Education Breakfast
January 23 at Holiday Inn

The Chamber will hold the first Good Morning Metro South of the new year on Wednesday, January 23, 2002, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., at the Holiday Inn/Metro South, 195 Westgate Dr., Brockton.

Dr. David P. Driscoll, Massachusetts Commissioner of Education, will be the featured speaker. Dr. Driscoll is the twenty-second Commissioner of Education for the Commonwealth. The Board of Education appointed him on March 10, 1999.

Additionally, Brian Donnelly, UMASS Donahue Institute; Liz Lane, Junior Achievement; and Leo MacNeil, Brockton Credit Union, will discuss various education programs available to students throughout the Metro South region.

The January sponsor is Eastern Bank. Eastern Bank is the fourth-largest commercial bank in Greater Boston, with $4 billion in assets. Eastern's services include consumer banking, corporate lending, cash management, equipment leasing, mortgage banking, consumer lending, and trust and investment management.

To register, fax the back cover of the Action Report to 508-587-1340 or call the Chamber office at 508-586-0500 ext. 221. The cost is $15 for members and $22 for non-members.

Thank You Renewing Members

AGM Industries
Acushnet Company
American Express Tax & Business Services, Inc.
Ames Realty Trust
John Anderson/Coldwell Banker-Hunneman R.E.
Auto Trim Design of Charles River
Brockton Community Access
Brockton Visiting Nurse Association
Brueggeman Real Estate
Busy Bee Pre-School/Daycare
William M. Callahan, Realtors
Camp Keshamu
Caritas Good Samaritan Occupational Health Services
Central Stores Inc. TV & Appliances
Chadwick's of Boston
Chuck's Canteen
Cirelli Foods
Citizens Bank of Massachusetts
Clearpoint Communications, Inc.
Paula Coffey Dance Center
Collins Crane & Rigging Service, Inc.
The Community Bank
Copeland Toyota
Gerald S. Derochea, CPA
The Enterprise
The Fitzgerald Group
Roger Ferguson, Horticulturist
Frenette & Dukess
Garvey Transport, Inc.
Giannaros, Inc.
Holiday Inn-Metro South
Hayward Boynton & Williams, Inc.
Home Health Resources, Inc.
Hennesey's Package Store
HWO Investment Advisory
Jim's Auto & Truck Repair, Inc.
Roger Keith & Sons
Douglas A. King Builders, Inc.
LeBaron Foundry, Inc.
LEO Bros. Carpet, Inc.
Landerholm Electric Company, Inc.
Marson Corporation
Massachusetts Electric Company
Massasoit Community College
Wayne Matthews, Attorney
Metromedia Energy, Inc.
Ellen Moore Design
Nelson Copy Supply Company, Inc.
Daniel J. O'Connor, Attorney at Law
Old Colony United Way
Old Colony YMCA
One Step Ahead
Parent, McLaughlin & Nangle
PennyWise Graphics
Pierce Refrigeration
The Pointe Group-Health Care & Senior Living
PopTops Co., Inc.
Premier Properties-GMAC
RAM Environmental
Serve New England
Phillip C.Shute, Inc.
Smith, Buckley & Hunt Insurance Agency
Sullivan & Cogliano Training Centers, Inc.
Triple C Equipment Corporation
United Liquors,Ltd.
Walker-Clay, Inc.
West Bridgewater Baptist Church

Good News

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

Life Care Center of West Bridgewater has named Patricia Sherman, RN, BSN, as the Northeast Division Director of Nursing of the Year for Life Care Centers of America. Ms. Sherman was honored during the recent annual Directors of Nursing conference at the Life Care corporate office in Cleveland, Tenn. She was recognized for outstanding qualities in customer service, census development, successful surveys, staff leadership, agency-free staffing and dedication to the mission and values of Life Care. Ms. Sherman has been with the West Bridgewater facility since March 1997. The Resident's Council at Life Care showed their appreciation to Ms. Sherman with a declaration that read, "In appreciation of her continued hard work in making our home a warm, friendly and happy environment."

