CHAMBER NEWS & UPDATES

Join Us at Our Upcoming Events
Mark Your Calendars

Wednesday, June 7; 7:45 a.m.

Executive Express-O

in the Chamber Office

310 South Street

Plainville

Wednesday, June 14; 11:45 a.m.

Extreme Networking

Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites

65 Ledgeview Way

Wrentham

Thursday, June 15; 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Multi-Chamber Networking Event

Norwood Space Center

83 Morse Street

Norwood

Wednesday, June 21; 11:45 a.m.

Extreme Networking

Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites

65 Ledgeview Way

Wrentham

Wednesday, June 28; 11:45 a.m.

Extreme Networking

Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites

65 Ledgeview Way

Wrentham

Wednesday, July 5; 7:45 a.m.

Executive Express-O

in the Chamber Office

310 South Street

Plainville

Wednesday, July 12; 11:45 a.m.

Extreme Networking

Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites

65 Ledgeview Way

Wrentham

Monday, July 17

Annual URCC Golf Tournament

NEW VENUE: Pawtucket Country Club

Registration 11:30 a.m.

Shotgun Start at Noon

900 Armistice Blvd.

Pawtucket, RI

Wednesday, July 19; 11:45 a.m.

Extreme Networking

Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites

65 Ledgeview Way

Wrentham

Thursday, July 27

Alive After Five

Village Green/Chestnut Hill Realty

Village Green Apartments

11 Messenger Street

Plainville

Jack Features Dr. Mary Medeiros on His Cable Show

This week Jack talked with Dr. Mary Medeiros of URCC member Thrive Adult Primary Care on his cable show hosted by URCC member DoubleACS. They talked about her practice and her Blast Off dinner that will be in June. Check out the flyer about Blast Off in the member section of this enews.

See You at Executive Express-O
Wednesday, June 7
7:45 a. m.
United Regional Chamber of Commerce office
310 South Street
Plainville

CEOs solve their problems fast at our monthly Executive Express-O meetings. Each month, in an informational atmosphere, business owners get together to discuss obstacles they face in growing their businesses faster and more profitable. Hosted by our board chair and Leadership and Business Growth Coach Josh Vanada, Executive Express-O brings like-minded professionals together to discuss pertinent business topics.

This month's topic is One Single Story: Marketing, Prospecting, and Sales Strategy.

Multi-chamber Networking Event
Thursday, June 15
Norwood Space Center
83 Morse Street
Norwood
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Join us for our Second Annual Spring into Summer Networking Event. This is a multi-chamber event : Neponset River Regional Chamber, Metro South Chamber of Commerce, and United Regional Chamber, along with sponsor, Norwood Space Center. We have great food and drink along with lawn games and musical entertainment.

Bring a friend and show them the value of being a chamber member.

Make this networking event the highlight of spring as we jump into summer!

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 members Confidence Fitness, Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, and Joyful Living at Sterling Lofts.

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.

MEMBER NEWS AND UPDATES

A New Segment from Franklin News

Franklin TV, Franklin Public Radio, and Franklin Matters are now jointly providing news and information in multiple media formats. 

Subscribe to Franklin.news to get the info on the discussion and links to the budget documents, the video, and audio replays. An informed resident will make the best decision when it comes to voting on local elections (November 2023).  

Read the Latest Edition Here

Bristol Community College Names New Vice President for Academic Affairs

Andrew Fisher, Ed. D. has been appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs at URCC member Bristol Community College. 

Dr. Fisher enters his new role after working at NHTI-Concord's Community College, as Vice President of Academic Affairs - Chief Academic Officer, since 2020. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in anthropology, from the University of North Texas and his Master of Science in higher education teaching, and his Doctor of Education in supervision, curriculum development, and instructional leadership in higher education, from Texas A&M University-Commerce. 

He has worked in higher education for more than 15 years, as both an innovative leader and faculty member. 

As Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Fisher will direct Bristol’s academic programs and services, in alignment with the college’s mission, goals, and core values and will ensure that Bristol’s academic programs and services continue to meet the evolving needs of their students and communities. 

Some of Dr. Fisher’s most notable achievements at NHTI-Concord's Community College include advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts to incorporate more inclusive hiring and support for professional development, establishing an enhanced system for learning outcome documentation, and developing a micro-credential program that spanned credit to non-credit offerings tied to workforce demands. 

Prior to this most recent role, he held positions as Provost and Chief Academic Officer at North Central Texas College; Campus Director and Instructor of Developmental Reading and Writing, English, and Learning Frameworks at Paris Junior College; as well as Chair of the Developmental Studies Department at Panola College.  

Dr. Fisher joined Bristol on May 22, 2023.  

Bristol County Savings Bank Holds 2023 Annual Meeting

Don A. Backlund, Chairman of the Board of URCC member Bristol County Savings Bank, emphasized at the recent Annual Meeting of Beacon Bancorp that the Bank’s long history of strong financial performance and an unwavering commitment to the communities it serves can be attributed to a “People Helping People” culture that continues to define who the Bank is – a community bank forged by a relationship-driven philosophy and a commitment to mutuality.

