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The Braintree Chamber Blog

Rapid Recovery Plan for South Braintree Square

12/2/2021

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The Braintree Chamber of Commerce participated in the Rapid Recovery Plan for South Braintree Square during the summer and fall of 2021. The Braintree Rapid Recovery Team was made up of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, MAPC (Principal Planner, Ralph Willmer), the Braintree Planning and Zoning Departments (Planning Director, Melissa Santucci-Rozzi and Zoning Planner, Connor Murphy), Braintree Chamber of Commerce (Chair, Kim Kroha), and District 5 Town Councilor (Meredith Boericke). 

Contributions to the program from MAPC and subject matter experts on each identified recovery goal was funded by a state grant. The Local Rapid Recovery Planning (RRP) program is a key part of a strategy established to help communities stabilize and grow the Massachusetts economy as a result of the economic impacts brought on by COVID-19. In support of the overall recovery strategy, the Baker Administration made $9.5 million in awards for 125 communities to create Local Rapid Recovery Plans, through the MA Downtown Initiative Program. These plans address the impacts of COVID-19 on local downtowns and small businesses by partnering with Plan Facilitators and Subject Matter Experts to pursue locally-driven, actionable strategies.

Although the program did not include money for follow up work to implement the goals, there was some funding left over for a distinct project. The Braintree Chamber is excited to announce that MAPC is leading an effort by the team to create a Braintree Business Guide focused on steps for approval of new businesses in Braintree, which has been a goal of the Chamber for many years. 

Please review the full final report for additional information, but key goals identified and recommendations are listed below. 
  • Goal 1. Enhance transportation accessibility and safety in South Braintree Square, including parking availability and employee parking, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and “last mile” connection to the Braintree MBTA Station. 
  • Goal 2. Increase development potential in South Braintree Square to attract additional customers to area businesses., including updates to the zoning bylaw.  
  • Goal 3. Create gateway to South Braintree Square to increase foot traffic in the Square, including wayfinding signage, area appearance, and storefront upgrades where applicable. 
  • Goal 4. Work to assist businesses in understanding the permitting process, including the permitting guide and increased economic development activity at the town level. 
  • Goal 5. Develop a marketing plan for local businesses, creating a branding and marketing campaign for the South Braintree Square area.

There is ongoing discussion about how some of these items can actually be implemented, please let us hear from you with any ideas, comments, or questions.
Download Full Report Here!
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A successful Fall Social!

10/15/2021

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Thank you to everyone who came out for our Fall Business Social last week!

It was a beautiful night and venue with wonderful conversation and great service by Kay’s Cans & Bottles and Fasano's Catering. 

Special thanks to Town of Braintree Mayor Kokoros for sharing business updates with our members and guests and Patrick McDermott for Norfolk County Sheriff for hosting and information on the pavilion and events. 

If you didn't make it, we hope to see you at our next event.
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Courting life sciences, invigorating the squares: Kokoros shares vision for business in Braintree

5/14/2021

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​The Braintree Chamber of Commerce welcomed Mayor Charles Kokoros to its annual address to the business community on May 4, 2021, by Zoom. The mayor discussed the budget, development plans, and master plan committee, and he took questions from members and guests via Chamber chair Kim Kroha.
 
-- On Braintree’s pandemic recovery: Kokoros attributes the town’s low Covid-19 case numbers to vaccinations and encouraged residents to get their shots. He looks forward to Phase 4, Step 2, of the reopening plan, which allows for indoor singing, road races, and parades, including the much-awaited return of Braintree Day on June 26.
“I’m really optimistic about where we go from here. People are ready to go out and do things and spend money.”
  • To maximize parking turnover in the three squares (The Landing, Braintree Square, South Braintree Square), the town may consider parking time limits, business employee parking at the MBTA garage, and additional signage to mark public lots.
  • Braintree micro-enterprises of 1 to 5 employees are encouraged to apply for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Only one award has been granted so far due to the strict income requirements imposed by the state, the mayor said.
  • The town and Metropolitan Area Planning Council will host a community presentation about the recovery of South Braintree Square on May 19 at 6:00pm via zoom. The hosts will discuss the Braintree Local Rapid Recovery Plan and the results of a business owner survey conducted in April 2021. Register to attend.