Abington Savings Bank has recently promoted Mario Sindone to the position of vice president of credit administration. Based in the bank's corporate offices in Abington, Mr. Sindone is responsible for the Commercial Credit Department. He joined Abington Savings Bank in 1998 as Senior Credit Analyst, was promoted to Credit Officer in 1999 and assistant vice president of credit administration in 2000. Prior to joining Abington Savings Bank, Mr. Sindone was controlled loan officer/credit administrator at Rockland Trust Company. Mr. Sindone presently attends the Massachusetts Bankers Association School of Financial Studies at Babson College. He is also active in the Risk Management Association (RMA).

Brockton Hospital has recently appointed Kevin Woodbury as chief information officer (CIO.) In his new position, he will oversee information systems, the medical library, and telecommunications. Mr. Woodbury comes to Brockton Hospital with extensive experience in information systems management. Most recently, Mr. Woodbury served as an independent consultant to a number of healthcare organizations including Milton Hospital and Rehabilitation Hospital for the Cape and Islands.

In addition, Brockton Hospital has appointed Michael Petronelli as director of health information management. Prior to joining the hospital staff, Mr. Petronelli served as director of medical records services at the University of Connecticut Health Center.

The North East Karate Instructors Chinese Kenpo Organization (NEKICK) recently donated $1,500 to Old Colony Hospice. The event took place at East Bridgewater High School, where Janice Cunningham, senior professor, NEKICK, presented a check to Karen Simmons, nurse, Old Colony Hospice. Annually, the NEKICK organization donates $3,000 to local agencies. Last year, Old Colony Hospice was one of the lucky agencies to receive this donation.

Last October, The New England Sinai Hospital Foundation began operations with a clearly defined mission: to raise philanthropic funds to support New England Sinai Hospital in meeting the needs of its communities. The Internal Revenue Service and Secretary of the Commonwealth recognize the foundation as a public charity that can solicit and accept tax-deductible contributions. The foundation assumed the functions of the hospital's former development department.

Additionally, New England Sinai Hospital announces Edward Lindback, RN, as the November 2001 recipient of the "Woolfson Family Making a Difference Award." The $500 award was established in 1998 by Mrs. Judy Foran Woolfson of Chestnut Hill, MA, whose husband was a patient at Sinai. It is presented twice annually to recognize a nurse or nursing assistant who has made a difference in the life a patient or family.

Bridgewater Savings Bank announces the recent appointment of William L. Sebet as vice president of business development and community relations. Sebet will be responsible for building and enhancing the Bank's retail and commercial business at every level, including Bridgewater Savings’ trust, investment, and insurance activities. He will also represent the Bank in its involvement with the community at large. Sebet joined the Bank from MetLife Progression, where he was a planning executive. Prior to that, he was assistant vice president and business development officer at Hibernia Savings Bank, and has also served as general manager of WBET Radio in Brockton and as a sales executive with WJDA Radio in Quincy.

Commissioned Sales Positions Available

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce is seeking motivated sales representatives to promote and inform Metro South businesses about Chamber programs and benefits. Interested individuals should contact Christopher Cooney at chris@metrosouthchamber.com or send resume to:

Commissioned Sales Position
Metro South Chamber of Commerce
Sixty School Street
Brockton, MA 02301

Customers, Clients, Contacts

The Chamber provides many opportunities to expand your business contacts. For a complete list of all Chamber committees, please visit www.metrosouthchamber.com or call 508-586-0500 ext. 221.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
The Human Resource Management Council (HRMC) supports and provides continuing education and consulting to professionals in the ever-changing world of human resources. Regardless of the size of your business, human resource issues directly affect you, and the resources of the Council can be your link to vital information. To receive notice of upcoming HRMC meetings, call Lisa Keene at 508-586-0500 ext. 231.

AMBASSADOR TEAM/MEMBERSHIP
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. To become an Ambassador, call the Chamber at 508-586-0500.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Government affects your life every day. Legislative actions at municipal offices, on Beacon Hill, and in Washington D.C. affect your organization's continued ability to prosper. With widespread concern over the status of the national economy, now more than ever is the time to speak out and be heard on taxes, regulations, and other issues that affect your bottom line. The Government Affairs Committee meets every month to discuss issues of concern to Metro South businesses. To learn more, call Roy Nascimento at 508-586-0500 ext. 225.

