aspect of the Industrial Revolution.


Read more here!

MDAR: Food Security Infrastructure Program Now Taking Applications


The Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) Program is now accepting applications for FY26 projects to support a more local and resilient food system for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Applications are due by May 5, 2025 at 4:00pm.

 

Launched in 2020 as a response to the pandemic and supply chain disruptions, the Commonwealth has continued the program under MDAR’s new Division of Food Security to build supply chain resilience by increasing the capacity of our farmers, fishers and other local and regional food system entities to feed the people of Massachusetts. 

 

Key Details:

 

  • Eligible applicants include Massachusetts’ farmers, fishers, food system entities, and public and Tribal entities. Applicants must contribute to the local food system and have been in operation for at least 3 years.
  • Proposals must align with one of the following four project types: expansion of agriculture & seafood production, local & regional mid-supply chain expansion, food access & availability, emergency preparedness & resilience.
  • Projects must be for capital improvements such as season extension equipment, cold storage and distribution expansion, value-added processing equipment, adaptive infrastructure that protects critical infrastructure against supply chain disruptions, equipment for increasing food production and more. 
  • FY26 awards will range from $10,000 - $1,000,000 requiring a 20% cash match.


Learn More Here!

Questions: All questions must be submitted in writing to FSIGGrant@mass.gov by Monday, April 14, 2025 at 4:00pm.

MassHire Central Job Fair at the DCU Center

Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Location: DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester, MA 01608 



We are very excited to once again offer the largest job fair in Central Massachusetts to our area employers!

 

Join this amazing opportunity to meet and interview job seekers!

 

Space is limited and participation is on a first come, first serve basis.

Learn More Here!

MEMBER PRESS RELEASES

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
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