The Official WSN Newsletter: Connecting Women to Success

Winter 2025-2026 Edition

Dear Ladies,


As I write my final Dear Ladies article, I find myself reflecting not only on my time as Chairwoman of the WSN, but on how deeply this network—and the relationships formed within it—has impacted my life.


When I joined the WSN in 2019, my professional circle was growing, but networking still felt uncomfortable. I attended Chamber events, smiled, and hoped that someone would start a conversation with me. My approach must have worked, because that’s how I met Pat Hurton, the original Chairwoman of the WSN. From our first conversation, what stood out immediately was her genuine interest in getting to know me and her passion for helping other women succeed. Through her ability to unite women and turn ideas into action, Pat reignited the WSN with renewed energy, purpose, and impact.


Very shortly after getting involved, I found myself surrounded by other strong, supportive women from all backgrounds. The relationships I built were not formed through quick introductions or exchanged business cards. They grew from shared experiences discussed at WSN meetings, while sorting donations from WSN sponsored collections, and even while digging in the dirt planting tulips as part of the Yellow Tulip Project, a signature initiative of the WSN. These women became more than familiar faces of people I met through the Chamber; they became a real source of professional support.


Many of these connections came through the introduction of Jeannie Hebert, a steadfast supporter of the WSN community. Jeannie consistently promotes the network, supports every initiative, and shows up whenever help is needed. It was also through Jeannie that the WSN began working with our incoming Chairwoman, Lynn Whitney Turner of Core XP Business Solutions. Since joining the WSN, Lynn has led workshops, hosted quarterly meetings, and most recently guided the network through strategic planning to ensure a strong and sustainable future.


As I step away from my role as Chairwoman, I do so with immense gratitude. I have no doubt that under Lynn’s leadership, with Jeannie and the Chamber’s support, and a dedicated group of committee members, the WSN will continue to thrive and change lives, just as it changed mine.


Warmest regards,


Alise Breton

Chairwoman, Women’s Success Network

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Upcoming Events

Business After Hours at District V House

Thurs., February 12, 2026 | 5:30pm-7:30pm

Blackstone, MA

The WSN is proud to announce our Business After Hours networking event, hosted by Disctrict V House in Sutton. Sip, shop, and enjoy delicious bites while connecting, meeting, and building new business relationships with fellow professionals from the local area!


Please RSVP by February 5, 2026. Pre-registration is preferred, although walk-ins are welcome.


$25 Members

$35 Future Members

WSN Spring Dinner at Asa Waters Mansion

Wed., April 15, 2026

Millbury, MA

SAVE THE DATE! The WSN is proud to announce we will be hosting our Spring Dinner at the beautiful and historic Asa Waters Mansion, in Millbury.


More details and registration information to come! You won't want to miss this event!

BV Hub Executive Track Networking Night

Tues., February 10, 2026 | 5:30pm-6:30pm

Hebert Hall, BVHub

670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA

We invite local professionals to join us for an Executive Track Networking Night focused on connection, mentorship, and career growth. This event brings together professionals and BVHub Executive Track students who are eager to learn how to network, explore career pathways, and connect with role models, mentors, and coaches.

 

Your presence can make a real impact. By joining us, you’ll help students build confidence, practice networking skills, and potentially spark a meaningful mentor connection.

 

We hope you’ll join us for an hour of purposeful conversation and connection.


Please send RSVPs to:

Lauren Barrett at barrett.lauren@bvhub.org

WHAT'S HAPPENED

Yellow Tulip Project, Blackstone Hope Garden

October 2025

Blackstone, MA

We would like to take a moment to thank everyone who came out and volunteered for this meaningful event. We planted 500 yellow tulips along the bike path, behind the Blackstone Town Hall to help smash the stigma associated with mental illness inspired by the Yellow Tulip Project.


Yellow tulips symbolize hope and happiness, and will be a great reminder for our community that hope does happen! We are so looking forward to this Spring, when the beautiful pop of yellow color lines the bike path. Thank you again to all who participated!

Lynn Whitney Turner

Owner

COREXP Business Solutions, Inc.

Alise Breton

Vice President/Retail Director

Millbury Federal Credit Union

Leadership Transition at Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce's Women's Success Network

December 2025

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce (BVCC) on December 4, 2025, announced a key leadership transition within one of its most robust and influential groups, the Women’s Success Network (WSN).


