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Welcome to Crossroads News! With the lifting of COVID restrictions on May 29 and the State of Emergency in Massachusetts set to end on June 15, we are excited to get back to business with in-person events! We hope to see you at our Business Coming Out Party on the 24th. Please save the dates for three Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies coming later in June! The Chamber is also partnering with MassHire Central Career Centers to offer a Multi-Industry Virtual Job Fair on June 24. If you are in need of workers, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with qualified candidates for your open positions. Find more details and register below. Participation is free for employers and job seekers. You’ll also find the latest news and upcoming events from our Members and friends in this issue.

Crossroads is our Members' platform to share their latest news with fellow Chamber Members and our community. Thank you for entering your upcoming offerings on our Events calendar and emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in Crossroads. NEXT ISSUE: JUNE 15, 2021.
CHAMBER OFFICE INFO
From May 14 to June 13, due to staff vacation, holiday and medical leave, the Chamber office will be open
Monday through Thursday from noon to 5:00pm by appointment only.
Please give us a ring at 508-347-2761 if you will be visiting.
Masks must be worn.
balloons_happy_bday.jpg
Business Coming Out Party!
June 24, 2021 at The Publick House Historic Inn
5:00-8:00pm

You're invited to a Clambake with lobsters, steaks, and all the fixins!
PLUS
NEW FUN ACTIVITIES
AND
WE HONOR OUR LOCAL COVID PANDEMIC HEROES AT THIS SPECIAL EVENT!

LIVE MUSIC BY JOYCO!

COST: $65 PP

ON THE MENU
Hors D’ Oeuvres, Dinner Rolls, Clam Chowder, Steamed Clams, Cornbread, Chef's Potato, Corn on the Cob,
Chef's Vegetable, Lobster, Steak, Peach Cobbler, Salads and a Champagne Toast

WE CAN'T WAIT TO GET TOGETHER WITH YOU ALL AGAIN!

RSVP BY JUNE 17 TO INFO@CMSCHAMBER.ORG
OR CALL 508-347-2761
PLEASE REMEMBER to let us know your meal choice!
Will it be Lobster, Steak or Veggie?


THANK YOU TO OUR COMING OUT PARTY SPONSORS!

PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
NEW BENEFIT: GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE
Your New Chamber Benefits Really Benefit YOU

When’s the last time your health insurance company sent you a check at the end of the year? If you’re part of a fully insured plan, the answer is never. When you spend less than what you budgeted, you get to keep that extra money…right? Health insurance should be no different.

The Chamber’s newest member benefit- the Association Health Plan- thinks so, too! As a participant in the program, you’ll be eligible for 100% return of unused claims funding on a pro rata basis. That’s a no-brainer! Your membership in the CHAMBER OF CENTRAL MASS SOUTH gives you access to this partnership with Valley Insurance Partners and Roundstone. Hit the easy button on health insurance and keep what you don’t spend!
MULTI-INDUSTRY VIRTUAL JOB FAIR
JUNE 24, 2021, 10AM TO 2PM
LOCATION: ONLINE - Premier Virtual
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR EMPLOYERS: Friday, 6/17/21
Open and free for any employer
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR JOB SEEKERS: Wednesday, 6/23/21
Free for all job seekers

Joining us this June will be employers from the Chamber of Central Mass South!

PLEASE NOTE: MassHire offices are currently closed to the public. This event is taking place online.

FEATURING EMPLOYERS FROM MULTIPLE INDUSTRIES
SUCH AS: Healthcare, Manufacturing, Transportation/Logistics and Warehousing, Food Service, Hospitality, Administration, Social Services, Sciences and Technology. And More!

HOW IT WORKS:
The Virtual Job Fair is being held on Premier Virtual, an online platform that allows job seekers to view employers’ virtual booths, view the companies’ information, review their job openings, and submit their resumes. Job seekers and employers can also instant message and video chat each other through the platform. Visit this link on YouTube to learn more about Premier Virtual.

Interested employers must pre-register at this link:

Employers who complete the pre-registration form on the MassHire website will be sent a unique link to register on Premier Virtual on the Monday before the event. Upon registering for the event on Premier Virtual, employers must provide their names, emails, phone numbers, and their company logo. Employers can select which areas they would like to recruit from (such as Worcester and Southbridge). Employers can add multiple recruiters to join the event. Adding YouTube videos describing your company and Zoom links for video interviewing to your virtual booth are optional but recommended.

