TACC E-NEWS
November 17, 2021

E-News Sponsor
Chamber News
Get in the holiday spirit by donating to the Holiday Cheer Campaign! Again this year, all donations will be matched by our campaign sponsor Morton Hospital. Proceeds will support Cooperative Production, Inc. (CO-OP)New Hope, Inc. and Girls Incorporated of Taunton. Last year, thanks to the generosity of our TACC members and the Morton Hospital match, we were able to present three local organization with $1,000 each. Let’s make it happen again for these deserving organizations!

Click on the button below to donate. 

Donations accepted until December 28th.

Join us for the TACC Holiday Cocktail Party on Wednesday, December 15th from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Home Plate Bay Street Grill! Learn more here!
Welcome More New Members!
Business & COVID Information
Webinar Tomorrow on COVID-19 Updates for the Workplace

Even though we’ve been dealing with the effects of COVID-19 since March 2020, there are still new laws, orders, and issues that come up every day for employers. Join Attorney Wendy Hansen, Foley & Foley PC, for a FREE interactive and informative webinar TOMORROW, November 18th at 3:00 p.m.

This webinar entitled "COVID-19 Updates for the Workplace" will include:
• vaccine mandates
• how to manage exemptions
• a review on how to handle a positive COVID case at work
• and any other potential liabilities for employers.

Register here.
Mayor O'Connell Announces $100K Urban Renewal Grant

Mayor O’Connell recently announced that the City of Taunton has received $100,000 through the Housing Choice Initiative competitive grant program offered through the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development. This grant will be used to fund an Urban Renewal Plan for Whittenton Village. Read the press release.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) new rules requiring vaccinations or weekly testing for all employees at companies with at least 100 workers were blocked again on November 12th by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, which called the new rules a "mandate" and added that it "grossly exceeds OSHA's statutory authority." 

While OSHA remains confident in its authority to protect workers in emergencies, OSHA has suspended activities related to the implementation and enforcement of the emergency temporary standard (ETS) pending future developments in the litigation. Learn more here.

For more information on the OSHA ETS, including guidelines for implementing the new standard, visit SHRM's COVID-19 vaccination resource center
PFML Update: 2022 Workplace Posters and Notifications Available for Download 

All Massachusetts employers must distribute information to their employees and display a workplace poster that explains Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML).

The Department of Family and Medical Leave has updated the necessary notifications and posters so that they reflect the 2022 maximum benefit amount and contribution rates. Click here to download what you need.
How to Build a Small Business Website Workshop

How effective is your business website? SEED Corp. is offering a free, virtual workshop on Thursday, December 2nd from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Participants will learn about designing and building a successful website for their small businesses. The workshop will be instructed by Robin Clapp of Web Design by Robin and will cover the seven key elements of web design essential to the success of every small business with an online presence. All workshop attendees will be provided with the presentation to keep as a reference, as well as additional resources. Register here.
Events
TOMORROW !
Are you a young professional looking to build your professional skillset? Join the Chamber and the Young Professionals Group on Thursday, November 18th at noon on Zoom! We'll be learning advice and insight from Tom Harkin, a member of the BCC Alumni Steering Committee, as he shares on an important topic, "Accepting Constructive Criticism."

This informational series is sponsored by Commonwealth Alternative Care. Register below.
Get an update on state happenings and have your questions answered during this Q&A with State Representative Carol Doherty, sponsored by The Lopes Companies. Submit questions in advance here. Register below to attend this Zoom session on Tuesday, November 30th at 9:00 a.m.
Join us for the next session of our Chamber Chat virtual networking series! Meet other members in this fun and informal setting with trivia and prizes! This session is Thursday, December 9th at noon and is sponsored by one our new members KS Dance Studio. Register below for this event.

You could sponsor a future session for just $50! Email Lisa for sponsorship details.
Tis the season! Join us for the TACC Holiday Cocktail Party on Wednesday, December 15th from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Home Plate Bay Street Grill! Tickets are $20 for TACC members, $25 for non-members. Please bring an item to donate to the Taunton Animal Shelter and you’ll be entered into a raffle. View the Wish List.

