Latest News from the Arlington Chamber of Commerce

Summer Programs from Body Mind Systems

2010-05-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Martial Arts Summer Summer Program for students aged 6-12yrs

Arlington Chamber of Commerce member, Body Mind Systems announces summer programs:

- Individual as well as Group Instruction
- Daily Lectures
- Games to develop strength, speed and agility
- Program Contest
- Thursday pizza parties
- and more......

Week 1 - July 12, 2010 - July 16, 2010
Week 2 - July 26, 2010 - July 30, 2010
Half Day: 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Call to Reserve Your Spot
(Walk-ins Welcome)

301 Broadway, Arlington MA
781-646-8660
www.bodymindsystems.com
charles@bodymindsystems.com

Summer Programs from Arlington Center for the Arts

2010-05-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Arlington Chamber of Commerce member announce summer programs for students ages 4 through 16.

- Young at Art for pre-K
- Vacation Arts for kids entering grades 1-6
- Summer Drama Programs for kids entering grades 1-6
- Counselor in Training for teens entering grades 7-10
- Teen Art Studios for teens entering grades 6-10

For more information go to: www.acarts.org

Have you made your Score appointment for May 5th?

2010-04-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneurial education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide.

A SCORE counselor comes to the Arlington Chamber's office on the first Wednesday of every month to meet with Chamber members for confidential one-hour consultations. Both members and non-members can take advantage of this opportunity.

Appointments for April were full so call now to make sure you can make the May or June dates. Contact the Chamber office at 781-643-4600 for your appointment.

NOTE:Non-members will be charged a $20 fee payable to the Chamber of Commerce at the time of the SCORE appointment. The consultations will continue to be free for Chamber members.

MOAR Laughs Comedy Show to benefit Addiction Recovery Programs

2010-04-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Featuring EIGHT Comedians!
Bob Seibel, Joey Carroll, George MacDonald, Julie Barr, P.J. Walsh
Chris Zito, Carolyn Plummer, Jack Lynch as host

Regent Theatre
Arlington, MA,
Sunday, May 2nd, 7pm

Limited reserved seats at just $25 or General Admission at just $15!

*Proceeds benefit MOAR, the Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery!

Thanks to all who attended the Jasper White Summer Shack benefit dinner for Right Turn! It was a great night and we are especially grateful to Jasper White for donating the food, James Montgomery, the Right Turn Band and Tony V. for being a part of the festivities!

Welcome new Arlington Chamber of Commerce members!

2010-04-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

Local business continue to join the Arlington Chamber of Commerce as we create a vibrant and collaborative community. Please welcome the following businesses:

Ray Daly Electric, Inc. - contact Ray Daly
Honest Research, Inc. - contact Maria LaRosa
Bank of America

Join us on May 14th at our Open House - Coffee's On Us! at the Chamber. Here are the details:

Chamber Open House
Friday, May 14 from 8:00 am-10:00 am
Arlington Chamber of Commerce
One Whittemore Park
Arlington, MA 02474
781.643.4600

Sustainable Arlington needs your help (and can help you)!

2010-04-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sustainable Arlington is working to help develop a program of composting for local restaurants and grocery stores along with schools and other institutions where feasible. Arlington's DPW and the Town Recycle Committee support this project.

SAVE THAT STUFF, the company Cambridge used for its successful composting program is considering partnering with Sustainable Arlington. Businesses in Cambridge contract with SAVE THAT STUFF to pick up compostable materials which are taken to a local farm where they are turned into usable matter rather than burned or buried. Burning releases climate altering carbon dioxide while burying results in the release of methane, an even more potent greenhouse gas. Both have negative effects on human health.

SAVE THAT STUFF has expressed an interest in expanding into Arlington. Sustainable Arlington volunteers are willing to meet with any parties interested in participating in our project including local businesses and government officials, among others. We would be happy to have people join us and will answer any questions that we can.
If you are interested please contact:
Gail McCormick
gtmccormick@verizon.net

Germaine Lawrence Announces 30th Anniversary Auction and Dinner Gala

2010-04-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendar for their largest fundraiser. Contributions from this event are essential to maintaining their high quality, innovative programs for girls.

When: Sun May 2, 2010 5pm
Where: Boston Marriott - Newton

More info at:
http://www.germainelawrence.org/news/events.html

Arlington Chamber works with SCORE to help your business

2010-03-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneurial education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide.

A SCORE counselor comes to the Arlington Chamber's office on the first Wednesday of every month to meet with Chamber members for confidential one-hour consultations. Both members and non-members can take advantage of this opportunity.

Contact: judy@judyorganizes.com to make a reservation.

NOTE:Non-members will be charged a $20 fee payable to the Chamber of Commerce at the time of the SCORE appointment. The consultations are free for Chamber members, so please take advantage of this great benefit.

Welcome new Arlington Chamber of Commerce Member Hilt Studio

2010-03-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

We continue to attract artists to our membership. Visit Mary Hilt's website at www.hiltstudio.com to see her beautiful watercolors.

Cirque d'ACA is this Saturday!

2010-03-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Arlington Center for the Arts will host its annual "don't miss" party to celebrate and support arts in our community!

Silent Auction, Live Music and Entertainment with: The Paula Zeitlin Quintet and A Different Spin Circus Arts. Special VIP Gallery Preview of "Images of Arlington: Mystery and Magic" and presentation of the Fourth Annual Alan McClennen Community Arts Award
More info at: http://www.acarts.org/aca_celebrates.php

Think Local - Buy Local - Shop Arlington First

2010-03-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

Supporting local, sustainable business

Shop Arlington First is an initiative of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and proudly sponsored in 2010 by Leader Bank of Arlington. As a result of this sponsorship we are now able to offer this initiative as an additional value added benefit of your Chamber membership – at no additional cost to you!

Shop Arlington First is based around a gift certificate program that supports local businesses. Designed to encourage town area residents to "think local" when considering where to make purchases and to "shop local" whenever possible, our goal at the Chamber is to increase market share to our local businesses by increasing awareness about the personal and community benefits of choosing local.

The objectives of the program are to:

Re-circulate more dollars in our community to promote a strong local economy
Support and strengthen locally owned, independent businesses and local jobs
Preserve and enhance our unique neighborhoods

Since the launch of Shop Arlington First in 2005, $100,000 has been redeemed in Arlington.

To be a participating business simply “OPT IN” by sending an email entitled “OPT IN” to info@arlcc.org and sign up to participate in the Shop Arlington First initiative aimed to drive business to your door and encourage more dollars to remain in the local community. Your business will enjoy increased visibility with a listing on the Shop Arlington First web page, a direct link to your business web site and your business listing included on the Shop Arlington First insert included with each gift certificate folder. Deadline to be included in printed material is April 15, 2010.

Please support the Chamber in keeping business local, sustainable and growing and OPT IN now.

Welcome New Member Mosaic Oasis Studio & Supply

2010-03-23T21:31:00.000-07:00

Get crafty and creative and enjoy the ancient craft of mosaics with the newest member of the Arlington Chamber.

Mosaic Oasis Studio & Supply, LLC
1189B Massachusetts Avenue
Arlington, MA 02476
Tel: 781.648.1053
Contact :Betsy Rodman

Chamber Member Eliot Community Human Services Hosting Open House

2010-03-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

The Young Adult Vocational Program (YAVP) is hosting an OPEN HOUSE! Come learn more.

Come see and hear what The Young Adult Vocational Program has to offer:

Internship Program
Peer Mentoring Support
Individualized Case Management
Seasonal Paid Work
Health and Life Style
Fun Social Activities
Educational Support
Resume Writing
Job Coaching

Where: 75 Pleasant St.
Arlington, MA 02476
When: Thursday, March 25, 2010
Time: 3:00pm- 6:00pm
RSVP by calling or emailing
781-643-5093
Tgodfrey@eliotchs.org

Refreshments will be served.

The Young Adult Vocational Program is a transitional program that provides daily structure for young adults ages 16 to 26 with psychiatric disabilities.

"Summer Shack Takes a Right Turn" Returns

2010-03-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Arlington Chamber of Commerce member Right Turn is having another fundraiser with Jasper White at the Summer Shack in Cambridge (149 Alewife Brook Parkway)

Last year's was a sell out! So they're bringing it back.

When: Monday, March 22nd from 6:30-9:30pm.

It is a fundraiser for Right Turn, a non-profit substance abuse treatment center and ‘creative place for recovery’ based in Arlington, MA.

The night will offer a lavish serving of White’s fresh seafood, music from James Montgomery and the Woody Giessmann Band and comedy from Tony V. Giessmann was the drummer for the Boston band the Del Fuegos and is the founder and CEO of Right Turn that offers help and hope to individuals and their families seeking treatment for alcohol and substance abuse. Services include mental health and addiction counseling, artists in recovery groups, drug testing, psychiatric and medical services, and creative programs. Opiate overdose is an epidemic and the leading cause of accidental death among young adults aged 18-25 in Massachusetts. Funds raised at this year’s Summer Shack event are expected to surpass last year’s $8,000 total, and Jasper White will again donate all of the food for the evening.

Tickets are $100 per person and are likely to sell out again this year. They can be purchased at the Right Turn offices at 299 Broadway in Arlington, by calling Right Turn at 781-646-3800 or online.

Welcome New Chamber Member: Jennifer Rivers, Holistic Health Counselor

2010-03-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

Demonstrating that Arlington is a center for wellness and health business practices, the Chamber of Commerce welcomes our newest member.

Jennifer Rivers, a Holistic Health Counselor can be reached by email (jenrivers@aol.com) or 339.368.2608. Visit her website at jenniferrivers.com.

To see a listing of all Arlington Chamber of Commerce members in the Health and Fitness category, visit the Chamber website.

Welcome New Chamber Member: Peter Weissman from The Meat House

2010-03-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

The newest retailer to become a member of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce is The Meat House.

Its new site in Arlington Heights is at 1398 Massachusetts Avenue. Visit the company's website for more information or contact Peter Weissman (peter.weissman@themeathouse.com).

Come network with new Arlington Chamber members at the Welcome New Members Networking Breakfast on Thursday, March 11. Visit the Chamber events page for more details.

For a listing of other Arlington Chamber members in the Marketing and Spirits category, visit our website.

Welcome New Members Networking Breakfast

2010-03-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

Make new connections with new members. Show them the benefit of being part of our local business community. Get the most out of your Chamber investment.

WHAT: Welcome New Members Networking Breakfast
WHEN: Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 8:00—9:30am
WHERE: The Arlington Center for the Arts
FREE for NEW MEMBERS who joined from June 2008 to March 2010
EARLY BIRD PRE-REGISTRATION FEE: $10/member, $20/visitor (before March 9)
Register Here.

Chamber Member Big Foot Moving & Storage Earns Coveted Angie's List Award

2010-03-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Arlington Chamber of Commerce Member, Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc., of Arlington!

They have been awarded the prestigious 2009 Angie's List Super Service Award! This award reflects the company's consistently high level of customer service! The Super Service Award, now celebrating its 11th year, is reserved for companies who have achieved and maintained a superior service rating on Angie's List, the nation's leading provider of consumer ratings on local service companies, throughout the past year. Fewer than 5 percent of the companies on Angie's List meet the eligibility requirements to be considered for the award.

"Our Super Service Award winners are the cream of the crop when it comes to providing the best customer service," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List. Big Foot President & CEO, Mike Bavuso, expressed his gratitude for this award, "We aim to provide exceptional customer service. It is an honor to be recognized with Angie's List Super Service Award because it is based on true feedback from the consumer. We understand the stress involved in moving and we do our best to build relationships with our clients. It's a privilege to be a part of the Angie's List community."

Angie's List Super Service Award winners have maintained a total and overall grade of "A;" have received a minimum number of reports; are NOT in the Angie's List "Penalty Box" and do not have an unsatisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie's List, but members can find the 2009 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on http://www.angieslist.com/angieslist/

For more information, please visit www.bigfootmoving.com or call 781-488-3090.

Arlington Center Construction Projects - Get the Facts

2010-03-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Any construction in the heart of a busy retail area like Arlington Center can be disruptive, so make sure that you know what to expect so you can plan.

The MWRA (Massachusetts Water Resources Authority) is holding a Public Meeting to provide details about the upcoming work. Construction is scheduled to start at the end of March.

Date: Thursday, March 4, 2010
Where: Selectmens Hearing Room, Arlington Town Hall, Mass. Ave., 2nd Floor

To stay informed, subscribe to Town of Arlington Notices at arlington.gov/subscriber. The Arlington Chamber of Commerce will provide members with updates on an ongoing basis as we receive them.

Visit the MWRA site for details including maps of the construction.

Chamber Member: Body Mind Systems Lecture Series

2010-03-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

The first installment of its 2010 Lecture Series, "Discovering the Mind and Body Connection," will be held Thursday, March 4, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

John Calabrese, a National Instructor with Body Mind Systems, will talk about mental development through physical movement, the mind and body connection and the deeper benefits of traditional martial arts. Participants will have an opportunity to try movements to feel the benefits.

"Discovering the Mind and Body Connection" will take place at the Body Mind Systems Training Center, 301 Broadway, Arlington. Cost of the lecture is $20 in advance, $25 at the door. To register, call 781-646-8660. For more information about the training center or its other locations, visit www.bodymindsystems.com.

Welcome New Arlington Chamber Member: Audiology and Hearing Solutions, Inc.

2010-02-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our newest member of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

Audiology and Hearing Solutions, Inc.
1004 Main Street
Winchester, MA 01890
www.audiologyhearing.net
Tel: 781.218.2225
Contact: Melonie Marple

Join all of our newest as well as longstanding members at the Welcome New Members Breakfast.

WHAT: Welcome New Members Networking Breakfast
WHEN: Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 8:00—9:30am
WHERE: The Arlington Center for the Arts
FREE for NEW MEMBERS who joined from June 2008 to March 2010
Register now!

Arlington Children's Theatre Third Annual Gala

2010-02-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Join past and present members of the ACT community on February 27, 2010 at the Sons of Italy Hall for a spectacular night out.

The evening features a silent auction, food donated by local restaurants, and entertainment by DJ Randy Barth and the 2010 cast of ACT's upcoming musical, Seussical. "We're really excited about this year's Gala Event," says Jackie Daley, President of ACT's Board of Directors. "Local restaurants such as Tryst and Redbones Barbecue have been enormously generous in donating food, and our list of items to be auctioned is impressive. It's gratifying to see the outpouring of community support."

Tickets to Disney World, a weekend in New York City , and a week-long stay at a farmhouse in Maine are among the hundreds of items available for auction. For a complete list of available items, visit the auction's website. Doors open for silent auction preview at 5:30 and silent auction begins promptly at 6:00 PM. Refreshments will be served with a cash bar.

Visit Arlington Children's Theatre to learn more. It's a non-profit community organization dedicated to providing quality theatre for all area children aged 4-18.

Welcome New Members Networking Breakfast (Thurs., March 11)

2010-02-23T07:34:00.000-08:00

Come one, come all. Make new connections with small businesspeople in your community.

Network over breakfast and get the word out about your business. Members will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and their business in a 60 second pitch – pre-registration required. New members can attend for free, and everyone is welcome.

Learn how to get the most out of your Chamber investment

WHAT: Welcome New Members Networking Breakfast
WHEN: Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 8:00—9:30am
WHERE: The Arlington Center for the Arts
FREE for NEW MEMBERS who joined from June 2008 to March 2010
EARLY BIRD PRE-REGISTRATION FEE: $10/member, $20/visitor (before March 9)
AFTER MARCH 9 and AT THE DOOR: $15/member, $25/visitor

Register Here.

Arlington Chamber works with SCORE to help your business

2010-02-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneurial education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide.

A SCORE counselor comes to the Arlington Chamber's office on the first Wednesday of every month to meet with Chamber members for confidential one-hour consultations. Both members and non-members can take advantage of this opportunity.

Contact: judy@judyorganizes.com to make a reservation.

NOTE:Non-members will be charged a $20 fee payable to the Chamber of Commerce at the time of the SCORE appointment. The consultations are free for Chamber members, so please take advantage of this great benefit.

Workshop: Business Strategy for Tough Economic Times on Feb 16

2010-02-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Mass Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) Network- Boston Regional Office and Minority Business Center, provides one-on-one business advisory services and business workshops throughout the year.

This workshop will provide valuable perspective on sharpening your business strategy, understanding basic finance and accounting concepts, managing cash flow in a depressed economy, pursuing outside capital for your business, and more effectively navigating a difficult business environment.

Date: Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Copley Square Library, 700 Boylston Street, Conference Room 05/06, Boston
Cost: Free
Contact: Boston Regional Office & Minority Business Center at 617-287-7750 or register online at the MSBDC website.

Small businesses need attitude and action to achieve results

2010-02-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

Join the Arlington Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, February 4th for an evening of networking, great food and an interactive goal setting agenda. Register now or learn more. This event is open to the public.

Our guest speaker Lloyd Franke will guide us through goal setting strategies. Here's a preview of one of his tips:

Tip 4 of 4: Moving toward results

At the end of the month, take a measure of the steps completed toward your weekly, monthly, and annual goals. Are you making progress in the right direction or are you stuck for some reason?

Attitude:

What do you feel good about? Have you acknowledged your accomplishments for the month? Don’t focus on what you haven’t done – gain strength from your results and start anew.
Have you remembered and lived your guidelines? These are the lessons learned from past experiences that will drive your on-going success.
How have you demonstrated your New Paradigm? Are you living it and shouting down your negative internal voice?

