August 22, 2023

The Chamber Is Looking for a New Home

And We Need Your Help

They say all good things come to an end. And here we are. Our office building in Plainville has been sold and our days at this location are numbered. We've looked at a few places, but nothing has worked out. So we're asking you, our members, if you know of any commercial space that's available in the chamber's community.

We're looking for a space that is between 800 and 1,200 square feet and has an office with a door. We're hoping that we will not have to build out the space.

Contact URCC President Jack Lank at jack@unitedregionalchamber.org if you are aware of space that will accommodate us. We're hoping to be able to move soon to assure that service to our membership will be uninterrupted.

Welcome Alan Benjamin URCC Member Bluestone Bank's Branch Manager in Plainville/North Attleboro to the URCC Board

We are pleased to announce that Bluestone Bank's Branch Manager Alan Benjamin has joined the URCC board of directors. In the role of branch manager, Alan is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for both customers and dedicated team members. He firmly believes that, by building strong relationships and providing exceptional service, Bluestone Bank can make a meaningful impact on the financial well-being of individuals and businesses within our community.

Alan says, "I am truly excited to be a part of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce and look forward to working alongside other board members. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or if there is anything I can assist you with. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to connect and collaborate with you."

Originating from the beautiful country of Guyana and raised in the vibrant city of Brooklyn, New York, Alan brings a diverse set of experiences and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity to his role. Growing up in such dynamic environments has instilled in him a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a keen sense of community.

Alan is married to a beautiful woman named Nandanie Benjamin, who works for Delta Airlines. Together, they have two sons, Daniel and Noah, who attend Attleboro public schools. Their sons inspire them to strive for excellence in all aspects of life.

When they're not immersed in their professional endeavors, their family shares a passion for exploring the world and immersing themselves in new cultures. They believe that traveling broadens their horizons and enriches their understanding of the world around us. It is through these experiences that they cultivate a deep respect for diversity and embrace the beauty of different perspectives.

Tomorrow

Wednesday, August 23, 11:45 a.m.

Extreme Networking

Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites

65 Ledgeview Way

Wrentham

Wednesday, September 6; 7:45 a.m.

Executive Express-O

in the Chamber Office

310 South Street

Plainville

Thursday, September 7; 10:00 a.m.

Ribbon Cutting

Enterprise Truck Rental

110 E.Washington Street

North Attleboro

Wednesday, September 13, 11:45 a.m.

Extreme Networking

Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites

65 Ledgeview Way

Wrentham

Wednesday, September 27, 11:45 a.m.

Extreme Networking

Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites

65 Ledgeview Way

Wrentham

Wednesday, October 4; 7:45 a.m.

Executive Express-O

in the Chamber Office

310 South Street

Plainville

Thursday, October 26; 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Alive after Five

Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites

65 Ledgeview Way

Wrentham

Plainridge Park Casino Is Hiring

They are always looking for people who love to have fun.

At Plainridge Park Casino, you'll be part of an exciting and rapidly expanding industry. They've grown to become the most innovative omnichannel (in store, mobile, and online) provider of entertainment experience.

They're looking for people who are passionate about creating memorable experiences for their guests. If you're looking for a fun and rewarding career in the entertainment industry, then Plainridge Park Casino is the place for you.

Michelle Carlow of URCC Member CTS Services Says,

"It's time to send your Windows Server 2012 software and hardware to the briny deep blue sea!"

Microsoft has announced the end-of-life (EOL) for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2.

Directly from Microsoft: Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 will end on October 10, 2023. After this date, these products will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates.

Your customers (and vendors, partners, and employees) expect your business to deploy an IT infrastructure that is secure and optimally configured to support mission-critical business applications. Your applications may be at risk of not functioning properly. Is that a risk you want to assume?

So, your migration plan needs to get underway - and CTS Services is here to help you make a smooth transition to new technology. Yes, it's an investment - and you may need new hardware - yet it's essential to your business. (Failing to migrate may also negatively impact any cybersecurity insurance currently in place. Check your policy.)

