News
Scaling Market Research to Keep Pace With a Changing Business
Businesses in the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce face a shared challenge: markets shift faster than traditional research cycles can keep up. As customer expectations change and competitors reposition, relying on the same old data or assumptions can quietly narrow your field of vision. Scaling your market research is no longer about doing “more”—it’s about doing it in ways that keep your decisions current, grounded, and aligned with how your business is growing. Learn below about: How to rethink your
Halide Photography Opens New Headshot Studio in North Reading
North Reading, MA — August 2025 — Halide Photography, a premium headshot business founded by Evan Schmidt, celebrated the successful opening of its new North Reading location this August. The 450-square-foot studio is designed to give professionals, executives, and teams a modern, stress-free photography experience. Clients benefit from guided coaching, multiple wardrobe changes, and in-person image selection—ensuring they walk away with headshots that project confidence, approachability, and
Strategies for Navigating Risks Every Founder Needs to Address
Launching and growing a business involves more than building products and finding customers. Every founder faces a landscape of risks—financial, operational, legal, and reputational—that can determine whether the company scales or stalls. Proactive management of these risks isn’t just defensive; it’s a growth strategy.The Categories of Risk Founders Can’t Ignore Business risks often fall into five broad categories: Financial Risks: Cash flow gaps, poor debt management, or revenue concentration in too
Digital Stagecraft: Making Trade Shows Work Harder with Smarter Tools
A well-executed trade show presence used to be all about the booth—location, design, giveaways, and charm. Today, the physical setup still matters, but it’s no longer the centerpiece. What happens before the event opens and after the doors close carries just as much weight, and that’s where digital strategy earns its spotlight. By fusing traditional event marketing with smart, often overlooked digital tools, brands can extend their reach, sharpen their message, and engage audiences long after the floor
New “JUNK FEE” Rules
BOSTON – Ahead of the September 2 compliance deadline for new consumer protection regulations prohibiting “junk fees,” the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has released updated guidance to help businesses operating in Massachusetts comply with the regulations. Beginning September 2, these regulations become enforceable, and businesses must come into compliance. Promulgated earlier this year, the AGO’s “junk fee” regulations help consumers understand the total cost of a product or service upfront, avoid
North Shore Bank promotes 3 to VP, Reg Branch Mgr
PEABODY, MASSACHUSETTS, JULY 23, 2025 — North Shore Bank recently announced the promotions of Vicki Cormier, Jonathan Johnson, and Erin Riley to vice president, regional branch manager. In this newly created position, Cormier, Johnson, and Riley will provide leadership and support to regions of North Shore Bank’s retail banking network, working closely with retail branch staff in several communities to deliver exceptional customer service, drive performance, and uphold the bank’s commitment to community
How Entrepreneurs Can Navigate Grants and Funding Programs with Confidence
Starting a business means embracing both the adrenaline and the unknown. Capital is the fuel, but finding the right source can feel like decoding a foreign language. Grants and funding programs are a lifeline, not a myth, yet so many early-stage founders get lost before they even start. It’s not that these resources aren’t out there—it’s that they’re tucked into a dense thicket of eligibility requirements, submission deadlines, and stiff competition. Understanding Different Types of Financial
Unfair Unemployment Insurance Burden
Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce Joins Call to Protect Small Businesses from Unfair Unemployment Insurance Burden The Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce stands with businesses in opposing efforts by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to pass on the cost of a $2.1 billion unemployment insurance (UI) overpayment mistake to local employers. This error, which occurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, is now being placed on the shoulders of the business community—many of whom are still working to
How to Build and Grow a Successful Alternative Wellness Practice
In today's fast-paced world, many individuals are seeking holistic and alternative approaches to health and wellness. Building a successful alternative wellness practice requires not only a deep understanding of various healing modalities but also a strategic approach to growing your business. Whether you specialize in acupuncture, naturopathy, herbal medicine, or energy healing, creating a thriving practice involves balancing your expertise with effective business strategies. This guide will walk you
Meet the Member: Spectra Networks LLC
Meet Joe Silva. Tell us about your organization: Spectra Networks is a comprehensive IT service company dedicated to assisting small to medium-sized businesses with IT solutions including specialties in Managed Support Services, Compliance and Security, Amazon Web Services, and IT Support. We tailor all of our IT services to each business’s unique needs. We start by listening to the needs and goals of the organization. Our team will review existing technology and develop an improvement plan with
Using Facebook Groups to Grow Your Business
In any community, there are several Facebook groups that have formed around living, working, and/or playing in your area. Some are private and you’ll need to request to join. Others are public. Some groups are loosely veiled business generators for community leaders or professionals who recognize how important it is to insert themselves into conversations about the community. Facebook groups are an excellent way to grow your business. Here are a few ways to do this in an existing group. Do Your
What's Your Biggest Marketing Challenge?
When a business operator finally decides they need someone focused on their marketing, and they resolve to hire for the position, it usually goes something like this: “This position will be in charge of posting to our social media channels.” But if that’s all you’re doing, you can put that in the hands of the nearest thirteen-year-old. If you’re contemplating stepping up your business marketing, you need more than a scheduler. You need someone who understands the different kinds of marketing,