Good Morning Metro South!
January 24 - Holiday Inn

Stock Market Forecast Featured

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce will present the first Good Morning Metro South of the new year on Wednesday, January 24, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn - Metro South located in Brockton. The program will include interviews with Lisa Sandler and Frank Llamas from Southeast Tech Prep Consortium and Eileen Murphy from Metro South School to Career Partnership. In addition, Joseph Tascone, Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer for Rockland Trust Company, will present a stock market forecast for the year 2001. Mr. Tascone has been with Rockland Trust since 1999. Prior to working for the bank, he was Senior Vice President at Chemung Canal Trust Co. and from 1984 to 1987, he was Vice President at Key Trust Co. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from St. Bonaventure University and served in the United States Navy for six years.

The January sponsor is Southeast Tech Prep, a consortium of public schools, high schools and colleges in southeastern Massachusetts, including the towns of Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Holbrook, Randolph, Stoughton and Whitman.

As always, GMMS promises to be fast-paced, informational and entertaining as well as a great networking opportunity. Guests are encouraged to stay for informal networking immediately following the program. Pre-registration is required. To register, fax the back cover of the Action Report to 508-587-1340 or call 508-586-0500 ext. 221. The cost is $15/members and $22/non-members.

Show Your Pride in the Chamber

Web Stickers Now Available

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce has recently unveiled Chamber Web Stickers. To link your company's web site to the Chamber, simply go to www.metrosouthchamber.com/logolinks.html, choose a logo style which complements your web site, highlight the html code, copy it and then paste it wherever you want to place it on your web site. We are proud to have your organization as a Chamber member. Show your support by adding a Web Sticker to your web site today!

Massachusetts Electric Opens New Headquarters With Chamber After Hours

On Thursday, February 8, 2001, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Massachusetts Electric Company will host a Business After Hours at its new facility in Brockton. During the event, Massachusetts Electric Company will officially open its new $1.7 million South Shore Operating Area Headquarters located on the corner of Mulberry and East Ashland Streets. The facility, along with offices in Hanover, Nantucket, and Weymouth, will serve more than 200,000 electric customers in 22 Massachusetts communities.

Flanked by business and community leaders, Massachusetts Electric Company President and CEO Lawrence J. Reilly notes, "This new headquarters reflects Massachusetts Electric Company's commitment to providing the same reliable, high-quality, low-cost service that customers received from Eastern Edison before our companies merged in April." He added, "We also intend to continue the tradition of partnering with the local communities to help them thrive economically."

The single-story, 12,500 square-foot building, will house 54 employees who serve in Massachusetts Electric's local management, business services, engineering, and operations functions. An additional 98 employees already work at Massachusetts Electric's existing Mulberry Street facility, which is adjacent to the site of the new building. Massachusetts Electric currently employs 37 Brockton residents, some of whom will be assigned to the new facility. Reilly commented, "One of the key goals of the merger with Eastern Edison was to further reduce costs for the area's electric customers while increasing economies of scale to help improve existing high levels of service. This facility demonstrates that we can achieve both by investing in the newly merged company and the community."

The new Brockton facility will serve as the company's headquarters for its South Shore Operating Area, which includes the following communities: Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Cohasset, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Holbrook, Nantucket, Norwell, Pembroke, Quincy, Randolph, Rockland, Scituate, Stoughton, West Bridgewater, Weymouth, and Whitman.

Admission is free. Pre-registration is required. To register for this event, please call the Metro South Chamber at 508-586-0500 ext. 221.

Ambassador of the Quarter Program Announced

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce is proud to introduce its Ambassador of the Quarter Program for 2001. The program highlights and rewards Ambassadors who go above and beyond in their duties as a member of the Ambassador Team. Each quarter, an outstanding Ambassador will be featured in the Action Report newsletter. Ambassador Team members act as representatives of the Chamber at functions and invite prospective members to join the organization. They also help ensure that the Chamber is responsive to the needs of its members through personal contact and networking.