Interested job seekers must first pre-register themselves for this event on JobQuest (or by contacting the MassHire Central Career Center) with their JobQuest Job Seeker ID Number, in order to receive the unique link to access and then register on Premier Virtual.
Job seekers will be sent the unique link to Premier Virtual the day before the event. When registering for the event on Premier Virtual, job seekers must provide their name, email, phone number, MassHire/JobQuest Job Seeker ID Number, and upload a resume (or a typed professional summary) in PDF format in order to participate. Job seekers have the option to include a professional headshot in the Premier Virtual profile.

YOU MAY DOWNLOAD AND PRINT THE FLYERS (PDF):

YOU MAY ALSO FIND INFO AND REGISTER HERE: https://masshirecentralcc.com/event/virtual-job-fair/2021-06-24/

5 Optical Drive, Suite 200 • Southbridge, MA 01550 • 508.765.6430 • www.MassHireCentralCC.com
ribbon cutting
SAVE THESE DATES!
June Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies!

June 18: Heal, Inc. (New Member! Dispensary Grand Opening!)
June 24: Brush It Off Paint & Sip Bar (Expanded facilities including outdoor patio!)
June 25: Red Door Realty (New office!)

MORE DETAILS ARE COMING SOON!
CMS Chamber logo
Welcome, New Board Members!
The Chamber of Central Mass South is pleased to announce the election of three members to our Board of Directors: Christina Hadis-Blackwell of the Tri-Community YMCA, Anthony Marini of BankHometown, and Trevor Nielsen of Edward Jones. Each of these members brings expertise and a willingness to serve our membership and our community. We are excited to have them at our table, bringing their own unique insights to our programs and activities.
Brown Bag Seminars will return in 2021
Do you have a topic to present?

The Chamber's Education Committee is entertaining the idea of getting our Brown Bag Seminars going again. Typically 1-hour long, these seminars are intended to attract intimate audiences of 5-30 people.

Members, do you have a subject you would like to pose for an upcoming seminar? Presenting a Brown Bag Seminar is a great way to shine a spotlight on your business and the services you offer. You create the lesson plan, we do the rest including creating the invitations and promoting your seminar.

We anticipate offering the Brown Bag Seminars in-person by Fall 2021 but we would also be interested in offering seminars prior to the Fall in a virtual format. If you are interested in sharing your expertise with your fellow Chamber Members, in-person or virtually, while promoting yourself and your business, we would love to hear from you!

Just drop Alix a line with the topic you would like to present and your preferred month to get the ball rolling!
Central Mass South Referral Group: Networking & Referrals
Chamber Members can now join for FREE!

The Central MA South Referral Group is the official networking and referrals group of CMS Chamber.
JOIN FOR FREE! Previously, Membership to the referral group was an additional fee on top of Chamber dues of $45 per quarter. We are pleased to announce that you can now join the group for FREE! Learn more by emailing CMS Referral Group member Rich Eichacker.

ABOUT CMSRG
The CMS Referral Group currently meets each Friday morning virtually. Meetings are designed to provide a venue for networking, enhance your public speaking skills, exchange of business referrals and marketing ideas, and guest speakers who share their knowledge of the latest developments in business. Comprised of local business owners and professionals, CMS Referral Group is committed to establishing and strengthening relationships with companies and community organizations in the Chamber’s service area through networking, education and trust.
FEATURED MEMBER2MEMBER DISCOUNT!

508-765-5520
Chamber Members,
Take 10% OFF your purchase!

Click on the M2M logo to see this and many more great offers from Members... for Members!
HEAL, INC. Opens its First Dispensary, Located In Sturbridge

STURBRIDGE, Massachusetts, May 21, 2021 – Heal, Inc., a vertically integrated cannabis company, is pleased to announce the opening of its first retail location at 660 Main Street on Friday, May 21st, at 10 AM. Heal received its Commence Operations Notice from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Wednesday, May 13th, and opened its doors to serve the adult-use cannabis community in Central and Western Massachusetts. Heal is conveniently located about 5 minutes off of Interstate 84. Upon opening, Heal will be accessible by appointment only per Sturbridge regulations, which can be made from the Heal website www.healmj.com.