Action:

Are your goals in good shape or are some in trouble? It may be necessary to evaluate goals in trouble and determine if they need attention or revision.
What are the next steps for each of the goals? Success is taking a series of small steps – keep moving forward.
Review your plan daily and work on the steps that you have planned out and your will see results – balance action with your positive attitude.

“Be not afraid of growing slowly. Be only afraid of standing still.”
—Chinese Proverb

Winter Networking with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce

2010-02-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Spend an evening networking with colleagues and learning about guiding principles for setting and reaching goals.

New Year Celebration: How to Plan and Achieve Your Best Year Yet!
Featuring Lloyd Franke

Event Sponsored by: Mirak Automotive

Location: Whittemore-Robbins House (behind the Arlington Public Library)
Date: Thursday, February 4, 2010
Hours: 5:30pm - 8:00pm
Register now.

Event Agenda: 5:30-6:00pm Brief cocktail reception
6:00 - 6:45pm Presentation
6:45 - 8:00pm Questions / Networking

Arlington businesses: Do you need help achieving goals?

2010-02-01T11:00:00.000-08:00

Join the Arlington Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, February 4th for an evening of networking, great food and an interactive goal setting agenda. Register now or learn more.

Our guest speaker Lloyd Franke will guide us through goal setting strategies. Here's a preview of one of his tips:

Tip 3 of 4: Practice being aware

It’s time to establish a new role in your life – personal coach. Many times we act as coach for others – observing and commenting on how they could improve. Now turn that focus on yourself.

Several times a day, put yourself in the role of personal coach. What does the coach observe in your attitude and actions? Are you making progress toward the results you want?

Attitude
Be aware of what you are thinking and feeling as you progress through the day. Tune in to your internal dialogue. What messages are you giving yourself? Awareness allows you to shift your thoughts and actions. Replace negative thoughts with your new paradigm.

Action
Check your actions. What are you doing? Are you taking the next steps toward the results you want? Are you putting off the activities that are uncomfortable? Do them first – delay distractions.

Think back over the day. What actions have you taken that lead you toward the results you want? How can you do better? Acknowledge accomplishments and continue success tomorrow.

"Often the difference between a successful person and a failure is not one has better abilities or ideas, but the courage that one has to bet on one's ideas, to take a calculated risk--and to act." -- Maxwell Maltz

Small business owners: tips for goal setting

2010-01-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

Join the Arlington Chamber of Commerce on Thursday February 4th for an evening of networking, great food and an interactive goal setting agenda. Register now or learn more.

Our guest speaker Lloyd Franke will guide us through goal setting strategies. Here's a preview of one of his tips:

Tip 2 of 4: Step outside yourself and observe

Sometimes it is a useful exercise to “step outside ourselves” and act as an independent observer. Pretend you are someone else.

Attitude

How are you doing in your quest to stop negative thoughts?
What’s the possibility of reaching your goals?
Are you truly committed?

It helps to keep our new paradigm visible: stick a note on your computer; put a note on the mirror; review your paradigm, guidelines, and goals before bed at night.

Action
Are you avoiding the steps you know are necessary to move toward your results? “Time for a cup of coffee.” Or “I better check my email – there may be something important.” Or “I can’t start that project now, I only have a half an hour.” Sound familiar?

If you observe this behavior in your day, you know what to do about it. Practice discipline and stay with the work. Set up a reward for finishing (coffee, stretch, etc.)

"Achievement seems to be connected with action. Successful men and women keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit." -- Conrad Hilton

How do we become experts at producing results?

2010-01-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

By focusing on one tip at a time, Llyod Franke from Franke Associates will guide us through settting goals and resolutions that are important to us. This post is a preview of some of his insight.

Come learn more and meet Lloyd Franke at the February 4th Arlington Chamber of Commerce New Year Celebration: How to Plan and Achive Your Best Year Yet! Learn more. Register now.

Tip #1: The Foolproof Combination: Vision and Action

Action and attitude are a necessary combination. In order to progress, we must have positive ideas and objectives and the confidence that we can achieve them; but, without positive action, we won’t make progress; it requires a balance of both.

Attitude - Limiting beliefs:
“How will I ever increase my sales that much?”
“I can’t lose that weight and keep it off.”
“Our company just can’t do that.”
“I’m too ______ to do that.” “This isn’t going to work.”

That little voice in our head that keeps reminding us of shortcomings and doubts must be silenced or shouted over. If we really want something we will find a way to get it. What chance do you stand of achieving your goals if you don’t believe something new or different can happen? Shift your limiting beliefs to a new positive paradigm.

Look at a major goal you have set for yourself. Now listen to that little voice; is it sending doubts? If so, repeat your new paradigm and constantly reinforce it until you believe you can achieve that goal.

Actions:

Have you listed all the steps required to achieve your goals?
What are the next steps? Success is a series of small actions toward the objective. Set the next milestone, commit to it, and do it.
What are you feeling? Focus on your positive paradigm. What actions are you taking? Take action toward results.

“Vision without Action is merely a dream; Action without vision just passes the time; Vision with Action can change the world” -- Joel Barker

Winter Networking and Goal Setting for Small Businesses

2010-01-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Arlington Chamber of Commerce and Mirak Automotive invite you to a special evening of networking and goal setting with Lloyd Franke on Thursday, February 4, 2010. Register now.

Over drinks and hors d'œuvres we invite you to learn more about effective goal setting. Here are the details:

How to Plan and Achieve Your Best Year Yet!
Guiding Principles for setting and reaching your important goals

What are your greatest challenges in achieving your goals?

Imagine your business (and you) …achieving the results you want!

Which results are your top priorities this year?
• Improved productivity
• Better financial performance
• Breakthrough sales results
• Personal transformation
• Organization transformation
• Employee satisfaction & development

Who will benefit from this session?
This interactive session explores the Five Principles of Transformation effective in helping teams and individuals set and achieve their goals aligned with personal and business values. Using the principles of the Best Year Yet strategic planning system, Lloyd Franke will demonstrate how participants can apply the principles to their own business and individual goals.

Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of:
• what’s driving their success and limiting results;
• what values they must follow to maintain a “balanced life”;
• the key roles they play personally and professionally;
• their major focus and goals for the year;

Register today. Space is limited. Priority will be given to Arlington Chamber members.

Arlington Chamber of Commerce Speaker Profile: Lloyd Franke

2010-01-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

A new member of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Lloyd will be the presenter at the Winter Networking Event on Thursday, February 4, 2010. Visit our events page for details.

Lloyd is a business consultant and Best Year Yet Program Leader specializing in performance improvement for companies and individuals. He has successfully implemented programs that have helped companies to increase sales, profits and business value.

In conjunction with consulting activities, Lloyd trained and served as an Examiner for the Massachusetts Quality Award and uses the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence as a framework for analyzing company performance and structuring results-oriented strategic action plans.

Lloyd leads planning sessions to develop companies’ vision, mission, and goals and coaches management teams to achieve superior results. With over 20 years experience, he has assisted companies and teams through the challenges of rapid expansion as well as the trials of recessionary times. His education includes a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA.

Register for the Thursday, February 4, 2010 networking event.

Arlington Chamber works with SCORE to help your business

2010-01-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneurial education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide.

A SCORE counselor comes to the Arlington Chamber's office on the first Wednesday of every month to meet with Chamber members for confidential one-hour consultations. Both members and non-members can take advantage of this opportunity.

Contact: judy@judyorganizes.com to make a reservation.

NOTE:Non-members will be charged a $20 fee payable to the Chamber of Commerce at the time of the SCORE appointment. The consultations are free for Chamber members, so please take advantage of this great benefit.

“Getting Started in Business” workshop on Tuesday, January 26th

2010-01-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

The Mass Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) Network- Boston Regional Office and Minority Business Center, provides one-on-one business advisory services and business workshops throughout the year.

They are kicking off the Spring 2010 season of workshops, starting with their flagship “Getting Started in Business” workshop on Tuesday, January 26th, from 6:00-8:00pm at the Copley Square Library, 700 Boylston Street, Boston, co-sponsored by the Kirstein Business Library.

This FREE workshop provides a complete overview of business start-up and planning considerations, oriented to those planning a venture as well as existing small business owners.

If you have any questions about MSBDC, please contact us at 617-287-7750 or visit their website at www.sbdc.umb.edu.

Small Business Owners - Make Resolutions for Wellness in 2010

2010-01-17T09:18:00.000-08:00

Your physical health is connected to your business health.

We invite you to the Arlington Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Seminar. Join us for networking and learning on Thursday, January 21, 2010 from 8 am to 9:30 am.

Have you made a New Year's Resolution to lose weight and get healthier this year? Are you confused and overwhelmed? Learn how to eat healthy and keep it simple.

Invest in your health and plan to attend the Arlington Chamber Breakfast Seminar at the Robbins Library Community Room (lower level, entrance in the back).

Enjoy a healthy breakfast, get reacquainted with Chamber members and perhaps meet a new one!

Cathy Zolner, Arlington Chamber Member and Wellness Consultant will be our presenter and Edible Arrangements will provide healthy and tasty breakfast foods.

Register now!

Robbins Library in Arling Offering Free Downloads of Audiobooks

2010-01-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Arlington Chamber of Commerce member, the Robbins Library along with the Minuteman Library Network is now offering Overdrive's downloadable audiobooks and e-books for free! The digital library is small but growing and spans nearly every genre - best selling novels, classics, business and finance, language learning and many other subjects. Download the book plus special software onto your computer (PC or Mac), transfer to devices like the Apple iPod, Smartphone, and Sony Reader, MobiPocket device, or other portable listening devices. Check it out by clicking here: Digital Media Catalog. (http://digital.minlib.net).

Special Offers from Arlington Chamber Members

2010-01-15T10:00:00.000-08:00

Homewood Suites by Hilton-Cambridge/ Arlington is offering winter discounts.

Have family visiting? 15% off our rates for 2 night stay Thu-Sun now through January 30th, 2010! Blizzard on the way and need accommodations for key staff- call hotel direct for $109.00 snow day rate! Visit Homewood Suites by Hilton-Cambridge/Arlington or call
(781) 643-7258 for more information.

Ryan's Florist is offering a First Snowfall Deluxe: As fresh and pure as the first snowfall in an evergreen forest, this generous puff of white alstroemeria blossoms, accented with pinecones, red berries and a scarlet ribbon, is a delightful gift for the holidays. Send one to a friend, family member or business associate this season. TFWEB467 | 35.00

Ryan's Florist
91 Warren St.
Arlington, Massachusetts 02474
www.ryansflorist.com
CALL TODAY - 800-264- 1994 or 781-646-6999

Speaker Profile: Cathy Zolner

2010-01-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

The first Arlington Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Seminar will be held on Thursday, January 21 from 8 am to 9:30 am at the Robbing Library. Learn more and register today.

Our speaker Cathy Zolner has been studying and learning about nutrition most of her adult life. She has been a Wellness Consultant and independent distributor for Juice Plus+® since 2005. Cathy has been speaking to groups all over New England about the importance of whole food nutrition.

Through her journey of sharing health information and helping people become healthier, Cathy decided to become a certified holistic health counselor. She is currently enrolled in a program at the Integrative Institute of Nutrition and will receive her certification this year. The Integrative Institute of Nutrition is dedicated to providing cutting-edge nutrition education, so that we can all live healthier, happier and more fulfilling lives.

Wellness for the Small Business Owner

2010-01-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Join us Thursday, January 21 from 8:00 am to 9:30 am to network and learn how you can build a stronger immune function.

The Arlington Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Seminar is brought to you in partnership with Edible Arrangements and Nourish to Flourish.

Did you know that yellow and orange fruits and vegetables contain fiber, vitamins and phytochemicals that promote heart health and eye health, lower the risk of some cancers and boost immunity? What are you doing to protect yourself during the winter months?

As a business owner, do you have sick days? Your physical health is vital to your business health.

Thursday, January 21, 2010
8:00 am to 9:30 am
Robbins Library Community Room (lower level, entrance from the back)

Register now!

Welcome new Arlington Chamber of Commerce Members

2010-01-10T14:30:00.000-08:00

Two new members have joined the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. Say hello!

Employment Resources, Inc. provides career help. Visit their website at www.yourcareersource.com.

Robert Gilmore Landscape Design can be found at at www.rg-ld.com.

Come to a networking event and meet more of our wonderful members.

Small business owners - what are you doing for your health?

2010-01-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

If you are a small business owners, you cannot afford sick days or days with low energy.

Learn simple steps to become healthier and happier. Cathy Zolner, chamber member and wellness consultant will guide us through a discussion of healthful eating and nutrition.

Come to the first Arlington Chamber Breakfast Seminar of 2010! It will be co-sponsored by Cathy Zolner, Wellness Consultant, My Nourish to Flourish and Karen Freeman of Edible Arrangements, Arlington. Healthy (and tasty!) food will be served for breakfast!

Breakfast Seminar:
New Year's Resolution - Good Health!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
8:00 am to 9:30 am
Robbins Library Community Room (lower level)
Register now

Save the Date for the Arlington Chamber of Commerce Winter Networking on February 4

2010-01-06T09:07:00.001-08:00

Spend an evening networking with colleagues and learning about guiding principles for setting and reaching goals.

Featuring Lloyd Franke

Event Sponsored by: Mirak Automotive

Location: Whittemore-Robbins House (behind the Arlington Public Library)
Date: Thursday, February 4, 2010
Hours: 5:30pm - 8:00pm
Event Agenda: 5:30-6:00pm Brief cocktail reception
6:00 - 6:45pm Presentation
6:45 - 8:00pm Questions / Networking

New Year's Resolution: Good Health

2009-12-29T07:00:00.000-08:00

Small business owners depend on their own good health for their livelihood. If you are sick or have low energy, you will not be successful.

Learn simple steps to become healthier and happier. Getting healthy doesn’t need to be complicated. Start the New Year with simple solutions to a healthier you.

What foods will protect you and provide you with more energy?
Why is prevention so important?
How can you fight chronic disease?

There are no health problems that can’t be helped by good nutrition.

The first Arlington Chamber Event of the New Year will be co-sponsored by Cathy Zolner, Wellness Consultant, My Nourish to Flourish and Karen Freeman of Edible Arrangements, Arlington. Healthy food will be served for breakfast!

Breakfast Seminar:
New Year's Resolution - Good Health!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
8:00 am to 9:30 am
Robbins Library Community Room (lower level)
Register now

Arlington Town Hall info

2009-12-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

Going to the Arlington Town Hall website will get you all the info you need on what you need to know, but this Talk of the Town blog presents it in such a clear and attractive way, we thought we'd share it.

Tell us about other Arlington bloggers, and we'll check it out.

Follow us on Twitter, too, to stay connected.

Arlington Advocate column "Ask the Career Coach" welcomes Qs

2009-12-13T09:04:00.000-08:00

Arlington Chamber of Commerce members collaborate to bring you the answers you need.

2M Career Coaching & Staffing is working with the Arlington Advocate to answer your employment related questions specifically for Arlington residents. We encourage you to contribute up to 3 questions to arlington@cnc.com in 200 words or less.

"Ask the Career Coach" is a new column in the Advocate written by Michelle Pasqual, who has more than a decade of experience within career coaching, recruiting and training. She provides job seekers with the necessary tools to formulate a strategic job or career search.

Free Downtown Parking in Arlington Saturday 12/12

2009-12-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

The Chamber of Commerce has negotiated with the Town of Arlington for free parking in the two main lots in Arlington on Saturday, December 5th, 12th and 19th!.

Special offer by Chamber Member Homewood Suites

2009-12-11T08:44:00.000-08:00

Have family visiting? 15% off our rates for 2 night stay Thu-Sun now through January 30th, 2010!

Blizzard on the way and need accommodations for key staff- call hotel direct for $109.00 snow day rate! Visit Homewood Suites by Hilton-Cambridge/Arlington or call (781) 643-7258 for more information.

VNCH, Chamber Member, Named 2009 HomeCare Elite™

2009-12-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

Visiting Nurse and Community Health, Inc. (VNCH), based in Arlington and serving 22 communities in eastern Massachusetts, has been named to the 2009 HomeCare Elite™, a compilation of the top-performing home health agencies in the United States.

This annual review identifies the top 25 percent of agencies and further highlights the top 100 and top 500 agencies overall. Winners are ranked by an analysis of performance measures in quality outcomes, quality improvement, and financial performance. VNCH was previously recognized as a HomeCare Elite agency in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Congratulations for a job well done!

Chamber Member Collaboration Trifecta!

2009-12-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

Chamber member Arlington Center for the Arts collaborated with fellow chamber member Arlington Children's Theatre on a production of Fanstastic Mr. Fox.

A third Chamber Member Mike Bugglio from The Book Rack is offering a discount to folks who attend the show to come purchase a discounted book by the author of Fantastic Mr. Fox - Roald Dahl.

That's a chamber member connection trifecta!

Chamber Member Editing Genius offers 10% discount

2009-12-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

We make sure it's right! We copy edit, proofread, and do general editing and rewriting for Reports, Brochures & Pamphlets, Advertisements, Memos, Contracts, Essays, Letters, School Assignments, Book and Magazine Manuscripts, Business Cards, Resumes, and Anything Else You Write!

Editing Genius (www.editinggenius.com), a new Chamber member, announces a 10 percent discount for Chamber members.

We will check your spelling, grammar, English usage, style, and even give our 2 cents on whether it all makes sense -- if you want us to.