Sponsor the Holiday Cocktail Party for $500! Contact Lisa for more information.

Space is limited so get your tickets today! We can’t wait to see you! REGISTER BELOW.

Get in the holiday spirit by donating to the Holiday Cheer Campaign! Learn more here!
Member News
Morton Hospital Nationally Recognized 

Morton Hospital has received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for fall 2021. This national distinction recognizes Morton Hospital’s achievements in protecting patients from harm and error in the hospital.  Read the press release.
6th Annual Basket Raffle to Benefit the Taunton Christmas Parade

The 6th Annual Basket Raffle to benefit the Taunton Christmas Parade is here! Raffle baskets are currently on display and tickets are for sale on the 2nd floor (front entrance) of City Hall at 15 Summer Street. Stop by and see these gorgeous, generously-donated baskets crafted by City of Taunton Employees. Chances are 11 tickets/$10 or 24 tickets/$20. Winners will be drawn prior to the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 30th. This is the major fundraiser to support the much-loved Christmas Parade which is being held on Sunday, December 5th at noon.
SCORE Business Resources
Help For Your Small Business
 
Let SCORE business advisors help you navigate the SBA Debt Relief Programs or the start-up and growth of your small business. All services are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. If you are an existing SCORE client, please send an email to your SCORE counselor to schedule a phone call or Zoom conference. If you are new to SCORE, please complete the Request a Mentor form and someone from SCORE will contact you via email to schedule an appointment with an advisor. Sign up for SCORE webinars here. View upcoming webinars here.
Resources for Veteran Entrepreneurs

Veterans make up an important part of the small business community. They make up 8% of the population, but own 9.2% of all American businesses. Check out these resources specifically for veteran entrepreneurs. SCORE is here to help!
Website Planning 101
TODAY, Nov 17 | 7:00 - 8:00 PM 

Ready for a new website? Whether you're building it yourself or you decide to work with a pro, getting organized is the key to your website's success!

• Define your audience.
• Set your website's goals.
• Determine key functionality and features.
• Plan your website content.
• Get your accounts and logins in order.

After this webinar, you'll have a comprehensive plan in place for your business's website. Attendees may also request the free workbook upon completion of the webinar.

Register here.
Financing a Business
Thurs, Nov 18 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM 

During this webinar, you will learn multiple ways of starting and financing a business. You will earn the advantages and disadvantages of starting a business from scratch, buying an existing business, and franchising. You will learn different types of financing - owner, debt, grants, and equity, the advantages and disadvantages of each type of financing and what type would be ideal for your business. You will know the sources of funding and how to go about getting the funds you need – SBA loan, Angel and VC funding, Crowd funding, grants, etc.

This webinar is being presented by Shankar Hedge, SCORE Boston mentor.

Register here.
Volunteer At SCORE

Are you looking for ways to help your small business community? Would you like to grow your network or develop professionally? As a SCORE volunteer, you get it all!

Join the SCORE network of 10,000 volunteers. SCORE relies on volunteers to help small business around the country thrive.

Interested? Visit the volunteer web page to find about the many benefits of volunteering and the right opportunity for you!
SCORE's Partners In Success Newsletters
 
·    Blogging Tips
·    Cash Management
$5 off orders of $50 or more

20% off your first month membership or class package. Email Melynda for more info

Offering Chamber members $10/unit for Botox. $150 off a syringe of Dermal Filler.

10% off first week temporary services.
Email Joni for more info.

10% off for Chamber members

10% off for Chamber members

10% off most services. Contact Kerry for more info.

5% off your auto insurance.

Relaxation Works Spa
$10 off any facial. Enter code TACC online. (Does not include membership appointments.)

10% off any purchase
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Staples
10% off regular price items on the sales floor, and 20% off print and marketing orders over $50.00. Chamber Members must access through the Members Only section of the TACC website. Email Lisa for assistance.

10% all parts, labor on applicable services. Email Ken Rubino for more information.

10% off for TACC Members
Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce, 6 Pleasant Street, Taunton, MA 02780
(508) 824-4068