We're Not Just a Chamber of Commerce;
We're a Chamber of Connections
8
May 9, 2023
CHAMBER NEWS & UPDATES
gift_momsday.jpg
About 150 years ago, I remember saying to my father, "Why is there a Mother's Day, a Father's Day, and no Kid's Day." He sagely said, "Because every day is Kid's Day." I have to admit that I wasn't buying it. ;) But now I understand.
Please Join Us in Welcoming New Member iNetHR

At iNetHR, they say, "we know small businesses and we love them!"


iNetHR, located in Massachusetts and Maryland, provides HR and Payroll Service Plans for Small Businesses -- plans from simple and self-managed to comprehensive and turnkey.

With iNetHR, there is one system. Managers and employees log into the same system for Time Management, Scheduling, Payroll, and Employee HR.

And there are flexible support plans that allow you to choose the HR tools that you need and only pay for the ones you use.

For more information, please visit their website.

Welcome to the chamber. We hope to see you at upcoming events.
URCC President Jack Lank Interviewed
by Kristine Pasto

Jack says, "the chamber is an organization with the sole purpose of helping local businesses grow and prosper."


Join Us at Our Upcoming Events
Mark Your Calendars



Wednesday, May 10; 11:45 a.m.
65 Ledgeview Way
Wrentham

Wednesday, May 24; 11:45 a.m.
65 Ledgeview Way
Wrentham

Wednesday, June 7; 7:45 a.m.
in the Chamber Office
310 South Street
Plainville

Wednesday, July 5; 7:45 a.m.
in the Chamber Office
310 South Street
Plainville

Monday, July 17
Annual URCC Golf Tournament
NEW VENUE: Pawtucket Country Club
Registration 11:30 a.m.
Shotgun Start at Noon
900 Armistice Blvd.
Pawtucket, RI

Thursday, July 27
Alive After Five
Village Green Apartments
11 Messenger Street
Plainville


Save the Date
It's Going to Be a Great Day

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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. Recently, we posted jobs available at URCC members Confidence Fitness, Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, and Joyful Living at Sterling Lofts.
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
A Message from Michelle Carlow of URCC Member CTS Services


Planning Your Windows Server Migration Will Ensure Minimal Risk and Maximum Protection for Your Network
 
 
Michelle Carlow
President, CTS Services, Inc
508-528-7720Dear Friend and Client:
 
I know you have heard from us a couple of times on the topic of Windows Server 2012 migration.
 Why are we reminding you yet again?
 
Well, a little planning goes a long way toward keeping your IT risks at a minimum, not to mention the fact that an assessment now will tell us exactly what you need come October!
 
Imagine, come November of this year, your business stops running because your company's IT systems are either compromised or your critical applications are not performing quite so well, if at all.
 
It could happen if you fail to follow sound advice regarding migration.
 
Overall, upgrading from Windows Server 2012 is important to maintain the security, performance, and compliance of your organization's IT infrastructure.
 
Not upgrading from Windows Server 2012 can pose several risks - four in particular. If your business chooses to ignore the advice of IT business consultants when it comes to replacing the Microsoft Windows Server 2012, it can have serious consequences for the organization.
 
Here are the four risks:
 
1. Security vulnerabilities
 
2. Compliance issues

3. Performance issues
 
4. Lack of technical support

In summary, to drive the point home, ignoring the advice of IT business consultants on upgrading the Microsoft Windows Server 2012 can lead to significant risks for a business. It could result in data loss, financial losses, legal penalties, and damage to an organization's reputation due to a lack of compliance with regulations.
 
Take the Pain Away from the Whole Migration Project
 
Ready to start the Windows Server Migration process? Send me an email with the best time to call you. (Do that by clicking here.)
 
Windows server migration is a complex and time-consuming process that requires careful planning. Without taking the necessary steps to ensure a successful transition, organizations risk losing data, suffering from downtime, and facing financial losses. Keep in mind, that the company leadership team may be personally at risk in some cases, if known risk-avoidance strategies were not taken in, for example, a compliance issue that resulted in a loss.
 
