November Business Newsletter
Sturbridge – Southbridge Business Breakfast
It’s time for another quarterly business breakfast and for the holiday season we’re doing something special. For this breakfast the Sturbridge Tourist Association and the Southbridge Business Partnership will host a special joint meeting of our two business communities.
The focus of this breakfast will be the sharing of information on various key business resources by expert speakers from local and state organizations. Whether you need non-traditional financing, a business plan update, workforce training funds, or something else entirely, these speakers will be prepared to help you. In addition, staff members from the towns of Sturbridge and Southbridge will provide an update on initiatives that may be of interest to you.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Kevin Filchak at kfilchak@town.sturbridge.ma.us or call 508-347-2500 ext. 1411 on or before Tuesday, November 28th to reserve your seat. The flyer for the event will be available on the Town’s website.
Makerspace Survey
In the 2011 Sturbridge Masterplan the Town decided that one of its goals should be the creation of a creative space for residents and local entrepreneurs. This goal has led Town Staff to consider the creation of a “makerspace” here in Sturbridge.
A makerspace is a facility that makes various creative tools available to the general public for free. The tools that are found in makerspaces vary, but generally you could expect to see some of the following items:
- Mechanical, electrical and woodworking tools
- Computers with digital and office software
- 3D Printers
- Work benches
These spaces allow local residents who might not have access to these tools on a regular basis the opportunity to use them, and/or learn how to use them properly. Ultimately these spaces are meant to help local individuals or small groups learn to invent and create new ideas and solutions.
As a Town we want to hear from you the local business owners/managers, and see how your businesses might benefit from a makerspace. Please take a few moments to complete the survey by following the link below: www.surveymonkey.com/r/2G7L9ZZ
New Conservation Agent
This past month the Town of Sturbridge hired Rebecca Gendreau as the new Conservation Agent following Glenn Colburn’s retirement. The Conservation Agent is here to provide guidance to residence and businesses on the filing requirements under the Wetlands Protection Action and the Town’s Bylaws. She encourages anyone with a proposed project to contact her office early in the design process to discuss filing requirements as well as any potential concerns. You can contact her at (508) 347-2506 or by email at rgendreau@town.sturbridge.ma.us.
Promotional Efforts in Connecticut
In an effort to help promote Sturbridge to new audiences, the Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator and the Sturbridge Tourist Association appeared on Fox 61 Morning News on October 12th and participated in the Hartford Courant Trade and Travel Show on October 21st. In both cases staff and committee members worked to explain the variety of businesses that the Town has to offer its visitors and encouraged interested parties to come and visit our community.
Business Focus Group
As has been noted in previous monthly newsletters, the Town is bringing together a group of business owners/managers to meet and discuss ways of improving business in Town. The first meeting occurred on October 17th and it was a very productive meeting. The Focus Group will continue meeting on a regular basis and will develop a set of focused suggestions to provide the Town. More information on this group’s activities will be available next month.
Business Class – “Three Pillars of Online Success”
On Tuesday, October 3rd Idea Agency came to the Town Hall and discussed marketing businesses online. It was an excellent presentation and we thank Idea Agency for their efforts. You can read more about the event and view the presentation by following the link below: www.town.sturbridge.ma.us/businesses/news/three-pillars-online-success-0.