NEWSLETTER OF THE BLACKSTONE VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VALLEY FOCUS SUMMER BLACKSTONE DOUGLAS GRAFTON HOPEDALE MENDON MILLBURY MILLVILLE NORTHBRIDGE SUTTON UPTON UXBRIDGE 2002 BVCC MEMBERS:GET LINKED! Claudia Dexter Project & Events Director Have you seen our new and improved website? Did you know that our BV Chamber website receives an average of 9,534 page views a month? Visit our new Membership Directory where visitors can find your business via a number of different search options. Check your listing by logging on to www.blackstonevalley.org today! The new BVCC website is a product of many hours and much work done by the BVCC staff and Universal Concept, Inc., who have worked together to review and improve the website since August of 2001. New features include improved graphics, browsing ease and a clean look. Visitors are able to focus on browsing the individual departments such as Education Foundation, Economic Development, Tourism, and Leadership Blackstone Valley, etc. All departments are tied into an interactive calendar, posting all Chamber related events. You can now access and read the Chamber s Valley Focus newsletter and minutes of the Board of Directors meetings online from our homepage. A lot has been done to better serve our members and visitors with the Membership Directory. Members can be found by a search in any number of fields: Name, Industry, Town and Description. Platinum and Gold "Valley Leaders" get priority listings in the directory. Having your website address as a link in the online membership directory is currently a free service to members until December 31, 2002. Don't miss out on taking advantage of this unique feature! The BVCC requests that all members log onto www.blackstonevalley.org today to find your member information in the Membership Directory. Check and verify that your information is correct and current. If changes need to be made, please contact Claudia Dexter at 508-234-9090 to report any necessary editing. As of January 2003, members choosing to keep their link active can do so for only $50 a year. That's just I N S I D E Tourism Luncheon with Mayor Kalisz 2 Member Discounts 3 April s Networking Luncheon 4 New Members 5 Business After Hours Clambake 6 Hospitality Training 6 Millbury Business Awards 7 Valley Fun Facts & Coupon Book 7 Recycle Your Electronics 7 Upcoming Events 8 Success Story: Environmental Printing Alternatives 9 Valley Fest Arts Celebration 10 Master Degree Program 11 The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley 11 Spirit of the Season Holiday Parade 12 Best Wishes Sandy Haagsma 13 Golf Tournament Swings Into Gear 13 Local Business Helps Boy Scouts 14 Brochure Racks 14 Greenway Challenge 14 Leadership Blackstone Valley Graduates Back See page 10 for the HOME & BUSINESS EXPO PREVIEW Start planning now! BVCC MEMBERS: GET LINKED CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 1
TOURISM LUNCHEON WITH MAYOR KALISZ FROM NEW BEDFORD Viktorija Yergatian Tourism Director The annual tourism program of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce took place on Thursday, May 23, 2002 at Arrowhead Acres in Uxbridge and was a huge success. Mayor Kalisz of New Bedford was the speaker for the event and spoke on AHA! (Arts, History and Architecture), a monthly arts and culture night held on the second Thursday of each month. On AHA! Nights, galleries, museums and cultural institutions are open free to the public. There are various art exhibits, concerts and themed programs along with open retail shops and restaurants. The AHA! Program has had a significant economic impact on the city of New Bedford. Approximately fifteen dollars has been generated for every state dollar spent in grant money, totaling $332,905. Visitation increased 26.7 percent with 20,758 reported visitations since the program began. Many of the wonderful tourism attractions of the Blackstone Valley were showcased at the event. Over 20 tourism exhibitors were set up for the attendees to visit. The event itself took place at one of the Blackstone Valley's tourism sites, Arrowhead Acres. Arrowhead Acres is a 73-acre Christmas tree farm that offers "choose and cut" trees and tree tagging. The farm also offers hayrides and a petting zoo along with facilities for corporate outings, weddings and family events. The first ever Blackstone Valley Tourism Coupon Book was introduced. The coupon book was designed to offer discounts to all of the many tourism attractions and sites that are available in the Blackstone Valley, along with fun and interesting facts. The coupon book was created to show Valley residents what is available for tourism attractions in their own region. The Tourism Committee of the Blackstone Valley Chamber or Commerce is looking to expand this project as a fundraiser for tourism efforts. Representative Paul Kujawski was given the Tourism Friend Award from the Tourism Committee of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce. Representative Kujawski has been extremely instrumental with all of the Blackstone Valley tourism efforts and most importantly with the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority tourism grants, which is the Tourism Committees' primary funding source. Updates on tourism in the Blackstone Valley were given at the event. Visitor numbers continue to grow to the Blackstone Valley and local businesses are expanding as a direct result of this growth. Both Southwick's Zoo and Arrowhead Acres have had an increase in business of 20% over the last year. Southwick's just completed an expansion project and Arrowhead Acres is in the process of turning their seasonal facility into a year-round facility. Quaker Inn and Conference Center continues to run at 100% occupancy on all weekends in the spring, summer and fall. The Tourism Committee has doubled in size and continues to work in partnership with the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission and the Rhode Island Tourism Council to promote tourism to the region. Through their efforts in a marketing campaign to 150 travel writers, 30 stories have been written on the Blackstone Valley in publications such as AAA, New England Travel and Life, New York News Day, New York Post, New London Day, Boston Herald, Connecticut Post, Providence Journal and the Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Mayor Kalisz of New Bedford, Julie Riendeau, Representative Paul Kujawski (Recipient of Tourism Friend Award) and Jeff Hickson. The Tourism Committee has also just produced the second annual bi-state visitor's guide along with a new farm stand brochure, and bed and breakfast brochure. Brochure racks have been placed in 26 locations throughout the Blackstone Valley to accommodate the heavy foot traffic of visitors to the Blackstone Valley. Overall, tourism continues to grow in the Blackstone Valley. 2