Thanks to Our Members for Helping Out

2009-12-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

THANKS!... To our Chamber Members who helped us with some much needed office equipment:

Mike Buglio, of the Bookrack for a monitor for the Chamber office...

AND

Sue Orr at MVS publishing (The Shoppers) for another monitor so that both of our computers are working great!!!

AND....
Andy Winig at FISH Windows for a working fax machine.

Thanks for the support - we really appreciate it!

Generous Donation by Armstrong Ambulance Turns the Lights On

2009-12-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Arlington Chamber Member Armstrong Ambulance, the Town of Arlington will have its holiday lights this season.

In these tough economic times we applaud such generosity by Armstrong Ambulance.

Welcome our New Chamber Members

2009-12-03T08:46:00.000-08:00

Shields Enterprises
Marylou Shields
www.maryloushields.myshaklee.com

Protocol Six Consulting
Andre Pierre
www.protocol6.com

Come to a networking event and say hello to these new members!

Raffle for Shop Arlington First Gift Certificate

2009-12-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Visit Leader Bank to purchase your Arlington Gift Certificates, for every $25 amount you purchase, your name will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Gift Certificate.

Simply buy a $25 gift certificate between now and December 19th to qualify. The winner will be notified on the 19th so they will be able to Shop Arlington First in time for the holidays!

For more information on the program, visit the website.

Participating Leader Bank sites:
East Arlington: Leader Bank (Mon–Wed: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM; Thur - Fri: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM)

Arlington Center: Leader Bank (Mon–Wed: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM; Thur - Fri: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM)

Free Meter Parking in Arlington!

2009-11-30T07:25:00.000-08:00

The Chamber of Commerce has negotiated with the Town of Arlington for free parking in the two main lots in Arlington on Saturday, December 5th, 12th and 19th!.

Holiday Networking Event with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce

2009-11-30T07:20:00.000-08:00

Join us for the final networking event of 2009!
Fine wine, good food and friendly networking.

Here are the details:

Thursday, December 10, 2009
5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Whittemore-Robbins House
(Behind the Arlington Public Library)
Event sponsored by
Mirak Automotive Group

Register here
$15 Chamber Members
$30 Non-Chamber Members

Chamber Member is hiring

2009-11-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

This Chamber Member is seeking a placement for a client. The client is adding onto their customer service division and seeking individuals to handle in-bound calls and data entry.

The company will provide a laptop, headphones and monthly internet expense reimbursement. Individuals must be available for training which will be located at the corporate headquarters.

If you or someone you know of is interested in further details please contact:

2M
Michelle Pasqual
781-641-3336
michelle@2mstaffing.com

SCORE with the Arlington Chamber

2009-11-25T08:49:00.000-08:00

On the first Wednesday of every month A SCORE counselor comes to the Arlington Chamber's office to meet with Chamber members for confidential one-hour consultations. Both members and non-members can take advantage of this opportunity.

SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneurial education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide.

Contact: judy@judyorganizes.com to arrange your appointment.

NOTE:Non-members will be charged a $20 fee payable to the Chamber of Commerce at the time of the SCORE appointment. The consultations will continue to be free for Chamber members

Recap of Patrick O'Malley''s eBiz Presentation

2009-11-17T06:36:00.000-08:00

Patrick O'Malley, aka 617Patrick, has created a one page summary of his presentation from the 2009 eBiz Symposium.

All his great slides as well as links to the short video ads that he created and showed are on the site.

You can access all that information here.

eBiz 2009 a Great Success. Thank you's all around!

2009-10-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who made The Arlington Chamber eBiz conference a great success.

The generosity of our sponsors allowed us to accommodate so many attendees.
Constant Contact - our Gold Sponsor and
our Silver Sponsors:
Comcast Business Class
Green Ferret
Arlington Center for the Arts
Walden WebWorks
Crescent Hill Studio

Thank you to Mirak Automotive for sponsoring breakfast; Watertown Savings Bank for lunch and East Cambridge Savings Bank for our afternoon reception. The delicious food was provided by Beaujolais Catering.

Follow Up: Handouts Today, Survey Soon
The handouts from the session on Free On-Line Tools is available for download. A great website for reviewing tools to help pick which one is best for you is Idealware.org which reviews tools for non-profits, but the information is applicable for many small businesses as well.

We will send around a survey soon to determine what type of follow up programming will have for chamber members, so stay tuned.

Thank you to all of our volunteers who made eBiz 2009 happen.

Presenter Profile: Frank Days

2009-10-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Frank Day will be moderating our panel on free or low-cost on-line tools. Frank, is the Director of New and Social Media at Novell, Inc.

After spending over 10 years as a marketing executive in a series of fast growing software and online businesses including Experian and Ipswitch, Frank recently joined Novell to lead their global social media efforts. He is a prolific blogger and Twitterer and can be found online in the usual places under the pseudonym of Tangyslice. He is a graduate of Bowdoin College and the MIT Sloan School of Management.

For more info on the panel on free tools, read our blog post on the subject.

Limited ComplimentaryTickets Available for eBiz

2009-10-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

In this challenging economy, we understand that every dollar counts -- and that your time is valuable. Please spend the day with us learning how to make your business more effective through on-line tools.

Through the generous support of our sponsors and speakers, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that we are able to offer the 2009 eBiz Symposium program at no charge to you!

Join us at the eBiz Symposium --
Register for your complimentary ticket today! (Use promo code "ebiz100")

REGISTER NOW, seats are limited

Priority will be given to members of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and surrounding Chambers.

This one-day event is scheduled for Friday, October 23rd from 8:00am - 4:30pm. The agenda was created based on input and feedback from our local small business community, and combines quality speakers with practical topics. You will leave the day with actionable information that can help you use the internet, and the free tools you can find there, to your advantage. Network with other local businesses, because Chamber events are where "Connections are Made and Business Happens".

Profiles of our presenters and panels are shown in this blog and on the eBiz website.

Speaker Profile: Corissa St. Laurent from Constant Contact

2009-10-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

A public relations and marketing expert Corissa St. Laurent, Regional Director, Constant Contact, has more than 10 years experience creating powerful marketing and brand campaigns. She is an avid volunteer, having served on the board of directors of a non-profit women’s business networking organization, lending her expertise to branding the organization and supporting other women professionals and entrepreneurs. Corissa uses her business development, management, and leadership skills to help small businesses and non-profit organizations maximize the power of relationship marketing.

Successfully launching two small businesses, including a public relations and event marketing firm and a holistic body care and wellness service, Corissa has a proven track record of entrepreneurial success and will serve as your Constant Contact expert in New England, helping small businesses, non profits and associations learn how to build lasting relationships through email marketing and online surveys.

Register for eBiz 2009 today to meet Corissa and our other speakers and panelists.

Websites that Shine for Small Businesses

2009-10-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

Is your website like another employee? Does it meet new customers, answer questions, tell them about your work? How can you do it all with limited staff and a small budget?

On Friday, October 23, 2009, our eBiz Symposium will feature a lively discussion among panelists who know how to pull together great websites without a giant team of people.

Our moderator is Corissa St. Laurent, the Regional Development Director at Constant Contact. Corissa has many years of marketing experience and PR and a trained eye for looking at the customer experience.

Our panelists include Christine Koh of Boston Mamas and Posh Peacock. Christine's experience with Boston Mamas presents an interesting way for people to collaborate with content providers. So often, single proprietors or other small offices think that they cannot do it all. Christine's site shows how collaboration brings content to your website and improves traffic.

From a different perspective, we have Jeanne Connon from The Daily Grommet which creatively uses video to sell products. They have some great examples of how to use video to communicate your messages. Great ideas for spotlighting vendors.

Crafting a marketing message, collaborating with vendors and other partners, using video effectively - all on a small business budget with a small business time constraint. We look forward to hearing these stories at eBiz 2009.

Register today!

Panelist Profile: Jeanne Connon, Daily Grommet

2009-10-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

We are excited to bring you Jeanne Connon, Chief Marketing Officer, Daily Grommet as part of our panel on Online Success Stories.

Jeanne Connon is a start-up veteran and currently the Chief Marketing Officer of Daily Grommet. She has been building consumer and business brands for nearly 20 years, and led the creative/development team that built The Monster Board before it was acquired by TMP and became Monster.com. She also launched the Family Education Network (acquired by Pearson Education), managing partnerships with AT&T, Yahoo, and AOL. Prior to joining Daily Grommet, Jeanne consulted with B2B and B2C brands including cMarket and RentGrow. She produces and appears in videos weekly to promote the businesses, products, and artists featured by Daily Grommet.

The Daily Grommet actively uses video as the cornerstone of their strategy. View a sample from their site.

Register today for eBiz 2009 and meet Jeanne and other other presenters.

Follow the eBiz presenters on Twitter

2009-10-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

If you use Twitter, follow our panelists and presenters and get to know them a bit better. You will see how each uses Twitter in a different way for different purposes. It's a great way, if you are new to Twitter, to pick a couple of people to follow. Following and listening is the first step!

There's a helpful article by social media guru Chris Brogan called "How I Tweet - A FAQ" that may give you some tips on using Twitter.

Opening Key Note: Justin Levy @justinlevy

Panel discussion on Free On-Line tools:
Moderator: Frank Days @tangyslice
Panelists: Monique Cuvelier @talance and
Patricia Carney @patriciacarney

Panel discussion on website success stories
Moderated by Corissa St. Laurent from Constant Contact
Jean Connon, CMO of The Daily Grommet @jconnon or @dailygrommet
Christine Koh @bostonmamas

Closing key note by Patrick O'Malley @617patrick

Don't forget to follow the Chamber at @arlcc.

Register for eBiz today!

Free is never quite free, right? Especially for on-line tools.

2009-10-06T07:03:00.001-07:00

Time is money, so when we hear that there are so many free on-line tools out there, we are skeptical. It's not free if you waste your time and don't see results.

On Friday, October 23rd at our eBiz Symposium, we have a panel of experts who will steer you in the right direction and tell you about their favorite, free on-line tools.

Of course, Facebook and Twitter are free, but what about tools that make them work better? The Chamber is using free tools to promote the symposium. One example is TwitterFeed which automatically posted this blog post to our Twitter account (@arlcc).

Have you heard the term "Cloud Computing"? Well, we will talk about how people can collaborate with each other over the internet. For the eBiz Symposium, our team of volunteers collaborated on all our documents without the hassle of emailing everything around. Learn more about how you can work smarter, faster and better using the best free tools.

Our panel on Free On-Line Tools will be moderated by Frank Days, local Arlington parent, and social media expert. Read more about Frank on his LinkedIn page or in his blog. Participating in the panel are Monique Cuvelier, from Talance (read her LinkedIn bio). Monique is a website developer who has a bagful of tricks to share with you. Recently she told us about a free webconference tool that she uses. Another panelist will be Patricia Carney from Walden WebWorks who works with small businesses and has lots of insight into tools to drive traffic to your website.

Read the handout provided at the event.

Small Business, Smart Strategies, Big Results

2009-09-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

Spend one day with us and leave with the strategies and tools you need to spark your business.

Friday, October 23, 2009 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

We are excited to bring you the story of our keynote presenter Justin Levy, General Manager of New Marketing Labs founded by Social Media guru Chris Brogan.

Justin knows a lot about social media and combines it with a passion for something that we all love and can relate to - great food.

Justin is Partner and General Manager of Caminito Argentinean Steakhouse, and he will tell us how he increased revenue at his restaurant by 25%, not just one time but for many months in a row. All through social media: blogging, Twitter, Facebook, and video.

He'll talk about how small, local businesses can drive foot traffic and customers. He'll tell us how to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Register for the Arlington Chamber of Commerce eBiz 2009 Symposium on Friday, October 23. The symposium will be held at the Arlington Town Hall. Early bird registration ends September 30th.

Stay tuned for information on our other speakers and panelists:

Free and low cost on-line tools
Find out what your customers really want
On-line success stories
Five things you need to know about tomorrow, today

eBiz Symposium - it's what you want, because you told us!

2009-09-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

At the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, we strive to respond to the needs of our members. We value your feedback and seek to create programming that meets these needs.

Our most ambitious project of the year is our eBiz 2009 Symposium. We surveyed our members to identify the key areas for us to focus on.

Determine what Social Media makes sense for you
Identify Online Tools that match your needs
Learn the latest Web Trends to follow

All of the presenters at the eBiz Symposium are small business owners and work with small business owners. So, our program will be full of practical advice that you will be able to apply to your business.

Register before September 30 for the early bird pricing.

Members of other area chambers may attend for the member price. Visit our eBiz 2009 page for details.

Sparklers are in order!

2009-07-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again when The Arlington Advocate publishes its Readers Choice Awards.

Before I congratulate Chamber member winners, I'd like to drag out the soapbox from under my desk for two quick exhortations:

1) Whether or not you live in Arlington, the majority of you have businesses located here. Subscribe to the town's paper of record. Then take 10 minutes every Thursday to at least skim The Advocate. Read the letters to the editor to get the pulse of the town. Skim the paper for news that might affect your business like the Mass. Ave. Corridor project. Discover your customers or business neighbors who have been highlighted. Connect with the community where you do business. AND learn when nominations for Readers Choice open, which leads to. . .

2) When nominations for Readers Choice open, you will find a full page nominations form letting you know and telling you what customers need to do to vote for you. Then ASK your customers to vote, either by mailing in the nomination form or by hopping online. Ask them with a small poster by your register, ask them in person, ask them in your email newsletter (don't forget if you use Constant Contact, you can get a great discount when you subscribe through the Chamber).

OK, now the soapbox is back under my desk.

Chamber members were well represented in Community Newspaper Company’s Reader’s Choice Awards 2008 released earlier this month. Congratulations to the following members for Gold, Silver and Bronze Regional Favorites as well as Arlington’s #1 Choices and Honorable Mentions. In alphabetical order by category, the sparklers go to:

Animal Hospital/Clinic: Mill Brook Animal Clinic-Honorable Mention
Antique / Vintage Store: Honorable Mention to Porch/Wardrobe
Appliance Store: R.W. Shattuck and Wanamaker Hardware received Honorable Mention
Bagel Shop: Gold and #1-bagels by Us
Bakery: Silver and #1 to Lakota Bakery and Honorable Mention to Quebrada Baking Co. and Bella Moto Baking
Bar: Bronze and #1-Tryst; with Not Your Average Joe’s -Honorable Mention.
Book Store: Bronze as well as Arlington’s #1-once again, The Book Rack
Breakfast: Honorable mention to Sweet Sue’s
Camera Store: The Gold and # 1 -Cameras, Inc. once again and Honorable Mention-New England Camera
Caterer: #1 in Arlington to Beaujolais CAtering
Children’s Clothing: Honorable Mention Inside/Pink Dolly
Community Bank: Gold and #1 to Cambridge Savings Bank once again with Silver to Citizens Bank and Honorable Mentions to Citizens Bank and Leader Bank
Coffee Shop: Honorable Mention to Quebrada Baking Co.
Consignment Shop: Honorable Mention to Porch/Wardrobe
Dance/Gymnastics School: Once again #1 Choice in Lexington Dance Inn
Day Spa or Massage: Bronze and #1 in Arlington-Horizons Salon and Day Spa
Dentist: The Bronze and Honorable Mention goes to Dr. Barbara Lawnicki
Dinner: Silver to Not Your Average Joe’s with Honorable Mention to Not Your Average Joe’s and Flora
Fine Dining: Bronze and #1 in Arlington to Flora with an Honorable Mention to Tryst and Scutra
Florist: Silver and #1-Ryan’s Florist with Honorable Mention to Derby Farm Flowers & Gardens
Frame Store: Honorable Mention to Play Time and Cameras, Inc.
Furniture Store: # 1 in Arlington-Tall Tree Guild
Garden Store/Nursery: #1 in Arlington-Derby Farm Flowers & Gardens
Gift Shop: Divinity’s Splendour-Glow received Honorable Mention
Hair Salon: Silver goes to Horizons Salon & Day Spa, Creative Expressions receiving Honorable Mention
Hardware Store: Silver and #1- Wanamaker Hardware Inc.; Honorable Mention- R.W. Shattuck Ace Hardware and City Paint
Health Club: Gold’s Gym receiving an Honorable Mention
Home Decorating Store: #1-City Paint with Honorable Mention to Derby Farm Flowers & Gardens
Ice Cream Shop: Honorable Mention to The Chilly Cow
Indian Restaurant: Gold and #1 to Punjab once again
Italian Restaurant: Silver and #1 to Ristorante Olivio and an Honorable Mention to La Buona Vita
Jewelry Store: The Gold and #1-Swanson Jewelers Inc. once again!
Liquor Store: Gold and #1 to Menotomy Beer & Wine; Berman’s Wine & Spirits and Giles Fine Wine received Honorable Mention in Arlington and Woburn
Lunch: Not Your Average Joe’s-Honorable Mention
Manicure/Pedicure: The Gold and #1-Horizons Salon and Day Spa
Mexican Restaurant: Silver and #1 in Arlington-Zocalo Cocina Mexicana
Optical Shop: Gold and #1-Ronald A. Riesz Dispensing Optician (this makes the 7th time that Ron Riesz has been in this coveted spot!)
Pizza Place: Gold and #1 to Za with Honorable Mention to Sabatino’s Italian Kitchen
Retirement Living Residence: Bronze and #1-Sunrise Assisted Living of Arlington
Sporting Goods Store: Holovak & Coughlin and Quadcycles-Honorable Mention
Steak Restaurant: Honorable Mention-Tango
Takeout: Sabatino’s Italian Kitchen-Honorable Mention
Toy Stores: Play Time Inc. received an Honorable Mention
Weight Loss: #1 Choice-Fitness Together
Women’s Clothing Store: We sweep the Arlington awards: #1 Choice-Artwear once again; Honorable Mention to Helena’s and Inside & Co.

