Good morning,

Our businesses are bracing for “Liberation Day” tomorrow, the federal administration’s long-threatened unveiling of tariffs.

I recognize I live and work in a bubble but I don’t know anyone who’s looking forward to it.

Healey, Auchincloss didn’t sugarcoat our challenges

Gov. Maura Healey and Congressman Jake Auchincloss didn’t sugarcoat the monumental challenges we face at this moment at our Government Affairs Forum at the Newton Marriott yesterday

They also left us with reasons to be optimistic as well as thankful to have some clear-eyed leaders in this state.

Don’t take my word for it.  Here’s:

• Full video from yesterday’s program.
• Newton Beacon story.
• WCVB report
• NBC10 report
• MassLive/State House News
• WBZ News Radio

Our thanks to Northland, Rodman Employment Law, NewTV, Leise Jones Photography, the Newton Marriott team and the 300-plus civic and business leaders in attendance.

Next week’s ‘Spring Seasonings’ to feature one notable change  

Tickets are selling briskly for next Monday’s “Spring Seasonings,” our not-to-be-missed celebration of the vibrant restaurant scene in our communities.

We’ll be featuring 40+ food and beverage exhibitors from Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley at the Newton Marriott.

Past attendees may recall that we used to give everyone a potted herb plant as a thank-you gift on their way home.

We won’t be doing that this year.

Instead, we’ll be making a donation to Three Squares New England, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting food insecurity across Eastern Massachusetts, because no one in our community should go hungry.

"With one in three households with children in Massachusetts facing food insecurity, the need is greater than ever," says Three Squares Executive Director Marena Burnett.

"By attending Spring Seasonings, you're not only enjoying the best of local dining, you're also helping to support more than 400,000 people in need."

Tuesday grab bag

• Congressman Jake Auchincloss looked up towards the heavens, paused, and then told us yesterday that he thought Gov. Maura Healey should exercise the “nuclear option” to reform 40B.
  
  
• And here’s The Pioneer Institute’s Andrew Mikula with Two Big Ideas That Could Make Chapter 40B Even Better.  (Banker & Tradesman)
  
  
• Do you have a question for Auchincloss? We’re inviting him back to participate in a virtual Business Community Town Hall on April 16 at 2 p.m. A registration link will be available soon.
  
  
• In her first interview since her extended stay at the International Space Station, astronaut and Needham native Suni Williams said yesterday she’s “feeling good” and readjusting to Earth’s gravity after nine months in space. On Sunday, she ran three miles and, for that, “will give myself a pat on the back.” (MassLive and video)
  
  
• Charles River Watershed Association has elected Paul Levy, president of the nonprofit’s board of directors. Levy currently serves on the Newton School Committee but is not seeking reelection this fall.
  
  
• One month after filing a lawsuit against the state over forced compliance with the MBTA Communities Act, the town of Middleboro has reached an agreement and withdrew its lawsuit. (Taunton Daily Gazette)
  
  
• The Town of Needham and consulting firm Apex hold two virtual information sessions on the Envision Needham Center Project on April 3, 6 p.m. and April 5, noon to present traffic study updates, community feedback, and next steps in the design process.
  
  
• Watertown is celebrating the 100th anniversary of artist Arshile Gorky's time in the city with a series of events, including exhibits at the Mosesian Center, a commemorative mural installation and Armenian Museum of America

SBA raises fees, cut staff, takes on student loans  

The Small Business Administration just raised fees on some of its most popular loans, reports Andy Medici for the Business Journals.

The new fees could result in thousands of dollars in extra costs for small-business owners, depending on the size and maturity, he adds.

The announcement comes as the federal agency says it will slash employee count by 43%, even as the administration plans to put the SBA in charge of handling student loans as part of an effort to wind down the Department of Education.  

We really need these April showers

Finally, despite our recent wet weather, most of New England, including our chamber communities, is still experiencing drought conditions.

How bad is it? Here’s a site I like to check: It’s the US Geological Survey’s stream-flow gauge measuring Charles River levels in Dover.

Note how much lower our favorite river is from April of last year.

And that’s what you need to know for today — it’s April Fools Day, so watch out — unless you need to know, why paper bags aren’t necessarily a greener choice than plastic. And many totes aren’t so great either.

Be back Friday,

Greg Reibman (he, him)

President & CEO

Charles River Regional Chamber

617.244.1688

P.S. One last thing. At our event yesterday, we announced that Yvonne Hao, the state’s Economic Development Secretary, will be our featured speaker at our annual Spring Business Breakfast, May 14 at the Needham Sheraton. Here’s Hao’s boss telling you why you should save the date (tickets on sale soon):