Crossroads News banner
GOOD RIDDANCE, 2020! We've almost made it to 2021 but, hang on! Here's one last CROSSROADS with details of the just announced Covid-19 restrictions for Massachusetts that go into effect on December 26. Capacity limits for most industries will be reduced and there is a new limit on gatherings. The Baker administration also announced a small business relief package yesterday. Details on both of these developments are below. You'll also find the latest news items from our Members in this issue!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, dear friends! We look forward to reconnecting with you all in the New (and much better) Year!

Crossroads is our Members' platform to share their latest news with fellow Chamber Members and our community. We thank you for entering your upcoming happenings on our Events calendar and emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in our e-newsletter. NEXT ISSUE: JANUARY 15, 2021.
CHAMBER OFFICE INFO
Effective Monday, December 14, the Chamber office is open by appointment only.
Please give us a ring at 508-347-2761 if you will be visiting.
Masks must be worn.

HOLIDAY HOURS
The Chamber and its office will be closed from December 24 through January 3, 2021.
The Chamber will re-open on January 4 but the office will remain closed to the public until January 11.
On Monday, January 11, regular office hours will resume by appointment with masks being required.
Baker-Polito Administration Announces Further Measures to Stop the Spread of COVID-19
Measures Go Into Effect on December 26

12/22/2020
   Office of Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito
   Governor's Press Office
   Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development
   Executive Office of Health and Human Services
   Department of Public Health

BOSTON (Mass.gov) – The Baker-Polito Administration announced further restrictions to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, including new capacity and gathering limits. These measures will go into effect on Saturday, December 26 and will remain in effect until noon on January 10, 2021.

Read a summary of the restrictions here.

Read the emergency order here.

Capacity Limits
Effective Saturday, December 26, most industries in Massachusetts will be subject to a 25% capacity limit including:

  • Restaurants (based on permitted seating capacity)
  • Close Contact Personal Services
  • Theatres and Performance Venues
  • Casinos
  • Office Spaces
  • Places of Worship
  • Retail Businesses
  • Driving and Flight Schools
  • Golf Facilities (for indoor spaces)
  • Libraries
  • Lodging (for common areas)
  • Arcades and Indoor Recreation Businesses
  • Fitness Centers and Health Clubs
  • Museums, Cultural Facilities and Guided Tours

Workers and staff will not count towards the occupancy count for restaurants, places of worship, close contact personal services, and retail businesses.

All other rules and restrictions in each sector-specific guidance will remain in effect.

Gatherings Limit
Effective Saturday, December 26, the gatherings limits will be updated. Indoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people. Outdoor gatherings will be limited to 25 people outside.

The gatherings limit applies to private homes, event venues and public spaces.

Elective Surgeries
The Department of Public Health released updated guidance to hospitals around nonessential, elective invasive procedures. To preserve health care personnel resources, effective 12:01am on December 26, all hospitals are directed to postpone or cancel all nonessential inpatient elective invasive procedures in order to maintain and increase inpatient capacity. Hospitals shall make every effort to preserve their inpatient capacity by cancelling nonessential electives and redeploying staff.

Patients are reminded to still seek necessary care at their hospital or from their health care provider.
Baker-Polito Administration Announces $668 Million Small Business Relief Package
Additional businesses will be awarded as soon as next week through the Mass Growth Capital Corporation

12/23/2020
   Office of Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito
   Governor's Press Office
   Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development
   Executive Office for Administration and Finance

BOSTON — Today, the Baker-Polito Administration launched a $668 million program to provide financial assistance to Massachusetts small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program in part relies on the pending federal COVID-19 relief bill recently passed by Congress. Regardless of the developments at the federal level, the Baker-Polito Administration will start releasing millions in new funding to restaurants, retailers, and other small businesses throughout the Commonwealth as soon as next week.

Earlier this week, the Administration announced nearly $49 million in grants through the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) COVID-19 Small Business Program to support over 1,158 small businesses. More than 10,000 applicants had sought relief in this grant round.

