THE BEDFORD BANNER
                                    February 2013     
  

In This Issue
WE NEED YOUR VOICE
Chamber kicks off 2013
Are you receiving your benefits?
Business Spotlight
What the Chamber did in January?
Bedford First
Alewife Shuttle to Crosby Drive
Chamber Connections
Chamber Calendar
Facebook
WE NEED YOUR VOICE CONCERNING THE SIGN BYLAW
   
The Bedford Sign Bylaw Committee is presenting it's recommendations to the Selectman on Monday February 4th at 7:30pm in Town Hall. This is a public hearing. The purpose of the meeting is to get the proposed changes on the warrant to present to Town Meeting on April 1st (any Sign Bylaw changes need to be voted on at Town Meeting).
 

We encourage you to attend the meeting and provide your feedback and support on the proposed changes. The Sign Bylaw Committee has been working hard over the past year to address business concerns. While not all concerns have yet been addressed, the proposed changes are an important first step and should prove useful for most businesses in town.
 

 

 

 

Chamber Kicks OFF 2013
board pic

The Bedford Chamber of Commerce board (l-r) Karen Kenney, Chair of Membership (Organization Works), Pam Brown, Chairman (Brown & Brown P.C.), Josh Cohen, President (SNAP Infusion), Maureen Sullivan, Executive Director, Adam Schwartz, First VP (CouponSurfer, Inc.) and Charles Duran, Secretary/Treasurer (Carlton & Duran, CPAs, P.C.) Missing Second VP Fatima Mendonca (Brookline Bank)

 
 

Submitted by Daisy Girifalco

 

The Bedford Chamber of Commerce kicked off 2013 with their monthly meeting drawing nearly 100% of the board. The chamber is ready to kick the year into gear with more programs that will help support local Bedford businesses. Including networking with other towns around issues such as public transportation and other ways they attract young talent to local businesses.

One of the many programs the chamber offers is the Bedford First Program. The Bedford First Program encourages more than 150 Chamber-member companies and their 5000 plus employees to prefer other Chamber members when making buying decisions. The offers are valid for both corporate and personal purchases, and as we continue to accept new discounts offers throughout the year, we will update the list of participating companies on a monthly basis. A Bedford First card will be available to Chamber members and their employees. The card entitles members to many valuable discounts, from restaurants and accommodations to local attractions. There is no fee to participate in the program. Members simply present their card at participating businesses to receive discounts on many products and services.

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Are you receiving the benefits of your

  Chamber Membership?

 

Are you sure your company or organization is receiving all of the benefits of Chamber membership? Look at the list below and place a check next to the programs/events your company participates in. You may be surprised at the opportunities you are missing.

 

  • I submit news briefs or promote my business in the "Business Spotlight" section of the Chamber Newsletter
  • I have been a guest on the Chambers Cable show "Chamber Connections"
  • I keep my business information current with the Chamber for referral list (Note: The Chamber does not refer non-members. If someone asks about an on-member business, they are informed that business is not a member, therefore we have no information regarding that business.)
  • I promote my business by taking advantage of specialty advertising opportunities, such as the town planner, the Chamber map, and our web site.
  • I display my business cards on the Chamber Board in the town center
  • I network with my fellow Chamber members by attending the Annual Dinner, Monthly card exchanges, Flavors of Bedford and other events.
  • I participate on Chamber committees
  • I am participating in the Bedford First Member to Member Discount
  • I am being interviewed for the "I am a Bedford Business" montage
  • I call on the Chamber when I need assistance or information on local business issues
  • I have utilized the export certificates of origin
  • I display my Chamber Plaque where customers can see it.
  • I have showcased my business by holding a monthly mixer
  • I have sponsored Chamber events throughout the year.
  • I have checked the Chamber Insurance to see if I could be saving money.
  • I have informed the Chamber office of my website or any changes in my current listing.
  • I have linked my website to the Chamber website
  • I have utilized the free member listings and labels
  • I do business as often as I can with other Chamber members
  • I encourage other businesses to participate and take advantage of the benefits of being a Bedford Chamber of Commerce member.

 

Well how did you do? Out of the 20 items listed, to what extent are you taking advantage of your Chamber membership benefits and participating? Your Chamber membership cannot benefit your business without your participation.

 

The Bedford Chamber of Commerce is at your disposal as a vehicle to enhance your business and the community serves. If you would like information on any of the services listed above, please free to contact the Chamber office.

   " Let's Get Fit!" launches on Bedford TV

By Kathryn Eskandarian 

 

Friday evening January 11th, about 100 well wishers gathered at the Bedford TV Station to celebrate the premiere season of the new show, "Let's Get Fit!" with Sandy Morvillo, a local health and fitness expert. The show has two formats: An Interview Show and a Workout Show. In the Interview Show, Sandy sits down with her guests and discusses their fitness issues and goals and then provides them with a comprehensive fitness and health "game plan" tailored to meet their needs.   In the Workout Show, she takes viewers through a high impact exercise workout and offers modifications so viewers can follow along appropriately at their own pace. Sandy is excited about the show as she believes it will allow her to reach even more people right in their own homes. According to Madeleine Altmann, Executive Director at Bedford TV, "The viewer response has been very positive. I am impressed how many of our senior citizens are tuning in and working out. It's so great to have this kind of programming on Bedford TV."

