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5th Annual Festival of Trees Voting and Auction WINNERS!

5^th Annual Festival of Trees

Voting and Auction WINNERS!

The City of Leominster would like to thank all tree sponsors for participating in the 2010 Festival of Trees.  With your efforts, we were able to create another awesome Festival of Trees!  As usual, the trees were beautifully decorated and a delight to all that entered the auditorium.   All silent auction proceeds to benefit City Wide City Pride.  The Leominster Small Business Association will donate the voting proceeds to the Mayor’s Fuel Assistance program.   See attached for a complete list of sponsors and images taken during the Festival of Trees.

Congratulations!  Following is the first, second, & third place winners based on the voting and the tree/display with highest bid.  The winners will receive a certificate from the Mayor’s office and the results will be displayed on the website, LATV, and the Mayor’s Newsletter.                                      All photos courtesy of Rich Marchand.

Miss Emma’s Tea,Debbie@missemmastea.com

Fairy Princess Tea

Northwest Elementary PTO

Northwest Bulldogs

Team Spirit

Georgia Pacific, 149 Hamilton

DixieCutlery

Following close behind in VOTES….

LeominsterCredit Union, 20Adams

The Claw Shop,1177 Central St.

Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant St.

Colonial Florist,187 Lancaster St.

Cub Scouts, Pack 50

Friends of theLeominsterLibrary

And the highest bid goes to Foster Healey Real Estate, 50 Central St. for the 3^rd year in a row!!!

Again, we thank you for your participation and look forward to next year!

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Spotlight on Business: All Points Limousine

All Points Limousine

You might say that Becky Laramee took the scenic route to becoming owner of All Points Limousine.

With a career ranging from selling for Coca-Cola to being an elementary school teacher, Becky has gained experience across several industries. When she and her brother John purchased the company in 2008, they probably didn’t expect to be featured in the trade magazine LCT (Limousine, Charter, & Tour) just two years later.

But that’s exactly what happened, thanks to plenty of energy, great networking, and an eye toward success. LCT selected All Points Limousine as one of five young transportation companies in the United States to be showcased in the Great American Limo Race. The magazine is following each of the companies for 18 months, covering challenges and opportunities involved with new business ownership. The winner will be the company with the largest growth percentage in that timeframe. You can track Becky’s participation in the Great American Limo Race by following her blog entries at http://blogs.lctmag.com/limorace/category/243.aspx.

What’s the best part about being in the Great American Limo Race? Becky says, “I am not just competing with these four transportation businesses from across the country but I am learning from them. Their challenges become my successes.”

While most of their business comes from airport transportation, All Points Limousine has also been busy with weddings in the past few months. They celebrated their two-year anniversary in July, commemorating the event with the purchase of two new vehicles. In addition, the company recently hired a Spanish-speaking chauffeur, which is helping them better serve the Latino community—particularly for Quinceañera celebrations.

As with most businesses, All Points Limousine would like to continue growing and boost sales. They are taking several steps to achieve their objectives, mostly in the area of marketing and communications. One of the company’s goals is for customers to perceive All Points Limousine as a friendly business with a “welcome to the family” feel—something they believe sets them apart from the competition:  “We are a family run business,” Becky says, “and we get excited to welcome a new client into our traveling family. We want each and every client to feel like they are our only client.”

Becky is involved with the North Central Chamber of Commerce and Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce, where she is on the board of several committees. She is also the Treasurer of the Leominster Small Business Association.

With all that drive—no pun intended—it’s no surprise that All Points Limousine is poised for continued success.

All Points Limousine is located at 463 Lancaster Street in Leominster. Feel free to visit them at www.allpointslimoservice.com or call at 1-800-675-4122.

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A Night of Giving

The Leominster Small Business Association Presents: A Night of Giving

Please join us on Wednesday, Dec. 1 from 5 – 7 for this magical night to include storytelling, music, face painting, crafts, and pictures with Santa while helping the community.

Printable PDF:night of giving flyer

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Festival of Trees 2010 – DEADLINE APPROACHING

Festival of Trees registration deadline is approaching.  Attached please find the participation form and images from last year’s event.  Please fax your registration form by Friday, November 12 to Sandie Chacon at 978-534-7575. If you have ideas, suggestions, or comments to make this years Festival of Trees even better please feel free to contact me.