The Bank’s consolidated total assets were $3.1 billion as of October 31, 2022. This represents an increase of $52 million, or approximately 2 percent over the prior year. The Bank achieved very strong results from lending activities during fiscal year 2022, with total loans (net of the allowance for loan losses) reaching $2.2 billion. This represents an increase of $164 million from October 31, 2021, or 8 percent of total loans. At this level of growth, the Bank’s loans to total assets ratio has returned to 72%, a benchmark that approximates pre-pandemic levels. Lastly, the Bank’s total equity capital was $371.6 million as of October 31, 2022, exceeding 12% of total assets. This strong level of capital places Bristol County Savings Bank well in excess of all minimum regulatory capital ratios for well-capitalized institutions.

Also at the meeting, Patrick J. Murray, Jr., President and CEO of Bristol County Savings

Bank, announced that the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation contributed a record $2.3 million to 193 non-profit organizations within the communities the Bank serves in FY2022, making it the thirteenth consecutive year the Fund has awarded more than $1 million in local support. The Bank was named a Top Charitable Contributor in 2022 by Boston Business Journal for the sixth consecutive year. The Foundation has committed over $28 million to area communities since its inception in 1996.

The following were named Corporators and elected on Tuesday, May 9, 2023:

- Aimee B. Brewer, President & CEO, Sturdy Health in Attleboro and a resident of

Saunderstown, Rhode Island

- Vernon Miles, President, Milestone Mortgage Solutions in New Bedford and a resident of Dartmouth, Massachusetts

- Brett M. Miller, CEO/Founder, Building Envelope Systems, LLC in Plainville and a resident of Norfolk, Massachusetts

- Jay R. Peabody, Co-Managing Partner, Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP in Providence and a resident of Holliston, Massachusetts

- Daniel J. Vieira, Attorney, Vieira & DiGiannfilippo Ltd. in South Easton and a resident of Wrentham, Massachusetts

- Linda G. Weisinger, Executive Director, Pawtucket Central Falls Development Corporation in Pawtucket and a resident of Cranston, Rhode Island

Online Survey about Our Workforce and Education System and the State’s Economic Competitiveness

Please ask your C-suite executives, hiring managers, HR, government affairs, and policy professionals to take a few minutes to complete this online survey about workforce, our education system, and the state’s economic competitiveness. Your insights are critical to effective advocacy on your behalf.

The Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education and 30 to 40 other business groups from across the Commonwealth are distributing this survey to employers and hope to gather input from companies of all sizes in all industries. The survey should take no more than 10 minutes of your time. Your answers will only be analyzed together with other responses, and will never be used to identify you personally.

Click here to take the survey. https://selfserve.decipherinc.com/survey/selfserve/1040/230404?list=35

If you have questions or comments about this survey, please contact Stefan Hankin, Lincoln Park Strategies, [email protected]. Thank you!

A Message from MassDevelopment

One-Stop Grant Application Portal Open until June 2

The Community One Stop portal for these grant applications is now open until June 2. There are many opportunities here for the TDI District as well as the greater Attleboro Community. Please feel free to contact MassDevelopment's Attleboro TDI Fellow Tracy Silva Barbosa if you have any questions.

Mobile: 781-309-3399

[email protected]

Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development

- MassWorks Infrastructure Program

- Urban Agenda Grant Program

Department of Housing and Community Development

- Housing Choice Grant Program

- Massachusetts Downtown Initiative

- Community Planning Grant Program

- Rural and Small Town Development Fund

MassDevelopment

- Brownfields Redevelopment Fund

- Site Readiness Program

- Underutilized Properties Program

- Collaborative Workspace Program 

- Real Estate Services Technical Assistance

- Commonwealth Places Programs 

You Are Invited

Norton 2023
Ground Breaking Ceremony
16 Ridge Road
Norton
June 1
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

A message from Kim Thomas, CEO
Old Colony Habitat for Humanity

Dear Friends,

On behalf of Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, our Board of Directors, and our Volunteer Build Committee, we are thrilled to announce our next build.

Please join us for the Norton 2023 Ground Breaking ceremony!

We are thankful to Plainridge Park Casino, Whirlpool, and Schneider Electric for their early sponsor commitment in making this Norton 2023 Build possible.

Please carpool because parking is limited.

We are looking forward to building with you.

[email protected]

508-399-1781

Join URCC Member Thrive Adult Primary Care at Its BL AST Fundraiser

Learn More about BLAST Here

Visit Their Website

FREE Legal Clinic on Zoom
Friday, June 23, 2023

Thank You
Atty. Christopher Cassara

Entrepreneurs and small business owners are eligible to meet
one-time, one-on-one for 30 minutes...

All services are provided by Partridge Snow & Hahn (PSH) which is not acting as an agent or representative of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network (MSBDC). By meeting with PSH, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless the MSBDC from any and all claims and liability arising from your session with PSH.

Learn More and Register

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 is the line up for June
JUN 2 - BELOW DECK
JUN 3 - CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
JUN 9 - BROKEN HEELS
JUN 10 - DIVA & THE PLAYBOYS
JUN 16 - BE KIND REWIND
JUN 17 - KALEIDOSCOPE
JUN 23 - WORLD PREMIERE BAND
JUN 24 - BACK TO THE 80S
JUN 25 - NEON LIGHTHOUSE

URCC Corporate Partner 

An Unlikely Story

Check out their home page for upcoming events.

Click Here for Summer Reading Suggestions

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!

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

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 Better Living Real Estate 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.

Executive Express-O,, hosted by URCC Chairman of the Board Josh Vanada, meets in our office the first Wednesday of every month.

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