Tuesday, September 2
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:

• John Ellsworth will present a summary of the re-zoning changes that will affect home businesses in Ashland. (Also see below -- special public hearing on 8/26.)
• Andrea Whitman of Creations by Andrea will give a presentation on scrap booking and creating lasting memories of special occasions.
• Marianne Otten of Marianne’s Cleaning Service will tell us about her business.

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

Zoning changes could significantly affect home-based businesses!
Proposed changes to Ashland's zoning laws could change the tenor of small business in Ashland, unnecessarily regulating people who work at home. Signs, parking, customers, etc. -- presently permitted by right -- would be subject to review and approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Other By-Law changes primarily relate to development.

Make your voice heard at a public hearing on Tuesday, August 26, at 7:00 p.m. at the Ashland Community/Senior Center, on West Union Street.

The next step will be for these changes to be voted on at Town Meeting, which will be held at Town Hall, probably in mid-November.

Upcoming ABA Sponsored Event:

Thursday, October 2 -- Check-in 9 a.m.; Shotgun Tee-Off 10 a.m.: ABA 2nd Annual Golf Outing at Marlborough Country Club – Please consider putting together a foursome. But if you're not a golfer, more Sponsors at various levels are still needed. Gift certificates and other items or services to use as raffle prizes and awards are also most welcome. Sign up or learn more by downloading in PDF format: Sponsorship information, a registration form, and a color brochure. If you would like to get involved or just need additional information, please contact Bob DePeron at VP@AshlandBusinessAssociation.com

Upcoming Community Sponsored Events:

Saturday/Sunday, August 23 & 24, from 12 to 4: Advertising Opportunity! Motorcycle stunt team sponsored by the Ashland Police Department -- a two-day event at the Middle School with 300-400 visitors per day expected. Funds raised go to the Ashland Child Safety program taught in the schools. Vendors can participate for $50 for one day or $75 for two days. Bring your own table. If interested, contact Bob Lindsey at 508-233-9844 or tsrel@rcn.com.

Saturday, September 20, from 10 to 4: Ashland Day -- Mark your calendar! The ABA will have a table at Ashland Day. Contact Dianna Hopper at Dianna@ashlandbusinessassociation.com if you're interested in signing up for a 2-hour time slot, when you can also display your own advertising materials.

Business Seminar Series:
The Friends of the Ashland Public Library will be hosting a number of seminars on business-related topics. If you would like to be a presenter, contact John Ellsworth at 508-231-4566.

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
This month we welcome Andrea Whitman of Creations by Andrea.

Quote
"Study while others are sleeping; work while others are loafing; prepare while others are playing; and dream while others are wishing." 
- William A Ward