The BVCC expresses its gratitude for the dedicated service of outgoing Chairwoman, Alise Breton, and welcomes Lynn Whitney Turner as the incoming Chair. Alise Breton, Vice President, Retail Director at Millbury Credit Union, has successfully led the Women’s Success Network as Chairperson for the past three years, overseeing significant growth and impactful programming. While stepping down from the Chair position, Ms. Breton will maintain her commitment to the network by continuing to serve as a valuable member of the WSN Executive Committee.


Jeannie Hebert, President & CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, shared her appreciation, “Alise is a leader who dove right in and brought the WSN to new levels of service and created new opportunities to the women who live, work and play in the Blackstone Valley area. We are so happy that she will still serve in the WSN Executive Committee and also that our good friend and colleague, Lynn Whitney Turner will be taking the reins. We look forward to the growing future of the WSN.”

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Country Bank, Uxbridge


My name is Cindy Saucier, and I am the Assistant Vice President and Retail Banking Officer at Country Bank in Uxbridge, MA. I am honored to be featured in this month’s newsletter for the Women’s Success Network.


Country Bank is one of the most highly capitalized financial institutions in the Commonwealth, with $2.2 billion in assets. This strength allows us to offer innovative banking products and the latest technology to meet the evolving needs of our customers. We proudly celebrated our 175th anniversary in 2025, and we were excited to open our Uxbridge Banking Center on December 16, 2025. I will be celebrating my 10-year anniversary with the bank in June 2026. Banking has been my lifelong career, and I am deeply passionate about helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals. Every customer’s financial journey is unique, and I truly enjoy guiding them through the process. Building long-lasting, trusted relationships is something I take great pride in, and I am grateful to be chosen as a trusted banking partner.


At Country Bank, we believe that when we listen to our customers, support one another, and always strive to do the right thing, we can make a meaningful impact. Through accountability, problem-solving, hard work, and giving back, we live out our mission every day. Our mission is to grow mutually beneficial relationships with our customers, communities, and team members, because we are “Made to Make a Difference.”

Cindy Saucier

Assistant Vice President & Retail Banking Officer

Country Bank, Uxbridge

FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Resolution That Stick: Why your Brain Prefers "Agile" Over "Traditional"


Happy 2026, ladies! As we flip the calendar, many of us are knee-deep in the annual ritual of New Year’s resolutions. We start with the best of intentions, but by mid-February, that fancy new planner often ends up as a very expensive coaster.


Why does this happen? According to Dr. JD Pincus, the psychologist behind AgileBrain, the problem isn't our willpower it’s that we’re setting "rational" goals for a brain that is fundamentally "emotional."


Science shows that our emotions and unmet needs drive our choices far more than logic ever will. When we set a resolution like "I will increase my sales by 20%," our logical brain nods along, but our emotional brain might be screaming for something else entirely—like Security (Material), Belonging (Social), or Growth (Self).


This year, the Committee invites you to try a more "agile" approach to your goal setting:


  1. Find Your "Emotional Fingerprint": Before writing your list, ask yourself two simple questions: Where in my life do I actually want to make a change? and What kind of change do I seek? Is it a "Foundational" need (feeling safe and stable) or an "Aspirational" one (reaching your full potential)?
  2. Images Over Words: Our brains process images faster than text. Instead of a dry list of bullet points, try finding an image that represents the feeling of achieving your goal. If your goal is to grow your business, find a photo that captures the confidence or freedom you'll feel when you get there.
  3. Check Your "Why": Dr. Pincus suggests that goals only "stick" when they align with our true emotional drivers. If you’re setting a goal because you think you should, but it doesn't spark a physical feeling of excitement or relief, it’s likely to fail. Aim for "authentic need fulfillment" rather than just checking a box.


As women leaders in the Blackstone Valley, we juggle a lot—from the boardroom to the community. Let’s make 2026 the year we stop fighting our brains and start fueling our goals with what truly matters to us.


Whether you’re looking for more Immersion in your daily work or seeking a greater sense of Purpose, we’re here to support you. Let’s make those resolutions count!

Jeannie Hebert

President & CEO, Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce



jhebert@blackstonevalley.org

508-234-9090

Want to dig deeper? Check out Dr. JD Pincus’s work on AgileBrain to discover your own motivational fingerprint.

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 2025-2026 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.