By Janet Stoica

Newly formed in December 2023, the non-profit Charlton Business Alliance (“CBA”) has received a great reception from local Charlton businesses. Engaging each business and growing quickly it seeks to benefit not only established organizations in the Charlton area but also to greet and include new commerce. Cara Holland is the new Vice President and Matt Power has taken the lead as President. 

Its website boasts 17 current paid members and the group is growing rapidly. “There was a blank spot in the area,” said Holland, “and we wanted hyper-local representation. I want to represent Charlton in the best possible light and have been with Edward Jones Financial Advisers for over two years in this area. I grew up in Sturbridge and have lived in Charlton for over seven years. My husband is from Brimfield.” 

The group has a good-sized following on Facebook and they are open to anyone who wants to follow them. They’ve been working with some of the Charlton selectmen as well as Andrew Golas, the Charlton Town Administrator. “Mr. Golas has been very helpful in assisting us to organize,” Holland stated, “and we’ve also been working with the Charlton Library utilizing their space for our monthly meetings (held on the first Monday of each month) and information tables before town meetings. We also have a monthly drawing during our meetings which are also noted and displayed on the digital sign in front of the library.  We hope to be at the September Farmer’s Market held on the town common in September.” 

On Tuesday, June 11, from 5-7 p.m., the CBA will hold a Networking Mixer at the Quarter Keg Pub on Route 20. The Mixer is open to members and non-members alike. Admission is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. There will be tasty appetizers and a cash bar. It’ll be a great event for local folks to meet, greet, and talk about the importance of dealing with local businesses. “It’s all about visibility and the benefits of joining our group,” said Holland, “instant referrals are great when you meet in person. Our President, Matt Power, has spearheaded our efforts for development of our Charlton group. Matt has dived into and is truly interested in the success of Charlton and wants our town to be successful. We hope to bring our group to the next level. We invite all local businesses to come to our June 11th event to check out our group. We’re open to any small business looking to network and to work together. We want to give back to our community, to represent ourselves locally, and to operate locally and encourage folks to attend a meeting to see what we are all about to be part of our alliance. Our meetings are held on the first Monday of each month from 6:30 – 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted on our website. (No meeting in July due to the holiday.) We’re all excited to keep the momentum going and hope to grow and be a great representation for all local businesses in the greater Charlton area.”

Contact:  Matt Power, President, at (774) 268-0398.  

More information can be found on their website www.charltonbusinessalliance.com