DOING BUSINESS WITH CHAMBER MEMBERS SAVES YOU $$$$$$$! As a BVCC member, you are entitled to various special offers by other BVCC members. Here are the current "Member Only" specials: Blackstone Valley Modular Homes/Skeean Real Estate has a great offer to anyone looking to build a new home. BVCC members will receive a 5% discount on the construction costs of any standard cape, colonial, ranch or 2-family home from July through November 2002. This could mean a savings of $7,000 to $10,000! Visit www.sunmodular.com for samples of over 50 plans. Geovin Dry Cleaners located at 10 Beanes Lane in the Rockdale section of Northbridge is offering BVCC members 10% off the entire bill! Try out their new state-of-the-art and environmentally safe Aqua Clean System, so you can look good and feel good, too! Tel: 508-234-3618. How would you like to save 15% off your business-class DSL service? Contact BVCC member Lightband Communications in Sutton at 508-476- 1115 x100 for better communication with your customers! Karen Mercure of RE/MAX First Choice Real Estate has a special offer: any residential listings from BVCC members will receive 1 /4% off the service fee through 12/31/02. Call Karen at 508-476-3507, or toll free 800-879-0108 x 710 for details. You may also visit her website at www.karenmercure.com, or email her at kmercure@remax.net. Is your company interested in expanding its vision or marketplace, developing its human resources or changing its culture? If so, contact BVCC member Skip Lefever at Reach Unlimited in Upton at 508-529-9170. Reach Unlimited is a training, development and business consulting company. BVCC members can receive a 10% discount off normal seminar costs. Plan for your company's future by calling Skip now! Isn't it time to improve your company's signage? Sunshine Sign Company of Grafton will help you do just that... so take advantage of their current 7% discount offer. Look good AND communicate better by calling them at 508-839-5588. If your company is interested in offering a discount to fellow Chamber members, simply copy this page, complete the bottom portion and mail or fax (508-234-5152) to the BVCC office. Each quarter we will publish the latest BVCC member discounts, or, for up-to-date discount listings, be sure to visit our website at www.blackstonevalley.org. Company Name: Contact Person: Phone: Email: Address: City: State: Zip: Offer Expires: Doing business with other Chamber members really pays. The new member discount program helps you build your business and saves you money! Special Offer: Always Been There. Always Will. We re here for you 24 hours a day, every day of the year. 1.800.322.3223 Massachusetts Electric E. Osterman, Inc. 998 Church Street Northbridge, MA 01534 800-447-1207 Specialists in the distribution of propane 3
APRIL'S NETWORKING LUNCH PROGRAM CELEBRATES ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS DAY Claudia Dexter Project & Events Director On Wednesday April 24, 2002, the BVCC helped Chamber members celebrate Administrative Assistants Day with a Networking Lunch Program at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton. Thanks to the leadership and sponsorship from Koopman Lumber Company, the BVCC was able to present Mark Harris of Harris Development Co., based in Chicago. Harris, who educated and entertained us with a brief seminar on "Coaching for Success" gave a valuable presentation that business people at every level could relate to. From maximizing your employees' potential to learning how to problem solve through coaching, Harris initiated interactive exercises to reveal what makes us tick. Of the 142 members who attended, 37 were administrative assistants who received two complimentary movie tickets sponsored by the Elm Draught House Cinema in Millbury. The big prize of the day was a chance to win a beautiful Weber Grill valued at $900, with additional door prizes of interior house paint all donated by True Value and Koopman Lumber Company. The Chamber thanks Platinum Valley Leaders UniBank and Heritage Design Group for their continuous support throughout the year. Special recognition and appreciation goes to Koopman Lumber Company. Without their sponsorship, bringing in such a high caliber speaker would not have been possible. Tony Brookhouse (left) and Kirk Koopman (right) with Mark Harris. Happy winner of paint donated by Koopman Lumber, Arnie Yodice of DURAMAX CO. BVCC MEMBERS: GET LINKED CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 $4.17 a month for a valuable marketing asset! Members will also have the opportunity to advertise their special events or discounts from the homepage throughout the year. Get your company noticed first by offering visitors moneysaving specials, services and discounts. Speaking of visitors, the BVCC website has it's own WebTrends report, which for the first time revealed statistical data on a number of measurable results. More important than "hits" are page views of which there have been 57,208 since we first launched the site on January 10, 2002. Visitors' statistics include 9,480 "unique visitors" to the site with an average of 9 minutes spent per visitor. Unique visitors are identified by their IP address, domain name or cookie. Of this number, 1,379 visitors come back to browse more than once. It's important to point out that the top 3 page views visited are Tourism, Membership Directory and Business Resource pages. Another option the Chamber will implement is sending program and event invitations to Chamber members via email. This will help your Chamber save money by reducing traditional printing and mailing costs. Help us excel in the 21st century by emailing us your list of contacts in your company who wish to receive their invitations electronically. So that we may begin to develop this program, please include each individual s name and corresponding email address. Future marketing opportunities are being developed now to promote members with banner ads, coupon logo links and much more. Members can be served on their individual needs. Contact us via phone or email with questions, or give us your feedback and ideas on how we can better serve you at 508-234-9090 or email Claudiadex@blackstonevalley.org. 4
