BUSINESS BRIEFS

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

Franklinite Promoted at Dedham Savings

Doug Shaw, Executive Vice President, Senior Lending Officer at Dedham Savings has announced promotions in the Commercial Lending Division, including Franklin resident, Scott Richards (pictured above) to Assistant Vice President. Richards, in his role as Assistant Vice President, is responsible for Commercial Loan origination, including commercial real estate, construction, and C&I lending. He also oversees the Bank’s Cannabis Lending and Condominium Association Lending programs. With nearly 15 years of banking experience, Richards has been at Dedham Savings for ten years, serving in several roles of progressive responsibility within the Commercial Lending Division. Richards holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Anselm College and has completed the Commercial Credit for Lenders & Analysts training program through the Risk Management Association, New England Chapter. Richards serves on the Board of Directors for the Neponset River Regional Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the New England Chapter of the Community Associations Institute. Richards lives in Franklin with his wife and three children.

MassDEP Fines RI company for Oil Spill in Bellingham

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) fined Dias Transportation, Inc. of Pawtucket, R.I. $14,000 for failing to take timely action to assess and cleanup a diesel fuel spill that resulted from a commercial motor vehicle accident on South Main Street in Bellingham. Dias Transportation’s tractor-trailer was involved in a roadway accident that caused its diesel fuel saddle tank to rupture, releasing an estimated 50 gallons of diesel fuel to the paved roadway, adjacent soil, and a nearby stormwater catch basin that discharges to a wetland area. The company did an initial cleanup of the spill but delayed more than two years before completing additional assessment and cleanup actions required under state regulations.

Mass. Approves “Modernization” Plan to Shore up Grid System

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has issued an order approving the Electric Sector Modernization Plans (ESMPs) from the state’s electric distribution companies (EDCs) as strategic roadmaps to enable an equitable and cost-effective clean energy transition in Massachusetts. Massachusetts is among the first states in the nation to encourage forward-thinking plans to modernize the electric grid and increase the state’s ability to decarbonize safely, equitably, and efficiently. Implementing the investments outlined in the ESMPs is expected to create over 5,200 clean energy jobs. These plans were filed as a result of the 2022 Climate Law and build on the DPU’s ongoing efforts to support the clean energy transition in Massachusetts and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The Grid Modernization Advisory Council (GMAC) was established to engage in a deliberative process with the utilities and stakeholders to make recommendations on necessary criteria needed to shape the final ESMPs. This new process resulted in the ESMP filings with the DPU in late January 2024.

NFIB Scores Local Legislators

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation's leading small business advocacy association, released its 2023-24 legislative Voting Record today, tracking votes from every lawmaker on key areas of concern and importance for small business owners in the Commonwealth. The Voting Record is a tool that allows small businesses and their supporters to better understand which Beacon Hill lawmakers truly stand with Massachusetts' small businesses and local economic opportunity. NFIB’s Massachusetts State Voting Record is also a significant factor in NFIB’s decision to endorse incumbent legislators. “Small business owners in Massachusetts need to know which state lawmakers are looking out for their future, their employees’ futures, and the economic future of communities across the Commonwealth,” said Christopher Carlozzi, NFIB Massachusetts State Director. "Massachusetts taxes too much, regulates too much, and mandates too much. While some elements of progress this past session are appreciated, small businesses need lawmakers from both parties to stay razor-focused on the many challenges and cost drivers that continue to make Massachusetts uncompetitive. We are asking every legislator to look at their voting record on key issues, speak with small businesses in their districts, and be their champion when the legislature returns.”

Most legislators scored in the teens and twenties. State Rep. Jeff Roy was in that pack, rated 17 percent by NFIB. Rep Mike Soter, earned 67 percent. Senator Becca Rausch who represents Franklin, only scored 11 percent and Senate President Karen Spilka, who represents Medway, was not rated, because she rarely casts a vote.