BUSINESS BRIEFS: Printsmart Profile, Nat Grid Price Drop, Retail Assn Comment, 67 Degrees, and more

Above, Joel Carrera of Printsmart Office Solutions servicing a customer's printer. (see article below

SPONSOR OF Business Briefs in the Franklin Observer

The chamber serves the communities of Bellingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Medway, Milford, Mendon, Millis, and Upton. More information is available at https://www.tricountychamberma.org

* * * * *
We’re so excited to be starting a member spotlight series. Each post will be a mini-interview highlighting our amazing local members in each of the 10 towns represented in the chamber!

We hope it inspires you to learn more about your fellow members, connect with their stories and connect with one another, too.

First up, is Joel Carrera of Printsmart Office Solutions in Franklin. Read more about his business story… -- Laura O'Callagham, Tri-County Chamber PresidentHow did you start your business?

I started my business in 2007 selling office supplies, but the changing market conditions and my personal interest made me shift into selling, leasing, and maintaining copiers and printers.

What area do you service?

I service all towns within an hour’s radius of Franklin

What were some of the challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?

Learning the copier business and how to fix them was complex. It took hours and hours of personal research and hands-on training to learn the skill.

Why did you join the Tri-County Regional Chamber?

I was introduced to the chamber through a fellow business owner that was a member, he told me to join if I wanted to grow my business and I did. It was and continues to be the best investment for my company.

How did the Chamber help your business?

My goal was to make business connections. The Chamber made it easy with lots of events and avenues to reach potential clients face to face. One important referral I received from the chamber was for a local website designer. That was huge for me, my website looks great and the SEO definitely works, I get a lot of business through my website. I do have to mention too, a lot of my clients are chamber members.

Where do you see your company in 5 years?

I am continuously growing, but my mission is to double the amount of clients I have right now, and add more employees.

Last question for you Joel, what’s your favorite restaurant?

I have to say, I’m partial to 3 Restaurant. I love all the food there, but my favorite dish is the Zinfandel Braised Short Ribs, absolutely delish!
MORE NEWS:

Average Energy Bill Could Drop $115 Under National Grid Summer Rates
Bay Staters who get their electricity through National Grid's basic service could see their monthly bill drop by more than $100 under a new rate that would take effect in May, but the cost of power will still be higher than last summer. The utility filed its proposed summer supply rate with the Department of Public Utilities this week, proposing a shift from the winter rate of 33.89 cents per kilowatt hour to a rate of 14.12 cents/kWh for the six-month period from May through October. The company said a typical residential customer would see their bill drop from $297.22 to $181.83 if the rate is approved by DPU, a decrease of $115.39. "We understand that high energy costs have been challenging for customers," Helen Burt, National Grid's chief customer officer, said. "We are pleased that these new summer rates will help bring down the overall cost of electricity starting in May. 

Retail Association Calls For a Decrease in Healthcare Benchmark

The Retailers Association of Massachusetts (RAM) has urged the Health Policy Commission (HPC) to return the state healthcare benchmark back to 3.1%. RAM President Jon Hurst reported on the results of the survey of the Association’s members. The survey returned an average member premium increase of 11.7%, which was the largest member increase since 2017. The member survey also showed 27% were forced to increase employee cost sharing, 20% changed carriers, and 3% dropped coverage. Hurst also noted that medical inflation seems to continue to disproportionately hurt small businesses of 50 or fewer employees (those in the Merged Market), when compared to large employers and government payers.

Downtown Partnership Networking Event on Wednesday

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is holding a networking event on Wednesday, March 25 from 5 PM to 7 PM at Escape Into Fiction on Main Street. LaCantina will be there with wine and beer. Attendees can also view the art gallery and see new book selections.

Franklin’s Barrett Distribution Centers Expands.

 Barrett Distribution Centers, a third-party logistics (3PL) provider and a leader in eCommerce fulfillment solutions, has announced the opening of its 24th fulfillment center, located in Byhalia, MS. Situated in the heart of the Greater Memphis, TN region, this facility is strategically positioned to provide optimal fulfillment, warehousing and transportation solutions to both new and existing high-growth eCommerce clients. "We are absolutely thrilled to be opening our 7th distribution and fulfillment center in the Memphis region," said Tim Barrett, COO of Barrett Distribution Centers. "As a proud employer in the Mid-South region for 15 years, this new facility reinforces our commitment to providing valuable job opportunities and continued investment in Greater Memphis and Northern Mississippi."

Going, Going, Gone!

A municipal bid site
for surplus properties recently featured several items sold by the town of Franklin, including this Hobart Floor Mixer that sold for $5,100. Earlier in the year a Flowserve pump sold for $100 and a 2009 passenger van for $8,250.00

Beer Biz Builds Bigger

Franklin-based Microbrewery 67 Degrees Brewing has announced it will open and host The Cellar by 67 Degrees at the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets next month. The beer garden and service area will provide Wrentham and the surrounding community with a rotating line of the brewery’s popular craft beers from April 8 through the end of November. The Cellar by 67 Degrees is the first beer garden of its kind to be opened at the popular Wrentham Outlets, and marks the latest expansion by Franklin-based and minority-owned 67 Degrees. The Cellar will cater to the shoppers, residents, and visitors who enjoy Wrentham and the surrounding communities in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Located in the center of the shopping complex, and with ample parking, accessible facilities, and dining options for all, the beer garden is the latest addition to the rejuvenated Premium Outlets.