We're Not Just a Chamber of Commerce;
We're a Chamber of Connections
8

April 30, 2024

CHAMBER NEWS & UPDATES

Welcome New Member Rust-Oleum



Local Rust-Oleum office

113 Olive Street

Attleboro, MA

508-222-3710


Please join us in welcoming new member Rust-Oleum.


Rust-Oleum is the leading manufacturer of premium consumer and industrial paint and coating products. Rust-Oleum was founded on the principle of creating innovative products. And, after 100 years, they are just getting started!


Known worldwide for industry-leading paints and coatings, Rust-Oleum has a strong global presence. Our international operations span the globe and can meet your needs, no matter how big or small, wherever you are. From Asia to Australia and back, you can trust Rust-Oleum for solutions that work.


In 1921, sea captain Robert Fergusson noticed that fish oil prevented rust from forming on his ship’s metal deck. Working with a chemist, Fergusson developed one of the world’s first rust-preventive paints and Rust-Oleum was born.

Starting with just 24 colors of paint, Rust-Oleum has grown to be a global leader in manufacturing innovative coatings that empower do-it-yourselfers and professionals alike.


They strive to honor the same innovative spirit that started Rust-Oleum a century ago in all of their categories, including small project paints, cleaners, primers, automotive, industrial, high-performance coatings, wood care, and more.


Welcome, Rust-Oleum!

 

Welcome New

URCC Board of Directors Member

Michael Bokelman



Mike Bokelman is a licensed Senior Mortgage Loan Originator with the Washington Trust Mortgage Co & Bank, a locally based company. He can assist you with residential loans in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Mike has more than 21 years’ experience helping home buyers and homeowners find the best loan program to fit their unique needs and budgets.


Mike is able to offer competitive loan products such as Conventional (conforming), Jumbo Lending, First-time Home Buyer and Affordable loans, Government (FHA/VA/USDA), and Portfolio Loan products. He also specializes in construction loans. Mike’s company provides local in house underwriting and support on most product lines, which results in an efficient process with prompt turnaround times. Mike is also a Notary of the state of Massachusetts.


Mike lives in Franklin, Massachusetts, with his wonderful wife and two kids. He is an alumnus of Bishop Feehan High School and Westfield State University.  


Mike has been a member of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce since 2023 as well as co-director of the chamber's Extreme Networking Group. Mike is looking forward to the growth and connections that he will be able to make within the chamber.

 

A few words from Mike...

My goal is to always provide the best service to my clients by up front communication, educating, and then guiding them through the mortgage process. Together we arrive at the best financing available to achieve the goal of home ownership or to refinance to maximize the equity for their needs. It is always a great feeling to provide the best service and loan products to my clients so that they become customers and friends for life. As the newest appointee to the Board of Directors for the UCCC, I look to continue bringing my many connections in the local community to others within the Chamber as well as making new connections. I welcome the opportunity to join fellow Directors and President Jack Lank to help grow the chamber membership and be able to continue bringing support to local small businesses and services in and around our community.   



Join Us at Our Upcoming Event

Mark Your Calendars



Wednesday, May 8, 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Extreme Networking

Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites

65 Ledgeview Way

Wrentham



Wednesday, May 14; 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Alive After Five

Sponsored by Marcie Rappa of member Better Living Real Estate

and Corey Phinney of member Supercharged Entertainment

at Supercharged Entertainment

40 Commerce Boulevard

Wrentham, MA



Wednesday, May 22, 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Extreme Networking

Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites

65 Ledgeview Way

Wrentham







Join Our Extreme Networking Group



The URCC Extreme Networking group that meets at member Springhill Suites/Towneplace Suites is still filling seats and building a solid local networking group with our 16-town chamber. Contact Marcie Rappa of URCC member Marcie Rappa Homes at marcie@betterliving.com to ask if your business seat is still available.


This dedicated group is helping each other by learning from each other, using services, referring friends, and becoming a resource for each other. 

Host an Alive After Five Networking Event

in 2024

 

Interested in getting your name out there or making additional business connections? Consider hosting an Alive After Five with the Chamber in 2024! We'd love to help you 

network with local business professionals at your place of business.


Hosting an Alive After Five event gives you the opportunity to open your doors to fellow Chamber members to showcase your business and services. You supply the light refreshments, and we'll invite the guests.


Contact URCC President Jack Lank at jack@unitedregionalchamber.org to schedule an event.

MEMBER NEWS AND UPDATES

Learn More Here 

Celebrate our small businesses, their owners, and staffs.

May 2024 be a banner year.




SBA and Score Will Co-host the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit April 30 - May 1

Learn More Here
Register Here

Small Business Day on Beacon Hill

May 15





Massachusetts State House Room 428

24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA


Program begins at 10:00 A.M. and runs through 11:30 A.M. followed by legislative visits that NFIB will schedule.


NFIB, the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association will co-host Small Business Day on Beacon Hill again this year. The program will include:

 

  • An update on key pieces of legislation regarding compensation, time off policies, taxes, labor issues, healthcare expenses, and energy costs
  • A legislative panel discussion made up of key lawmakers on small business competitiveness 
  • Visits to legislative offices


The event is FREE to attend with light refreshments.

 

Detail | Events | NFIB

 

Buy Tickets Here


URCC Member

The Literacy Center Presents



The 11th Annual International Tasting


 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15 | 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM  

FIVE BRIDGE INN, REHOBOTH



Join us on May 15 for a food and beverage festival that celebrates the rich diversity of global cuisine in our community.

