By Cynthia Whitty

ABA Holiday Party

The Ashland Business Association (ABA) Holiday Party and Yankee Swap is an in-person event open to members and their guests on Thursday, Dec. 9, 5:30 to 8 p.m. RSVP by Dec. 5. It will be held at the VFW, 311 Pleasant St., and catered by Marconi’s. The cost to attend is $35 for members and $45 for guests in advance and $45 for both members and guests at the door. Bring a gift valued at $10 to participate in the Yankee Swap and a donation for the Ashland Food Pantry. Register online to attend, ashlandbusinessassociation.com/events.

Winding Down 2021

After over a year of virtual events, including networking and panel discussions, the ABA in the summer began to hold in-person networking programs and opportunities for local businesses to promote themselves. Events in 2021 included a casual networking event at The Corner Spot in June; a joint program with the Ashland Day Committee to host a concert at Stone Park, where ABA members promoted their businesses to the public, in July; and a summer BBQ with other local chambers of commerce at the Hopkinton YMCA Outdoor Center in August.

The ABA also continued its outreach and community give-back efforts. The ABA awarded two-$1,500 scholarships to graduating seniors, Brooke Kulaga and Rebecca DeBenedictis. As part of its commitment to give back to the Ashland community, several of ABA members joined over 60 other volunteers to support the Ashland High School Reality Fair for graduating seniors held on May 28. The Fair provides students with real-life scenarios to teach them about finances and budgeting, tasks many will soon face. The Fair drew rave reviews from parents, volunteers, AHS teachers and staff, and students.

The ABA consists of local business owners and community leaders. To join, visit ashlandbusinessassociation.com/join-us.