Needham Local First Holiday Stroll Continues

Some programs from last weekend's Holiday Stroll continuing through the holiday season.

The holidays are just starting in Needham, and the Stroll was just the beginning. A press release from the town's Economic Development Department explains that the Holiday Stroll last weekend was just the beginning--the kick-off for two Needham Local First activities. Between now and Dec. 7, a batch of merchants on the Needham business scene are decorating their storefronts and windows for a competition. The windows will be judged by Needham High School art teachers Linda Burke, Cara Studds, Ann Freeman, and Shireen Yadollahpour. Holiday shopping in town could also earn you prizes, according to the release. $25 purchases at local establishments will get you a stamp in your Local First Passport--after you collect one. When you fill the …

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Letter: Needham Businesses Giving Thanks with Community Food Drive

This letter was submitted by a Needham town employee.

As the holidays fast approach, it’s always a good idea to take time out of our busy schedules and give thanks for what we have.  The Needham Merchants Association, the Needham Restaurant Association, and the Needham Business Association, as part of the Discover Needham Local First Campaign, are coordinating an effort to give thanks and give back to the community. They are sponsoring Needham Gives Thanks, a food drive—“20 Days of People Helping People in Needham”—from Nov. 1-20 to benefit the Needham Community Council. The council provides critical support to the less fortunate in our community.  So bring your donations of nonperishable items to participating independent locally owned businesses—just look for the Discover Needham Local …

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Chair Auction a 'Night To Remember'

More than 40 pieces of artwork, among other items, were sold on Saturday, Sept. 29.

Needham Director of Economic Development Devra Bailin shared this recap of last weekend's "A Chair To Remember" auction event. Several of the chairs sold brought in more than $500 each. Funds raised will go toward scholarships for local high school students and town beautification projects. ---- By Devra Bailin, Needham Economic Development Director On Saturday, Sept. 29, the Needham community gathered in the festooned James Hugh Powers Hall, surrounded by the unique Adirondack chairs of “A Chair to Remember” and the music of talented Needham High School musicians, and celebrated the collaborative effort of local merchants, restaurateurs and community groups who purchased the chairs designed and painted by Needham artists.  More than 30 …

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Needham's 'Sizzling Sidewalk Sale' Set Aug. 11

Economic Development Director Devra Bailin encourages shoppers to visit the downtown this weekend and explains why residents should shop locally.

Shoppers will have quite a few reasons to stop by Needham businesses this Saturday. Not only is it a sales tax-free weekend, thanks to a recent vote by the Massachusetts Legislature, but there will also be all kinds of deals offered at local businesses as part of Needham's 2012 Sizzling Sidewalk Sale. Sales will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11. Shoppers can look for the "Discover Needham, Local First" logo in store windows to know exactly where special deals will be offered. In addition, shoppers can pick up the free Discover Needham Gold Card at participating businesses to enjoy discounts throughout the year. Below is a letter written about the upcoming event by Needham Economic Development Director Devra Bailin. In it, Bailin talks…

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You Ask ... Patch Answers

You Ask ... Patch Answers: What's the Scoop on the Friendly's Building?

Send in your questions about Needham!

After closing its doors suddenly last October when the Friendly's Ice Cream Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the Needham Friendly's has sat empty, leaving many to wonder what will take its place. The restaurant had been a Needham staple for more than 25 years, serving up sundaes, ice cream cones and other fare to families as well as employees of local businesses such as Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham, located directly across from Frendly's on Chestnut Street. For this week's "You Ask ... Patch Answers," I sought some news on the restaurant building, asking, "Is anything in the works for the old Friendly's building at 173 Chestnut St.?" To find the answer, I reached out to Needham Economic Development Director Devra …

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Report: Wine, Beer Shops Not Hugely Profitable

Economic Development Director Devra Bailin shared findings on Feb. 14 from a recent study of the economic benefits of allowing retail alcohol sales in Needham.

While bringing wine and beer shops to Needham could help fill vacant storefronts and add a few new jobs to the local market, the ventures are not as profitable as some might think, Economic Development Director Devra Bailin told selectmen Tuesday evening—at least, not on their own. Bailin shared the Council of Economic Advisors’ latest findings after talking with people who know the business of retail alcohol sales. The council’s subcommittee on the issue spoke to three Needham residents: Rich Cataldo, who works for Murrays and has been in the business for more than 30 years; Steve Rubin, who owns Huntington Wine and Spirits; and Nik Ligris, who is affiliated with the Brookline Fine Wine and Gourmet on Harvard Street in Brookline. “We were…

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Route 128 Towns Look To Grow Office Parks

Zoning changes key in developing economic centers.

Needham isn't the only community along Route 128 looking to grow local revenue by growing its business base. The Boston Globe reports that Newton and Waltham are also working on plans to boost economic development in their towns, and nearby Dedham is "reaping millions in new tax revenue" thanks to the development of its Legacy Place shopping center, according to a recent article published on Boston.com. Following passage of several key zoning changes at Needham's fall special Town Meeting, the Globe reports that Economic Development Director Devra Bailin and the Council of Economic Advisors are continuing to meet with property owners, businesses and local tenants to consider the best way to develop Needham's New England Business Center, …

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