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April 23, 2020
News from the Chamber
Good Morning,

Members In the news from iBerkshires.com:
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center:  Mack Molding, SVHC Partner to Develop Protective Masks for Hospital Workers.  Mack Molding (Arlington, VT) and Southwestern Vermont Health Care have partnered to develop an innovative alternative for personal protective equipment for the health system.  They adapted a snorkeling mask to be used by health care workers for PPE purposes!

Have you used a local business this week?  Take a moment to write a review on Google or social media.  Reviews are essential to businesses as they look to grow customers.

Stay Strong, Stay Safe, Stay Engaged.

Susan Briggs
Executive Director
info@williamstownchamber.com
413.458.9077
FREE Webinar Mini Series:
Monday, April 27, 1 - 2 pm:  GROW WITH GOOGLE - USING DATA TO DRIVE BUSINESS GROWTH
Sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce.  
Open to the first 5,000 registrants.
In this 45-minute webinar, you'll learn best practices and analyze trends about how customers engage with your business online, then turn these insights into well-informed, actionable decisions. A focus on Google Analytics and how to use this tool to make better business decisions.  register here.

Tuesday, April 28, 10 - 11 am:  THE ART AND SCIENCE OF KEEPING YOUR COOL
Moderated by Jerry Posner, via Zoom.
Personally and professionally, the ability to keep a positive mood is vitally important!  Understanding the science behind stress, frustration, anger and “losing your cool” can be life-changing and can result in every relationship, business and personal, functioning better!  This webinar will help you understand stress-triggers and anger-triggers in others … and in yourself!  
Open to all, please register here.

Tuesday, May 5, 10 -11 am:  THE PRACTICAL POWER OF GRATITUDE
Moderated by Jerry Posner, via Zoom.
Clearly, life can be difficult and challenging.  In this webinar, you’ll learn to use “grati-tools” (intentional gratitude practices) for increased happiness, decreased stress, improved relationships, and a more positive perspective ... 
Open to all, please register here.
Zoom Conversations,
Lead by our Chamber Board:
Open to All.  Free.  No registration.
Thursday, April 23:  A Conversation with Innkeepers
Conversation talking points:
- There are no published recommended Hotel cleaning guidelines.  Would/could we come up with our own cleaning checklist that we can then use as a marketing tool to let guests know that the Williamstown inns have gone above and beyond to ensure guest safety.  
- How can establishments create a "less touching" check-in and breakfast, while keeping the small town charm?
- How can we keep our lodging on the forefront of visitors' minds?
- How can the Chamber help?
Topic: Innkeepers Conversation
Time: Apr 23, 2020 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting.  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83130924736?pwd=Nm93VjlkcXAvSDc3UjNNd0RmT211UT09

Friday, April 24: A Conversation with Restaurants
Conversation talking points:
- How are you managing?
- Are you open?
- How is business?
- Do you have reopening plans?
- What would a restaurant with social distant tables look like for you?
- Can there be a "less touching" scenario?
- How can we continue to let people know it is safe for take-out?  Industry articles?
- Are you marketing?  What works?  What doesn't?
- How can the Chamber help?
Topic: Restaurants; A Conversation
Time: Apr 24, 2020 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting.  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85252152889?pwd=eVpxdVRpUHlxWkFUeHgxVTBpTStXQT09

Monday, April 27:  A Conversation with Retailers
Conversation talking points:
- How are you managing?
- Are you doing virtual business?  How? What works best for you?  Facetime, online, gift cards, etc.
- What would a store following limited social distant guidelines look like?
- Can there be a "less touching" scenario?
- How can we continue to let people know it is safe to enter your store?  Are there Industry articles or guidelines?
- Are you marketing?  What works?  What doesn't?
- How can the Chamber help?
Topic: Retailers; A Conversation
Time: Apr 27, 2020 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting.  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88493086755?pwd=VFZPZUFmeS92V3JkTVdtZXpCbGlaQT09

