TACC E-NEWS

August 23 , 2023


Event Calendar





August 29

Employee Retention Strategies


September 7

Member Orientation


September 14

HR Resource Group - HR Compliance Update: Recent Changes and Forecast for New Laws


September 19

Quarterly Q&A with Mayor O'Connell


September 27

Oktoberfest

E-News Sponsor

SEPTEMBER 7

Whether you have been a member of the chamber for 5 years or 5 minutes – or if you’re just thinking about it – join us for Member Orientation on Thursday, September 7th from 9-10 a.m. at the Chamber’s office, 170 Dean St. in Taunton. See the office, meet the staff, hear about our benefits and programs, and learn how you can best maximize your investment with the TACC!



Seating is limited so please register in advance below. Free to members and prospective members.

REGISTER

SEPTEMBER 7

Join us for the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 2Plus2 Tutoring! Stop by at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 7th. We hope you can attend to help us celebrate!


Also, TACC Members get $5 off their first tutoring session! 

SEPTEMBER 14

Please join us for the next HR meeting on Thursday, September 14th at 1:00 p.m. This session will be hybrid. Atty. Wendy Hansen with Foley & Foley will discuss recent HR compliance changes and the forecast for new HR laws.


Cost: Included with membership for TACC members; Prospective Members can attend 1 meeting of the TACC HR Resource Group at no charge.


Register below and indicate if you are attending in-person or virtually.

REGISTER

SEPTEMBER 19

Get an update on city happenings and have your questions answered during this Q&A with Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell. This session is sponsored by Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South.


Submit questions in advance here. Register below to attend this virtual session.

REGISTER

SEPTEMBER 27

Join us for a lively Oktoberfest celebration on Wednesday, September 27th! Our festivities will be held at Berkley Beer Company where we will have the entire restaurant to ourselves! Come by between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. and enjoy their beautiful outdoor patio area complete with cornhole, giant Jenga and Connect Four! Fantastic entertainment once again provided by Matt Silva Music. All attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a door prize! Compete in the Stein Holding or Pretzel Toss Contests, and new this year - Team Stein Relay!


The proceeds from the raffle at the event will benefit WAGS animal rescue.


Tickets are $35 for members, $45 for non-members and includes pizza, appetizers, a pint of beer, live entertainment, games and socializing!


(Overflow parking with shuttle service by Gotta Run with be available.)


Don't miss this fun annual event!


Sponsorships:

  • Event Sponsors; $2,500 - (1 available)  Morton Hospital 
  • Entertainment Sponsors; $500 -  SOLD! TMLP Online & The Arbors at Taunton
  • Pint Sponsors; $500 -  SOLD! General Dynamics & BayCoast Bank
  • Cornhole Sponsors; $500 - SOLD! Bristol Community College & Taunton Federal Credit Union
  • Steinholding Contest Sponsors; $250 (1 available)  Rockland Trust & Wright Technology Group
  • Stein Relay Contest Sponsors; $250 (2 available) The Refinishing Oracle
  • Pretzel Toss Contest Sponsors; $250 (1 available)  Rockland Trust & Crystal Springs
  • Beer Garden Sponsors; $150 (available)  Relaxation Works Spa, Wood Palace Kitchens, Express Employment Professionals, & A Life Worth Living, Corp.



Contact Kris for more information about sponsoring Oktoberfest. Register below to attend.

REGISTER

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS IN BERKLEY & DIGHTON

Contact Kris to sponsor this event.


Current sponsors include: BayCoast Bank; BankFive; CO-OP; 1Connection Cannabis; Mechanics Cooperative Bank; SCORE; SERVPRO of Providence/Taunton/Mansfield; Grant's Rental; State Representatives Pat Haddad and Norm Orrall; The Arbors at Taunton; and Dighton Development & Industrial Commission.

Business Information

ALX100 2023 Award Presentation & Reception - September 14


The inaugural 2023 ALX100 Awards recognize exceptional Latinx leaders across Massachusetts who have demonstrated outstanding excellence and made significant contributions in their respective fields and communities.


From unsung heroes to civic leaders to business trailblazers, they celebrate 100 of the brightest Latinx changemakers from across the Commonwealth. The Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Maria Gonzalez, a Board Member of the TACC, as one of the amazing award recipients! She is the owner of M&A Supplier Diversity Consultants, LLC, and The Refinishing Oracle.


Throughout the 2023 campaign, Amplify LatinX will convene and celebrate these outstanding honorees through signature events, a limited edition hardcover book, an exhibition, and media partnerships. Learn more here.

Introducing Invest MA


The MA State Treasury Small Business Initiative Team is excited to announce the launch of a newly renamed state program, Investing for the Long Term (Invest MA). Previously referred to as the Small Business Banking Partnership (SBBP), Invest MA enhances the existing guidelines by promoting and strengthening small business growth throughout the state. 

 

The Massachusetts Treasurer's office has created Invest MA to shift state cash deposits under the control of the Treasurer to Massachusetts banks that are willing to expand their small business lending. According to state data, small businesses and sole proprietorships make up 85% of companies in our Commonwealth. Supporting this specific sector through more robust banking opportunities will be extraordinarily helpful for the state’s economic future. 

