2024 June

Featured Business June 2024: Tri-Community YMCA

Tri-Community YMCA, 43 Everett Street, Southbridge, MA 01550, (508) 765-5466

Since, 1882 the Tri-Community YMCA has built a strong reputation for having health, fitness and social programs for area residents and families, and has grown to include assistance for at-risk children and families. The Southbridge branch is one part of several locations of the YMCA of Central Massachusetts that also includes Westboro, Worcester (2 locations), Leominster, and Fitchburg.

Pre-school and after school childcare, older adult services, teen programs, summer camp programs, rehabilitation, health and wellness programs, and literacy and family activities have all provided a long history of opportunities for members and non-members to enhance their lives by building healthy spirit, mind, and bodies. And it is through their largest program called the Annual Campaign, that the Y secures the financial gifts needed to deliver the programs and services. And besides memberships, other events such as LIVESTRONG Y Cancer Support Program and the annual Golf Classic also contribute towards fundraising and the delivery of all programs.

The Southbridge branch has had some major capital improvements recently such as an expanded childcare program that can service an additional 25 children; a new HVAC system in the gym; a new concrete floor in the fitness room with additional cardio vascular and other exercise machines; a cancer survivor wellness program; a program called “What’s For Dinner” where people can call ahead or walk in for pre-packaged meals Thursdays through Saturdays (currently serving 300 families every week); and a new water safety swim program for grade 3 school students called “Just Get In The Water”.

Technology has even become part of the organization bringing the “YMCA360” experience that is offered 24/7 on mobile devices, TV, and the web (in participating markets). All branches of the YMCA of Central Massachusetts, including the Southbridge branch, are involved with this new experience, and it is available to all current members to enjoy a collection of on-demand and livestream classes on their devices in cinematic 4K wherever they are and whenever they want.

If you have any questions, please contact the Member Service Center at (508) 770-6451 ext. 0 or send email to: membersupport@ymcaofcm.org.

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Featured Business Program June 2024: MassMEC Initiative, Old Baker Chocolate Factory

MassMEC Initiative, Old Baker Chocolate Factory, One Adams Street, Milton MA, (888) 763-2759

The MassMEC (Manufacturing Energy Collaboration) is a new initiative created to decrease the energy bills of commercial, industrial, and municipal entities within the state. MassMEC combines the energy usage of many companies into buying groups, then negotiates volume rates with the power supply companies so businesses can save on energy. Buying in bulk can reduce a company’s electricity and natural gas costs. The initiative provides businesses with a trusted resource to:

– Ensure your business is paying the lowest available electricity and natural gas supply costs

– Avoid paying sales tax on utilities unnecessarily when eligible for exemption

– Save money on energy efficiency upgrades by leveraging available state and utility incentives

– Explore and evaluate onsite solar, community solar, onsite battery storage, electric vehicle charging, and other energy-related projects

By placing businesses into groups with similar energy needs, aspects such as rate class, load factor, capacity, and location can be used to determine with whom a company is best grouped. EarlyBird Power, the licensed energy company that was selected by MassDevelopment to manage the program, then negotiates on behalf of MassMEC with qualified power suppliers in the region for the lowest available market price. It’s easy to see how this kind of competition and forward planning can create fantastic energy pricing for companies. To participate and get started (as long as your business has at least one electricity and/or natural gas utility account), email one recent utility bill for each electricity and/or natural gas account to: billaudit@massmec.com.

To discuss specific questions or learn more about the program, call (888) 763-2759. You are also invited to ask any questions you may have about energy and get the latest quarterly energy market report at no cost after you submit a participation form. This report will give you insights into the energy market in the state of Massachusetts and how it may be affecting your business. The participation form is found at: https://massmec.com/contact-us/.

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