We're Not Just a Chamber of Commerce;
We're a Chamber of Connections
8
April 25, 2023
Testimonial from
The Music Wagon
April 20, 2023

Jack,
 
I would like to sincerely thank you for going above and beyond to assist me in finding a new location. I mentioned to you several weeks ago that I had even expanded my search into towns outside of the United Regional Chamber territory, but in the end, with my wife STRONGLY agreeing (secret to a happy marriage), I decided to remain committed to remaining within the area. This was largely due to you, the work you have done for me, and the constant reminder that I "am a member, and this is what [you] do for members." I know that you have worked above and beyond, and I still remember what you told me when I joined several years ago that you would work tirelessly to prove that my membership was worthwhile. Thank you. You've done it.
 
While I had hoped something would prevail from the pharmacy property, I reached critical need as you know. Today, I signed a non-binding letter of intent to lease one of the units in the building that housed the former Miconi music store on 715 E. Washington St., North Attleboro (Rte. 1). Having visited the building, it has been completely torn down to the walls and rebuilt. Everything will be new and operational. The new owner, the landlord, offered a gross lease rate that was more than fair as compared to all of the Triple Net leases around us, and in the end had the best deal around. I am hopeful that this will indeed prove fruitful, and if all goes according to plan, I should be able to enter into a lease agreement by mid-May with a June 1 move-in (if not earlier).
 
I have just two additional requests from you. Once I am moved in, I'd like to schedule a ribbon cutting. More importantly, I'd like to request a new URCC decal to be prominently displayed on my door!
 
Thanks again,

Scott Abrahamson, Owner
"We are the music store that delivers."
CHAMBER NEWS & UPDATES

Welcome New Member, New Latitude Event Solutions, the Company That Facilitates the Jewelry City Steampunk Festival


The Steampunk Festival Is This Weekend in Downtown Attleboro

(see the member section of this enewsletter for more information about the event)

Please join us in welcoming new URCC member New Latitude Event Solutions, the company that facilitates the Jewelry City Steampunk Festival.

With creative approaches to traditional events, and by orchestrating hybrid fundraising campaigns that combine virtual and practical event attributes, New Latitude can re-imagine how you reach your existing donors and help craft inventive channels to find new ones.

See you this weekend!


Join Us at Our Upcoming Events
Mark Your Calendars

Executive Express-O is Wednesday, May 3
New Location
Wednesday, April 26; 11:45 a.m.
65 Ledgeview Way
Wrentham, MA

Thursday, April 27; Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch with the Massachusetts Coalition for Independent Work
25 Ledgeview Way
Wrentham

New Day
Wednesday, May 3; 7:45 a.m.
in the Chamber Office
310 South Street
Plainville

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

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

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

Are you coming to the forum hosted by MCIW?
LOCATION
110 Grille, Wrentham, MA

DATE AND TIME
04/27/23 12:00pm - 04/27/23 1:00pm

I'll be there!
I can't make it
Double ACS
Jack Interviewed Mike Carroll of Dean Bank

Last Wednesday, Jack talked to Mike Carroll from URCC member Dean Bank about protecting yourself from financial scams. You've seen them. You get an email supposedly from your bank, but when you look at the sender's address, the message isn't from your bank. These scams target the elderly who might not be very computer savvy -- very scary.
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. Recently, we posted jobs available at URCC member Confidence Fitness.
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

$75,000,000 in Grants Available to Support Small Businesses


Ends This Week


$10,000 - $75,000
 
Timeline
March 31 at 12:00 p.m. – Application opens
April 28 at 11:59 p.m. – Application closes
 
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has made $75,000,000 available to support small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program targets businesses that focus on reaching markets predominantly made up of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups, underserved markets, and those owned by minorities, women, veterans, immigrants, first-generation immigrants, disabled individuals, or those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. MGCC will administer grants up to $75,000 for eligible small businesses, in a geographically equitable manner. 

Fraud Awareness Workshop at URCC Member Dean Bank in Franklin

21 Main Street
Franklin
Friday, April 28
Noon - 1:00 p.m.

URCC member Dean Bank is hosting a Fraud Awareness Workshop on April 28 at 12:00 pm at their Main Office Branch, 21 Main St. in Franklin. 

RSVP to Michael Carroll at [email protected]

Space is limited so please reserve your seat today! 

Music, Magic, Games, and Rides Transform Downtown Attleboro into a World of Victorian Science Fantasy 
 
The Jewelry City Steampunk Festival returns this Saturday, April 29, and is gearing up for an exciting weekend filled with food, music, crafts, presentations, and adventure throughout the city.
 
