We're Not Just a Chamber of Commerce;
We're a Chamber of Connections
8
February 28, 2023
CHAMBER NEWS & UPDATES
Welcome New Member America's Best Defense


51 Robinson Avenue
North Attleboro, MA
508-699-0800

Please join us in welcoming new United Regional Chamber of Commerce member America's Best Defense (ABD).

America's Best Defense is a world-class martial arts school serving the area since 1999. At ABD, they teach valuable life lessons such as discipline, respect, focus, and self-confidence through martial arts. Their karate program for kids starts at age 5, while their teen and adult Krav Maga self-defense/fitness program starts at 12 years old.

Welcome, America's Best Defense! We look forward to seeing you at upcoming chamber events.

For more information, please visit their website.


We Cut the Ribbon Last Week at Pet Supplies Plus



1150 Newport Avenue
Attleboro
(in the Market Basket Plaza)

At Pet Supplies Plus, They Say "We Love Giving Your Pets The Good Stuff" 

We had a great Ribbon Cutting last Friday to kickoff the Grand Opening Weekend for new URCC board member Pet Supplies Plus - Attleboro, MA. Great selection of everything your pets need -- food, toys, and grooming,

They have very creative treats. One of our board members bought cookies for her two dogs -- one read "diva" and the other read "stud." So cute!

Thank you to all of the elected officials who brought citations and helped us welcome Pet Supplies Plus to our community.
From left to right: Josh Vanada, chair of the URCC Board; Kaylyn Lockyer, community engagement manager for the City of Attleboro; Jay DiLisio, acting mayor of Attleboro; Keith Drucker, aide to Senator Feeney; State Senator Paul Feeney; Dave Colburn; John and Irene Barris, owners of Pet Supplies Plus; State Representative Jim Hawkins; Mike Litzenberger, URCC board; John Davis, candidate for Mayor in Attleboro; Kate Hyde, director of Sales, SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites and URCC Board Member; and Jack Lank, president, URCC.




Join Us at Our Upcoming Events
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
MassDevelopment Hours at the Chamber

Wednesday, March 22; 11:45 a.m.
36 Common Street
Wrentham, MA

Monday, April 10
Multi-Chamber Business after Hours
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Double ACS
Jack Interviewed TDI Fellow Tracy Barbosa
Last Wednesday, Jack Lank interviewed Tracy Barbosa, Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Fellow for Attleboro, on his radio show hosted by URCC member DoubleACS. They talked about what is being planned for Attleboro in the near term.

As a TDI fellow, Tracy's goal is to spur economic growth in Attleboro, which has been designated as a gateway city. Tracy is a multi-media artist and community organizer with experience organizing the Love the Ave initiative in New Bedford’s North End. With a bachelor’s degree from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, she has worked in private and public collections all over the world. Tracy began working with glass in 1997 at MassArt in Boston. Soon after, she worked at John Lewis Glass assisting with such glass marvels as the OK City Memorial and One World Trade in New York. 

This Wednesday, Jack will be interviewing the new President and Chief Executive Officer for URCC member New Hope, Diana Mancera. New Hope, Inc. is an organization dedicated to supporting, engaging and embracing survivors of violence. The organization does this by promoting and elevating people impacted by violence while centering racial and gender equity.

Diana is taking over for Marcia Szymanski, a long-time friend and supporter of our chamber, who retired last month. We are looking forward to hearing what Diana has to say about her new position.
Executive Express-O
Friday, March 3





Friday, March 3
7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
URCC Office
310 South Street
Plainville

Executive Express-O is facilitated by URCC Board Member and owner of the Business Solutions Advisory Group Charlie Miller.

This month's topic is:
How different do you think your profession/occupation will be in 3-5 years? 
What might you do NOW to maximize your success in 2026 and beyond?


Join us in the chamber office.
Job Fair
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.

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.

Send your job postings to [email protected].

We're looking forward to helping you fill your open positions.
MEMBER NEWS AND UPDATES
Business Technologies of New England
Live Four-Day
Facebook Profile Profits Challenge
from Joe Norcott of URCC member
Starting Tuesday, March 14 at 9:00 a.m.
 
Who will benefit from this live four-day challenge?

This challenge is for you!
 
Register below today!
 
If you're fed-up and done wasting your precious time spamming strangers on social media, and getting rejected all day every day with little to no results. And if you're willing to trade 15 - 20 minutes a day over four days to learn about the skillset that attracts quality FREE leads every day for the rest of your life. 
 
When you register for this free program, you'll get access to the private Bigger Slice of Business Profile Profit Challenge Group. As a member, you'll have access to the video recordings of each day of the challenge. You'll be able to ask fellow members questions and get advice.
 
As additional bonuses:
  • The Profile Profits Cheat Sheet
  • Free one-on-one 30-minute marketing strategy call with Joe



Tired of paying for lawnmower
and weed wacker repairs?

We have a course for you

Bring your old, broken stuff to fix

Basic Small Engine and Yard Equipment Repair - Beginners
March 8 & 9, 5:00 - 8:00 PM Wed./Thurs.
March 11 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday

 
Basic Small Engine and Yard Equipment Repair - Advanced
March 29 & 30 5:00 - 8:00 PM Wed./Thurs.
April 1 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday


Each Course is $199.00 person.18 years of age or older
 
Tri-County Regional VTHS 147 Pond Street, Franklin, MA 02038
508-528-5400 ext. 119
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’s list of clients include MilliporeSigma, Analog Devices, Vicor, Waters Corporation, Catania Oils, Lykan Bioscience, and TripAdvisor.
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.”
BCSB color

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.
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.
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.
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!
MSBDC
Southeast Regional Office


 
Creating a Business Plan for Your Success

Thursday, March 9
2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

The old expression is true,
"If you fail to plan you're planning to fail."  
 
Join Cliff Robbins, Senior Business Advisor at the MSBDC, for this presentation that will show you why and how to write a business plan paving the way for you to build a successful business. 
 
Meet a panel of small business experts that will include:
·     Attorney Christopher Cassara, Of Counsel, Partridge, Snow, & Hahn, LLP

·     Maureen Sylvia Amstrong, Managing Partner, Sylvia Group, and the New England region as Area Director for the national firm, Alera Group

·     Jessica Trombly, Director Business Development, Communications, and Special Projects

·     An overview of the importance of appropriate accounting services.
 
This workshop will help you answer these questions and more:
·     Why do I need to write a business plan?
·     Is there a market for my product and service?
·     Is there room in the competitive environment for my company?
 
Register today to get answers to these and many more questions.


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
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.

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

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
URCC Chairman's Circle Member Zahara Cannabis
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.



URCC Corporate Partner 




Check out their home page for upcoming events.

An Unlikely Story
111 South Street
Plainville
(508) 699-0244

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 
MEMBER OPPORTUNITIES


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.

Massachusetts Small Business Development Center
Meetings Conducted via Phone and Conference Call

Nancy Lowd, Senior Business Advisor at the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC), will be conducting meetings by phone and conference call for the foreseeable future.

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.
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.

Executive Express-O is meeting in our office on the first Friday of every month.

MassDevelopment Jay Pateakos, vice president of Business Development for the South Region, is holding office hours every month.

Small Business Advising with the Small Business Administration is available remotely.

Help Us Thank Our Chairman's Circle Members
Help Us Thank Our Corporate Partners