City Of Malden: ARPA Business Support Team Provides Assistance To Malden Chamber Of Commerce

Press release from City of Malden:

October 13, 2021

The Business Support Team established by Mayor Gary Christenson and the City Council and led by Councillor-At-Large Debbie DeMaria to disburse the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds has created a new program to strengthen Malden's local businesses. The program will cover the cost of membership dues for Malden businesses and first-time members of the Malden Chamber of Commerce with 50% of the funds slated for traditionally underserved businesses such as women and minority-owned businesses.

“This effort to support our businesses through these Chamber memberships is an investment into our business eco-system that goes beyond today,” said Councillor DeMaria. “It is the hope that this financial influx will offer our business community a hand up rather than a handout.”

Chamber membership will assist businesses access the networking and support systems that the Malden Chamber has provided during its 130 years of existence in Malden. Additionally, the remaining funds are slated for first-time business memberships that the Chamber determines are strategically beneficial to the overall membership. This new influx of members will give the Chamber necessary funding to provide myriad business-support services such as seminars and sharing best practices.

The Business Support Team is composed of City Councillor Debbie DeMaria, Business Development Officer Kevin Duffy, and Resident Member/Business Owner Kashawna Harling.

Photo from left:Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Joan Ford Mongeau, Chamber President Donna Denoncourt, Councillor-At-Large Debbie DeMaria, Chamber Vice President Johnny Long, and Executive Board Member Jordan Shapiro

This press release was produced by City of Malden. The views expressed here are the author’s own.