Small businesses power our economy.
They create jobs, spark innovation, and bring energy to our downtowns.
That energy filled the North Shore Chamber office on June 5 when more than 80 attendees kicked off the new Small Business Council initiative.
Karen Andreas, President and CEO of the Chamber, welcomed guests by noting “the spirit of a small business owner is unmistakable.”
“You are the ones working long hours, wearing multiple hats, making payroll before paying yourselves, investing your personal dollars,” she said. “And that’s why we’re here today. To support you, the small-business community on the North Shore.”
Andreas also thanked Newburyport Bank for its generous Platinum Sponsorship of the Chamber’s Small Business Council.
“Newburyport Bank’s mission aligns perfectly with the Council’s objectives: fostering strong community ties, supporting local businesses, and fueling economic growth,” Andreas said. “… We look forward to working closely with the bank’s team to support programming and resources for small businesses.”
Darcia Tremblay, president and owner of Silver Lining Solutions, will Chair the Small Business Council. A member of the Chamber’s Managing Board of Directors, Tremblay was recently honored by the Massachusetts SBA as the woman-owned Business of the Year.
Tremblay noted the mission of the Small Business Council is “to advocate for and support the interests of small businesses in the region.” She encouraged everyone to email her with ideas for meeting topics and speakers. Mo Levasseur, President of Profile Research Inc., will serve as Vice Chair of the Council.
Tremblay said SBC’s general goals are:
- Advocacy: Representing the concerns and needs of small businesses to policymakers and the public.
- Education: Providing resources, training, and information to help small businesses succeed.
- Networking: Facilitating connections and collaborations among small-business owners and other stakeholders.
- Promoting Entrepreneurship: Encouraging and supporting the growth of new and existing small businesses.
- Economic Growth: Contributing to the overall health and prosperity of the economy by fostering a strong small-business sector.
And, the SBC will accomplish the above through these activities:
- Community Engagement: Partnering with other organizations to promote small-business initiatives.
- Events and Workshops: Organizing events, workshops, and training programs to educate and support small-business owners.
- Mentorship and Support: Offering guidance and support to entrepreneurs and small-business owners.
- Networking Opportunities: Providing platforms for small-business owners to connect with each other and potential partners.
- Research and Analysis: Conducting studies and gathering data on issues affecting small businesses.
- Legislative Advocacy: Working with elected officials to pass legislation that benefits small business growth and competitiveness.
- Regulatory Advocacy: Monitoring and advocating for changes to regulations that impact small businesses.
Tremblay explained details about the Council and its meetings:
- A Steering Committee will be formed to lead the Council.
- The Steering Committee will consist of five members – the Chair, Vice Chair, and up to three others – and will work in tandem with the Chamber’s staff to facilitate the needs of the Small Business Council.
- Attendance to all Small Business Council meetings and events is open to any North Shore Chamber member in good standing, ranging in size from the self-employed to larger enterprises.
- Meetings will be held monthly on the first Tuesday of each month., from 8-9 a.m. here in this room. Because of the July 4 holiday, the next meeting will be July 15.
John McDougall, President of McDougall Interactive, offered a presentation on pros and cons of using AI for Small Business. A member of the North Shore Chamber, McDougall and his agency are elite Google partners and have been invited, all expenses paid, to Google headquarters four years straight.
John’s writing and digital marketing seminars have been featured in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Forbes and HubSpot and he is the author of three books on SEO and content marketing.
Guest were treated to great food by REV Kitchen, as well as raffle prizes.
Those interested in learning more about the Small Business Council are urged to contact SBC Chair Darcia Tremblay at darcia@silverliningsolutionsma.com.
