Tuesday, February 5, NEW start time 6:30 p.m.
(Networking & refreshments from 6:30 - 7 p.m.,
hosted by Linda Mercer)
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

We are trying a new format for our meeting, which we hope will result in greater member participation. Join us at 6:30 p.m. for networking and refreshments. Linda Mercer is hosting this event.

Presentations/Speakers:

• Linda Mercer will do an Arbonne Presentation about "pure, safe, beneficial Swiss Skin Care -- all natural, no chemicals or preservatives, for women and men." She will also give away three hand creams.  
• Tobi Hoffman of Tobi Collage Etc. will give a presentation about her Fiber Art work, which will be on display at the Ashland Public Library in February.

Education Series: John Ellsworth of The Homes Connection of MetroWest, Inc., has volunteered to lead a discussion at the February meeting on the importance of having a Business Plan. A follow-up workshop will be scheduled for those who want to actually work on developing their individual business plans.

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

Welcome Baskets
We are continuing to deliver welcome baskets to new residents of Ashland. The baskets are being assembled as needed, so it’s not too late for you to participate. If you want to contribute to the basket, please contact Kou Hang at 508-881-1130.

Election of Officers
Dianna Hopper is the chair of the Nominating Committee. We need to hear from you if you are interested in being an officer of the ABA or if you want to nominate someone. Please call Dianna at 508-736-3724 or send her an email at dianna@ashlandbusinessassociation.com with the names of the nominees. If she doesn’t hear from you, she might just give you a call. Nominees will be identified at the February meeting. We are also exploring a number of ways to recognize officers, e.g., an officer spotlight in the local newspaper. Elections will be held at the March meeting.

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 access 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 Card Racks
The ABA has placed business card holders around town for its members to use. This is another benefit of being an ABA member. Space is available on the rack at Sunnyside Cafe on a first come, first served basis, so hurry down to Sunnyside Café and get your cards in the rack.

New Member
Join us in welcoming Craig Bogardus of Dealers Carpet Outlet. Craig’s business is located at 78 Union Street, Ashland, 508-881-5700.