In the Northwest of Boston Category
Computer Store: Silver to The Computer Cafe
Hospital: Winchester Hospital received a Silver once again
Place to See Theatre: The Capitol Theatre received the Gold and The Regent received the Bronze
Place for Family Entertainment: The Regent Theatre received a Silver

Kudos to all of you!

Eating, Connecting, Learning and Eating Again

2009-06-23T10:12:00.000-07:00

Eating
Julia Child would have had a marvelous time on June 15 at An Evening with Arlington Chefs. The food was out of this world and the wines were incredible. The chefs outdid themselves and according to Mike Milan of Beaujolais Catering, Angelo, Bob, Paul, Ricardo and he had a great time in the kitchen hanging out together and helping each other plate courses. I have to say, just as delicious as the food was the comment I heard over and over about how much fun it was for people to connect with each other and with the chefs that evening.

Connecting
The camaraderie among the guests in Tryst’s dining room and among the chefs behind the scenes lifted the event to another level. Elsa Schiaparelli said it best: “Eating is not merely a material pleasure. Eating well gives a spectacular joy to life and contributes immensely to goodwill and happy companionship.” I agree!

And it wasn't just friends connecting with friends; it included people who entered Tryst as strangers and left as friends. To accommodate everyone, we had made up tables of 4-6 with parties of 1, 2 or 3. The Chamber tried to pair up people in congenial groupings and like any hosts, we had our fingers crossed that it would work out. As for attendees and the menu, I will let them speak for themselves:

"Jane and I congratulate all involved for what was a great event. The food and drink were first class and the warmth we felt being with the group was extraordinary. I particularly thank you for seating us with our tablemates. The four of us were very simpatico. We've been to many dinners over the years but very few organizers had the thoughtfulness to make sure 'newcomers' felt looked after."

-Ted Peluso, Cairn Enterprises

"Wow!!! I wanted you to know what an outstanding time I had the other night at the Evening with Arlington Chefs. From the moment I walked in the door, I felt like a "guest of honor." Starting with my glass of delicious brut rose (I will definitely put that on my list of favorites, thank you for giving us the wine list too - I'm off to Giles Wine for more!!

This night was so relaxing. Beaujolais Catering did an outstanding job with the hors d'oeuvres, and having them served while sipping my wine and asking 'what's in this?' was fun!

The sit down dinner was amazing. Being able to taste the different delicacies prepared by Tango, Ristorante Olivio, Tryst and Flora while being served wines that were hand-picked specifically for each entrée was brilliant! Our table of four, who up until that night I did not know, were laughing and sharing stories of our family, children and grandchildren the same way you would with old friends.

At the end of the evening, we all agreed "Where else can you enjoy different wines, hors d'oeuvres, three unique flavored delicious entries topped off with coffee and dessert and be personally greeted by the chefs who prepared this fabulous evening all for $100, gratuity included?' At our table, we all agreed this was the bargain of the century. We now have these fabulous restaurants to try and refer our friends to and I personally don't want to miss the next one...and you should know that I will want to spread the word to my family and friends!

-Donna Markussen, Aflac

"I always get nervous at social events that require me to be, well, social.. . I was seated with four other guests. Although I didn't really know any of them before that night. . .I easily fell into conversation.

And, quite surprisingly, the conversation started itself. . .we defied between politics and town issues, between the economy and ESPN. Our discussion swayed from good wines to good beers. From the Northwest to the East Coast. From state and national parks to hopeful vacations.

And what's obvious to me now, is that at an event like this, the one easy thing we all have in common is food. Yes, we were all there to support the Chamber, but it was the kind of event that drew us all to Tryst on Monday night - a chance to get a taste of places we love or places we hadn't yet experienced."

-Nicole Laskowski, The Arlington Advocate

Take a peek at what they enjoyed that evening:

Beaujolais Catering
Asian Pesto Grilled Shrimp
Hoisin Duck on Wonton Crisps
Rosemary Grape Foccacia with Gorgonzola
Paired with Rotari Brut Rose

Tango
Hearts of Palm Salad with crispy chicken & beef Empanadas
Paired with Tolloy Pinot Noir

Ristorante Olivio
Hand Crafted Butternut Squash Cannelloni
poached lobster, sundried tomatoes, caramelized fennel & mascarpone
Paired with Axis Chardonnay

Tryst
Red Wine Braised Beef Short Rib, green garlic potato puree & glazed vegetables
Paired with Righetti "Ripasso" Valpolicella Classico

Flora
Strawberry Shortcake Warmed cream biscuit, rhubarb & beaten cream
Paired with Mezzacorona Moscato

All wines for this evening were provided and selected by Giles Fine Wine
from Prestige Wine Imports & Horizon Beverage

Learning
Then there was the food for thought presented at Marketing on a Shoestring presented by the Chamber (the offline marketing tips) and Patricia Carney of Walden Webworks (online tips).

The Chamber distributed a tip sheet on how to frugally and imaginatively promote your business. Then Patricia used four customer case studies to demonstrate how small businesses are using the web to grow: Holovak & Coughlin Sporting Goods, Eric Volkin, Licensed Massage Therapist, Fun Chew Rawhide and Classic Cars & Byways. Attendees got to see some cool Google tools in action, templates for making websites easy to maintain and how SEO is being used to build a presence.

Eating again
A busy Chamber month that ended today with Coffee's on Us at Sweet Sue's!

Margy Rydzynski of Brave New Web chatting with Chris Chen, financial planner

Clockwise from left: Donna Markussen of Aflac, Phil Mathey of Edward Jones, Jennifer Withers of Central Bank, Cathy Zolner of Nourish to Florish and Dick Moskow of Richard S. Moskow Associates

The results are in

2009-06-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

This week I wanted to share with you the results from the Chamber survey we asked members to complete last month and to announce the winners of our two raffles. Those who responded by the first deadline were entered in a raffle to win an eBiz 2009 ticket.

The winner is Charles Pappas of Arlington Swifty Printing. Those who responded after a reminder email were entered in a raffle to win tickets to the upcoming eBiz tutorial series. The winner is Linda Varone of Nurturing Spaces.

According to Constant Contact, a good survey response rate generally falls between 10-20%, with the higher end for those surveys sent to respondents that have a relationship with the organization sending the survey (e.g. members responding to a survey sent out by the Arlington Chamber). We were right in line with our 17% response rate.

Using the results, I created graphs and summarized the feedback to questions 1-8. Click here to find out how respondents ranked the Chamber. In the next newsletter on June 30, I will share the results from the two open-ended questions in which we asked members how we could improve th emembership experience and what burning question or issue they'd like to see us address.

SBA's ARC loan program
This morning the Chamber held an informational presentation about the new ARC loans being made available by the federal government via the SBA. Anne Rice Hunt from the SBA Boston office gave attendees an overview of the program and answered questions about the qualifications required. Marty Kress and Seymour Sallett from SCORE were also here to answer questions too. On Thursday morning a SCORE counselor will be back in Arlington to meet with interested business owners for 15-minute mini-sessions to help them prepare for the application process which opens on June 15. Interested attendees made appointments today; however, if you are interested in scheduling your own mini-session to discuss this loan program, call the Chamber at 781.643.4600 to make an appointment on a first come first serve basis. The appointments will take place at the Chamber's office rather than at the Robbins Library.

Could you use a $35,000 interest free loan?

2009-05-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

SCORE Boston delivered big time late last week when it alerted its email list about ARC, the American Recovery Loan Program. Great news that sent me into a flurry of phone calls today. Let me tell you why:

I know what a tough time many of our Chamber members are having keeping their nose above the rising tide called the economy. I also know that while programs like this can be a godsend, the whole application process can be daunting - so daunting that even if you are eligible, you don't apply because the hoops you have to jump through are too many or too difficult to navigate.

As more information becomes available, the Chamber will share it with you. Below you will find:

1) two important dates to save

2) the text of the SCORE email describing the program

3) a list of Chamber member banks that are SBA preferred lenders (NOTE: The Chamber contacted the banks today and as soon as we know which of them will be participating in the ARC program, we will let you know).

BIG THANK YOU’S TO
At SCORE: Charlie Roover, the on-call SCORE counselor today, who helped connect me to the right people, Marty Kress for listening to me (again!), Seymour Salette for coordinating the June 11 counselors

At Robbins Library: Ellen Porretta for coordinating our use of the Community Room

At Cambridge Savings Bank: Mike Kuhn who sent along clarifying information

At East Cambridge Savings Bank: John Macomber who offered to prepare a check list of information business owners need to start collecting now

EVENTS (There is no charge to attend either event)
Tuesday, June 9 (7:30-9:00am) at Robbins Library Community Room
Ann Rice Hunt, the Boston ARC coordinator, will come to Arlington and give you full details about the ARC program, just one day after the program details are finalized at the federal level. Learn about the program and ask any questions you may have. Attendees will be able to sign up ahead of time to for a SCORE mini-session on June 11.

Thursday, June 11 (9:00am-till ) at Robbins Library Community Room
A battery of SCORE counselors (our ARC SWAT team!) with financial expertise will be on hand for brief confidential one-on-one consultations to help you understand and collect the information you will need for your ARC application.

SCORE EMAIL TEXT
Real Help for Small Business : SBA Readies Terrific New Loan Program to Help Small Business Survive

If your existing small business is stressed meeting expenses during these economic times, the U.S. Small Business Administration has a new loan program designed just for you.

SBA's America's Recovery Capital (ARC) Loan Program can provide up to $35,000 in short-term relief for viable small businesses facing immediate financial hardship to help ride out the current uncertain economic times and return to profitability.

Starting June 15th, ARC loans (100% SBA guarantied, 0% interest, 5 year loan) will be offered by some SBA lenders for as long as funding is available or until September 30, 2010, whichever comes first. Each small business is limited to one ARC loan.

About the ARC Loan Program
ARC loans can be used to make payments of principal and interest, in full or in part, on one or more existing, qualifying small business loans for up to six months. ARC loans provide an immediate infusion of capital to small businesses to assist with making payments of principal and interest on existing debt. These loans allow borrowers to redirect cash flow from making loan payments to investing in their businesses, to help sustain the business and retain jobs. For example, making loan payments on existing loans with proceeds from an ARC loan can allow a business to focus more funds on core operations, such as buying inventory or making payroll.

ARC loans do not require collateral, are interest-free to the borrower, carry a 100 percent guaranty from the SBA to the lender, and require no fees paid to SBA. Loan proceeds are provided over a six-month period and repayment of the ARC loan principal is deferred for 12 months after the last disbursement of the proceeds. Repayment can extend up to five years.

The best candidates for ARC loans are small businesses that are struggling, yet have been making loan payments, or those just beginning to miss loan payments due to financial hardship.

ARC loans are made by commercial lenders who are SBA participants. Businesses interested in applying for an ARC loan should first contact their current lender

ARC Loan Eligibility

ARC loans are available to viable, for-profit small businesses in the U.S. that have qualifying small business loans and are experiencing immediate financial hardship. Your small business must be an established business, have financial statements demonstrating it was profitable in one of the past three years, and be able to project sufficient cash flow to meet current and future loan payments over a two-year period from loan approval. If your business does not meet these criteria, you can discuss your eligibility with your lender. ARC loans are not designed for start-up businesses.

Examples of qualifying loans may include credit card obligations for your business, capital leases, notes payable to vendors/suppliers, Development Company Loan Program (504) first lien loans, other loans to small businesses made without an SBA guaranty, and loans made by or with an SBA guaranty on or after Feb. 17, 2009.

ARC loans are designed to help businesses experiencing immediate financial hardship for reasons such as:

-Loss/reduction of customer base

-Increase in cost of doing business

-Loss/reduction of working capital and/or of short term credit facilities

-Inability to restructure existing debts due to credit restrictions

-Loss/reduction of employees (intellectual capital)

-Loss/reduction of major suppliers (major suppliers out of business)

Borrowers whose loans are already severely delinquent or whose past performance or future cash flow indicates that the business is not viable are not good candidates for an ARC loan.

Applying for an ARC Loan
ARC Loans are provided by commercial lenders and guaranteed by the SBA. Your next step is to contact your lender who will help you determine if you are a candidate for an ARC Loan. (NOTE: See list below of Chamber member banks that are SBA preferred lenders.)

Questions they may ask include the following:

Does your small business have an established banking relationship?

Has your small business been in operation for a minimum of two years?

Do you have financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement) which demonstrate your business had a positive cash flow in one of the past three years (or as long as your business has been operating, if less than three years)?

Does your cash flow projection for the next two years indicate sufficient cash flow to meet your current and future loan payments?

Regarding your debts, is your business no more than 60 days past due on any loan (you can be current on all your debt obligations and still qualify for an ARC Loan)?

Is your business suffering an immediate financial hardship? For example:

Declining sales and revenues;

Difficulty in making loan payments on existing debt;

Difficulty in paying employees;

Difficulty in purchasing materials, supplies, or inventory;

Difficulty in paying rent and/or other operating expenses

CHAMBER MEMBER BANKS THAT ARE PREFERRED SBA LENDERS
(NOTE: Using SBA data, the Chamber contacted members that are SBA preferred lenders today to find out if they will be participating in the ARC program.)

Brookline Bank

Cambridge Savings Bank (confirmed ARC lender)

Citizens Bank

East Cambridge Savings Bank (confirmed ARC lender)

Leader Bank

TD Banknorth

ONE FINAL NOTE
$255 million is available beginning June 15. It's available on a first come first serve basis. The Chamber's goal is to give eligible business owners a head start with access to critical resources that can help them be among the first in line to apply if they are eligible for this program.

We are "gobsmacked"!

2009-05-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

This afternoon when I returned to the office after a meeting, I was greeted by an ecstatic Lorraine. We have a new addition to the Chamber staff! "C" was a complete surprise. I have to say, though that I am as happy as Lorraine to welcome her. In fact, I will use a word I only recently learned from the wonderful Scotswoman Susan Boyle. Thanks to Watertown Savings Bank, we are "gobsmacked"! [According to www.effingpot.com, it's British slang meaning "Amazed. Your gob is your mouth and if you smack your gob, it would be out of amazement."]

She occupies the first desk as you enter the Chamber office. In fact, here is her photo!

You may wonder why we did the Chamber Two-Step in the office as we gazed at her. You see, we have been without one for the last several months, relying on the fax machine to double as our copier. We are overwhelmed at Watertown Savings Bank's generosity and plan to say a silent thank you to them every time we turn on C, though I am thinking of changing her name to Ditto.

Speaking of made-to-stick-iness
Actually, I wasn't , except the kind of superlative care that the bank has demonstrated once again reminded me of a terrific book that Jan Whitted of ARTBEAT recommended to me and which I bought (at The Book Rack: Made to Stick, of course!) by Chip Heath and Dan Heath.

The authors talk about why some ideas survive and others die, like why a company name can conjure up an idea or a feeling as soon as you say it. They cite Nordstrum’s in one example. Quick! What pops into your head when you hear the department store’s name?

Exemplary, stellar customer service pops into mind. "Nordies" - what the sales associates call themselves - go to unexpected lengths for a customer and the authors cite examples from warming up a car in the winter to wrapping gifts purchased somewhere else. It’s what makes Nordstrum’s so sticky and synonymous with customer service.

Right now, as I look at this generous unexpected donation, I think Watertown Savings Bank is giving Nordstrum’s a run for its money!

When Being Local's Not Enough

2009-04-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

By now, you know that the Chamber fervently supports thinking local, being local, and buying local. In 2004, we launched Shop Arlington First. Since then we have sold more than $107.000 in gift certificates and more than $75,000 has been redeemed - pumped into the local economy That's money that stayed in Arlington and didn't get spent in a mall or a big box store.

This year, the Arlington Chamber helped launch the 10% Shift Campaign, a New England-wide initiative with the goal of getting 10% or the NE population to shift 10% of its spending to local independents by 2010. (Sign the pledge yourself!)

More than ever, as the Mass. sales tax is being increased to 6.5%, local store owners stand to lose business to the Internet where there is no tax (unless the business has a location in Mass.) or to N.H., especially for big purchases. In a tight economy, people do shop on price. BUT, and this is a big BUT, many will pay for service and quality when it is superior.

That is where local independents, which is just about every business in Arlington, can shine. May I tell you a story about when being local was not enough?

My friend Pam lives in a neighboring town. Since her husband works nights in Boston, often he'll go into the center of town to buy his lunch, read the paper and people watch. Dirk used to patronize a local bread store which also makes sandwiches. Not anymore. Why? Because after several years of weekly visits, the two owners still don't recognize him or engage him in any conversation beyond getting his order. He has since taken his business to a franchise location across the street, where the servers know who is, know what he likes and make him feel welcome every time he walks in the door. I would do the same, after telling the owners why they were losing my business. Being local got Dirk in the bread store, being local was not enough to keep him there when he didn't get friendly, personalized service.

I am a loyal customer. I stay with a business forever. However, as my friend Bozena will say, "I will tell you a truth." I have relationships with two businesses (both local independents, by the way!) that pre-date my move to Arlington more than 13 years ago. For everything else, my motto is Chamber member first, then local independent, for almost everything I buy or use.