NEW MEMBERS LISTING SINCE SPRING 2002 Blackstone Enlightener Monthly Newspaper Paulette Boyko 96 Federal Street, Blackstone 508-853-2840 www.blackstonema.com Wayside Mortgage Jacqueline Martino 50 School Street, Carlisle 978-369-7182 www.waysidemortgage.com Independent Frame Corp. Frame Company Jessica Krawiec 80 Webster Road, Douglas 507-476-2900 Noel Design Group, Inc. Graphic, Multimedia, Design David Noel P.O. Box 432, Douglas 508-476-3222 www.noeldesigngroup.com The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Construction Management Enzo Scalora One Speen Street, Framingham 508-875-4100 www.whiting-turner.com Blackstone Valley Survey & Engineering, Inc. James Cote 268 Upton Street, Grafton 508-839-5837 Martin Hamblin Research, Inc. Market Research Monique Rinner P.O. Box 221, Grafton 508-887-9981 The Hole Story, Inc. Book Store Kenneth Nadolski PO Box 142, North Grafton 508-754-1100 Restaurant Consulting Partners Colleen O'Bryon-Holmes 1 Nichols Way, Grafton 508-839-4547 Sunset Mortgage Larry Army 210 Worcester Street Plaza, North Grafton 508-839-4449 www.smcfunds.com Turnberry Properties, LLC Real Estate Steve Dunne P.O. Box 596, North Grafton 508-839-2186 The Tuscan Rose, LTD. Retail Store Judy Barsamian 1 Grafton Common, Grafton 508-839-8846 Hopedale Airport Industrial Park Real Estate Marie Menfi 1 Airport Road, Hopedale 508-478-1726 JMV Enterprises Auditing, Real Estate Office Planning Jean Vendetti 16 George Street, Mendon 508-473-4267 Partners By Design, LLC Design/sales for Stadiums Dennis Laplante 17 Cadman Drive, Mendon 508-330-4159 The Artcraft Company, Inc. Printing/Engraver/Stationary Allison Hall 42 Rayburn Drive, Millbury 508-726-0347 www.artcraft.com Gary's Sunoco Service Station 28 Canal Street, Millbury 508-865-2940 Geovin Dry Cleaners Pierre Saliba 12 Beans Lane, Northbridge 508-234-3618 Bertone Catering Francis Bertone 84 West Sutton Road, Sutton 508-865-0207 Blackstone Valley Paving, LLC Lisa Kacmarcik 30 Lackey Dam Road, Sutton 508-234-0362 Eastern Ave Associates General construction Peter Amorello 54 Uxbridge Road, Sutton 508-865-4734 Green Machine Co., Inc. Machine Job Shop David Green 5 Providence Turnpike, Route 146, Sutton 508-865-6333 KPR Apartments Rental Housings Thomas Hutnak 12 Lackey Dam Road, Sutton 508-234-7396 Keown Orchards Farm Stand Mr. Arthur Keown III 9 McClelland Road, Sutton 508-865-6706 www.keownorchards.com P&M Asphalt Service, Inc. Residential & Commercial Sheila Fox 33 Dudley Lane, Sutton 508-865-9228 Lawrence M. Sasso Insurance & Financial Planning Lawrence Sasso 16 Providence Road, Sutton 508-865-9499 Sleighbell Christmas Tree Farm Tree Farm & Gift Shop Paul O'Connor 130 Whitins Road, Sutton 508-234-6953 www.sleighbelltreefarm.com Waters Farm Preservation, Inc. Non-profit Living History Center Beth Weidman 4 Uxbridge Road, Sutton 508-865-0101 www.watersfarm.com Beachcomber Creations Web services Mark McGowan P.O. Box 278, Upton 508-529-3877 www.beachcomber-creations.com Donatelli Publishing & Design Publishing/Web Design Christina Donatelli-Anderson 90 Mechanic Street, Upton 508-529-3744 www.donatellipublishing.com Reach Unlimited Business Development, Consulting Lester Lefever 238 Mendon Street, Upton 508-529-9170 Shining Rock Construction Corp. Residential and Commercial Linda Bazinet P.O. Box 127, Upton 508-529-7500 www.shiningrock.com Cryo Associates Cryogenic Services & Equipment Reid Wurzburg 9 Theresa Drive, Uxbridge 508-278-4523 D.P. Electric, Inc. Electrical Contractor David Matkowski 303 Chocolog Road, Uxbridge 508-278-2345 Douglas Flea Market - Edgewood Golf Center Also owns golf course Marlene Bosma 757 West Hartford Avenue, Uxbridge 508-278-6027 www.douglasfleamarket.com DW Smith Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Plumbing, heating, HVAC Jane Smith 225 Pond Street, Uxbridge 508-278-7462 Quarry Hill Development Co., Inc. Excavating, Backhoe, Bulldozing Dale Bangma 545 Hazel Street, Uxbridge 508-278-6941 R.F. Weldon Real Estate Richard Weldon 25 Bruce Street, Uxbridge 508-278-5540 Victor T. Sloan Law Firm Victor Sloan 459 Blackstone Street, Uxbridge 508-278-2425 The Smelly Hound Co., Inc. Animal Hospital Tara White 362 West Hartford Ave, Uxbridge 508-278-5869 Evergreen Business Associates Business sales and acqusitions consultant Paul Cogliandro 53 Evergreen Circle, Whitinsville 508-234-4675 Blacksone Valley Card Company Tourism Photography Richard Auger 393 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville 508-234-7211 www.bvcardco.home.mindspring.com North American Logistics Commerical moving and storage Sean Mawn P.O. Box 365, Whitinsville 978-772-0003 www.navlofficemoves.com Tashjian, Simsarian, Wickstrom LLP Law Office Thomas Wickstrom 60 Church Street, Whitinsville 508-234-4551 Whitinsville Retirement Society, Inc. Congregate Living Facility for Well Elderly John Crawford 10 Chestnut Street, Whitinsville 508-234-6381 retiremenhome.cjb.net John E. Graham & Associates P.C. CPA Firm John Graham 340 Main Street, Suite 850, Worcester 508-754-8512 5
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS CLAMBAKE, ANOTHER BIG HIT! Claudia M. Dexter Project & Events Director The Chamber went all out-doors with a Business After Hours Clambake on June 20th at the Blackstone National Golf Club in Sutton. The Programs Committee chose this venue and theme again due to the popular response to last year's event. What better way to welcome the summer months and make networking after hours a fun event? A total of 142 people attended and enjoyed a traditional clambake menu created by the ever-popular National Grill. Approximately 45 people tried their swing in a golf putting contest and a chance to win 4 great prizes all sponsored by the Blackstone National Golf Club. Special $100 gift certificates were reserved for any one who got a hole in one. The two lucky and talented winners were John Breed of Sunshine Sign Co. and Dale Hermanson of Mass 6 Electric. On the women's side, Terri Swallow of UniBank won best putt and golf for two, followed by runner-up Charlene Leith, also of UniBank, who won a cap. Everyone was eligible for the door prize drawing. Cynthia Lavallee of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation won dinner for two at the National Grill. That evening our Leadership Blackstone Valley Director, Beckley Alley campaigned the launch of the next leadership sessions due to begin this September, while Sue Barker, of the Eastcoast Greenway Alliance promoted team registrations for the next Greenway Challenge on September 28th. Presenting Platinum sponsors Heritage Design Group and UniBank, were joined by the Worcester Business Journal as partnership sponsors. Many thanks to all of our sponsors for their HOSPITALITY TRAINING Viktorija Yergatian Tourism Director The Blackstone Valley Tourism Committee of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Rhode Island Tourism Council and the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor to hold hospitality training on Thursday, May 16th, at the Quaker Inn and Conference Center in Uxbridge. Forty