More Tools and Resources for Your Business...

The West Bridgewater Public Library has been successful in winning a Small Businesses Improvement Mini-Grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. This grant is Federal money from the Library Services and Technology Act. The Mini-Grant is in the amount of $17,225.

The Library is seeking to offer the Metro South business community useful information in our new Business Information Zone (BIZ) in the form of circulating and reference books, periodicals, and newspapers; increased reference staff hours to offer personalized business and general database instruction; another personal computer dedicated to business internet and desktop publishing use; and a program of workshops focused on critical topics of interest to business people in the current economic climate.

It is our intention to present the information succinctly and get you home for the evening. The workshops will be led by experts in their fields. The February and March workshops are listed below. As we hear of your responses and your interests, the next workshops in the series will be developed.

Register Now. Space is limited.

Wednesday, February 13, 2002, 5:00 to 6:45 p.m.
"Strategies for Business Survival and Success"
Instructor: Bruce E. Marquis, President
Marquis Business Services

Wednesday, February 27, 2002, 5:00 to 6:45 p.m.
"How to Utilize Your Computer to Help Your Business"
Instructor: William J. Lee
Computer Services Consultant

Wednesday, March 13, 2002, 5:00 to 6:45 p.m.
"Low Cost Advertising to Drive Customers to You"
Instructor: Bruce E. Marquis, President
Marquis Business Services

Wednesday, March 27, 2002, 5:00 to 6:45 p.m.
"E-Commerce: Putting the Internet to Work for Your Business"
Instructor: William J. Lee
Computer Services Consultant

All workshops to be held at the West Bridgewater Public Library.

The Library hopes Metro South businesses may be interested in these Grant services and will attend some if not all of the workshops offered. We look forward to seeing you at the Library for an introduction to the databases available that surely can help you grow your business. We are interested in hearing what further business book titles and periodicals we may purchase to meet business needs.

For more information and directions, please contact Sherry Pinter, reference librarian, or Beth Smith, library director, at the West Bridgewater Public Library, 80 Howard St. Tel: 508-894-1255. E mail: bsmith@sailsinc.org.

Attention Entrepreneurs!

Beginning January 8, 2002, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce will host Neighborhood Business Builders’ four-session Feasibility Training class to Brockton residents aspiring to be entrepreneurs. This part-time training class includes instruction on developing a product, identifying a target market, and financial planning for business owners. Sales and marketing will be a primary focus. One-on-one assistance and access to business loans will also be available for qualified participants. The class will be held on Tuesday evenings (January 8, 15, 22, and 29), from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., at the Metro South Chamber located at Sixty School Street in Brockton. To register, call Jason Feldman at 866-JVS-WORK (587-9675) extension 107.

Beginning January 14, 2002, Commonwealth Corporation will present "Doing Business in an Uncertain Market", an eight-week business plan writing program for small business owners. The program is designed to support the needs of existing business owners interested in expanding their target markets; exploring new products or services; changing facilities; adding employees; or seeking a business loan. The program will cover topics such as business strategy; customer segmentation and needs analysis; financial statements and projections; public relations; and competition. The course will be held on Monday evenings, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the Abington Savings Bank Corporate Office in Abington. The program cost is $250. To register, call Commonwealth Corporation at 508-559-6814.

Government Affairs

Michael J. Widmer, president, Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, will be the guest speaker at the next Government Affairs Committee Meeting held on Friday, January 18, 2002, at 7:45 a.m. Mr. Widmer will discuss the economy, the fiscal health of the Commonwealth, and the 2002 legislative session.

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.

For further information on the Government Affairs Committee, call Roy Nascimento at 508-586-0500 ext. 225 or e-mail roy@metrosouthchamber.com.

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 City's recent accomplishments and current developments.

The February Good Morning Metro South will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2002, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn - Metro South.

For more information or to sign up for the February Good Morning Metro South program, call Lisa Keene at 508-586-0500 ext. 231.