This year we will have several events scheduled in the City Hall auditorium to help promote the Festival of Trees and to bring more attention to this family event.

On Dec. 1, in collaboration with the Leominster Small Business Association, a Night of Giving in planned from 5 – 7 in the auditorium.  We’ve invited several of organizations in Leominster that assist the community.  Included at this time are Warmer Winters, Ginny’s Helping Hand, and The Rose Project.  In addition there will be visits with Santa (don’t’ forget your camera), story telling, a craft table, music and light refreshments.  Admission is free; we asked only that you bring a donation for one of the organization listed. Ginny’s asks for non-perishable food, Warmer Winters asks for of yarn or for financial donations, and The Rose Project  asks for everyday items for the elderly : new socks, night wear, front open sweaters, sweats (clothing med to plus sizes), gently used lap blankets and sheets, large print games and books, playing cards, etc.

On Nov. 28^th, join us for an early celebration for Louie “Mr. Christmas” Charpentier’s 100^th birthday.  A concert honoring Louie will take place from 2 – 4.  You may contact my office or the Mayor’s office (978-534-7500) for more information.

These events, as well as many others, will help promote the Festival of Trees and bring more attention to this family event.

FOT Particapation Form 2010

Sandie Chacon

City of Leominster

978-534-7525 x 260

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LSBA Blood Drive

The LSBA (Local Small Business Association) of Leominster sponsored a very successful blood drive, Tues. Nov. 9. Sixty people came through and donated.  That is awesome.  Thanks to all who donated.  It is very much appreciated. You just may have saved a life.

From left to right

Michelle Carey – Rituals

Bill Stark – Red Cross

Donna DiMarzio – Owner Leominster Curves

Deb Sayles – Owner Rituals

Regards,

Donna DiMarzio

Curves Leomisnter

LSBA President

Chamber Sales Lead Chair

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Blood drive Tuesday Nov 9–Leominster Elks

The Leominster Small Business Association is sponsoring a blood drive Tuesday Nov 9 from 1-7pm at the Leominster Elks.

Red Cross Stats-

Every four seconds someone in Massachusets needs blood.

More than 3,000 blood donations and needed every day in New England.

The blood used in an emergency needs to be on the shelves BEFORE the event occurs.

A single car accident victim can require as much as 100 pints of blood.

The number one reason people do not donate is that they were never asked. So we are asking. Would you please consider donating?

Thank you in advance for this generous donation.

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“What does it take to Succeed in Business” ~ SCORE program

Whether you own your own business or are thinking of starting one, the small business workshop at the Leominster Public Library can provide the tools needed to survive and grow in today’s economy.

The two-day program “What Does It Take to Succeed in Business?” will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 10 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Participants should plan to attend both sessions.

Counselors from the local chapter of the small-business mentoring and training program SCORE will run the workshop and follow up with one-on-one consultation with participants by appointment.

Topics will include: business plans, marketing, cash flow, bank requirements, legal entity structures and e-commerce.  In addition to the presentations by SCORE counselors, a representative from a local bank will speak about credit, and a SCORE client will relate personal experiences and the benefits of having a solid business plan.

There is a $20 registration fee for the workshop which covers the cost of materials. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Light refreshments will be served.

Those interested in participating should contact Edward Bergman of the Leominster Library at 978-534-7522 ext. 114 or by email at ebergman@cwmars.org.

The program is being sponsored by SCORE, the North Central Chamber of Commerce, the City of Leominster Small Business Development, the Leominster Public Library, and Commerce Bank.

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LSBA Expo Pics

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Kid’s Day

KIDS DAY

SATURDAY AUGUST 28, 2010

2-5 PM

Downtown Leominster

It’s Almost Here!