Being local will get me in the door. It is not enough to keep me coming back. If a local independent is owned by a grouch, has employees who are unhelpful or provides shoddy service or goods, I won't continue giving that business my business.

What makes local shine for me? When I walk into a store and am recognized by name or by what I buy. When I get a cheery welcome and advice if I need it. When my presence in the store is acknowledged by a smile, or an "I'll be right with you." When I can find treasures I can't find anywhere else. When I know that the business owner supports Arlington. When I know I will get terrific service most of the time (we all have bad days!). When I know that problems will be solved and mistakes will be corrected. When my business is appreciated.

What makes local shine for you?

10 % Shifting all the way!

2009-04-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

Before I even begin, I want to thank two local independents for making this possible. Ana Nanavaty from Print Aspects came to my rescue scanning the front cover and lead article of the Business & Industry supplement included in the more than 90,000 editions of CNC's Northwest region weekly papers this past month. (See end of post for full article.)

Then ACMI member and volunteer Wu So Fai along with staff member Jeff Munro worked together on producing this video clip (You'll need Quick Time to view it) from the Chamber's visit to the March 23 Board of Selectmen's meeting.

So what the heck is the ?
It's a New England-wide movement with this mission - by the year 2010 to persuade 10% of the NE population shift 10% of what they spend already to locally and independently owned businesses.

Why? Because it will have a significant and positive impact on the vitality of our local and regional economy. It has the Board of Selectmen's whole-hearted endorsement, too. In fact, all five selectmen and the town manager signed the pledge that night to SHIFT 10% of what they already personally spend to local independents.

Feature story in March Business & Industry section for Northwest weekly newspapers
"Shift your spending: Build vibrant local economies by shopping close to home"
By Angie Orenstein, CNC Correspondent

Jan Whitted, owner of ARTBEAT Your Creativity Store on Mass. Avenue in Arlington, has her share of regular customers but like most small business owners fighting to keep their heads above water in this struggling economy, she wouldn't mind seeing those numbers go up.

Along with being a small business owner, Whitted is also on the Arlington Chamber of Commerce board of directors, which recently began a committee to help promote a campaign called The 10 Percent Shift. This campaign was created by the New England Local Business Forum (NELBF), a coalition of local business organizations across New England that are working to strengthen local independents and build vibrant local economies. The goal of 10 Percent Shift is not to ask consumers to spend more of their money, rather, to change or shift their spending patterns so that at least 10 percent of their purchases are made at local, independent businesses.

"The future of local retail is dependent on people changing their buying habits and making a conscious decision about where they shop," said Whitted. Local businesses tend to hire locally and support the local community. It just makes sense. This is a step in the right direction."

The idea of promoting local shopping is not a new one. Various Local First campaigns have been established all across the country especially on the west coast and here in New England. Michèle M. Meagher, Executive Director of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce said that Seacoast Local in the Portsmouth area is very active and in Arlington, Shop Arlington First has been in existence for about five years. The 10 Percent Shift is a new concept to help boost the Local First campaigns.

By visiting the Web site www.10percentshift.org consumers are encouraged to make an outward commitment by signing the pledge saying they will shift 10 percent of their spending to locally owned businesses within their hometown. There is also a convenient online tool to provide some guidelines on how to go about doing that. The tool can be useful because some families may need to shop at big box stores in order to get cheaper prices by buying in bulk. They may still want to participate in The 10 Percent Shift so they could instead choose to switch their finances to a local bank or eat out once a week at the corner restaurant instead of a chain. In other words, there are several different areas where the 10 percent shift can be made. It doesn't mean you can't ever shop at a big box or chain store.

"The beauty of this whole thing is that nobody is asking anybody to spend more money than what they already spend," said Meagher. "It's shifting the dollars. It's a very positive-oriented campaign."

She said the goal is to get 10 percent of the population to shift 10 percent of what they already spend into their local communities by 2010. When money is spent locally, more of it stays local, explained Meagher. She said there are many studies and statistics to back this up. For example she said, for every $100 spent in local businesses, $68 stays within that town. For every $100 spent non-locally, only $43 stays in the local community. Big businesses and chains must pay a lot out to their corporate offices.

By shopping locally, communities are enhanced, entrepreneurship is encouraged, new jobs are created, and decreasing long commutes saves gas. In general keeping spending dollars close to home strengthens the local economy. According to the 10 Percent Shift Web site, when money is spent at local businesses, up to three times as much money stays local. Also local business owners are more likely to keep their money within the local economy. This creates a circular effect and it's done without any extra expenses or fees.

Several New England communities, such as Cambridge, Somerville, Newburyport, and Concord have already adopted or have plans to adopt the 10 Percent Shift and many kick-offs are taking place this month, including Worcester, which declared March 16 as 10 Percent Shift Day. The Arlington committee hopes to make it official, too, and will soon find out when it presents to the Board of Selectmen at their March meeting.

"We're living in a tough economy," said Meagher. "If we lose all of our local businesses we'll have a very barren town. This movement is huge and it's just beginning to build a groundswell. This is something that's going to make a big impact."

Laury Hammel, owner of The Longfellow Health & Recreation Clubs based out of Wayland, is a local businessman who has organized Local Firsts across the country. He is co-founder of The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) and Director of Sustainable Business Network (SBN) of Boston, an umbrella organization under which the New England Local Firsts reside. He said that with many people losing their jobs we need to encourage more entrepreneurs in our community by networking and telling positive stories to encourage people to start their own businesses. The 10 Percent Shift is an ideal way to do this and he said the goal is to have 100,000 people sign the pledge by the end of the year.

"This ultimately will create a stronger, more vibrant, sustainable economy," said Hammel. "It's a bite-sized chunk that will make a difference."

Mike Buglio is also a board member on the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and he is owner of The Book Rack on Medford Street in Arlington Center. He supports The 10 Percent Shift but understands that consumers cannot always buy everything local. He gave the example of purchasing a car. He said the campaign and the 10 Percent Shift Web site help people make an informed decision on how they can make themselves local.

"One of the things I like about the shift is that it keeps people employed locally," said Buglio. "It has a cascading upward effect."

A survey conducted by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, a nonprofit research organization, in partnership with several independent business organizations found that independent retailers in cities with active Buy Local campaigns reported stronger sales than those in communities without such campaigns.

Civic Economics (www.civiceconomics.com/localworks), a leading economic research firm specializing in local economics has conducted many studies to demonstrate how a 10 percent shift can make a big difference in local economies. In one study of 600 thousand residents in Western Michigan, it was shown that a 10 percent shift in spending over a period of one year would create 1,600 jobs, reduce unemployment by .5 percent, create over $53 million in new wages, and create $137 million in new economic activity for the area.

For more information, to use the 10 Percent Shift spending tool, and to sign the pledge visit www.localshift.org or www.10percentshift.org.

Other websites that contain information about the benefits of spending money locally include: www.SBNBoston.org and www.livingeconomics.org.

To learn more and sign the pledge too, visit http://www.10percentshift.org. Stay tuned as we get more involved over the next several months and plan activities to promote local commerce!

So, are you a 10% shifter? I hope so!

Which way are you leaning?

2009-03-31T11:48:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, those of you who are Arlington residents have the opportunity to cast your votes in the town’s election. On the ballot—actually on the back of the ballot—will be four ballot questions that one result or the other will have an impact on business, which is why the Chamber had written an opinion piece for the Advocate. However, we missed the paper’s deadline. So while this won’t be published in The Advocate this Thursday I want to share it with you.

On Saturday, April 4, Arlington voters will face four ballot questions dealing with alcohol. The Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors wishes to explore the effect of these ballot questions on the business community, and by extension, the Town.

Ballot Question#1: Shall the Board of Selectmen be authorized to grant an additional 5 licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in restaurants and function rooms having a seating capacity of not less than 50 persons?

The Chamber of Commerce believes that Arlington’s reputation as a dining destination benefits other businesses by attracting potential customers to town. Our restaurants are also a source of enjoyment for both local and out-of-town citizens. For these reasons, the Chamber endorses the increase of full liquor licenses from 10 to 15.

Ballot Question #2: Do you favor allowing the service of alcoholic beverages without food in licensed restaurants?

In a letter to the editor in the March 19 Advocate, five of Arlington’s leading restaurateurs urged voters to vote yes on Question 2. Allowing restaurants to serve patrons a drink without food enables them to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging economic climate. When they cannot, the restaurants find that patrons leave and drive to another town. As a result they lose the business that evening and that potential dining patrons never return. For these reasons, the Chamber endorses the increase of the service of alcoholic beverages without food in licensed restaurants.

Ballot Question #3: Do you favor increasing the number of stores in Arlington licensed to sell wine and malt beverages for consumption off-premises from three to five?

Currently residents who wish to purchase beer and wine have three local stores, each with its own distinct personality, to patronize. All three have operated responsibly since opening. Although East Arlington is already home to two of the current licenses, a beer and wine store located either in the Center or the Heights would provide residents in those neighborhoods with additional options. For this reason, the Chamber endorses increasing the number of stores in Arlington licensed to sell wine and malt beverages for consumption off-premises from three to five.

Ballot Question #4: Do you favor allowing stores in Arlington currently licensed to sell wine and malt beverages for consumption off-premises to sell all alcoholic beverages for consumption off-premises?

While residents can now purchase beer and wine locally, those wishing to purchase liquor still need to travel to neighboring communities. Since many of these shoppers combine these trips with other errands, even more shopping is done in neighboring communities. As a result, shopping dollars that could have been spent in Arlington leave town. For this reason, the Chamber endorses allowing stores in Arlington currently licensed to sell wine and malt beverages for consumption off-premises to sell all alcoholic beverages for consumption off-premises.

The Chamber’s Board of Directors is not advocating increased alcohol consumption. It does, however, advocate for new business growth, having witnessed the positive impact that these new enterprises have had on other businesses and on the community itself.

While the passage of these ballot questions will not affect alcohol consumption, the Chamber does believe that their passage will affect where residents spend their shopping dollars.

The Chamber of Commerce endorses all the ballot questions that promote business and foster a vital and thriving community. The Chamber encourages you to cast your vote in favor of these ballot questions on April 4.

Connecting the dots

2009-03-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

I know that some Chamber members think networking events are not a good use of time because their customers don’t fit the profile of a small business owner, which makes up the bulk of the Chamber. My answer to them? Pretend you are hearing a big old-fashioned raspberry! Why?

Because you just never know whom you will meet. Or to which degree of separation they are either connected to you OR to the biggest client/customer you could ever have. Let me illustrate with a case in point – two cases in point, in fact - that took place yesterday morning. The back story:

When Arne Gronningsater of Inner Works Construction Services stopped in to learn more about the Chamber last week, I invited him to give us a try at the Coffee. While we chatted I learned that his wife Christina Sillari was a divinity student in her last year before becoming a minister.

In the hubbub of networking, a Jam’n Java customer introduced himself to me as I stood nearby the door because he was interested in what was going on. As we chatted, Bob Craigue told me that he had recently left WBZ TV where he had worked with Liz Walker.

Connection #1 involved me! I’ve been trying to find a way to connect with Ms. Walker myself and this is the closest I’ve come yet.

Connection # 2 involved Arne. When Bob mentioned that he had just started a new job as media center director at Andover Newton Theological School, I laughed and said that I had someone right there at Jam’n Java whose wife was studying to be a minister. I introduced the two of them and it turns out that Arne’s wife is at the same school. Soon, Bob who is new there will know one more person because I imagine Bob and Christina will connect.

Networking is really just connecting the dots, connecting the stories, connecting the people. From Arne →Michèle →Bob→Arne→Bob→Christina. Who knows what wonderful things might happen from my connecting to Bob and Bob's connecting to Christina? That's the thing - you just never know until you put yourself out there what might happen, do you?

A powerful, unstoppable side effect

2009-03-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

Right now I can’t think of anyone, except Lily Lu, who is deliriously happy with all of this snow. Right now her sheer enjoyment of the icy cold and snowy white is the only thing keeping me from running amok at still having to wear boots, mittens and hats and dig out with shovel and snow blower. You may be asking where I am going with this. Well, it was tramping on clean sidewalks that inspired today’s musings.

I am blessed to live between great neighbors. More often than not, I find my sidewalk and sometimes even my driveway already shoveled or snow blown by Frank Ganat or by John Arnold. Sometimes I am able to return the favor and get out there before they do and use my snow blower to clean their walks and the end of their driveways. In really bad weather the Arnolds park a car or two in my driveway. And I thank my lucky stars that I have the upstairs neighbor that I do. On a regular basis we do little kindnesses for each other without thinking. Really, we are all looking out for each other.

Acts of generosity as I describe here come from the sense of community we feel. We think we live in a great neighborhood because there is that sense of community and camaraderie.

It got me to thinking of the neighborliness I am lucky to experience from different quarters of the Chamber time and time again. It’s because this Chamber fosters community building, just like my block does. For Chamber members who invest time in building community, that kind of generosity has a habit of multiplying, too.

It’s the kind of community that Arlington Entrepreneurs and Famboogle.com are Chamber Connecting to create between each other and with Arlington as a whole. It’s the sense of neighborhood that East Arlington business owners are creating in Capitol Square.

That Arlington Center businesses on Medford Street, Mass. Ave. and Broadway have created with Broadway Plaza.

It’s what is happening at the Chamber's Coffee’s on Us gatherings and our networking events.

It’s creating a sense of belonging, which, in turn, manifests a powerful, unstoppable side effect. A positive and palpable energy that radiates outward inviting others to come in, to belong, to participate.

I like to think that Chamber members are like my neighbors on Franklin. We are all building community one connection at a time. Ain’t it grand?!

Leaving with more energy, not less

2009-02-17T13:12:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I joined Linda Varone of Nurturing Spaces at the monthly meeting of the New England chapter of National Speakers Association (NSANE). Am I glad I did! I left feeling as if every single penny I paid to attend was worth the investment. From beginning to end, the day was everything I aspire to when it comes to organizing Chamber events.

Responsive
According to Linda, the New England chapter has added some new features to its meetings in direct response to member feedback about how to improve.

One is the "Wake-Up Call Program.” For members who want to get as much as they can from a Saturday spent in learning mode, this 1-hour optional session is served up with a healthy Continental breakfast. This month, Suzanne Bates of Bates Communications shared her experiences of getting published and why she does it (not to sell books as much as to attract new clients).

The other feature takes place after lunch when attendees are divided into two groups to accommodate the wide range of experience represented. In Masters Circle, long-time NSANE members share best practices with their peers. The Make It Real session delves into one of the morning topics in more depth. We peppered Helen Osborne of Health Literacy Out Loud and Adam Weiss of Podcast Consultant with a slew of questions about the nuts and bolts of podcasting.

Relevant and practical
Saturday’s topics were of immense interest to attendees, who make all or part of their living from speaking. Presented to them were tools, tips and information that they could implement immediately in their own businesses. Critical knowledge in action!

Engaging
I got so much out of each session because the speakers were passionate about their topics and eager to share their knowledge. Chaco Canyon Consulting’s Rick Brenner walked us through the current economic climate and how to prepare for the return of the buyer had me riveted to my seat. Yes, it helped that all four of them are professional speakers and/or interviewers with a wealth of experience on which to draw.

Looking forward
As the Chamber plans events for the coming year, its aim will be to provide that same caliber of programming and be just as responsive, relevant, practical and engaging.

I want everyone one of you to leave a Chamber event with more energy, not less. With answers, not "what was that all about?" With tips, not platitudes. With clarity, not confusion. Stay tuned!

Kicking into tangential high gear

2009-02-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

One tangent led to. . .
Anyone who knows me well knows that one of my hobby horses is the whole idea of “critical knowledge” – all the little things you know that help you do something easily and well. Usually critical knowledge comes with time and with practice or we learn it by trial and error.

When I am brand new to something, I can be clueless about the simple tips and shortcuts that others who use a program or do a task have absorbed. In fact, I have learned how to do something I don’t even think about all of the steps and short cuts anymore. We forget what it was like when we didn’t have that knowledge Knowing these critical bits of information - or having them handy to refer to - can make learning a new process or a new task or even a new program much easier and less painful. Isn’t great when we can share our critical knowledge?

another tangent, then . . .
That’s why the Chamber proposed creating the “Doing Business in Arlington Hotsheet” to Community Planning & Development. Thanks to Dave Berry, the department’s assistant director, we now have an easy to use and valuable guide for the right people to talk to for all the different aspects of doing business in town.

then to another. . .
If you know Margy Rydzynski of Arlington Entrepreneurs, one of my favorite serial entrepreneurs, you know her brain never stops working, especially when it comes to anything Internet related. She has immersed herself in blogging and learning the in’s and out’s of using social networking sites to grow a business. As a contributor to Vibrant Nation, she has begun creating tip sheets to help people navigate these new ways to connect. The beginning of the tangent. . .

and still another tangent. . .
Yesterday, I saw another one of my favorite serial entrepreneurs, Craig Rabe of The Computer Cafe, when I stopped by to pick up my repaired hard drive. Like Margy, his brain never shuts down. I had just learned from Alan, the store’s manager, that the reason my computer had been acting so strangely was because I had “upgraded a program in order to view” something on my computer and instead of upgrading, I downloaded a virus or infection. Alan recommended I always upgrade from an accepted and trusted source, like the maker of the product. When I told Craig about my mishap, he mentioned he’d been thinking about writing a tip sheet called “Ten Easy Ways to Infect Your PC with a Virus.”

