Plainville
Massachusetts
United Regional Chamber Of Commerce News And Updates - August 15, 2023
Clubs and Organizations
August 16, 2023
From: United Regional Chamber Of CommerceChamber News & Updates
Welcome New Member
StretchLab Plainville
84 Taunton Street
Plainville
617-784-4744
New member StretchLab will be opening its Plainville location soon.
Right now, you can lock in pre-opening membership rates for life. They are still under construction, but have a tent outside for selling memberships.
At StretchLab, they say: "Get ready to move. Better."
StretchLab is a one-on-one assisted stretch studio. It is the only company in the country with nationally accredited Flexologists who undergo an intensive comprehensive training program of over 100 hours of practicum experience before being allowed to touch a single client. Their mission is to provide a service to their community to help all types of people to not just feel better, but to live longer.
A representative from StretchLab has been an active member of our Extreme Networking group that meets at member SpringhillSuites/TownplaceSuites every other Tuesday.
We are looking forward to seeing them at those meetings as well as at our upcoming events.
The Chamber Is Looking for a New Home
And We Need Your Help
They say all good things come to an end. And here we are. Our office building in Plainville has been sold and our days at this location are numbered. We've looked at a few places, but nothing has worked out. So we're asking you, our members, if you know of any commercial space that's available in the chamber's community.
We're looking for a space that is between 800 and 1,200 square feet and has an office with a door. We're hoping that we will not have to build out the space.
Contact URCC President Jack Lank at [email protected] if you are aware of space that will accommodate us. We're hoping to be able to move soon to assure that service to our membership will be uninterrupted.
Join Us at Our Upcoming Events Mark Your Calendars
Wednesday, August 23, 11:45 a.m.
Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites
65 Ledgeview Way
Wrentham
Wednesday, September 6; 7:45 a.m.
in the Chamber Office
310 South Street
Plainville
Thursday, September 7; 10:00 a.m.
Ribbon Cutting
110 E.Washington Street
North Attleboro
Wednesday, September 13, 11:45 a.m.
Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites
65 Ledgeview Way
Wrentham
Wednesday, September 27, 11:45 a.m.
Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites
65 Ledgeview Way
Wrentham
Wednesday, October 4; 7:45 a.m.
in the Chamber Office
310 South Street
Plainville
Thursday, October 26; 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Alive after Five
Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites
65 Ledgeview Way
Wrentham
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 Center at Sterling Lofts Adult Day Health Center.
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
Plainridge Park Casino Is Hiring
They are always looking for people who love to have fun.
At Plainridge Park Casino, you'll be part of an exciting and rapidly expanding industry. They've grown to become the most innovative omnichannel (in store, mobile, and online) provider of entertainment experience.
They're looking for people who are passionate about creating memorable experiences for their guests. If you're looking for a fun and rewarding career in the entertainment industry, then Plainridge Park Casino is the place for you.
See the Open Positions at Plainridge Park Casino
An Unlikely Story is so excited to celebrate Bookstore Romance Day with you all!
Join them this Saturday, August 19 for a very special guest bookseller. Author of THE MAKE-UP TEST and ON THE PLUS SIDE (coming this December!) @jennylhowe will be a guest bookseller from 12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. They love Jenny so much and are beyond thrilled she'll be at An Unlikely Story for Bookstore Romance Day. If you're looking for your new favorite romance read, Jenny's got you covered. She'll also be doing a social media takeover at the bookstore.
Blind Date with a Book is back, but with a twist! Sometimes when we receive a book that's slightly damaged, like a rip in the dust jacket or a dent in the spine, we may not be able to sell it. But just because these books don't find their way onto our shelves, it doesn't mean they don't deserve love, too! We are giving these books a second chance at love by giving one away free with any book purchase on the 19th. (Limit one per customer, available while supplies last).
Café special! Our café will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and will be offering a delicious Bookstore Romance Day-themed drink special!
Zahara Craft Fair This Saturday
August 19
70 Frank Mossberg Dr.
Attleboro, MA 02703
(888) 492-4272
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Sunday
8:00am - 8:00pm
Calling All Artists!
Zahara Cannabis is hosting its first-ever Zahara Craft Fair on August 19 and is searching for art vendors.
If you are a crafter, or if you know someone who is a crafter, have them contact Alyssa at [email protected]!
Cost to rent a booth is $50.
Free Community College for Adults 25+ to launch at Bristol Community College this Fall
Bristol Community College is excited to announce that, with the passing of the 2023/2024 state budget and subject to state appropriation, MassReconnect will officially launch at the college for the upcoming Fall semester, beginning September 5.
MassReconnect will cover the cost of community college for Massachusetts residents 25 or older without a previous college degree and bring higher education within reach for adult learners in our region.
The program is available to new and current Bristol students.
“While Bristol Community College has so much to offer adult learners, with specialized resources to help them learn, grow and succeed – students still often face financial struggles. The life-changing MassReconnect opportunity will relieve the financial burden of college expenses so that students can make college possible,” said Dr. Laura L. Douglas, president of Bristol Community College.