     

 

Sandy has long been passionate about helping people of all ages and fitness backgrounds live healthier lives. For over 20 years, the 43 year old mother of two, has helped countless people of all ages live more healthfully by providing classes such as kick boxing, weight training and total body conditioning as well as fitness clinics for children and adolescents. She exemplifies a "complete health" lifestyle that encompasses daily exercise, eating well and a holistic approach to health care. Her high energy, motivational ability and achievement of results has garnered her many followers.   She is the Group Fitness Director of Summit Health Club in Bedford, MA where she teaches classes as well as runs a popular Women's Boot Camp through the Bedford Recreation Department. She continues to work as the conditioning coach for the Bedford Boy's Football Team which she has done for several years and also provides personal training for clients seeking a one to one fitness program.

 

 Photo by Julie Antriasian 

getfit

Left to Right:Jennifer Buckley, Kathryn Eskandarian, Madeleine Altmann, Sandy Morvillo, Julie Antriasian

 

 

 The interview shows vary in topic with the three currently being shown focusing on Maintaining Balance and Consistency, Incorporating Healthful Living into a Busy Lifestyle and Diabetes Related Issues and Health. There will be many more shows to follow in 2013. The shows can be viewed on Bedford TV on Comcast Channel 8 and Verizon channel 38 (check "TV Guide" for the schedule). The shows can also be seen on YouTube by searching "Sandy Morvillo" or "Bedford TV."

 

If you would like to learn more about Sandy or apply to be a guest on her interview show, please visit her web site at sandymorvillo.com . She is also available on facebook at "sandymorvillo.com."

 

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   What the Chamber did in January

 
Installation of new 2013 Board of Directors

Chamber Connection Taping

1366 Ribbon Cutting
murry
Lt. Governor Tim Murray delivers his key note address at the 1366 Technologies Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Photo by David Gordon/Wicked local staff photographer
2 New Members  (48 more to go)
 
Presented Heroes for Homing Coming Check
  
hanscom
Pamela Brown, 66th Air Base Group Commander, Colonel Lester Weilacher, President Josh Cohen, 66th Air Base Group Superintendent, Chief Master Sgt David Huerd/ photo by Daisy Girifalco
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       BedfordfirstBEDFORD FIRST 

 

 

The Bedford First Program kicked off in January and we already have 12 members signed up. All chamber members are getting their Bedford First Member Cards with their 2013 Chamber decal.


Participating members as of 1/31

 

B & D Advertising Agency - 10% discount on any size
advertisement placed in the Bedford (or surrounding town) "Town
Book" Directory

Bedford Vision Center & Dr. Kiana Kaymanesh - 20% off any

frame & lens combination

Bedford Plaza Hotel - 10% discount off rack rate - use code SP10

Garrison Knight Financial Planning, LLC -Complimentary "get
acquainted" meeting plus 15% discount on all hourly financial

planning services

Great Road Gallery & Framing - 10% off all complete customframing
Quality Data Base Design -Free initial consultation, 10 %
discount on development fee

Baldwin Insurance - 5 % member discount

JRM Antiques - Purchases $1-$50.00 - 10%, $50.00 and up- 20%

The UPS Store - 15% off packaging/shipping supplies, 5% off shipping charges, 25% off Printing/Copying/Large format printing/blue printing, 20% off Notary Service

Bistro 44 - 10 % off any food in the restaurant or lounge

Bedford Florist - 10% off all purchases
First Parish of Bedford - 10% discount on cost of building usage

New England Nurseries, Inc. - 10% on all purchases except year end clearance items
  

                 

 

                                 Click here for information and an application .

 

CHAMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS

I am A Bedford Business 

We will be filming Wednesday, February 6 at Chamber Businesses. If you would like to be included in the promotional video montage, call the Chamber and set up an Appointment. It will entail us filming you saying

 

Hi, I am ----------------, from -------------- and I am a Bedford Business.

I love doing doing business in Bedford because _______________.

  

 

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Bedford Retail Group 

 

The Bedford Chamber is looking for a Few Good Retailers.
A new Retail Group has been formed whose mission is to make it easier to do retail business in Bedford. The group meets approximately once per month and works on issues such as Signs, Zoning, Promoting Bedford Businesses and more. We're looking for a two to three more retailers. If you're interested in helping your business and the retail business in Bedford succeed, please reply to this email. 

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 Bedford Historical Society
 The Bedford Historical Society is happy to announce that some of thier most popular merchandise, formally only available at the office or at the Freight House Store, is now available through the Bedford Freight House Online.  Please visit the Bedford Freight House Online when searching for any Bedford-related merchandise.

 Orders can be placed any time of the day or night and paid for using credit cards and PayPal! We will continue to add items over the next few months. Please feel free to email us at info@bedfordmahistory.org if there are any additional Bedford Historical Society books or merchandise that you would like to find available online.

