To realize the Value of Influence (VOI), research the track record of the Chamber’s efforts in educating the City Councilors the importance of keeping the Commercial/Industrial Tax Rate fair and equitable. As a result, the Marlborough City Council voted to keep the split between the Commercial tax rate and the Residential tax rate the same for this fiscal year.

To realize the Value of Introduction (VOI), attend the various networking programs and events to meet many people and hear the success stories of the connections made through the Chamber at functions that lead to expanded contacts and more profits.

To realize the Value of Involvement (VOI), join one of the many committees and groups to experience the ability to develop relationships with other Chamber members who have similar interests that may turn into future customers.

To realize the Value Of Information (VOI), utilize the Chamber’s various business programs and benefits like the Professional Development Workshops through the Business Connections group, Small Business Development Center Counseling and SCORE Counseling. Excellent data for your business planning gathered by MetroWest Economic Research Center (MERC), can be attained through the Marlborough Regional Chamber as well.

The Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce has many valuable resources available to members and the community… You too can realize the VALUE OF AN INVAULABLE RESOURCE!

Douglas Peck of Seniors Helping Seniors receives his New Member plaque from Ambassador Maria Bentley of Murphy Insurance

New Members Robin & Robert Jordan of Jordan Property Solutions with Ambassador Branch Yules of Lilien Realty

Ambassador Barbara Wellman of Black Tie Concierge Services presents New Member plaque to David Hecht of Profits Above Wages

“One of the major hurdles to small businesses growing and creating jobs is their inability to secure financing. They need lines of credit, equipment loans, real estate loans and working capital. It is difficult for the small business owner to prepare the essential business plan and loan proposal necessary to obtain these funds.” said Paula Camara, Senior Business Advisor (Clark University SBDC)

The Clark University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has helped many people navigate this process and assisted the client in developing a roadmap, as well as, gathering the necessary information to present a solid financial proposal to the funding source, be it bank loans, private financing, equity or alternative lending. The Clark University SBDC is one of the top centers in the country for helping clients in gaining access to capital over the past ten years. Their loan packaging process is well known and respected by the regional banks and SBA.

Companies that survived in 2008-2009 are now growing and expanding. Small manufacturers are buying property and equipment, investing in tooling and bringing back some jobs from China due to quality concerns.

Merger and acquisition activity is up as well. Companies or individuals are now looking to buy a company, benefit from Mass Small Business Development Center(MSBDC) services as they assist with valuation, due dilligence and access to capital.

All companies, no matter what stage they are in, need marketing, sales, cash flow management and advice from someone who understands the demands of business ownership. Many of the SBDC clients are working on strategic marketing plans that incorporate social media and changing technologies.

The MSBDC services help business owners better manage their companies, allowing them to grow faster.

In 2010 the Clark SBDC provided business advisory services to 837 clients (more than half of them existing businesses) resulting in $16.9 million capital infusion, 41 new business launches, 210 jobs created and 213 jobs saved.

During the 29 years at Clark University, the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network Program has assissted over 21,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners. They helped clients raise $227 million in capital and created 3,500 new jobs in Central Massachusetts.

Free one-to-one confidential appointments are held at the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce offices located at 11 Florence Street, Marlborough, MA or at Clark University, Worcester, MA.

If your business is at a point where a review with Paula Camara, Senior Advisor for Clark SBDC, would be of value, call the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce at 508-485-7746 for an appointment.

From time to time there are other FREE opportunities and services that may arise. Please check Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce website at www.marlboroughchamber.org regularly.

Would you like to receive all the FREE opportunities and services? Not a Marlborough Regional Chamber member yet? It is very easy and affordable (less than 1 cent per day) to join. Just call 508-485-7746.

Each chamber member business has an opportunity to take advantage of this free advertising vehicle. Previous “Biz Snips” videos can be viewed by pressing the chamber blog button on the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce website www.marlboroughchamber.org, and opening the “pages” on the blog.

Previous “Biz Snips” videos have featured Jack Cutone, 1031 Exchange – United Asset Trading, explaing the reasons. process and benefits of a 1031 Exchange. Also Patricia Teager, Fore Kicks Marlborough, talked about the many offerings, programs and various sports played at this wonderful indoor 3 acre soccer/sports facility. She also told us about the multiple uses for the many acres of fields outside this facility. The third “Biz Snips” video featured the Innkeeper of the Wayside Inn, John Cowden. the Wayside Inn, a non-profit historical site, has many events during the summer and has added breakfast and an outdoor patio for dinning.

Please view all the upcoming “Biz Snips” as we tape and post them at www.marlboroughchamber.org.

The Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce utilizes QR Codes on its printed Business After Hours invitations to enable the receipient to register online as soon as they receive the postcard in the mail. When a member uses the QR Code to register for an event, registration becomes easier, quicker and more efficient.

QR Codes printed on business cards start a conversation and with on click of your smart phone, anyone can get your contact information into propestive client’s cell phone.

Smart phones can download QR Code Readers free of charge. Look into utilizing QR Codes on your printed materuials to connect to potential clients.