News
Share your announcement in an upcoming issue: Submit Here
|
|
Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce
April Arrive@5 Sponsored by Resinate, Inc.
|
Pull up a chair and connect with community at the next virtual Arrive@5 on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, from 5:00 - 6:00 PM, sponsored by Resinate, Inc.
This hour-long event features 40 minutes of networking plus a Community Speaker, Khrysti Smyth Barry of the Center for EcoTechnology, who will share resources for saving energy and reducing waste that can help your bottom line. All are welcome, but you must register to join us for this free event!
|
|
Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce
Announcing the Newest Northampton Gift Card Merchants
|
The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce and Peoples Bank are proud to announce the newest Northampton Gift Card Merchants (list below). Now in it's 15th year, the Northampton Gift Card program continues to funnel dollars into our local economy, making it the perfect token of community for any occasion.
New Northampton Gift Card Merchants
Big Bear Used Books and Cafe (as of April 1)
CopyCat
The Deck
The Eric Carle Museum pf Picture Book Art (as of April 1)
Glendale Ridge Vineyard
Little Blue
Northampton Athletic Club
Pioneer Valley Indoor Karting (as of April 1)
Woodstar Café
Any GNCC business investor (member) in the greater Northampton area is eligible to accept the Northampton Gift Card. Please contact Jenna Lloyd at 413-584-1900 or via email at Jenna@northamptonchamber.com for details.
|
|
Friends of Northampton Trails (FNT)
Nice Tuesday: Bike Path Cleanup Today!
|
|
Join the Friends of Northampton Trails on this Nice Tuesday cleanup of the bike path that wraps around the downtown from New South St and past the train station.
Volunteers for this litter party will meet at Pulaski Park at 3:00 PM for instructions & supplies.
Spread the Nice Tuesdays movement by tagging your posts with the #NiceTuesdaysNorthampton hashtag!
|
|
Help Us Increase 413 Takeout's Impact with the Feed the Frontlines - Nourish Our Community Partnership
|
Since it's kick-off on February 14, 2021, the 413 Takeout community campaign to save local restaurants in Northampton, Florence, and Leeds has amassed 250 supporters who have taken the "413 pledge." But ordering weekly takeout as an act of support for our restaurant community is just one element of the impact these pledgers are making for our neighbors.
For the first 500 people that take the “413 Pledge,” a $10 donation will be made to Feed the Frontlines – Nourish Our Community, a new partnership between the Northampton Survival Center, Grow Food Northampton’s Community Food Distribution Project, and the Downtown Northampton Association (DNA). This generous $5,000 donation will provide takeout meals to our friends and neighbors who may be unable to make the "413 Pledge" and help feed the frontlines.
Help us reach our goal of 500 pledges in 3 easy steps:
1. Take the pledge if you haven't already, even if you order takeout regularly.
2. Share this link with four friends (or more) to invite them to take the "413 Pledge" also.
3. Post using the #413Takeout hashtag when you dine each week.
Each week, all those who have taken the "413 pledge" to support Northampton's local restaurants are entered to win one of two, $25 Northampton Gift Cards. This week's winners are Beth Spong and Sam Hopper!
Anyone who takes the pledge is automatically entered to win a $25 Northampton Gift Card. Winners are picked weekly and announced in the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce’s Community Connector newsletter. Individuals are not eligible to win more than once.
|
|
Market to Isolated Seniors with Senior Services Care Package
|
Would you like to help create a care package that will introduce seniors to your services/products, while at the same time, service those who would benefit most?
If so, we ask that you add your business pledge here.
Northampton Senior Services is putting together care packages for seniors and are inviting local businesses to participate. They can help you design/print coupons or vouchers, pair outdoor activities with your events/offers, include your discounts in their Senior Business Resource Guide, or help you develop vouchers for free meals by contributing $5 each for up to 600 vouchers. Have questions or want to discuss an idea? Contact Marie Westburg.
|
|
Save the date: The People's Town Hall with Senator Comerford on April 26
|
Please save the date for Senator Jo Comerford’s next People’s Town Hall — a virtual town hall that will look forward to a post-COVID world and the future of our district. The People’s Town Hall with Senator Jo Comerford will be Monday, April 26, 2021, at 5:15-6:30 PM via Zoom.
The Town Hall will be closed captioned and interpretation will be available. We welcome your feedback on features that may make this event more accessible to you via this survey.
More details, including the link to register for the event, will be posted on this event page soon.
|
|
Introducing My Local MA Business Spotlights - Submit your story!
|
There is a new "stories" feature on lovemylocalMA.com. Across the Commonwealth, read about the strength and resilience of our friends and neighbors. Submit your story for a chance to be featured on Visit Massachusetts' social media campaign and in their e-newsletter.