 

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 Business Workshops at Shawsheen

Technical Institute

February 5th and February 21st

FREE informational seminar on how to produce dollars for training. Shawsheen Technical Institute and the Mass Workforce Training Fund are providing 2 free workshops on either February 5th or February 21st, both at 10 am. Merrimack Valley businesses can learn how to use state funding to more effectively train their workforce. Workshops will be held at Shawsheen Technical Institute, located at Shawsheen Valley Technical High School, 100 Cook Street, Billerica, MA. Learn more online at: www.shawsheeninstitute.org.

 

 

 

 

 

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   ALEWIFE SHUTTLE TO CROSBY DRIVE

     offers guaranteed ride home program

  
 Did you know the 128 Business Council's offfers guaranteed ride home, along with several other member benefits such as

 

  • DEP Rideshare Regulation Compliance
  • RideMatching
  • Guaranteed Ride Home
  • Commuter Benefits Events
  • Shuttle Bus Services
  • Transportation Advocacy Programs
128 Business Council could be your one-stop resource for alternative transportation and pro-sustainability solutions for the 128 West region. Their  shuttles connect major employers, institutions and communities to public transit (MBTA stations), making commuting more effective and reducing Route 128 West and related roadway congestion.  
 Please contact the Chamber office at 781-275-8503 if your company is interested in participating in this Shuttle Program and/or if you know some other companies in the Crosby Drive area that you think would be interested. 

CHAMBER CONNECTIONS 

 

 

 Each month, Executive Director Maureen Sullivan tapes the Chamber Connections at the Bedford Tv Studio. Check out the links below of who she has interviewed and if you are  interested in being a guest, email her at bcoc@bedfordchamber.org

 

Madeline Altman ~ Bedford TV

Linda Stimson ~ Inner Visions Interiors

 

Adam Schwartz - Business Development


Mara Briere - Grow a Strong Family

The UPS Store

 

 Joan Turnberg - Live LIfe Well
 

Dr. Jean Marc Slak ~ Slak Chiropractic Group


Lea Ann Knight ~ Garrison Knight Financial

 

The Goddard School

 

Brookline Bank


Kristen Presley/Bedford VA

Karen Kenney/ OrganizingWorks

JRM Antiques

 

 

_________________________________________________________________

CHAMBER CALENDAR

 

February 4
Sign Bylaw Committee

presenting to the Selctman
Town Hall
7:30

February 7
Multi Chamber Networking
Crowne Plaza Hotel
15 Middlesex Canal Park Road, Woburn
5:30-7:30

February 13
Working Women Alliance
The Boardroom Bistro
54 Middlesex Turnpike
Bedford, MA

noon


February 14
Board of Directors
Bedford Police Station
7:30 AM

February 27
Chamber Annual Dinner & Celebration
Doubletree Bedford Glen Hotel
6-9 PM
Entertainment by magician & corporate mind reader David Hall

 

March 18
After Hours Women Networking
Landana
86 Cambridge St
Burlington MA
5:00-7:00 PM
To register click here 

 

 

  
 
 

2013 Chamber   Members  

 

 Bolded members are participating in the

Bedford First Program 

 

 

Atlantic Capital Strategies

B & D Advertising Agency
Baldwin Insurance Agency

Baudanza Electric Company
Bedford Acupuncture
Bedford Car Wash

Bedford Center for the Arts

Bedford Children's Centre
Bedford Family Connection
Bedford Florist
 
Bedford Funeral Home
Bedford Montessori
Bedford Motel
Bedford Orthodontics
Bedford Vision Center
Bedford Plaza Hotel

Bedford TV
Brookline Bank
Cafe Luigi
Callahan's Karate Studio
Calling All Pets
Carlton & Duran CPAs

Carleton-Willard Village

Dalya's Restaurant
Debbie Spencer/ The Higgins Group

Design 1 Kitchen & Bath
Dr. Dianne Bridgeman
Diane Cadogan Hughes/The Higgins Group
Doubletree Bedford Glen Hotel

Dr. Kiana Kaymanesh

DSA Printing

Edward Jones Investments
Elm Brook Place
Enterprise Bank & Trust Co
First Parish Church

FUJIFILM Recording Media .
F.W.Webb
Garrison Knight Financial Planning LLC

Genetti's Wine & Spirits, Inc.
Get in Shape for Women
 
Great Road Gallery & Framing
 
Hanscom Federal Credit Union Heritage At Bedford Springs
Independent Living Innovations
JRM Antiques
Keller Williams Realty

Live Life Well

McColough Associates, Inc.
Mettler-Toledo Thorton, Inc.
Middlesex Savings Bank

Minuteman Volkswagen Inc.

New England Nurseries, Inc

North Road Chiropractic
Organix Spa & Salon

Oscar S. DePriest IV, DMD,PC

Patriot Pediatrics

Progress Software

Quality Data Base Design

Right At home
Salon OZ

St. Michael Parish Center
Summit Health & Fitness
The Bedford Minuteman

The Goddard School
The Higgins Group Realtors
The UPS Store
Pulte Homes of New England, LLC

Vela Ventures

Watson Law Office
William Raveis Real Estate

 

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