Wednesday, April 29:  A Conversation with Health, Fitness & Recreation 
Conversation talking points:
- How are you managing?
- Are you doing virtual classes/business?  How? What works best for you?  Facetime, zoom, google hangout
- Are you selling gift cards?
- How can we continue to let people know it is safe to go back to class?  Are there cleaning procedures we can outline? Are there Industry guidelines?
- Are you marketing?  What works?  What doesn't?
- How can the Chamber help?
Topic: Health, Fitness & Recreation; A Conversation
Time: Apr 29, 2020 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87468923823?pwd=djJOelJRbzk5cklQbkdCL01yVTNoZz09
Local Announcements:
FREE "Ear Savers"
The Print Shop Williamstown

Email Elinor at
Elinor@printshopwilliamstown.com to reserve yours now.
Jane & Antonello are back this Friday with a new edition of Window On The Weekend, a weekly update of Chamber of Commerce events & local happenings. Watch it on WilliNet TV and anytime on willinet.org.  
This Week In Williamstown:
Images Online

Images Online is a virtual effort by Images Cinema to continue to introduce the best new films to our community while we are temporarily closed. Films can be watched online on your at-home screens. The cost of each online “ticket” sold will be split between the film distributor and Images Cinema, so each rental will directly help the theater weather these challenging times. 
Sorry We Missed You
Friday, 4/24 – Thursday, 4/30
Ricky, a former laborer, and his home-attendant wife Abby—who lost their home in the 2008 financial crash—are desperate to get out of their financial distress. When an opportunity comes up for Ricky to work as his own boss as a delivery driver, they sell their only asset, Abby’s car, to trade it in for a shiny new white van and the dream that Ricky can work his way up to someday owning his own delivery franchise.
Straight Up
Friday, 4/24 – Thursday, 4/30
Todd is a hyper-articulate, obsessive compulsive gay twentysomething whose fear of dying alone leads him to a baffling conclusion: he might not be gay after all. When he meets Rory, a whip-smart struggling actress with her own set of insecurities, the two forge a relationship that’s all talk and no sex. Writer-Director-Star James Sweeney delivers a razor sharp rom-com that’s equal parts Classical Hollywood and distinctly 21st century, exploring just how elastic our definitions of love and sexuality can get.
Pahokee
Friday, 4/24 – Thursday, 4/30
In a small agricultural town in the Florida Everglades, hopes for the future are concentrated on the youth. Four teens face heartbreak and celebrate in the rituals of an extraordinary senior year.
CIT Associates
Phishing Scams - Network Protection FREE Consultation

During the COVID-19 crisis, there has been an uptick in the amount of phishing scams and ransomware targeting business network security. These hacks are affecting businesses of all sizes, but especially remote workers and those functioning with a smaller workforce. CIT Associates is offering a NO COST CONSULTATION for your communication and IT services; they will go over:
  • securing your network 
  • establishing protocols
  • assist you in putting in place checklists to keep your, and your employees', information safe
Meetings will be via phone, or internet, by appointment. For more information call Jackie Berry at 802-681-7536 or jberry@citassociates.net.
Tasha Yoga
Online Classes

We are now offering our full schedule of classes online.  While not the same as practicing together in person, gathering and doing yoga at this time of challenge and change can be a valuable support.
FREE Guided Workout

It’s a digital workout mini course.  Robin will lead you through several 10-in-10 workouts (that's 10-moves in 10-minutes).

It’s easy to sign up, a pop up on befitcompany.com will let you in.

PLUS...WilliNet TV, channel 1303, will broadcast a new 10-in-10 daily at 6:30am; 11am; 3pm, Through April.  And Available anytime on willinet.org.
Virtual Shopping with Beth! Call her at 413-458-7909. Free delivery in Williamstown.  Your source for outdoor clothing, footwear, and accessories. Featuring Patagonia!
Call 413-458-2206 and Shop via FaceTime.  Free delivery in Williamstown.  Educational toys, puzzles, and more...
Looking Ahead:
WTF FREE ONLINE THEATRE WORKSHOP
via Facebook Live
Monday, May 11, 5 PM
 
No prior experience is necessary and all ages are welcome. Full household participation is encouraged!
 
