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Looking for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience? Look no further than Tin Bucket in Reading, MA! As one of the most creative and inspired members of the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce, Tin Bucket is a vibrant retail shop and creative space that’s truly a hidden gem in our community.

At Tin Bucket, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of unique goods that make perfect gifts or delightful additions to your own home. From charming home decor and artisan-made products to seasonal treasures and creative workshops, this is a space where creativity comes alive!

 Fun Fact: Tin Bucket isn’t just about shopping—it’s about connecting with creativity, community, and the joy of finding something truly special. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful piece to brighten your home or want to attend one of their inspiring workshops, Tin Bucket is a must-visit destination for anyone who values craftsmanship and creativity.

Visit Tin Bucket at 12 Woburn Street, Reading, MA, and see for yourself why this shop is a beloved favorite in our community. Can’t make it in person? Explore their incredible selection on their website at http://tinbucketshop.com and be sure to follow them on social media for updates on new arrivals and workshops!

Let’s support the amazing local businesses that make Reading and North Reading such special places to live, work, and shop. Stop by Tin Bucket today—you’re sure to find something you love!

 Tag a friend who would love this shop or let us know your favorite find at Tin Bucket in the comments! 

Visit their website: tinbucketshop.com
Let’s shop local and support our community businesses!

We are thrilled to feature All People as a valued member of the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce. Established in March 2024, All People is committed to fostering a welcoming environment where individuals from all walks of life can come together to explore their faith, build community, and find spiritual nourishment.

Under the leadership of Pastors Josh and Stephanie Roberts, All People actively serves both local and global communities with compassion, grace, and humility. Their mission is clear: to spread love, hope, and the transformative power of faith.

All People offers vibrant worship services, engaging study groups, and community outreach initiatives designed to inspire and uplift. Whether you’re seeking a spiritual home, a place to connect with others, or simply a moment of peace and reflection, All People is here to welcome you.

Join them for services every Sunday at 9 AM and 11 AM at 99 Concord Street, North Reading, MA 01864. For more information, visit their website at https://www.allpeople.church/ and follow them on social media.

Let’s come together to support and celebrate the positive impact All People has on our community!

The Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce is a non-denominational, non-profit organization that does not endorse one religious faith over another. We encourage people to explore their own faith journey and support and be kind to others who have different beliefs.

We’re proud to feature Route 128 Honda as a valued member of the Reading – North Reading Chamber of Commerce! Known for their exceptional service, unbeatable reputation, and commitment to excellence, Route 128 Honda is more than just a car dealership—they’re a cornerstone of our community.

Here’s what makes them special:

Customer-Centered Excellence: Whether you’re searching for a reliable new Honda or expert service for your vehicle, Route 128 Honda has you covered.

Community Commitment: From supporting so many of our local events, to their annual Toys for Tots drive, they go above and beyond to give back to our community! Including the upcoming Coffee & Networking event, graciously hosted by Route 128 Honda, on Thursday, December 5th, from 8:00 to 9:00 AM. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with local business leaders!

 Located just a short drive away, they’re here to serve the Reading and North Reading areas with pride.

Let’s support businesses that invest in our community. Stop by Route 128 Honda, explore their website at https://route128honda.com/ and follow them on social media for the latest updates and offers!

Sweepnman Chimney Restoration is more than just a chimney sweep service – they are a trusted partner in keeping homes in Reading and North Reading safe and warm. With expert chimney cleaning, inspections, and repairs, they ensure your home is cozy and safe all year round.

Sweepnman’s certified technicians provide top-quality service, helping homeowners prevent potential fire hazards and saving money in the long run. They’ve been a proud part of our local community, offering reliable, friendly service that you can trust.

 Don’t wait until winter to check your chimney!
Contact Sweepnman today to schedule your chimney inspection and cleaning. Support local businesses that care about our community’s safety and well-being.

 Visit their website: https://sweepnman.com
 Call: (781) 319-8005
Follow Sweepnman Chimney Restoration for more updates and tips!

Outgoing Chamber President Catherine Barton Rossetti hands over the gavel to Mike Kirmes

Now that 2023 has ended, it signals the end of my tenure as President of the Reading – North Reading Chamber of Commerce. This year was the first that we could say we are living in a “post-COVID” world, although there are still many small businesses in our community who still feel the effects nearly four years after the world shut down. I’m proud of the work the Chamber did this year to help our local entrepreneurs thrive.

• The Chamber hosted 33 events for our members and the local community.
• Our membership increased by nearly 10%.
• Our Social Media Office Hours, added this year, have helped provide social media marketing training to dozens of local businesses.
• Winterfest, North Reading Town Day, The Sidewalk Stroll, and The Holiday Tree Lightings in both Reading and North Reading have become beloved local traditions, bringing together thousands of people from the two towns and beyond.

What really stood out for me was the spirit of volunteerism that is in the hearts of the people of Reading and North Reading. This became especially evident when our long-time Executive Director, Lisa Egan, stepped down from her position after nine years. Jamie Bradley had just taken the role of Marketing Coordinator that had previously been held by the highly competent Kathy Kinney. With North Reading Town Day only two weeks away, the Chamber Board and many community volunteers stepped in to make sure the day went off without a hitch.

