1 Comment
The South Shore Chamber of Commerce opposes Question 1 on the November Ballot. The proposed constitutional amendment imposes an additional 4% tax on any income over $1 million. Any future change or repeal will require another constitutional amendment – a process that can run from 30 months to many years. The chamber is concerned about how this may discourage people from moving here or opening a business in Massachusetts. The state already sees some of its wealthier residents leaving for states with more favorable taxes. An 80% increase in taxes (from 5% to 9%) on income over $1 million will not help. The need to permanently raise $1-2 billion dollars in new taxes is not compelling when we have record high state tax revenues. The November ballot includes a proposed State Constitutional Amendment to tax individuals an additional 4%, above the current 5% tax, on all income over $1 million. ( 5% up to $1 million and 9% on every dollar after that.) This includes all income sources, not just salaries. It is often referred to as “the millionaires’ tax”, “fair share tax” and graduated income tax. The language suggests that the money raised will be used only for education and transportation. There is a cost-of living index applied to the $1 million so that the tax applies to slightly higher income levels than $1 million in the future.
The South Shore Chamber of Commerce opposes the ballot question. This new tax would push the state closer to the class of states considered high tax states –company we do not want to keep. It risks accelerated wealth flight - wealthier individuals moving out of high tax states to lower tax states. Evidence indicates that wealth flight is already occurring in Massachusetts, partly because of the state’s highly unfavorable estate tax (the tax when a person dies). That exodus is potentially accelerating because of the new-found acceptance of remote work. It may also discourage younger people from starting businesses here. They may not be high earners but hope to be or to build successful businesses choosing to avoid high tax states. If entrepreneurs leave the state or are discouraged from coming here, that will hurt overall economic activity and job creation. Wealth flight also harms our non-profits, one of the largest sources of employment in the state. Their missions and services are an important part of the region’s quality of life. Most of these organizations depend on the generosity of a relatively small number of wealthy people for a large part of their annual charitable giving. A loss of donor/local philanthropists will reduce support for our non-profit’s missions and the related jobs. Th Chamber is not persuaded by proponents on the need for this large tax increase. They argue:
For more information on both sides of the proposal please see https://noquestion1.com/ (opponent’s coalition group) https://www.fairsharema.com (supporter’s coalition group) The Proposed Amendment to the State Constitution To provide the resources for quality public education and affordable public colleges and universities, and for the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and public transportation, all revenues received in accordance with this paragraph shall be expended, subject to appropriation, only for these purposes. In addition to the taxes on income otherwise authorized under this Article, there shall be an additional tax of 4 percent on that portion of annual taxable income in excess of $1,000,000 (one million dollars) reported on any return related to those taxes. To ensure that this additional tax continues to apply only to the commonwealth’s highest income taxpayers, this $1,000,000 (one million dollars) income level shall be adjusted annually to reflect any increases in the cost of living by the same method used for federal income tax brackets. This paragraph shall apply to all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2023. A little perspective and insight from our featured WiLL speakers...We've had fun getting to know these women this year. We hope you enjoy these thoughts from each of their sessions and feel inspired. Deirdre Savage, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MAMichelle Markowitz, Cardinal Cushing Centers
Lily Hsu, Labouré College of Healthcare
Winners & Runners-up: Boston Bowl Hanover
Pinehills South Shore Music Circus The Trustees (World's End) Starland Sportsplex & Fun Park WATD 95.9 Stellwagen Beer Company Alba on 53 The Tinker's Son Lucca South Shore Tosca Previte's Marketplace Mamma Mia's Burtons Bar & Grille Sarcastic Swine BBQ Restaurant & Catering The Range Bar & Grill The Parrot Clandestine Kitchen The Barker Tavern The Fours North River Family Chiropractic A Healthy Balance Hearing Healthcare Professionals South Shore Hearing Center NVNA and Hospice South Shore YMCA Emilson George Washington Toma TV & Appliance The Rug Merchant Seoane's Landscape and Design Chapin Sheds Granite City Electric Supply Co. Hingham Lumber Company Curry ACE Hardware Dependable Cleaners McNamara Financial Rockland Trust South Shore Bank Jack Conway Linden Ponds The Village at Duxbury Derby St. Shops Fruit Center Marketplace Miltons Granite Links Golf Club If you joined us on the 22nd, you know we had a fun afternoon celebrating! If you missed it, you’re in for a treat. We have a recap below AND a “must see” list of places to visit on the South Shore this summer, crafted by your fellow Chamber members! See below for list. The HighlightsCelebrating accomplishments... Learn all about our Hello! South Shore Project and how it's connected to our broader mission in this video! How and when did the company get started?