The City’s First Annual Kids Day is happening this Saturday

.  The weather is predicted to be sunny and beautiful and if you are a parent/grandparent/aunt/uncle you must come down and bring the kids.  You won’t want to miss this fun-filled afternoon full of everything kids.  Here are just some of the free things we are featuring:

Bouncy House

Bouncy Obstacle Course

Giant Inflatable Slide

Ferris Wheel

Rock Climbing Wall

Clown doing balloon twisitng

Magician show

Free Snow Cones & Popcorn

Free Spin Art

Clothing/Backpack Swap

East Coast Boogie Bodies – everyone can make a free DVD to take home

Tons of free raffles/prize giveaways

Leominster P.D. giving free bike helmets (while supplies last)

Climb aboard a fire truck, try on the gear and even get to wash the truck

Karate Demonstrations

Dance/gymnastics demos

Face Painting

Arts & Crafts

Tatoos

and Much Much More…

See you Saturday!

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Upcoming Events: 2/25/10

LSBA Meeting dates:
March 17 8am Speaker John Thomas
April 21 8am-topic: Summer Stroll, how can you participate?
May 19 8am-TBD
Plan Ahead for City Events
CITY WIDE CLEAN UP: May 1 (rain date May Contact: Mayor’s office
978-534-7500 EIrvine@leominster-ma.gov

STARBURST: June 12 (June 13) Contact: starburstleominster@comcast.net

SUMMER STROLL: June 26 (rain June 27)
Contact: Sandie Chacon, 978-534-7525 x 260 schacon@leominster-ma.gov

JOHNNY APPLESEED FESTIVAL: September 25 Contact: Rick Marchand,ward5rickmarchand@gmail.com

LADIES NIGHT OUT: August 19
Contact: Sandie Chacon,
WINTER STROLL & MAYOR TREE LIGHING: December 4 (bad weather date Dec.
5) Contact: Sandie Chacon

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2009 Festival of Trees

Attached please find the participation form and information for the 2009 Festival of Trees (FOT).  Fax (978-534-7575) or mail the attached form by November 12.  All contact info is listed on form as well.

We are looking for volunteers to help with FOT set up and to cover viewing/silent auction weekend hours.  If you are interested in volunteering for this civic event please contact me to discuss further.

HERE IS THE PDF PARTICIPATION FORM

Sandie Chacon

Business Development Coordinator

City of Leominster

978-534-7525 x 260

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Leominster Winter Stroll

Winter Stroll

December 5 (rain date Dec 6)

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Immediately followed by the Mayor’s Tree lighting

The Winter Stroll is scheduled for December 5 (bad weather date is Dec. 6) in downtown Leominster.    As usual, the theme for the stroll is the holidays where all traditions are welcomed.  This year we’d like to put an emphasis on an Old Fashioned holiday.  Please let us know if you have any suggestions or ideas on what you would like to see this year.

We look forward to hearing from you and to another festive Winter Stroll.

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LSBA Meeting Oct 28

The Leominster Small Business Association (LSBA) has a very active subcommittee that has been aggressively moving forward as a group with the shop local movement.  We’ve made significant progress and will be presenting this information at the next LSBA meeting on Oct. 28^th from 8 – 9 a.m. at the Leominster Library.

Please join us where we will share with you the membership benefits, philosophy, newsletter, promotion, website review, and long term goals. New and prospective members are encouraged to attend.   Please take a moment to preview the website prior to the meeting.  We will be looking for suggestions, comments, etc.  www.shoplocalleominster.com.  Click on http://shoplocalleominster.com/join-the-lsba to go directly to the on-line form for those interested in becoming a member now.

LSBA subcommittee members:

Keith Boisvert, Vero Concepts

Deb Sayles, Rituals Salon

Donna DiMazio, Curves of Leominster

Becky Laramee, All points Limo

Mike Gallagher, Agape Creative

Tucker Allen, Allen’s

Sandie Chacon, Business Development, City of Leominster

Membership email:  membership@shoplocalleominster.com

Look forward to seeing you on Oct. 28^th!