Hackers hope and expect that if you do not already have a migration plan in place, you will become a sweet (and profitable) cybersecurity target in the very near future. Failure to migrate is an open invitation to hackers to do a high-tech 'smash and grab' at your business!

Disappoint the hackers and decide to make your customers happy instead.

Let's have a 15-minute conversation about your migration status.

From there CTS Services can make a full assessment of your needs, including a support quote to assist with all aspects of the migration. You may need new server hardware, and lead time in ordering will be required due to high demand.

Schedule a Windows Server Migration Consultation (It's FREE!)

Consider the business implications.

The risks are real, and avoidable when you take action now.

·     Compliance Issues

·     The Cybersecurity Threat Profile

·     Loss of Revenue Due to Business Interruption

·     Loss of Functionality

·     Inability to Deploy New Features

The cost of delaying your migration plan? You have to assess that!

Now is the perfect time to take action and avoid security breaches while staying compliant with industry regulations. Start planning how to mitigate risks by migrating your workloads to newer and supported versions.

Don't wait, protect your business today!

Their expert staff is here to assist you - if you reach out to them soon! Since first notifying you of this end-of-life news back in May, they have a busy schedule. As Labor Day arrives, they are expecting to get swamped!

Go here to find 15 minutes on Michelle's calendar so you can discuss your migration status. You can, of course, call the office at 508-528-7720 and we can find a good time to talk!

Let's go! The clock is ticking.

Be Prepared and Stay Vigilant,

Michelle Carlow

CTS Services

Free Community College for Adults 25+ to launch at Bristol Community College this Fall

Bristol Community College is excited to announce that, with the passing of the 2023/2024 state budget and subject to state appropriation, MassReconnect will officially launch at the college for the upcoming Fall semester, beginning September 5.  



MassReconnect will cover the cost of community college for Massachusetts residents 25 or older without a previous college degree and bring higher education within reach for adult learners in our region. 

The program is available to new and current Bristol students.

“While Bristol Community College has so much to offer adult learners, with specialized resources to help them learn, grow and succeed – students still often face financial struggles. The life-changing MassReconnect opportunity will relieve the financial burden of college expenses so that students can make college possible,” said Dr. Laura L. Douglas, president of Bristol Community College. 

Bristol’s enrollment staff has been working diligently to prepare for the implementation of MassReconnect. The college’s Admissions, Financial Aid, Testing, and Advising teams are ready to assist students through the enrollment process quickly, so they can utilize MassReconnect as soon as possible.

There are three main requirements and steps students can take to prepare for MassReconnect eligibility. As a last-dollar-in program, MassReconnect requires that students complete their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students must also be admitted to a certificate or degree program and registered for six or more credits. Bristol's financial aid, admissions, and advising staff is available to assist students and their families complete these important steps. August is the peak processing time for enrollment, so it is important for students to get their FAFSA in now to ensure their plans are solidified in time for the start of classes.

MassReconnect aligns with Bristol Community College’s Strategic Plan, which outlines goals in increasing the educational attainment of adult learners to support a talent pipeline in our region. The average age of a Bristol student is 25 years old. Approximately 40% of students in the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters were adult students. 

For more information about MassReconnect at Bristol Community College, including eligibility requirements or getting started at the college, please visit www.BristolCC.edu/MassReconnect or email MassReconnect@BristolCC.edu. 

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 PENN Heroes program and is excited to keep growing. The PENN Heroes rewards program gives our nation’s active-duty military, veterans and first responders access to special discounts, promotions, and events. It’s PENN National's way to offer thanks for their commitment to our country and communities.

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 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Friday 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Saturday 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., and Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 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 rest of August

August 25 • Smokin Joe and the Henchmen

August 26 • Be Kind Rewind

September 23 • Dueling Pianos, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.