As a service to our members, the Chamber advocates on behalf of small businesses on local, state and federal issues affecting the economic climate of our state and in particular of the north central Massachusetts region. Check out what the Chamber has been working on and learn about important legislative changes that affect your business.
RECENT UPDATES
6.15.09 QUEST Update:
The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance is attempting to notify all employers of a major initiative called QUEST – this stands for Quality UnEmployment System Transformation. The department began working on these upgrades in 2007 and expects the program to be complete by the end of calendar year 2011.
Beginning in December, 2009, QUEST will provide employers with a modernized, interactive web based system for all of your unemployment revenue functions – including registration, employer account liability, quarterly tax filings, payments and collections.
This will upgrade both the technology and processes. For example, you will no longer need to log onto the Department of Revenue Web file for Business site to file your employment and wage detail information. You will file under the new system, which will also do many of the calculations for you.
The second phase of the QUEST initiative will focus on benefits and is expected to be completed by May, 2011.
Here is a letter from Edward Malmborg, Director of the department to all employers across Massachusetts announcing QUEST. (See Email Attachment)
The Department of Unemployment has set up a website to provide additional information, instructions, system demonstrations and answers to the most frequently asked questions. For more information, visit www.mass.gov/dua/quest.
6.4.09: Legislative Alert - Take Action Against a Proposed Increase in the Sales Tax!
The Massachusetts House & Senate recently voted to increase the sales tax from 5% to 6.25%. This proposal is now before a Conference Committeenegotiating the state’s operating budget set to begin on July 1st. This increase would in effect on September 1, 2009.
Contact Your State Senator & Representative to tell them:
You are a member of the NCMCC
You do not support an increase in the sales tax.
The economy of North Central is already in direct competition with our neighbor— sales tax free New Hampshire.
This will further reduce consumer spending in North Central MA.
How this will affect your business specifically.Click on the Elected Officials tab on the left to find your legislator’s contact information.
Click on the Elected Officials tab on the left to find your legislator’s contact information.
North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
860 South Street Fitchburg, MA 01420 Tel:978-353-7600 Fax:978-353-4896 chamber@massweb.org
People in business in North Central Massachusetts
Companies by name in North Central Massachusetts
Industries/trades in North Central Massachusetts
