News
30+ Vendors at Health & Wellness Expo on 3/30
20th Health & Wellness Expo Returns to Northshore MallConnect with local resources and special offers Peabody MA – Get ready to revitalize your mind, body, and home as the highly anticipated 20th Health & Wellness Expo returns to the Northshore Mall on March 30th, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Organized by the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce to highlight local services and businesses, this landmark event promises to be a celebration of healthy habits and services, featuring an array of exhibitors,
Tips, Tricks & Consideration For Using AI In Your Business
In the fast-paced world of business, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has become inevitable. For many business professionals, however, the thought of incorporating AI can be both exciting and daunting. If you are worried about using AI for your business, here are some tips, tricks, and considerations you should think about before diving in.Create, Implement, and Communicate an AI Policy: Begin your AI journey by developing a comprehensive AI policy that outlines the guidelines for its use
Fueling Good with the Disabled American Veterans of MA
(Boston, MA) Eastern Propane & Oil is announcing a new partnership with Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts as part of their ongoing commitment to New England Veterans. Beyond fully branding two propane delivery trucks with the DAV logo, Eastern has committed to a donation of one penny donated for every gallon of propane that is delivered through the trucks. This program was piloted with a veteran’s organization in New Hampshire and Eastern is thrilled to now raise money for Massachusetts
Gen Z: The Data
The oldest Gen Zer is 27 this year, while the youngest is just 12. Over the next decade, we’ll see this generation land squarely in the employment sector. What can we expect? According to research by Samsung, about 50% of Gen Zs polled admitted to wanting to own a business at some point. While business ownership is a big part of most people’s American dreams, what makes this generation different than previous generations is that they come out of school with the idea that “now” is better than later.
Michael Cassata Joins Rockland Trust as Business Owner Advisory Strategist
Hanover, MA - February 7, 2024 –Rockland Trust’s Investment Management Group (IMG) is expanding its services with the appointment of Michael J. Cassata as the Business Owner Advisory Strategist. In this newly developed role, Cassata provides business owners with the strategic support and guidance to explore succession planning and organization valuations while implementing strategies to minimize overall company transition risks.“As a relationship-oriented bank, we are continuously looking for
Letter to Editor: Tax Classification
Dear Editor, We are writing to shed light on an issue that affects not only the commercial sector but also has a profound impact on the residents of our community: the City of Peabody enjoys one of the lowest residential property tax rates in the Commonwealth which is subsidized by a higher tax rate on commercial properties. As representatives of the business community, the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce feels compelled to highlight the interconnectedness of this decision and its implications for our
PACC Scholarship Applications Now Available
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Scholarships for High School Seniors Pursuing Business or STEAM Fields January 19, 2024– The Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the launch of its annual scholarship program, offering two scholarships worth $3500 each to exceptional high school seniors. The scholarships are designed to support students with aspirations of pursuing a degree in a business related field or STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and
Is a 20% Downpayment Required
Notes from a Mortgage Lender: I just received a call from a customer inquiring about a residential mortgage. Her impression what that she needed to put down a minimum of 20% downpayment. My response was, did you know that to buy a residential property you do not need to put 20% down payment? It is a common myth and misconception that most people think they need to meet a 20% down payment requirement. I let this customer Imagine the time to save that money for the down payment, lender fees, attorney fees,
Peabody Area Chamber Welcomes 60+ New Members in a Remarkable 24-Hour Surge
Peabody, Dec 14, 2023 – The Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) proudly announces it has welcomed an astounding 60+ new members within a 24-hour period, increasing its membership count to over 340 dedicated businesses and individuals. This surge in membership is a testament to the Chamber's steadfast commitment to fostering economic development post Covid and providing invaluable resources for businesses in the Peabody area.Contrary to the traditional approach of "what's in it for me," these new members
The Progeria Research Foundation. For the Children. For the Cure.