Bristol’s enrollment staff has been working diligently to prepare for the implementation of MassReconnect. The college’s Admissions, Financial Aid, Testing, and Advising teams are ready to assist students through the enrollment process quickly, so they can utilize MassReconnect as soon as possible.
There are three main requirements and steps students can take to prepare for MassReconnect eligibility. As a last-dollar-in program, MassReconnect requires that students complete their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students must also be admitted to a certificate or degree program and registered for six or more credits. Bristol's financial aid, admissions, and advising staff is available to assist students and their families complete these important steps. August is the peak processing time for enrollment, so it is important for students to get their FAFSA in now to ensure their plans are solidified in time for the start of classes.
MassReconnect aligns with Bristol Community College’s Strategic Plan, which outlines goals in increasing educational attainment of adult learners to support a talent pipeline in our region. The average age of a Bristol student is 25 years old. Approximately 40% of students in the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters were adult students.
For more information about MassReconnect at Bristol Community College, including eligibility requirements or getting started at the college, please visit www.BristolCC.edu/MassReconnect or email [email protected].
Discover a world of enriching experiences this August at a FREE Senior College event – don't miss out on the chance to connect and learn with fellow attendees!
Embrace Lifelong Learning with Bridgewater State University's (BSU) Senior College.
Fall Faculty Showcase Events: Wednesday, August 16, 2023, 1:00-2:00 p.m., via Zoom
Tuesday, August 22, 2023, 6:00-7:00 p.m., via Zoom
In these sessions, you will have the opportunity to meet our instructors and learn more about what you can expect to learn in their Senior College course. Each event will feature different instructors and will be recorded and later posted on our YouTube channel.
Botanical Wonders: Exploring Bridgewater State University's Research-Level Greenhouse Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 1:30-2:30 pm, in-person event at Bridgewater State University
Join us for a captivating community event as we open the doors to Bridgewater State University’s hidden botanical research-level greenhouse. Step into a world of botanical diversity and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of plant life that awaits within led by Senior College popular instructor and Greenhouse manager Ronald Aakjar.
Exploring the Bridgewater State University Archive: The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Collection and More with Dr. Orson Kingsley
Saturday, September 16, 2023, you can register for 10:30 a.m. (limited to 16) or 11:30 a.m. (limited to 16), in-person, event at Bridgewater State University
Join Bridgewater State University’s knowledgeable archivist Dr. Orson Kingsley, Senior Librarian—Head of Archives and Special Collections for a captivating journey into the past as we delve into the rich history of Bridgewater State University and view a rare archival collection at this open community event to discover the richness of BSU’s All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) archival collection. This extraordinary collection stands out not only for its unique historical content but also for the diverse range of artifacts it encompasses, allowing you to experience the league's important historical legacy.
All events are free and open to the public, but you must RSVP.
Register Now For Their Free Events
Senior College at Bridgewater State University
Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation Awards
$176,500 in Grants to 14 Non-profits in Taunton and Attleboro
Bristol County Savings Bank’s Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation (BCSCF) awarded grants totaling $176,500 to 14 non-profit organizations in greater Taunton and Attleboro, Massachusetts at a ceremony held recently at White’s of Westport in Westport, Massachusetts. All total, the Bank presented $447,500 in grants to 48 organizations in the Taunton/Attleboro region, as well as the New Bedford-Dartmouth/Fall River and northern Rhode Island regions. Since the Foundation was formed in 1996, more than $30 million has been committed to hundreds of different non-profits in the communities the Bank serves.
The organizations in Taunton and Attleboro that received grants from the Foundation are: Applause Academy ($5,000); Associates for Human Services ($25,000); Attleboro Area School to Career ($7,500); Franklin Food Pantry Incorporated ($10,000); Girls Incorporated of Taunton ($7,500); Hockomock Area YMCA ($25,000); Junior Achievement of Southern MA ($10,000); Old Colony Habitat for Humanity ($10,000); Old Colony YMCA ($50,000); Pave Your Path, Inc ($5,000); Pride, Inc. ($7,500); Reach Out and Read, Inc. ($7,500); Southeastern Massachusetts Arts Collaborative ($2,000); and Taunton River Watershed Alliance, Inc. ($4,500).
Patrick J. Murray, Jr., President of the BCSCF and President & CEO of BCSB, awarded the grants to the organizations. “Each non-profit here today should feel extremely proud to have been chosen for these grants from a pool of worthy applicants,” said Murray. “We anticipate this support will help you continue to make a difference in the lives of those most vulnerable in the local community and make our neighborhoods a better place to live and work.” Murray added that the Foundation awarded $2.3 million to various 501(c)(3) organizations last year.
Also participating in the event were: Shaunna O’Connell, Mayor, City of Taunton; Kaylyn Lockyer, Community Engagement Manager, Mayor Cathleen DeSimone’s Office, City of Attleboro; and representatives from the BCSCF advisory boards and the Bank’s area branches.
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 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Friday 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Saturday 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., and Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 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 rest of August
August 18 • Thirty 6 Red
August 19 • Zero Drift Band
August 25 • Smokin Joe and the Henchmen
August 26 • Be Kind Rewind
URCC Corporate Partner
Check out 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!
Café: 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily
Kitchen: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. daily
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.