Chamber Connection
February 2023
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I love my work so much that I often catch myself declaring: “This is the best part of my job!” — when a small business gets a new contract, or when a corporate partner hires an LGBTQ+ candidate at a job fair, or when we have a win in supplier diversity, or any other number of occasions when good things happen. Yet, as I sit and reflect on what is truly my favorite part of this job, it is being in a community with so many intersectional LGBTQ+ people. We are a community of all shapes, colors, sizes, identities, and lived experiences, bound as family by our LGBTQ+ identity and our shared joys and struggles.
As we close out Black History Month, I want to recognize the Black-owned businesses that make up 10% of our membership! I have been witness to the amazing products, services, and contributions offered by this part of our Chamber; please support them by buying from a Black-owned business whenever you can!
Our community is strong and thriving because of the many ways we show up for ourselves, each other, and the rest of society. Let’s finish out the first quarter of 2023 strong this March!
Proudly,
Grace R. Moreno
Executive Director
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GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
EMPOWER DIGITAL AND BIZ-M-POWER GRANTS
Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) has reopened applications for their Biz-M-Power and Empower Digital grant programs. Thaís De Marco and Angie Montalvo-Greene, along with MGCC's Yuna Oh and Theresa Ng, will hold an info session on March 13 at noon for those of you interested in (re)applying.
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SURVIVING THE HURRICANE WEBINAR
Eastern Bank Chief Investment Officer Michael A. Tyler, CFA, examines the nation’s stock and bond markets to glean lessons to help investors — all of us — in the coming year. He looks to history to see how markets have behaved after similar bear market swoons, and he examines current data to develop an economic context for the markets in 2023. With history and context in mind, Michael offers some investment guidelines and points out where danger may lurk.
Date: Thursday, March 9, 2023
Time: 12–1 PM
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SOCIAL MEDIA 101 WEBINAR
Get to know four of the mainstream social media platforms — Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok — with our very own MALGBTCC social media expert Jamie Berg (they/she). How do these platforms work? And more importantly, how can they work for you?
Maybe you’ve already launched into your social media journey and would like to see more growth, or maybe you haven’t yet tapped into the digital world. Or maybe you have an outstanding Facebook or Instagram following, and now you want to grow on TikTok and Twitter.
No matter where you are in your social media journey, join us to learn how to master it.
Date: Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Time: 12–1 PM
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NEW PARTNERSHIPS
MASSBIO & EVERSOUCE
MassBio and Eversource join the Chamber as our newest strategic and corporate partner, respectively. We're thrilled to enter into partnerships with two organizations so committed to inclusive workplace practices and diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. We look forward to our work together!
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
CANAL DISTRICT WINES
Love the One You're With
Canal District Wines Bottle Shop + Tasting Room sells thoughtfully-curated wines in a fun, approachable atmosphere. Located on the Harding Street side of the always-buzzing Worcester Public Market, Canal District Wines strengthens the Canal District neighborhood through learning about and enjoying wine.
Wife-and-wife owners Livy and Rae are committed to sourcing products from women winemakers, people of color winemakers, and vendors with sustainable farming practices. They sell bottles, host weekly tastings, and offer a joyful space for private events such as birthday celebrations or networking shin-digs.
Visit canaldistrictwines.com for more information and to order online.
Certified LGBTBE®
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UNSTOPPABLE LATINA
Tu Network es tu Networth
Unstoppable Latina guides Latinx líderes to harness their strengths, amplify their voice, and live their purpose, so they become unstoppable. Through multicultural marketing consulting and business strategy services, they strive to create a world where leadership is diverse, purpose-driven, and joyful.
Proudly minority-, women-, and LGBT-owned and certified, Unstoppable Latina has over 15 years of experience in strategic planning, business development, and piloting innovative social impact programming across the United States and Puerto Rico.
Learn more at unstoppablelatina.com or contact CEO Paulette Piñero at info@unstoppablelatina.com.
