Merchant Committee Meeting this Wednesday

Downtown Partnership Networking Breakfast Happens Friday

FDP General Meeting Thursday morning

Please join us Thursday at 8:30 a.m. at Dean College for our fall General Meeting. Everyone's invited to meet fellow members and hear the latest updates from town administrators and event organizers. There will be free coffee, too!

Networking Luncheon on Tuesday, 2/14

Please join us for a Networking Luncheon on Tuesday, February 14 at 1 p.m. 

Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Dean College Dining Center for $6.55 on Valentine's Day! 

Meet fellow members, create collaborations and share ideas with other business owners in town. 

RSVP to Matt Lechter, mlechter@dean.edu, or Gary Donelan, gary.donelan@middlesexbank.com.

Networking Luncheon Tuesday, September 20

Join Franklin Downtown Partnership members, meet new contacts and strengthen connections, all for $6.55! 

Networking Luncheon

Tuesday, September 20

1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Dean College Dining Center 

RSVP:  mlechter@dean.edu or gary.donelan@middlesexbank.com.

Future Networking Luncheons will be on the 2nd or 3rd Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. in the Dean College Dining Center. 

• Tuesday, October 18
• Tuesday, November 15
• Tuesday, December 13

Dean College's 150th Commencement Happens Saturday

Congratulations and Good Luck, Dean College Graduates! 

Dean College's 150th Commencement Exercises

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Preparations will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the ceremony taking place at 11 a.m. 

Please be courteous and careful driving Saturday morning as many guests may be unfamiliar with downtown Franklin's streets. 

Happening Around Franklin: Emmons Street Video, Kraft to Speak at Dean

End of One Era and the Beginning of Another
Work crews hose down dusty rubble piles at Emmons Street site as winds gust today.

Dean College Executive Lecture Series to Feature Jonathan Kraft

DEAN LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE 11th Executive Lecture Jonathan Kraft President, The Kraft Group April 6, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. You are cordially invited to join the Dean College community for our annual Executive Lecture presented by the Dean Leadership Institute. On April 6, 2016, we welcomeJONATHAN KRAFT, President of The Kraft Group. Jonathan Kraft is President of The Kraft Group. The Kraft Group is a holding company whose businesses include Rand Whitney Group, Rand-Whitney Containerboard, New-Indy Containerboard, International Forest Products, New England Patriots, New England Revolution, Gillette Stadium, and Patriot Place. A graduate of Williams College, Kraft earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. REGISTER TO ATTEND Please note, bags may be subject to inspection before entering the  Guidrey Center. Thank you. Free Event Open to Public Register Now When Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. Where The Guidrey Center Dean College 100 W. Central St. Franklin, MA 02038  Quick Links Directions Dean Leadership Institute School of Business Stay Connected

Dean Bank to have Coloring Contest, Gingerbread Men, Music at Holiday Stroll

A press release from Dean Bank, a gold sponsor of the Holiday Stroll:

FRANKLIN, MA  - Dean Bank is getting into the Holiday Spirit this season by adding some elements to this year’s Holiday Stroll.  In addition to their popular Gingerbread Man giveaway, those in attendance inside the Dean Bank branch on Thursday evening will be treated to the musical talents of members of the Franklin High School Music Department.  Additionally, Dean Bank will be hosting a kids’ Holiday coloring contest.  

Young artists decorate gingerbread
men cookies at Dean Bank
at last year's Holiday Stroll.

There are two age groups for participants; 3-5 years old and 6-9 years old, with a Grand Prize of a $25 gift card to Learning Express Toys awarded in each category.

Parents interested in having their child participate can pick up a coloring sheet at “Sponsors Row” during the Holiday Stroll or directly inside Dean Bank’s 21 Main Street branch. Refreshments will be served inside the branch as well.  There’s no cost or purchase required to enter and it is open to all regardless if they are Dean Bank customers or not.

Outside on Main Street during the Stroll, the bank will have 400 gingerbread men to give away, along with pre-made decorating packets.

The coloring contest will run until Saturday December 12th and parents must turn in their child’s entry to the branch by then to enter.  Winners will be chosen on Monday December 14th and will be contacted at that time.

