Tuesday, February 2, 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

Early Networking 6:30 to 7 p.m.
Valentine treats courtesy of
Art by Herring Design Services

ABA meeting 7 p.m.

Speaker - John N. Fosset of Middlesex Savings Bank will give a presentation on Financial Services that are available to businesses.

Presentation
Linda Herring of Art by Herring Design Services will describe how she and Dave can help members and their friends in a variety of ways.  

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

Election of Officers
A slate of candidates will be presented at the February meeting. If you are interested in being an officer or "member-at-large" -- or if you have someone to nominate, please contact Dianna Hopper, Chair of the Election Committee, at Dianna@ashlandbusinessassociation.com. We need a few more members to step up to help steer the ABA's activities. We're especially looking for two people to become Co-Secretaries, and someone to take over as Publicity Coordinator. The election will be held at the March meeting.

2010 ABA Street Map
The ABA street map is another great opportunity for publicizing your business! The 2008 maps were well received and have all been distributed. The new street maps will go to all Ashland households as an insert in Ashland Directions, and also will be given out at banks and other locations around town. John Ellsworth is moving forward with ad sales and will distribute the 2010 maps. Linda and Dave Herring can provide very low-cost design help for your ad if needed. Call John at 508-881-3404 to place your ad. March 1st is the deadline, so act now!

Community  Events:
Ashland Day Committee is always looking for additional volunteers to plan the 25^th Anniversary of Ashland Day, which will be on September 25, 2010. Meetings are at Nick’s Pizza, 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month. If you have ideas for the event or would like to join the committee, call Bill Gath at 508-989-0181.

Membership Spotlight
Each month an ABA business is featured in the "Spotlight on Business" in Ashland Directions and in the Ashland TAB. However, it is on a first come, first served basis. For more information contact vp@ashlandbusinessassociation.com. It’s a free benefit of being a member.

Links to helpful ideas from past ABA meetings
If you need a copy of an important handout, check the "Events/programs" page, where it may be available for download. On October 7, Stephen Melanson of Melanson Consulting gave a great 40-minute talk on "The Importance of Verbal Branding." Download the handout in PDF format.

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

New Members
Join us in welcoming John Kirwan of 128 Alliance Financial (an Office of MetLife), and Sara Siegel of Sara to the Rescue.

Quote
"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy."
- Norman Vincent Peale