NEWBURYPORT – The North Shore Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Newburyport Bank is the exclusive Platinum Sponsor of the new Small Business Council initiative.
Created by the Chamber to support small businesses in the region, the mission of the Small Business Council is to advocate for and support the interests of small businesses in the region.
“Newburyport Bank’s mission aligns perfectly with the Council’s objectives: fostering strong community ties, supporting local businesses, and fueling economic growth,” said Karen Andreas, president and CEO of the North Shore Chamber.
“We look forward to working closely with the bank’s team to support programming and resources for small businesses.”
Representing Newburyport Bank on the Council will be Stacey Palovich, Senior Vice President, Business Banking & Professional Practices Director.
“We are proud to support the Small Business Council and champion the hardworking entrepreneurs who are the backbone of our local economy,” said Palovich. “At Newburyport Bank, we believe that when small businesses thrive, our communities do too. I’m honored to serve on the Council and collaborate with fellow leaders to bring meaningful resources and opportunities to the region’s small-business owners.”
The Small Business Council will hold monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month, from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Chamber office, 500 Cummings Center, Suite 1700, Beverly. All members of the North Shore Chamber are invited to attend for free. Because of the July 4 holiday, the next meeting will be held the morning of Tuesday, July 15. Those interested may register HERE.
Darcia Tremblay, president and owner of Silver Lining Solutions of Topsfield, 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.
Mo Levasseur, President of Profile Research Inc. of Rowley, will serve as Vice Chair of the Council.
The general goals of the Small Business Council 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.
The Small Business Council 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.
More than 80 small-business owners attended the Small Business Council kickoff event on June 5 at the Chamber’s main office in Beverly.
“Small businesses power our economy,” Andreas said during the event welcome. “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.”
Those interested in learning more about the Small Business Council are urged to contact SBC Chair Darcia Tremblay at darcia@silverliningsolutionsma.com.