January Calendar

8	Neighborhood Business Builders Session I	6:00 to 8:30 pm
9	Ambassador Team Meeting	8:00 am
15	Executive Committee	4:00 pm
15	Neighborhood Business Builders Session II	6:00 to 8:30 pm
18	Government Affairs Meeting	7:45 am
21	Martin Luther King Jr. Day	Chamber offices closed
22	Neighborhood Business Builders Session III	6:00 to 8:30 pm
23	Good Morning Metro South Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South Sponsor: Eastern Refrigeration	7:30 to 9:30 am
29	Neighborhood Business Builders Session IV	6:00 to 8:30 pm
30	Board of Directors	12:00 noon

February Calendar

6	Ambassador Team Meeting	8:00 am
8	Government Affairs Meeting	7:45 am
8	Human Resource Management Council Holiday Inn - Metro South	8:00 am
13	Good Morning Metro South Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South Sponsor: Heights Crossing	7:30 to 9:30 am
18	Presidents' Day	Chamber Office Closed

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

Chamber Rallies Legislature to Avoid Business UI Tax Increase

With unemployment rising and the balance in the state's jobless insurance fund falling, the Legislature on Monday agreed to a compromise that will spare businesses from a $240 million rate hike due to take effect Jan. 1. Under a conference committee report filed this morning and shipped to Acting Gov. Jane Swift by the House and Senate hours later, businesses will not get a $30 million rate cut that the full Senate had approved this fall. Senators had expressed hope that the rate cut would help businesses preserve jobs as the recession continues. But the bill does give business a big break.

"The Chamber liked the Senate's proposal to cut the rate by $30 million per year, but are encouraged with the action of the legislature to avoid the unnecessary increase. Our legislators should be commended for freezing the Unemployment Insurance rates. This action saves our businesses from a scheduled $240 million tax increase that would have taken effect January 1, 2002," said Christopher Cooney, president and CEO of the Metro South Chamber.

Jack King, state Department of Employment and Training commissioner, said the rate freeze, combined with rising unemployment, means the state's unemployment insurance trust fund balance will likely fall to about $1.25 billion by the end of 2002. It is due to finish this year with a $1.7 billion balance, after starting the year at $2 billion. The state uses the fund to pay unemployment benefits. King said businesses will benefit financially from today's decision.

The Chamber met with Associated Industries of Massachusetts, several business owners, and local state legislators in December at its Government Affairs meeting to discuss the need for action to avert the increase and the economic damage it would cause.

Attention Entrepreneurs!

Beginning January 8, 2002, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce will host Neighborhood Business Builders' four-session Feasibility Training class to Brockton residents aspiring to be entrepreneurs. This part-time training class includes instruction on developing a product, identifying a target market, and financial planning for business owners. Sales and marketing will be a primary focus. One-on-one assistance and access to business loans will also be available for qualified participants. The class will be held on Tuesday evenings (January 8, 15, 22, and 29), from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., at the Metro South Chamber located at Sixty School Street in Brockton. To register, call Jason Feldman at 866-JVS-WORK (587-9675) extension 107.

Beginning January 14, 2002, Commonwealth Corporation will present "Doing Business in an Uncertain Market," an eight-week business plan writing program for small business owners. The program is designed to support the needs of existing business owners interested in expanding their target markets; exploring new products or services; changing facilities; adding employees; or seeking a business loan. The program will cover topics such as business strategy; customer segmentation and needs analysis; financial statements and projections; public relations; and competition. The course will be held on Monday evenings, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the Abington Savings Bank Corporate Office in Abington. The program cost is $250. To register, call Commonwealth Corporation at 508-559-6814.

Metro South Gears Up For "Taste" Celebration

A Taste of Metro South will be held on Wednesday, March 20, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Massasoit Conference Center, Crescent Street in Brockton. Sponsored by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Electric Company, The Enterprise, and WBET, this annual event is a celebration of living and working in the Metro South region. It is a great opportunity to sample tastes from area restaurants, discover cultural and community service organizations, and enjoy live entertainment from local performers.