Additional grants will be made available to eligible small businesses through MGCC. The Small Business Grant Program was established in the fall, and currently has a pool of eligible applicants awaiting funding. This additional funding will allow the Administration to award more of those pending applicants. Eligible businesses that already applied to the program, but were not funded due to limited funds available, will be prioritized for funding first and do not need to reapply.

The funds will also be used to stand up an additional grant program at MGCC. This program will target the industries most hard-hit during the pandemic.

Eligible industries for the new program include:

  • Restaurants, bars, caterers
  • Indoor recreation and entertainment establishments
  • Gyms and fitness centers
  • Event-support professionals (photographers, videographers, etc.)
  • Personal services
  • Retail

The new business relief program would offer grants up to $75,000, but not more than three months’ operating expenses, to be used for employee wage and benefits costs, space-related costs, and debt service obligations.

The online application portal for the new program will open on Thursday, December 31, and will close on Friday, January 15. Awards are expected to be announced in early February.

More details on how to apply and eligibility requirements are available at www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org.
'SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND WIN'
Congratulations to our Contest Winners!
$500 Grand Prize Winner Kelly Pucci of Kid Power Gymnastics receives the cash!
$500 Cash Grand Prize!
Kelly Pucci
 
A Dexter-Russell Gift Basket donated by Dexter-Russell
Anne Mulrain
 
A $100 Table 3 Restaurant Gift Card donated by Webster First Federal Credit Union
Judy Roscioli
 
A Gift Basket donated by the Harrington Auxiliary Gift Shop
Chris Mayer
 
A Bottle of Wine and a $70 Gift Certificate to Brush It Off donated by
Brush It Off Paint & Sip Bar
Jennifer Pelletier
 
A $25 Gift Card to Kid Power Gymnastics donated by Kid Power Gymnastics
Edwina Lango
 
A Certificate for 5% off Any Job over $500 donated by Michael L. Wales Painting Company
Tammy Edmonds
 
A $50 Gift Card to Klem's donated by Klem's
Judy Flannery
 
A Wrapping Sterling Silver Bracelet donated by Lake Road Living
Louise Bonnette

We are thrilled to report that the total dollar amount of the purchases recorded
on the HOLIDAY SHOP contest entry forms exceeded:
$10,000!
MANY THANKS TO OUR
'SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND WIN' SPONSOR!
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
KEEP KEEPING IT LOCAL!
REMEMBER YOUR MEMBER2MEMBER DISCOUNT!
Click on the M2M logo to see many great offers from Members... for Members!
Like these...
15% off food purchases at Oxhead Tavern
10% off any purchase at Studio 20/20
10% off purchases at Sturbridge Coffee Roasters
25% off any paint class at Brush It Off Paint & Sip Bar
10% off your purchases at B.T.'s Smokehouse
...and many more!
Country Bank Supports the Critical Needs of Food Pantries with $130,000 in Donations 

(Ware/Springfield/Worcester) - December 17, 2020 – Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving central and western Massachusetts, donated over $130,000 to local food pantries throughout the year to assist with supplying food to its communities. The Greater Boston Food Bank recently reported that food insecurities in Massachusetts reached an all-time high in November. The state has experienced a 59% increase since 2018, representing more than 1 million people in need of food assistance. Most people are using food pantries for the first time. Food insecurity is projected to increase to 81% for children, making Massachusetts the second-highest percentage change in the country.
 
As part of Country Bank’s “Season of Giving Campaign,” it donated additional funds to the Food Bank of Western Mass. and the Worcester County Food Bank. The donation was to honor its banking customers and partners in place of traditional holiday gifts. “This was such a great idea and so wonderful to help others at this difficult time,” stated Therese Rakouskas, owner of Five Star Gardens in Palmer.
 
"We're so grateful to Country Bank for its social investment of $20,000 in The Food Bank's mission to feed our neighbors in need at this critical time. With this support, we'll be able to provide 40,000 meals to households struggling to make ends meet and put healthy food on the table. For every dollar donated, we provide the equivalent of four meals," stated Andrew Morehouse, Executive Director of The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
 
"The pandemic has undoubtedly placed a strain on our local food pantries. As a community partner, we are fully committed to helping those in need throughout this pandemic,” stated Jodie Gerulaitis, Vice President, Community Relations at Country Bank.
 