 

They are now accepting applications for new banking partnerships. Small businesses should refer to the list of participating banks to identify active members for loan opportunities. 

 

Please review the links below to learn more or to apply. 

 

https://www.mass.gov/investing-for-the-long-term

 

https://massgov.formstack.com/forms/investing_for_the_long_term

O'Connell Administration Achieves 500% Increase in Grant Money for Taunton


Mayor Shaunna O’Connell recently announced that the City’s grant funds have increased 500% since she was sworn into office. The City of Taunton has achieved yet another milestone this Fiscal Year by receiving the highest number of competitive grants in the City’s history. Read the press release.

20 Reasons Why Chamber Membership Is One of the Best Business Investments Out There 


Chamber membership is one of the best-kept secrets for free or nearly free business resources like webinars, lunch & learns, and networking. Plus, a whole lot more. Chamber membership is one of the best business investments you can make for the money and return. Learn more.

Member News

ICS is Now TechMD


ICS, a technology management, and cybersecurity company headquartered in Endicott, NY has announced that they will consolidate their regional Managed Technology brands into one national brand, TechMDTM. ICS, founded in 1987, was purchased by partners, Kevin Blake and Travis Hayes in 1995. After several recent acquisitions including AKUITY Technologies, Cards Technologies, and Tech MD, ICS will roll up its IT services into two national brands, TechMD for managed technology services and 1nteger for cybersecurity. Both brands will manage a national footprint and support small, medium and enterprise companies through regional offices in NY, MA, MD and CA in addition to over 275 remote employees across the US. Effective immediately, the AKUITY Technologies and Cards Technologies brands will sunset. The ICS brand will remain the name of the corporate entity but will no longer appear in marketing. 

Bristol County Savings Appoints Taunton Resident AVP 


 Bristol County Savings Bank recently named Kelly Abernathy to the position of Assistant Vice President/Commercial Loan Booking & Maintenance Manager. In this capacity, Abernathy is responsible for commercial loan system configuration and project management related to commercial loan operations. Read the press release.

August Events at the Old Colony History Museum


All are invited to join the Old Colony History Museum for family-friendly events, both in person and virtually this month. Highlight tours with the Curator take place daily at noon, and our regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.


SPECIAL EVENTS:


Summer Fri-Yays!

Each Friday in July and August, you can cool off from your adventures through history with a free frozen treat, thanks to Trucchi’s from 10-4! Remember, Museum admission is always free for OCHM members and kids 12 & under! Add some local history to your summer plans, and make it a Fri-Yay!

Passport to History June 1 – September 1

Do you have your passport yet? 18 historic sites. Curated day trips. Local history available throughout the Old Colony now through September 1st. Learn more here.


Blue Star Museum Through Labor Day

We are proud to, once again, be participating in the Blue Star Museum program. Now through Labor Day, the OCHM and hundreds of other museums across the United States offer free admission for active-duty military personnel and their families.


Beer with Bronson Friday, August 25, 5:15 p.m.

In person, Tickets Required (Free for OCHM members)

Grab a pour and take a tour with Curator of Collections, Bronson Michaud. Hear about the untold stories from our collection and take a peek at objects on display just for you. Plus, you’ll receive a Beer with Bronson koozie to keep your beer (or root beer) cold and hands warm!

Admission is free for Old Colony History Museum members, non-members are $5. You can reserve tickets ahead of time on Eventbrite or pay at the door!


Cemetery Tour Saturday, August 26, 11 a.m.

In person, FREE

Explore even more history of the Old Colony with a visit to a different cemetery each month where we will discuss various topics in the history of our region and residents from the past! In August we’ll explore Neck o’ Land Cemetery. Please note that we will be walking on unpaved ground and uneven terrain. We suggest sneakers, hats, and water! For more details and to RSVP please visit our website or Eventbrite page!


Introduction to Genealogy Workshop Saturday, August 26, 12:30 - 2 p.m.

In person at the OCHM; Tickets required.

This 90-minute genealogy session is intended for beginners, and will focus on the basic elements and starting points for genealogy research. We will discuss reasons for the surging interest in genealogy, talk about goals, and discuss first steps. Tickets are $20 for OCHM members and $30 for non-members.

 

You can register and purchase tickets on our Eventbrite page, stop by the museum, or give us a call to sign up at 508-822-1622.

Community News

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.

Safety and Risk Management - Protect Your Business and People



TOMORROW! | 1:00 PM


In this interactive workshop, attendees will gain an introduction to risk management and recognizing hazards, resources to protect their interests and mitigate risk and ideas to kick-start their risk management program.


Register here.

Brand Clarity: Make your Marketing Easy & Effective



Tues, Aug. 29 | 1:00 PM


Find out why branding is relevant for everyone to stand out and survive as an entrepreneur. Understand the steps to the brand strategy process and why you shouldn't spend a dime on marketing until you get brand clarity.


