December 15, 2018
Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce
Newsletter
IN YOUR CORNER
This week..

As we wind down this year we are winding up for next year. Many new events and return events are in progress to engage us on all issues affecting business and all to benefit you. Please review our Save-the-Date section of our newsletter for all updates and our online calendar.

This week, our staff participated in database training and we are looking for ways to better serve you. We discovered that not all members are taking advantage of the 'enhanced package' -which is a FREE upgrade to our members - under 'Web Participation Options' and even those who do, are not fully represented and not taking advantage of mapping the location and adding current quality photos and logo file. Your relationship with the Chamber is only as strong as YOU make it...how much you invest in your profile, in events, and promotion. Are you offering promotions and hot deals to members? Are you taking advantage of member-to-member communication and promotion through our 'Member Information Center'? All of this is available through your membership. Perhaps you want to be speaker or a panelist. And always be sure to email us your latest sales, promotions, new business strategies or ideas. Keeping engaged keeps us all connected and helps us all reach new audiences.

Take the time for this mid-year account 'check-up' and If you haven't already, please remember to take our 10 minute Chamber Survey so we can better serve YOU. Deadline December 20.

Closing thanks. Our Annual Holiday Party at AmherstWorks brought new friends and old together for what a member referred to as our 'Community Holiday Party of the year!' Much thanks to the PeoplesBank community for their sponsorship support, and for hosting the Amherst Boys & Girls Club . We loved the special menu provided by The Pub of Amherst , beautiful piano with Stephen Page , the surprise appearance from the Doo Wop Shop and great door prizes from A.J. Hastings , Amherst Copy & Designworks , Fresh Side , and Hillside Pizza .

Grateful for this robust business community.

Claudia Pazmany
Executive Director
CHAMBER NEWS & EVENTS
MSBDC IN-CHAMBER DATES IN THE NEW YEAR!

Want to start a business? In the process of starting your business and need some guidance? Why delay?

FREE support made convenient and accessible through your Amherst Area Chamber.

Make an appointment at our downtown office for:
January 22
Febraury 26
March 26

Email:
lshedd@msbdc.umass.edu
By appointment only.
JANUARY AFTER FIVE
The Office Trivia at the Taproom
Wednesday, January 9, 5-7 PM

Test your wit at The Office trivia while enjoying craft brews at theTaproom  in Hadley. Sponsored by  Tom McRae of Edward Jones Financial .
Featuring local non-profit  Community Action .

MEMBER NEWS & EVENTS
AMHERST WINTER FARMERS MARKET
returns to the Hampshire Mall!

When: Weekly on Saturdays, 10am-2pm, December 1, 2018- March 16, 2019.

What: A collection of local farmers, food-makers, and craftspeople selling fresh produce, beverages, crafts & more!

Where: Inside Target wing, near mall entrance.

Who: For an updated list of vendors, visit their website .
TOY DRIVE
Amherst Police Department
Through December 19

Please bring an unwrapped gift, book, gift card, or wrapping supplies to 111 Main St. in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Donations will be distributed to the Amherst Survival Center , Bridge Family Resource Center , and Jessie’s House .

For further information or questions, contact Detective Marcus Humber at (413) 259-3355 or humberm@amherstma.gov
The SAMMY'S ARE BACK!
SAVE-THE-DATE for Thursday, April 25, 6-9pm, Amherst College

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SIXTH ANNUAL SAMUEL MINOT JONES AWARDS for LITERARY ACHIEVEMENT
Richard Michelson
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

And to SPECIAL CENTENNIAL SAMMY AWARDEE
Bruce Watson

Reserve your tickets after January 1st
MEMBER NEWSBITES
Amherst House of Power - Our newest member located in downtown Amherst is offering 10% off their classes and packages and it ends January 1st. Amherst House of Power is dynamic studio that offers Baptiste Power Yoga as well as Fitness Coaching, Small Group Coaching Classes, Functional Health Coaching and Lifestyle Management. "We are a passionate and fiercely driven small business in the heart of downtown Amherst, Massachusetts that will take you on the journey of a lifetime toward achieving your own personal health and fitness goals." amhersthouseofpower.net

The Rotary Club of Amherst - The Rotary is hosting a LIVE AFRICAN SAFARI AUCTION at their THURSDAY DECEMBER 13, 2018 - ROTARY LUNCH MEETING, LORD JEFFREY INN Live auction of two (2) African Safari packages. Minimum bid $2,500 each. Email Kim Alli for more information and to submit your bid proxy: allikimberly4@gmail.com
HOT DEALS
Any hot deals to heat up the Winter Weather?

All members are invited to share their hot deals for other members by logging into the Amherst Area website with the details or email details and graphics to: info@amherstarea.com We will feature them on social media.
STAY TUNED!

Annual Holiday Party , Wednesday, December 12, AmherstWorks
Register here . Sponsored by PeoplesBank

After 5 So You Think You Know The Office Trivia Night, Wednesday, January 9, 5-7pm, The Taproom.

Instagram to Boost Your Business Workshop, Wednesday, January 16, 8-noon, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Save-the-date and get ready to reposition your business!

Annual Meeting Luncheon , Wednesday, January 23, T he Red Barn , sponsored by Encharter Insurance .

Margarita Madness , Thursday, March 28, 5:30 to 8:30pm, Hosted by Insterskate 91 at Hampshire Mall and Presented by Tommy Car Auto Group
VISIT OUR MONTHLY CHAMBER CALENDAR
to stay up-to-date on all local community events.

REGIONAL TOURISM PARTNERSHIP:
PROMOTING OUR REGION