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Braintree secures $320K in Covid-19 relief for businesses of 1-5 employees

3/1/2021

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​The Braintree Chamber of Commerce is pleased to share good news for our community. Braintree business owners with five or fewer employees may be eligible to receive up to $10,000 in Covid-19 relief, thanks to a grant secured by the Town of Braintree.

The Town was recently awarded a $320,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for small businesses with 1–5 employees, known as microenterprises, that are Low-Moderate Income (LMI) and have been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
"Small businesses are always the first, and in many cases the only ones to donate to our local youth sports and many fundraisers in our community. They are always there for us, and during this time of need we must be there for them,” said Mayor Charles C. Kokoros in a statement.
 
“The Braintree Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the Town of Braintree and Mayor’s Office for making this grant possible,” said Kim Kroha, Esq., Chair of the Braintree Chamber of Commerce. “Receiving up to $10,000 in forgivable funds will make a big difference for eligible Braintree’s small businesses that have been hit hard by operating restrictions, changed customer patterns and increased costs.”
 
Here’s what you need to know about the grant ...
  
What is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)?
CDBG is a federally funded, competitive grant program designed to help small cities and towns meet a broad range of community development needs. This program assists municipalities in preparing for, responding to or preventing Covid-19 ramifications. The grant funds were made available through the federal CARES Act of 2020. The maximum total grant award to any small business is $10,000.
  
How can CDBG funds be used?
Grant funds may be used for: 
  • Rent
  • Mortgage payments
  • Staffing
  • Utilities
  • Personal protective equipment and costs for adapting to operations during the pandemic
How do business owners apply?
The grant pre-application and qualification criteria are available online at braintreema.gov/1141/Community-Development-Block-Grant

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The Town will award and disburse grants based upon eligibility criteria on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds are exhausted. If you meet the eligibility criteria, a representative from the Town will contact you via e-mail to complete a full application and submit the necessary back-up documentation.

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Cusack, Collins Discuss Economy, Covid-19, Schools, Housing, Race at Braintree Chamber Forum

10/22/2020

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​The Braintree Chamber of Commerce hosted a forum for the candidates for 5th Norfolk District on October 15.
 
State Rep. Mark Cusack (D) and challenger Frank Collins (R) are vying to represent Braintree and portions of Holbrook and Randolph in the state’s legislature.
 
Braintree Chamber Chair Kim Kroha queried the candidates on their views regarding economic recovery, revenue sources, reopening public schools, housing and racial equality. 

​Here is the recap from the Braintree Patch:
​Cusack, Collins Talk Coronavirus, Schools In State Rep. Debate
Rep. Mark Cusack and challenger Frank Collins disagreed on key issues including the coronavirus response, schools and racial inequality.
 
BRAINTREE, MA — The debate Thursday between state Rep. Mark Cusack (D-Braintree), and Republican challenger Frank Collins saw the 5th Norfolk District candidates disagree on key issues including the coronavirus response, schools and racial inequality.
 
Collins, a 22-year U.S. Marine veteran, went on the attack early by arguing he'd be a better advocate for businesses in Braintree, Holbrook and Randolph.
 
He said he will advocate for federal relief for businesses and accused Cusack of wanting to get "rocking and rolling" on taxes at the expense of local businesses.
 
“When a small business calls me, I'm going to return their calls," Collins said. "We have to resign in spending.”
Cusack disputed Collins' claim saying he wasn't calling for taxes to get “rocking and rolling,” but wanted the Legislature's revenue committee to "do its business and hold hearings."
 
Cusack said the state passed local aid to extend liquor licenses, allowing for outdoor seating at restaurants, pushed back tax deadlines and expanded unemployment. With the pandemic forcing the closing of businesses and other public gatherings, Cusack said the state has lost $3.6 billion in revenue this current fiscal year.
 
"That is obviously going to affect things going forward," Cusack said. "It's not just this fiscal year. It's going to be painful for a while."

