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Vince Jackson, Executive Director of GNCC, Honored with Black Excellence Award
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Last Friday, February 26, 2021, Vince Jackson, Executive Director of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) was recognized by the Massachusetts Legislature's Black and Latin Legislative Caucus with the Black Excellence Award, which is presented each February in honoring Black History Month.
In BusinessWest on Monday, March 1, 2021, Senator Jo Comerford, who nominated Vince for the award, shared, "Vince has led the chamber and council throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis with grace and grit. I am humbled by his generosity and passion to help Main Street businesses, his unparalleled willingness to collaborate, and his commitment to and leadership focused on equity." You can read about Vince's recognition here.
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Picture Main Street Redesign Launches New Website
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The City of Northampton's Planning and Sustainability department has launched a new website which details the background, planning process, design concepts, timeline, and FAQs for the Picture Main Street Redesign Project. On the website, community members may sign up for the Planning Newsletter to receive updates on Picture Main Street and other projects.
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413 Takeout Gains Community Support; Announcing this Week's Northampton Gift Card Winners
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To date, 143 individuals have taken the “413 pledge” to recruit four friends to get takeout one time every week for three months in an effort to aid local restaurants.
Each week, all those who have taken the pledge will be entered to win one of two $25 Northampton Gift Cards—redeemable at over 60 restaurants, shops, salons, and service providers in the Greater Northampton area! This week's winners are: Amy Marsters and Arlene Bensch.
We invite everyone in the greater Northampton area to visit Northampton.live to take the pledge and use the #413TakeoutPledge hashtag on social media to share where (and what) you are eating each week.
Anyone who takes the pledge is automatically entered to win a $25 Northampton Gift Card. Winners are picked weekly and announced in the Community Connector and on the 413 Takeout Facebook Page. Individuals are not eligible to win more than once.
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Riverside Industries, Inc.
Save the Dates for Riverside: MissionPossible!
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Please join us Friday, April 9th, 2021, for the start of the 17th Annual Riverside Auction to be held virtually. As much as we all enjoy our in-person event, we know it is best to hold the event online. The event will run through April 16, 2021, ending with a short live-streamed program, filled with the energy you are used to at the in-person event. If you choose to accept this mission, please stay tuned for more . . . Please consider supporting the auction with a cash or item donation or sponsorship, go to our auction page. Thank you.
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Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Hampshire County
Daffodil Run Goes Virtual Again on April 25, 2021 - Register Today!
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The Daffodil Run for Big Brothers Big Sisters is going virtual again on April 25, 2021! We will celebrate our community and raise funds for essential 1:1 mentoring services for young people in our area. FREE giveaways, fun contests, and training classes available for all participants!
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Adventure East
NEW Outdoor Adventures in Western Mass - $50 Northampton Gift Card Giveaway!
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Adventure East is a new outdoor adventure company in Western Mass and is developing hiking, biking, paddling experiences for all ages and experience levels. They would love to have your input as they prepare to launch in June. They need 10 minutes of your time to complete their online survey. The information you share will only be used for their product development and will not be shared. To show their appreciation, if you provide them with your email, you will be eligible to win one of five Northampton Gift Cards worth $50 each. The deadline for replying is March 31, 2021. To complete the survey, click here. More info: info@adventureeast.com.
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Friends of Northampton Trails
Bicycle Benefits Program Coming to Northampton
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The Friends of Northampton Trails (FNT) is partnering with Bicycle Benefits, a national program of businesses that provide a small benefit to customers who bicycle to their shops. Here's how it works:
- Businesses become Bicycle Benefit members through FNT and sell a bicycle helmet sticker to cyclists for $5 and are listed on the website.
- Once cyclists buy the sticker, they are eligible for discounts or deals at participating businesses (buy one get one, or 10% off, etc).
To kick things off, FNT is excited to offer the first 20 business participants the kits at no cost -- just fill out this form and we will be in touch and drop off your kit to your location. The starter kit includes decals and helmet stickers to sell.
It is our hope that through this program, Northampton residents and visitors will take full advantage of the city's bicycle infrastructure while shopping and visiting Northampton.
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Survey to Identify Diverse Leaders in the Community
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In an effort to identify businesses and organizations owned and/or led by those who are veterans, or who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC), and/or who identify as woman, or who identify as disabled, or who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer (LGBTQ) in Hampshire County, the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) has developed a brief (2-minute) survey for leaders of these businesses and organizations.
