Join Us at Our Upcoming Events

Mark Your Calendars

Wednesday, April 26; 11:45 a.m.

Extreme Networking

Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites

65 Ledgeview Way

Wrentham, MA

Thursday, April 27; Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch with the Massachusetts Coalition for Independent Work

110 Grill

25 Ledgeview Way

Wrentham, MA

Friday, May 5; 7:45 a.m.

Executive Express-O

in the Chamber Office

310 South Street

Plainville, MA

Wednesday, May 10; 11:45 a.m.

Extreme Networking

Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites

65 Ledgeview Way

Wrentham, MA

Wednesday, May 24; 11:45 a.m.

Extreme Networking

Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites

65 Ledgeview Way

Wrentham, MA

Monday, July 17

Annual URCC Golf Tournament

NEW VENUE: Pawtucket Country Club

Registration 11:30 a.m.

Shotgun Start at Noon

Multi-Chamber Event

Opening Day for Racing at Plainridge Park Casino

A Great Time Was Had by All

We filled the room last week with a fantastic multi-chamber business networking event at URCC Chairman's Circle member Plainridge Park Casino to celebrate racing's opening day. So many chamber members were there to sample the fantastic food, network with other members, and watch the opening day of harness racing! Enjoy the photos that were taken by Andy Heller of URCC member Heller Photography. Thank you so much, Andy. You are awesome!

Are you coming to the forum hosted by MCIW?

Location
110 Grille, Wrentham, MA

Date And Time
04/27/23 12:00pm - 04/27/23 1:00pm

Jack Interviewed Denny Cosmo, Director of the Joseph A. Marshall Veterans Center

Last week, Jack interviewed Denny Cosmo, SHRM-CP, director of the Joseph A. Marshall Veterans Center at URCC member Bristol Community College (BCC). They talked about the Veteran Center and BCC's Student Veterans of America Chapter.

This Wednesday, Jack will be talking to Mike Carroll from URCC member Dean Bank about scams. You've seen them. You get an email supposedly from your bank, but when you look at the sender's address, the message isn't from your bank. These scams target the elderly who might not be very computer savvy -- very scary.

Check Out Our Job Board

Our Job Board, an exclusive benefit for our member companies, is a valuable tool for hiring managers looking to attract and find new talent. Recently, we posted jobs available at URCC member Confidence Fitness.

Visit Our Job Board

Send your job postings to us and we'll add the information to our Job Board.

And for the past couple of months, we have been offering a new service. Each week, we'll post new job listings on our Facebook page.

Your posting will be seen by many potential job candidates.

Send your job postings to [email protected].

We're looking forward to helping you fill your open positions.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $78 Million

for New Grant Programs to Support Massachusetts Small Businesses

Last week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) announced two new grant programs totaling $78 million in funding to support Massachusetts small businesses.  

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and our economy,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “Through these new grant programs, small businesses will have access to much-needed capital and resources to help them grow and thrive. We're grateful to our partners in the Legislature for allocating these critical funds.”

The Inclusive Recovery Grant Program will provide up to $75 million in funding through grants of up to $75,000 for businesses owned by people of color, women, veterans, immigrants, individuals with disabilities, or those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community; businesses that focus on reaching markets predominantly made up of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups; and other underserved markets.

The Independent Movie Theater Grant Program will provide a total of $3 million in funding to support movie theaters in Massachusetts. Eligible applicants can receive $15,000 for each of the first two screens they add at a particular location and $10,000 for each additional screen at a particular location. 

These funds will be administered by MGCC and were appropriated through the Commonwealth’s FY2023 Economic Development Bill. 

“Small businesses employ half the workforce in our state and account for the majority of all our businesses,” said Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “We’re pleased this targeted funding will support small business owners that have traditionally struggled to access needed capital and those serving historically underrepresented populations.”

“Our small business owners and entrepreneurs, many of whom are women, people of color, veterans, and immigrants, need access to capital in order to get their ventures off the ground and expand their footprint in Massachusetts,” said Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “We are grateful to MGCC for playing an important role in empowering small business owners and advancing equitable business growth across the state.” 

“These programs provide an accessible and streamlined process for underserved businesses to access the capital that will be instrumental to their growth,” said Larry Andrews, President and CEO of MGCC. “Our extensive network of community partners is actively reaching out to their local businesses to provide the necessary technical assistance to assist through the application process.” 

Applications are now being accepted for both programs and are available here (https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/). The deadline to apply is Friday, April 28, 2023. Businesses interested in applying must fill out and submit the online application along with required documentation.

Starting Tomorrow

Free STEM Circuit Workshop for Middle School Students at the Attleboro Area Industrial Museum

The Attleboro Area Industrial Museum will facilitate a free STEM Circuit Workshop Wednesday - Friday, April 19 - 21, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Children can come to learn the basics of circuits, allowing their creativity to blossom and furthering their own learning.

Middle school students will build their own mini-circuits with LED lights to take home. 20 spots are available.

Register Here

The Museum is open Thursday and Friday 10 am - 4 pm.

Free Admission

Donations are always welcome

Call the museum at 508-222-3918 or email

[email protected]

with questions.

$75,000,000 in Grants Available to Support Small Businesses

$10,000 - $75,000

Timeline

March 31 at 12:00 p.m. – Application opens

April 28 at 11:59 p.m. – Application closes

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has made $75,000,000 available to support small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program targets businesses that focus on reaching markets predominantly made up of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups, underserved markets, and those owned by minorities, women, veterans, immigrants, first-generation immigrants, disabled individuals, or those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. MGCC will administer grants up to $75,000 for eligible small businesses, in a geographically equitable manner. 

