Events for Business Professionals

The Ashland Business Association (ABA) has set its calendar for two summer events. To participate in the July 13 event or attend the Aug. 3 event, visit ashlandbusinessassociation.com/events.

Tuesday, July 13, Concert in the Park: Ashland Businesses have an opportunity to promote themselves at this community event sponsored by the ABA. The event, featuring The Back Pages Acoustic Duo, is open to the public. Admission is free. Business networking and promotion, 6 to 7 pm; concert starts at 7 pm. For $25, ABA business owners may set up a table to promote their business. Event sponsorships are $100.

Tuesday, Aug. 3, Annual Members’ BBQ: Enjoy the company of friends in a casual setting with food and beverages provided. Invited associations are Ashland and Sherborn business associations and the MetroWest, Marlborough and Hopkinton chambers of commerce. Menu: Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Veggie Burgers, Gluten-free Rolls (optional), and Chips. Drinks: Water, Seltzer, Beer/Wine, and ice cream sponsored by Paul Netopski, Critical Prism Defense LLC. Free to members.

                                                              Brooke Kulaga

ABA 2021 Scholarship Winners 

ABA Board and Scholarship Committee members, Paul Netopski (Critical Prism Defense LLC) and Valerie Gaines (At Peace Reiki) presented Brooke Kulaga and Rebecca DeBenedictis each with a $1,500 scholarship. As part of the application process, students are asked to come up with an idea for community improvement.

Kulaga will attend Colby College. For a community improvement project, she suggested a self-guided walking trail of Ashland’s historical sites. She says, “Ashland has a rich history that can be conveyed by the enduring structures which are often passed by without a second thought. By mapping out a walkable path for residents to follow with the purpose of gathering knowledge while enjoying physical activity, the people of Ashland can feel more connected to both their town and their neighbors.”

DeBenedictis plans to attend Vanderbilt University to study Human and Organizational Development. Her community improvement project idea is a “skills exchange” program between local Ashland businesses and high school students who are interested in learning more about a certain job field. “The overview of this initiative would involve connecting students who are interested in pursuing careers with similar Ashland businesses (restaurant owner, real estate agent, dentist, etc.). The Ashland student will meet with the business owner who will act as a ‘mentor,’ explaining to the student insights of the job and teaching them skills of that job field.”

The Corner Spot Opens for Pop-Ups and Events

The town’s Economic Development Office is recently announced that The Corner Spot is open for pop-up businesses and events, including CultureFest scheduled on Saturday, July 24. For up-to-date information on activities and events, visit thecornerspotashland.com/upcomingevents and www.facebook.com/thecornerspotashland.