Business Newsletter - September 2019
Below is the monthly Business Newsletter for September 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.
Annual License Renewal Process - Due October 1st
The town's Annual License Renewal Process has begun and businesses that are required to renew their licenses should have/or will shortly receive their license renewal packets from the Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator's office. The goal this year is to continue making this process as simple and clear for business leaders as possible. This year's packet (click here to download) is an almost entirely digital file so it can be filled out on a computer and emailed to town staff. In addition, staff have developed individualized fee sheets for each business with ALL town fees included. This way businesses only have to write one check to the town. All information is due back to the town by October 1st either via email to licensing@town.sturbridge.ma.us or by mail to Town of Sturbridge, Attn: Kevin Filchak, 308 Main Street, Sturbridge MA 01566.
Again the goal for this year is to make the process as clear and simple for businesses as possible. If there are any questions, you can direct them to the Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator at (508) 347-2500 ext. 1411 or by email at kfilchak@town.sturbridge.ma.us.
Sturbridge Branding and Marketing Planning
The Sturbridge Tourist Association (STA) is currently reviewing twenty (20) separate proposals for the development of a Sturbridge Branding and Marketing plan. The goal is to develop a community brand for Sturbridge that can be used by both the town and its public/private sector partners to promote it to current and potential residents, visitors, conferences and businesses. This will help to promote consistent messaging and help to foster future growth and development in Sturbridge. The STA hopes to make a decision within the first few weeks of September and begin work with the selected consultant almost immediately. During this process, it is our hope and goal that businesses in town will participate throughout to help create this Sturbridge brand for all of us to use in the coming months and years.
We will have more information on this process once a vendor is selected. Please keep an eye out for the October newsletter where we will have more information.
Economic Development Strategy Development
The Town of Sturbridge was awarded a $24,850 grant by the Commonwealth to conduct an economic development self assessment and develop an economic development strategy for the coming years. The town recently put the project out to bid and has found a vendor for this project. Once the vendor is approved by the Board of Selectmen, we expect the work to begin immediately on the process.
Throughout this process we will be consulting with businesses to understand their position on the local economy. We want your feedback and vision for Sturbridge to be reflected in these strategies. We will have more information in our next newsletter. If you'd like to learn more about what this process entails, please click here to view our quote solicitation letter that details all of the particulars for this project.
Sturbridge Business Breakfast
On Tuesday, September 10th the Town will host a business breakfast for all business leaders in Sturbridge. The focus of this meeting will be to give businesses an update on all that the town is currently doing, provide an overview of the licensing process currently underway, and to answer any/all questions that businesses might have. We encourage all businesses to come and join us. Free food and drink will be provided. To sign up for the breakfast either click here or call (508) 347-2500 ext. 1411 by 6 September.
Upcoming Special Events
The Special Events Committee is excited to announce a few upcoming events in town. On October 3rd from 4pm - 8pm the Town will be hosting another Community Bonfire on the Town Common. Businesses are welcome (and encouraged) to come and participate in the event. We're looking for vendors who can bring food, games or giveaways. We want to use this as an opportunity to help promote your business to residents who may not be aware of you. If you are interested, please contact the town at (508) 347-2500 ext. 1411 or by email at kfilchak@town.sturbridge.ma.us.
The Special Events Committee also is planning an exciting road race in November! We'll be making a formal announcement about that event in the coming weeks!
Town Meetings
Please click here to view the meetings for the town in the month of September. Please note these meetings are subject to change as per Open Meeting Law.