"A Taste of Metro South is a great opportunity for our region to celebrate all of the wonderful treasures it has to offer," said Paula Peterson, event chair and executive director of The Children's Museum in Easton.

Event coordinators expect over 600 guests based upon past attendance. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Brockton Coalition for the Homeless.

Any restaurant, cultural organization or community service organization that would like to participate in A Taste of Metro South should contact Lisa Keene, at 508-586-0500 ext. 231.

Year 2002 Book for Business Release in January

The Chamber of Commerce will soon be distributing the Year 2002 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 2002 book will feature a color array of items manufactured in the region called Made in Metro South and a two-page section featuring the numerous economic development projects completed over the past few years.

"This year's 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. For more information on the Book for Business, please call Jennifer Poole at 508-586-0500 ext. 222.

Welcome New Investors

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

Cox Target Media/Val-Pak
20 Mazzeo Drive, Suite 222
Randolph, MA 02368
Tel: 508-626-9921
Fax: 508-626-9925
Monica Barrows
Media

J & R Enterprises
221 Oak Street, Unit #12
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-583-9414
Jack Berg
Distributors

Don Levy Accounting
Services
31 Anderson Drive
Randolph, MA 02368
Tel: 781-986-5079
Don Levy
Accountants

R & B Transportation Services, Inc.
1029 Pearl Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-586-8772
Fax: 508-586-8809
Thomas Silvia
Transportation

Realty Executives
111 Belmont Street
Easton, MA 02334
Tel: 508-238-8200
Fax: 508-238-5222
Susan Colombo
Real Estate/Residential

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

~ Member Profile ~
American Express Financial Advisors Inc.

Business Name: American Express Financial Advisors Inc.

Address: 923 N Main St., Raynham, MA 02767

Telephone: (508) 880-2790

Year Established: 1999

Number of Employees: 1

Products or Services: Personal financial planning including planning for retirement, education, investments, asset allocation, risk protection, estate preservation, income taxes, and small businesses.

What is unique or special about your firm and the products and services you offer? American Express Financial Advisors is supported by corporate staff including attorneys, accountants, and tax specialists. From planning for your children's education to saving money for retirement, we work hard to help you make sound investment choices.

What is your market area? My market area includes all of the communities located in Southeastern Massachusetts.

What markets do you serve? I advise individuals, families, and small business owners.

Please list awards, honors, or special recognition your firm has received: Path to Success Top Achiever 2000

What is your main business objective concerning your customers and the business community? My practice is focused on serving my clients extremely well and building a long-term financial planning relationship.

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. The next Good Morning Metro South breakfast will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2002, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn - Metro South. Bring your business cards and increase your company's chance of being selected as a featured business.

Ambassador of the Quarter

The Metro South Chamber has named Bob Wisgirda, WBET Radio AM 1460, as its Ambassador of the Quarter.

Bob's extensive professional career began in 1960 when he managed a family-owned Brockton pharmacy. He later continued in the pharmaceutical field by working at such places as Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Medicine Man Pharmacy, and Medicine Man Medical Supply. Presently, Bob is the marketing specialist for WBET Radio AM 1460 in Brockton.

His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, continuing education courses in pharmacy, integrative medicine, forensic photographic sciences, pharmaceutical marketing, investment marketing, and retail advertising.

"Whether saving on utility services, health insurance, making new business contacts, or growing professionally, the resources the Metro South Chamber has to offer the region just keep on expanding. All a business has to do is get connected a few hours a month to really appreciate the Chamber's services and accomplishments. The Chamber is the best investment in anyone's personal and business growth," says Bob Wisgirda on being a Chamber member.

Since joining the Chamber in 1982 and the Ambassador Team in 1999, Bob has done an incredible job volunteering for and promoting the Chamber. For example, he attends our monthly networking events, helps increase membership and participates on the Government Affairs committee. Along with volunteering for the Chamber, Bob is actively involved with community organizations such as the Lions Club, Brockton Library Association, Fuller Museum of Art, and the Brockton Symphony Orchestra.

The Ambassador of the Quarter 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.

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. To participate on this committee, contact the Chamber at 508-586-0500.