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Here's a way to help small businesses

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Here's a way to help small businesses

Do you work for a large company that wants to help small businesses?
 
Pay your bills promptly.
 
Late payments have always been a challenge for some small companies. The situation accelerated during the pandemic when more than half of small suppliers experienced late payments from large companies, according to a 2021 survey.
 
And now the recent banking crisis has made cash flow harder.
 
That's why business associations nationwide are banding together to promote adopting the Prompt Pay Pledge.
 
The Prompt Pay campaign urges large companies to help smaller ones manage capital and improve cash flow through clearer payment terms, quicker payments, or by providing private financing.
 
There’s a benefit for the big guys too: Faster payments keep supply chains healthier, speeding deliveries, and helping avoid suppliers going bankrupt mid-contract.   
 
The initiative is being led by the U.S. Chamber (our chamber isn't an affiliate, but we know a good idea when we see one) which has created the Prompt Pay Pledge for large companies.
 
There's also a Prompt Pay Pledge Toolkit for everyone else to spread the message about the importance of timely payments to small business suppliers.
 
Newton figured into two Globe stories in different ways this week
 
John Hilliard reported this week on the long-standing tax benefits enjoyed by about 100 of the state’s exclusive country clubs.
 
He focused on Newton’s three private golf courses, which saved a combined $7.9 million on property taxes over five years, while reporting millions in dues revenue annually on tax returns: Charles River ($5.1 million) and Brae Burn ($3 million) in 2020; Woodland ($4.3 million) in 2021.
 
“That’s a huge deal," said City Councilor Victoria Danberg. "That could pay for teachers, firefighters, and police. The taxpayers of the city of Newton are 100 percent footing the bill for these private clubs.”
 
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller is calling on the state “to reexamine” a decades old law that reduces property taxes on eligible land used for open space or recreation by as much as 75 percent, Hilliard added.
 
Then there was Samantha Gross’ story about how many communities are putting up roadblocks to the Healey administration's effort to house homeless families in local hotels amid a housing shortage.
 
The refreshing part is how Newton isn’t, at least yet, one of the communities objecting. 
 
To the contrary Gross notes that while the state is considering using the closed Indigo Hotel as a temporary shelter, residents instead are asking if they can volunteer their time or help.
 
Needham bans plastic bags
 
Needham Town Meeting approved a citizens’ petition warrant article (Article 39, page 63 here) this week that bans the distribution of plastic bags.
 
This by-law takes effect Jan. 1, 2024, for establishments with retail space of 3,500 square feet or larger, or with at least two locations under the same name within the Needham that totals 3,500 square feet or larger. By July 1, 2024, all retail establishments must comply. 
 
 
Biotechs takes a stand on gun violence
 
Leaders in the Massachusetts life science sector are stepping up efforts to address gun violence as a public health threat.
 
They’ve banded together to form Life Sciences to End Gun Violence Epidemic, a group advocating for "meaningful, evidence-based policies that will prevent and reduce gun violence," writes Rowan Walrath at the BBJ.
 
"While we can't conjure up a new medicine to just give to people and end all of this, unfortunately, we can use our voices to try to push forward a set of policies to help end the insanity that we're seeing almost daily," said John Maraganore, former CEO of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge.
 
... And you don’t have to be a life science company
 
Other businesses can play an important and unique role in addressing gun violence too, according to the group Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence.
 
Through advocacy and education, the Coalition brings together organizations throughout the Commonwealth to reduce gun violence. On May 18, they're hosting its first Spring Benefit at the Larz Anderson Park Auto Museum. 
 
Join us in saying thanks to the amazing Joe Prestejohn
Over many decades there hasn’t been a more generous, gentle, or humble small business owner than Joe Prestejohn.
 
As proprietor of Cabot’s Ice Cream & Restaurant in Newton, Prestejohn literally gave thousands of kids their first jobs. He’s scooped thousands of gallons of free ice cream at hundreds of community events. He’s been there for our first responders. He’s donated money and time to the Boys & Girls Club, the Carroll Center for the Blind, and many other local nonprofits.
 
I hope you can join us when we honor the semi-retired Prestejohn, on June 2 at the Chamber’s Spring Business Breakfast at the Needham Sheraton.
 
We'll also be hearing from Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and Rep. Jake Auchincloss that morning. Tickets are going fast.
 
And because it’s not possible to thank Prestejohn too often, Mayor Fuller will also be recognizing him (along with Ruth Hoshino director of School Health Services) at the annual Mayor’s Community Breakfast, May 24, 7 a.m. on the Mount Ida Campus. Tickets here.
 
 
Friday's very full grab bag
 
  • Business owners can now be subjected to new penalties if they don’t comply with new, expanded protections for lactating employees. (BBJ)
 
  • Outdoor dining is returning to Moody Street in Waltham but only from Thursday evenings through Sunday nights. Moody Street will be open to regular, two-way traffic from Mondays at 5 a.m. until Thursdays at 4 p.m. (Waltham Patch).
 
 
  • Newton state Sen. Cindy Creem and Watertown Rep. Steven Owens have filed bills that could help Massachusetts cities and towns dramatically expand tree canopies.
 
  • Wellesley-based biotech Talaris Therapeutics Inc. is undergoing another round of staff cuts and also plans to close its facility in Louisville, Kentucky. (BBJ)
 
 
  • Newton Community Farm will be dedicating its new greenhouse and solar array at an open house tomorrow (May 6) 4–6 pm. (Details) The greenhouse is named in memory of the activist, scholar, environmentalist, and former NCF director, Dr. Eugene Rubin.
 
  • The 25th Annual Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend is set for May 20-21. It includes the annual Veterans parade, a concert, a picnic, and fireworks.
 
 
Condos near rail proposed for Wellesley Hills
 
Developer Victor Sheen is in the process of seeking approvals for a 69-unit condominium complex, including 9 affordable units, at 8 Cliff Road, adjacent to Route 9 in Wellesley Hillis.
 
The mostly three-bedroom properties are just a few minutes by foot from the Wellesley Hills commuter rail station, though the development will have underground parking. The Swellesley Report has more.
 
Free DEI workshops for your company
 
Massachusetts businesses with two or more employees may be eligible for free Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training through the Associated Industries of Massachusetts Building a DEI Foundation course. The next session starts June 8.
Officer Leo and President Reibman
Look who I ran into at Fenway Park!
 
Yes, that’s me with Officer Leo, the Newton Police Department’s Community Resource Dog.
 
I had the privilege of sitting with the men and women from the Newton PD Tuesday as part of the annual Law Enforcement Appreciation night at Fenway, honoring law enforcement officers, corrections officers, public safety, and first responders.
 
The night was filled with great camaraderie, laughs, and high fives, plus Connor Wong's game-winning home run, his second of the night, in the eighth inning.
 
Grateful for all our public safety employees across our chamber communities.
 
 
 
That’s your need to knows for today, unless you need to know the 50 worst decisions in music history
 
Have a great Cinco de Mayo (but respect the history behind it too).
 
Be back Tuesday.
 
Greg Reibman (he, him)
President
617.244.1688
 
 
P.S. This newsletter is only possible because of the financial support from our members. If you find our communications, advocacy, and events helpful or interesting, please join us today
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