December 3 Holiday Stroll Press Release

Party with the Partnership at the Franklin Holiday Stroll

Downtown Franklin’s favorite holiday party happens Thursday, December 3, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and organizers promise fun and festivities for the whole family with visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus, Post Mark the North Pole Postman, refreshments, entertainment, crafts and gift shopping.

 

Carolers and hot chocolate will set a holiday mood at the annual tree lighting ceremony on Dean College’s Dean Hall Common at 4 p.m. From there event goers will stroll through downtown Franklin to sample treats, enjoy entertainment and score shopping specials offered by more than 30 local businesses.

“Over the years the Holiday Stroll has become a favorite tradition. Downtown Franklin is decorated with bright lights and colorful window displays. Families can see the tree lighting at Dean, see great entertainers, visit Santa, go out to dinner, do some local holiday shopping, and support our Franklin businesses,” says Roberta Trahan, event co-chair.

Special guests will make appearances at this year’s Holiday Stroll. Santa Claus and his elves will hear wish lists at Simon’s Furniture, and Mrs. Claus will read favorite holiday storybooks at the Franklin Historical Museum. Post Mark the North Pole Postman will set up a workshop inside Emma’s Quilt Cupboard where kids can write letters to Santa, and he will read from his own Christmas book.

Like any good party, the Holiday Stroll will have great entertainment. Snow White and the Seven Elves will appear at THE BLACK BOX. Kevin Wolfe will perform inside the Depot Plaza building, and Jane’s Frames will feature Jamie Barrett on guitar. WMRC 1490-AM will broadcast holiday music live that evening.

Franklin High School student musicians will showcase their talents at The Cake Bar, and local dance schools will perform holiday-themed dances in the Simon’s Furniture parking lot. Check the FDP website and Holiday Stroll event page on Facebook for show times.

Activities and treats are planned for locations up and down Main, East Central and West Central streets. A Holiday Stroll Happenings list will be available at the tree lighting and participating locations.

Kids can decorate gingerbread man cookies under the lights at Dean Bank, and create holiday-themed crafts with the Franklin Girl Scouts. The Bernon Family Branch YMCA will set up their popular Children’s Area in the Rockland Trust parking lot.

Revelers can stop into Emma’s Quilt Cupboard on Main Street to do some gift shopping and meet new business owners. The Sugar Shoppe will tempt shoppers with sweet treats inside Emma’s, and Fiori will showcase locally made gifts and floral arrangements in its new location next door.  

Participating sponsors and merchants will transform the Depot Plaza building’s atrium into a bustling shopping area, featuring sales and promotions, gift shopping and holiday music.  

The fun continues up West Central Street with performances at THE BLACK BOX. The Fire Station will open its doors for a “Touch-A-Truck” event and fire fighters will teach families about holiday fire safety. Visitors to the Historical Museum will find Mrs. Claus, crafts, hot chocolate and candy canes.

The Franklin Food Pantry will benefit from this year’s event. Shaw’s will sell wreaths on Main Street with proceeds going to the pantry. The Holiday Stroll takes place during the Franklin Food Elves’ ’12 Days of Donating’ campaign, and the elves will place red collection bins at the tree lighting and at participating businesses around town. Food and goods collected during the ’12 Days’ drive help the Food Pantry meet the needs of 600 client families in Franklin during the winter.

“The Holiday Stroll celebrates the season, our community and downtown Franklin. It’s a fun night when you can stroll leisurely through the town center with your neighbors, discover new businesses, and enjoy all the talent and resources this town has to offer,” says Gregg Chalk, event co-chair.  

Many generous sponsors help make the Holiday Stroll possible. This year’s Gold Sponsors are DCU, Dean Bank and Dean College. Silver Sponsors are D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Franklin Ford, Franklin Local Town Pages and Keefe Insurance.

Bronze Sponsors are Beaux Regards Photographic Art by Marjorie Sardella, Franklin Health & Rehabilitation Center, Jane’s Frames, NEWPRO and Next Step Living.

For more information about the Holiday Stroll, contact co-chairs Gregg Chalk, gchalk@dean.edu, or Roberta Trahan, Roberta_icu1@verizon.net. Information is also available on the FDP website and the FDP Holiday Stroll event page on Facebook.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501©3 organization made up of business owners, community leaders and residents working to revitalize downtown Franklin.  The Partnership runs events such as the Strawberry Stroll, October Stroll and the Holiday Stroll, and is involved in streetscape and design efforts, greenspace and sculpture projects. Go to the www.franklindowntownpartnership.org to learn more.