Peabody, MA: The Progeria Research Foundation – a local charity that is transforming an ultra-rare disease from total obscurity to global awareness and an FDA-approved treatment, and onward toward the cure!Progeria is an ultra-rare, fatal, genetic, “rapid- aging” disease. Without treatment, children with Progeria die of heart disease at an average age of 14 ½ years. Children and young adults with Progeria share a unique and similar appearance. Initial signs include skin tightening and growth failure. Other
Not a Retail Biz? You Can Still Be a Strong Part of Small Business Season
The holiday season is upon us, and 'tis the season for shopping! As a small business owner, you might think that participating in the "Shop Local" movement or Small Business Season is reserved for retail and restaurant establishments. That's not the case! Small businesses from every sector can actively join in on Small Business Season, which begins November 1 and goes through the end of the year. This initiative creates a vibrant, supportive local economy and helps businesses like yours reap the
Grant Programs Offer Incentives to Purchase Home
Meet Steve Roussel, a Residential Mortgage Loan Officer that works at Salem Five Bank - a Full-Service Mortgage Lender that lends in New England States and Florida. To help maximize benefits to client, there are Second Mortgages. that give you instance equity, lower loan amount, and lower Mortgage payments. There are Grant programs that give borrower equity, pay for closing costs, prepaid items and discount points to lower the interest rate. There are closing cost assistances programs to pay closings
Adobe Acrobat: Revolutionizing the Way Small and Local Companies Do Business
Adobe Acrobat is a versatile software suite that offers a wide range of benefits for small and local businesses. From document management to collaboration and security features, Acrobat is an indispensable tool for organizations of all sizes for many reasons: Efficient Document Management: Acrobat provides robust document management capabilities, allowing businesses to create, edit, organize, and archive documents seamlessly. With features like merging, splitting, and indexing PDFs, businesses can
Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Annual Dinner at Toscana Forno
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Peabody, MA – Oct 5. 2023 - The Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its highly anticipated annual dinner, set to take place at the recently opened Toscana Forno on November 1, 2023, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Presenting sponsor of the event is Community Credit Union, who shares the chamber’s goal of bringing our diverse community together as well as by providing financial products and services that help each member realize his or her greatest potential. This year's
Hasan Minhaj Teams Up with Adobe Acrobat to Empower Creativity and Collaboration
Paper’s out, people. Award-winning comedian, writer, and producer Hasan Minhaj has partnered with Adobe Acrobat to celebrate 30 years of PDFs and to promote the power of paperless creativity and collaboration in today's digital age. The partnership highlights the importance of using digital tools to streamline workflows and enhance productivity, especially in the current work-from-home era. As part of the partnership, Minhaj is featured in a series of videos showcasing how Adobe Acrobat
Partnering with Businesses to Provide Inclusive Employment Opportunities
As businesses across Peabody and the North Shore look to hire employees in a tight job market, Northeast Arc’s Supported Employment program is helping to fill these hiring needs. Northeast Arc supports individuals with disabilities or autism, and the supported employment team will match people supported by the agency to open roles at employers. People supported by Northeast Arc are employed at businesses in Peabody, including Starbucks, LifeTime Fitness, Big Y, Shaw’s, Omnicare (CVS Health), and Brooksby
INCredible celebration Nominees announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce announces INCredible celebration! May 18, 2023 – The Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce its annual celebration of incredible businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to our vibrant community. The INCredible Business Awards event serves as an opportunity to honor their exceptional work, dedication, and positive impact on the local economy. “The Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce has always been committed to
AgeSpan's Network of Support and Resources
Every day, AgeSpan employees and volunteers are helping tens of thousands of people live safely and independently as they age. AgeSpan, a private nonprofit organization founded in 1974, has programs and services to help people maintain their independence, health, safety, and quality of life as they age. AgeSpan is a Massachusetts Aging Services Access Points (ASAP), an Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), and a designated Protective Services provider. Over the years, our programs and services have expanded,
Peabody Entrepreneurs: These Are the Pros and Cons of Opening Up a Franchise
As an entrepreneur, you’re eager to get to work. However, before you jump into franchise ownership, it's important to understand what goes into the decision. There are upsides and downsides to owning a franchise, and it's important to weigh both before making a decision. In this article, the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce takes a look at the pros and cons of franchise ownership so you can make an informed decision. The Pros of Franchise Ownership There are several upsides to franchise
Meet the Member: Michael Murray
Meet Mike Murray of Peabody Wealth Advisors Tell us about your business: Peabody Wealth Advisors is a local provider of wealth management services- investment management, financial planning and insurance advice for individuals, families and small business owners. How do you help your clients: We help our clients put time back into their lives so they can do the things that are most important to them. How did you get involved in this career: I chose this career in order to help others and solve