To learn more about how you can help or if you need assistance, please visit www.foodbankwma.org, https://foodbank.org/ or www.feedingamerica.org.
 
About Country Bank
Country Bank is a full-service mutual community bank serving central and western Massachusetts with 14 offices in Ware, Palmer, West Brookfield, Brimfield, Belchertown, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Leicester, Paxton, Charlton, and Worcester. Country Bank is a member of FDIC, DIF, and the SUM network. Country Bank can be reached at 800-322-8233 or online at countrybank.com.
Harrington HealthCare System Puts Focus on Patient Safety, Calls for Immediate Action following Updated Release of the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

SOUTHBRIDGE, MA, December 18, 2020 – The Leapfrog Group, a Washington D.C-based organization aiming to improve health care quality and safety for consumers and purchasers, today released new Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, which assign A, B, C, D and F letter grades to hospitals nationwide. Harrington HealthCare System received its 15th grade “A”. 
 
“Patient safety has always and will always be a top priority for us. Our hospital is a trusted part of this community,” said Ed Moore, President and CEO of Harrington HealthCare System. “We are proud to receive our 15th grade “A” and will continue to strive for greater excellence in patient safety Most importantly, we pledge to honor the trust of our patients by being transparent about our progress and working toward the highest possible standard of safety.”
 
“Our goal is to inform patients about local hospitals with the best safety measures in place and the strongest records,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “Every hospital can earn an ‘A’ grade, and we’re proud of the hospitals that are committed to making an effort to protect patients from harm.”
 
Developed under the guidance of an Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign A, B, C, D and F grades to approximately 2,600 U.S. hospitals twice per year. It is calculated by top patient safety experts, peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.
 
To see Harrington HealthCare’s full grade, and to access consumer-friendly tips for patients, visit www.hospitalsafetygrade.org and follow the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade on Twitter and Facebook.
 
About The Leapfrog Group
Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American health care. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey collects and transparently reports hospital performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections.
 
Harrington HealthCare System is a comprehensive regional healthcare system serving more than 25 communities across south central Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut. The system includes Harrington Hospital in Southbridge, Harrington HealthCare at Webster and three additional major medical office buildings: Harrington HealthCare at Charlton, Harrington HealthCare at 169, also in Charlton, and Harrington HealthCare at Spencer; Harrington Physician Services, our primary care and multi-specialty physician group; UrgentCare Express at Harrington in Charlton and Oxford; The Cancer Center at Harrington in Southbridge, and the region’s largest Behavioral Health programs for mental health and substance use.
 
UNITED WAY Announces MAPFRE Foundation Donation of $80,000
During Campaign Update Event

SOUTHBRIDGE:  The United Way of South Central Massachusetts (UWSCM) celebrated the holidays and the midway point of the 2020 Annual Campaign with a virtual event on December 17, 2020.

Campaign Chairman Jim Croteau announced that the campaign has reached 46% of the $525,000 ambitious goal so far. With some workplace campaigns not completed yet and the hope of end of year personal donations to still come in. “It’s not too late to donate for 2020. With the increase of the $300 tax deduction for charitable giving, it is our hope that those who haven’t donated yet will still do so. This is a tough year for many and donations are needed more than ever so we can support the health, education and financial stability of those in need in the South Worcester County community.”

Mr. Croteau also announced the $80,000 Fundación MAPFRE grant to UWSCM. Fundación MAPFRE, a global nonprofit organization founded by MAPFRE in 1975, awarded the grant to support children and family programs in the region.

“MAPFRE Insurance has been partnering with the United Way since the 1990’s. We are proud to collaborate with the United Way South Central MA to support them in helping those at risk,” said MAPFRE Assistant Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility Linda Johnson, who spoke at the event.