This step-by-step guide to the inside-out branding clarity process will give you:

  • The clarity in your marketing so you don’t sound like everyone else
  • How to discover your competitive advantage, niche and communicate your value
  • Guidelines on developing your visual and verbal content to build a solid brand


Register here.

SCORE for Black Entrepreneurs


Visit the hub to see all of SCORE's best content specifically for Black business owners in one place. You'll find success stories, webinars, and other resources you can use for your business. Learn more.

FREE Excel Workshops


SCORE holds Excel workshops that are LIVE via ZOOM and FREE, and happen just about every week! SCORE also holds workshops in multiple languages. Please check out this link that lists all of the workshops that SCORE conducts for Excel in the coming months.  

SCORE’s Small Business Resilience program

This year, during an unprecedented national health crisis, small businesses needed help more than ever before. In order to support these business owners when they needed it most, the SCORE Foundation provided funding for SCORE’s Small Business Resilience program. This platform allowed SCORE to pivot their mentoring and educational services onto virtual platforms, where clients could easily access the pandemic-related information, guidance and resources they needed to survive and thrive. Learn more 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


·    What is Web 3.0

·    Generative AI

·    Using ChatGPT

·    Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

·    AI - A Progress Report on ChatGPT, Google’s Bard, and Microsoft’s Bing Chatbot

·    What Consumers Want to See on Your Website

·    Conversion Copywriting Tips to Grow Revenue

·    Conversion Optimization Tools

·    Creating Powerful Ads on Facebook

·    Facebook is Redesigning its News Feed: What Marketers Need to Know

·    Nonprofit Marketing Trends 2022

·    How Consumers Learn About Products in 2022

·    Consumer Behavior Stats for 2022

·    2022 Top Marketing Challenges

·    Blogging Tips

·    New Rules of Marketing in 2020

·    Digital Marketing Rules

·    Cash Management

2Plus2Tutoring

$5 off first session for Chamber Members


A1 Pizza Taunton

$5 off orders of $50 or more


Abi-Saad Print & Design

10% off custom screen printing services for TACC Members


Anchor Barre

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


Andi's Aesthetics

Offering Chamber members 10% off regular priced services.


Burger King

10% off Senior Discount

(only valid at 716 County St., Taunton )

Download the BK App to access exclusive discounts and deals!


CB Disco

10% discount to members on first order over $250 or

5-10 free lapel pins. Contact Andrew for more info.


The Cleaning Queen

$50 off initial deep cleaning for all Chamber Members


Couture Kreations

10% off first wholesale order for Chamber members.

Contact Kylee for more info.


Distinguished Details, LLC

15% off contracted services.

Email Camille for more info.


Engayge, Inc.

Claim 50% off the LGBTQ+ Competency Audit for TACC Members Only using code: TACCENGAYGE. Email for more info: info@engayge.us.


The Exodus Experience

10% off photobooth experience for Chamber members


Growth Arise Consulting LLC

20% off DISC assessment with debriefing for Chamber members. Contact Patricia for more info. 


High Quality Installations CO

5% off for Chamber Members. Contact Joanne for more info.


Hometown Furnishings

10% off for Chamber members


Hometown's Tacos Locos

10% off for Chamber members

(discount applies to individual orders for members, not catering events)


Junkluggers of Southeastern MA & RI

$25 off 1/4 truck or more! Please redeem at time of booking. Limit one per household. Cannot be combined with other offers. Learn more here. 

MBL Land Development & Permitting, Corp.

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


Michelle's Ah-Mazing Grazing

10% off all in-store purchases for Chamber members, including special order grazing boards for a future date - not valid for grazing table setups or purchases made online. Contact Michelle for more info.


Nichole B Photography

10% discount for TACC members with referral bonuses as well! Contact Nichole for more info.


PieZoni's

15% off for Chamber members. Contact Daniel for details.


Plymouth Rock & Correira Insurance

5% off your auto insurance. Contact Luke for details.


R&D Cleaning Co.

10% off cleaning services

Contact Renay for more info.


Rego Electric

10% off for Chamber Members. Contact Duane for more info.


Relaxation Works Spa

TACC members receive $10 off $95 or more when scheduling a facial or whole health massage. Use code TACC when scheduling online or mention the code at check out.


Shaw Consulting LLC

$15 off one hour consultations (per hour) for Chamber members or $50 off per month on a 3-month contract.


Soulibre, LLC

10% off workshops and one-on-one mentoring for Chamber Members. Contact Jordan for more info.


The Star Drive-In

10% off any purchase


Staples

Sign up for the Staples Chamber Discount Program and get 10% off non-sale items and 20% off print & marketing services! Chamber Members must sign up through this form and also register for a rewards account either online or in person at the store.


Sullivan Tire

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


Kundalini Pearls-Yoni Steaming Spa

25% off for Chamber members.



Ask us how you can participate in the Member to Member Discount Program!

Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce

170 Dean Street, Taunton, MA 02780

(508) 824-4068

tauntonareachamber.org

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