Chamber News & Updates

 Welcome New Member

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Kristyn Kowalski

Join us as we welcome Kristyn Kowalski. Kristyn is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has a passion for helping individuals ages 16 and older with anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, and phobias. Her clients enjoy learning the science behind anxiety, and concrete tools that allow them to make immediate and lasting progress. 

Kristyn strives to provide the highest quality care, which is evident through her constant self-study, pursuit of knowledge through trainings, and her distinction as a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional. She offers in-person therapy at her office in North Attleboro, MA, and virtual therapy to clients located in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Visit her website here or email her at [email protected] if you are ready to schedule a 15-minute phone consultation.

Welcome to the chamber. We are looking forward to introducing Kristyn to you at upcoming events.

Last Thursday, We Cut the Ribbon at New URCC Member Scarlett J's Photography in Foxboro

Love her tagline -- freezing your memorable moments

34 School Street

Suite 102

Foxboro

Last week, we welcomed new URCC member Scarlett J's Photography and met owner Scarlett Jean-Louis as she opens her studio at 34 School Street in Foxboro, MA. She is well-known and has been voted one of the ten best photographers in Foxboro and one of the best new businesses near Attleboro.

If you looking for an Engagement Session, Senior Portraits, a Professional Headshot, or Maternity Photos, look no further and book today!

Join Us at Our Upcoming Events

Mark Your Calendars

Tomorrow

Social Media Seminar

Wednesday, September 27, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites

65 Ledgeview Way

Wrentham

Lunch will be provided.

To reserve a seat, Venmo $25 to Marcie-Rappa

https://venmo.com/u/Marcie-Rappa

New Address

Wednesday, October 4; 7:45 a.m.

Executive Express-O

in the Chamber Office

715 E. Washington Street

North Attleboro, MA

Thursday, October 26; 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Alive after Five

Springhill Suites/TownPlace Suites

65 Ledgeview Way

Wrentham

See You at Executive Express-O at the Chamber Office or on Zoom

Wednesday, October 4

7:45 a.m.

United Regional Chamber of Commerce office

715 E. Washington Street

North Attleboro, MA

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 profitably. 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, the group will be talking about Artificial Intelligence. Executive Express-O Facilitator Josh Vanada will be asking the question "What part does AI play in your business?"

Here is the link to join us on Zoom.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86102459149

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 Supercharged Entertainment at their Tap and Tavern.

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

Bristol County Savings Bank Named a Top Charitable Contributor in Massachusetts by Boston Business Journal

URCC member Bristol County Savings Bank (BCSB), headquartered in Taunton, Massachusetts, announces that it was named one of the Top Charitable Contributors in Massachusetts by Boston Business Journal for the seventh consecutive year at the publication’s 2023 Corporate Citizenship Awards at the Seaport Hotel in Boston. Designed to showcase companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities, the Bank ranked #36 on the BBJ list of 100 companies that granted at least $100,000 to Massachusetts non-profits during the 2022 calendar year. The Bank also placed fifth among all companies in the Highest Average Volunteer Hours category with an average of 13.4 volunteer hours per employee. Bristol County Savings Bank, through its Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation, awarded $2 million to various Massachusetts 501(c)(3) organizations last year.

“Since our founding more than 175 years ago, we have operated as a community mutual bank with a focus on “people helping people.” This recognition by Boston Business Journal is additional validation that our efforts to support non-profit organizations in the neighborhoods we serve are making a difference,” said Patrick Murray, President and CEO of Bristol County Savings Bank and President of Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation. Murray added that the Foundation has committed more than $30 million to hundreds of different non-profit organizations since its inception in 1996.

The Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation’s purpose is to fund needs that contribute to the economic and social well-being of the people and institutions located in the greater Taunton/Attleboro Region, the greater New Bedford/Dartmouth Region, the Fall River Region and the northern Rhode Island Region, with particular emphasis in the areas of education and literacy, economic development and housing for the low- to moderate-income population. In 2020, the Foundation added an additional area of focus supporting organizations that are on the frontlines of the pandemic or experiencing hardship as a result.

North Attleboro High School Second Annual North Futures Day at NAHS on October 11

Looking for Volunteers to be Part of Their Career Day

Please join North Attleboro High School for this special event for students on October 11 at North Attleboro High School. They are looking for volunteers to be a part of their Career Day to share information on your career path and journey as well as insight into your job, industry, and profession. 

