Open for Business Breakfast Event

On Thursday May 30th, the Town of Harvard and the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce will partner to co-host a first ever Open for Business Breakfast in Harvard Town Hall. This event, to be held between 8:00 am and 10:30 am, will feature several notable speakers, and have a full and exciting agenda for anyone with an interest in doing business in Harvard, MA.

The Open for Business Breakfast (OFBB) has several purposes related to the business landscape and climate in Harvard, MA. First, it's an opportunity for me, Christopher Ryan, as Harvard's Community and Economic Development Director, to introduce myself to the business community and other stakeholders interested in the Harvard economy. You will learn about initiatives within the Town that relate to economic development. The Harvard economic development function is featured on a set of new web pages being developed by the department. Just a few of these initiatives that will be noted include:

Photo Credit - See link here

• Open Space Residential Design - significant improvements to existing bylaw
• Rural Life Special Permit - A targeted business opportunity for unique properties
• Ayer Road Corridor Vision Plan and Bylaws
• Several other reveals

Second, you will hear from Melissa Fetterhoff, President & CEO of the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce regarding what the Chamber can do for you as a member. We also have officials from State agencies sharing how they can assist large and small businesses. Paul Matthews from the 495 Metrowest Partnership will talk about our regional economy, real estate market, and key trends. A full list of speakers includes:

• Melissa Fetterhoff, IOM; President & CEO, Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce
  
• Kelly Arvidson; Vice-President for Business Development, MassDevelopment 
• Peter Milano; Regional Director, Mass Office of Business Development or MOBD
• Paul F. Matthews; Executive Director, 495 Metrowest Partnership

Third, we invite you to share any news or a recent story about your business and you can hear stories from other businesses in Harvard as inspiration or as a potential market connection. We hope you can join us, and if you have a 2018 success story for us, let me know and I'll put you on the agenda. We'd like to hear from up to five local businesses who have a success to share.

Most of all, the OFBB it is an opportunity to network, meet people who could help your business, and maybe start to form a more formal and impactful business network in Harvard. If you have any questions, please reach out to me at cryan@harvard.ma.us or 978-456-4100 x323 anytime.

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