“Having this wonderful collaboration with MAPFRE Fundación is new for me personally, as they have previously worked with the United Way of Webster and Dudley,” said UWSCM Executive Director Mary O’Coin. “We are so grateful to have merged and thankful now to experience the support of MAPFRE for our entire region. I look forward to continuing our relationship for both the volunteerism of MAPFRE employees and receiving the financial support from such a global corporation.”

Another guest speaker was Liz Hamilton, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Worcester and Webster-Dudley. The B&G Club of Webster-Dudley’s Remote Learning and Afterschool program is supported by the United Way and is one of the programs MAPFRE’s grant will directly impact. Ms. Hamilton stated, “If it were not for the support of the United Way, we would not have been able to open our doors when our kids and community needed us most. We are grateful for the United Way grant which helped us stay open throughout the pandemic and provide vital services such as food, emergency childcare and learning hub programming while schools are remote. The United Way has stood by us every step of this unprecedented year.”

The United Way of South Central Massachusetts serves the communities of Charlton, Dudley, Southbridge, Sturbridge and Charlton and is located at 176 Main St., Suite 400, Southbridge, MA 01550. To learn more about programs and donate, visit www.uwscm.org, follow on Facebook @UWSCM or call (508) 765-5491.
Rescue Dog Comes to Second Chance for Life Changing Surgery
Nonprofit Asking for Help for Star
 
EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (December 18, 2020) – Second Chance Animal Services is asking for help for a very special shelter pet.  Second Chance first learned about Star from one of their partners while making plans for a rescue air transport.  This sweet four-year-old shepherd mix was sitting in an overcrowded Texas shelter for months, suffering from a debilitating condition.  Star needs surgery for coronoid disease in her left elbow, which causes pain and lameness. The Texas shelter did not have the means to help her and time was running out.
 
“We knew that Second Chance could be her only chance,” said Development Director Lindsay Doray, “so we made plans to get her on a transport to Massachusetts as soon as we could.”
 
After Star was released from the Second Chance Almost Home facility, where rescue pets who cross state lines come to rest and complete their state-mandated quarantine, Shelter Manager and Vet Tech Shauna Griffin took her to see a specialist who confirmed the diagnosis.  
 
Griffin reports “we are keeping Star comfortable at the shelter where she’s become a favorite of staff and volunteers alike.  The surgeon agreed it was best to keep her in her kennel with short walks to prevent further damage to the joint.  She is just the sweetest dog; we’ve all fallen for her.”
 
Griffin will be taking Star for arthroscopic surgery at the beginning of January with the hopes of repairing her elbow and relieving her pain. While Second Chance Community Veterinary Hospitals perform a wide range of surgeries on a daily basis, Star needs the help of a specialist.  After the surgery, Star will return to the shelter to recuperate before she is available for adoption.
 
With an estimate of $3,500 for the surgery alone, Second Chance has begun raising funds to help Star.  Those interested in making a donation to help can do so through a special fundraiser on the Second Chance Facebook page, by making a donation at www.secondchanceanimals.org or via mail to Second Chance Animal Services, PO Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515.
 
PHOTOS: Star arriving in Massachusetts from Texas, Star resting in her kennel at the Second Chance Adoption Center.
  
About Second Chance Animal Services:
Second Chance is a nonprofit 501c3 tax exempt organization that began in 1999 in East Brookfield and relies solely on donations from grants to operate. The organization operates an adoption center in East Brookfield, Community Veterinary Hospitals in North Brookfield, Springfield, and Worcester. Second Chance helps over 40,000 pets a year through adoption, spay/neuter, veterinary care, community outreach, educational outreach programs, training, and a pet food pantry. For more information, visit Second Chance’s website at www.secondchanceanimals.org.
Follow Second Chance on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/secondchanceanimals
Old Sturbridge Village 75th Anniversary Commemorative Calendars are Available Now!