The information gathered through this form will be shared on the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce's (GNCC's) website and used to develop future marketing campaigns to support these businesses. Click here to take the survey.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for Hampshire County Residents
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Visit the City of Northampton's website for updated, accurate information on vaccine availability at Northampton clinics. If you are eligible for a vaccination in Phase One or in the first two groupings under Phase Two, you can make an appointment to receive the vaccine here.
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Phase 3, Step 2 of Reopening Massachusetts Effective March 1, 2021
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On Thursday, February 25, 2021, Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, and Secretary Mike Kennealy announced that effective March 1, 2021, Massachusetts will proceed to Phase 3, Step 2 of the Reopening plan.
This reopens the following with 50% capacity:
-Indoor performance venues such as concert halls, theaters, and other indoor performance spaces (500 person max).
-Indoor recreational activities with greater potential for contact: laser tag, roller skating, trampolines, obstacle courses.
Updated Capacity Limits: Effective March 1, 2021, the following industries will increase to 50% capacity. Employees will be exempt from capacity restrictions in all of these industries:
- Arcades & Other Indoor and Outdoor Recreation Businesses
- Close Contact Personal Services
- Driving and Flight Schools
- Fitness Centers and Health Clubs
- Golf Facilities (indoor)
- Libraries
- Operators of Lodging (common spaces)
- Museums, Cultural & Historic Facilities, Guided Tours
- Office Spaces
- Places of Worship
- Sectors not Otherwise Addressed
- Theaters and Performance Venues
- Relevant EEA Industries – Youth sports spectators etc.
The following industries remain unaffected by capacity limits:
-Drive in movie theaters
-Construction
-Laboratories
-Manufacturing
Additional Guidance Changes:
-Effective March 1, Restaurants will no longer be subject to a percentage seated capacity limit and their capacity is limited only by the requirement of 6 feet between tables.
-Musical performances allowed in restaurants (with appropriate distancing).
-90-minute time limit on tables stays in place.
-Limit of no more than 6 per table stays in place.
-Food courts remain closed.
-Effective March 1, fitting rooms may open in all retail businesses.
Gatherings Limit:
Effective March 22, 2021, subject to public health data, the gatherings limit will increase for event venues and public settings, but will stay the same in private settings:
Event Venues and Public Settings:
100 indoor
150 outdoor
Private Settings (such as private residences):
10 indoors
25 outdoors
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Meet the newest investors (members) of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) community. We now refer to our members as "investors" because their affiliation with GNCC is an investment in our community and we are deeply committed to ensuring a return on their investment. To learn more, contact us.
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Organization and Business Investors
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Northampton Living is a feel-good monthly publication focusing on the community we all know and love. Each month, they make stars of a different local family, featuring them on the cover and telling their story. See the Boulays of A2Z Science and Learning Store, pictured right.
Some other great content in Northampton Living includes: recipes, local events and downtown highlights, nonprofit spotlights, kids activities, and expert advice from businesses across the valley. It is delivered directly to mailboxes for free, and is one of best ways for local businesses to share their brand with these homes.
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Turning Leaf Centers is a new, state of the art cannabis dispensary opening at 261 King Street in Northampton. The team at Turning Leaf Centers took their time to make sure that this facility is equipped to meet the needs of their Northampton community.
Turning Leaf Centers will be opening soon, so stay tuned to their website, linked below.
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Want to get involved with the Chamber and you are not a business owner or organization? Then consider becoming a "Community Investor." As an open organization, GNCC welcomes individuals who would like to contribute to activities that support the well-being of our community.
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Job Board
GNCC Investors may submit employment opportunities through the Member Portal.
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Human In Common is searching for an Operations Coordinator to help bring their fast growing company to the next level. The ideal candidate is highly self-motivated, professional, capable of managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines. This position reports directly to the Executive Director and will be a member of the senior management team. Learn more.
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Human In Common (HIC) is seeking a full time diversity specialist to facilitate workshops, provide consultation and implement assessments. HIC will train you in their training method - a recipe that combines empathy, data, skill-building, tools and templates, scenarios and skits, policies and practices. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more.
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Applied Mortgage DBA HarborOne Mortgage, LLC is hiring a Loan Originator Assistant (LOA). The LOA collects and processes supporting documentation for mortgage loan applications. They are responsible for ensuring files adhere to company policy as well as regulatory and secondary market guidelines. Learn more.
