Sen. Moore visits Sutton manufacturer in follow up to “National Small Business Week”

BOSTON – Although Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, and other legislators already observed “National Small Business Week” two weeks ago, from May 21st – 25th, the veteran lawmaker continues to highlight successful small businesses throughout the region. This week, Sen. Moore visited Vaillancourt Folk Art’s shop at the Manchaug Mills development in Sutton.

“Massachusetts has become one of the top states in which to do business,” reaffirmed Moore. “The Massachusetts Senate, in particular, has contributed to enhancing the Commonwealth’s position as a leader in locally driven business development strategies. In recognition of these efforts, and to celebrate the Commonwealth’s more than 585,000 small business owners and entrepreneurs, I am proud to spotlight small businesses whenever I can,” he said.

Owned and operated by Gary and Judi Vaillancourt, Vaillancourt Folk Art (www.valfa.com) is one of America’s last remaining Christmas ornament and collectibles makers. Unlike most Christmas collectibles, which are manufactured overseas, Vaillancourt chalkware figures are still made by hand at the VFA studio in Sutton. With over 3,000 vintage molds – one of the largest collections in the world, Judi fabricates hand-painted collectible chalkware figures for all major holidays – especially Christmas.

“Vaillancourt is a prime example of the type of company that underscores the importance of the Blackstone Valley’s manufacturing base to the Commonwealth’s overall economy,” said Moore. “With businesses like Vaillancourt working diligently to thrive, especially during this rebounding economy, there is no wonder that the small business sector continues to be Massachusetts’ number one employer.”

Sen. Moore has made it a priority to support small businesses in an effort to promote jobs and economic development in the Commonwealth. In particular, the Senator, who is also a member of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, has focused on manufacturing in the Blackstone Valley.

Moore is the primary sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2198, An Act to Promote American Manufacturing which was favorably reported by the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight on May 1st and awaits consideration by the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The bill would direct the state procurement efforts to give preference to domestically produced products and services when making purchases with funds provided by Massachusetts taxpayers as a way to encourage employment of American workers.

Throughout the session, Sen. Moore has also routinely visited businesses across the Worcester & Norfolk district. “For me, celebrating and assisting small business isn’t limited to one week a year, but has always been a year round effort to promote jobs and the economic prosperity of our region,” he said.

Other local businesses the Senator has visited include Marshall’s Jewelers of Milford, Isador’s Fruit and Deli in Oxford, Peaceful Dove Flower and Gift Shop of Webster, Omni Control Technology in Whitinsville, Hyde Tools and Southbridge Credit Union of Southbridge, Green Mountain Chocolates of Hopedale, and EMX Controls in Uxbridge. He has also participated in both the Blackstone Valley Chamber Expo and the Milford Area Chamber of Commerce Expo, and spoken at meetings of the Bellingham Business Association, Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Auburn Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about Sen. Moore’s effort to promote economic development and job creation, visit www.senatormoore.com, or follow him on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/senatormoore.