Ashland’s Business Scene

The Ashland Business Association (ABA) will hold an interactive session on Tuesday, Feb. 6, to plan its future, including updates to its bylaws and legal structure. In addition, CPA Janis Orel will talk about “How Tax Reform Impacts Small Business.” Orel has over 30 years’ experience helping individuals and businesses with accounting and tax needs. The program will be held at the Ashland Library, Community Room, 66 Front St.
Early networking with refreshments will be held from 5:30 to 6 p.m.; the program will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
Also on the Feb. 6 program is Adam Elbirt, president of the Ashland Education Foundation, Inc. (AEFI) (www.ashlandeducation.org). Elbirt will challenge business owners “to think about how [their] support of the Ashland Education Foundation, Inc. benefits local business.” He will demonstrate how partnering with the AEFI builds brand recognition and broadens the customer base for local businesses.
The ABA offers its members – nearly 110 small business owners – networking and learning opportunities and ways to build brand awareness through monthly programs and socials. The group also gives back to the community by supporting the Ashland Emergency Fund and awarding scholarships each June to Ashland high school seniors who demonstrate good work ethics, motivation, creativity and business/community interests.
ABA members are planning programs for 2018, including a new member gala for the spring.
“My goal for the ABA is that businesses in Ashland are thought of first, by both the community and other businesses,” ABA President Adam Sachs said.
ABA programs or socials are scheduled for the first Tuesdays of most months throughout the year. For more information on the ABA, contact President Adam Sachs at president@ashlandbusinessassociation.com or call 508-656-0503. To join the ABA, visit www.ashlandbusinessassociation.com.
Ashland and Beyond
The town’s Economic Development Director Beth Reynolds wants to remind residents that the town maintains a webpage, www.ashlandmass.com/552/Local-Job-Posting, for local job openings. If a business has an open position they are trying to fill, send the description to Beth Reynolds at breynolds@ashlandmass.com.
Reynolds would also like to let Ashland businesses know that the Metrowest Chamber of Commerce will hold its 8th annual Taste of Metrowest (www.metrowest.org/taste-of-metrowest) on March 20. This regional event features many restaurants, businesses and non-profit organizations.
Reynolds noted, “There are many ways to get involved [in the chamber event]: sponsor--great exposure in their program book and at the event, exhibit--the event draws in over 1,000 people each year, or register to attend--it is great fun, food and drink!”
The ABA offers businesses the opportunity to connect to a wider network through the Metrowest Chamber of Commerce. As a member of the ABA, an Ashland business may receive a discount on Chamber membership and participate in Chamber programs at an ABA member rate.