Though revenue is going to be a challenge, Cusack said the state is fortunate to have a $3.5 billion rainy day fund to help. He said there's over 550 bills on the table for relief and ways to raise additional revenue, and all of those need to be explored, especially with the growing unlikelihood that more federal relief will come anytime soon.
 
"We're resigned to the fact that the feds aren't coming up with a solution anytime soon to help cities and towns, so everything is on the table," Cusack said.
 
Read more at Patch

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Braintree business update: Get ready for cool-weather dining and “shop local MA”

9/16/2020

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​Extended outdoor dining and other COVID-19 recovery matters were on the agenda for the Braintree Chamber of Commerce business update meeting held September 14.
 
As a liaison between business leaders and government, the Chamber is hosting these business meetings for its members as well as the general public.
 
Chamber Chair Kim Kroha led the Q&A with Mayor Charles Kokoros, State Rep. Mark Cusack, Margaret Laforest of the Mass. Office of Business Development, and South Shore Chamber head Peter Forman.
 
Here’s the recap:

Outdoor dining to continue through cool weather

Braintree restaurants are free to offer expanded outdoor dining through the fall and winter (for 60 days after the end of the state of emergency), according to a recent announcement by Gov. Charlie Baker.
 
  • Mayor Kokoros said the town will be communicating with restaurants currently licensed for outdoor service. The fire department must approve outdoor heaters and the building department will approve tents.
  • Cities and towns can apply for funding to improve sidewalks, curbs, off-street parking lots and on-street parking spaces through the Shared Streets and Spaces program.
  • The mayor announced that the Town recently secure a $291,000 Shared Streets grant, a program also discussed by Margaret Laforest. The Town will communicate details about this grant shortly.
 
“We’re seeing a lot of resiliency and people determined to make it through. A lot of businesses have adjusted by lowering expenses,” said Peter Forman, president and CEO of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. “But we’re concerned about lingering unemployment and what early next year is going to look like.”
 
The mayor said Braintree restaurants continue to struggle and are worried about surviving through the winter without additional state or federal aid. “The landlords can only wait so long before people have to move out and close their business,” the mayor said. The mayor conveyed his support for local restaurants and is committed to working with the those and other Braintree businesses in any way possible.
 

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Braintree recovery: Mayor Kokoros’ COVID-19 story; more money available for small businesses

7/2/2020

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The Braintree Chamber of Commerce hosted its fifth COVID-19 recovery meeting with local officials via a video conference on June 29.
 
In addition to town and state updates, participants heard about grants available for workforce training, worksite safety improvement, and economic relief.
 
Led by Braintree Chamber chair Kim Kroha, these recovery meetings are open to anyone in Braintree’s business community as well as Chamber members. Here’s the recap:

Mayor Kokoros shares experience with COVID-19, urges mask-wearing

Mayor Charles Kokoros reported he is back in good health after suffering from COVID-19 earlier this month. He said the illness is “an absolutely terrible thing to go through” and the experience reaffirmed his confidence in Braintree’s early and strict interventions to contain the spread.
 
The mayor said he contracted the virus through a family member and was likely contagious at work for a few days before developing symptoms. However, none of his colleagues tested positive, which he attributes to his diligent mask-wearing.
 
“The masks make a difference. It’s the only way we’re going to stop spreading this virus,” he said.

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Ready to eat out in Braintree again?

6/18/2020

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UPDATED July 1, 2020 Here’s your one-stop list of restaurants opening up for outdoor and indoor dining, along with curbside pickup, takeout and delivery. Bookmark this page and check back for updates! Look for these emojis, ☀️ and 🌧️, to see who is offering outdoor and indoor dining.

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Braintree restaurants reopen for indoor and outdoor dining​

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It's time to eat out again in Braintree! 

Restaurants must adhere to Massachusetts safety standards and Braintree’s phase 2 reopening requirements.

The hours of operation listed below can change at any time and only reflect the latest available information. Email your updates to towncouncil@braintreema.gov and braintreechamber@gmail.com. 

