Business community event calendar

Speaker is Jan Lewis, inspirational speaker and host of the television interview program "Be My Guest!" Price includes lunch.

The first in our series of monthly programs is on big data.
Come meet with other local IT folks for a lively discussion and interaction.

Topic: "App Overload: Best Practices for Marketing Your Mobile App." Each month, the GMU group meets and networks at the TechSandBox innovation center.

The Women's Information Network (WIN) advocates and encourages women to take advanage of the many opportunities available to today's professionals. It is our goal to bring together enterprising women of all levels of expertise through special events and monthly luncheon meetings. WIN is an excellent way to meet other women and have open discussions about the issues that affect you.

Topic: The Power of Email Marketing. Email is the most cost-effective, targeted, trackable and efficient way to build and maintain relationships for all types of business and organizations. Participants will discover how communicating with customers regularly can help a small business stay connected and generate increased referrals, repeat sales, and unwavering customer loyalty. Presented by Alicia Williams with Aliste Internet Marketing & Constant Contact.

Southbridge Savings Bank and Old Sturbridge Village are teaming up to present this year's Member Appreciation Fun at Five. This special evening of networking and fun will feature appetizers and treats from Oliver Wight Tavern, a cash bar, live music and entertainment, our Chinese-style auction with chances to win many fabulous prizes.

Brief orientation with an overview of the benefits and services available through membership in the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce. Light breakfast, coffee included.

Bring plenty of business cards to network and exchange with others. We invite you to come and meet the folks who run the St. Mary's Credit Unions, including the new CEO. Also, remember we have sponsorship opportunities starting at $100 with an opportunity to speak about your own business at these well-attended events.

Topic: Goal Setting. Coffee and pastries available for purchase at Kimballs Country Store. At each coffee meeting, we’ll have a topic along the lines of effective leadership, career advancement, giving back to the community, work/life balance, succeeding in the workplace, mentorship and forming great working relationships.

The referral group generates business opportunities for chamber members by providing a structure where members may pass qualified sales leads in a non-competitive and mutually supportive environment.

Participants will learn about:
• Managing credit with a focus on small business
• High cost banking services and products
• Managing cash across businesses and personal life
• Personal and business tax implications

We will honor the Teacher of the Year, scholarship recipients, and the Top 10 students from each of the high schools in the communities we serve.

Breakfast seminar on the new healthcare regulations.

Speakers include David Begelfer of NAIOP Massachusetts, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association; Daniel O’Connell of the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership; and Mark Rice, dean of the WPI School of Business. Moderator is Timothy McGourthy, Chief Development Officer for the City of Worcester.

Workshop presented by training specialist, author, motivational speaker Jerry Posner. You will learn powerful tools, techniques and strategies to help you develop authentic, long-lasting relationships with customers, clients and community. This workshop provides a customer service tune-up and practical, valuable reminders for a competitive edge in all sectors of the business community.

Guest speaker is Rita Schiano, founder of Live A Flourishing Life.

Payment can be made by debit/credit card (by phone) prior to the event, cash or check (made payable to NCMCC) at the door. "Bill Me" is not an option. As a courtesy, we appreciate a 24 hours notice for any cancellations as lunch is provided.

Dine-Around Business-After-Hours networking meets at various locations, town by town.

Life-sciences professionals gather every month at the new innovation center to learn and connect.

We span medical devices, pharma, cell biology and medical IT.

Attendees will learn the two most effective exercise strategies for blasting away body fat and improving lean muscle tone, and two of the most important nutritional guidelines for weight loss and better health. Healthy snacks and beverages will be provided. Presenter: Greg Aucoin, owner of Aucoin Fitness. Please dress comfortably for exercise.

A timely forum on what you need to know about the latest security issues, threats and technologies that will help you protect your business.

Media sponsor: Worcester Business Journal.

The seminar will feature local experts with industry know-how in restaurant management, and Internet, social and mobile marketing strategies. Presenters: Don Bonci, owner, DB Solutions Food Service Consultants; Deborah Buckley, founder and CEO, eMarketing4us;Christina Chatalian,owner, Say It New; and Michael Gallaugher, Agape Creatives.

