Business Newsletter - December 2019
Below is the monthly Business Newsletter for December 2019. The stories below detail important business news that the town wants to share with business leaders this month. If there is a topic you'd like to learn more about, or if there is a story that you'd like us to cover in a future edition, please contact us by clicking here.
Business of the Year Nominations
The Sturbridge Tourist Association is for the first time accepting nominations for the Sturbridge Business of the Year (click here to nominate). The STA is looking to find the four businesses that best represent its motto, "Shop. Eat. Stay. Play." The STA will review the nominations at their December meeting and wil select four winners (one for each category). Each winner shall receive:
- A free, one year membership to Discover Central Massachusetts
- A free marketing grant to promote their business to new audiences
- Recognition from the Town with a "Business of the Year" Award
The STA is very excited to recognize the fantastic businesses here in Town. Please be sure to encourage your patrons to nominate your business (or feel free to nominate yourself) for this award. Questions regarding this process can be directed to Kevin Filchak at (508) 347-2500 ext. 1411.
Surveys for Economic Development Self-Assessment
The Town of Sturbridge was awarded a Commonwealth Community Compact grant this fall to conduct an economic development self-assessment and develop an economic development strategy for Sturbridge. The Town has hired a consultant using the grant funding to conduct this study. Part of their research includes a survey of residents and of business leaders. Please find the links below to both surveys and consider taking ten minutes to complete the one most relevant to you (or both). Questions can be directed to Kevin Filchak at (508) 347-2500 ext. 1411. 0
Sturbridge Group Tours Alliance Meeting - 11/14
On Thursday, 11/14 Old Sturbridge Village held a meeting for local businesses to discuss their initiative to bring bus tours back to Sturbridge. The goal of the meeting was to share with local business leaders how best to market/cater to these bus tour groups. Old Sturbridge Village is working to partner with local businesses to help provide these tour groups with experiences that will help to ensure new and repeat business for all in Town. If you were not able to make the meeting, please click here to view the presentation from the Group Tours meeting and learn about their initiative. Also if you are interested to become involved in this program, or have questions, please contact OSV representative, Debbie Mulcahy at (508) 347-0394 or by email.
MassDevelopment Meeting - 11/13
On Wednesday, 11/13 the Town hosted officials from the MassDevelopment at their offices for a roundtable discussion with local banking leaders. MassDevelopment was able to share information with those banking institutions about resources that are available both to them and to the businesses that they serve. If you are a local business owner who is looking to either come to Sturbridge, or expand your business in Sturbridge, be sure to see what resources might be available to you from MassDevelopment. If you would like more information on this organization, please contact Kevin Filchak at (508) 347-2500 ext. 1411.
Branding and Marketing Study
The Sturbridge Tourist Association has hired Boston based consultant Open The Door, Inc. to develop a community brand and three year marketing strategy. At this time the consultant has outreached to a number of local business leaders and other stakeholders to understand their perspective. We appreciate those business leaders and stakeholders for taking the time to help us understand their perspectives of Sturbridge. Next month we expect to see consumer research from our consultant and see an initial logo design for our community. As we get more information from our consultant, we shall share that information with our business leaders.
Town Meetings
Please click here to view the calendar for Sturbridge Boards and Committees in December. Please note these meetings are subject to change as per Massachusetts General Law. If you have questions please contact the Town Clerks office.