Join us as we welcome 2021 – the 75th Anniversary Year of Old Sturbridge Village with a new commemorative calendar. In early 2020, we launched a photography contest at the and, as a result, we received more than 400 entries! It was hard to choose just 12 winners, so we expanded the calendar to 18 months. We also added even more photos on each page as a complement to the black and white photography from our archives. These photos celebrate the beautiful New England seasons of the Village and are combined with vintage photos of years past.

Ring in the New Year with a beautiful keepsake calendar for $19.46 and save a bundle, on a bundle of five – just $75, and your loved ones will appreciate this thoughtful holiday gift.

The proceeds from this calendar will support the mission of Old Sturbridge Village as we enter our 75th year and beyond!
Travel Virtually with Sbrogna's

Our Virtual Photography Travelogue program is narrated by professional photographer Ron Rosenstock whom I represent through Sbrogna’s Artistic Promotions.

We offer many one-hour virtual programs for purchase. A few locations which might be of interest to your staff or to your residents in Senior Living are Italy, Morocco, Ireland, and Iceland/Greenland. Please click on the thumbnail below to see a trailer for our Italy presentation!

This will give you an idea of what you can expect if you should invite us to do a virtual program at your facility. If you’re interested, please check out our website at www.sbrognaart.com and/or email at linda@sbrognaart.com or call me 508-318-3267.
We are working hard to find ways to continue to inspire, educate, and show the beauty of our world to the community as we all continue to go through our current health crisis.
Second Chance Needs Zip Bags to Get Pet Food to Hungry Pets
Supplies Needed to Help Meet Increased Demand
 
EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (December 15, 2020) – Second Chance Animal Services is urgently asking for donations of zip style plastic bags to help meet the great need for pet food at area food pantries. The pandemic has financially impacted many pet owners. Distributions from the Second Chance pet food pantry have increased dramatically, wiping out the nonprofit’s supply of large zip-style bags and the nonprofit is asking the community for help.
 
“As people finish up their holiday shopping, it would be great if they could consider donating a box or two of zip style plastic bags. We hope area businesses will check their supply shelves and consider donating any sturdy plastic zip style bags they aren’t using or can’t sell because the outer packaging has been damaged,” said Second Chance CEO Sheryl Blancato.  
 
“Our pet food pantry distributions have already increased 30% and the year isn’t over. The need is great. We are working with more pantries this year and providing additional pet food to each pantry.”
 
Second Chance receives donations of large bags of pet food, which are repackaged by volunteers into smaller bags for distribution so they can help all the pet owners who need help feeding their pets.  
 
Blancato said the greatest need is for thick plastic bags in gallon size or larger, but Second Chance can make use of all sizes. “This could be a great opportunity for area businesses to donate stock they no longer or can’t use.”
 
Second Chance founded the pet food pantry many years ago when they recognized that pet owners facing financial hardship will often go without to make sure their pet has food.
 
Donations can be dropped off at the Second Chance Adoption Center, 111 Young Road, East Brookfield.  Businesses can email development@secondchanceanimals.org if they have questions or to schedule a large donation.
Country Bank Welcomes New BSA Officer

Ware, MA – December 22, 2020 – Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving central and western Massachusetts, is pleased to announce that Victoria Graffam has joined its Corporate Risk Division. Graffam held various BSA and loss prevention roles before joining Berkshire Bank in 2017 as the BSA/AML EDD Manager. While at Berkshire Bank, her focus was to develop and maintain a program to identify and mitigate risk for higher-risk customers. She is also a member of the Association for Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialists.

“I am passionate about inclusion and the value in having different perspectives as it pertains to combating various forms of fraud. I believe that when we work together sharing our experiences and knowledge, we all contribute to making well-rounded decisions," stated Graffam.

"We are excited to welcome Victoria to Country Bank; she brings over thirty years of professional experience with twenty years in Community Banking and is a perfect cultural fit for our team. Her "can do" attitude, commitment to customer service, and collaborative management approach aligns perfectly with our iSTEP Corporate Values of Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence, and Prosperity. We are proud that Victoria has chosen Country Bank to be her employer of choice," stated Miriam Siegel, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Country Bank.