The Ambassador Team meets on a monthly basis to serve fellow members by providing information, resources, and member-to-member support, increasing awareness and promoting active participation in Chamber programs and services. Presently, there are over twenty business professionals on the Ambassador Team Committee. To participate on this committee, please contact Andrew Voght, Membership Services Coordinator, at 508-586-0500 ext. 229 or e-mail at info@metrosouthchamber.com

Year 2001 Book for Business Release in January

The Chamber of Commerce will soon be distributing the Year 2001 Metro South Book for Business. The book features area dining, lodging, public golf courses, recreation, legislative leaders, community demographics, regional economic data and a complete membership listing. The book also includes a full-color map of the Metro South region, highlighting hotels, golf courses, industrial parks, town halls and other points of interest. The 2001 book will feature a color array of items manufactured in the region called Made in Metro South.

This years Book for Business features 100 pages of information useful to residents, visitors and businesses in the Metro South region. It places the entire Chamber membership at your fingertips, said Christopher Cooney, President & CEO of the Chamber.

Copies of the Book for Business will be distributed throughout the region to banks, real estate offices, town offices, all Chamber members, area colleges, and sent to all relocating businesses and families interested in the Metro South area.

Lisa Hanks Design is designing this full-color publication and Hanson Printing Company is printing the book. A special thanks to Bridgewater State College students Amanda Clay, Greg Rich and Mark Twomey for their sales efforts this past fall. For more information on the Book for Business, please call Jennifer Poole at 508-586-0500 ext. 222.

Mayor Yunits at February GMMS

Mayor John T. Yunits, Jr. will be a guest speaker at the Chamber's February Good Morning Metro South. The Mayor will discuss the economic future of the City of Brockton and Metro South region. In addition, the Mayor will discuss the Citys recent accomplishments, including funding for the multi-purpose conference/sports center.

The February Good Morning Metro South will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2001, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn - Metro South. The sponsor is Old Colony Hospice. For more information or to sign up for the February program, call the Chamber office at 508-586-0500 ext. 221.

Welcome New Investors

Eight new investors have recently joined the Chamber's winning team. They are joining you, the business professional who have invested in your company and the Metro South economy through Chamber membership.

AFLAC
72 Randall Street
North Easton, MA 02356
Phone: 508-238-7472
Fax: 508-230-5820
Gary Fradin
Insurance

Avalon Management, LLC
12 Thorny Lea Road
Sharon, MA 02067
Phone: 781-784-3554
Fax: 781-784-8433
Benjamin Brandes
Investments

Giannaros, Inc.
430 Main Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: 508-586-8191
Nick Giannaros
Liquor

Harte-Hanks
393 Manley Street
West Bridgewater, MA 02379
Phone: 508-894-1570
Fax: 508-894-5133
Suzanne Tilden
Marketing/Public Relations

Home & Commercial Security
44 Blanding Road
Rehobeth, MA 02769
Phone: 800-337-9469
Fax: 508-336-9049
Joseph Tranfaglia
Alarms

Jon L. Jenmarc, Inc.
555 Pleasant Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-586-3574
Fax: 508-587-0252
Lisa Garcea
Consultants

Pires Auto School
838 Main Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-587-6514
Fax: 508-587-1013
Antonio Pires
Schools/Colleges

Law Offices of Edward R. White P.C.
One Center Plaza, Suite 220
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-227-2915
Fax: 617-227-6886
Edward R. White
Attorneys

Our Chamber continues to grow stronger through referrals from our members. Please refer a member today. Call Andrew Voght at 508-586-0500 ext. 229.

