News
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
Olio Event Space: A Look at Main St. in Peabody
Olio Event Space Highlights Peabody's Main StreetIn a new article posted by Olio, the owner has highlighted Peabody's special and unique downtown. Read through to see great things to do, see, eat, and more in Peabody Square! Snipit below....Main Street, Peabody: A Cute, Historic New England Downtown Welcome to 43 Main Street in Peabody, Massachusetts at the heart of New England! For most of the visitors to Olio, it is your first time coming to this special, unique, and historic downtown just outside of
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Senior Medicare Patrol - Preventing Medicare Fraud
The Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program works in partnership with mainstream government, non-governmental, and "grassroots" community-based organizations across the state to raise awareness about protecting, detecting, and reporting healthcare errors, fraud, and abuse. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, healthcare errors, fraud, and abuse cost American taxpayers billions of dollars annually. The MA SMP Program encourages consumers to track all their
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
Longtime Peabody Funeral Director partners with Ruggiero Family
The Ruggiero Family Memorial Home - North Shore Chapel is pleased to announce the partnership with our newest team member Joseph A. Pavao, Jr. A lifelong Peabody resident, Joseph was raised in Peabody along with his two sisters, Nicole Pavao and Kimberly Reis, administrative asst. of the Board of Health in Peabody. He is a graduate of Peabody Veterans Memorial High School, Class of 2007, and a 2013 graduate of the Funeral Institute of the Northeast. Joe is an active member of the Portuguese community in
Meet our Board Member: Cindy Moore
I work for Barry Realty Group to help buyers and sellers through their real estate transactions with ease and confidence. Why is Barry Realty Group a member of the PACC? We are part of the PACC to engage with others in the community. Being actively involved over the years through several different business affiliations has helped me immensely grow my business and professional relationships. Why were you interested in serving on the PACC board? I have served on the PACC board in the past and like
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
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Meet the Board Member: Vicki Cormier
Meet Vicki Cormier of North Shore Bank. As a Branch Manager, I am responsible for the overall management of North Shore Bank’s West Peabody branch. This includes delivering exceptional customer service to all customers as well as coaching and leading branch staff to achieve individual and branch goals. Why is NSB a member of the PACC? Peabody has been our home since 1888. So, it goes without saying that it means a lot to us. One focus of North Shore Bank is to invest in local organizations and
Meet the Board Member: Rob Lowell
Meet Rob Lowell, Senior Director of Community Impact for the YMCA of Metro North The YMCA of Metro North (which encompasses locations in Peabody, Lynn, Saugus and Melrose) is a diverse association of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of youth, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility in our community. What is the Mission of the YMCA? The YMCA of Metro North builds strong kids, strong families and strong communities by
Plastic Bag Ban in Peabody
On September 1, 2020, the City of Peabody implemented an ordinance to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags in Peabody. The ordinance, Chapter 13, Article VII, “Regulation Regarding the Use of Disposable Plastic Bags at Retail Establishments,”can be viewed at www.peabody-ma.gov/health/plasticbagban.pdf. The ordinance prohibits retailers from providing single-use plastic checkout bags to any customer for the purpose of enabling them to carry goods from the point of sale. If a retailer does provide
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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
ChamberForGood: The Children's Piazza
Community Play Workshop (DBA The Children's Piazza) is a 501c3 organization that operates a play-cafe with a mission. Our mission is to support healthy brain development in young children through play, and to also support the mental health of their caregivers through hospitality, education and empowerment. Caring for children from birth through preschool is challenging both physically, mentally, economically and socially. While we all want to give our children the best foundation in life,
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: Brian Vinagro
At Peabody Wealth Advisors, we utilize a team approach to financial planning. Rather than filling your head with complex jargon, we have straightforward conversations and provide clear responses to your questions. Our goal is to take the guesswork out of planning for the future. Why is your business a member of the PACC? I wanted to give back to the community and help support fellow businesses. I first joined the Chamber around 2001 and have met so many great folks over the last couple decades. I
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
Easy Last Minute Bonuses to Drive More Sales
Bonus offers are a great way to drive sales without discounting your products or services. It makes people feel like they are getting extra value—and these days, with inflation—that can make a reticent customer buy quicker. But what if you haven’t thought out an entire marketing strategy around bonuses? Is it too late to offer one? Not at all. Below we have some ideas on how you can make the last few weeks of Small Business Season some of your best. Offer a Bonus Gift Card Give a small gift card
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
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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
How to Use Facebook to Promote Your Business
Is it just us or does Black Friday seem to have withered on the vine? Years ago, people would run out to get their newspapers on Thanksgiving to peruse the deals and map out their shopping plans. This year, holiday deals began in October and thus they’ve lost some of their luster and excitement. Yes, there are many good deals to be had and there’s something to be said for not having to wait outside for a store to open, but there’s no thrill of the hunt, no memorable experience. That gives the advantage
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
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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
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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
Meet the Member: Chris Ross
Tell us about your organization: Institution for Savings, founded in 1820, is one of the largest mutual savings banks on the North Shore and third oldest in the country. Headquartered in Newburyport, the Bank has 15 full-service offices, with its 16th office scheduled to open at 12 Peabody Square in late 2023. The Bank’s vision is to have a positive effect on every person, business and organization in the communities its serves and it stays true to that vision every day, last year giving back more than $2
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