The event begins at 10:00 a.m. in the Lloyd G. Balfour Riverwalk Park and continues throughout the day at the Attleboro Area Industrial Museum, the Attleboro Public Library, and Cuddy Court. There will also be a separately ticketed Steampunk After-Party that begins at 6:00 p.m. The Riverwalk Park will see most of the action throughout the day, including a Biergarten sponsored by Dirigible Brewing Company, a Littleton-based craft brewery inspired by Steampunk Aesthetics.
 
Balfour will feature two stages showcasing fire dancers, acts of physical wonder, and Steampunk-inspired music. The stages will be under tents, as will be the seating, so the event can continue, rain or shine. There will also be a food court and a variety of concessions.
 
The festival is hosting two special Tea Parties at the Centenary United Methodist Church. At 11:00 a.m. Steampunk Alice’s Mad Tea Party will offer a family-friendly light lunch of hot or iced tea, juice, or milk, sandwiches including grilled cheese, and sweet treats and fruit for $12. At 1:00 p.m., Lady Heather’s Mid-Day Tea will feature a more robust lunch for $20, while also offering an opportunity to experience and participate in the art of Victorian Tea Dueling.

You will find tickets to these events here: https://bit.ly/JCSF2023-tickets. Contact [email protected] for more information.
 
There will also be a variety of presentations at the Attleboro Public Library throughout the day, including a conversation with the celebrated Bruce Rosenbaum, an internationally famous artist dubbed The Steampunk Guru by The Wall Street Journal.
 
Jewelry City Steampunk has partnered with the Attleboro Area Industrial Museum to bring this event to life. The museum will offer indoor entertainment on-stage as well as opportunities for interaction with the attendees. Part of the museum's mission is to collect and preserve history related to the industrial past of the Attleboro area and to act as a resource center for the education of the public.
 
Museum Director, Carleton Legg, sees this event as a natural fit for the two groups. “Our purpose is to preserve and share the stories of the industrial history of the Attleboro area,” offers Legg. “In partnering with the festival, we can engage in fantastical stories that draw a direct connection to the historical legacy of the region and inspire a fuller understanding of the present and inspiration for the future.”
 
In Cuddy Court, the festival will offer art walks, vendors, and concessions, and will feature performances from the Illuminate Creative and Theatrical Arts Company. 

Cuddy Court will also showcase Splendid Teapot Racing, a race where battle-bots meet teapots.
 
To get around town, the festival offers access to an all-points trolley to shuttle attendees from venue to venue throughout the day. Ride All-Day Trolley Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 to 14. Children 3 and under can participate for free.
 
The Jewelry City Steampunk Festival is supported in part by a grant from the Attleboro Cultural Council, the Mansfield Cultural Council, the Norton Cultural Council, and the Sharon Cultural Council, local agencies that are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Support for this program is also generously underwritten by Mass Development as part of their TDI program.
 


An Unforgettable Evening of Fun, Food, and Philanthropy

Saturday, May 6
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
From $50.00

Get ready for an action-packed Derby Day Watch Party Fundraiser on May 6th, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Plainridge Park Casino! This event promises a fantastic evening of thrilling horse racing, delightful food, and an opportunity to support a good cause. Plus, join in on the excitement with a raffle for a variety of cash prizes, adding even more fun to this spectacular night. You won't want to miss out on this unforgettable experience filled with entertainment, great company, and the chance to make a difference. So mark your calendars and get your tickets now for a memorable Derby Day celebration! 

Go to their home page for tickets.
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.

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]
STEM Talent Challenge Funding Opportunity through the US Economic Development Administration, Open for Applications until June 12

A Message from Congressman Jake Auchincloss's Office:

The STEM Talent Challenge seeks to develop or expand regional workforce capacity to support high-growth, high-wage entrepreneurial ventures, industries of the future (which usually includes industries that leverage emerging technologies), and other innovation-driven businesses that have a high likelihood of accelerating economic competitiveness and job creation in their respective regions and in the United States
 
If you are interested in applying, feel free to reach out to me directly to request a letter of support from Congressman Auchincloss. Please let me know if you have any questions.
 
Best,
Jenna Massoud 
Senior District Representative
Office of Congressman Jake Auchincloss, MA-4
29 Crafts Street, Suite 375, Newton, MA
Office: (617) 332-3333
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

April 28 - Broken Heels
April 29 - Danny Keins Full House
May 5 - XS Band
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