August Business Connection
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Board of Directors
Chair of the Board
*Robert Ferrini
McGowanPRO
Past Chair of the Board
*Alisia St. Florian
Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane
Treasurer
*James Donellon
Gray, Gray & Gray, LLP
General Counsel
*Thomas Flaherty
Bacon Flaherty LLC
President/CEO
*Thomas O'Rourke
Neponset River Regional Chamber
Anthony Brown
Dedham Savings
Mary Chetwynd
Rockland Trust
Todd J. Chipman, MST, CPA
John T. Chipman & Co., CPAs
Peter Ellis
ServPro of Norwood and West Roxbury
Steve Forrest
CertainTeed
Rhonda Kale
Bank of Canton
*Michael Kennedy
Norwood Bank
Paul Kouri
Keller Williams
Jon Levy
American Holt Corporation
Michelle Llorett
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Mark LoVuolo
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Ashley Mansfield
Dedham High School
*Tim McCabe
The League School
Julie Molloy
Compass Real Estate
Sal Perla
Norwood Hospital
Cynthia Peterson
Brigham and Women's/Mass General Health Care Center
Christa Seychew
Legacy Place
*Member of the Executive Committee
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COVID-19 and Reopening Resources
Be sure to
check out our webpage with a complete list of resources for your business during the COVID-19 crisis.
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Businesses are re-opening, economic activity is picking up, people are out and about. Yet life is still not the same by any means. We've become accustomed to wearing masks, we carry hand sanitizer everywhere and I have my temperature taken almost every day (it typically runs low at 97.7). Many businesses are still having their employees work from home and others are operating at mandated reduced capacity.
As we continue to move through Phase 3 of the Commonwealth's 4 phase re-opening plan, I thought I would look back at the past 4 months of activity here at the Chamber. For the past 125 years, the Chamber has been here to serve the local business community. Our tagline is "Connections at Work". And while we haven't had any in-person meetings since March, we have continued to provide "Connections at Work".
Here's a quick runddown:
- Hosted 10 virtual events for networking or sharing experiences related to the pandemic.
- Hosted 10 webinars related to information on SBA loan programs, unemployment insurance and tips for re-opening.
- Provided information and links to dozens of webinars offered by our resource partners related to the pandemic and your business.
- Sent 45 COVID-19 related emails with curated information and resources gleaned from our resource partners.
- Created a COVID-19 resource page on our website.
- Created a "Take Out Today" page on our website to encourage support of local restaurants.
- Participated in 16 weekly briefings with the Baker Administration and SBA, along with other chambers statewide.
- Provided members access to a host of pandemic related toolkits and resources from the U. S. Chamber of Commerce.
- Worked with local officials on establishing streamlined, yet responsible, outdoor seating regulations for restaurants.
We can tell by the "open rates" and "click throughs" on our emails and the activity on our COVID-19 webpage that our members have accessed and utilized this information. By creating these new "Connections at Work", we hope that we have helped your businesses better manage this crisis and bring your business back to where it once was.
We know that many are still struggling and we will continue to provide you the latest and best information as we have it.
We are here for you. But please know that we need your support now more than ever. Membership dues are our lifeblood and we look forward to your continued support.
Tom O'Rourke, CCE
President and CEO
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Tax-Free Holiday Announced
Mark your calendars.
The
sales tax holiday for 2020 will occur on August 29 and 30. Retail items of up to $2,500, purchased in Massachusetts for personal use on these two days, will be exempt from sales tax.
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Chamber Members in the News
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Moderna recently announced that they have completed enrollment of their Phase 2 study of mRNA-1273, their vaccine candidate against COVID-19. Early data show that it triggered an immune response in all 45 people tested, researchers announced on July 14.
Earlier this week, Moderna began its late-stage trial testing a potential vaccine to prevent Covid-19. The trial will enroll 30,000 participants across 87 locations.