EforAll Virtual All-Ideas Pitch Contest; via Zoom
Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 6 - 8 pm

Building on the exuberant success of their first two events, EforAll Berkshire County will be hosting its third Pitch Contest...this time online!

If you’ve got a new business idea...or if you’re pivoting your existing business...this is your time to shine!  Apply to EforAll Berkshire County’s first-ever VIRTUAL Pitch Contest. Expose your idea to the community, get valuable feedback and compete for prize money...all from the comfort and safety of your own home!  

EforAll Pitch Contests are fun for the audience too and even online you’ll have the chance to vote for your favorite!  Berkshire County may be going virtual, but you’ll still want to be part of the enthusiasm and energy of passionate people looking to bring their ideas to life.  

To apply for EforAll Berkshire County’s May 13th virtual pitch contest,
 CLICK HERE.  April 30th is the application deadline.

To join the audience for the virtual pitch contest, CLICK HERE.
Resources:
RESTAURANTS RETAIL
  • Amy's Cottage:  Online orders and free non-contact delivery in the local area.  413-458-4305
  • Aubuchon Hardware:  Open Daily. 413-458-3000
  • Berkshire Emporium & Antiques :  Online viewing sale! Ignore any prices you see on the pieces. We can deliver. 413-664-4032
  • GoldLeaf:  Open Daily.  Curbside and Gift Certificates Available. Call 413-884-6226 or text 413-281-8974.
  • Nature's Closet:  Phone orders.  Delivery. 413-458-7909
  • The Print Shop Williamstown:  Limited Services.  413-458-6039
  • rk Miles: Monday – Friday 7am – 3 pm. “Curbside” pickup orders only. 413-458-8121 or rkwt@rkmiles.com.
  • The Spirit Shop:  Business as usual.  Curbside available.  413-458-3704
  • Waubeeka Golf Links:  Spring Titleist Sale.  Buy 3 dozen personalized Titleist golf balls at Waubeeka's sale price of $47.99 and get 1 dozen FREE!  413-997-9294
  • Wild Oats:  Open Daily: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm (9-10am shopping is received for anyone over the age of 60 and our at-risk shoppers). Curbside available.  413-458-8060
  • Where'd You Get That?!:  Phone orders.  Williamstown Delivery.  413-458-2206
OTHER RESOURCES SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES
  • Buy gift certificates to your favorite local shops
  • Order take-out to continue to support your local restaurants
  • Become a member of your favorite museum or theater
  • If you have tickets to a cancelled event, consider donating the money to that institution instead of asking for a refund. #KeepItInPlay  keepitinplay.org
  • Buy from your local farmer. Grocery stores may be out of some items that are available at your local farms.  Support your local food producers.
FEED IT FORWARD
  • Northern Berkshire Community Coalition is partnering with local restaurants to get meals to families that are unable to access food on the weekends.  For more information on participation, both families and restaurants, please call nbCC at 413-663-7588.  This program is free of charge, as nbCC will be using the funds we were awarded to compensate both the restaurant and the delivery driver for their service. 
  • Williamstown Food Pantry:  Distributions on Wednesdays at Sts. Patrick & Raphael, 54 Southworth Street, Williamstown.  
  • Community Bible Church of Williamstown: Emergency food needs call the church office at 458-5556 or Phyllis Babcock at 413-663-6094.
  • Mount Greylock grab-and-go FREE lunches: Available Monday through Friday for pickup at Williamstown & Lanesborough elementary schools. To arrange a free lunch, call the district a day in advance, at 413-458-9582, ext. 1195, or email lunches@mgrhs.org. 
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
  • Make time for selfcare. It's hard to take care of others if you don't take care of yourself!  Read, exercise, meditate, get creative...
  • Build your skill set. Consider taking an online course.  There are 500 Free online courses from the Ivy League schools.  https://www.classcentral.com/collection/ivy-league-moocs
  • Take the census! my2020census.gov or 1-844-330-2020
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