front-line employees of various tourism attractions and sites throughout the Valley attended the training. The training was a two-part program of customer/visitor service and product knowledge. Deborah Ruggiero, a communications consultant from Rhode Island conducted the first part of the training on customer/visitor service and Viktorija Yergatian, Tourism Director at the Chamber, Bob Billington, President of the Rhode Island Tourism Council and Barbara Dixon with the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission conducted the part on product knowledge of the Blackstone Valley. The product knowledge component of the training included a second full day tour of the Blackstone Valley. The bus tour showcased all the wonderful David Rice, Antiques on the Common; Denny Mercure, Sunscript Pharmacy; Rep. George Peterson and George Lamothe, Blackstone Valley Realty. continued support in providing the kind of events members love to attend. Special appreciation is given to the Blackstone National Golf Course for providing the Chamber with generous prizes, complimentary live music for dinner and above all the great service, food and attentive support to help make this event the success that it is. As if that were not enough, all attendees were privy to special golf rates that day and provided with an opportunity to entertain business associates and clients to a beautiful day of golf and fine food. If you missed the clam-boat this year, be sure to join your fellow members next time around! tourism sites and attractions the Valley has to offer. "Blackstone Valley Recipe Boxes" were also given out to all attendees. The recipe boxes provided information on the Blackstone Valley in a compartmentalized way that may be of interest to a visitor. This is a tool that an employee can use to easily reference commonly asked questions by a visitor. The sections are broken down into categories such as shopping, recreation, restaurants and events. The program was successful and all of the attendees commented positively on the surveys. The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee hopes to continue the program in the fall.
BVCC STAFF Beckley Alley, Program Director, Leadership Blackstone Valley balley@blackstonevalley.org Claudia Dexter, Projects & Events Director claudiadex@blackstonevalley.org Martin Green, Executive Director/Director of Economic Development greenm@blackstonevalley.org Jeanne Pennell, Education Foundation Administrative Assistant bvpartnr@blackstonevalley.org Donna Scherer, Project & Events Administrative Assistant dscherer@blackstonevalley.org Susan Spencer, Education Foundation Director sspencer@blackstonevalley.org Viktorija Yergatian, Tourism Director viktorija@blackstonevalley.org VALLEY FOCUS Editor: Charlene L. Leith, Marketing Officer, UniBank charlene.leith@unibank.com Special thanks to additional contributors: Marilyn Baker Christian Desrosiers, W.J. Larrivee Manufacturing Skip Lefever, Reach Unlimited PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS Are you starting a new line of business? Are you running a special for Chamber of Commerce members? Do you have an upcoming special event you need to promote? Here is your affordable opportunity to do just that! The Valley Focus is THE quarterly news publication sent out to all Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce members, and you can advertise in it. Get noticed with a 2- column size ad for only $149 (approx. 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 ), or you may choose a 1-column size ad for only $49 (approx. 2-3/8 x 2-7/8 )! Inserts are also available for $299 (8-1/2 x 11 ). For more information, please contact Claudia Dexter at 508-234-9090 or e-mail claudiadex@blackstonevalley.org. CONGRATULATIONS TO MILLBURY BUSINESSES... Paul's Center Bakery and Favorites Cafe, Millbury National Bank, Central Diner and Millbury Towne Florist for their recent "Excellence in Design" awards presented by the Millbury Improvement Initiative. The awards spotlight downtown Millbury businesses and property owners who have made exterior or interior improvements to their businesses, or have consistently exhibited creativity and interest with their signage or window displays. BLACKSTONE VALLEY FUN! FACTS AND COUPON BOOK The Tourism Committee has put together a Blackstone Valley Fun Facts and Coupon Book. They are using it as a fundraising opportunity for the tourism effort. Local schools are being contacted to use the coupon book as a fundraiser. If you or anyone you know is interested in this fundraising opportunity, please contact Viktorija Yergatian, Tourism Director at 508-234-9090 or viktorija@blackstonevalley.org. RECYCLE YOUR ELECTRONICS! Businesses that operate in Northbridge, MA, now have a way to recycle their electronics at a reasonable cost. The Northbridge Recycling Committee has begun a monthly collection of all kinds of electronics, including televisions, computers (all components), FAX machines, printers, VCRs, etc. The collections take place on the third Saturday of each month, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the yard behind the Main Street Fire Station. All residents, organizations, government divisions, schools and businesses that live and/or operate in Northbridge are eligible to use this facility for electronics recycling. The cost is $.20 per pound. For further information, call Marilyn Baker, 508-234-8072, or e-mail at marbaker@charter.net. Marty Green, Mike Peterson, Jennifer Callahan, Congressman Neal, Mark Anderson, Mike Creasey and Lee Gaudette on a recent tour of the Blackstone Valley. 7
BVCC UPCOMING EVENTS MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Monday, July 29 HOME & BUSINESS EXPO COMMITTEE MTG,, 9:00 A.M. at Northbridge High School Thursday, August 1 MARKETING COMMITTEE MTG,, 8:45 A.M. at BVCC Wednesday, August 7 PROGRAMS COMMITTEE MTG,, Wednesday, August 7 GOLF TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE MTG,, 2:00 P.M.at BVCC Wednesday, August 14 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS CANOE EXCURSION, 4:00 P.M. at Riverbend Farms in Uxbridge Hosted by the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission. Friday, August 16 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MTG,, 12:00 NOON at BVCC Friday, August 16 REGIONAL PLANNING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MTG, 8:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 21 BVCC BOARD MTG,, 7:45 A.M. at BVCC Thursday, August 22 TOURISM STEERING COMMITTEE MTG,, September, TBA MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MTG, AND BVCC MEMBERSHIP DRIVE KICK-OFF, Location TBA Tuesday, September, 3 EDUCATION FOUNDATION BOARD MTG,, 11:00 A.M. at