Anne Lafleur: Building a Business with Generosity, February 4

The Ashland Business Association (ABA) will host its monthly program for local business and community leaders, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at The Residence at Valley Farm, 369 Pond St. (Rt. 126), Ashland, Mass. Guest speaker, Natick resident Anne Lafleur will speak on ways to stay to-of-mind with prospects and customers without being ‘salesy,’ aggressive, or annoying.

Refreshments will be served during informal networking, 5:30-6 p.m. The program, “Build Your Business with Generosity,” runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are asked to RSVP on the ABA website, www.ashlandbusinessassociation.com/events.

Attendees will come away from the program with an appreciation of a generosity-based approach to business; creative ideas for surprising and delighting customers; and practical insights into how they might incorporate these principles into their business.

Through her project called The Gift of Happiness (thegiftofhappiness.org), Lafleur is a consultant and facilitator with a passion for helping people build and strengthen relationships at home, at work, and in communities. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology and religious studies from Brown University, a master’s degree in clinical social work from Boston College, and over a decade of experience working in Human Resources at MIT. Since 2013, her workshops and products have spread words of care and encouragement all across the country.

Nearly 140 Ashland businesses make up the ABA. The ABA hosts learning programs and networking events throughout the year; collaborates with the Metrowest Chamber of Commerce and other area business groups; awards scholarships to Ashland high school graduating seniors; and participates in and supports community events, such as the Ashland High School College and Career Day and the Reality Fair.

For more information, contact ABA President Wendy Pyne, president@ashlandbusinessassociation.com, 508-656-0503, or visit www.ashlandbusinessassociation.com.