Upcoming events:

Halloween Parade and festivities, Oct. 24 from 4 – 6, downtown Leominster

Festival of the Trees, end of November & through mid-December, City hall Auditorium

Winter Stroll, Dec 5 (rain date Dec 6)

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Halloween Stroll-Oct 24

Halloween Parade

Trick or Treating

& Festivities

Downtown Leominster

October 24, 2009

4:00 – 6:00

Parade

Tricking or Treating

Games

Hayride

Crafts

Pumpkin decorating & lighting

Popcorn

Cotton Candy

Shop at downtown stores

Sponsored by the Recreation Department and the Office of Planning and Community Development

For more information call the Recreation Department at 978-534-7529

or Sandie Chacon at 978-534-7525 x 260

Click HERE for the full flier

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Leominster Curves Host Breast Cancer Dinner Talk

Leominster Curves Host Breast Cancer Dinner Talk

When:  Tues., Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Where:  Lidio’s
Cost:  $5.00 donation to breast cancer
Dinner:  discounted Curves menu
Speaker:  Erin O’Hara (Leominster Curves Member and Physician at UMass
Memorial Worcester)

Register at Curves 448 Lancaster St.

Seating is limited

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LSBA story in the Leominster Champion

link to Leominster Champion article

A City on Your Side
STORY AND PHOTO BY TARA CUCCHIARA

A local resident once described Leominster as ‘a city that thinks it’s a town’. Leominster certainly has a small town feel and a true sense of community. A community is brought together by its’ residents but must be lead by a passionate mayor who looks for every opportunity for improvement.

It is with this passion that Mayor Dean Mazzerella refocused how to go about business planning and development when he hired Sandie Chacon, the coordinator of this office, three years ago. According to Sandie, the Mayor really sensed an urgency in revitalizing the downtown area. “It shouldn’t just be a way to get from point A to point B” said Sandie. So many downtowns across the country have closed their doors and boarded up windows, but as both a small business owner and a concerned mayor, Mazzerella began a campaign to save the downtown.

Since then Leominster has hosted such community events as the Summer and Winter Strolls and most recently the Art Stroll. These events have the duel purpose of bringing the community together while exposing the community to the downtown area itself.

The latest endeavor began its infancy last February with the birth of the Leominster Small Business Association or LSBA. The LSBA was developed with clear goals in mind: to keep money local, strengthen the small business community, keep businesses thriving, and to keep the cost low for business owners to join the group. Currently there is no cost for members to join LSBA and there is everything to gain.

After a handful of monthly meetings last spring a sub-commitee was formed which was the intent of the Mayor and Sandie Chacon. The idea is for the group to function on its own eventually with the city there to back it up. Current committee members are Keith Boisvert of Vero Concepts, Deb Sayles of Rituals Salon, Donna DiMazio of Curves of Leominster, Becky Laramee of All Points Limo, Mike Gallagher of Agape Creative, and Tucker Allen of Allen’s Department Store.

Last spring small business owners were invited to two workshops, one featured guest speaker Jeff St. Laurent of True You, Inc. who focused on Time and Energy Management. The other seminar featured Business Coach Van Smick, owner of Action Coaching in Concord MA. Van Smick helps businesses thrive not just survive: marketing during a recession. These workshops, LSBA networking, and the LSBA website are all free tools available to businesses. This can prove especially productive for those owners who don’t have the resources and or time to promote themselves effectively. With the LSBA, there is a team of entrepreneurs working together and continually looking to educate themselves in order to stay in operation and keep those doors open.

Becky Laramee, Membership Coordinator, says she is “excited about the challenges to get Leominster’s small business owners introduced to LSBA. We are working on a membership drive scheduled to begin Oct. 1. I will be going door to door meeting with business owners on the benefits of being a member.”

Currently the Leominster Small Business Association has a website that is up and running, although still in its beginning stages. Shoplocalleominster.com was developed by the group and brought to fruition by Web Developer Keith Boisvert. This website promotes Leominster business and features video tours of stores, newsletters, articles, coupons/sale information (still under construction), current events, links to business websites, as well as other helpful information. In the future, the website will also feature day to day information such as weather, tips of the day, and recipes to keep people coming back to the site on a regular basis. New members can apply online through the website at no charge.

The endless hours the subcommitee puts into this cause is strictly voluntary but Keith Boisvert says they do it because, “We care enough for the benefit of the community and not just for self-profit.” Keith was born and raised in Leominter and is really trying to preserve the small businesses of Leominster which he says, “our whole community was built on in the first place.”

For more information, contact Sandie Chacon, Office of Planning and Development at (978) 534-7525 Ext. 260

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Leominster Art Stroll

(click flier for larger view)

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