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Sturbridge Business Breakfast - March 2020 - Overview

Posted on: March 9, 2020 - 2:21pm
Town of Sturbridge Logo

On March 3rd the Town held its first business breakfast of 2020, hosted this time by Cornerstone Bank. There was a great turnout of businesses leaders highlighting the diversity of businesses in Sturbridge. The focus of this meeting, as always, is to connect with local business leaders, share updates from the town, talk about a relevant issue and to hear/answer questions, comments and ideas. This month the focus was on helping businesses be safe online with a cyber security talk from a cyber security consultant. Those present were given important and relevant tips not only for their businesses cyber safety, but for their personal lives as well. 

For those who were not able to attend we have prepared a brief overview of the program as well as provided you with pdf copies of the presentations. If you have questions about this or any other business matter in Sturbridge, please do not hesitate to contact the Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator by clicking here or by calling (508) 347-2500 ext.1411. 

Town Updates 

Click here to view a copy of the presentation (begins on slide 4 of 19)

The Town of Sturbridge is working on a number of major projects and initiatives for businesses. 

  • Branding and Marketing - The Sturbridge Tourist Association is developing, with the help of a consultant, a new Town brand and logo. Participants of the breakfast got to see the first initial drafts from our consultant. More information will be share with businesses regarding the proposed brand in the near term. 
  • Economic Development Self Assessment - The Town is currently conducting an economic development self assessment and benchmarking study to identify the current status of the Sturbridge economy. The Town will use this information to develop a plan for supporting and growing the local economy in the coming years. 
  • Businesses of the Year - The 2019 winners were recognized. 
  • Business Retention and Expansion Program - Staff reviewed the various ways in which the Town is working to support new and existing businesses in Town. To learn about all of those programs please go to www.sturbridge.gov/for-business. 
  • Upcoming Community Events - Staff reminded businesses of major upcoming events including Restaurant Week and the upcoming community bonfire on May 1st. 

Cyber Security Presentation 

Click here to view a copy of the presentation. 

The Sturbridge Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Team Leader, Dave Demings is a cyber security consultant and provided participants with some important information to stay safe online. He explained how phishing works, things to watch out for online, and how to build strong passwords to protect yourself and your business. These tips are extremely relevant to all of our public and private lives so we encourage businesses to review the presentation. 

For questions on this aspect of the presentation, please feel free to contact Mr. Demings by clicking here. 

Emergency Preparedness for Businesses 

Click here to view a copy of the presentation (begins on slide 8 of 19) 

Tied to the discussion on cyber security, the Town also provided a detailed explanation of how best to prepare one's business for all hazards. Specifically the example of the new COVID-19 virus was used as an example of the types of risks businesses should prepare for. Staff encouraged businesses to develop, and write down, plans for their business so that even in the case of a disaster they can still operate successfully.