Norwood Day, Networking and More... | |
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September was a busy month as several Chamber members participated in Norwood Day (top 4 photos), attended our monthly "Connections at Work" networking lunch at Conrad's Restaurant (next 2 photos) and enjoyed food and drink at Poirier's Sales and Service Business After Hours (bottom 2 photos).
Congratulations to Bill Kearns who won the beverage refrigerator drawing at Poirier's!
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An Update from the MA DOR:
Tax Amnesty Period to Run from November 1 to December 30, 2024
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A 60-day tax amnesty was authorized in the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Act.
The tax amnesty will begin on November 1, 2024, and end on December 30, 2024. DOR will waive most penalties for eligible taxpayers who submit an online request for amnesty, file outstanding returns, and pay tax and interest owed.
Please stay tuned to the Tax Amnesty webpage, which will be updated regularly (including additional FAQs) with more information. Links to video tutorials on how to complete the process, and to access the form to request amnesty will be available from the webpage by November 1.
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Chamber Urges No Votes on 2 and 5 | |
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Question 5 will change the way tipped servers are compensated. Currently every worker in Massachusetts is already guaranteed to earn at least the current minimum wage of $15 including tipped employees. If, after wages and tips, an employee does not earn $15 per hour, the employer must pay the difference.
The proposed changes will increase the cost of doing business for restaurants significantly, reduce the earnings of servers and increase the cost of dining out.
Click here to learn more about the Tip Pooling Ballot Question that will be in front of voters in November.
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Question 2 will eliminate MCAS as a requirement for high school graduation. This misguided ballot initiative that will make Massachusetts' school systems unfair and increase inequality by eliminating our only statewide education standard.
A statewide graduation requirement ensures that students meet minimum standards before graduating. Abandoning students who need extra help by giving them diplomas and sending them on their way would negatively impact kids for the rest of their lives. Instead of dropping standards, as proponents advocate, we should do the hard work to lift students to ensure that every child receives the excellent education they are entitled to before graduating.
Click here to learn how this harms MA students.
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Thank You! The following members have renewed their membership with the NRR Chamber | |
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Affordable Cleaning Solutions
Bearingstar Insurance
Berish Properties
Bronze Memorial
Donlon-Draper, Inc.
Ferreira Exteriors Roofing Team
King, McNamara & Moriarty, CPA's
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Liberty Mutual Insurance
Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane, LLP
Signarama Walpole
The Education Cooperative
Walpole Cooperative Bank
WINNING, Inc.
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The Members Plus Annual Backpack Drive was a huge success! This year, the credit union delivered 500 backpacks filled with school supplies to the communities that we serve, including Medford Public Schools, Everett Public Schools, Winchester Public Schools, Norwood Public Schools, Mystic Valley YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester and Plymouth Public Schools! | |
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Clay Subaru is committed to the community and this month is supporting the Callahan Elementary School in Norwood as part of the Subaru Love Promise Initiative. | | |
The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease. This year's Neponset Valley walk is Sunday, October 20 at Patriot Place. Click for more information.
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Elder Care Alliance Social | |
Members of the Chamber's Elder Care Alliance gathered for a reception at Brightview Senior Living in Canton last month. The event featured networking, seasonal cocktails and some wonderful food from Brightview's culinary department. | Disability Employment Awareness Month Celebration | |
Workplace ESOL Grants Available | |
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Did you know there is grant funding available to help your business kick-start or continue on-the-job ESOL classes to make your employees and your business more effective, efficient, and productive?
Workplace ESOL is a priority of the Workforce Training Fund Program (WTFP). Massachusetts employers, employer organizations, labor organizations, training providers, and consortia of such entities are encouraged to apply for funds to train current and newly hired workers. Grants for workplace ESOL are available through Express or General program grants.
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Member Benefit of the Month
401(k) for Small Business
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As you know, the Chamber has implemented a 401(k) program to bring Chamber businesses and their employees a full suite of retirement plan solutions that save time and money. Businesses of all sizes are eligible.
The SECURE 2.0 Act offers credits for implementing a 401(k) plan or adding an auto-enrollment feature to a plan. SECURE 2.0 has various provisions, including increasing the RMD age for IRA and 401(k) accounts and altering the catch-up contribution limit for older workers with workplace plans.
To learn more about the program click here.
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