From the President
It gives me great pleasure to address you as President of the Chelmsford Business Association. I have been affiliated with the CBA for the last 10 of the 16 years since its inception. The CBA has grown from a small collection of concerned businessmen to a formidable sized group of companies that have helped shape the business landscape in Chelmsford. In doing so the Association has become "the" representative of the business community.
While many of the concerns that initially brought us together still exist today, our impact on the community is as visible as ever. In March, for instance, we held our annual "Candidate's Night." This event was open to the public at large. This year, a very ambitious field of candidates for Selectman, School Committee and Planning Board made their case with much diversity of opinion. The event, which was taped and replayed many times before Election Day, was a vital reference for the electorate.
The Association will make a significant statement with our very visible presence in the annual 4th of July parade, which will be held July 2nd. This year will be different: we will also be celebrating our 350th birthday as an incorporated town in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Our presence in this parade will demonstrate our commitment to Chelmsford and will help to make the celebration more exciting.
Remember, "we are your neighbors," and our commitment to Chelmsford is unwavering, as can be seen by our dedication to financial support to other community projects, as well. Also, we still continue to showcase businesses with our local cable "CBA Show" featuring a "behind the scenes" look at our local businesses. We conduct meetings of interest, including the Town Manager's "State of the Town" message. And we maintain an active web site, www.chelmsfordbusiness.org, featuring updates on Association business, local events and member web sites.
This year we will initiate a new project called "SKIL" (Simply Keep It Local) to encourage inter and intra participation of local businesses. This project will also be steered toward the consumer level to promote local purchases. It is in the best interest of Chelmsford to maintain a healthy business economy and we will, as always, apply our efforts in that direction. Finally, our goal is to increase our membership so that we can do more for the community. Membership is open to any professional or business owner maintaining a business location in Chelmsford.
The officers and directors of the Chelmsford Business Association take great pride in our accomplishments and we are committed to our goals. We take great pride in being able to serve you, the citizens of Chelmsford. As you read through the newsletter, please take the time to familiarize yourself with our members. We ask for your support -- a strong Association creates strong support for the Town of Chelmsford.
Richard E. DeFreitas
President
Chelmsford Business Association
Mercury Products Collection
Wednesday - April 27, 2005
10:00am to 12:00noon
Chelmsford Town Hall
Lower Parking Level
Do not dispose of thermostats, thermometers or fluorescent lighting. These products contain mercury, which is harmful if not properly managed.
Note: Businesses limited to 36 bulbs maximum. Greater disposals than 36, Contact Covanta's Dan Harty for special 50% reimbursement programs at (978)241-3002
Parade Balloon Sponsorship
The letter announcing our plans for the parade this year went out on March 18th, and as of this date (March 30th) all balloons have been sponsored. This was something that we've never done in the 14 years participating in Chelmsford's 4th of July parade. Being that this year is the 350th anniversary of our town, we wanted the business community to make a presence in a big way. With some reservations we decided to do the balloon sponsorships that you all read about. The response was unprecedented. Within hours of the letter hitting the mail box, phones were ringing off the hooks with CBA members wanting to be part of this celebration. As I said earlier in this message, all balloons have been sponsored.
From all of us on the committee, Jeff Hardy, Brian Ready, Bill Vines and Hank Hamelin, we thank you. Be sure to attend the parade on July 2nd to see exactly what we mean.
Political Update
On behalf of the CBA, I wish to congratulate Sam Chase on his substantial victory in the Selectman's race. I also want to commend all of the candidates for office, in all the races, for running positive, issue-oriented campaigns. This was in the best interest and finest tradition of Chelmsford.
Although classification was an issue, it did not rise to the level that some would have hoped. However, we must be mindful that there still is a perception that the assessments need adjusting. We encourage the new "Board of Selectmen" to address it post haste.
While the CBA seems to have fared well, let us count our blessings and not be over jubilant in our good fortune. But, at the same time, let us be vigilant and protective of our position against classification.
We now turn our full attention to the upcoming 350th celebrations and parade where we can demonstrate our good will for all to enjoy. I am looking forward to it and certainly hope you are. It's time to have fun.
Richard E DeFreitas, President
From the Editor
Spring has finally arrived and things are growing again. Our membership is also growing. We now celebrate more than 300 business members. It's time then to also give our newsletter a new look.
With the next issue, "Summer 2005", you will start to see some exciting changes. One feature will spotlight new members, providing a description or their business. We will also add a monthly column which highlights events and issues affecting our Chelmsford business community. We have lots or ideas and welcome any comments or suggestions you might have to as to what you would like to see in our newsletter. Together, we can make our newsletter reflect the pride we have in Chelmsford and our local businesses. Each member's business success is our goal. We hope you all enjoy the good weather and discover new business growth.
Bill Vines
978-815-1090
mapilot1@aol.com
Raising Taxes and Fees
At a recent selectmen's meeting on March 28, 2005, Town Manager Bernie Lynch alluded to the selectman that there would be a possibility of collecting over $500,000 in town revenue by raising business fees and agressively going after personal property tax.
Your association will be monitoring this as well as tax classification for the Business and Professional Community, and we will keep you up to date on this issue.
Sign & Outdoor Lighting By-law
• Each business will be allowed one lighted business sign.
• A-Frame signs are not permitted.
If you need a copy of the Chelmsford Sign and Lighting by-laws, contact either the Chelmsford Business Association at 978-250-3858; or the Town of Chelmsford Building Inspectors Office at 978-250-5225.