Heal is currently constructing a 50,000 square foot state-of-the-art cultivation and processing facility in Central Massachusetts and expects to launch its own product lines in 2022. Heal will open carrying some of the finest products from across the state including Fernway, 1906, Nature’s Heritage, Betty’s Eddies, Resinate and more. Heal is dedicated to providing superior quality products and exemplary customer service to our community, as well as being an active and responsible neighbor.

Heal offers online pre-ordering, in-store pickup, curbside pickup and abundant free parking. A second Heal location is slated to open in Provincetown in Fall 2021.

For more information about Heal, our product offerings and dispensary hours and locations, please visit www.healmj.com or contact us at info@healmj.com.

STAY TUNED FOR A RIBBON CUTTING AT HEAL, INC. COMING ON JUNE 18! MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!
Andrew Gorey, an intern with The Capstone Group, along with his Merrimack College teammates, recently finished second at the Quinnipiac Global Asset Management Education (GAME) Forum

Intern from The Capstone Planning Group places second
at Quinnipiac Global Asset Management Education Forum

STURBRIDGE, Mass. – An intern with The Capstone Planning Group, a full-service financial services and investment planning team located at Cornerstone Bank, recently finished second along with his team at the Quinnipiac Global Asset Management Education (GAME) Forum. Andrew Gorey is a sophomore at Merrimack College and acts as the senior analyst for the Merrimack-Fixed Income Fund and the industrial analyst for the Merrimack Investment Fund. The GAME Forum is the largest student run financial conference in the world featuring undergraduate and graduate students from 150 colleges and universities.
 
“We were so excited to hear that Andrew and his team had placed at the GAME Forum,” said The Capstone Planning Group’s VP and Program Manager, Christopher Mallon. “Watching him learn and grow throughout his internship with us, it is clear this win is just the first step to his career in the financial services industry.”
 
Gorey, a resident of Sturbridge, has been a (non-registered) intern with The Capstone Planning Group since January 2021. While juggling his regular classwork and his internship, he and his team were able to assist in the creation of an impressive portfolio over the course of the past year to present.
 
“My experience interning with The Capstone Planning Group has allowed me to obtain hands-on experience in this field,” said Gorey. “I am very thankful to work with a team that emphasizes the importance of putting their client first and offers solutions to fit each client’s specific financial needs. I have learned so much."
 
The Capstone Planning Group, conveniently located at Cornerstone Bank, is committed to helping the next generation of financial professionals succeed through internships, mentoring and entry-level career opportunities.

For more information about The Capstone Planning Group you may visit them in person at Cornerstone Bank, visit www.thecapstone.group or call 508-764-0046.

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker/dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Cornerstone Bank and The Capstone Planning Group are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered Representatives of LPL offer products and services using the name The Capstone Planning Group, and may also be employees of Cornerstone Bank. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from and not affiliates of Cornerstone Bank or The Capstone Planning Group. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:
Not Insured by FDIC or any other Government Agency   Not Bank Guaranteed   
Not Bank Deposits or Obligations   May Lose Value
Quinsigamond Community College: Job Posting
Locations: Southbridge, MA. Posted: May 16, 2021. Closes: Jun 6, 2021 - 11:59 PM.
Type: Full-time

The QCC Southbridge Center Leader will be responsible for fostering a student centered and supported environment, partnering on academic and student support programming and continuing to forge relations with internal and external community partners. The Site Leader is responsible for key outcomes related to strategic leadership of the QCC Southbridge location. This includes ensuring a quality educational environment with focus on 100% student success that results in expanded student outreach, recruitment, persistence and success. The Site Leader will work with campus colleagues to improve and expand regional partnerships and regional presence. The preferred candidate will have a strong, student-focused background within Academic Affairs and student support programming, an entrepreneurial spirit, and demonstrated experience with innovation in academic and/or workforce development programming. This position requires a dynamic, energetic leader who is results driven and collaborative. QCC strongly encourages professionals of color to apply. Click here for more and to apply.
Jeff D. Helgerson Excavating & Septic Services is HIRING
Class A & B Drivers, Laborers

Helgerson’s is taking applications for the following positions:

  • Class A CDL Driver
  • Class B CDL Driver
  • Laborer
 
Benefits Include:

  • 100% paid Medical Insurance premiums
  • STD & Life Insurance
  • Simple IRA, with matched contribution
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Uniforms
  • On Call Incentive Pay
  • Annual Bonus (based on Company performance)
 
Laborer must be 18. Pay is based on experience. Visit our Website at Jeff D. Helgerson Excavating & Septic Services.