About Country Bank
Country Bank is a full-service mutual community bank serving central and western Massachusetts with 14 offices in Ware, Palmer, West Brookfield, Brimfield, Belchertown, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Leicester, Paxton, Charlton, and Worcester. Country Bank is a member of FDIC, DIF, and the SUM network. Country Bank can be reached at 800-322-8233 or online at countrybank.com.

Members of the Chamber of Central Mass South have access to special partner discounts every time they shop in store. They can save on an assortment of products, from signage to PPE to business essentials and more.

20% off your in-store Print & Marketing Services order
• Floor decals, signs and posters
• Indoor and outdoor banners
• Disposable menus and more

10% off your in-store purchase of regularly priced items
• Safety essentials like face masks, sanitizer and more
• Office supplies like paper, ink and toner and more
• Remote furniture like chairs, desks and more

Ready to start saving? First, you must be a Staples Rewards Member.

Not a Staples Rewards Member? Enroll now in Staples Rewards® at staples.com/rewards.

Already a Staples Rewards member? You'll just need your Rewards number to enter on the sheet linked below.
To get your number, login to your account, click Rewards, and then click Rewards Profile to locate your Rewards number or call 800-793-3320 for assistance.

Click HERE to add your name and info to the CMS Chamber Discount enrollment spreadsheet.
Did you know...?
You can read the latest digital issue of Vocero Hispano on the News Posts Feed on the Chamber website. ISSUE 1605 - Digital Version - Free For Members
Reach the Hispanic Market directly with the #1 Statewide Hispanic Newspaper in Massachusetts. Email advertising@vocerohispano.com to get started.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Online Opportunities

Are you offering online learning opportunities, webinars, or podcasts? Please add your happenings, online or in-person, indoors or out, to our calendar or email Jack the pertinent info and we will be happy to share in the next CROSSROADS!

WORCESTER REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Visit the Worcester Chamber calendar of Chamber Events online here.


FREE ONLINE BUSINESS WORKSHOPS OFFERED BY SCORE
SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. Since 1964, SCORE has provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs.

Start Your Own Business
Thursday | Jan 7 | 12:00 pm
Starting a small business requires more knowledge, skills, perseverance and planning than meets the eye. Save valuable time and money starting here! This 3-hour workshop will help you clearly understand the details, challenges, opportunities and rewards of owning and operation your own business. REGISTER

Digital Transformation
Friday | Jan 8 | 9:30 am
This workshop will provide you with an understanding of the digital transformation, the key steps towards a successful digital transformation and its impact on businesses, stakeholders and the environment. REGISTER

Elevator Pitch
Monday | Jan 11 | 2:00 pm
As a business owner, you are always selling. You must have a concise message that tells prospective buyers what is your unique value proposition, what you do and how you can help them. This message will also be used in your website and any other promotional and sales materials you use. You will need video capabilities. You will be on webcam for this webinar. Call in only will not work as well, but can be done. This is intended to be a completely collaborative event. LIMITED REGISTRATION. SEE MORE AND REGISTER.

Cybersecurity
Tuesday | Jan 12 | 9:00 am
In today's remote world, we are becoming ever more reliant on the internet, e-commerce and communicating electronically. Cybersecurity is more important than ever. Join us for a discussion about how to identify your environment's weaknesses before a cybercriminal does, and what you can do to secure your environment. REGISTER.

More Clients Less Marketing
Tuesday | Jan 12 | 12pm
How to Create More Leads and Income by Doing LESS. Client generation is the lifeblood of your business. But with so many marketing options, how do you cut through the noise and find your best strategy for growth? Mary Cravets is a Client Generation Expert and International Speaker, who helps entrepreneurs significantly grow their businesses without working nights and weekends. REGISTER.

Pictures Speak Louder Than Words: The Power of Visuals In Your Marketing
Wednesday | Jan 13 | 12 pm
People retain only 10% of information they hear or read. But include a relevant image with that same information, and they’ll remember 65% - even 3 days later. Bryan Caplan, Speaker for Grow with Google and award-winning digital marketing specialist, unveils how to engage your leads and prospects with quality visual content. REGISTER.

