Blackstone Valley Chamber

of Commerce Newsletter

June 6, 2024

UP & COMING CHAMBER EVENTS

While our focus is on women's success, this event is open to everyone. Men are warmly invited to join us for this unique networking opportunity!

Register Here
Learn More Here!
Register - June 18th Masterclass
Register Here

SAVE THE DATE!

August 14, 2024

Steamers At Sunset


Join the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce for our quintessential annual Steamers At Sunset event! Celebrate Summer with your friends, colleagues, and fellow chamber members with music, great food, refreshing cocktails, fun activities & even better company. Dress to impress in your finest Hawaiian attire for a chance to win the coveted Golden Lobster Award!

NETWORKING HAPPENINGS!

Interested In Sponsoring One Of Our 2023-2024 Events?

When you sponsor a BVCC Event you are increasing your marketing and exposure to the Blackstone Valley's businesses, local residents, and potential customers! Take your marketing to the next level with unique sponsorship opportunities with the Chamber!

Please click the button below, or contact us at 508.234.9090 for more information.
View Our Sponsorship Catalog
Exclusive BVCC Member To Member Benefits
Being a member of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, has so many benefits! One of those benefits is sharing offers, promotions, and discounts with your fellow members!

Please click the button below to view all the BVCC Member To Member offers.

Are you interested in being featured? Please email Liz O'Neil at loneil@blackstonevalley.org.

(may take up to 2 weeks lead time to be featured)
Click Here To View PDF
JOIN A BVCC NETWORKING GROUP!
Learn More!
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MEMBER NEWS & HAPPENINGS

FREE 1-Hour Workshop

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Virtual | 12:00pm-1:00pm


Register Here!

Benefit Earth Bash is taking place on June 21, 2024, at Southwick's Zoo and it's an event that you don't want to miss! EARTH's largest fundraiser of the year delivers a larger-than-life experience. Imagine sampling draft beers next to giraffes! 

 

Guests will enjoy an evening of adventure and explore Southwick’s Zoo after hours. Learn more about the zoo’s animal ambassadors, get a bird’s eye view of the festivities from the Skyfari, enjoy a relaxing ride through the zoo on our train, listen to live music, and more!

 

Guests can also look forward to appetizers and cocktail stations, a delicious dinner, and prizes!

 

Purchase Tickets here: https://www.earthltd.org/benefit-earth-bash/

 

Interested in Sponsoring Earth Bash? Email kelsea@earthltd.org or betsey@earthltd.org

Don't miss out on this special opportunity being offered with exclusive WSN Member discounted pricing for $65!


MassDevelopment Emerging Technology Fund

 

The Emerging Technology Fund (ETF) is designed to assist growing companies in Massachusetts by providing capital needed for expansion. The fund offers loans of up to $4,000,000 for acquisition, expansion, working capital, and equipment purchases.

 

Eligible technology companies must meet the following criteria:

·    Launching or expanding operations in Massachusetts

·    Seeking financing for real estate or equipment related expansion

·    Receiving financing from 2 other parties

·    Can ensure that their financial investment benefits the state economy

 

Click here to learn more about the program. To inquire about your eligibility, contact Kevin Barry at 857-262-3129 or kbarry@massdevelopment.com. 

Learn More Here
Learn More Here!

The NEACC board is appreciative of the contributions of its associate members, the show exhibitors, and show sponsors. We look forward to the NEACC Fall Classic Golf Outing & Expo on September 18, 2024 at Blissful Meadows Golf Course in Uxbridge, MA.

Our own Mr. Jim Gorman from Nipmuc HS was awarded STEM Teacher of the Year at the STEM Conference on May 15th at Bridgewater State University by Secretary of Education, Patrick Tutwiler


The Patriots Hall of Fame presented by RTX today announced that James Gorman has been selected as the Massachusetts STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made by Chairman and CEO, Robert Kraft. Gorman teaches science at Nipmuc Regional High School in Upton, MA. As this year’s recipient of the honor, Nipmuc Regional High School will receive $5,000 from the Patriots Foundation in his name to be used for STEM education. Gorman will also be appointed to Governor Maura Healey’s STEM Advisory Council, chaired by Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll.



“This teacher approaches STEM teaching with curiosity, discovery, and a commitment to using the power of personalized learning to unlock the potential of his students. As a former special education student who became an AP Physics teacher, his story is an inspiration to his students,” said Kraft. “Congratulations James! Thank you for your investment in your students. It will continue to pay dividends for years to come. “


“Massachusetts is a leader in education, and teachers like Mr. Gorman are critical to our ability to continue providing the best opportunities in STEM for our students,” said Governor Maura Healey. “In our state, we want to open doors for our young people, especially to STEM pathways, which is why we are so appreciative of Mr. Gorman for all the work he does to support and guide our students in and out of the classroom.”

Read Full Press Release Here





We are pleased to announce that the Mass Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) Biz-M-Power Program will reopen on March 1st  


However, Funding is limited. Due to limited funding, the program has reverted to a 1:1 match. This will allow greater access for more business owners to complete capital expense projects. 


To qualify for this grant, the applicant businesses must be sponsored by a MGCC SBTA Provider. The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce is a registered and approved sponsor and we are very happy to work with you. Be sure to list us as your sponsor on your application and notify us that you are applying. Please feel free to reach out to us for help.

 

If you were familiar with the previous grant, please note there have been some changes:  


· 1:1 Match MGCC Grant request a $2,500 minimum and a maximum of $20,000. (Total cost of projects $5K –$40K * If businesses raise a minimum of $2,500, MGCC will award a matching grant) 

· Commercial vehicles are no longer an approved use of funds.  

· Only online donations are accepted.  (No offline cash or check)  

· State has requested to approve all projects.  

 

To find out more and review the application visit: https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/ and click on grants. Good luck!

Why You Should Join The BVCC!
When you become a Chamber member, a whole world of benefits and opportunities is opened up to you. Become part of a group of hardworking, collaborative local business people who want to make the Blackstone Valley thrive.

Our #1 priority is to help you!

Serving Northbridge, Grafton, Sutton, Millbury, Uxbridge, Douglas, Millville, Mendon, Hopedale, Upton & Blackstone.

Top 10 Benefits Why You Should Join!
Be Our Guest On "About The Valley" Hosted By Harry Berkowitz!
Tune into "About the Valley", hosted by Harry Berkowitz!

New members are encouraged to sign up for a space. Past sponsors, it may have been included in a sponsorship level package.

Interested in being a guest?
Please contact Jeannie Hebert, at jhebert@blackstonevalley.org.
BVCC Hours
Monday: Remote
Tuesday - Thursday: 9:00am-4:00pm
Friday: Remote
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED

Office Phone: 508.234.9090

Jeannie Hebert, President & CEO
Phone: 508.234.9090 ext. 106  
Cell: 508.981.5782   

Liz O’Neil, Director or Programs, Events & Membership and Marketing Coordinator
Phone: 508.234.9090 ext. 102           

Kristen Kearnan, Office Administrator & Membership Manager
Phone: 508.234.9090 ext. 100
Our Mission
To preserve and enhance the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley by addressing the needs and concerns of businesses and providing leadership, support and resources in connection with issues which impact commerce and the quality of life in the Valley.

Serving Our Community
The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce is a donation site for the Peace of Bread Food Pantry. Please drop off your non-perishable food items in our lobby during office hours for the people of the Blackstone Valley.
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Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
670 Linwood Avenue, Building A, Suite #5, Whitinsville, MA 01588
508.234.9090 | www.BlackstoneValley.org