Thank You to Renewing Members

Academy Inn Hotel
American Red Cross SE Mass Chapter
John Anderson/Papagno Real Estate
AQM Information Solutions
Wm C. Bearce Insurance Agency, Inc.
Brewer & Lord, LLP
Bridgewater Trophy
Brockton Credit Union
Brockton Day Nursery
Brockton Hospital
Brueggeman Real Estate
The Cadillac Oldsmobile Nissan Dodge Center
Central Stores Inc TV & Appliances
Chadwicks of Boston
Christos, Inc.
Chucks Canteen
Cirelli Foods, Inc.
Citizens Bank of Massachusetts
Clearpoint Communications, Inc.
Melvyn D. Cohen, Attorney at Law
Curtin-Sullivan & Sullivan, P.C.
Cushman Insurance
Gerald S. Derochea, CPA
Easton Spring Corporation
The Enterprise
Roger Ferguson, Horticulturist
The Fitzgerald Group, Inc.
Fleet Bank
Frenette & Dukess
Garvey Transport, Inc.
Good Samaritan Occupational Health Services
Hallett Cleaning Service
Hartman House Antiques
Honey Dew Donuts/Nagae, Inc.
HWO Investment Advisory
Jeans Barber Shop
Roger Keith & Sons
Douglas A. King Builders, Inc.
Knowland Machine
Le Baron Foundry, Inc.
John F. Mack Distributors
Massasoit Community College
Merrills Shoe Center
Metro South School to Career Partnership
Ellen Moore Design
Nelson Copy Supply Company, Inc.
Oak Street Launderall/Aros, Inc.
Old Colony United Way, Inc.
Old Colony YMCA
PennyWise Graphics
Pines Day Care Center, Inc.
Protection One
QLogic Corp
Romm & Company, Inc.
Sampson & Hall Funerals
Security Federal Savings Bank
Signs Plus
Stonehill College
Stoughton Motel
Target Masonry, Inc.
Town of East Bridgewater
Warrens Heating & Air Conditioning Services
West Bridgewater Baptist Church
Westgate Mall Properties, LLC
Wolfe Pack Sports Supply
Work Force Investment Board

Metro South Training Initiative

• Learn how to receive up to $250,000 in training funds
• Develop a customized training plan for your company
• Find customized solutions for your workforce challenges

The Metro South Training Initiative (MSTI) is a joint project of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce and the University of Massachusetts - Donahue Institute to assist local employers with developing customized training programs. This assistance will enable employers to apply for up to $250,000 in training grants from the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund. If you are an employer interested in receiving assistance with developing your training plan or with applying for state training funds, you can register for one of the following convenient two-day technical assistance workshops. These workshops will assist you in developing a comprehensive and sound training plan with clear, measurable objectives and outcomes that position you for training support from the Workforce Training Fund.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WORKSHOPS
(All workshops are two-part and attendance is required for both sessions)

Workshop 1 - SOLD OUT
Initial Session: Thursday, January 11, 2001 (9:00 am to 12:00 pm)
Follow-up Session: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 (9:00 to 11:00 am)

Workshop 2 - SOLD OUT
Initial Session: Wednesday, February 7, 2001 (11:00 am to 2:00 pm)
Follow-up Session: Wednesday, February 21, 2001 (11:00 am to 1:00 pm)

Workshop 3 - 4 SPACES AVAILABLE
Initial Session: Tuesday, February 27, 2001 (9:00 am to 12:00 pm)
Follow-up Session: Tuesday, March 13, 2001 (9:00 to 11:00 am)

Please Note: Participation in each workshop is limited to the first six companies that register. The cost is $30/members and $50/non-members. Registration includes refreshments and materials. All workshops take place at the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Sixty School Street, Brockton. Please contact Roy Nascimento at 508-586-0500 ext. 225 for more information.

To register, please call the Chamber Office at 508-586-0500 ext. 221.

Venture Forum Premieres February 1st at Stonehill College

The first monthly Southeastern Massachusetts Venture Forum will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2001, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., at the Martin Institute, Stonehill College's regional center for education, research, and public service. Unique to Southeastern Massachusetts, the Forum's purpose is to highlight regional entrepreneurs and growth company issues. As a result, the Forum is expected to increase the visibility of new venture opportunities for investors and other stakeholders, while strengthening and building an emerging entrepreneurial network in this region.

The Forum is being launched by the Southeastern Massachusetts Manufacturing Partnership, an industry-led, private non-profit corporation, in collaboration with NTB Associates, a Bridgewater marketing consulting firm. In addition to the Metro South Chamber of Commerce and Stonehill College, charter sponsors include Massachusetts Technology Development Corporation, Bristol County Savings Bank, Karam Financial Group, Massachusetts Electric Company and NSTAR. Norm Brust, principal of NTB Associates is serving as Executive Director of the Forum. Among his other experiences, Mr. Brust is a past Chair of the WPI Venture Forum in Worcester.