Side by Side is a personalized pet nutrition company that approaches pet health through the healing power of whole food. Side by Side was started in 2018 to deliver a portfolio of healthy diets. treats and supplements with options available for all health needs. Utilizing the time-tested science of Eastern Food Therapy (EFT) in the formulation of its foods, What products or services do you offer? Side by Side offers and assortment freeze dried dog food, tetra stews and treats in yummy recipes that your pup will love. We also offer supplements like Belly Balance , So Hip and Wag not Drag . Side by Side created a technology enabled pet health assessment, available on our website, that allows you to customize the proper diet and nutrition for your pet. All Side by Side products are made using human grade, whole food ingredients, veterinary and nutritionist formulated to meet the nutritional needs of your adult dog. What’s the one thing your business is known for, over your competitors and why? We know that real food can make a real difference in your pet’s life – that’s why every single one of our products has been carefully crafted & intentionally made. We utilize Eastern Food Therapy, whole food ingredients & a gentle cooking process to bring you the absolute best food possible. This combination is how we help nourish healthy pets & heal sick ones. Our online Pet Assessment easily identifies the proper diet and nutritional needs for each individual pet, allowing you to customize your pet's diet for optimal health. Tell us an interesting and fun tidbit about your business. The images that are on our newest product, Mini Meals and Bowl Boosters - just launched March 2022 are local south shore pups and their people! We are excited to be more involved in the South Shore. Just real food and Just Real People! Why did you decide to become involved with the Chamber? The South Shore Chamber of Commerce provides a unique opportunity to connect with businesses and the communities of the south shore. Side by Side is looking forward to providing opportunities to introduce the SSCC members to the benefits of freeze dried dog food and why Side by Side's wide array of freeze dried pet food, treats and supplements are the best products for their pet to live a longer healthier life side by side with them. How and when did the company get started? Lamacchia Realty was founded in 2014. Since its inception, Lamacchia has seen tremendous growth in the number of office locations, agent count, and business activity while continuing to innovate with cutting-edge training programs and technology. https://www.lamacchiarealty.com/billion-2021/ https://www.lamacchiarealty.com/lamacchia-realty-passes-400-agent-milestone/ After conducting business in the South Shore area for several years, the company decided to open a Norwood branch office in 2017. Now, the company's South Shore presence has settled in Braintree with the opening of our new office location in the Forbes Business Center in 2021. https://www.lamacchiarealty.com/lamacchia-realty-officially-opens-new-office-in-braintree/ What products or services do you offer? Lamacchia Realty is a full-service, value-based Real Estate brokerage serving Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine & South Florida. We provide cutting-edge tools, systems, and services, and unparalleled training and coaching for REALTORS®, along with innovative and unique programs for buyers and sellers. Our success in helping buyers and sellers continues to be the result of our extremely talented and highly trained agents. https://www.lamacchiarealty.com/lamacchia-unveils-agent-field-services/ https://www.lamacchiarealty.com/lamacchia-realty-officially-receives-patent-for-lamacchialinks-system/ What’s the one thing your business is known for, over your competitors and why? From the Leadership team and staff to the REALTORS® we support, everyone at Lamacchia works together to create a culture that is friendly and supportive. Staff and REALTORS® alike will be the first to say that the culture at Lamacchia is what sets our company apart and is often the deciding factor when choosing a brokerage to work for. The company’s tight-knit social atmosphere makes it highly motivating to work together, as we feed off one another’s energy and dedication to propel the company forward. Everyone works to motivate one another so that we can build upon personal success which ultimately translates to the company’s success. We have created a culture that celebrates each other’s successes and encourages everyone to succeed. We believe goal alignment makes every individual invested in making this company the best it can be, reaching new goals and milestones, and overall seeing the growth and success we are all working towards! Tell us an interesting and fun tidbit about your business. Lamacchia Realty has raised over $150,000 for the Boston Children's Hospital! The company has been participating in the drive for the past 9 years, either by donating money or collecting toys. This past holiday season the company was the Top Fundraising Team for the 2021 virtual drive for the 2nd year in a row! Also, this year for the first time in the drive’s history, the company was the Program Match Sponsor, matching all donations dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000. https://www.lamacchiarealty.com/lamacchia-realty-named-top-fundraising-team-for-the-2021-virtual-toy-drive/ Why did you decide to become involved with the Chamber? We decided to join the South Shore Chamber of Commerce to better immerse ourselves in the South Shore community to let everyone know that Lamacchia is here and ready to expertly serve our South Shore clients! Also, we wanted to make sure that we were as connected as possible with industry peers and partners to continue to network, grow and educate ourselves. The Leadership South Shore cohort met to discuss an important and timely topic, diversity and inclusion. Meeting at the South Shore Bank headquarters in Weymouth, they heard from thought leaders in the DEI field.