To support recovery the Braintree Chamber of Commerce is pleased to include non-members as well as Chamber members on this page.

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Braintree COVID-19 update: PPP loan rules relaxed; outdoor dining fast-tracked

6/10/2020

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​In the Braintree Chamber of Commerce’s fourth COVID-19 update, local business leaders learned about recent improvements to the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), as well as phase 2 reopenings facilitated by the mayor’s office.
 
The June 8 video conference was led by Chamber Chair Kim Kroha of Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. Here’s the recap:

PPP loan program updates

On June 5, the president signed into law the bipartisan Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Flexibility Act, which addresses problems with the original PPP loans for small business owners.
 
Representatives from the Massachusetts District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Bob Nelson and Susan Lourie, led a discussion of the PPP Flexibility Act and other PPP loan information. Margaret Laforest from the Massachusetts Economic Development Office provided additional information on PPP and reopening.
 
Applications: Assistance funds are still available, and new PPP applications must be approved by June 30. SBA has guidance for calculating maximum loan amounts.  
  • Any businesses that applied for a PPP loan before March 30 must reapply for Disaster Loan Assistance here to be eligible for the grant (forgivable) portion of the loan.
  • The state is processing loan applications more quickly now that the initial rush has passed. If you received a request from the SBA for more information, respond as quickly as possible. Many applications are held up due to missing information (like an account number) or an error.
 
Repayment: The PPP Flexibility Act answered many questions of small businesses related to repayment requirements.
  • It extended the payment period from 8 weeks to 24 weeks, and it allows up to 40% of the funds to be used for nonpayroll costs instead of 25% under the original program. There are no regulations created for the act at this point.
  • Interest rates remain 1% (any remaining loan amounts not forgiven), but the loan term has been extended from 2 years to 5 years.
  • Unlike the initial PPP application, there is no rush for forgiveness, so please take time to consult resources.
  • Only costs that were regularly incurred as of February 15, 2020, can be counted for nonpayroll expenses.
  • Businesses will not be penalized if they cannot restore operations to February 15 levels due to shutdown orders.
 
Employment issues: Businesses will not be penalized if former employees decline offers to come back to work, or if businesses are unable to find qualified employees.
  • It is important to document all offers and attempts to hire and to keep clear employment records.
  • An employee risks losing unemployment if he or she refuses to return to work based on fears of COVID-19.
 
For more information, or if you have questions: Contact your local SBA partners for free consultations, and sign up for SBA email notifications on PPP and other programs. 

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Reopening Braintree: COVID-19 update with Myr. Kokoros and Sen. Keenan

5/27/2020

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Slowly and cautiously, Braintree is reopening for business with guidance from the state and town.

​In the Braintree Chamber of Commerce’s third COVID-19 update, business owners learned about the governor’s reopening plan and when businesses can reopen. The meeting was held by video conference on May 21 and led by Chamber Chair Kim Kroha of Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C.
 
Here’s what you need to know:

Four phases for reopening

State Senator John Keenan and Margaret LaForest of the Mass. Office of Business Development previewed the reopening plan’s four phases. Advancing to the next phase will require a positive trend in public health metrics.
 
All businesses and service providers must comply with mandatory safety standards for adequate social distancing, hygiene protocols and cleaning. In addition, specific sectors should follow recommended best practices.
 
Sectors eligible to reopen in phase 1 are construction, manufacturing, office spaces, laboratories, hair salons and barbershops, car washes and pet grooming.
 
Businesses can use this Covid-19 control plan template to self-certify their compliance with the safety guidelines and display this compliance attestation poster to the public.
 
There will be no drop-in inspections, but employers and employees can report unsafe work conditions, which will trigger an inspection.
 
Under the “Safer at Home” advisory, people at high risk should continue to stay home except for essential errands.
 
Public health officials anticipate another surge of COVID-19 cases that will coincide with the annual flu season. “The fall will be very challenging,” said Sen. Keenan. 

Facial coverings are required


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 South Shore Chamber of Commerce.  All Rights Reserved.
1050 Hingham Street, Rockland MA 02370
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