BVCC Wednesday, September 4 PROGRAMS COMMITTEE MTG,, Thursday, September 5 MARKETING COMMITTEE MTG,, 8:45 A.M. at BVCC Wednesday, September 11 SCHOOL TO CAREER COORDINATOR S MTG,, 9:00 A.M.at BVCC Contact Beckley, 508-234-9090 Friday, September 13 REGIONAL PLANNING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MTG, Wednesday, September 18 LEADERSHIP BLACKSTONE VALLEY KICK-OFF SESSION, 8:30 AM 5:00 P.M. Everyone is welcome to attend committee meetings and Chamber events. If you are interested in learning more about a committee, please contact the Chamber at 508-234-9090. Wednesday, September 18 BVCC BOARD MTG,, 7:45 A.M. at BVCC Friday, September 20 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MTG, 12:00 NOON at BVCC Wednesday, September 25 LEADERSHIP BLACKSTONE VALLEY SESSION, 3:00 7:00 P.M. Contact Beckley, 508-234-9090 Wednesday, October 2 PROGRAMS COMMITTEE MTG,, Thursday, October, 3 MARKETING COMMITTEE MTG,, 8:45 A.M. at BVCC Monday, October 7 EDUCATION FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT, at Kirkbrae Country Club, Lincoln, RI Wednesday, October 9 SCHOOL TO CAREER COORDINATOR S MTG,, 9:00 A.M. at BVCC Wednesday, October 9 LEADERSHIP BLACKSTONE VALLEY SESSION, 3:00 7:00 P.M. Contact Beckley, 508-234-9090 Wednesday, October 16 BVCC BOARD MTG, 7:45 A.M. at BVCC Friday, October 18 REGIONAL PLANNING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MTG, Friday, October 18 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MTG, 12:00 NOON at BVCC Wednesday, October 23 ANNUAL MTG, FOOD & WINE TASTING, 6:00 P.M. at Pleasant Valley Country Club Wednesday, October 23 LEADERSHIP BLACKSTONE VALLEY SESSION, 12:00 7:00 P.M. Contact Beckley, 508-234-9090 Wednesday, November 6 PROGRAMS COMMITTEE MTG, Wednesday, November 6 LEADERSHIP BLACKSTONE VALLEY SESSION, 3:00 7:00 P.M. Contact Beckley, 508-234-9090 Thursday, November 7 MARKETING COMMITTEE MTG, 8:45 A.M. at BVCC Wednesday, November 13 SCHOOL TO CAREER COORDINATORS MTG, AT, 9:00 A.M. at BVCC Friday, November 15 REGIONAL PLANNING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MTG, 8:00 A.M.at BVCC Friday, November 15 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MTG, 12:00 NOON at BVCC Wednesday, November 20 BVCC BOARD MTG,, 7:45 A.M. at BVCC Wednesday, November 20 LEADERSHIP BLACKSTONE VALLEY SESSION, 3:00 7:00 P.M. Contact Beckley, 508-234-9090 TBA BUSINESS AFTER HOURS, 5:00 P.M. Asa Waters Mansion, Millbury, MA Wednesday, December 4 PROGRAMS COMMITTEE MTG, Wednesday, December 4 LEADERSHIP BLACKSTONE VALLEY SESSION, 3:00 7:00 P.M. Contact Beckley, 508-234-9090 Thursday, December 5 MARKETING COMMITTEE MTG, 8:45 A.M. at BVCC Wednesday, December 11 SCHOOL TO CAREER COORDINATOR S MTG, 9:00 A.M. at BVCC Friday, December 13 REGIONAL PLANNING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MTG, Wednesday, December 18 BVCC BOARD MTG,, 7:45 A.M. at BVCC Wednesday, December, 18 LEADERSHIP BLACKSTONE VALLEY SESSION, 3:00 7:00 P.M. Contact Beckley, 234-9090 Friday, December, 20 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MTG, 12:00 NOON at BVCC
A SUCCESS STORY... EARTH-FRIENDLY PRINTING SAVES DOLLARS AND MAKES SENSE IN MILLBURY Positioning itself for growth in the Blackstone Valley, Environmental Printing Alternatives has relocated from Worcester to 175 West Main Street in Millbury, MA. Founded in 1994 by Michael Morin and Paul Angers, Environmental Printing Alternatives is New England's leader in affordable, high quality, earthfriendly print production. With several high profile clients in and out of the Valley, such as UniBank, Vaillancourt Folk Art, and Clark University among others, EPA prides itself on making "an offer our business customers just can't refuse," according to co-owner Mike Morin. "Our customers enjoy competitive pricing that just may put the old petroleum-based print shops out of business. It's our desire to help Blackstone Valley businesses demonstrate their own commitment to the local environment and at the same time save money on their commercial printing," says Morin. The environment has long been an important issue in the Blackstone Valley, to both businesses and consumers alike. With the ongoing development of the corridor, EPA is positioning itself as the only printer that can meet or exceed the quality, price and service demands of its business customers, while at the same time helping those same businesses show themselves as good corporate citizens in the community. The progressive printing process at Environmental Printing Alternatives is one that dramatically reduces the impact on our environment, both here in New England and around the globe, by utilizing quality recycled and "tree free" papers, along with soy-based inks. "I'm not sure which surprises our new customers more," says Morin, "the fact that earthfriendly printing looks every bit as good as non-earth friendly printing, or the fact that our prices are competitive. If I had a nickel for every time someone said to me 'I thought environmentally safe printing meant it would cost more,' my partner and I would be retired by now!" Morin and Angers are excited about EPA's move to the Blackstone Valley. They are hoping to earn both the trust and the printing business of the Valley by offering the same stellar quality and personalized service enjoyed by their existing customers. When asked 'What's the one thing you want your potential customers to know about you,' Morin doesn't hesitate. "We know that most of the time it's price that's the major driver of print buying decisions for our customers. Our point is, if you can get the price, quality and service you expect, and protect the environment at the same time, why not do it? That's what Environmental Printing Alternatives is all about." Environmental Printing Alternatives is located at 175 West Main Street in Millbury, MA. You can reach Mike Morin at 508-865-0400. Northbridge Rehabilitation & Nursing Center Let Northbridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center help you get the care you need among neighbors and friends. Call admissions for further information: 508-234-4641 2356 Providence Road (Rt. 122) WHERE CLIENTS ALWAYS COME FIRST! One Plummers Corner Whitinsville, MA 01588 508-234-6333 Fax 508-234-8121 One Grafton Common Grafton, MA 01519 508-839-6022 Fax 508-839-4416 Mail@gaudette-insurance.com GEOVIN DRY CLEANERS Alterations, Fur & Leather, Bridal Gown Specialist Dry Cleaning & Shirt Service Done on Premises Quality and satisfaction guaranteed. 12 Beanes Lane, Northbridge 508-234-3618 9
