What’s New With the Tri Town Chamber of Commerce for July

The Tri Town Chamber was on hand to celebrate Norton’s 300th birthday by participating in the town’s parade on June 12. Norton residents Robin Clapp from Web Design by Robin and Ingrid Williams from Sharon Credit Union in Foxborough joined Executive Director Kara Griffin and yours truly to lead the Chamber Team. Several member businesses contributed floats, banners and marchers to help make it a very special event.

Not to be outdone, the Town of Foxborough celebrated birthday number 233 the day before, hosting its annual Foxborough Founders’ Day extravaganza on June 11th. Congratulations to everyone, especially Committee Chairman, and Cindi’s Diamond and Jewelry Gallery Owner, Cindi Haddad Drew, for a job well done.

For the seventh year, Kara led the Chamber team in Mansfield’s American Cancer Society Relay For Life on June 17 and 18. The event has raised nearly $400,000 so far this year for a truly worthwhile cause.

Thanks should be extended to several Chamber members who provided ideas to help Covidien, one of our largest and most giving members, find worthwhile causes for its annual Community Service Day on Tuesday, July 26. Program beneficiaries include schools in Foxborough, Mansfield and Norton; senior centers; and four Hockomock Y venues. Similarly-generous chamber member Brigham and Women’s / Mass General at Patriot Place will offer health screenings at some of the events.

The inaugural Community Wellness Day at the Deutsche Bank Championship site, also sponsored by Covidien, will be held on Wednesday, August 31. Grounds passes will be offered at no charge. A health and wellness symposium is on the agenda, with more details to be provided on the Chamber website as the event draws nearer.

Oktoberfest is coming to Mansfield Crossing October 4th! Now in its fourth year, this event has become the Chamber’s largest annual charity fundraiser. Proceeds from ticket sales are distributed equally among the communities of Foxborough, Mansfield and Norton to help our towns feed residents in need. Last year 23 tri town area restaurants donated staff members and tons of food. Ever try wasabi and ziti on a taco? I accidentally created this last year when I piled my plate too high…not bad, actually!

Chamber members can save $50 by registering soon for the Mega Business EXPO! multi-chamber event on Thursday October 20th at Christina's in Foxborough. Registration includes an 8' x 6' space, 6' skirted table, 2 chairs, a company sign, power, wireless Internet, trade show training, and a raffle ticket! Contact the Chamber at 508 339 5655 or by email to reserve your spot.

Sharon Credit Union, Foxborough branch, will be hosting our next Business after Hours. Come visit Branch Manager Ingrid Williams, of Norton 300 parade marching fame, from 5 to 7 PM on Wednesday, July 27. Attendance is free to members and only $10 to non-members. Contact the Chamber at 508 339 5655 or by email to sign up.

Jen Vondenbrink will reprise her seemingly world-famous Beginners LinkedIn seminar on Friday, July 27 from 8 to 9:15. Anyone who is not yet comfortable with the premier business interface in social media is welcome to attend. As with after-hours events, breakfast meetings are free to chamber members and only $10 for non-members. Call 508 339 5655 or email the Chamber to enroll.

The third installment of our very popular Women’s Link series will be held on September 20. Details on the speaker and venue will be announced soon!

Believe it or not, the Chamber has two offices available for rent at its facility in Mansfield Crossing behind Kohl’s, and conveniently located near the intersection of routes 95 and 495. Utilities and limited use of the Chamber conference room are included. Email or call the chamber at 508 339 5655 for details.

As President of the Board for the Tri Town Chamber of Commerce, I invite residents and local businesses reading the Foxborough, Mansfield and Norton Patch pages to come to visit us during a chamber event or charity function. If you can’t make it in person, please join our groups on LinkedIn and on Facebook. We want to hear what you have to say!

John Bates is the President of the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce and operates Job-Guy, a career coaching practice in Mansfield. Since joining the Chamber in 2005, John has also helped out as an Ambassador and as Vice President for Membership Development.