Certified LGBTBE®
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HOME FURNISHINGS
By Larry Traverso
Larry Traverso is a product developer, project facilitator, and importer of home furnishings — doormats, boot trays, accent rugs, table top textiles, pillows, bedding, furniture accent pieces, garden accessories, and much more! — specializing in sustainable natural fiber products made of coir and jute, as well as natural rubber and metal.
Larry also produces his own line of products under the name Home Furnishings By Larry Traverso, a national brand that has built a wholesale business portfolio of over 300 customers and offers an efficient online retail store.
To browse the vast range of home furnishing products and shop online, visit larrytraverso.com. For more information, contact Larry at customerservice@larrytraverso.com or (800) 426-6394.
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CONGRATS & KUDOS!
MERULLO PEOPLES TEAM, COLDWELL BANKING REALTY
Congratulations to Michael, Aaron, and Joey of the Merullo Peoples Team for receiving the 2022 International President's Elite award from Coldwell Banker Real Estate. This honor goes to agents performing in the top 2% of the company worldwide!
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Proud of your business? Let us know! Contact Nerissa J. Fry, Communications & Marketing. | |
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NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS
It's been a big month for new members! Welcome to the small businesses that have joined us since our last newsletter.
10th Planet Brewery, LLC
1369 Coffee House
Alex Post Data Analytics, LLC
BELA Vegetarian Restaurant
Berkshire Pride
Boston Chops
Boston Urban Hospitality
Provincetown Brewing Co.
dbar
Deer Brook Associates, LLC
Dutton HR Consulting Group
Edward Jones
Engaged Communities Consulting
Greystone Consultants, LLC
Coco Leaf
Nathálie Wine Bar
Honeycomb Cafe
Isaacson Political Consulting
IvyHill PR, LLC
Ten Tables
Kohi Coffee Company
LN Westgate, LLC
Majestic Saloon
Marconi’s Co.
Momma's Grocery + Wine
Salvatore's Riverwalk
Refresh Valley Dental
Ritcey East, LLC
Strong Style Coffee, Inc.
ThaiRiffic Thai Asian Cuisine & Bar
Zimmermann Restaurant, LLC
Aeon Nonprofit Training Associates, LLC
Greater Boston Mediation
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Surviving the Hurricane
March 9 • 12–1 PM
Webinar
| In Surviving the Hurricane, Eastern Bank Chief Investment Officer Michael A. Tyler, CFA, examines the nation’s stock and bond markets to glean lessons to help investors — all of us — in the coming year. He looks to history to see how markets have behaved after similar bear market swoons, and he examines current data to develop an economic context for the markets in 2023. With history and context in mind, Michael offers some investment guidelines and points out where danger may lurk. | | | |
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Social Media 101
March 21 • 12–1 PM
Webinar
| This webinar, hosted by MALGBTCC's social media guru, Jamie Berg (they/she), will help you get to know four of the mainstream social media platforms — Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok. How do these platforms work? And more importantly, how can they work for you? | | | |
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Small Business Financial Education Program
March 14 & 28 • 6–7 PM
Virtual Workshops
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Cambridge Savings Bank's Small Business Financial Education Program has a number of spring workshops available.
Retirement • March 14
Learn about the benefits of having a retirement plan for your business, how different retirement options compare, and about the tax benefits of retirement accounts.
Credit • March 28
Learn about what factors impact credit scores the most, how essential credit is to a small business, and how having a good credit score can benefit your business.
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Share an event with the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce network! Email info@malgbtcc.org with the details. | | | |
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Trans Leadership Academy
April–June 2023
MPTC
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The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) is launching the first ever Trans Leadership Academy! The academy will develop a new generation of intersectional and multigenerational transgender and non-binary leaders, work to decrease recidivism rates, and create new opportunities in employment and education.
MTPC is currently accepting applications for participants and mentors until March 12, 2023!
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