This month I'm sharing an article that I read recently, which talks about the value of Chambers of Commerce. The article was written by Tim Parker, a business writer for Intuit who is passionate about solving small business problems.

In the era of email, social media, and texting, local chambers of commerce may seem like dinosaurs. However, these business organizations remain one of the best ways

to network with other entrepreneurs in virtually any community.

The Intuit Small Business Blog recently asked

a few small-business owners how they've used their chamber memberships to grow their operations. Based on their experiences, here are five ways that any company may benefit from joining a local chamber of commerce.

1. Solve business problems. "I needed a tarantula for a photo shoot, and I couldn't find one anywhere," says Jeremiah Miller of the California-based leadership-consulting firm Forging Leaders. "I called my chamber, and within an hour they had found a local tarantula handler for me." Of course, your need doesn't have to be as unusual as a scary arachnid. Perhaps you have a client who seeks a particular service that's outside your expertise. Your chamber of commerce membership could help to quickly put you in touch with a potential subcontractor.

2. Learn something new (or act as an expert). Most chambers of commerce host free educational seminars for members. Says Joan Laubach of Maryland-based CSP Financial Group, "Starting next month, I will be hosting a monthly 'Lunch and Learn,' with topics covering retirement-planning strategies, tax issues, and other financial information." Serving as a teacher can establish you as an expert to other members; when they need products or services that fall within your skill set, they'll likely call you first.

3. Receive discounts from other members. Many chambers offer discounts to members, and developing relationships with colleagues also typically results in lower prices. "As a member of [our] chamber of commerce, you have the option to submit your businesses product or service via the weekly Friday email blast that goes out," says Erren Robateau of Rhode Island-based Northeast Recycle Group. "Unlike Groupon, you are not required to share any revenue with the chamber that you may make from the offer."

4. Get free press. Most chambers publish a newsletter and/or other materials for their members and the community-at-large. This can provide a forum getting your name out there. "The chamber has a monthly newsletter with a page dedicated to news from member companies. I try to send in press releases on a regular basis to get that additional free exposure," says Christina Zila of Nevada-based Textbroker International. "Journalists will often seek out a chamber of commerce or trade association for quotes on business trends. Maintaining a high profile with the chamber can lead to referrals not just of potential customers, but for journalists as well."

5. Raise your profile. Lynn Hood of Atlanta-based Crackerjack Marketing says, "I have been an active member of the Metro Atlanta Chamber for the past several years, with the key word being active. Rather than attend the regular networking lunches, I participate on committees and volunteer my services. This allows me to meet executives at big companies - who are my targets - and talk with them in a non-pitching environment. They also have a chance to see my ideas and contributions. This high visibility with the chamber staff keeps me top-of-mind, should they know of a business that is looking for marketing providers."

Noon Networking

Business After Hours

The Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold our February Business After Hours at Castle Island Brewing Company in Norwood.

State Rep. John Rogers presented a house citation to Castle Island Brewing owner Adam Romanow after touring the new facility with NVCC President Tom O'Rourke.

Castle Island Brewing opened last month and is located at 31 Astor Ave.  in  Norwood. According to their website, the new brewery " crafts distinctive beers that honor proven traditions and celebrate fresh ideas." 

Due to state and local liquor laws, there is no cost to attend, although a donation of $15 to the Chamber may be made upon arrival. Please join us and sample some of their delicious beers on tap while networking with your local business community!

Axcient provides peace of mind by keeping your business data safe, secure, and accessible when needed. Datasmith has partnered with Axcient to bring you a breakfast and learn event that will show you how you can protect your business from disaster by utilizing Axcient's various security services. 

Topics discussed include: the cloud, recovery and back-up solutions, transitioning from on-site to cloud based technology, and how to update servers.

The event is on February 16, 2016 from 8am to 11am at the Four Points Sheraton in Norwood, MA. Please RSVP by February 1, 2016.

Why are Diabetes Prevention and Worksite Wellness Important? Because we spend so much time at work, our workplaces can have a big impact on our health. So it's important that employers take steps to create an environment that promotes health and well-being. Adding the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) to the wellness opportunities you offer your employees can help your employees reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes and improve their overall health.

About the Diabetes Prevention Program
The CDC-led Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is an evidence-based lifestyle change program for preventing type 2 diabetes. Participants who complete the program reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes by 58%.

Program features:
 Administered by a trained lifestyle coach
 Year-long program that includes 16 weekly meetings and 6 monthly follow-up sessions
 Sustainable lifestyle changes like healthy eating, daily physical activity
and improved stress reduction, problem solving and coping skills
 Offers group support

Why is DPP Important?
 Diabetes can lead to reduced productivity at work, increased absenteeism and increased direct and indirect health care expenditures1
 In Massachusetts, 35% of adults have prediabetes yet only 7% are aware they have it2
 41.2% of Massachusetts adults over age 35 have one or more of the following conditions: asthma, diabetes, heart disease, obesity and stroke3

Which Individuals Are Eligible for DPP?
To participate, individuals must meet the following criteria:
 At least 18 years old, overweight, AND
 Established risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes (use the ADA Risk Test)
 Or Have been diagnosed with prediabetes (FBG 100-124 mg/dL, HbA1c 5.7-6.4%, OGTT 140-199 mg/dL)
 Or Previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
What Can You do?
Have your employees take the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Diabetes Risk Test (http://www.diabetes.org/are-you-at-risk/diabetes-risk-test/) to see if they are at risk for developing diabetes. Then direct eligible employees to enroll in the nearest DPP.

How Can Individuals Access a DPP Near Them? DPP is a community-based program, so individuals can find it in varied locations like health care facilities, faith-based organizations, wellness centers, YMCAs and worksites. Find a program near you at www.mass.gov/dph/diabetes. No program near you? You can also host a DPP at your worksite. For more information contact Max Alderman at [email protected].

For more information regarding the DPP, please click here.

- American Diabetes Association, MA Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System