The Official WSN Newsletter: Connecting Women to Success

Summer 2025 Edition

Dear Ladies,


As a manager, I can confidently say that encouraging employees to network can be a challenge. Not long ago, I attended a networking event where a young professional approached me. I was impressed not only by their presence but by their genuine effort to make connections. It made me reflect on my own journey—how a former manager encouraged me to get involved with the Chamber and ensured I was always invited to networking events that our organization was supporting. In today’s world, where technology often diminishes face-to-face communication, and remote work can lead to feelings of isolation, it seems that networking has never been more important.


If you attended our recent "Ladies on the Lake" event, you would have seen networking at its best. Women were building new connections, sharing insights, and supporting each other (all while soaking up the sun and cruising Webster Lake, of course!) The Women's Success Network has always been committed to fostering authentic connections. Whether you're attending one of our events or volunteering for one of our initiatives, women are meeting each other, exchanging experiences, and building relationships. Sometimes these connections are made in unexpected ways, like digging in the dirt or sorting through purses, but isn’t that where the most meaningful bonds are formed? When people unite for a shared purpose, something truly special happens.


One thing I know for certain, the women I’ve met through WSN are not just women that I would do business with—they’re partners, mentors, and friends. These are the kinds of relationships that impact lasting success.


 

Warm regards,

Alise Breton

Chairwoman, Women’s Success Network

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Upcoming Events

WSN Quarterly Meeting

October 9, 2025 | 5:30pm-7:30pm

Whitinsville, MA

(NOTE: Our July 17th Quarterly Meeting has been cancelled)

Join us at Hebert Hall for an inspiring gathering where women in our community connect, collaborate, and share experiences. Together, we'll discuss successes, challenges, and important topics that impact women in their everyday lives. Whether you're a longtime member or new to the network, this is your opportunity to support, unite and inspire!


More details on the topic coming soon!

WHAT'S HAPPENED

WSN Ladies On The Lake

June 12, 2025

Webster Lake

The BVCC’s Women’s Success Network set sail aboard the beautiful Indian Princess on Webster Lake on Thursday, June 12th. Thank you to everyone who joined us for our annual event! It was a spectacular afternoon of networking, cocktails, quintessential hors d'oeuvres, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Webster Lake. We're so grateful to share this special evening with such an incredible group of women, and we already can't wait to set ail with you again next year!


WSN April 2025 Quarterly Meeting

Whitinsville, MA

Building on the dynamic dialogue from our last session, the WSN gathered for our April quarterly meeting to explore "Leading Through Change: Understanding VUCA and Thriving in Uncertainty." The acronym, which stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity, are all key challenges that leaders are facing today. Attendees shared insights on how to thrive in uncertain times using Vision, Understanding, Clarity, and Agility as solutions.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

Rachel Carney

Owner, Nama Rupa Massage


Hello, my name is Rachael Carney and I am so honored to be grabbing the spotlight for a moment through the exceptional Women’s Success Network via the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce. First and foremost, thank you!


I’ve been running a small massage therapy practice in Millbury, MA for the past 23 years. For the last 10 years, it has proudly gone by the name Nama Rupa Massage. I started off very part-time while raising my two (now adult) children—it was the perfect way to create a schedule that worked for my family. Over the past few years, I’ve shifted to a full-time focus, and I’m happy to share that word of mouth has truly made all the difference. Some of my clients have been with me since day one, and I continue to welcome new clients purely through referrals—which is something I never take for granted. We are part of a truly special community.



Massage has evolved so much since I first began, and I hope people now better understand its value. Yes, massage is wonderful for relaxation—but it does so much more. Most of my clients come to maintain their overall health and well-being. Whether it’s preventing migraines, managing chronic pain from old injuries, addressing acute issues like plantar fasciitis, or supporting post-surgical healing—massage therapy plays a vital role. I’m also certified in pre- and post-natal massage, and I’ve had the joy of working with clients through all their pregnancies—many of whom still come to see me, even now that their children are in high school or college. That kind of longevity and trust is truly heartwarming.

Rachel Carney

Owner, Nama Rupa Massage

FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

In Support of those Who Care: Honoring Alzheimer's & Good Care Month


June is a special month—and not just because the sun stays out longer or the flowers are blooming. It’s Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time when we come together to raise awareness, promote brain health, and support those affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. And as we step into July, we move into Good Care Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the heroes behind the scenes: the caregivers.


These two months are deeply connected. Because behind every person facing Alzheimer’s, there’s often someone else—quietly, patiently, and lovingly walking that hard road with them.


A Personal Reflection

For me, this is more than just an awareness campaign. My father-in-law had Alzheimer's. I saw, firsthand, the slow unraveling that this disease brings—not just to memory, but to identity, dignity, and family life. And I watched my mother-in-law become a full-time caregiver, a role she never signed up for, but embraced out of love.


It was exhausting, heartbreaking, and often isolating since they had retired in NC, away from family and friends. She faced long nights, difficult decisions, and the deep grief of watching the man she loved slip away a little more each day. If you’ve been in her shoes, or are in them now—you’re not alone. And this message is especially for you.


Continue Reading Here!

Lori Samuelson

Owner, Ferry Street Consulting

GET INVOLVED...

WSN MISSION

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Women’s Success Network unites women to achieve their vision of success by creating a community of support and inspiration in their personal and professional lives.

 

The Women's Success Network (WSN) is a committee of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce (BVCC).

 

Join our committee and help execute the WSN programs, projects and initiatives! Our volunteers play a crucial role in the success of the WSN by offering their time, skills and energy. We are women committed to our mission! For more information about the WSN or to become a volunteer, please email Alise Breton at www.millburycu.com.


JOINING THE CHAMBER HAS ITS REWARDS!

Joining The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Has Its Rewards

The WSN is a networking group of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce. If you are not already a member of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, we encourage you to join. When you become a member of the Chamber, a world of opportunities and benefits open up to you.


  • Education & Training
  • Business Services
  • Legislative Advocate
  • Exclusive Connections
  • Credibility
  • Industry Roundtables
  • Advertising
  • Networking
  • Chamber Event & Programs
  • Business Counseling & more!


The Chamber's #1 priority is to help you!


Serving Northbridge, Grafton, Sutton, Millbury, Uxbridge, Douglas, Millville, Mendon, Hopedale, Upton & Blackstone.


Click here to learn more about membership!

Click here to view Top 10 Benefits why you should join the BVCC!

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

NETWORKING HAPPENINGS

BVCC 2024-2025 Sponsorship Catalog

 

When you sponsor a BVCC Event you are increasing your marketing and exposure to the Blackstone Valley's businesses, local residents, and potential customers! Take your marketing to the next level with unique sponsorship opportunities with the Chamber!

 

Please click the button below, or contact us at 508.234.9090 for more information.

Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
670 Linwood Avenue, Building A, Suite 5, Whitinsville, MA 01588
508.234.9090 | www.BlackstoneValley.org
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BVCC Mission
The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce is to preserve and enhance the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley by addressing the needs and concerns of businesses and providing leadership, support and resources in connection with issues which impact commerce and the quality of life in the Valley.