. . .to a brainstorm
Then my brain kicked into tangential high gear. What if the Chamber created a new page on its website where we could share expertise like this so everyone has access to the critical knowledge of our members? The tip sheets could help others get up to speed faster on a given topic. Oh, and did I mention it would be one more way that your Chamber promotes its members? From one tangent to another and from Dave Berry to Margy Rydzynski to Craig Rabe. . .

Ta da! The first Critical Knowledge™ Tip Sheets are one click away.

What a day, what a month, what a year-so far!

2009-01-20T13:06:00.000-08:00

Let’s start with what a day!
Thank you, Regent Theatre, for opening up your doors today so we could watch history in the making. Yet it was history repeating itself that was so remarkable. To echo Senator Feinstein, today was a celebration of more than two centuries as a country. For 44 times we as a nation have peacefully transferred power from one president to another. Both the president leaving and the president beginning represented our country today with grace and dignity today.

I cannot tell you what a thrill it was to see this momentous occasion on such a large screen. As I saw our flag whipping in the breeze, my Navy upbringing surged through my veins. My eyes teared up, my heart swelled and I could hear my mother’s voice in my ear saying once again how her adoptive country’s flag was most beautiful to behold. That patriotic thing happened again when Aretha Franklin sang “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” the song that Reverend Martin Luther King’s recounted in his “I have a dream” speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963, and, as Andy Metzger of The Advocate told me today, the song performed by Marian Anderson on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939.

Let’s continue with what a month
January started off with a bang. The Chamber’s first (can I use “inaugural” one more time?) “Coffee or Tea is on us!” was a raging success. We stopped counting after 40! I can’t tell you everyone who was there because no one turned the page to continue having folks sign in. This is what I did have recorded:

Liz Blumenthal of Coach Liz Blu brought a guest and Ron Imposimato of Fresh Coat brought along two colleagues from his Arlington BNI group. Also represented were Watertown Savings Bank, Patriot Financial, Big Foot Moving, Stage 5 Cycling, Richard S. Moskow Associates, The Book Rack, YAVP, 2M Coaching & Staffing, The Children’s Room (winning the prize for the most folks from one organization!), Bob Ferlanti Custom Painting, VNCH, The Regent Theatre, Mirak Automotive, Rubicat Design & Photography, Sperling Interactive, Arlington Acupuncture Center, Healing with Acupuncture, BOWES Real Estate, Functional Places, Nurturing Spaces, East Cambridge Savings Bank, Edward Jones are just the ones I had on my sign in sheet. Joan of bagels by US was phenomenal, as was the rest of the crew, too.

Everyone liked the informality. Drop in, stay awhile, eat breakfast, network and then be on the way to work. Won’t you join us next month on Tuesday, February 10 when we move to Sweet Sue’s?

Here’s the deal. You don’t have to register. You don’t have to pay. You DO have to buy breakfast. You DO have to network. And when you do, the Chamber will treat you to your coffee or tea or even a hot chocolate. Enjoy these photos and see for yourself why I say, it’s a great deal!

This year
This is what I think. Out of challenging times comes opportunity. Count me in!

We're engaged! Or are we really?

2008-12-30T08:54:00.000-08:00

Did you think I meant engaged to be married? Be still my heart, but no, not that kind of engaged.

This week I'm sorting through, throwing out, straightening up and filing away piles of stuff that have been neglected for too long. That leaves a lot of time for random thoughts about getting engaged, making a commitment, getting in gear, making a promise.

Getting engaged in the Chamber Connections newsletter
I love to include news about what you are all doing. Most of the time when you send me blurbs I’m good about putting them in the appropriate newsletter folder. Sometimes I’not. If your blurb is missing send me an email so I can add it to the next newsletter if it was not a time sensitive blurb. And if it was, I’ll be happy to add a blurb recapping the event instead.

You can help me by sending your blurbs: 1) as a separate email with a subject head that lets me know it belongs in the newsletter, not as a reply to one of my newsletters and 2) in the body of an email, not as an attachment or as an email campaign.

Getting in gear with networking
As my friend Bozena would say, “I tell you a truth.” Networking does create business opportunities. Getting out there and meeting people and getting to know them over time really does work. Think about it. If you’re getting ready to design a website, wouldn’t you probably turn first to someone you know personally because either s/he does that for a living or has hired someone who has done a great job on theirs? I know I would. If you suffer from chronic back pain, wouldn’t you be more likely to trust an acupuncturist, a chiropractor or a massage therapist you have met than a stranger you find in the yellow pages? I now I would. If you wanted to get fit (especially after holiday indulging), wouldn’t you want to work with someone from a fitness or yoga center or a dance or fitness coaching program that you feel comfortable with because you have already met them? I know I would.

Let me put it another way. If you are not putting yourself in the mix in as many different ways that you can and your colleague or competitor does, which of you will be top of mind when someone needs your service and wants to make a purchase?

Making a commitment to get the most out of your investment
I tell you another truth. You will get out of the Chamber what you put into the Chamber. I’ll admit that just paying your dues and doing nothing else gets you something: a listing at www.arlcc.org and in the Chamber Directory, a referral when someone calls the Chamber asking for the names of restaurants, plumbers, accountants, contractors, graphic designers, movers, etc., as well as access to group rates for health insurance.

Yet there is so much more that you can take advantage of. The caveat? You have to make a commitment to get involved. You have to call for the SCORE appointment. You have to register and attend the breakfast seminars or the networking events or our new “coffee’s on us” program. You have to send us your news. You have to volunteer for a committee.

Making a pledge
I promise you that the Chamber will do its best to help you sustain and grow your business in any way that we can. In 2009, look for more relevant programming, frequent opportunities to connect and be introduced and the critical resources that you have come to rely on and that you can take advantage of all year long.

Happy New Year! And if you want to see the Chamber's office in pristine condition, make it quick, because I can't promise how long it will stay this neat!

On introductions (help!) and resolutions (mine)

2008-12-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

If you can, will you introduce me?
One of the things you can count on at this Chamber is connecting; when you want to meet someone, we make it happen. When you need to find someone who performs a particular service or sells a particular product, the Chamber can steer you in the right direction more often than not.

Now if you can, will you introduce me? I’d like personal introductions to the owners of the Arlington Diner and Broadway Diner in the East and Classic Cafe in the Heights. I have a business proposition for them. It’s a proposition that bagels by US and Sweet Sue’s Bakery and Café are already enthused about. I’ll fill you in when my ducks—I mean, my coffee cups—are all in a row.

If you can make the introduction, I’d love to hear from you by email or by phone at 781.643.4600!

Five Chamber resolutions for 2009
Here is what I’d like to help make happen for the Chamber this year.

1) Do whatever I can to eradicate email addresses that look like these:

name@aol.com or name@gmail.com or name@hotmail.com or name@yahoo.com

2) Do whatever I can to persuade Chamber members to replace them with email addresses that look like this:

name@websitename.com, eg. mmeagher@arlcc.org

Anyone whose site is hosted, gets at least one complimentary email address as part of the deal. It will take no more than 20 minutes (if that!) to set it up. With that one change you say volumes about how you perceive your business: that you take your business seriously, that your business has its own identity and that you understand the power of consistent branding when your email address matches your business website.

3) Make sure I carry my business cards with me when I am on the job.

After all, I’m in the business of connecting. Shame on me when I come up empty handed. Every time I don’t have one to share, I weaken that connection and I appear unprofessional.

Here’s my promise: If you ask me for a business card and I don’t have one with me, I’ll put a $1.00 into a jar on my desk. When it reaches $20, I’ll make a donation to the Arlington Food Pantry. Anyone else who’d like to make the same challenge?

4) Try this again: request lots more of jpgs like this one from ACMI to add to the Chamber website. Isn't it great that you can see the staff in front of their sign?

The first time around when I asked for jpgs, I goofed and called them web banners. I discovered that “banner” implied “ad” to those who submitted jpgs. Mark Rizzo of Tall Tree Guild gave it a better name: web photo. That's what I want: jpgs of real people not jpgs of products or logos or tag lines. It's people that personalize the website, that engage visitors and help members put a face to a name.

5) Be out of the office more than I’m in the office.

It’s easier for me to go to members than it is for members to come to the office. The Chamber is striving to be more flexible, responsive and visible. And the Chamber's Board thinks this is a meaningful place to start. That’s why you will see a change in our office hours. In the New Year, you’ll always be able to count on Lorraine being in the office Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am-2:30pm. Wednesdays will be my "for sure in the office day" during the week. If you’d like me to come and see you or come here to see me, we can make an appointment, too on another day or at a different time.

Five resolutions are enough, I think!

Chamber Connections Ezine
December 30 will be the last newsletter of 2008. As you may have noticed the Chamber has moved from publishing weekly to every other weekly. For those of you who submit time-sensitive news or events for Chamber Connections, you’ll need to be thinking ahead and make sure I have it in time.

Topsy turvy in a nano second

2008-12-04T13:57:00.000-08:00

That’s what happened to me on Thursday, November 12 changed how I’ve been spending much of my time over the last few weeks. It seems Jack Meagher, my hale and feisty dad of nearly 86, was in an ambulance on his way to Leonard Morse Hospital in Natick. The next day he had surgery for a ruptured appendix. The Meagher SWAT Ground Team (Michèle, Trip, Kim, Beth and Steve) and Up There Team (my mom) sprang into action. My hat is off to all of you who are only children who deal with the hospitals, the rehabs, the doctors, the banks, the lawyers, etc. when a crisis happens.

Jack came through the operation with flying colors. For two weeks, he received incredible care at his local hospital. And now he is receiving incredible rehab at our very own local rehab, Park Avenue Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. For a week, Judy and Gwen saved a bed for Jack as his discharge date became a moving target. He was in Arlington in time for Thanksgiving.

I felt blessed that my dad was healing locally. He would have received excellent care in Boston at one of the teaching hospitals. Yet, he got the same level of care and even more personal attention by being local.

Speaking of local, that’s what First Lights is ALL about.
We hope to see you out and about on Saturday, December 6 from 12:00-6:00pm. Shop Arlington First stores and businesses are kicking off the holiday season.

When you shop locally this season, chances are you’ll see a document like this one below (adapted with permission from the American Booksellers Association’s Indie Bound initiative) in Shop Arlington First businesses:

So I will leave you with this Local First thought: Be local. Think local. Buy local. Every time you spend your dollars in town, you vote to keep Arlington thriving .

May I provoke you?

2008-11-12T12:54:00.000-08:00

Michael Katz of Blue Penguin Development recently asked a roomful of folks a question that stopped me in my tracks.

What do your clients/prospects desperately need that only you are qualified to provide?

That got me thinking about this Chamber. What do members desperately need that only we are qualified to provide? I asked myself: “If I were an entrepreneur or small business owner what would I desperately need?”

For me above all else, what I would desperately need is a sense of connection with other business owners, a sense of community to the town and ways to let everyone know who I am and what my business has to offer. What would it be for you?

Would it be access to information and resources that could help you grow your business?

Would it be a place where you could get advice or have a sounding board, knowing what you said went no further?

Would it be a place to connect to other entrepreneurs so you wouldn’t feel so isolated?

Would it be an entrée via introductions to potential customers or partners?

Would it be opportunities to market your products or services to other businesses?

Would it be activities or programs that drive traffic into your store or business?

Would it be access to group health insurance rates?

Would it be someone who can help you launch your business?

Would it be a place that could help you navigate the town’s regulations for signs, for permits, for licenses?

Would it be a source of referrals to you?

Would it be a place where you would feel a sense of community with other business owners and to the community where you do business?

Would it be a place where you could socialize and relax from time to time with your peers?

Would it be events that give you the tools to move your business forward?

Would it be the first place you’d think of first for any or all of the above?

I’d like to think we’re on the right track for any or all of the above. But what really matters is what do you think?

As we look ahead to the new year, I'd really like to know. I’ll share your answers: the good, the bad and the ugly in an upcoming blog so let me know if you want to be anonymous or identified.

Now let me provoke you.

What is it that your customers or clients desperately need from you that you only are qualified to provide?

On social contracts and "Niagara Falls"

2008-10-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

“Social contracts.” When folks don’t honor the social contract, I find myself thinking of the Three Stooges (I'm showing my age, I know.) and reacting like Moe did every time Curly uttered "Niagara Falls."

“Slowly I turn, step by step, inch by inch. I walked up to him, I smashed him like this, I hit him, I bopped him, I tore him to pieces, and then I knocked him down!” (Metaphorically, of course.)

Let me explain.

Imagine you live in a town like Arlington. Maybe you even work there. And it’s filled with interesting shops, great places to eat and fun things to do and see.

Imagine your town is known far and wide for its spirit of volunteerism, like Arlington. Maybe you belong to a wonderful church or you’re a patron of a museum or you’re a volunteer for a worthy non-profit or on a town committee because you believe in its mission. Maybe you have kids and you’re actively involved with a PTO or a sports team or a club. Maybe you gladly give of your time and energy because it’s important that you give back to the community.

Maybe when it comes time to raise money for that organization—no matter what it is—you are unstinting and generous. You cheerfully donate money and you’re willing to pick up the phone or pound the pavement to ask local business owners, large and small, to donate money or goods or services to your fund raiser, to your raffle or to your silent auction.

Sometimes I forget that many Arlington business owners get one, two, five visits a week from all of us, including me. Yes, that’s right. The Chamber makes calls and pounds the pavement, too, as it recently did for the eBusiness Symposium.

Maybe like the Chamber, you call on a coffee shop, a wine merchant, a bakery, a restaurant, a hardware store, a gift store, a printer or a beauty salon. Then the business owner donates some bagels or a case of wine or some cookies or pizzas and burgers or a small appliance or sporting equipment or printing or a pedicure or a certificate towards a service or a product or even its theatre space for your event.

If you agree that a contract is an agreement between two or more parties in which an offer is made and accepted, and each party benefits, then what I describe above is one side of the social contract.

For example, maybe it’s the Chamber that benefits from any and all of those donations. Or maybe it’s your school, your church, your non-profit or your organization that benefits.

Well, if each party is supposed to benefit, what about the other side of the social contract—the business owner’s side? How does s/he benefit?

Maybe s/he feels strongly about your cause. Or more likely, s/he sees it as a business arrangement. In exchange for the donation, s/he gets valuable marketing exposure as a sponsor or a donor either in an event program, or on our website or in our advertising. That advertising, s/he hopes, will encourage attendees to come to them the next time they need that product or service.

When that exchange happens, the social contract works and each party benefits. The same benefit accrues when local businesses do business with each other.

The money circulates again and again. In fact, there is even a name for this. It’s called the “economic multiplier” and means that the more we re-circulate money locally, the stronger our local economy is. Did you know that when we spend $100 at locally-owned independent businesses, at least $67 stays in the community, yet when we spend it at a non-locally owned business only $42 stays in the community?

When that exchange doesn’t happen, the social contract breaks down.

It breaks down when a business owner never sees us come in and buy muffins to enjoy or for the paint and brushes to carry out our next home project or the hockey skates or cleats for our child or bring in the print job of our own, or come in to dine or buy the wine and beer for our next party or even attend a movie or a live show. Instead, s/he suspects that we have traveled out of town to a big box store or into the city or that we’ve hopped onto the Internet without making local our first stop.

When we drive two or three towns over to visit the big stores or take a spin on the World Wide Web to save a few dollars instead of looking for it first here, we are taking our money out of our own neighborhood. The social contract becomes one-sided.

We want the donations but we won’t give them the business. Yet how can we expect local business owners to continue donating goods and services when we rarely if ever ask the same of commercial and retail giants?

Right now what’s happening on Wall Street is dominating the news. It’s a concern and worry for many of us as we meet our own economic challenges. Yet Arlington’s “Main Street” is not joined at the hip to Wall Street. We still need to buy goods and services.

The question becomes where do we buy and from whom? Do we buy from businesses that support our community, our schools, our organizations? Or do we buy from businesses that don’t?

We have a vote and we don’t have to wait until November 4 to cast it. In fact, we cast a vote with our dollars every single time we pull out our wallets and make a purchase.

So how will you vote? “Yes” to

* Fostering a vibrant community

* Being local, thinking local, buying local?

* Strengthening the social contract?

Or will it be “No?” Slowly I turn, step by step, inch by inch. . .(Metaphorically, of course.)

eBiz Buzzed!

2008-10-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

"At this time of economic uncertainty, it was comforting to come together with other business owners and non-profits. The support, guidance and information we received was invaluable. The table session was excellent. Thank you for the tools to grow my business! "

-Cathy Zolner, Nourish to Flourish

"Excellent! This program was a nice "ice breaker" for me (new Chamber member). Met a lot of new people, many of whom, like me, are solo proprietors in healthcare. . .Lots of info on websites and Internet marketing-able to pick and choose what seems best for my business."

- William Kellar, Lic. Ac., Healing with Acupuncture

"It was excellent! Far better than other symposiums in Boston. Such a treat to have this in Arlington. Thanks to the Chamber for its hard work and excellent organization."

-Alan Tauber, The Drum Connection

"Well organized. 99% great presenters. . .Chamber staff were so encouraging and supportive in getting me connected with others. Parking a great perk! Awesome food."

-Alison Shaw, Re-Sourcing Therapy

"Easy parking, accessible by T. Also-great energy. Content was excellent and overall quality of event was outstanding. At this event, we got way more than we paid for!"

