The ninth annual "Taste the Arts, Taste the Eats, Taste the Beat, East of Paradise" fundraiser for Riverside Industries, Inc.

The event raised over $80,000 funds for operations and innovative programs, including $11,000 that will go directly to funding their new wellness program. The event, which included silent and live auctions and other entertainment, was sponsored by a wide variety of local businesses, and food and drinks were donated by many local restaurants. 

RSI provides services to about 250 clients and their families living in over 30 area communities. Many of these clients are employed in area businesses, and others are engaged in therapeutic activities and training programs at the organization's Cottage Street building. 

To make additional donations to RSI, go to their website at www.rsi.org.   

The proverb "All is grist for the mill" means that everything can be used to make a profit. Any word of advice, experience resolving a problem, or response to an idea that one business person can share with another is of potential value in helping one another's business grow.

This group will be composed of no more than 10-15 members and will meet the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Chamber office from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. There is no charge for this new member benefit. The group is also intended to be self-governing, so the members will determine their own needs, goals and activities from sessions to session.

Co-leaders Derek Allard of Tunnel 7 and Fran Fahey of Fran's Fine Editing look forward to starting this program. Derek said, 'This is a great opportunity for sole proprietors and small businesses who have many similar issues running their own businesses to learn from each other. Perhaps you have a solution for something that is troubling me, or I the same for you. Together we can maker each other stronger and learn from each other's ideas."

"I was a member of this type of group in another Chamber I belonged to, and it was a real growth experience. Working with the same folks from meeting to meeting, you not only enjoy getting to know them but also trust their honest feedback.," said Fran.

"All is grist for the mill"

The group is open to both Chamber members and those interested in joining the Chamber. RSVP is required by

Friday, May 3 to attend the May 7 meeting. Contact Fran at 413-529-1189 (fran@fransfineediting.com) or Derek at 413-282-9957 (derek@tunnel7.com) to RSVP or ask questions. 

  After the April 15 Marathon bombings, Chamber members immediately jumped into action to show support and solidarity.

Michael Superson of  Big E's Supermarket in Easthampton coordinated with the Baystate Health Blood Donor program to hold a successful blood drive on April 23, where they collected 27 units of blood to help 54 people.

Mary Ann's Dance and More and Mantis Graphics, both of Easthampton, are producing and selling T-shirts. The shirts show the Boston skyline fading into a yellow ribbon with the words "Boston Strong" and the date of the tragedy, 4-15-13.

The T-shirts are $21.00 a piece, available in S-M-L and XL, and all the proceeds will go directly to The One Fund Boston. They be can pre-ordered now at Mary Ann's Dance and More at 413-282-0054 or online, and are expected to be be available by May 7.

Any other efforts out there by members? Let us know and we'll cover you in our June newsletter.