MEMO Starts New Season on Sept. 8

Bill Vernon, State Director of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) will be the guest speaker as the Medfield Employers and Merchants Organization kicks off its new season on Thursday Sept. 8. 

The dinner meeting, catered by , will be held at the Beckwith Post 110 American Legion hall, off West Street. Members are invited to meet at 6 p.m. for networking to be followed by a business meeting led by President elect Brandie Morris of Electric Time and then enjoy the dinner and program.

Vernon will speak on small business’ role in Massachusetts and how the national economy and public policies can affect it.  He has led the 9000 member state chapter, a small business advocacy group, since 1999.  

According to the NFIB website, the group’s advocacy has achieved many victories during the 2010-11 legislative session including these few: supported successful legislation freezing unemployment insurance rates in 2011 (although premiums for some businesses increased as a result of experience rating and other factors). 

Without the “freeze”, UI premiums would have jumped $250 per employee per year. Also helped  defeat more than forty healthcare mandates filed for the 2009-10 legislative session that would have driven the cost of a basic health insurance policy even higher and further limited the flexibility of small owners to buy the insurance they need and can afford. Each mandate represents 1 to 2 percent of the cost of health insurance premiums. 

The Medfield Employers and Merchants Organization Inc, more commonly known as MEMO, is open to all businesses located in or serving the Medfield community. It participates in town government with many members volunteering on town boards and committees and promotes the quality services of its individual businesses through seasonal activities for the public throughout the year. The first major event will be Discover Medfield Day on Saturday, Sept.17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. surrounding Meeting House Pond on North Street. 

Merchants, professionals, services, organizations, schools and churches exhibit their wares and promotions in the admission free annual fall fair. Live entertainment, a food court and a Kids Alley continue throughout the day. 

The mission of MEMO, since its organization in 1979 is to promote and advocate for its member businesses to help the community recognize what is available without shopping at malls or out of town. More than 75 local retailers, dentists, lawyers, contractors, and manufacturers meet monthly to network and become educated about better business practices. 

The October meeting will focus on the growing social networking scenes for businesses.  Member dues pay for the dinners. Information about the organization, its purposes, events, activities and membership can be found on the website www.medfield-memo.org and applications for membership may be obtained by contacting Cathleen@beginningyears.com.