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The Chamber hosted its annual ChamberTalks event last month titled; "Growing Your Business" with a focus on marketing to acquire new customers, customer service, using AI to automate sales and customer service systems and customer retention. Before and after the program members gathered for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and an opportunity to meet the speakers, ask questions and network with others.
Our speaker panel included Diana Bagas, Launch Social Media, Sandra Casey, Ugabot, Kevin Hallinan, WINNING, Inc. and Tom Leyden, Westwood Living Magazine. It was moderated by Rob Ferrini, McGowan Professional Liability.
Photos by Kenneth Berman Photography www.kennethbermanphoto.com
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Make Small Business Saturday Work for Your
Business
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By Rob Peters — Small Business Strategist and Author of The Small Business CEO’s Playbook
Small Business Saturday is a chance to put your business in front of customers deciding where to shop, dine, and spend their money during the holiday season. But if you’re a small business owner, ask yourself an important question: What are you doing to give those customers a reason to choose your business?
This year, Small Business Saturday takes place on November 28, 2026. Founded by American Express and additionally sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the day encourages consumers to support small businesses during the holiday season. The opportunity isn’t limited to retail stores. Restaurants, service providers, consultants, and online businesses can participate, too. A photographer might offer a gift certificate, a restaurant could create a holiday dining package, or a consultant could promote a planning session for the new year. No matter what type of business you run, the key is to start with a plan.
Define What Success Looks Like
Before you announce an offer or create a social media post, decide what you want to accomplish. Are you looking to attract new customers, bring existing customers back, sell gift certificates, or generate future bookings? Choose a primary goal and let it guide what you promote, who you reach, and how you measure your results.
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| | Thank You! The following members have renewed their membership with the NRR Chamber | | |
American Auto Transporters, Inc.
Brookmeadow at Cobb Corner
Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse
Home Instead
Joe Andruzzi Foundation
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Rockland Trust
Supreme Development
SYNERGY Home Care
The Skating Club of Boston
| | Annual Awards Nominations Open | | |
Our Annual Awards nomination period has just opened.
This is your opportunity to let us know who you think deserves recognition for their service to the community at our Annual Meeting in January.
Award categories include; Small and Large Business of the Year, Business Person of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. You can download the nomination form here.
| | (Clockwise from top left) Several Chamber members participated in Norwood High Schools "Credit for Life" program for high school seniors. Lisa Corrigan and Nicole Magnussen with South Shore Staffing helped with resume building; Shonda Sumpter with Mass General Brigham Health Care Center shared insights on health care professions; The Chamber helped Goodyear Auto Service celebrate their recent grand opening with a Ribbon Cutting at their location at 981 Providence Highway, Norwood; Members of the Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary Club dedicated a tree to the memory of Kim Poliseno who passed away last year. The tree is located at Blue Hills Regional Technical High School, where Ms. Poliseno worked as a career counselor. | | Gallery Hop Seeks Businesses to Host Local Art | | |
Norwood Art Connection announces its Gallery Hop 2026, an opportunity to see the work of artists from Norwood and the surrounding area. Discover works of art, enjoy light refreshments, and participate in raffles to win prizes, all within walking distance in Norwood Center.
This is the first public event hosted by Norwood Art Connection, a nonprofit formed to connect artists, businesses, and the community. It is an opportunity for artists to display their work, businesses to get visibility and new customers, and the community to enjoy art in familiar and comfortable settings. All works on display will be for sale and contact information for the artists will be available.
Join us Friday November 20 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and start your walk at any of the participating locations. Visit all the locations for an opportunity to win a prize!
Gallery 642 at Tax Solutions, 642 Washington Street; Gallery 9 at Custom Art Framing at 45 Central Street; Woodstuff Market at 674 Washington Street
Businesses and artists interested in participating, please contact marypaz at Norwood Art Connection, marypazstudio@gmail.com by November 9.
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Veteran Ready Business Program | | |
Stand out as a leader in workplace inclusion, and join a growing network of businesses committed to those who served.
The Executive Office of Veterans Services Veteran Ready Business Program (VRB) helps educate employers on the value of hiring veterans and their spouses.
When your company certifies as a Massachusetts Veteran Ready Business, you demonstrate your commitment to hiring veterans, supporting military families, and honoring service.
Learn More
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On October 1, 2026, DFML released updated information on the contribution amounts that need to be remitted by eligible employees and employers beginning on January 1, 2027. Employers will be required to distribute revised notices reflecting the rate change to all employees and eligible 1099-Misc workers prior to January 1, 2027.
New: DFML released the 2026 PFML Annual Report detailing information about program activity during 2026 fiscal year.
Updated: The PFML 2027 Maximum Weekly Benefit Amount is $1284.61.
Updated: DFML released the PFML 2027 Employer Contribution Rates for both employers with fewer than 25 eligible workers and employers with 25 or more eligible workers.
Please note changes to the contribution rate structure: Amendments to the PFML law are changing employer and employee contribution percentages for medical leave and family leave, effective January 1, 2027. While the overall contribution rate remains the same as 2026, the new rate split shifts employer contributions from medical leave to family leave. This change in contribution structure will mitigate the impact of recent IRS guidance on the tax treatment of Massachusetts PFML benefits.
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