The February 1st Forum will feature George Sanborn, Chairman and CEO of MIDAS Vision Systems, as keynote speaker. George will speak about entrepreneurial marketing including his experience as a founder of MIDAS, a venture capital-backed company in Wrentham, Massachusetts that provides proprietary vision-based inspection systems for manufacturers of high performance low-temperature co-fired ceramic components in the U.S. and abroad. Such electronic components are the backbone for a wide variety of products from cellular telephones and laptop computers to PDAs. MIDAS systems are deemed "mission critical" to manufacturing the new class of "BT" components currently being introduced globally.

MIDAS predecessor company began as a client of Crossroads Business Center, a private for-profit venture development center (commonly referred to as "incubators") operated by Mr. Sanborn. Under Mr. Sanborn's guidance and with the assistance of Crossroads, MIDAS has grown from 2 employees and a single patent in 1996 to a $25 million company with offices worldwide and over 65 employees. Its client base is composed of Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. and the equivalent in Europe and the Pacific Rim.

February's case study will focus on Heliotronics. Founded in April, 1998 as an engineering consulting firm, Heliotronics has evolved into a solar energy product and service company in response to market needs in the renewable energy industry. Heliotronics, Inc. specializes in innovative products that accelerate the adoption of grid connected photovoltaics. Clayton Handleman will present the firm's business plan and get input from a team of panelists and the audience.

During 2001, eight monthly Forum programs will be held. Each monthly program will have two elements: a presentation on a topic of interest to entrepreneurs, followed by a case study of an emerging company. The case study will include a review by a panel of three experts who will have the opportunity to review the formal business plan prior to the entrepreneur's presentation of the plan to the audience. Following the panel discussion the audience will have the opportunity to discuss issues related to the presentation.

Scheduled dates for 2001 are February 1, March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, October 4, November 1 and December 6. There is a $10.00 registration fee. For more information or to get on the Forum mailing list, contact the Partnership at (508) 824-3600.

Conference/Sports Center Funds Approved for Metro South

Minor Baseball League Featured

Brockton and the Metro South region are one step closer to a regional conference/sports center. Mayor John T. Yunits Jr., along with the Mayors economic advisors and many state legislators, worked cooperatively with Governor A. Paul Cellucci to win funding for the project. The Governor recently announced preliminary approval of up to $6 million toward construction of the center. In addition, philanthropist Alfred Campanelli has committed $2 million dollars to build the facility which will adorn the Campanelli name. To get the ball rolling, Michael Hogan, Executive Director of MassDevelopment recently made available $75 thousand dollars in pre-development funds.

"The Mayor is to be congratulated for his leadership on this initiative. We are pleased to have been a part of this winning proposal. The entire region will benefit from a facility of this stature," said Lou Russo, Chair of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. "Early on, the Mayor requested the Chamber become active in its support for the center. In response, the Chamber has hosted meetings, met with prospective owners, provided regional demographic data, written follow up letters, passed a unanimous resolution and lobbied the Governor in this effort to establish this much needed facility," said Christopher Cooney, President and CEO of the Chamber.

The center will contain a sports museum, conference facilities to accommodate up to one thousand people, and a five thousand seat baseball stadium. A conference center and stadium of this nature fills a clearly established need and positions Brockton as a destination city for regional conferences and amateur sports events. "The Governor and his staff recognize the need for a facility of this type in Metro South and have acted decisively to make it a reality. The city and entire region will benefit through this venue that will provide community and economic development," said Ray Ledoux, Chair of Economic Development for the Chamber.

Mayor Yunits anticipates the first pitch will be thrown in summer of 2002.