VALLEY FEST BRINGS ARTS CELEBRATION TO REGION Susan Spencer Education Foundation Director On April 6, 2002, the Northbridge High School auditorium was filled with colorful costumes, graceful and athletic dancers, vivid storytelling, and a global array of music ranging from Civil War melodies to hot Latin rhythms as part of the region's first Valley Fest. Valley Fest, a celebration of international performing arts, was presented by the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation in collaboration with the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission. Support was also provided by the New England Foundation for the Arts, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, Oldies 98.9 and the Central Massachusetts Convention and Visitors Bureau. The all-afternoon event included performances by the Heritage String Band, Pendragon Celtic folk music with Irish stepdance, Mandala International Folk Dance Ensemble, storyteller Valerie Tutson, Latin American vocal ensemble Sonabo, and Boston youth hip-hop group Project Concern. The Milford Courtyard by Marriott, Village Café in Blackstone, and Fairlawn Church in Whitinsville provided a taste of ethnic and American food. "The face of the Blackstone Valley is changing," said UniBank's Laura Bronwell, past president of the Education Foundation. "As our community becomes more diverse, we wanted to offer opportunities to explore the region's ethnicity through arts and culture." Ed Quigley wearing The Mandella Group from Peru performing at Valley Fest. THE BLACKSTONE VALLEY S MOST PROGRESSIVE COMMERCIAL PRINTER Recycled Papers Tree Free Paper 100% Recycled Paper specializing in: Soy Inks Environmental and Socially Responsible Printing Chamber Member and Non-Profit Discounts Add Value to Your Next Print Order at No Extra Cost STATIONERY BOOKLETS BROCHURES FORMS NEWSLETTERS 175 West Main Street Millbury, MA 508-865-0400 FAX 508-865-8912 www.epa-soyboys.com START THINKING... about your booth at the 5th Annual Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce HOME & BUSINESS EXPO February 15, 2002. Exciting new venue in the spacious new Northbridge High School Auditorium Details to come late fall BE READY TO GRAB YOUR SPOT! 10
TEACHERS' MASTER DEGREE PROGRAM TO BE OFFERED LOCALLY A coalition of Blackstone Valley curriculum directors and the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation is introducing this fall, a master degree program for teachers to be held locally at Douglas Middle/High School. The program, called The Blackstone Valley Teachers' Academy, will be offered through Worcester State College Division of Graduate and Continuing Education. The Blackstone Valley Teachers' Academy is open to anyone who teaches in the Blackstone Valley or is interested in teaching. Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution. The program will focus on skills required to be an effective professional teacher. Under the Education Reform Act, teachers must complete a master degree program within five years of beginning teaching. Courses will meet one evening per week and alternating Saturdays. Two one-week, full-day courses will meet next summer. The cost of each threecredit course will be $350, which does not include books or materials. Registration deadline was June 14, 2002, but late registrations will be accepted on a space-available basis. For further information, contact Debra Pincince, curriculum director at Douglas Middle/High School, at 508-476-3332, extension 410. It s simple. We live here, too. Main Office: Whitinsville 508-234-8112 Uxbridge 508-278-2434 Upton 508-529-3297 Blackstone 508-883-4120 Douglas 508-476-2624 www.unibank.com Member FDIC/Member DIF Committed to providing professional planning and engineering solutions that are environmentally sound and practical. 10 River Road Suite 101 Uxbridge, MA 01569 508-278-7171 THE SHOPPES AT BLACKSTONE VALLEY Marty Green receiving groundbreaking shovel from Andrew Sacher of Parsons Commercial Group representing W/S Development. The shovel was given to Marty in appreciation of the advocacy by the Chamber on behalf of the project over the last few years. Looking on are Millbury Selectmen Joe Coggans and Bernie Plante. By Marty Green Executive Director On Thursday, June 27, 2002, W/S Development welcomed 100 guests to the historic ground breaking of the long-awaited Shoppes at Blackstone Valley on the west side of Rt. 146 in Millbury. Chamber second vice president Mike Peterson spoke on behalf of the Chamber on the tremendous economic impact the project will have on the town of Millbury and the Valley. Mr. Peterson made a point of recognizing the outspoken efforts of fellow BVCC board members Joe Barbato (Millbury Credit Union) and Bill Walsh (Millbury Savings Bank) over the last few years, as to the importance of balancing quality economic development with architecturally and environmentally pleasing development along the Rt. 146 corridor. The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley will be home to many national retailers including Target, Kohl's, Barnes and Noble, Michael's and a number of restaurants. The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley should be open for the 2003 holiday season. BLACKSTONE VALLEY REALTY Route 146, Sutton Square Mall Sutton, MA 01590 508-865-1439 11
130 Riverdale Street, Northbridge, MA 01534 1-800-RMC-MESH 508-234-8715 Fax 508-234-9593 Rmcmktg@riverdale.com www.riverdale.com World Leader in Welded Wire Mesh for Demanding Applications Whitinsville Uxbridge Grafton Est. 1939 BUILDING AND DESIGN CENTER Serving the Blackstone Valley Since 1939 (800) 836-4545 (508) 234-4545 (508) 234-4916 Fax Natick Northbridge Westborough Celebrating 50 Years of Caring 1952-2002 The Salmon Family of Services 508-234-9771 EVERYBODY LOVES A PARADE "THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON HOLIDAY PARADE" Saturday November 30th, 2002 Marty Green Executive Director (Note: Northbridge's Chain Of Lights planning committee has changed the date from December 7th to November 30th) New York City has the Thanksgiving Day Macy's Parade and Pasadena has the Rose Parade, well now Northbridge will have the Spirit of the Season Holiday Parade. Organizers of the Northbridge Holiday Celebration have responded to the tremendous interest by local businesses and community groups who want to celebrate in "The Spirit of the Season Holiday Parade," and associated events. Organizers have committed to grow the traditional "Santa Parade" with pledges for themed floats from ten business and community groups already. This year's celebration will be on Saturday, November 30th, 2002 in late afternoon/early evening. Specific times to be determined. The committee is offering a challenge to each neighborhood in the town of Northbridge to enter a float in this year's WIN A FREE AD! Chamber Members have a special opportunity to win a FREE 1-column size