Legislative Breakfast with Massachusetts Senate President Therese Murray

The Membership Drive Wrap-up Party starts at 4 p.m.

Senate President Therese Murray will discuss the senate's agenda for the current session, including public policy initiatives, with time allotted for Q&A.

As businesses prepare to implement this massive legislation, many questions remain. Get yours answered at the TD Bank breakfast. Our expert panel will help you understand how to implement the ACA in your office. They will focus on the legal requirements, details of compliance, cost management, and the additional administrative burden that your business will face.

Panelists include: Sheldon Prenovitz, Administrative Business Resources; Susan Cohen. Symphony Payroll Solutions.

The breakfast event will also include a structured networking session and buffet breakfast.

Dale Varney, OSHA compliance assistance specialist, is guest speaker. His presentation will include an overview of OSHA regulations and priorities and recommendations of how to keep employees safe in the work place. There will also be time for interactive conversations and questions. Coffee and pastry available.

Please bring a donated children's activity item such as bubbles, games or art supplies to support the YMCA of Central Mass/MetroWest. Join HYPE9 members (open to those 21 to 40) on your way to work and bring along a friend or two! HYPE9's venture called "Brew Before Nine" strives to help build your network with other young professionals. Once every other month, HYPE9 will be hosting a Brew before Nine at a local business from 8 - 9 a.m. Donors will automatically be entered in for a chance to win raffle prizes.

Sponsorships available. Proceeds benefit the NCMCC Foundation Scholarship Fund.

First Tuesdays are designed to allow any of our members or prospective members to meet with the president and CEO of the chamber, Susanne Morreale Leeber, to discuss business related matters. Main Street Cafe provides complimentary coffee or tea or you can order, a la carte, whatever you want for breakfast off the menu.

Meets the first Tuesday of each month. This meeting is open to all chamber members. Provides a structure where members may pass qualified sales leads in a non-competitive and mutually supportive environment.

Guest speaker is Edward Glaeser, professor of economics at Harvard University.

Please bring your own brown bag lunch.

Register today and pre-screen candidates for your current openings. Space available for up to 75 employers. Please note that space is limited by industry and at our discretion. There are some additional requirements.

Meet Matthias Waschek, the new director of the Worcester Art Museum, outlining his plans to strengthen an existing culture of creativity, innovation and cohesion.

Pre-registration required by phone.

Meet weekly, on Tuesdays, at the Leominster library, 9:30 to 11:30, except on holidays and days that Leominster schools are canceled due to weather. We start each meeting with awelcome, sharing needs & leads, and then elevator speeches, discussions and job-search activities.

We also have presenters speak on topics such as LinkedIn, networking and resume best practices.

The Venture Forum will continue its tradition of helping entrepreneurs develop and refine their business plans by connecting them with the best and most experienced early stage financing professionals in the MetroWest / Worcester region. Winners earn a high-value awards package of cash and in-kind services. Competition opens April 16; entry deadline is May 7; first-round judging May 18. For sponsorship or judging information contact innovation@theventureforum.org

Guest speaker: Pamela Richard, a client relations manager in social media marketing for small businesses. She is also a professional image consultant.

Meets on the second and fourth Friday of each month for networking, business news updates and presentations. Business and professional people interested in the Central Mass. South Chamber of Commerce area are welcome. Free admission and coffee.

Bring your elevator pitch for around-the-room introductions and a chance to do a spot- light at the next networking session. Gain exposure for your business by hosting the Business Breakfast Club at your business location. Email Sarah if you are interested in hosting an event. Business Breakfast Club meets on the second Friday, monthly.

Brief orientation with an overview of the benefits and services available through membership in the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce. Light breakfast/coffee/tea included.

Supper provided after the race. All proceeds benefit the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce's Scholarship Fund.

Join us every other month on the third Thursday morning as we connect over a cup of coffee and discuss relevant business topics and share professional development. Bring your own coffee -- drinks and food available for purchase.