The My Local MA Campaign offers a perfect way to share your experience by using #MyLocalMA on social media. You can find more information and resources at Lovemylocalma.com.
|
|
Special Thanks to The Community Connector's Supporting Sponsors
|
|
COVID-19 Vaccine Timeline for All Massachusetts Residents
|
Timeline for remaining groups:
- April 5th: Residents 55+ and residents with one certain medical condition
- April 19th: General public ages 16 years of age and older
|
|
Massachusetts' Reopening Phase IV and Travel Advisory
|
Massachusetts has advanced to Step 1 of Phase IV of the Commonwealth's reopening plan as of Monday, March 22, 2021. This opens a range of previously closed business sectors under tight capacity restrictions that are expected to be adjusted over time if favorable trends in the public health data continue.
The Massachusetts Travel Order originally issued in July 2020 has also been replaced with a Travel Advisory, effective March 22, 2021. The new travel advisory will urge all persons entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, are advised to quarantine for 10 days upon their arrival if they have been out of the state for 24 hours or more.
|
|
Community One Stop for Growth Expression of Interest Portal Closes April 2
|
One of the many benefits of the new Community One Stop for Growth is the opportunity for applicants to receive early feedback from funding agencies through an Expression of Interest. Don't miss the Expression of Interest deadline
|
|
Rapid Reemployment Program
|
As part of the “Partnerships for Recovery” plan to stabilize and grow the Massachusetts economy, the Massachusetts Workforce Skills Cabinet has announced a new grant program, the Rapid Reemployment Program.
Through this program, occupational training providers partner with MassHire Centers and at least one employer to build specific skills in the labor market and match those skills with good jobs. Target sectors include in-demand Healthcare, Information Technology, Financial Services or Transportation occupations. Importantly, the Rapid Reemployment model leverages the performance-based contracting approach used in the Career Technical Initiative.
Eligible lead applicants are Massachusetts based training providers with experience and existing training capacity to deliver occupational training to the target population for proposed targeted occupations. Read more about this program.
|
|
Updates from the Small Business Administration:
|
|
Calculate Maximum PPP Loan Amount
The SBA is now allowing applicants that file IRS Form 1040, Schedule C to calculate their maximum loan amount using gross income instead of net profit, which may enable some borrowers to access higher loan amounts. See the form for First Draw PPP applicants and Second Draw PPP applicants online.
SBA recently announced extended deferment periods for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, until 2022.
- All SBA disaster loans made in calendar year 2020, including COVID-19 EIDL, will have a first payment due date extended from 12-months to 24-months from the date of the note.
- All SBA disaster loans made in calendar year 2021, including COVID-19 EIDL, will have a first payment due date extended from 12-months to 18-months from the date of the note.
|
|
Hilltown CDC Small Grant Program for Businesses, Nonprofits, Artists, and Farmers
|
The Hilltown COVID Relief Fund is designed to assist businesses with 25 or fewer employees (including the owner) that have been negatively impacted due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, email Michele Kenney.
|
|
Comcast Announces RISE Program Second Round
|
The Comcast RISE program is open for a second round of nominations through May 7, 2021. The program provides tech and marketing makeovers and is open to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned small businesses. Comcast is proud to already have 20 recipients here in New England, including 10 in Massachusetts.
|
|
Job Board
GNCC Investors may submit employment opportunities through the Member Portal.
|
|
GUIDE POSITIONS WITH ADVENTURE EAST, NEW OUTDOOR ADVENTURE COMPANY IN WESTERN MA
Adventure East is a new company, based in the Connecticut River Valley of Western Mass, offering biking, camping, hiking, paddling and wellness adventures combined with the great open space, farm to table dining, and history and culture of the region. Adventure East is seeking professional guides, instructors and educators for all of our adventures and is holding information sessions on April 13 and 15 by invitation. For more information and to register please email info@adventureeast.com stating your interest and experience.
|
|
|
|
Grow Food Northampton is hiring a part-time Operations and Administrative Manager. The Operations and Administrative Manager (OAM) will refine, implement, and oversee all aspects of organizational infrastructure, grow the organization's ability to operate smoothly, and support the overall functioning of the organization. Learn more.
|
|
|
|
Learning Together
Education and Business Resources
|
|
Small Business Administration (SBA)
WMass Women in Business Conference: Wednesday, March 31, 2021
|
|
This 3-hour event will kick-off with our keynote speaker, followed by panels and presentations including: three women entrepreneurs who will share their stories of success, challenges, and lessons learned; resource partners; and funding experts sharing tips for success.
|
|
Planning & Sustainability - City of Northampton
Community Development Block Grant Action Plan Public Hearing
|
|
On or about July 1, 2021, the City of Northampton will receive approximately $683,764 in CDBG funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Unexpended funds from the prior year will also be available. Activities must benefit persons of low- and moderate-income or aid in the elimination of slums and blight. The program proposes to fund the following activities to address priorities identified in the City’s 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan.
