Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Stoneham, MA (MAY 2024) – StonehamBank CEO/President Edward F. Doherty, Jr. recently announced the selection of Sally Gould Dance Center (SGDC) of Billerica as Small Business Spotlight winner for 2024.
The Bank called for nominations from communities in its Community Reinvestment Act area in April and received over two hundred responses nominating over thirty local businesses from a variety of local communities.
“We are always on the lookout for ways in which we can recognize and support our local businesses to ensure they grow and thrive during difficult economic times,” says CEO/President Edward F. Doherty, Jr. “We heard from so many individuals with very compelling reasons why they were nominating their candidate, and it was difficult to make a decision. We wanted to recognize and reward each and every nominee. Thank you to everyone who took the time to make a nomination and to the businesses in our communities making a difference in our lives every day!”
Sally Gould founded her business in 1975 out of her home basement and grew into a successful two-classroom studio location in Billerica, voted multiple times as one of the top fifty dance studios in the USA. Students range in age from eighteen months to adult.
Today, her daughter, Debbi, is the school’s Director, managing all aspects of this growing business. Debbi’s resume includes multiple teaching certifications, top awards for choreography and dancing, and numerous performance credits across the country. She created her own dancewear collection – “D Style” and yearly hosts a D-Style Workshop, bringing choreographers from around the country to inspire dancers and teachers in the New England area.
"I am overwhelmed with joy that we were chosen for this grant, especially as we navigate the challenges of keeping our doors open post-pandemic,” said Debbi recently. “As we approach our 50th season, as a small woman-owned business, I am honored to stand among such an inspirational tribe of teachers. Most of my instructors started dancing…as young children and have blossomed into remarkable role models, enriching lives at SGDC.
“I know the power of dance transforms lives and my studio serves as a second home for many of our dancers and their families,” she continued. “It’s a privilege to provide a safe, nurturing environment as students rebuild their confidence, health and spirits. My incredible faculty and I are proud to mentor these students with love, infusing their lives with positivity through this beautiful art form.”
Debbi and the studio were honored and received the award at a recent Small Business Celebration Networking event held at the StonehamBank Montvale Branch in partnership with Chambers of Commerce from Stoneham, Arlington, Woburn, Melrose, Burlington, Winchester and Wilmington.
ABOUT STONEhamBank
StonehamBank is a full-service community bank offering state of the art products and services to residents and businesses throughout eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. In addition to providing progressive products and convenience services, StonehamBank believes in making a difference in the community through its Community Involvement Program and Charitable Foundation. Member FDIC. Member DIF. Equal Housing Lender. For more information on StonehamBank, please visit www.stonehambank.com or call directly at 888-402-2265.
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