Learn More Here

Smoked Out 420 Fest

Zahara Cannabis

70 Frank Mossberg Drive

Attleboro

April 20; 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Register Here

Do you know someone who needs help getting to the next phase of their business? Let Cliff Robbins, a Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) Senior Business Advisor, guide them through the process. This webinar is open to anyone who is starting, growing, or financing a small business.

Register Here

Derby Day Watch Party Fundraiser: Racing for a Good Cause!

An Unforgettable Evening of Fun, Food, and Philanthropy

Saturday, May 6

4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Plainridge Park Casino

From $50.00

Get ready for an action-packed Derby Day Watch Party Fundraiser on May 6th, 2023, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Plainridge Park Casino! This event promises a fantastic evening of thrilling horse racing, delightful food, and an opportunity to support a good cause. Plus, join in on the excitement with a raffle for a variety of cash prizes, adding even more fun to this spectacular night. You won't want to miss out on this unforgettable experience filled with entertainment, great company, and the chance to make a difference. So mark your calendars and get your tickets now for a memorable Derby Day celebration! 

Go to their home page for tickets.

The Literacy Center Is Proud to Present

10th Annual International Tasting

May 17 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

at Five Bridge Inn, Rehoboth 

The Literacy Center invites you to enjoy an evening of fantastic food, delightful drinks, exciting raffle prizes, and musical performances - all in celebration of the rich diversity and culture of our community. Now in its tenth year, the International Tasting has become a not-to-be-missed annual experience for foodies and friends alike.

Buy Tickets Here

Small Business Day on Beacon Hill

Hosted by NFIB, the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association

Wednesday, May 24

UMass Club

1 Beacon Street

Boston, MA

Boston legislators are planning Small Business Day on Beacon Hill. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 24 at the UMass Club and serves as an opportunity to highlight the issues important to Massachusetts small businesses. It is more important than ever that small business owner voices are heard, and legislators understand the many issues facing employers. From staffing challenges to inflation, Massachusetts small businesses are still in a state of recovery. 

Chamber of Commerce members are invited to participate in Small Business Day, which will be free this year. As in past years, they will be creating a registration landing page that includes your logo with their list of partners. 

The program will include: 

- Refreshments and Welcome
- Legislative Update (Labor mandates, healthcare, energy, taxation, etc.)
- Panel on Energy Costs
- Keynote Speaker (TBD)
- Visits with Legislators in the State House

To learn more or to join the list of participating organizations contact [email protected]. 

We will offer a link when it is available.

STEM Talent Challenge Funding Opportunity through the US Economic Development Administration,Open for Applications until June 12

A Message from Congressman Jake Auchincloss's Office:

The STEM Talent Challenge seeks to develop or expand regional workforce capacity to support high-growth, high-wage entrepreneurial ventures, industries of the future (which usually includes industries that leverage emerging technologies), and other innovation-driven businesses that have a high likelihood of accelerating economic competitiveness and job creation in their respective regions and in the United States 

If you are interested in applying, feel free to reach out to me directly to request a letter of support from Congressman Auchincloss. Please let me know if you have any questions. 

Best,

Jenna Massoud 

Senior District Representative

Office of Congressman Jake Auchincloss, MA-4

29 Crafts Street, Suite 375, Newton, MA

Office: (617) 332-3333

[email protected]

The Patio, the Loft, the Revolution Lounge, Entertainment, Cornhole, and, of Course, Slots, Barstool Sports Book, and Table Games. Wow!

If you're looking for excitement and winning at a New England casino, 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 myheroes program and is excited to keep growing. To celebrate hitting 100,000 members, they recently donated $100,000 to local veterans and first responder organizations across the country. Thank you to the veterans and families for your service to our country!

Slack's Oyster House and Grill and the Food Court are open.

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

Your weekend STARTS On The Patio and at the Home Stretch Food Truck.

The patio is open Thursday 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Friday 1 p.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday 1 p.m. -

9 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Click Here for the Home Stretch Food Truck Menu

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 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 Line Up for the Revolution Lounge

April 21 - Zero Drift Band

April 22 - Diva and the Playboys

April 28 - Broken Heels

April 29 - Danny Keins Full House

May 5 - XS Band

May 6 - Queen Flash Live: A night to remember

May 12 - Hipshot

May 13 - Hijacked

May 19 - Diva an the Playboys

May 20 - Neon Lighthouse

May 26 - Brandy

May 27 - Zero Drift Band

URCC Corporate Partner 

An Unlikely Story

Check out theirhome pagefor upcoming events.

An Unlikely Story

111 South Street

Plainville

(508) 699-0244

Sign up for their weekly enewsletter on their home page.

Peruse 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!

Café: 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily

Kitchen: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. daily 

Click Here for the Café Menu

Member Opportunities

Visit her website

MassDevelopment Hours Announced for 2023

Jay Pateakos, vice president of Business Development for the South Region of MassDevelopment, continues to hold office hours at the United Regional Chamber office at 310 South Street in Plainville.

Jay is available to provide information and answer questions about how MassDevelopment can help businesses, financial institutions, and municipalities in southeastern Massachusetts.

He has announced his office hours for 2023. All office hours are from 10:00 a.m. - noon.

May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13, October 11, November 8, and December 13.

 For more information, email Jay or call 508-678-0533, ext. 1201.

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 networking group 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. Only one person from each profession is invited to join this exclusive group that focuses on providing referrals.

Executive Express-O is meeting in our office on the first Friday of every month.

MassDevelopment's Jay Pateakos, vice president of Business Development for the South Region, holds office hours every month.

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