Patricia Carney, Walden WebWorks

And that's only some of the feedback! On behalf of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, I want to thank everyone involved in making the October 3 eBusiness Symposium such a success. Once again, the Chamber partnered with the Town of Arlington to provide a premier event. By the end of the day, more than 100 small business owners and entrepreneurs left with practical emarketing techniques to transform their businesses in a challenging economic environment.

The Chamber organized this event with the support of three forward looking banks as its associate sponsors: Brookline Bank, East Cambridge Savings Bank and Watertown Savings Bank, along with the support of supporting sponsors Beaujolais Catering, Citizens Bank, Clearly Creative, Comcast Business Class, The Computer Cafe, Constant Contact and Mirak.com. Every sponsor shares the same commitment to help small business owners grow their businesses.

In addition to our sponsors, many others contributed their time and donated services to the event. The planning committee including Chamber members Chuck French, Dave Gowel, Julie Gowel, Lorraine Kilby, Karina Potere, Craig Rabe and Rebecca Riccio who worked hard to make this event content rich. Chamber Board member Dick Moskow was on hand all day wherever we needed him. During breaks, lunch and at the evening reception, attendees enjoyed food and beverages donated by bagels by US, Beaujolais Catering, Bella Moto Baking, The Chilly Cow, Edible Arrangements, Giles Fine Wine, Lakota Bakery, Not Your Average Joe’s, Scutra and Tryst. The Book Rack provided food for the entrepreneurial mind with its eBiz Book store. Print Aspects made a significant contribution in printing the collateral for the event. Walden WebWorks created and maintained www.ebizsymposium. Reflection Films produced the eBiz YouTube video. Also helping to make sure the day was a success were the Town of Arlington’s Brian Sullivan, Patsy Kraemer, Steve Gilligan. Our staging crew from the Young Adult Vocational Program—Bjorn Krammer, Chad Austin, Jeanne Donnato, Michael Harper, Edwin Tan, Jonathan Washinsky—were an integral part of the day as was freelance photographer Courtney Clarke.

Thanks to everyone involved, the Chamber was able to remain true to its mission: “With integrity and passion, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce fosters a vital and thriving community in which to work and live. Serving as a liaison between businesses and residents, the Chamber provides valuable resources, programs, business tools and services for its members to help them succeed in Arlington.”

And let's hear it from attendees who are not Arlington Chamber members (yet!)

"The eBiz Symposium was truly a worthwhile experience. So often these events are a disappointment. This was not the case in Arlington. The symposium was informative, interesting, and extremely well organized. The catering was an unexpected pleasure. The scheduling provided ample opportunity for networking while my attention was held throughout the day. Thank you."

-Stuart Parsons S M Parsons Architect, Inc.

"Excellent organization and execution. Great speakers and networking opportunities. Kudos!"

-Monica Whelan, Abrams Little-Gill Loebenfeld PC

"The speakers were fantastic! The event was extremely well organized. I made many contacts and the food was great too."

-Erica Kleinkopf, Thirty Petals Boutique

"Networking! Enjoyed the small group sessions. They were great!"

Jeff James, Bridaluxe

We hope to see you at the next eBiz!

Are we wired yet? You be the judge. . .

2008-09-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

In many ways, this Chamber is just like many of its members: a small business with entrepreneurial leanings. We have been encouraging all of you to maximize the Internet and promote your business online. So are we walking the walk that we've been talking, talking, talking about since eBiz was conceived? You be the judge.

YouTube
This week it was the Chamber’s début on YouTube, with The Buzz About eBiz, produced by Geoff Birmingham of Reflection Films.

Website Building
Two weeks ago it was event website building by Walden WebWorks to make eBiz stand out online. A visit to the site puts the buzz and all of the details at your fingertips. Did you know that at eBiz, you can hear Jim Spencer of JBS Partners help you figure out whether you should blow the fuse or thank the muse when it comes to your own website.

While the Chamber did not have a budget for a Google Ad Words campaign, it did have a small Google ad words credit it received when it moved the Chamber’s websites to WaldenWeb Hosting. At Patricia Carney’s suggestion the Chamber is using the credit to promote eBiz. Suffice it say that the Chamber thanks its muse Patricia with every click of the mouse.

Social networking
The Chamber has added the Internet to its social networking arsenal. Did you know Angela Rutzick of A-Type Marketing + Design is going to help you figure out whether dipping your toes into the social networking pool is right for you? Speaking of dipping, the Chamber already has been.

LinkedIn
Now Chamber members and eBiz attendees can connect with each other. Sponsor Clearly Creative’s Dave Gowel has been on a roll, providing free 15-minute LinkedIn tutorials to registered attendees. If you have not scheduled yours yet, let Dave know. The Chamber has two LinkedIn groups: one for Arlington Chamber members and the other for eBiz attendees for continued networking long after the event is over. Did you know that Barbara Clarke of The Children’s Room—our other LinkedIn pro—will be leading the LinkedIn table session. Early bird registrants, have you sent me your table session choices? Don't forget to let me know!

Synchronicity in motion—As I typed Dave’s name, he called. The Chamber is investing a whopping $25 in LinkedIn ads as a result. For that $25, Dave has created a LinkedIn ad with two criteria: organization size (in our case, to self-employed to 1-10 employee) and location (for us, the Greater Boston area). The ad will run over a period of 8 days for a total of 1, 563 impressions, or views, by members of our target market who log in to LinkedIn.

Search engine optimization
Six weeks ago it was search engine optimization (SEO) taking us from ranking at lower than # 70 to the #'s 1 and 2 spots for our key words. Nick Stamoulis of Brick Marketing showed the Chamber how to maximize its website to move up in the rankings. Did you know he will be presenting The ABCs of SEO at eBiz? You’ll have access to the same savvy the Chamber has already benefited from.

Facebook
Two months ago it was Facebook where we have since been posting our photo albums from events, like this Saturday's Town Day. I must admit the Chamber has only taken advantage of its photo album capabilities so far. However, I cannot tell you how much time it has saved me since I started uploading photos there instead of here. And for the first time, photos are being posted within days of being taken!

Enewsletters
It’s been more than four years since the Chamber started sending out text-formatted electronic newsletters. My bible then was the first book written by one of our keynote speakers, Michael Katz. of Blue Penguin Development I would tell you that the book is dog-eared, except you'll have to rely on my memory. I loaned it to a Chamber member who has since moved out of state taking the book along for good measure.

Now the Chamber’s email newsletters are a snap to send out in living color and all at once instead of in batches of 35 at a time. Did you know that sponsor Constant Contact’s Zak Barron will be at eBiz and leading a table session on how you can foster the same kind of strong relationships with your clients as I do with members?

So what do you think, is the Chamber wired yet?

Nuts and bolts and books too
Good business strategies happen on and off the world wide web highway. Did you know that one of our keynote speakers, Beth Goldstein of Marketing Edge Consulting Group is expert at both and she will share her strategies with you?

Did you know that our other sponsors Brookline Bank, East Cambridge Savings Bank, Watertown Savings Bank, Comcast Business Class, The Computer Cafe and Mirak.com will be sharing their on and off the world wide web expertise with you on October 3 too?

The Internet is a powerful tool. So are books, the kind you hold in your hands and turn pages to continue. The Book Rack will be at eBiz showcasing the eBiz library, books written and/or recommended by our speakers. You'll be able to purchase them at a bigger discount than you'd get at those big box bookstores.

This event is brought to you by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. Together with the Town of Arlington and everyone involved as a speaker or a sponsor, we all share one overriding goal: to help you grow your business. Isn't it time you register?

A funny thing happened on Franklin Street and after hours event photos!

2008-09-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

What’s great about living and working in Arlington is that I know so many people. What’s not so great about living and working in Arlington is that I know so many people. As someone who was raised on the Baltimore Catechism, I try to remember 1) to commit no mortal sins in town (not that I commit them anywhere or anytime, mind you) and 2) not to embarrass myself.

The not embarrassing myself part came into play twice this last week while I was on the road. The first time happened in the Chamber parking lot after Farmers Market. As lots of cars inched out onto the road from a side aisle and a main aisle, everyone was pretty much taking turns. Not one car on my left. That’s usually when my NASCAR recessive gene kicks in. My mouth opened to say something (the windows were closed). Yikes, that’s a Chamber member! I was very glad I had not embarrassed myself.

Franklin Street from Lewis Avenue to Warren Street is twisty and curvy. When cars are parked along the curb, it makes navigation tricky. Even more so when an oncoming car is driving towards you in your lane! This time I mouthed, “What are you doing?” The driver stopped to park in front of me because a huge truck made it impossible for her to get back in the right lane. I pulled around her and the truck, shaking my head. After driving by, I realized it was another Chamber member.

At The Children’s Room as Kate Killion and I put finishing touches on our preparations for the after hours event, I asked her: “Kate, do you live on Franklin Street?”

“Yes.”

“Were you driving on the wrong side of the road yesterday in front of the beige duplex?”

“Yes.”

“That was me in the black Subaru!”

“Oh, I don’t know what I was thinking! I just wanted to visit a friend and pulled over.”

“Do you live in that house?”

“No, I live in the house with the wild garden.”

“The house where Bob Ferlanti the painter lives?”

Yes, he’s my husband.”

“Then we're neighbors. How can you get cosmos to grow because I can't. And every time I see his van in the neighborhood, I wonder why isn’t he a Chamber member! ”

“You know, we’ve been thinking about it. Tell me more.”

Long story short. I told her more. Bob Ferlanti Custom Painting joined the Chamber. Now Kate is an Arlington Wins All Around member. Find out more about why she’s now eligible to win $500 in Shop Arlington First gift certificates in November.

Sometimes it pays to drive the wrong way! It always pays to keep my cool!

Kate gave me permission to share this story. In the interest of full disclosure lest you think I never goof in the car, just this last month I turned the wrong way on Marathon Street from Waldo. Honking drivers (none of them Chamber members!) alerted me!

Enjoy the photos from the September 11 event sponsored by TD Banknorth!

The eBiz Buzz is building!

2008-09-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

Great news! Constant Contact has joined us as a sponsor for eBiz-a perfect match since Constant Contact is the engine behind our email newsletter campaign.

Speaking of eBiz, the premier Boston online marketing event brought to you by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, are you still on the fence wondering:

Remember how the Chamber promised to use Internet marketing techniques to promote eBiz? It's working! The BUZZ is building.

In July, we checked the search engines for "Boston Internet marketing event" and "Boston online marketing event." eBiz was lower than 70. Last Friday, we had moved up more than 30 spots on the big G. As I write this, we have moved all the way up to #1 and #2 for the first search and the same for the second search! AND we are ranked #7 for online marketing in Boston. Just look at the growing list in the Buzz is building. Here's how:

#1 Brick Marketing (SEO expert/eBiz speaker) advised us on search engine optimizing (SEO) for www.arlcc.org/ebusiness. Walden WebWorks (the Chamber's web designer and table topic host) weighed in with some more valuable SEO advice.

#2 Event speakers like Brick Marketing used blogs to promote the event.

#3 Event speakers and sponsors Marketing Edge Consulting Group, JBS Partners and Clearly Creative added links to eBiz on their home pages.

#4 As of yesterday morning, eBiz now has its own Walden WebWorks-designed event website, maximizing SEO.

#5 Thanks to eBiz committee members (Lorraine Kilby, Dave Gowel, Julie Gowel, Chuck French, Rebecca Riccio, Craig Rabe and support from Phil Kilby), we have been consistent in our language about this event.

#6 This Monday every Chamber member-and more than 150 new home-based businesses-received the 2nd of 3 direct mail postcards (each card includes a link to the event). Combining direct and online can be very effective. A direct result? We welcomed new Chamber member Your Ph.D. Consulting!

#7 We are listed on online marketing event sites, such as the highly regarded Mark's Guide.

#8 Anyone registered to attend eBiz can start building relationships with fellow attendees even before October 3 and continue them long after. Click here to join the LinkedIn eBiz group that Dave Gowel of Clearly Creative has set up. Don't forget eBiz registered attendees can sign up for a free LinkedIn Tutorial with Dave too. Just send him an email!

#9 What's next? You Tube! As the King told Anna "etcetera, etcetera, etcetera." Stay tuned!

These folks know a secret

2008-09-03T11:00:00.000-07:00

Nicole Laskowski of The Arlington Advocate, Maueen Igoe of Amerprise Financial, Alan Tauber of The Drum Connection, Ruth Yannetti and Patsy Kraemer from the Town of Arlington, Linda Varone of Nurturing Spaces, Bob and Mary Jo Sargent of Flora, Jan Whitted of ARTBEAT The Creativity Store, Paul Turano of Tryst, Stevie Kuhn of Giles Fine Wine, Rustem Gode from Quadcycles, Andy Winig of Improv Andy and Jenny Briggs of Take Charge Fitness know a secret. I don’t think they’ll mind if I share it.

All of them entered every single household in Arlington this past week. How? They were featured in the fall catalogue mailed out by Arlington Community Education. If you are a town resident, you received one this week. These Chamber members know that getting in front of a classroom of people packs a double benefit. It gives them a chance to give back to the community (no one gets rich from teaching in community ed. programs) by offering fun, engaging, worthwhile and enriching opportunities to the community AND it gets them in front of their target audience at the same time.

All of them walk a fine line. While they teach and gain valuable business exposure to potential clients and customers, they also know that it is not the time for an extended sales pitch. This low-key approach often leads to new clients even months after the fact because students leave with a business card, brochure and a great experience to remember.

Donna Eidson, the director of Arlington’s zestful program, is always open to new ideas for courses.

The E's Have It at This Birthday Party

2008-08-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

Or how to use a nifty book to promote your business with a celebration

Last Tuesday Patricia Carney of Walden WebWorks and I headed West, not to California but to Littleton and to Kimball’s for an 8^th birthday party, not for a child but for Blue Penguin Development, a business run by Michael Katz. I saw it as a way to promote the eBUSINESS Symposium taking place on October 3, since Michael will be one of the keynote speakers for this event. And Walt Disney was right once again. I ran into a friend who had come down from N.H. for some ice cream too, speechwriter par excellence, Jean Gogolin of Wordwright.

And for the second time in my life I won something—a tee shirt! Every year at the ice cream festivities, Michael’s children choose the criteria for walking away with the prize. One year, it was the person who drove the furthest distance; another it was whoever had the most Z’s on their business card. This year, it was whoever had the most of a single letter in their name. This year there was a tie. When he called my name, I was sure it was my initials MMM. Nope. The E’s won me the T(ee); the D’s won it for someone else.

As I claimed my prize, I seized the chance to let everyone know how the eBUSINESS Symposium can transform a business with its emphasis on providing practical techniques for maximizing the latest ebusiness solutions to boost the bottom line. (Register now and take advantage of the early bird rate!) Since I was in a seizing mood, I was able to get some photos, too, for the newsletter, thanks to another party goer, Jessan Dunn Otis of JDO & Associates.

From the front. . .

. . .and from the back

Later that day, I got to thinking about how celebrating milestones—birthdays, the Nth customer, the largest order, the first day of Summer—can be a fun and effective way to promote your business. Inviting people to help you celebrate gives you a chance to thank them for their business. It also presents an opportunity for you to do more business when you offer a special promotion or a discount or a party with a goodie to sample. Use an email campaign to send out evites to celebrate.

You can even make up a reason to celebrate. Have you ever heard of Chase’s Calendar of Events? It's full of every single declared holiday and event in the world. Pick a day, pick a month and chances are something is going on that day. If you take some time to browse through the index, you're sure to find something offbeat that you can celebrate to draw customers in or pique the curiosity of your clients. Let me show you what I mean:

Did you know that tomorrow is Race Your Mouse Around the Icons Day? Craig Rabe of The Computer Cafe could order cupcakes with mouse ears and licorice tails and evite customers to stop into the Arlington or Winchester stores for a “byte.”

September is Backpack Safety Month. Drs. Keith Puri and Robert Kum of ChiroCare Associates and Dr. Maureen Gormley of Gormley Chiropractic and Acupuncturists Patricia Burkhart of An Apple a Day Acupuncture, Suzanne DiMack and Ruth Knill of Arlington Acupuncture Wellness can send out an email with some tips on avoiding backpack ache or offer a promotion to remind their patients they are a phone call away if the backpack was too heavy and a problem ensues.

October is Go on a Field Day Month. Charlotte Pierce could whip out a press release or send an email to her mailing list, encouraging families to use their Day Tripper to plan an excursion. The Arlington Enrichment Collaborative, Lesley Ellis, Dearborn Academy, Arlington Heights Nursery School and Sunshine Nursery School could all plan field days and promote their programs at the same time in their newsletters or by inviting parents to come along.

Did you know that November is Peanut Butter Lovers Month? Everyone out there who deals with food and peanut butter, like The Chilly Cow and bakeries like Bella Moto, Lakota, Quebrada and Sweet Sue’s could feature a peanut butter confection or concoction and offer a special promotion, letting their customers know on their websites and via an email campaign.

Don’t have Chase’s Calendar? That’s OK. Head on over to our very own Robbins Library where our ace reference librarians can help you find a funky, fun or fabulous celebration to make your own!

I wonder—is there is a holiday for the letter E?

Business owner or entrepreneur: are you either/or both?

2008-08-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about whether every small business owner could be considered an entrepreneur. I have even wondered if an organization like a Chamber of Commerce can be entrepreneurial. Let’s find out!