Click here to download this press release. 

Networking Luncheon Friday, November 20

Join the Franklin Downtown Partnership at our Networking Luncheon 

1 p.m. Friday, November 20

Dean College's Smith Dining Center. 

Make contacts, share information, form collaborations. 

Connect with the Networking Committee to reserve your seat at the table.

Gary Donelan, gary.donelan@middlesexbank.com
Matt Lechter, mlechter@dean.edu

Dean College Winter Intercession Classes Offered to Public

The Dean Leadership Institute and the School of Continuing Studies have set their Winter Intersession classes. Choose from non-credit, 1-week, 2-week or 4-week credit courses in business, general studies, and other interesting subjects. Choose from in-classroom or online instruction. 

More information can be found on the School of Continuing Studies website, dean.edu/scs, or call 508-541-1941. 

Click here to download a registration form.

Dean College Buys East Central Street Building

Some of you may have heard that Dean College recently purchased the Franklin Center Commons II building at 17 East Central Street. Below is the press release with details. Click here to download a copy. 

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is looking forward to continuing to work with Dean College as part of the revitalization of downtown Franklin.

Dean Discount Program: Businesses Invited to Join

Dean College has been working with the Franklin Downtown Partnership to develop a great opportunity for FDP businesses and the Dean College community.

It is called the Dean College Discount Program and it gives businesses an opportunity to advertise their business directly to Dean College's 1,100 students along with its faculty and staff.   

If you are interested in increasing your business and taking advantage of this opportunity please follow these easy steps:

1 - Fill out the Dean College form (click here for form) and send to  Donna Tetrault at dtetrault@dean.edu or Matthew Lechter at mlechter@dean.edu.

2 - They will add your business to the Dean College discount program (see attached flyer). The list will appear on Today@ Dean where all students and staff get their information.

3 - Dean College students and staff will show you their college ID to receive your special offer or discount. Dean College is working on a Dean Paw Sticker for businesses interested in putting one in their window for students to see.

We hope you will take advantage of this unique opportunity to encourage students to visit your business during the school year and the Dean college staff year-round.

This discount program will run from September to May.  In June, each business will have a chance to continue their discount with Dean College for the new year or make a change.

URCC/Dean College Business After Hours This Thursday

Dean College Business After Hours  Thursday, October 22 Mentors & Millennials Join us for an exceptional Business After Hours at Dean College on Oct. 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.! Prior to our networking event, Ed McDonough will present his Elevator Pitch Bootcamp to Dean College seniors. Those seniors will then join us at the Business After Hours to try out their newly developed elevator pitches. We'll help perfect their speeches so they can use them once they enter the working world! REGISTER TODAY Admission is free to Chamber members; $25 for non-members

Reminder: Networking Luncheon Friday

Join us Friday, August 14, for our Networking Luncheon!

Dean College Dining Center

1:00 p.m.

Cost:  $6.75

Make connections, build relationships and enjoy great food!

RSVP to Dave Drucker, ddrucker@dean.edu or 

Gary Donelan, gary.donelan@middlesexbank.com

Important Update on Sick Time Law Info Session

* Please note this important change - the Sick Time law that will go into effect on July 1 affects all small businesses in some way, regardless of the number of employees.  The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with FDP member Michael Doherty to present information about the new "Sick Time" law that will directly impact Franklin businesses with 7 or more employees.* Please consider attending this important information session. The event is free; register here: http://www.unitedregionalchamber.org/rsvpmaker/sick-law-seminar-may-13-2015-5-13/ From the URCC newsletter: Sick Time Law Seminar May 13

On May 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Attorney Michael Doherty of Doherty, Ciechanowski, Dugan & Cannon, P.C. will explain the provisions of the new Massachusetts "sick time" law at Dean College, Golder Room, 99 Main St., Franklin. The new law will take effect on July 1, 2015, and will apply to most Massachusetts employees and employers. Attendees of the program will learn the broad new definition of events that will allow an employee to take sick time, traps for the unwary employer in the new law, which employers must provide paid sick leave and which employers may provide only unpaid sick leave. In addition, changes in personnel manuals and policies will be suggested to avoid the substantial penalties for employers who unwittingly violate the new law. Register for this free event here.