Georgetown Groveland Business Alliance Launches with Collaborative Conversation at Nichols Village

On May 14th, the Chamber was honored to present the Georgetown Groveland Business Alliance Introductory Meeting, hosted by Nichols Village and sponsored by G. Mello Disposal Corp. Joined by State Representatives Adrianne Ramos and Kristin Kassner, along with Frank O’Connor of the Georgetown Planning Department, the event was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our business communities and connect with local leaders dedicated to supporting & strengthening the areas our Chamber serves. As part of the Chamber’s continued commitment to supporting local economic development across the region, the event created a welcoming space for Georgetown and Groveland stakeholders to connect, share challenges, and explore collaborative solutions to strengthen their communities.

The conversation focused heavily on supporting small businesses, along with the unique opportunities and obstacles facing smaller towns as they work to foster economic growth.

Frank O’Connor and Representative Kassner highlighted ongoing efforts to position Georgetown for thoughtful development, including an upcoming proposal for a downtown sewer district that would support future mixed-use development and create greater opportunities for restaurants, service-based businesses, healthcare, and retail establishments; businesses which are more water than wastewater reliant. O’Connor noted that expanded wastewater infrastructure would be a critical step in unlocking new economic potential, particularly near the Route 97 and Route 133 corridor and within the town’s MBTA district.

The message from local leadership was one of optimism and readiness. O’Connor emphasized Georgetown’s available space, strategic location, and commitment to helping businesses establish themselves and grow. He described the community as an ideal place for entrepreneurs looking to invest in a town on the rise.

Local business owners in attendance shared real-world concerns about escalating insurance costs, hiring challenges, and commercial lease pressures, prompting a candid exchange about how local and state leaders can work together to identify practical solutions. State Representatives Ramos and Kassner engaged in the conversation to discuss broader challenges affecting businesses across the region, including the same themes of rising healthcare & rent costs, workforce shortages, infrastructure demands, and the need for stronger regional planning around water and wastewater resources.

A recurring theme of the morning was regional collaboration. Throughout the discussion, Representatives Ramos and Kassner encouraged business owners to communicate directly with their offices when they encounter roadblocks, whether related to state reimbursements, licensing delays, workforce development needs, or other operational challenges. Many of the challenges facing Georgetown and Groveland, from infrastructure investment to workforce development, are not isolated to one community. They require coordinated efforts among neighboring towns, the Chamber of Commerce, and state officials.

The event concluded with networking and one-on-one conversations, allowing attendees to connect directly with O’Connor, Kassner, Ramos, and fellow small business leaders. The designated time to connect set an encouraging tone for what attendees hope will become an ongoing partnership dedicated to helping Georgetown and Groveland businesses grow, adapt, and thrive together.

The Chamber was honored to have brought together local business owners, municipal leaders, and state legislators for a thoughtful discussion centered on regional growth, infrastructure, and the future of small business in the area. The launch of the Georgetown Groveland Business Alliance represents another step in expanding the Chamber’s regional reach and creating stronger connections among local business communities.