Business Planning - The Simpler Way
Thursday | Jan 14 | 12 pm
Creating a business plan can seem like a daunting exercise. This is especially true for those running a small business, which can be an all-consuming undertaking. But it helps to have a plan. REGISTER.

Planificación Empresarial – Simplificada
Jueves | 14 de enero | 12 pm
Crear un plan de negocios puede parecer un ejercicio abrumador. Esto es especialmente cierto para quienes dirigen una empresa pequeña, pues hacerlo, puede ser una tarea que lo consume todo. Pero ayuda tener un plan. REGISTRARSE.

JANUARY 14-15, 2021: Virtual Small Business Conference and Expo
Free 1-on-1 Business Consultations will be available at our statewide Virtual Minority Small Business Conference and Expo.
Please join representatives from our fellow SCORE Boston chapter and members of the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce for a 30-minute 1-on-1 FREE Business Consultation. REGISTER.

View Previously Recorded SCORE Webinars Here.


BUSINESS WORKSHOPS OFFERED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER NETWORK
Statewide Training & Event Calendar

January 2021 Workshops
4   Basics of Starting Your Business
7   Digital Marketing Trends 2021
  Advanced QuickBooks
11   Serie de emprendimiento, parte 1 - Introducción a la creatividad, la innovación y el espíritu empresarial (presentado en español)
12   Building Sustainable Business (BSB) Series, Exploring Growth Opportunities
14-15   Export Expo — the state’s largest and most important export event of the year!

Visit the online calendar for more info and to register for these and many more.


DEB K HYPNOSIS
2021 is coming and Change is in the air! What would you like to change? Now taking in office clients as well as virtual.
Call 508-579-6314. To join Deb K Hypnosis private Facebook group for support and resources click here:


COGGNO is the Chamber's 24/7 Training platform. Low cost and even free online courses are available for CMS Chamber Members.
Online Programs with Rita Schiano via Zoom

Strategic Goal Mapping*
Dates and Times: Wednesday, 1/6: 6:00 p.m., Saturday, 1/9: 11:00 a.m.
Investment: $69.95
We all have that goal, that one thing we want to do (eat better, lose weight, start a business, fill__in__the__blank); that one thing that shows up on our New Year's Resolution lists year after year after year. Strategic Goal Mapping is a creative and graphic goal-mapping technique utilizing a five-step process. *Habitudes I and Habitudes II are required prior to taking this workshop.

Time Management
Dates and Times: Monday, 1/11: 5:30 p.m., Saturday, 1/16: 11:00 a.m.
Investment: $47
Time management is a big concern. Our work life and home life is filled with more and more duties and obligations and less and less time to get it all done. An effective time management strategy can help you stay on task, accomplish your work, reduce stress, and gain more time for yourself. In this 60-minute LIVE program you will learn practical strategies, tools, and techniques you can put into action immediately! MORE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

The Healing Power of Forgiveness
Dates and Times: Tuesday, 1/19: 6:30 p.m., Saturday, 1/23: 11:00 a.m.
Investment: $59.95
When I was young, I had no idea what forgiveness was truly about. Truth be told, I didn’t have any real clue about true forgiveness until I was in my early 50s, when I began writing the story about my father. Forgiveness is a gift that we give to ourselves. And now, in the LIVE online program, I want to share all that I learned with you. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER


Call Rita 774-230-5670
Visit Online: www.ritaschiano.com
OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE
December 27-30, 2020

Times: 3:00 - 8:00 pm; The Village will open for Christmas by Candlelight at 1:00 pm on select nights (see details below); Guests must purchase tickets for specific arrival times - see below for details.

Safely experience a quintessential New England Christmas featuring outdoor decorations and festivities that highlight a homemade holiday. See traditions like knitting a Christmas stocking, wreath, ornament, and tin lantern making, and cooking a holiday meal. From the common to the countryside, warm yourself by the fires, ride a horse-drawn carryall, or stroll through the Christmas Tree Trail and Wish Bridge!