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Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) is hiring a full-time Program Coordinator: Business and Labor. The ideal candidate has experience with, and enjoys, providing farmers with business support; is familiar with agricultural businesses and can help farms implement practical and meaningful changes to their operations; and has training or experience in business and employee management. Learn more.
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Love Brattleboro Vermont - RFP
RFP ISSUE DATE: February 4, 2021
PROPOSALS DUE BY: March 5, 2021
WHO WE ARE: The Brattleboro (Vermont) Community Marketing Initiative is a collaboration between the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) and the Downtown Brattleboro Alliance (DBA) and funded by the town. For the purposes of this RFP, the fiduciary agent will be the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce
WHAT WE WANT: We are looking for proposals that will utilize a $37,551 total budget over a 12-month period. The contract period would be for 12-months with the possibility of renewal.
We invite you to answer this RFP and look forward to your ideas and interest in this campaign.
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Learning Together
Education and Business Resources
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Monday, March 8 - Friday, April 30, 2021 - The International Language Institute
Spanish, French, and German Classes Online with the International Language Institute
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Thursday, March 18, 2021, 5:30 PM - Backyard ADUs
Florence MA: Virtual Open House and Small Home Design Tutorial
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Join Backyard ADUs for a FREE virtual open house of their newly completed Florence Backyard Tiny Home on Thursday, March 18, 2021, at 5:30 PM (rescheduled from 3/11/2021).
Ever think of adding a guest house, In-law apartment, or Tiny Home? Get your questions answered about the approval process, what you can build on your land, what building a backyard home looks like, as well as best practices in small home design.
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Live Local
Community Events, Specials and Campaigns
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CISA's HIP Locations Map and Lists for March
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Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) now has a HIP Locations Map! Simply type in your zip code, or let your phone/web browser automatically use your location, to see a map of HIP locations sorted by proximity to your location. Find it here.
The links below contain updated, printable lists of HIP retailers for the month of March. There are several locations that offer plant seedlings for HIP customers to start their own backyard vegetable-growing garden! CSA (community supported agriculture, or farm share) sign-ups are also open at many locations for summer of 2021.
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Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month - Children's Advocacy Center Commemoration on April 1, 2021
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To commemorate Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Hampshire County and Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan invites you to participate in “This Little Light of Mine” a luminaria display at Childs Park in Northampton, and throughout our community.
On April 1, 2021, 2,000 luminarias will be lit to represent the number of child abuse survivors the Children’s Advocacy Center has served since opening its doors in 2006.
To participate, you can drive by the luminaria at Childs Park that evening or put out lights of your own.
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Dancing with the Local Stars - 4th Annual Silent Auction and Fundraiser
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Cutchins Programs for Children and Families Inc. is proud to present their 4th Annual Dancing with the Local Stars: Silent Auction and Fundraiser and this year they are going virtual!
Over the course of three days, Cutchins Programs will host an array of local talent showcasing dances from around the world. They will also host a virtual silent auction with nightly raffles, musical performances, and more!
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cutchins Programs has had to adjust to extraordinary circumstances but the quality of their care has persisted.
Be a community hero and support children's mental health services locally while enjoying this fantastic annual event!
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Visit Northampton.live for Business Information
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Looking to keep your eating and shopping local and support our small business community? Northampton.live is your ticket to all things happening right now in Northampton, including information on how your favorite shops, salons, restaurants, and coffee shops are operating during the pandemic. Keep it local, and stay informed with Northampton.live.
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Special Thanks to the Community Connector Advertisers
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413 Takeout >>
Have you heard about the campaign to save Northampton's restaurants? Learn more and take the "413 pledge" here.
2021 Sponsorship Opportunities >>
There are still some remaining sponsorship opportunities for investors. Contact Jessica Thompson, Director of Investor and Community Relations to discuss options today!
Event Recordings on YouTube >>
Interested in joining our virtual events, but just can't make it to the computer during your busy day? Check out our archive of program recordings on YouTube to learn on your own time!
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Community Connector Submission
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To have your news or event featured in the Community Connector newsletter, please submit the following:
- 100 words communicating your message
- An eye-catching image or your logo
- A link to more information or an email contact
- Include "Connector Submission" in the subject line
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