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These funds will be used to help offset the cost of a new studio to be used for interviews, talk shows, sports shows, music shows, a weekly news program and other community interest programs.
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Members who attended our recent (After) Noon Networking were treated to a great surprise from Mark Cestari at
Southern Airways Express. Each participant was offered 2 round trip tickets to Nantucket from Norwood airport or any other Southern location to the island.
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Norwood Light Broadband is installing complimentary WiFi on the Norwood Town Common for those enjoying the Common and outdoor spaces on Central Street. The town recently converted a portion of Central Street into an outdoor dining and meeting space with much success.
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The
City of Boston Credit Union
has signed on as a sponsor of the
2020 Canton Road Race. The annual race will be held virtually this year.
Registration
is now live with different race type options, including 5k, 10k, and corporate challenges!
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Norwood-based
Analog Devices Inc. recently acquired longtime chipmaker and competitor, Maxim Integrated Products, in one of the largest acquisition of the year.
The all-stock transaction values the combined enterprise at over $68 billion, making the resulting company one of the top five most valuable based in Massachusetts.
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Thank You! The following members have renewed their membership with the NRR Chamber
We understand the difficulties that many of our members are dealing with at this time. We know that many may not be able to renew their memberships until the situation improves.
We are grateful to those who are in a position to support the Chamber, including the following who have recently renewed:
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Bainbridge International
Carroll Advertising
CertainTeed
Gravestar, Inc.
Julie Molloy, Compass Real Estate
Law Office of Joseph A. Hernandez
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The Moody Street Group
Schooley Mitchell
Southern Airways
That's A Spade Copywriting Services
The Arbors at Stoughton
Veterinary Services of Westwood
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Sign Up Your Foursome for Golf
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NRRC Self Care and Wellness Benefit
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The NRRC and the Ambassador Committee are excited to introduce to its members a new benefit emphasizing self-care and wellness.
When faced with uncertainty, it’s normal to go on a roller coaster of emotions and to feel like no one understands. Whatever you’re feeling as a result of your daily routine changing is valid, and it’s important you show yourself kindness. Self-compassion means being kind to yourself when faced with challenges, adversity, or the discomfort of an unknown future. Treating yourself with the same compassion you offer others can help you accept your circumstances without being overwhelmed by them.
The first step in practicing self-compassion is to acknowledge and honor your thoughts and feelings. Think about how you show others (a close friend or family member) kindness and extend that to yourself. Remember: you are not alone during this. We are in this together. Dealing with frustrations and challenges if part of being human, and we are all interconnected in this way. We all strive for comfort, and we can offer kindness to each other as well as ourselves.
If you find yourself worrying about the future or feeling upset, here is how you can anchor your awareness back to the present and feel peace:
Step 1) Stand up and feel the soles of your feet on the Earth beneath you. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Focus on the contrast between the soles of your feet and the floor below you.
Step 2) Rock forward and backward a little. Next, move the weight your feet carry side to side. Notice the sensations in your feet as you do so. Make small circles with your knees, feeling the changes of sensation in the soles of your feet.
Step 3) When your mind has wandered (which is normal!), return your focus and attention to the soles of your feet.
If you would like to submit an article, offer a related webinar or have your business highlighted in a Spotlight video, please reach out to any member of the
Ambassador Committee.
The Ambassadors
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Bonus Recipe - Thai Lettuce Wraps
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Don't forget healthy eating! Check out these Thai lettuce wraps.
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Member Benefit of the Month: Free Business Counseling
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LOOKING FOR HELP FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS?
Let MSBDC business advisors help you navigate the SBA Debt Relief Programs or the start up or growth of your business. All our services are FREE! Please complete our "Request for Counseling" confidentiality form and someone will contact you via email or phone to schedule a telephone appointment with an advisor.
MSBDC staff are working remotely and can be reached via email or telephone.
Southeast Regional Office
200 Pocasset Street
Fall River, MA 02721
508-673-9783 | Fax: 508-674-1929
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