 

This expo-style tasting event includes delectable restaurant and chef menus plus sips, sweets, and treats!


Over a dozen food and beverage vendors will join together at The Literacy Center’s signature fundraiser to help us raise money for our important mission.

 

Early bird tickets are on sale until April 6.


Purchase tickets today to ensure you get in on the fun!


This event will sell out.

Buy Tickets

The Sportsbook, the Loft, the Revolution Lounge, Entertainment, and, of Course, Slots and Table Games


Wow!


If you're looking for excitement and winning at a New England casino, URCC Chairman's Circle member Plainridge Park Casino, the hometown casino, is for you. You can play at over 1,200 slots or electronic table games, enjoy live local entertainment, choose from seven outstanding dining outlets, or hold your meeting or reception at one of their event venues. And they simulcast horse races around the country. You'll find an exciting experience and hometown hospitality every time you visit.


Plainridge Park Casino is proud of its PENN Heroes program and is excited to keep growing. The PENN Heroes rewards program gives our nation’s active-duty military, veterans, and first responders access to special discounts, promotions, and events. It’s PENN National's way to offer thanks for their commitment to our country and communities.



Here Are the Casino's Current Promotions

The sportsbook you've been craving is here - and it's about to change the game day scene forever. At Plainridge Park Casino's new Sportsbook Bar and Restaurant, every play is intensified by pure adrenaline. With a massive 49-foot video wall delivering action in crystal clarity, you'll feel like you're on the field surrounded by giants. Their jumbotron is unmatched. It is the largest indoor restaurant display in all New England.


Check out all the dining options.

You can make reservations on the Plainridge Park Casino home page.

Slice and Grab and Game are currently closed for renovations.


The Loft features a wide variety of entertainment from stand-up comedians and comic hypnotists to live swing bands and musicians. Looking for an intimate night out? Come to The Loft and see what everyone is talking about.


Friday and Saturday nights from 8:00 p.m. to midnight, the Revolution Lounge features the area's best live bands and DJs. Whether you want to dance the night away or relax and hang out with friends, the Revolution Lounge is a great place to unwind after a long week. Best of all, all shows at the Revolution Lounge are completely FREE with no cover charge. No ticket or reservation required!

Here's the lineup for the Revolution Lounge for the rest of April.

The Revolution Lounge's hours are 11:00 a.m. - 12:45 a.m. daily.


MAY 3 • NEON LIGHTHOUSES

MAY 4 • DIVA & THE PLAYBOYS

MAY 10 • DJ EMELITA

MAY 11 • NORTHEAST GROOVE

MAY 17 • PERFECT EXAMPLE

MAY 18 • FRONT & CENTER

MAY 24 • THIRTY 6 RED

MAY 25 • ABBA MANIA

MAY 26 • COPILOT

MAY 31 • OVERTONE


Kentucky Derby Patio Party

Sat, May 4 at 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Plainridge Park Casino

From $25.00


Get ready for an unforgettable Kentucky Derby experience at Plainridge Park Casino!


On May 4, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, they are throwing the hottest Derby Day watch party around. Enjoy live race coverage, delicious food, Del's Lemonade, fantastic entertainment, and the chance to win big!


This is what you'll get:

  • Live Kentucky Derby Streaming: Watch all the heart-pounding action on the big screens!
  • Complimentary Bubbly: Toast to your winnings (or good sportsmanship) with a free glass of bubbly.
  • Live Music and DJ: Get the party started with Cold Chocolate followed by DJ Pete Netscape keeping the energy high!
  • Plus so much more!


Get Your Tickets Here 




URCC Corporate Partner 

An Unlikely Story





Visit their home page for upcoming events.


An Unlikely Story

111 South Street

Plainville

(508) 699-0244


Sign up for their weekly enewsletter on their home page.


Check out their Staff Picks section and take advantage of the expertise of their amazing booksellers.


Be sure to visit the Unlikely Café for a hot chocolate or delicious hot soup!



Bookstore Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.


Café Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.


Kitchen Hours:

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Every Day


Click Here for the Café Menu
Visit her website
MEMBER OPPORTUNITIES

Massachusetts Small Business Development Center

Meetings Conducted via Phone and Conference Call


Nancy Lowd, Senior Business Advisor at the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC), will be conducting meetings by phone and conference call for the foreseeable future.


Call 508-673-9783 for a virtual appointment

The MSBDC is committed to helping your business succeed in Massachusetts. They provide free, confidential, one-to-one business assistance, and free or low-cost educational training programs to prospective and existing small businesses throughout the Commonwealth. The MSBDC fosters the start, growth, and sustainability of small business by providing high-quality, in-depth advising, training, and capital access.

JOIN US

URCC MONTHLY MEETINGS


Our Extreme Networking group, hosted by Marcie Rappa of URCC member Marcie Rappa Home and Associates, meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., at member Springhill Suites/Townplace Suites in Wrentham. This exclusive group focuses on providing referrals so only one person from each profession is invited to attend.


Our Lunch and Learn series meets in member restaurants to provide a forum for business leaders to address the most pressing issues they are facing.


Small Business Advising with the Small Business Administration is available remotely.


Help Us Thank Our Chairman's Circle Member
Help Us Thank Our Corporate Partners