ChamberforGood: Kitty Cat Cafe & Adoption Lounge
The Kitty Cat Cafe and Adoption Lounge is a 501(c)(3) non-profit cat cafe founded by Uri Harel and Cora Ducolon, a married couple who have been in education for the past 25 years, in teacher and administrator roles. They’ve visited 22 cat cafes so far, each time getting more inspired and picking up new ideas to one day open one. The pandemic and their recent loss of their dearest cat Isabella prompted them to foster cats, help more cats find their forever home, and bring the cat cafe experience to their own
ChamberForGood: For Kids Only
For Kids Only Afterschool (FKO) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides out-of-school time care. Our mission is to bring families and communities together to provide a safe space for all children to thrive during the out-of-school time hours. Our holistic learning approach helps children love, learn and grow while inspiring every child to leave their unique mark on this world. Every child is welcomed, included, and celebrated at FKO. We create custom experiences for every child with unique needs
Everyday Ways to Build a Better Business
As a business owner, your goal is to build a better business than the competition. You can do this by starting out with a solid foundation and then paying close attention to how you handle day-to-day operations. The Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce offers the following guidance to help get you started. Lay the Foundation with a Business Plan Any successful business owner will tell you that a well-crafted business plan is essential to the success of a new venture. A business plan helps to
Meet the Board Member: Kyle Delegge
Meet Kyle Delegge (pronounced dee.ledge.e) Nickname: (De Legion)What is your role/position at IPS? I am the Sales Manager for our Armed and Unarmed Security Services and Discrete Armed Courier/Cash Management Services, for both International Protective Services Inc. (IPS) based in Danvers and Guardian Security located in Missouri. I am responsible for Business Development and building professional relationships every day.Why is IPS a member of the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce
Meet the Board Member: Mary Bellavance
Mary E. Bellavance, Executive Assistant to the President GraVoc, 10 Centennial Drive, Suite 105, Peabody, MA. Tell us a little about your position: The Executive Assistant provides high-level administrative support to the President. The Executive Assistant must be creative and enjoy working within an entrepreneurial environment and possess the ability to exercise good judgment in a diversity of situations, with strong written and verbal communication, administrative, and organizational skills. The
Meet the Board Member: Corey Jackson
Corey Jackson is a CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) with Sarah J Consulting - Nonprofit consultants that empower nonprofits with organizational and fundraising strategy. Why is your business a member of the PACC? The PACC has always been a "Chamber for Good" both in having the program that highlights nonprofits in our region, but also in the way it promotes community and service among its membership. At various organizations I've been a part of, my chamber relationships have led to trusted
Meet the Board Member: Wendy Joly
Wendy, is an Executive Assistant at Rousselot, a gelatin plant located in Peabody, responsible for overseeing executive travel, meetings and all administrative issues at the plant.Why is your business a member of the chamber?Rousselot formally Eastman Gelatin, joined the Chamber 90 years ago. The chamber has always helped us be active in the community and has helped us keep up with the growing community.Why were you interested in serving on the board of the PACC? I wanted to be more involved with the
Meet the Board Member: Denise DeSimone
Denise DeSimone is the Marketing & Sales Manager for In The Game in Peabody. In The Game is a family friendly entertainment center that offers over 130 arcade games and four attractions including laser tag, virtual reality, rock wall and ropes obstacle course. We offer five private event spaces for both youth and adult events as well as a large mezzanine. Additionally, we have a scratch kitchen, brick oven pizza station and full bar that offers live entertainment. As the Marketing & Sales Manager I focus
Meet our Board Member: Laura Meisenhelter
Tell us a little bit about your company, profession or service? North Shore Community Actions Programs, Inc. (NSCAP) is the designated anti-poverty agency for Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, and Salem. We also serve residents of 18 other communities in Essex County. NSCAP provides a range of programs and services in five key areas: Education and Training, Economic Stabilization, Housing and Homelessness Prevention, Fuel Assistance, and Elder Home Care. NSCAP is a vital member of the community; we recognize
Meet our Board Member: Laurene Wessel
Tell us a little bit about your company, profession or service? Community Credit Union was founded in 1955 to give families, local employees and small businesses an opportunity to manage their assets in a secure financial institution that holds it' members as its highest priority. Why is your business a member of the PACC - Community Credit Union takes pride in being a twenty year member of the PACC. Our membership reflects our commitment to the business community. We believe in giving back to the
Boost Holiday Traffic and Sales with These Proven Marketing Methods
Many small business owners have a love-hate relationship with the holiday season. They love the potential for extra sales and food traffic but hate the stress and uncertainty. If you're struggling to come up with holiday marketing ideas that will get people in the door (and spending money), never fear! The Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce compiled a list of tried and tested holiday marketing techniques that are sure to help your small business succeed this holiday season.Host a Workshop Workshops are
Meet our Board Member: Brad Gosselin