MassDevelopment Expands Offices at Chamber

In September of 2000, Mary Waldron, former chief of staff to Mayor John T. Yunits Jr., accepted the position of Regional Manager with MassDevelopment. Shortly after her appointment, she established regional offices at the Metro South Chamber of Commerce to serve Southeastern Massachusetts. MassDevelopment provides funding for market analysis and architectural and engineering studies for proposed development projects. Since 1998, over fifty seven million dollars has been invested on eleven projects in Brockton.

On January 1, 2001 MassDevelopment expanded their presence in the region by leasing space for an additional three staff at the Chamber building on School Street in downtown Brockton. Joining Mary, is Larry Cameron who was hired as Business Development Manager and two additional staff who will be introduced in the February issue of the Chamber's Action Report. "We welcome the expanded support and assistance MassDevelopment provides through their commitment of additional staff to the Metro South Region. It is clear, they too, see the great development potential Brockton and the Metro South region represents. MassDevelopment is a great organization that has already had a tremendous impact on many important projects in our area, including the Multi- purpose Conference and Sports Center," said Christopher Cooney, President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce.

January Calendar

10	Ambassador Team Meeting	8:00 am
11	Metro South Training Initiative Workshop 1 - Initial Session	9:00 am to noon
12	Government Affairs	7:45 am
15	Martin Luther King Jr. Day	Chamber office closed
23	Metro South Training Initiative Workshop 1 - Follow-up Session	9:00 to 11:00 am
24	Good Morning Metro South Informal Networking Sponsor: Southeast Tech Prep Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South	7:30 to 9:30 am
25	Metro South Leads Group	8 to 9:30 am
25	Human Resource Management Council Holiday Inn - Metro South	8 to 10 am

February Calendar

1	Venture Forum Martin Institute, Stonehill College	6:30 to 9:00 pm
7	Ambassador Team Meeting	8:00 am
7	Metro South Training Initiative Workshop 2 - Initial Session	11:00 am to 2:00 pm
8	Business After Hours Massachusetts Electric Company	5:00 to 7:00 pm
9	Government Affairs Meeting	7:45 am
13	Executive Board Meeting	4:00 pm
15	Good Morning Metro South Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South	7:30 to 9:30 am
21	Metro South Training Initiative Workshop 2 - Follow-up Session	11:00 am to 1:00 pm
28	Board of Directors Meeting	12:00 noon

Note: All meetings are held at the Metro South Chamber office or Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC) unless otherwise indicated

Good News

Chamber members are invited to send information for the Good News column to the Chamber office.

Family practice physician Kay A. Thompson, M..D., has joined the Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Practice Corporation affiliated with Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center. Ms. Thompson has practiced medicine locally and in her native Canada, where she received her bachelors degree in biochemistry from Queens University in Ontario and her medical degree from the University of Toronto. She began her residency in family medicine at Queens University and completed it at Beverly Hospital in the Tufts University School of Medicine program. She is presently seeing patients at 907 Sumner Street, Suite 302 in Stoughton. She can be reached at 781-297-8070.

Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center has announced that B. Kumar V. Patel, M.D., has joined the Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Practice Corporation. Mr. Patel received his medical degree from B.J. Medical College, Gujarat University in India, where he was a National Merit scholar. He completed postgraduate training at Carney Hospital in Dorchester. A Stoughton resident, Mr. Patel has practiced locally since 1994. Mr. Patel, a board-certified specialist in internal medicine, is now seeing patients at 907 Sumner Street, Suite 208, Stoughton. He can be reached at 781-297-8066.

Meserve Cruise and Vacation Outlet recently opened a new mega vacation store at 387 West Center Street (Route 106) in West Bridgewater. The store is located 1/2 mile from Route 24 at exit 16A next to Dunkin Donuts. Meserve Travel has consolidated its two stores in Taunton and East Bridgewater into one super store in West Bridgewater. The new telephone number is 508-588-5100.