I’m going to turn to the queen of entrepreneurs, Barbara Winter, to help me figure this out. She would say that just being in business doesn’t make one an entrepreneur. In order to be considered one, Winter believes that when you are guided by what she calls the six pillars of entrepreneurial success, you are an entrepreneur. I invite you to see just how you measure up to Winter’s pillars as recounted by Joelle Horca in her blog Mommy Banker. I’ll do the same for the Chamber.

Pillar # 1: Find Inspiration: “Find your “natural habitat’—the place you feel most at home.”

As director, one of my natural habitats is wherever people are gathered—being in the thick of it at a breakfast seminar or at an after hours event, talking to people on the phone or even running into them about town. In this natural habitat, I find inspiration from members about what we can do to make a difference.

Pillar # 2: Gather Information and Ideas: “A determined entrepreneur believes that she can find what she needs at any step along the way.”

Getting ready for an event like the eBUSINESS Symposium is an example of this in a nutshell. I’ve had access to folks who really know what they are talking about when it comes to ideas like search engine optimization (like Nick Stamoulis of Brick Marketing and Patricia Carney of Walden WebWorks and everyone in the SEO meetup group), social networking (like Dave Gowel of Clearly Creative), to traditional marketing (like Chuck French of AFD Theatre). The list could go on forever!

Pillar # 3: Find Your Heroes and Heroines: “You’ll find success faster as an entrepreneur if you’re willing to learn from other successful entrepreneurs.”

I know I am more successful at anything when I’m willing to learn from someone who has done the same thing successfully. He would blush for me to say this, and yet Phil Kilby by way of Lorraine Kilby, the Chamber’s office manager, has been that kind of someone for the Chamber. His expertise in running large events worldwide has helped this Chamber make a quantum leap in the caliber of event we are offering this fall. What we are learning now will have an impact on the quality of what we offer going forward too!

Pillar # 4: Reinforce Your Dream: “Keep coming back to your big dream. Whatever you have your eye on — keep it in your sights.”

My big dream for the Chamber? To be such a critical resource for small business owners in Arlington that they think of and come to us first when they need help. With help from organizations like SCORE to be the go-to organization for small businesses for the tools, the resources and the inspiration to help them think entrepreneurially, to figure out how to get better and be more prosperous.

Pillar # 5: Develop a ‘Prosperity Attitude’: “Open yourself up to being prosperous.”

In order to survive and thrive, the Chamber needs to look for additional ways to sustain itself, beyond its current reliance on membership dues. Why? A thriving Chamber can develop even better programs for its businesses which has a ripple effect on all of you. I know I sound like a broken record when I keep saying that a vibrant business community makes for a vibrant place to live in, to work in and to play in. Events such as the Symposium will attract entrepreneurs from the Greater Boston area. This can only help the Chamber grow and develop programming that can help foster that vibrancy.

Pillar # 6: Find a Supportive Community: “Supportive people can make a world of difference.”

.Just a phone call away are Chamber members who are unstinting of their time and creativity in making events like the symposium happen: Rebecca Riccio of writeCHANGE, Chuck French, Dave Gowel and Lorraine Kilby. Event sponsors Brookline Bank, East Cambridge Savings Bank, Watertown Savings Bank. Beaujolais Catering, Citizens Bank, Clearly Creative, Comcast Business Class, The Computer Cafe and Mirak.com invest in making such resources available.

I would add another pillar to Barbara Winter’s six:

Pillar #7: Boundless enthusiasm:

I know that preparation and hard work often carry the day. However, when I know that when I tackle any project with enthusiasm, it helps me tell the story, communicate excitement and it pushes me up and me up and over the rough spots.

So, what do you think? Are you an entrepreneur at heart? How do you think the Chamber stacks up, entrepreneurially speaking? I’d love to know!

Event shaping contacts and connections

2008-07-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

It’s happened again! Contacts and connections have made an impact, led to results, shaped an event. Take your pick as you find out how all of this has been happening right here at the Chamber in the last few weeks.

This time, the chain of contacts begins with Brian Hawkins, co-organizer of the SEO Meetup that takes place at Robbins Library once a month. He invited me to attend their June meeting, which is where I mentioned the Summer Internet Bootcamp idea that has now morphed into a premier one-day Internet marketing event.

Brian led me to Nick Stamoulis of Brick Marketing, the first presenter scheduled for the eBUSINESS Symposium. I had such good luck asking for Brian’s help, I asked again. This time he led me to Jim Spencer of JBS Partners, who is also a speaker. Both Nick and Jim are members of the same SEO meetup group, by the way. I returned the favor and have introduced the meetup to Chamber members, three of whom will be joining me at the August 4 meeting.

At a June networking event hosted by the NE Women Business Owners, I introduced myself to a business owner Craig Rabe of The Computer Cafe knows. She, in turn, introduced me to our third speaker, Angela Rutzik of A-Type Marketing + Design.

It doesn’t stop there! Zak Barron of Constant Contact told me about our second keynote speaker, Beth Goldstein. And Michael Katz? He was the keynote speaker at another professional association I belong to, Boston Women Communicators, five years ago. I used his how-to book about e-newsletters as my bible when I started writing Chamber Connections.

You just never know at what meeting or with what networking group you’ll make a contact and a connection that can make a difference, do you?

An elegant solution is a click away

2008-07-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

In a Facebook fog
Whatever happened to a help menu on Facebook? Was there ever one? Even a search of the Internet didn't help me much. It was the old trial and error version for me on how to add photos to Facebook. Once I got into the photo album, it was easier to figure out. It was getting there that was the hard part. That got me to thinking. . .

Wouldn't it be great if all of these new tools came with helpful hints for the clueless? I would be glad to be a guinea pig for them when it comes to what kind of tips to provide in plain English.

An elegant solution if there ever was one
That brings me to another point: the point of what happens when you wander the Internet. Sometimes you find a site so great, so full of practical knowledge that you think "Wow, why didn't I think of it?" or "This is fantastic that someone's brain works this way.” or even "Yowee, such an elegant solution!"

Don't take my word for it. See for yourself what I am nattering on about. It’s a small company called Common Craft, which uses “video and paper to make complex ideas easy to understand.” I bet you will fall in love with this company like I did, once you see one of their videos. Fun, irreverent, simple, to the point, most excellent training tools.

I stumbled upon a video they created for Twitter, a social networking site, and had a BIG wishful moment that Facebook would hire them to work the same magic for their site. Suffice it to say that they turned me from being Twitter Clueless into Twitter enlightened.

And the best part? While I was at their website, I also learned how to sign up for RSS feeds after watching that video.

Out of the Facebook fog
A long preamble to this: Check out the Chamber’s very first photo album of the very first Third Thursday that took place on July 17. Captions! Big photos! Ability to move those photos around! What do you think?

Internet Bootcamp or the wired adventure continues

2008-07-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

Today’s essay is short. Hey, who did I just hear cheer for brevity?) Last week, I shared my summer goal. To be wired in time for eBusiness Symposium 2008 on October 3. This week’s Internet bootcamp lesson took place this afternoon. Figuring out how to invite Chamber members can be pre-approved, not for a credit card. That includes most of you reading this essay. For a particular group.

The group? Why a brand new one that I just formed. The Arlington, Mass. Chamber of Commerce. I added our state because another Chamber Chick beat me to Linked In! Some of you have already invited me to link to you, and I have. Now you can link to the Chamber, and I think that when you do, this logo will pop up on your page signifying you are an active member of the Chamber.

So, Chamber members, look for an email from me (via Constant Contact) inviting you to the group. Once you reply, you will automatically be Linked In.

Who knows where Internet bootcamp will lead me this coming week? Stay tuned!

This “Chamber Chick” is going to bootcamp

2008-07-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, I’m calling myself the Chamber Chick: at least when it comes to the Internet. Chamber Chick is shorthand for “By-the-end-of-the-summer-this-50+-girl-will-have-come-
a-long-way-in-the-world-of-marketing-on-the-Internet.” The Internet, it turns out, is an informal place to be. There’s a touch of irreverence, a sense of humor and a big dollop of fun. So I am jumping right into the deep end. Don't worry, not only does this Chamber Chick mix metaphors, she knows how to swim. Oh, don’t let me forget to tell you about the Chamber’s second tipping point.

Even though the Chamber’s idea of a Summer Internet Bootcamp for Grownups has morphed and continues to to morph into this unbelievable one-day event, I have signed me up for my own private bootcamp. My laboratory?

eBusiness Symposium 2008
Yes, that’s right. The Chamber is going to use every single technology being featured that day from search engine optimization and social marketing to blogging and pay per click (Well, we may not do PPC). Let’s not forget e-mail campaigns. Think LinkedIn, Facebook. Think text links, hyperlinks and deep links. Think viral marketing. Yes, that’s what I’ll learn and what we will do.

I have signed on the dotted line.
LinkedIn? Check! Thanks to Dave Gowel of Clearly Creative, I now have a LinkedIn account. Barbara Clarke of The Children’s Room will say, “It’s about time!” She made that suggestion this past spring. Teri Pirozzi or Get Your Health Now waited three weeks for me to get with it. I have created an Arlington Chamber group for Chamber members only. Even though Dave showed me how to create a link to send all of you, I cannot remember it right now. Stay tuned.

I didn’t stop there.
Facebook? Check! While there are 32 Michelle Meaghers on Facebook there is onlyone Michele M. Meagher. Me. I must admit, it killed me to leave out the accent. I have set up an account on Facebook with an Arlington Chamber group.

You Tube? Check! For this I created an Arlington Chamber account. I want to clear one thing up. The Chamber is in its 90s. I’m the one who’s 56.

RSS feeds? Be patient. I haven’t done that part yet. Soon though, the Chamber’s blog will have one because I will be blogging more often than Tuesdays.

You’re all invited
To be a witness to the “inbound marketing” of this first of its kind event. The learning curve will be steep, no question. However this Chamber Chick is up to the challenge. And I invite you to be a part of it.

The latest update about eBusiness Symposium
As of yesterday, we signed up our first Session Leader. SEO expert Nick Stamoulis of Brick Marketing will kick off the sessions with one on search engine optimization. In fact, Nick will be working with us as we develop the event webpage.

The symposium committee officially meets for the first time later this week and then we’ll have even more good news to share with all of you.

That reminds me: tipping point #2
Earlier this year, my Leap Year topic Let's Tip It! was also the subject of an Advocate column. Arlington resident Brian Hawkins happened to read it. In his day job, Hawkins is an expert on prepaid calling cards for Pingo. One of his passions is search engine optimization. As assistant organizer of the really cool C ambridge Search Engine Optimization Meet Up Group, he wanted me to know that their monthly meet up (first Mondays in the Robbins Library Community Room) draws small business owners from a wide area.

I attended in June and told meet up members about the bootcamp idea. One thing led to another. Brian led me to Nick. I led Dave to the Meet up. Wait till you see the topic for the August meet up

I have set my intention.
Ideas are flying and critical mass is building. eBusiness Symposium is another tipping point waiting to happen, I can just feel it. On Friday morning, October 3, I will look out at 200 small business owners gathered in Arlington Town Hall and say, “Isn’t this great? You are all here because this stuff really works. And if it works for a non-profit like the Chamber, then it will work for your small business like yours!”

And the sparklers go to

2008-07-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

Readers Choice Sparklers for Chamber Members
Chamber members were well represented in Community Newspaper Company’s Reader’s Choice Awards 2008 released earlier this month. Congratulations to the following members for Gold, Silver and Bronze Regional Favorites as well as Arlington’s #1 Choices and Honorable Mentions. In alphabetical order by category, the sparklers go to:

Animal Hospital/Clinic: Mill Brook Animal Clinic-Honorable Mention

Antique / Vintage Store: #1-PTO Thrift Shop

Appliance Store: Arlington Appliance Co. received Honorable Mention

Auto Service Repair: An Honorable Mention to Mirak Automotive

Bagel Shop: Silver and #1-bagels by Us

Bakery: #1 to Lakota Bakery and Honorable Mention to Quebrada Baking Co.

Bar: Silver and #1- Swept by Chamber members! Tryst; with Flora and Not Your Average Joe’s -Honorable Mentions.

Book Store: #1-once again, The Book Rack

Camera Store/Photo Processing: The Gold and # 1 -Cameras, Inc. once again and Honorable Mention-New England Camera

Caterer: #1 to Something Savory

Children’s Clothing: Honorable Mention to the PTO Thrift Shop

Chiropractor: Honorable Mention to Dr. Maureen Gormley

Community Bank: The Chamber sweeps the category with Cambridge Savings-Gold #1 to Cambridge Savings Bank once again while Arlington with and Honorable Mentions to Leader Bank and Citizens Bank

Computer Store: Silver to The Computer Cafe

Consignment Shop: Silver and # 1 goes to PTO Thrift Shop

Dance/Gymnastics School: once again #1 Choice in Lexington Dance Inn

Day Spa or Massage: Gold and #1-Horizons Salon and Day Spa

Dentist: The Gold and the # 1 goes to Dr. Barbara Lawnicki once again

Dinner: Bronze and Honorable Mention to Scutra with an Honorable Mention to Not Your Average Joe’s

Fine Dining: Silver to Flora with an Honorable Mention to Tryst

Florist: Bronze and #1-Anderson’s Florist of Arlington; Arlington Florist and Ryan’s Florist received Honorable Mention

Frame Store: The Gold and # 1 -Cameras, Inc. once again and Honorable Mention to Plat Time Inc.

Gift Shop: Once again Coyote Impressions received Honorable Mention

Hair Salon: The Gold goes to Horizons Salon & Day Spa again, Creative Expressions receiving Honorable Mentions

Hardware Store: #1- Wanamaker Hardware Inc.; Honorable Mention- R.W. Shattuck Ace Hardware

Health Club: The Gold and #1-Gold’s Gym once again with Fitness First receiving an Honorable Mentioin

Home Decorating Store: #1-City Paint with Honorable Mention to Fabric Corner Inc.

Ice Cream Shop: Both the Gold and the #1-Brigham’s Inc. once again with Honorable Mention to The Chilly Cow

Indian Restaurant: Gold and #1 to Punjab once again

Insurance Agency: Honorable Mention to Clifford R. Larson Insurance Agency

Italian Restaurant: #1 to La Buona Vita and an Honorable Mention to Ristorante Olivio

Jewelry Store: The Gold and #1-Swanson Jewelers Inc. once again! Honorable Mention to Bouvier Jewelers

Liquor Store: Silver to Berman’s Wine & Spirits. Giles Fine Wine received an Honorable Mention

Lunch: Not Your Average Joe’s-Honorable Mention

Manicure/Pedicure: The Gold and #1-Horizons Salon and Day Spa

Optical Shop: Gold and #1-Ronald A. Riesz Dispensing Optician (this makes the sixth time that Ron Riesz has been in this coveted spot!)

Pizza Place: #1 to Za

Retirement Living Residence: Gold and #1-Sunrise Assisted Living of Arlington

Shoe Store: #1 once again, Janiak’s Unique Shoe Boutique

Sporting Goods Store: Holovak & Coughlin-Honorable Mention

Takeout: Not Your Average Joe’s-Honorable Mention

Toy Stores: Play Time Inc. received an Honorable Mention

Video Store: A Gold and #1-Video Horizons Inc. once again!

Women’s Clothing Store: #1 Choice-Artwear once again; Honorable Mention-to the now disbanded PTO Thrift Shop

In the Northwest of Boston Category:

Hospital: Winchester Hospital received a Silver once again

Place to See Theatre: The Capitol Theatre received the Gold and The Regent received the Silver

Place for Family Entertainment: The Regent Theatre received a Gold

Kudos to all of you! And a Happy Fourth of July!

Seeing Sideways

2008-06-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

I've been accused of tunnel vision sometimes. I admit to the tendency to get so focused on the task or goal at hand that everything else falls away. I see nothing else. I hear nothing else. I am oblivious to everything else.

Some would call it a strength. Some would call it a failing. I see it as two sides of the same coin. What is an attribute is also my Achilles heel—it all depends on the circumstance and the degree. Being so single-focused can blind me to the world around me.

Once this spring and then again Tuesday evening, I was blessed with the gift of sideways and sideways because I was in the moment, not anywhere else. Just in in that spot at that time and able to see or hear sideways.

This spring, on an early Sunday morning walk in Mount Pleasant Cemetery with Lily Lu, we passed by the brook. To my right and below I heard splashing. At first I thought it was just the brook tumbling over the rocks except it wasn’t constant. It was sporadic. Curiosity brought me to the edge and I looked down.

Four gorgeous fish, speckled brown with a rosy peach streak along their sides, were swimming upstream. Stopping side by side and letting the water flow over them. Leaping ahead (the splashing), rolling over each other. I don’t now how I knew that I was looking at rainbow trout, but I was certain. I stood there for ages, savoring this gift that came to me because I was present and open to it.

Tuesday evening, after torrential downpours, I took Lil for her evening walk. It was a deepening dusk and the air was saturated with moisture. We were the only ones on the bank of the Mystic River and it felt otherworldly. Once again, I was truly part of the gloaming, the mist, the silence. Out of the corner of my eye, sideways, I noticed movement.

Across the river was a great blue heron in the water on the opposite bank. His slate blue feathers blended in with the shadows and low hanging branches. It was only when he glided along looking for fish that I could really see him. Together we slowly moved down the river until he finally rose from the water and took flight.

Today I have been thinking a lot about the gift of sideways. Straight ahead is not the only path. It is not even always the best path. I’ve been thinking there is something to be said for being aware of the sideways paths and sometimes taking them, isn’t there?