Please spread the word to colleagues and friends who you think would like to participate. The success of this event relies on community partners and they value your partnership, support, and participation!

Click Here To Sign Up

A Message from Michelle Carlow of Member CTS Services

Important: Security Notice 

Please take this EASY action right now!

Dear Friends and Clients,

Please read this email immediately. Yes, it’s that important. You may have heard from your internal IT support team, yet this is urgent enough to hear once more.  

We have been alerted to a critical security vulnerability affecting web browsers that could potentially compromise your online safety. This severe vulnerability exists in 'libwebp', a code library used to render webp images, developed by Google.

Why is this important?  Malicious attackers are actively exploiting this vulnerability, which allows them to run harmful code on affected devices. Major web browsers including Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Vivaldi, and Brave have already released security fixes to deal with this threat.

What should you do? You must act swiftly to ensure your online safety. Please follow these steps to update your web browser immediately:

- Open your web browser.

- Go to the options menu (usually represented by three dots or lines).

- Click on 'Help'.

- Select 'About (browser name)'.

- If a new update is available, it should start downloading automatically.

Please note that these steps may vary slightly depending on the web browser you use. If you encounter any difficulties, please refer to the official support site of your respective web browser for further guidance. You should check browsers on all devices.

What happens if you don't update? Failing to update your web browser promptly could leave your device vulnerable to cyberattacks. These could result in data loss or theft, disruption of your digital activities, and even financial loss in some cases.

Vigilance is key and you need to keep your software up to date to prevent serious hacking issues. We urge you not to ignore this message. Protect yourself and your data by updating your web browser today.

Remember, staying updated is one of the best defenses against online threats.

Stop what you are doing and update your browser right now.

Questions? Ask your internal IT team or call us at 508-528-7720!

Stay vigilant and safe online, 

Michelle Carlow

President

CTS Services Inc.

260 Maple Street

Bellingham, MA 02019

508-528-7720

508-966-9734 fax

[email protected]

Information about MassHire Rapid Response

Here Is the Employer Information Sheet

The MassHire Department of Career Services Rapid Response Team provides statewide services to employers in all phases of the business cycle, from hiring and averting layoffs to early intervention and re-employment services at no cost to companies and their affected employees. Mandated and funded by the Workforce Innovation Opportunities Act, our quality, on-site outplacement services provide an effective and smooth transition to new employment for all affected employees.

While you may not be able to change the business conditions that make layoffs necessary, calling the MassHire DCS Rapid Response Team can reduce the cost of layoffs for you and your employees. In working with Rapid Response, you can expect:

- A quick response to your transition planning needs
- Confidentiality concerning your business needs
- Information about alternatives that may reduce or avoid the layoff, or possible future layoffs
- Pre-layoff services designed to help workers shorten their transition time
- Information on One-Stop Career Centers and Unemployment Insurance
- Assistance in maintaining worker morale and productivity during the transition
- Assistance in preparing affected workers to find new employment
- Coordinate with AFL-CIO Rapid Response Team members for union employees
- Services are available both virtually and onsite for your convenience

Learn More About Rapid Response Here

The Application Period for the Massachusetts STEP Grant Program Is Now Open

The Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment ("MOITI"), in collaboration with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network ("MSBDC") and the Massachusetts Export Center, is pleased to announce the Massachusetts State Trade Expansion Program ("STEP"). MOITI, through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration ("SBA"), will provide grants to eligible, approved Massachusetts small businesses for the purpose of increasing export sales of their goods and services. 

The STEP Grant application deadline is Saturday, September 30 at 5:00 p.m.

There is no advantage for early applicants. You are encouraged to participate in the webinar on September 20 and compile a thoughtful, strategic application for the greatest chance of approval. 

www.mass.gov/export/step 

Click here to contact the Massachusetts Export Center with questions.

The Patio, the Loft, the Revolution Lounge, Entertainment, Cornhole, and, of Course, Slots 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 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.

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 Revolution Lounge's line up for next week.

September 29 • Mugsy

September 30 • Richie Rich & 24 Karat Funk New Band

Check out these awesome upcoming events

Parktober Fest

Saturday, October 1

2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

in the Patio

Admission $10

Caroline Rhea

Saturday, November 4

8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

in the Loft

Admission $50

URCC Corporate Partner

An Unlikely Story

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 

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.