Virtual Public Hearing
When: Thursday, April 8, 2021
Time: 5:50 PM
Dial-in Info: 301-715-8592, 8291877456#
|
|
Planning & Sustainability - City of Northampton
Save the date: Next Picture Main Street Forum
|
|
The next Picture Main Street public forum will take place on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at 6:00 PM. While you wait for the public forum, please visit the Picture Main Street story map. It provides data and background on the Picture Main Street project and will be updated over the next five years as the project advances.
Sign up to receive notices directly from Planning & Sustainability, including the sign-in information for upcoming forums.
|
|
The International Language Institute
Announcing Classes in French, German and Spanish at the International Language Institute
|
|
Live Local
Community Events, Specials and Campaigns
|
|
Forbes Library Is Here For You!
|
|
Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month - Children's Advocacy Center Commemoration on April 1, 2021
|
To commemorate Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Hampshire County and Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan invites you to participate in “This Little Light of Mine” a luminaria display at Childs Park in Northampton, and throughout our community including the Chamber Visitor Center at 99 Pleasant Street.
On April 1, 2021, 2,000 luminarias will be lit to represent the number of child abuse survivors the Children’s Advocacy Center has served since opening its doors in 2006.
To participate, you can drive by the luminaria at Childs Park that evening or put out lights of your own.
|
|
Pure Barre Invites You to A Free Foundations Class
|
Pure Barre is in the heart of downtown Northampton and offers an effective total body barre workout focused on low-impact, high intensity movements that lift and tone muscles to improve strength, agility and flexibility for every body.
Come try our Free Foundations Intro class crafted for beginners to pure barre, or even barre. This class is a great place to start to discover all of the benefits that our workout can offer. This class is specifically designed for first-timers to walk you through the technique, our lingo, and give you the opportunity to ask questions!
|
|
Riverside Industries, Inc.
April 9-16, 2021 | Riverside: MissionPossible!
|
Please join us Friday, April 9, 2021, for the start of the 17th Annual Riverside Auction to be held virtually. As much as we all enjoy our in-person event, we know it is best to hold the event online. The event will run through April 16, 2021, ending with a short live-streamed program, filled with the energy you are used to at the in-person event. Please consider supporting the auction with a cash or item donation or sponsorship, go to our auction page.
|
|
Northampton Jazz Festival
April | If it's Tuesday, it's Jazz Night in Northampton!
|
The Northampton Jazz Festival is excited to announce "Up Jumped Spring," it's first virtual jazz series this April - Jazz Appreciation Month - presenting a new jazz trio performance each Tuesday at 7:30 PM. Free of charge.
Make Tuesdays in April YOUR jazz night!
|
|
The Community Classroom
Outdoor Math Ideas Perfect for Spring
|
With the temperatures creeping up and the first signs of spring emerging from the once-chilled ground, we are all thinking about being outside more (plus, hey, it’s safer during a pandemic). Our mathematicians at The Community Classroom have been planning ideas for outdoor math and soaking up the sun while warming up our winter-chilled bones.
Here are 5 outdoor math ideas now that the grass is beginning to turn green (and they’re not your usual suspects!).
|
|
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Hampshire County
April 25, 2021 | (Virtual) Daffodil Run for Big Brothers Big Sisters
|
|
The Virtual Daffodil Run for Big Brothers Big Sisters is coming up on April 25, 2021!
By signing up, you'll be eligible for premium giveaways, take part in online training classes with knowledgeable running coaches, and even have access to a custom playlist created by participants! Since it's a virtual event, you get to choose your own 5K or 10K course.
So dust off those running shoes and help ignite the potential of our young people by registering now!
|
|
SHOP NOHO is a website created by local retailers for the community to be able to support them while shopping online. Visit SHOPNOHO.com where you can shop online and local!
|
|
413 Takeout >>
Have you heard about the campaign to save Northampton's restaurants? Learn more and take the "413 pledge" here.
Sponsorship Opportunities >>
2021 Annual Meeting sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Jessica Thompson, Director of Investor and Community Relations to discuss options today!
Event Recordings on YouTube >>
|
|
The Community Engagement Committee (CEC) of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) began the "Nice Tuesdays" initiative in the midst of the pandemic, and now they are inviting businesses and nonprofits in Northampton and Florence to participate.
Learn more and sign up to Adopt a Nice Tuesday here.
|
|
Municipal Broadband Surveys for Businesses and Residents >>
|
The City of Northampton has launched two surveys to identify the current and future broadband needs of Northampton’s residents and businesses. Residents and businesses are encouraged to complete the survey by April 23, 2021.
|
|
For those who live local, Northampton.live is a hub that makes finding Northampton's small businesses simple, and includes information on how your favorite shops, salons, and restaurants are currently operating. Keep it local, and stay informed with Northampton.live.
|
|
Community Connector Submission
|
|
To have your news or event featured in the Community Connector newsletter, please submit the following via email to lu@northamptonchamber.com:
- 100 words communicating your message
- An eye-catching image or your logo
- A link to more information or an email contact
- Include "Connector Submission" in the subject line
|
|
|
|
|
|
|