BUSINESS BRIEFS: Homeless Help Wanted, Asbestos Violation, Digital Strategy Breakfast

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

Homeless Shelters Struggle to Hire

It’s not just private sector employees that can’t find workers. Shelter providers serving homeless individuals urged lawmakers last Wednesday to provide funding for a workforce development program as they face an escalating demand for services, including among new arrivals to Massachusetts, that is straining the capacity of their facilities. Ahead of this week's Senate budget debate, advocates with the Coalition for Homeless Individuals are looking to build support for a Sen. Lydia Edwards amendment (321) that would inject $10 million into the shelter workforce development initiative to "provide pathways to careers in fields related to housing and homelessness." The money is intended to address barriers to entering or staying in the field, such as transportation, loan repayment, tuition or certification fee reimbursement, and child care.

Medway Company Hit on Asbestos Violations

he Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has fined Made 2 Build Inc., a Medway-based construction company, $58,550 for asbestos-related violations that occurred during a home renovation project in the Town of Medway.  Responding to a complaint, MassDEP conducted an inspection and determined Made 2 Build Inc. failed to notify MassDEP of asbestos removal work. State regulation requires that companies, contractors, and operators notify MassDEP ten working days before any asbestos removal work. The Company also failed to follow proper removal and handling procedures for asbestos-containing materials. “Contractors are required to identify asbestos-containing materials so that MassDEP is aware of the work and can promptly conduct compliance inspections. Compliance ensures that such materials are safely removed before beginning any renovation or construction work,” said Mary Jude Pigsley, director of MassDEP’s Central Regional Office in Worcester. “Because asbestos is a known carcinogen, we remind contractors that these inspection requirements and best work practices exist to protect workers and the community.”

Digital Strategies to Boost Your Business

A breakfast event sponsored by Milford Federal bank, will present Joshua Parker, president and CEO of Baystate Marketing and Steven Morse, Regional Multimedia Account Executive at LocalIQ. The event will be held from 8-9 AM on May 23 at 67 Medway Rd, Milford. Registration and continental breakfast at 7:30 am. For registration information, email BBSolutions@milfordfederal.com.