Tuesday, May 6
Early Networking 6:30 to 7 p.m.

ABA meeting 7 p.m. at the Library
66 Front Street (downstairs, via side door)
Meetings are free of charge, and are open to all business owners, executives, and managers

Presentations/Speakers:

• Glenn Travis will present another segment from the DVD “Launching a Leadership Revolution: Developing Yourself and Others through the Art and Science of Leadership” by Chris Brady and Orin Woodward.
• Jim Towne of JFT Photography, The Designing Resource will present "Members of the ABA," a dynamic slide show set to music of ABA members with their logo and contact information. It will run on the ABA Membership Spotlight on WACA-TV. If you'd like more info or wish to participate, come to this ABA meeting, call Jim at 508-259-7762, or e-mail JFT@designingresource.com with the Subject line "ABA Slide show."
• Wendy Byrne of Blackrock Networks, Inc. will discuss Search Engine Optimization. Just because you build it doesn’t mean they will come. Wendy will show how to use your website to educate your customers, generate leads, and just let people know you exist.

If any members are interested in giving a presentation at future ABA meetings, please contact the officers at officers@ashlandbusinessassociation.com.

ABA Map of Ashland (Deadline extended to APRIL 30!) There are still a FEW ad spaces left on the ABA's new full-color street map. Dave Herring must have your biz card by APRIL 30 LATEST to design your ad. Call Dave now at 508-881-7213 to be sure you get a space on the map.

The map will go to all 6,000+ Ashland households in the June issue of Ashland Directions, and will also be available around town. See PDF showing ad sizes, rates, and ad positions.

Annual ABA Scholarship Competition
The deadline for submitting an application is May 1, 2008. The ABA will award two scholarships -- one for $1,000 and one for $500 -- to two high school seniors residing in Ashland who are graduating in 2008 and have been accepted to an accredited school for further education. Applications are available in PDF format on the ABA website, from Tina Hunter of the Guidance Department at the Ashland High School, or by calling Claudette Rowe at 508-231-8787.

Upcoming ABA Sponsored Events:

Saturday, June 14: Rediscover Ashland will include the annual Chili Contest, as well as a few other mini-events. The ABA has reserved a room at the American Legion, and businesses can also set up a table at Montenegro Square. More details to come. If you can help coordinate this event -- or give even an hour our two of your time -- please contact the officers at officers@ashlandbusinessassociation.com.

October 13: ABA Golf Tournament – The planning committee needs your help. Last year Bob DePeron, David Teller, and Ed Furey did a fantastic job of pulling this together on short notice.  This year they need some more volunteers. You do not have to be a golfer to work on this project. For more information contact Bob DePeron at VP@AshlandBusinessAssociation.com

Upcoming Community Sponsored Events:

May 5, at 7:30 pm: Ashland K-12 PTO and Ashland High School Theatrical Society will be presenting a “Dinner Theater Event” at the High School Auditorium. They need donations of money, paper plates, plastic cups, bottled water, etc. Call Kim Whiteley at 508-881-5502 to arrange for delivery of donations and to purchase tickets. More details are available online at www.ashlandPTO.com

Ashland Summer Reading Program: Ashland K-12 PTO and Ashland Public Library are sponsoring this year’s summer reading program. Merchants are encouraged to support the program by contributing prizes. Winning students will visit the merchant to pick up their prizes unless otherwise specified by the merchant. For more details call Rosemary at 774-244-0706 or Karen at 508-881-6777 or visit their website at www.ashlandPTO.com

Membership Committee
Dianna Hopper, chair of the Membership Committee, needs a few volunteers to help grow our member base and increase member participation. Contact Dianna at Dianna@ashlandbusinessassociation.com.

Membership Spotlight
One of the many benefits of being an ABA member is the opportunity to get exposure for your business on the ABA spotlight program on our local cable channel – WACA-TV. There is no charge for this service. Don’t be camera-shy. Call Bob DePeron at 508-816-3312 to schedule an appointment. 

Business Cards at Sunnyside Cafe
The ABA has placed business card holders around town for its members to use free of charge -- another benefit of being an ABA member. Space is available in the rack at Sunnyside Cafe on a first come, first served basis, so hurry down to put your cards in the rack.

New Member
Join us in welcoming our newest member, James Zheng of Ichiban Steak House, located  in the Ashland Plaza at 380 Union Street (near CVS).

Quote
“When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt.”
- Henry J. Kaiser