Interested applicants may direct questions and application requests to Jessica Pinto-Boniface via email at info@helgersonexcavating.com. You may also call 508.248.7242.
Virtual Photography Travelogue!

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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Online Opportunities

You'll also find webinars, online workshops and courses from Worcester Chamber, SCORE and MSBDC. Most are FREE! Got something going on? Please add your happenings, online or in-person, indoors or out, to our calendar or email Jack the pertinent info and we will share in the next CROSSROADS!

WORCESTER REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Breakfast Club
Thursday, June 3, 2021, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM, In person location: AC Hotel Worcester and on Zoom.
Please join the Worcester Chamber along with other business professionals as we salute area businesses with a networking breakfast and Key Note Speaker. See more details and REGISTER.

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
Monday |June 7 | 12 pm
Starting a small business requires more knowledge, skills, perseverance and planning than meets the eye. Save valuable time and money starting here! This 2-hour workshop will help you clearly understand the details, challenges, opportunities and rewards of owning and operation your own business. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

Use YouTube To Grow Your Business
Thursday | June 10 | 12 pm
Get best practices for creating a YouTube Channel and compelling video content that promotes your products and services and drives engagement with your brand. REGISTER

Learn how to Sell Better to Grow Your Business
Monday | June 14 | 12pm
Sales – you don’t have a business without it! This workshop will help small business owners to define their market, develop their marketing and sales messages, prospect for qualified customers, and develop a system to reach your sales goals. Business owners are the sales drivers of their companies – learn how to sell better to grow your business. REGISTER

Optimizing PowerPoint for Zoom
Tuesday | June 15 | 10 am
Giving an on-line presentation to a group, large or small, is very different from doing it in person.
PowerPoint has features you can use to leverage the advantages and work around some of the disadvantages. REGISTER

Business Planning - The Simpler Way
Wednesday | June 16 | 12pm
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

View Previously Recorded SCORE Webinars Here.


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

June 2   Keys to Building Your Audience on Social Media
June 2   Building Sustainable Business Webinar Series: Seizing the Market
June 3   Copyright Basics
June 3   Small Business Resources Forum
June 3   Massachusetts Food Trust - Healthy Food Financing
June 8   Complimentary Mobile-Friendly Financial Assistant for Business Owners Like You
June 11   Trends in U.S. Export Controls for the Electronics and Semiconductor Sector in Greater China globe
June 14   Basics of Starting Your Business
June 15   Business Legal Primer
June 15   Quickbooks Desktop for Beginners
June 16   Your Business Plan - Soup to Nuts

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


COGGNO is the Chamber's 24/7 Training platform. Low cost and even free online courses are available for CMS Chamber Members.
Art in the City: Virtual Art Auction
Tuesday June 1, 2021 - Saturday, June 12, 2021
Facebook Live: Thursday, June 10, 2021

Art in the City 2021 will be a 12-day online auction featuring artwork created by dozens of regional artists. The auction will culminate with a live virtual event in celebration of Family Health Center of Worcester's work. Whether you are new to the arts or an avid collector, don’t miss this event! All proceeds support the delivery of high-quality, comprehensive health, dental, vision, and social services for low-income and uninsured patients at Family Health Center of Worcester, Family Health Center - Southbridge, the Lois B. Green Breast Health Center, and Worcester Health Care for the Homeless.

Auction Opens: The auction will open on Bidsquare.com on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Stay tuned for more information!
Questions? Email ArtintheCity@FHCW.org.
Visit https://www.artinthecity.org/ for more information.
Concerts on the Commons

Sturbridge Recreation Committee announces Concerts on the Common 2021. A Summer Concert Series!
Sturbridge Town Common, Thursday evenings, 6:00-8:00 PM from June 10th - Aug 19th
Weather Dependent. Masks required. Don't forget your lawn chairs and blankets!