ad in an upcoming Valley Focus issue. Members who attend our monthly breakfast or luncheon networking events are entered to win the drawing held at the end of each event. Your chance to win only adds to the valuable information you gain from our guest speaker and the terrific networking opportunities you receive. Don't miss any of our networking events. parade. So as you come together at your backyard barbecues and block parties this summer, begin to think about how your neighborhood can be represented in the parade. There is still plenty of time to plan your participation in the parade if you are community group, business or entertainer in Northbridge. Organizers are changing the parade route to start at Town Hall, proceed east on Linwood Avenue, North on Cross Street, west on to Church Street, ending at the Town Common. With the growth of the parade and event, the committee is in need of volunteers to assist in planning the day. For more information and a float application form, contact Marty Green at the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce 508-234-9090 or email greenm@blackstonevalley.org. 311 Main Street Worcester, MA 01608 508-791-3511 12
HAPPY RETIREMENT TO SANDY HAAGSMA! Sandy Haagsma The Blackstone Valley Chamber wishes to congratulate and recognize Sandra Haagsma on her retirement after 20 years of service with the BVCC, the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and all of its affiliate Chambers. In her honor, a formal din- ner attended by over 125 members, friends, past presidents and local dignitaries was held June 26 at the Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, MA. Following the lead of Karen Chapman, Associate Director of Affiliate Chambers, all of the affiliate Chambers worked together to give Sandy the fun packed and honorable send off she well deserved. Each affiliate Chamber presented Sandy with a gift. Representing the BVCC was past president Gerry Gaudette, whom Sandy worked with from the very beginning. Sandy's contributions in developing affiliate Chambers to the Worcester Chamber began back in 1979. She helped to launch and create affiliate Chamber programs so that business regions outside of Worcester could participate in receiv- ing the same benefits as those of a larger Chamber. Starting with Blackstone Valley and Auburn, she conducted and organized networking programs, golf tournaments and annual meetings. Her leadership in managing public relations and organizing all aspects of Chamber events have garnished her the respect and admiration she leaves us with today. Through her commitment and enthusiasm, members have witnessed her contributions to a growing membership and valued her for her passion and encouraging support. We are all grateful to Sandy for setting the standard for successful networking and affiliate operations. She's a hard act to follow! We wish her an equally successful and rewarding retirement alongside her family whom she plans to spend more time with. PLANS FOR GOLF TOURNAMENT SWING INTO GEAR It's time to start preparing for the 13th annual Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation Golf Tournament! This year's tournament will be on October 7, 2002 at a fabulous new location - Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln, Rhode Island. The Education Foundation is grateful to the many businesses and individuals who have helped to raise over $150,000 for grants to Blackstone Valley schools over the past several years. Last year the Education Foundation was able to award grants to 16 innovative programs that helped local schools connect with their broader community. The golf tournament is fortunate this year to already have the following sponsors through the Valley Leaders program: Tournament Sponsors - Heritage Design Group, UniBank; Major Sponsors - Beaumont Rehabilitation and Nursing Centers, Gaudette Insurance Agency, Koopman Lumber Company, Massachusetts Electric, Osterman Gas Services, Riverdale Mills Corporation, Sunshine Sign Company; Partnership Sponsors - Smith-Gaudette Financial Services, Sovereign Bank of New England, Blackstone Valley Realty, Bowditch & Dewey, and Milford Federal Savings Bank. There are plenty of sponsorship opportunities still available. To become a sponsor, or if you have any questions, please contact Susan Spencer or Jeanne Pennell at 508-234-9090 or e-mail sspencer@blackstonevalley.org. 13
LOCAL BUSINESS HELPS BOY SCOUTS One weekend every couple of months, W.J. Larrivee Manufacturing Company goes to work. W.J. Larrivee is best known for producing high quality woodwork in South Grafton since 1932, but on special weekends, its back warehouse is transformed into a receiving and distribution plant for the Boy Scout Troop 112 Bottle Drive. The entire troop patrols the streets of Grafton collecting cans and bottles from contributing families. All of the cans and bottles are collected into the W.J. Larrivee delivery truck and hauled to their warehouse at 8 Collette Street. Once unloaded, several scouts and adult leaders help count and sort the donations for proper record keeping. All funds raised help the scouts pay for weekend camping trips and their annual weeklong adventure at Treasure Valley. President of W.J. Larrivee, Mr. Denis Desrosiers, has been offering his services to the troop for the past ten years, and he personally oversees the entire operation from start to finish. As a father of three Eagle Scouts, Denis is no stranger to the world of scouting and the values it teaches the youth of today. "Being involved in the Boy Scouts has been one of the most positive experiences in my entire life. I enjoy seeing the boys work together as a team. I am proud of what my sons have accomplished, and it makes me happy to know that I've contributed." Denis's contributions sometimes go far beyond the realm of helpful father. "We couldn't do this without W.J. Larrivee. Denis has personally dedicated himself, his company and his financial resources to make this fundraiser profitable. He doesn't charge us for the building, the use of his truck or the materials used in sorting the thousands of cans and bottles collected. We could use a few more guys like Denis in this world," said past scoutmaster Paul Leviere. Please join Denis and Troop 112 in making their next bottle drive even more successful. Watch for advertisements and signs posted for you to drop off your cans and bottles at the W.J. Larrivee warehouse on Cross Street. If you would like more information on W.J. Larrivee, please call Christian Desrosiers, Director of Sales at (508) 839-6575. 