The day started with a presentation and group activities facilitated by Ciara Gogan of Global Partners LP, and a terrific lunch from Fasano's before the second part of the day started. The panel, moderated by Ciara, explored various DEI topics, like creating and maintaining healthy workplace cultures and strategies to build DEI awareness. Panelists included:
How and when did the company get started?
Our family-owned business started back in 2008 with traditional telecommunication services. With the on-set of the pandemic and work-from-home mandates, like many businesses, our company decided we needed to pivot to adjust to the ever-changing business sphere. We started cielo, as an all-encompassing cloud communications business, offering a bundled service of business phone, video conferencing, internal messaging, and business texting. What products or services do you offer? We offer an array of business communication solutions. First and foremost, our business core is focused on telecommunications. Offering businesses a phone line that includes standard features (voicemail, auto-attendant, e911, etc.). Beyond our core business, we have a variety of features for customers to bundle into their package to cover any of their business needs such as video conferencing, business texting, and internal messaging all from a user's desktop or mobile device. The best part of merging all of these tools into one application is having the ability to communicate, using your business number no matter which device you are using (desktop, mobile phone, or a physical desk phone). What’s the one thing your business is known for, over your competitors and why? Our business is known for top-tier customer experience and 24/7 technical support. We know that we’re not the first business to create this model of business communication, however, we truly value each of our customers as individuals. Understanding that each of our customer's needs is uniquely different, we’re able to customize each business communication solution for each customer. In addition, we provide 24/7 technical support, allowing us to fix any communication issue your business encounters as soon as possible. Tell us an interesting and fun tidbit about your business. We’re a family owned business that has been in the industry for over 35+ years. When starting our own business in 2008, we were able to keep it in the family with our husband and wife leadership, Beverly and Brian English. Our company is woman-owned and we are proud to have innovative leaders who make an impact in our community. For instance, our president, Beverly English, has been a participant in the Pan-Mass Challenge for the last seven years and has raised over $50,000 for cancer research. Why did you decide to become involved with the Chamber? We wanted to become members of the Chamber because of the value of creating local partnerships. With being South Shore Chamber of Commerce members, we’re excited to foster new, local business relationships with others in the Chamber community. As we know, local businesses thrive off of referrals and supporting other companies in the area, so naturally, we decided that the Chamber would be a useful resource to connect our services and others together. We’re excited to be a part of this ever-growing community and to meet each of the participating members, as we know the Chamber is an organization where your involvement creates long-lasting business relationships. How and when did the company get started?
Moonrise Cinemas was started in the summer of 2020 as a direct response to COVID-19. During that challenging time, communities were unable to safely enjoy traditional indoor entertainment and needed a way to get outside and enjoy life. Originally created as a mobile special events business, Moonrise Cinemas quickly evolved into a permanent entertainment venue and put down roots in North Plymouth in 2021. What products or services do you offer? Moonrise Plymouth now features a live music stage, a drive-in movie screen, and an outdoor kitchen and beer garden. The kitchen and beer garden are always open, with movies, concerts, and special events happening six days a week starting April 1st. The menu at the Moonrise Kitchen is elevated comfort food, designed to share and eat with your hands. Enjoy a variety of dishes like charcuterie, lobster rolls, Wagyu beef hot dogs, and fried chicken tenders. Our warm churro sticks and soft serve ice cream make a great dessert pairing! Tickets are on sale now for all April events at www.moonrisecinemas.com. What’s the one thing your business is known for, over your competitors and why? Traditional drive-in theaters really have not changed much since the 1950's, which may be why there aren't very many of them left. When we created Moonrise, we turned that old model on its head and brought a modern flair to that old school experience. By combining outdoor movies with an upscale bistro, Moonrise has quickly become a local hot spot to have a delicious dinner, see a show, host a party, and even get married. We are excited to bring our unique approach to the south shore. We aren't too worried about competing with other theaters or special event venues. A rising tide lifts all boats. Tell us an interesting and fun tidbit about your business. Our fried chicken tenders were the crowd favorite in 2021, and we are proud to say they are made in-house and cooked to order! We start with organic boneless chicken breasts, add some buttermilk and a little magic, and drizzle them with our special curry sauce. #delicious Why did you decide to become involved with the Chamber? Joining local chamber organizations was the first thing we did as a business, even before we had a venue or permits. The communication channels and networking possibilities were invaluable to us as we put down roots in the community. We would not be where we are today without those tools, and joining the South Shore Chamber this year was an obvious next step as we continue to grow our network across the region. |
Archives
March 2024
Categories
All
|
Upcoming Events
|
|