June 10- Axis (Classic Rock) Sponsored by Sturbridge Cultural Council
June 17- Banda Gan Ainm (Irish) Sponsored by Betterment Committee
June 24- My Other Band (Dance Music) Sponsored by Southbridge Credit Union


West Brookfield Concerts on the Common 2021. The 48th Season!
West Brookfield Town Common, Rtes 9 & 67, Wednesday Nights from 7-9pm

June 9- The Casters
June 16- Jumpin' Juba
June 23- The Green Sisters
Gates open at 6PM. Movie will start at dusk (after 7PM). Limited capacity, advance purchase suggested. No refunds.

NEW pricing! = $15 per car Advance Payment (Eventbrite) and $20 at the gate....
Advance payment guarantees a spot!
Online ticket sales: COMING SOON

Featuring: Zootopia
In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy.
PG | 1h 48min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy

CLICK the banner to visit the event page on Facebook!
Evening at the Village
Saturday, June 12 from 6:00-8:30pm
Old Sturbridge Village

Enjoy being outside and spend a spring evening at the Village after our normal hours of operation! Stroll through our scenic campus, explore our gardens, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, and listen to live music by Jeff Warner. Jeff Warner is among the nation’s foremost performers of traditional music. His songs from the lumber camps, fishing villages and mountain tops of America connect 21st-century audiences with the everyday lives–and artistry–of 19th century Americans. 

Feel free to bring a picnic to enjoy on the Village common! Beer, wine, and limited snacks will also be available for purchase.

Due to current capacity limits, pre-registration is required.  Register here.

Evening at the Village is sponsored by Southbridge Credit Union.
We’ve Got Answers.
June 17th @ 12:00 PM
Edward Jones Investments Webinar

Social Security will likely be the foundation of your retirement income. Before you retire, it’s important to understand your options and the impact your decisions have on your retirement.

Join us for our presentation Social Security: Your Questions Answered.

We’ll discuss:

• How does Social Security fit into my retirement income plan?
• When should I start taking benefits?
• What about taxes?

We hope you will join us. Feel free to bring friends and family. This seminar is being presented as a webinar via Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 951 1784 2224
Passcode: 420966

Trevor Nielsen, Financial Advisor, 419 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA 01566, 508-347-1420, edwardjones.com, Member SIPC

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
Venture Community Services
23rd Annual Charity Golf Classic
Friday, June 18, 2021, 8:00am to 4:00pm
9am shotgun start
Blissful Meadows Golf Club, Uxbridge MA
Proceeds to support programming for people with developmental disabilities.
More info contact: Paige Mador, pmador@venturecs.org
Visit Online for more! REGISTER TODAY!




United Way's Pub Quiz is BACK!
Brimfield Winery & Cidery
June 23, 2021

Who's the Sharpest Knife in the block?
Sponsored by: Dexter



Click the graphic to visit the event page for registration!
Salem Cross Inn is OPEN!

Main Dining Room Hours:
Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4 – 8pm
Sunday Noon – 5pm

for the latest updates.

508-867-2345
STEMing into Sports Program
In-Person Offered Weekly July - August 2021
Nichols College, 121 Center Rd., Dudley MA, Davis Hall

The purpose of Our Bright Future STEMing into Sports Program is to provide Robotics and Sports for youth ages 9 years old to 17 years old in a safe, caring, and supportive environment at Nichols College Campus in Dudley, MA. Our Bright Future is structured to develop and implement programs and activities that prepare youth for success. Members are encouraged to participate in all 5 core areas of programming: Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, Health & Life Skills, The Arts, Sports & Fitness, and Recreation. Children within Our Bright Future STEMing into Sports Program receive the benefits of a structured child care program within a full-functioning safe environment.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
For more information and registration, please visit:
Golf
SAVE THE DATE!
THE 2021 CMS CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC
AUGUST 5, 2021
HERITAGE COUNTRY CLUB, CHARLTON
STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFO COMING SOON!

Executive Committee

Erika Travinski, Chair
The Center of Hope

Laurie Cashman, Immediate Past Chair
Yellow Iris Farm

Bruce Watkins, Treasurer
Karl Storz Endovision, Inc.

 
Board of Directors

Brad Arcoite
Table 3 Restaurant Group

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

Christina Hadis-Blackwell
Tri-Community YMCA

Nathan Hardt
Old Sturbridge Village

Kelly Hibbard
Harrington Hospital

Anthony Marini
BankHometown

Trevor Nielsen
Edward Jones 

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