In response to the growing problem of bad checks and concern for the local economy, District Attorney Michael J. Sullivan has expanded the existing Bad Check Restitution Program to provide a greater scope of services to all victims of bad checks. The new program, available at no cost to businesses or taxpayers, will assist merchants in the recovery of their losses from worthless checks. Statutory fees paid by the bad check offenders fund the operating costs of the program making it virtually self-supporting. To successfully complete the program and avoid criminal prosecution, offenders must pay full restitution to the victim and attend an 8-hour intervention class. The curriculum is designed to help offenders recognize the root of their problem, take responsibility for their actions and, ultimately, stop writing bad checks. To learn more about the Bad Check Restitution Program, please contact Kimberly Sullivan, Community Relations Representative, at 508-746-0527.

Cynthia Mulligan, of Hanover, has been elected Senior Vice President of Consumer Banking by the board of directors of Abington Savings Bank. Her responsibilities include overseeing the Banks twelve branch offices and customer call center, as well as consumer lending and investment services activities.

In addition, Nadine Pfautz, SPHR, has joined Abington Savings Bank as Director of Human Resources. Ms. Pfautz is responsible for directing human resource activities such as employment, compensation, benefits, training and employee services. She is also responsible for human resources policy development.

Old Colony Hospice is pleased to welcome Kristy Marston, M.Div., as its new Bereavement Coordinator. Soon to become an ordained minister, Ms. Marston looks forward to coordinating support groups at Old Colony Hospice for recently bereaved family members throughout the year, as well as expanding Anchor & Hope, the organizations bereavement program for children. In the immediate future, she is coordinating the Circle of Remembrance, a memorial service for all our families and friends. For further information about Old Colony Hospices bereavement program, contact Ms. Marston at 781-341-4145 ext. 210.

Employees of Bridgewater Savings Bank answered the holiday gift wishes of twelve young women living at the Lindencroft residence while others shopped for general household items needed by the program. Along with the holiday gifts, Lively presented Loura with a new TV/VCR for the Lindencroft residents. The Lindencroft program provides a comprehensive network of services for at-risk adolescent girls. Services include community living, behavioral needs treatment, therapeutic recreation and individual counseling. The facility provides a warm, secure, structured environment for residents as they strive to rebuild their lives.

Ms. Cindy L. Meyer, CPA, has been named associate vice president for finance and business operations at Bridgewater State College. Ms. Meyer will be overseeing the finance and business operations of the college including all the accounting, budgeting and financial reporting as well as purchases and leases. She comes to Bridgewater State from Summit Consulting, Inc., where she was the controller and director of Treasury Operations.

Brockton Hospital is pleased to announce that its Medical Laboratory recently passed a rigorous on-site inspection conducted by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP). CAPs rigorous laboratory standards are designed to help ensure quality patient care and the Brockton Hospital Medical Laboratory is one of a select group of laboratories that has been evaluated and found to be in compliance with CAP accreditation standards. The CAP program is the most respected laboratory accreditation program in the world and has long been considered the gold standard against which others are measured.

On January 7, 2001, the United States Postal Service (USPS) increased its overall average postage rate by 4.6 percent. Specifically, the first-class mail rate is now up 1 cent, from 33 to 34 cents; the first-class mail rate for each additional ounce will decrease from 22 to 21 cents; and the first-class mail single-piece card rate will remain at 20 cents. All other classes of mail have increased for the year 2001. For complete rate information, please call your local postmaster or business mail entry office. New rate information and access to new printable postage statements may be downloaded from the USPSs web site at www.usps.com.

The United States Postal Service will offer free workshops and seminars for its business customers from January to March. The Presorted Standard Mail Seminar will familiarize mailers with procedures for obtaining bulk permits, presorting options and will include labeling, postage statement preparation and documentation requirements. The Mailpiece Design for Letter-Size Mail Workshop will familiarize attendees with the physical requirements for mailpieces, placement of graphics and ad copy, paper and card stock requirements, and background and ink requirements for Business and Courtesy Reply mail. The Non-Profit Mail Workshop addresses which organizations are eligible and how and where to apply for authorization. Mailers will learn about cooperative and qualified mailings and content-based restrictions. The Periodicals Workshop will cover essential information on eligibility, circulation standards, advertising and presort preparation requirements. Pre-registration is required. For dates, times and locations, please call 1-800-755-2398 or visit www.usps.com/provdist.

~ Member Profile ~
GROW Associates, Inc.