Ready to start the Windows Server Migration process?
 
Send me an email with the best time to call you. (Do that by clicking here.) Of course, you can call us at the number below and we'll take it from there! Or, simply reply to this email and I'll get back to you right away.
 
Let's get this process started!


A Message from MassDevelopment



One-Stop Grant Application Portal Open until June 2

The Community One Stop portal for these grant applications is now open until June 2. There are many opportunities here for the TDI District as well as the greater Attleboro Community. Please feel free to contact MassDevelopment's Attleboro TDI Fellow Tracy Silva Barbosa if you have any questions.

Mobile: 781-309-3399

Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development

Department of Housing and Community Development

MassDevelopment
 
Tri-County
May Classes at URCC Member
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School

Classes in May include Understanding Renewable Energy and Solar Energy and Photography Basics.
The Literacy Center Is Proud to Present

May 17 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
at Five Bridge Inn, Rehoboth
 
The Literacy Center invites you to enjoy an evening of fantastic food, delightful drinks, exciting raffle prizes, and musical performances - all in celebration of the rich diversity and culture of our community. Now in its tenth year, the International Tasting has become a not-to-be-missed annual experience for foodies and friends alike.



Celebrating Our Community

New Hope's Highlights of Hope Breakfast

Thursday, May 18
7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Dean College Guidrey Center
(inside the Dean College Student Center)
137 West Central Street
Franklin

Join New Hope for its Highlights of Hope in-person event at Dean College's Guidrey Center in the Student Center. 
 
GO ONLINE TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY! 
Attendance is FREE 
RSVP by May 14th  
 
This year New Hope is thrilled to bring their event back in-person to celebrate the successes of the past year and to share their vision for the future.

This is New Hope's annual celebration of the business community’s works to end interpersonal violence and features over 200 guests, a keynote speaker, survivor story, and an awards program.  
Small Business Day on Beacon Hill

Hosted by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association

Wednesday, May 24
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
UMass Club
1 Beacon Street
Boston, MA

Boston legislators are planning Small Business Day on Beacon Hill. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 24 at the UMass Club and serves as an opportunity to highlight the issues important to Massachusetts small businesses. It is more important than ever that small business owner voices are heard, and legislators understand the many issues facing employers. From staffing challenges to inflation, Massachusetts small businesses are still in a state of recovery.
 
Chamber of Commerce members are invited to participate in Small Business Day, which will be free this year. As in past years, they will be creating a registration landing page that includes your logo with their list of partners.
 
The program will include:
  • Refreshments and Welcome
  • Legislative Update (Labor mandates, healthcare, energy, taxation, etc.)
  • Panel on Energy Costs
  • Keynote Speaker (TBD)
  • Visits with Legislators in the State House
 
To learn more or to join the list of participating organizations, contact [email protected]


You Are Invited

Norton 2023
Ground Breaking Ceremony

16 Ridge Road
Norton
June 1
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

A message from Kim Thomas, CEO
Old Colony Habitat for Humanity

Dear Friends,
 
On behalf of Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, our Board of Directors, and our Volunteer Build Committee, we are thrilled to announce our next build.
 
Please join us for the Norton 2023 Ground Breaking ceremony!
 
We are thankful to Plainridge Park Casino, Whirlpool, and Schneider Electric for their early sponsor commitment in making this Norton 2023 Build possible.
 
Please carpool because parking is limited.
 
We are looking forward to building with you.
 
508-399-1781
Join URCC Member Thrive Adult Primary Care
at Its BL AST Fundraiser
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 May Line Up at the Revolution Lounge

May 12 - Hipshot
May 13 - Hijacked
May 19 - Diva and the Playboys
May 20 - Neon Lighthouse
May 26 - Brandy
May 27 - Zero Drift Band






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.
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 Springhill Suites/Townplace Suites 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 every month.

MassDevelopment's Jay Pateakos, vice president of Business Development for the South Region, holds office hours every month.

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

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