Announcements:
Important Info on State's new laws to protect security and privacy of your customer's and employee's information:
Chamber Issues Policy Statement on Rooms & Meals Tax Increases
The Sandwich Chamber of Commerce strongly urges the Commonwealth to complete necessary reforms and spending reductions first before considering any new or expanded taxes. Further burdening consumers and business owners at this time will only hurt the economic health of our communities. In addition, expanded rooms tax and increase meals tax could decrease consumer spending in these areas, thus decreasing any potential or projected gains. Finally, we oppose any tax that targets specific industries and would look for more equitable ways to resolve budget shortfalls.
In summary, Massachusetts’ budget has areas in need of reform and spending reductions can still be accomplished without cutting local aid and core services. Until those reforms and reductions take place, we oppose any new or expanded taxes on businesses.
East Sandwich Grange Hall Hosts Grassroots Movement
Local Businesses band together
SANDWICH- Laury Hammel, a nationally recognized leader of the Shop Local and 10% Shift movement, rallied local business owners at the East Sandwich Grange Hall Tuesday night to help kick-off a Shop Sandwich First program by the Sandwich Chamber of Commerce. Laury discussed how big box stores and “too big to fail” businesses are going bankrupt every other day and the value of locally owned independent businesses is moving to the forefront. “Local businesses not only maintain the quaint charm of their community but combined they are often the largest contributor to the local economy,” said Laury. For example, numerous studies show that when you spend $100 with a national chain only $15 sticks around. Spend that same $100 with local independent businesses and $45 stays in the community where it's subject to the local multiplier effect. That’s 3 times greater and then some. Laury also points out those local businesses are the source of the majority of charitable donations. "Collectively we've got more economic impact than the big companies, but they've got all this centralized power. So we've got to get organized."
The Sandwich Chamber launched Shop Sandwich First at the Grange Hall because of its historical use as a place for the community to gather and organize to better the lives of local families, according to Kate Bavelock, Executive Director of the Sandwich Chamber. “This is a grassroots movement and the Chamber has an incredible group of business leaders engaged in the process of growing a healthy community. The Grange Hall is a great symbol of community,” said Kate.
As part of the Shop Sandwich First program, the Chamber will release a Shop Sandwich First pocket directory to make it easy for Sandwich residents to locate businesses that have the products and services they are looking for. Sandwich Chamber businesses which are locally owned are automatically part of Shop Sandwich First at no extra cost. Businesses that are not Chamber members are being offered a one-time only membership in the shop local program for $100. Members of Shop Sandwich First will display a window decal with the Shop Sandwich First logo, designed by Sandwich resident Patty Dysart, and a “green” reusable Shop Sandwich First bag will be available for purchase at retailers. Shop Sandwich First also includes a SandwichFest Street Fair on July 11th where the first ever Best Sandwich in Sandwich will be awarded with a hand-blown glass trophy by artist Micheal Magyer. The day will also feature local businesses and a Farmer’s Market with booths along Jarves Street, a $10,000 raffle, a Pup Tricks competition and Pup Parade organized by The Fur Side, live music, and fun and games for the kids. Heritage Museums and Gardens will be having their annual auto show and the Sandwich Library will hold its Arts & Crafts Fair as part of the festivities. “Sandwich has so much to offer, I think residents just need to know what’s here. We hope the SandwichFest will inspire the entire community, residents and businesses alike, to get involved in the Shop Sandwich First program and take action to build a strong local economy ” said Kate.
Directory || Membership || About The Chamber || Calendar || Committees || Advertising || After Hours || Announcements || Contact || Visitor Information || Town of Sandwich