Company Name: GROW Associates, Inc.

Address: 154 Bodwell Street, Avon, MA 02322

Telephone: 508-580-4093

Year Established: 1973

Number of Employees: 20

Products or Services: We provide employment services to the business community. We offer individual employment, job placement services, job training, job matching, vocational training, permanent job placements, seasonal and part-time placements, creative staffing solutions and long-term commitments. Our Division of Employment Services has helped to place developmentally disabled adults in the workforce for the first time.

What is your market area? Our market area is primarily the South Shore and Metro South regions.

What markets do you serve? We serve the retail, service and manufacturing industries.

What is unique or special about your firm and the products and services you offer? We assist the business community in meeting their labor needs, while at the same time giving a chance to many people who have previously been excluded from the labor market. For many years job developers would knock on employers doors and ask for jobs. Employers would then attempt to tailor the individual to that job. This method gave little credence to proper job matching and usually ended up with a frustrated employee who did not last on the job. At GROW Associates, we have found that person-centered planning is the most successful means of ensuring quality placements. Person-centered planning is matching an individual to a job that they would enjoy doing then finding placement for them.

Please list awards, honors or special recognition: We have received Certification from the Department of Retardation.

What is your main business objective concerning your customers and the business community? Our goal is to place qualified applicants in a job they enjoy doing that is mutually beneficial to both the individual and the company.

A Member Profile will be featured in each issue of the Action Report. Members will be selected randomly from those in attendance at the monthly Good Morning Metro South breakfast. Attending a Good Morning Metro South is great exposure for your business.

Government Affairs

The next Government Affairs Committee meeting will be held on Friday, January 12, 2001, at 7:45 a.m., at the Chambers headquarters located on Sixty School Street in downtown Brockton. Kenneth Goff, Executive Director of the South Shore Tri-Town Development Corporation, will be the guest speaker. Mr. Goff will update the committee on the Corporations plans for redeveloping the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station.

The monthly Government Affairs meetings provide an opportunity for member businesses to discuss issues important to them with their elected officials. Join other Chamber members for this opportunity to interact with legislators and hear first hand what is in store for the business community on Beacon Hill.

If you would like to attend or if you would like further information on the Chambers Government Affairs Committee, please call Roy Nascimento, Vice President - Public Affairs, at 508-586-0500 ext. 225.

Leads Group Established at Metro South Chamber

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce will host a monthly Leads Group beginning on Thursday, January 25, 2001. The group will meet on the last Thursday of every month, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m., at the Chamber office located on Sixty School Street in downtown Brockton.

The Metro South Leads Group is an effective way to network with highly motivated business professionals who want their business to grow. All Chamber members are invited and encouraged to participate in this group. Also, all participants are required to provide at least three leads a meeting.

For further information on this exciting opportunity, please call Andrew Voght, Membership Services Coordinator, at 508-586-0500 ext. 229 or email at info@metrosouthchamber.com.

CBWL Offers Entrepreneurial Training Course at Chamber

The Corporation for Business, Work, and Learning (CBWL) also offers entrepreneurial training for people looking to start their own business. The FREE ten-week program consists of practical training for eligible candidates. To qualify, you must be either laid off or a dislocated worker receiving unemployment benefits. Candidates must also have a viable business idea. The next session begins on Tuesday, January 9, 2001. An evening Portuguese class will be starting on Monday, February 5, 2001. For more information, call the CBWL office at 508-559-6814.

CBWL to Give Existing Businesses a Tune-Up

Are you an existing business that is considering expanding your market or adding employees?

Do you need a plan to finance a new or growing business?

If you answered yes to these questions, then you need this course!

The Corporation for Business, Work, and Learning (CBWL) will run an 8-week evening program beginning Thursday, January 18, 2001 for existing businesses looking to grow. The course will be held at the Abington Savings Bank on Route 18 in Abington, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The investment is $250 (scholarships are available) for the 8-week course. For over ten years, this program has been highly successful with over 2,000 graduates. To register for this program or for more information, call the Corporation for Business, Work, and Learning at 508-559-6814.