Before purchasing your tickets and coming to Christmas by Candlelight, please review our safety and ticketing policies here!

Seasonal programming is generously sponsored by partner and longtime supporter Country Bank.

Join us for a Traditional Publick House
Christmas Day Dinner
Friday, December 25, 2020

Seatings from 11:00am –5:00pm
Three-Course Plated Dinner
Pricing based on your entrée selection, this does not include taxes or gratuity
Maximum seating time allotted per each reservation
Call Saturday through Wednesday between 10:00am –6:00pm to schedule your reservation (774) 304-1524

MENU
PUBLICK HOUSE SWEET PECAN ROLLS
STARTERS
ENTREES (Choice of One)
Roasted Native Turkey with Gravy $50++
Roasted Prime Rib of Beef $60++
Pan-Roasted Salmon $52++
Vegan Ravioli $42++
DESSERT
CHILDREN’S MENU
BEVERAGES


The Publick House     On the Common     Sturbridge, MA
SUNFLOWERS
Sunday, December 27, 2020, 2:00 - 4:30 PM

Come paint this image in about 2.5 hours with step by step instruction along with our professional artist at Brush It Off. Original painting by Brush It Off LLC. Price Per Seat: $35.00

DON'T FORGET - we also offer walk in hours for OPEN PAINT where you can paint anything you want with our help, Canvas, Plaster, Ceramics, Glassware, Birdhouses and more!

EVERY class is an ART LESSON, as each painting uses different techniques that our professional artists will teach you while having a GREAT time!

Brush It Off Gift Certificates make fantastic gifts!!
Available online or stop by the studio to purchase.

Chamber Members! Use your Member2 Member Card and save!
Enter CHAMBER1 as the promo code when you sign up for a class.

Visit the website: www.brush-it-off.com.
Click here to reserve some FUN: brush-it-off.com/studio-calendar/
MAKE A RESERVATION TODAY: 508-867-2345

Main Dining Room Hours:
Thursday, Friday & Saturday – 4:00pm to 8:00pm
Sunday – 12 Noon to 6:00pm

Open on New Years Eve from 4:00pm to 8:00pm and closed on New Years Day.
Closed on Thursdays after January 2, 2021.

Special COVID 19 Notes
  • Reservations are required at this time by calling. If no answer, leave a message and we will return the call.
  • Size of a party seated at a table cannot exceed 6 people.
  • We are asking people to limit their time at the table to 90 minutes.
  • Face masks will be required.

NEED GIFTS THEY'LL LOVE?
PURCHASE GIFT CERTIFICATES TO SALEM CROSS INN ONLINE HERE!

508-867-2345
Stay vigilant! Wear a mask or face covering in public to slow the spread of COVID-19 and help keep MASSACHUSETTS headed in the right direction.

Executive Committee

Erika Travinski, Chair
The Center of Hope

Leila Hurt, 1st Vice Chair
Country Bank

Laurie Cashman, Immediate Past Chair
Yellow Iris Farm

Bruce Watkins, Treasurer
Karl Storz Endovision, Inc.

 
Board of Directors

Brad Arcoite
Table 3 Restaurant Group

Kevin Berube
North Brookfield Savings Bank

Michael Checkosky
Cornerstone Bank

Nicole Courtemanche
Connectivity Point

Alycia Dzik
Webster First Federal Credit Union



Rich Eichacker
Vibrance Technology Corp

Michelle Fanion
ERA Key Realty

Steve Gardiner
Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center

Les Gardner
Les Gardner Photography

Nathan Hardt
Old Sturbridge Village

Kelly Hibbard
Harrington Hospital

Rich Suitum
Exsel Advertising Group

Michael Wales
Michael L. Wales Painting Company

James Donahue
Old Sturbridge Village
Honorary Board Member


Counsel
Padgett Berthiaume
Berthiaume & Berthiaume
46 Hall Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Alexandra McNitt
Executive Director
Jack Starkey
Communications & Media