Lisa’s leadership of the Chamber will certainly be missed, but I am excited to see the ideas and initiatives our new Executive Director, Rob Miner, brings to the Chamber. Rob was most recently Executive Director of the Bedford Chamber, where he reestablished their hugely successful “Flavors of Bedford”. Look for some exciting things to be added to our schedule this year.

Being part of the Chamber has been such a great experience for me. Owning your own business presents successes and challenges that family and friends don’t always understand. Being among a friendly group of fellow businesspeople who share that world is a wonderful feeling. Now that my term is ended, I can step back a bit and embrace the enjoyment of simply being a member among friends.

Our incoming President, Mike Kirmes, is no stranger to the Chamber. Mike is General Manager of Doyon’s Kitchen and Appliance in Reading. He has been heavily involved in many events for the Chamber, most notably as the chief organizer and manager of the Holiday Tree Lighting on the Common in Reading. He’s the one standing by the Doyon’s truck handing out the s’mores kits, meanwhile making sure when Santa flips the light switch to illuminate the Common, his team of helpers will be turning on the rest of the lights down Main Street at the same time.

I am grateful to be a part of this wonderful organization. Year after year our members renew their memberships, host our get-togethers, and sponsor our events. It’s a clear example of how your money spent locally stays in the community. I hope you will include our members in your purchasing decisions.

Happy new year to you all.

Catherine Barton Rossetti, Esq.

Past President of the Reading – North Reading Chamber of Commerce

Your Chamber Team L-R: Rob Miner, Executive Director; Mike Kirmes, Chamber President for 2024, Jamie Bradley, Marketing and Administrative Coordinator; Catherine Barton Rossetti, Past President

Our own Lisa Egan in Boston Magazine’s new restaurant launch feature!

Trending … (see photo #6)

Check out this video by Shanna Cahalane, VP of Marketing, Reading Cooperative Bank and 2018 Chamber President, on why Reading Cooperative Bank supports the Chamber of Commerce.

As the likelihood grows that the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) will not be contained soon, it is important that employers and business owners begin to think about the potential for significant disruption to current businesses practices and the need for policies to safeguard their employees and customers.

About the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the coronavirus originated in Wuhan, China where it is believed that it was initially contracted from animals in a marketplace.  Now passed from human-to-human, there have been more than 83,000 cases of coronavirus reported and the number continues to grow. Approximately 82 percent of cases reported are considered mild, with the other 18 percent defined as serious or critical. It is expected that a vaccine will take upwards of a year and a half to be ready. (Worldometers)

While much remains unknown about the virus, experts believe that it spreads in a manner similar to a cold or flu, through coughing, sneezing and physical contact. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), “infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It’s currently unknown if a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.” Additionally, OSHA is clear to point out that the risk for workers still remains low and their is no evidence of widespread transmission in the United States at this time. Industries who face potentially elevated risks include:

• Healthcare
• Deathcare
• Laboratories
• Airline operations
• Border protection
• Solid waste and wastewater management
• Travel to areas, including parts of China, where the virus is spreading.

What Businesses Should Consider Doing Now

Many health organizations and business advocacy groups are suggesting employers have a plan in place to respond to any future outbreak of the virus in the United States. The CDC website offers a comprehensive guide for businesses that is updated regularly to reflect new information as it is reported. For employers looking for general guidelines, below are what most public health organizations are recommending for businesses large and small to consider having in place now.

Have enhanced protocols in place for keeping sick employees from contacting other employees or customers

• Institute or revisit work-from-home and flexible leave policies so employees will not come to work unwell for fear of lost wages or being terminated
• Set-up platforms for online meetings (Skype, Google Hangouts, Zoom, etc.) as well as have desktop sharing software that will allow employees to access their files remotely.
• Use the CDC guidelines to outline for employees when they should stay home from work, when he or she will be sent home (e.g. management should send home anyone demonstrating symptoms of acute respiratory illness) and what criteria needs to be met before an employee may return. without the aid of medicine).
• Have a travel policy in place if employees are regularly on the road or are vacationing in areas determined at heightened risk for infection.

Put in place a plan to communicate the importance of employees using hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette (e.g. posters, memos, distributing hand sanitizer, wipes)

Establish a schedule of regular cleanings of touched surfaces and provide sanitizer and wipes. Educate employees on proper practices.

Plan for high levels of absenteeism and illness

Anticipate how to manage your business if employees are unable to physically come to work or must care for another family member or a child/ children if schools are closed as a preventative measure.

Determine how you will communicate policy changes to employees

Very much is still unknown about the coronavirus and new information is being presented daily.  Trusted sources for information like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC are constantly posting new information to help contain and mitigate this crisis, as well as counteract the misrepresentations that are spreading rapidly through social media.

Additional resources are listed below, and you may want to find industry-specific recommendations and information for your business to consult.

Further Reading and Resources

• World Health Organization
  
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• US Chamber of Commerce Resource Page
  
• Harvard Business Review, Lead Your Business Through the Coronavirus Crisis
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Centers for Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020
• Entrepreneur,   How Businesses Should Handle the Coronavirus Outbreak
• National Law Review, Coronavirus and the Workplace: What Employers Need To Know
• Bloomberg News,  Coronavirus Misinformation Is Spreading All Over Social Media