Tell us a little bit about your mission and your role - Bridgewell inspires hope and empowers people experiencing life challenges to achieve their fullest potential. My role as Institutional Giving Manager is to work with our corporate sponsors and donors and also write all corporate, private, and foundational grants.Why is your business a member of the PACC - Bridgewell believes very strongly to be a part of the communities and business communities in the areas it provides services. A business can
Meet our Board Member: Carolina Trujillo
Tell us a little bit about your company, profession or service? I am the executive director of Citizens Inn. Citizens helps families and individuals who are experiencing a housing crisis or food insecurity by providing them with a safe place to stay and a meal on the table offering tools to empower them to find permanent solutions to break the patterns of instability in their lives. Why is your business a member of PACC - We believe in the power of teamwork and understand that it takes more than one
Meet the Member: Ruggiero Family Memorial Home
Tell us a little bit about your company, profession or service? Ruggiero Family Memorial Home is a full service funeral, cremation and memorial service provider owned and operated by Joseph (Joe) and Cathryn (Catie) Ruggiero with the support of company founder Joseph (Joe Sr.). We have opened up a new location in the heart of Peabody with the goal of servicing the Peabody and greater North Shore communities. Ruggiero Family Memorial Home prides itself on personalized services to fit the unique needs
Meet the Member: Gravoc
Name of Business – GraVoc Owners: Cathy and Dave Gravel Tell us a little bit about your company, profession or service: For the past 28 years GraVoc has taken a common sense approach to addressing customers needs with technology based solutions. Our process is first to understand what problem or need a customer is trying to address, and then identify the best possible solution using technology specific to their need. Our tag line is “Our Business is Your Success” and that is the cornerstone of
7 Branding Decisions All Peabody, MA Business Owners Need to Make
Branding is what sets your business apart from the others. It serves as your identity in the market. Without a solid brand, you won't make the right impression. But how do you effectively build your brand? The tips below courtesy of the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce detail the seven important business branding decisions you must make. Your Business Name Your name is the first thing that identifies your brand. Ideally, your business name should reflect your branding, be distinctive, and be
Meet the Member: Spectra Networks LLC
Meet Joe Silva. Tell us about your organization: Spectra Networks is a comprehensive IT service company dedicated to assisting small to medium-sized businesses with IT solutions including specialties in Managed Support Services, Compliance and Security, Amazon Web Services, and IT Support. We tailor all of our IT services to each business’s unique needs. We start by listening to the needs and goals of the organization. Our team will review existing technology and develop an improvement plan with
SBA Announces Working Capital Loan
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced 8/30/22 that federal Economic injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are available in Massachusetts for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations with economic losses due to drought that began Aug. 9.The declaration includes the counties of Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester in Massachusetts; and the adjacent counties of
Using Facebook Groups to Grow Your Business
In any community, there are several Facebook groups that have formed around living, working, and/or playing in your area. Some are private and you’ll need to request to join. Others are public. Some groups are loosely veiled business generators for community leaders or professionals who recognize how important it is to insert themselves into conversations about the community. Facebook groups are an excellent way to grow your business. Here are a few ways to do this in an existing group. Do Your
Meet the Member: Jessy ElGhoul
Tell us about your company? Salem Five is a Full-Service Financial Services Company. We employ some of the top professionals in retail, small business banking, lending, insurance, and wealth management -- enabling us to provide expertise that is uncommon among community and regional banks. At Salem Five, we understand the importance of helping our communities. Through the Salem Five Charitable Foundation, we are committed and continue to support a variety of community organizations ensuring vibrant
What's Your Biggest Marketing Challenge?
When a business operator finally decides they need someone focused on their marketing, and they resolve to hire for the position, it usually goes something like this: “This position will be in charge of posting to our social media channels.” But if that’s all you’re doing, you can put that in the hands of the nearest thirteen-year-old. If you’re contemplating stepping up your business marketing, you need more than a scheduler. You need someone who understands the different kinds of marketing,
Meet the Member: Sandra Batakis
Meet Sandra Batakis, Owner of Sandra Network Technology Support & Consulting. At Sandra Network, we help businesses by maintaining and securing computers and networks so you, the business owner, can focus on your business, not your computers. I started this business 28 years ago because I saw a need for businesses to have expert IT support. We handle all things technology related with expert support, with a deep emphasis on computer security. Our mission is to ensure all IT functions are streamlined, and
Are You Ready for These 3 Workplace Trends?
Workplace trends come and go like snack carts, but these trends may very well revolutionize the way we work because they are just so darn appealing to most employees. But before we go into these workplace trends, know that they are not for everyone. Your business may not be able to function if you put them into operation. There are some businesses that simply require employees in seats, seats that are customer-facing in a central location. But if you do have the flexibility to adopt some of these, you