14 ONE GRAFTON COMMON, SUITE 22 GRAFTON, MA 01519 (508) 839-4465 Phone (800) 497-1947 Toll-free (508) 839-4626 Fax wsmith@rjfs.com Guiding individuals and businesses through the maze of financial, tax and investment options, while providing clear directions to meet or exceed objectives. Securities Offered Exclusively Through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member NASD/SIPC MILFORD FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK 1219 Providence Road Whitinsville, MA 01588 508-234-8256 BROCHURE RACKS Through the marketing partnership with the Rhode Island Tourism Council and the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission, the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce tourism committee has produced 26 brochure racks with our regional tourism logo and theme line. These brochure racks have been placed at various visitor sites throughout the Blackstone Valley in places that are currently part of the brochure distribution system provided by the Corridor. Some of the sites include the Chamber of Commerce, the Central Massachusetts and Worcester County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Quaker Inn and Conference Center, Wild Bird Gardens, Great Canadian Canoe, Mendon Country Gift Barn and the Marriott Courtyard in Milford. GREENWAY CHALLENGE Saturday,September 28, 2002 The second annual Greenway Challenge will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2002. The Greenway Challenge is a relay of 7 legs alternating between biking, running and paddling. Teams of up to 9 can enter the challenge. The race starts in Worcester and makes its way down the Blackstone River Valley to the finish line at Slater Mill in Pawtucket. The Greenway Challenge promotes advocacy for the Blackstone Valley Bike Path, the Blackstone River, and raises awareness of the many recreational opportunities available in the Valley. For more information on sponsorship opportunities and teams you can visit www.greenwaychallenge.org.
Reach Unlimited Training & Development; Consulting If your answer is YES to any of the following questions, we can help you and your business! Have you ever: had a measure of success, but felt like you were ready to take a big step up? known exactly what to do, but couldn t get your people (or yourself) to do it? been disappointed in your level of accomplishment? felt like your time was not your own? wondered who s really in charge of your business? wished that somebody would just tell you what to do? felt like you re not being heard or understood? thought that you ve not yet found your purpose in life? Our mission is to help companies, organizations and individuals to be even more successful then they are today, and to create the future they want to achieve. Upcoming Group Programs include: Group Intended For Focus When Where Partners in Leadership Couples: in Leadership & Monday Blackstone National business or life Management skills and evenings Golf Club, methodologies 9/9-10/28 Sutton, MA Presidents Council Owners & other Executive Leadership Tuesday Blackstone National senior managers & Management skills mornings Golf Club, and methodologies 9/10-10/29 Sutton, MA Strategic Thinking & Owners & other Strategic Planning Wednesday Printing Industries Business Planning senior managers mornings of New England, 10/16-11/20 Southboro, MA Front-Runners Front-line Front-line Leadership Thursday Location TBD in Supervisors & & Management skills Mornings Metrowest area Managers 10/3-11/21 Please note: Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, or early registration discounts are available for most Group Programs. Contact Skip Lefever (508.529.9170; slefever@gis.net) or Stella Pileggi (508.234.9222; dpileggi@gis.net) for additional information and registration for our Group Programs, for a no-charge, no-pressure evaluation of your situation, or additional information about our business. 15
LEADERSHIP BLACKSTONE VALLEY GRADUATES ITS FIRST CLASS Leadership Blackstone Valley - Winter Class, 2002 Mary Anderson Heritage Design Group, resident of Uxbridge, MA Rick Anderson Gaudette Insurance, resident of Grafton, MA Jim Bates Lampin Corporation, resident of Upton, MA Carole Briggs Image Boosters, resident of Grafton, MA Laura Bronwell UniBank, resident of Sutton, MA Paula Brouillette Retired, resident of Sutton, MA Tony Deller Pirolli, Deller & Conaty CPA Firm, resident of North Smithfield, RI John Flaherty Providence/Warwick Convention and Visitor Bureau, resident of Slatersville, RI Juliet Hansel Walker John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission, resident of Linwood, MA Cynthia Lavallee Greater Worcester Community Foundation, resident of Sutton, MA Diane Mackintosh Alternatives, Inc., resident of Whitinsville, MA Maureen McNulty Woonsocket Housing Authority, resident of Pawtucket, RI Ana Maria Nunez de Villavicencio-Rourke Touchstone Community School, resident of Watertown, MA Michael Peterson Mass. Electric, resident of Mendon, MA Kevin Rudden Redhills Communications Group, resident of Mendon, MA Matt Salmon Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Facility, resident of Westborough, MA Ed Soares City of Pawtucket, resident of Seekonk, MA Herbert Weiss City of Pawtucket, resident of Pawtucket, RI Julie Woods Uxbridge Board of Selectmen, resident of Uxbridge, MA Viktorija Yergatian Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, resident of Franklin, MA Read what the recent graduates say about their experience in LBV: "I've learned the importance of looking beyond the borders of your own community, not simply to make a comparison of where your town stands on various issues, but to draw on the knowledge and experience of others who have successfully or unsuccessfully addressed the very common issues we face." Tony Deller, Treasurer, Northern RI Chamber and resident of North Smithfield "Once again I see that better regional communication and cooperation is critical to successful planned and sustained growth in the Blackstone Valley." Laura Bronwell, Senior Vice President, UniBank and resident of Sutton "The valuable information that I have learned has definitely sent me into further involvement, not only in my town but regionally as well." Diane Mackintosh, resident of Northbridge Applications are now being accepted for the Fall Class, 2002. For your application and more information contact Beckley Alley at (508) 234-9090 or email her at balley@blackstonevalley.org. Leadership Blackstone Valley Graduates, May 9, 2002 Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce 110 Church Street Whitinsville,MA 01588 508.234.9090 An Affiliate of the Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce www.blackstonevalley.org PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 111 Whitinsville, MA 01588 Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce