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| January 2003 | |
GMMS Breakfast January 23 at Holiday InnThe Chamber will hold the first Good Morning Metro South of the new year on Thursday, January 23, 2003, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., at the Holiday Inn/Metro South, 195 Westgate Drive, Brockton. Dr. Dana Mohler-Faria, President of Bridgewater State College, will be the featured speaker. Dr. Mohler-Faria is the eleventh President in Bridgewater State's 162-year history. Dr. Mohler-Faria took office on June 16, 2002. The January sponsor is The Enterprise. The Enterprise is a local newspaper that is distributed throughout the South Shore. The Enterprise participates in a program called Newspaper in Education. NIE is a nationally recognized collaboration between corporate and community sponsors, local newspapers and schools providing students with the opportunity to become more literate and knowledgeable citizens. NIE provides local schools with the newspaper and educational materials to enhance learning through real-life experiences relevant to students’ daily lives. To register for the Good Morning Metro South breakfast, 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
Air Systems Technologies, Inc. Our Chamber continues to grow stronger through referrals from our members. Please refer a member today. Call the Chamber at 508-586-0500 or e-mail at info@metrosouthchamber.com.
Good News Chamber members are invited to send information for the Good News column to the Chamber office. Old Colony United Way President and CEO Tom O'Rourke announced recently that Chuck Callan was hired as its new Vice President and Campaign Director. According to O'Rourke, Chuck brings to the United Way extensive experience in the fields of finance and sales as well as fundraising in the non-profit area. Mr. Callan recently held the position of Director of Development for the South Shore Women's Center in Plymouth. The Old Colony United Way and its 37 member agencies serve 22 communities in the greater Plymouth County area. The purpose of the local United Way is to assure that the people of the Old Colony area are provided with an effective and efficient network of human care service. Cheryl Washwell, Principle Consultant, is pleased to announce the grand opening of The Health & Fitness Studio located at 163 Washington Street in North Easton. The Health & Fitness Studio offers Intrafitt individualized nutrition programs and individual or group exercise programs for everyone. They will also work with a number of special conditions such as diabetes, obesity, youth, post cardiac rehab, fibromyalgia and arthritis. For a free consultation, call the studio at 508-230-3400. Their will be a "special opening" on January 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Brockton Hospital held its annual meeting in December, celebrating a year of progress and achievement during which the hospital continued to serve as the region's health care leader, supported countless community programs, introduced clinically sophisticated medical technologies and procedures, and remained one of the area's largest and most stable employers. Serving the community has been at the heart of Brockton Hospital's mission for the last 106 years, said Norman Goodman, Brockton Hospital's President. In addition, Brockton Hospital recently announced that Dr. Eileen C. Williams has been elected as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. The hospital also announced that two new members, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and Methala George, Jr., have been selected to sit on the board. The 17-member board works closely with hospital president Norman B. Goodman to set overall course direction of the hospital, instituting and funding new programs and services, and assuring high quality health care. Stephen Baptista of Attleboro has been named Sales Manager for City Shredding Corp. of Brockton, one of the region's largest confidential document destruction companies. The announcement was made by City Shredding founder and President Tom McGinnis. Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, Brian Mahoney of the Law Offices of Brian Mahoney in Canton, Dedham, and Boston celebrated his 20th year as an attorney in December. Beverly Pavasaris, RN MPH was recently named Executive Vice President of Operations for the Brockton Visiting Nurse Association. Ms. Pavasaris' career in community health spans over 30 years-24 with the Brockton VNA. The Brockton VNA also announced the appointment of Mary Beth Whitcomb, RN BSN to the position of Director of Admissions. Whitcomb will be responsible for the strategic and operational management functions for the Admissions Department. Brockton Credit Union has appointed Jeffrey Yost of Halifax, as Vice President and Controller. Mr. Yost will be responsible for ensuring the integrity of the financial information system while providing timely, accurate financial reports and information. He has been involved with finance since 1985 and is a graduate of both Rochester Institute of Technology and University of Kentucky. The Brockton Rox of the Independent Northern League and the Metro South-area 7 Eleven stores have announced the renewal of a partnership that presents a unique branding opportunity for the convenience store giant. As a result, throughout the 2003 season all Rox night games played at Campanelli Stadium will once again have 7:11 p.m. listed as their official start time. James C. Lively, president and Chief Executive Officer of Bridgewater Savings, announced today that Dennis Keane has joined the Bank as its first training manager. Keane has an executive background in human resources and training, including assignments with Clean Harbors Environmental Services in Braintree, Thomson Financial in Boston, and FLIR Systems, Inc., in Billerica. Keane resides in Weymouth. January 1, 2003 will begin a new Delta Dental Plan of Massachusetts Open Enrollment Plan Anniversary for the Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce program. Delta Dental offers three benefit plan options to Chamber members with 2 to 9 eligible employees; Plan I (Premier A), Plan II (Preferred), and Plan III (Premier B). Delta Dental provides affordable dental care with a commitment to quality, expertise, benefits and stability. If you are a small business owner with two or more eligible employees, you have a great opportunity to purchase an outstanding dental plan like Delta Dental Plan of Massachusetts. For more information, please call I.B.S. at 800-487-4427, ext. 1830. On December 6, The South Shore Tri-Town Development Corporation and LNR Property Corporation, a unit of Lennar Corp. of Irvine California, entered into an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA), which allows negotiations to move to the next step, a final Development and Disposition Agreement (DDA). It is expected that about 988 acres of the site will be conveyed to the Corporation by the Navy under a no-cost Economic Development Conveyance (EDC) The property to be conveyed includes the central core of the base as well as buildings, utilities and specified land parcels. A number of local businesses will again sponsor the Credit for Life at Massasoit Community College on Wednesday, April 30, 2003. Some 240 high school seniors from Brockton will participate in the event. The Fair committee is seeking adult volunteers to manage the effort. The Fair, which was designed by Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Southeaster New England, is a highly interactive program designed to teach young adults the basics of budgeting, financial literacy and the role that credit plays in all aspects of personal finance. The Fair Committee is always looking for volunteers to staff the booths and help in other ways. If you feel you would like to participate in this event and can spare the morning of April 30, please call Leo MacNeil at Brockton Credit Union 508-895-1314. On January 24, 2003, 12:30-3:00 p.m., Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board will hold an informational session on the Workforce Training Fund (WTF) for employers who are interested in submitting a proposal for a WTF grant. The next round of proposals are due March 31, 2003. Grants for incumbent employee training are available up to $250,000 per applicant. Employer matching funds and/or in-kind contributions are required. Vincent Lopes, WTF Manager at the Mass. Division of Employment and Training, and Robert Vitello of the Commonwealth Corporation Applicant Assistance Program, will present information on how to develop a successful proposal. To register, please call Gaynor Andrews at 508-584-3234.
Year 2003 Book for Business Release in JanuaryThe Chamber of Commerce will soon be distributing the Year 2003 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 2003 book features an updated design and more member participation through advertising. The book features over 100 new Eagle Photography photo's of communities from throughout the Metro South region.
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. Webster Printing and Mailing Company is printing the book. For more information on the Book for Business, please call Kerrie Blake at 508-586-0500 ext. 222.
Job Shadow Experience a "Win-Win" for Employers and StudentsDuring the second week of December 2002, Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School held its first annual Job Shadow program. The program connected over 100 juniors and seniors from Southeastern Regional with 40+ employers for a 30-hour week-long job shadow experience. Traditionally, job shadow programs are half-day opportunities in which students shadow (observe) an employee (job mentor) on the job and ask questions about job responsibilities, type of education, and skills needed to do the job. However, Southeastern took their program one step further and created an environment where students could "try a job on for size". The week-long Job Shadow program helped students develop a realistic picture of what it means to be an accountant, diesel mechanic, physical therapist, plumber, or web designer, just to name a few. Students began preparing for their job shadow opportunity in late October by selecting a career area to explore. For many students, this was related to the vocational area he or she was currently studying at Southeastern. However, for a few students, this was an opportunity to look into other career fields. Next, students spent November researching their career field, developing interview questions to ask their job mentors, and writing a resume. Finally, in December students participated in their job shadow, sent thank you letters to their employer, and submitted a Job Shadow Project report to their vocational instructor. The goal of Southeastern's program was to help its students gain a better understanding of what it takes to be successful in the working world. Specifically, the program helps students make the connection between what they learn in the classroom and how that connects to their career goals. A secondary goal of the program was to introduce students to the concept of career ladder opportunities and how these ladders can lead to more challenging and higher paying opportunities in the future. The majority of employers felt that students were well prepared to enter the workforce, showed a high degree of professionalism, and were eager to learn and take responsibility. Sheila Chapman, Vice President of Sullivan & Cogliano, mentored 3 Computer Information Technology students at her company. "The program was a win-win situation", explained Ms. Chapman. The work that was done by the students was appreciated by both the students and the employer. As an employer we received skilled students who were capable of working on projects for the organizations and the students had an opportunity to complete "work" projects that will be utilized by the organization. In addition to the work the students also gained a better appreciation for working in an adult environment. As a final testimony to the value of the program and the quality of the students, numerous employers who hosted job shadow students at their location have offered students part-time opportunity to continue working for their organization. For more information on how to become involved in School to Career activities, please contact Meghan Abella-Bowen at the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board at 508-584-3234.
Southeastern MA Venture Forum - January 16Bridgewater State College's Corporate and Professional Development Center presents Carl Ribiero, President of Luzo Foodservice at the January 16th Southeastern MA Venture Forum. Mr. Ribeiro, a successful Southeastern Massachusetts entrepreneur, will explain the lessons learned from growing and diversifying a food service business. The second half of the program will feature a business plan presentation given by Sig Tullmann, CEO of Safe Hydrogen, Inc. This company has developed a technology that stores hydrogen in a non-pressurized chemical slurry state. In this state it is inert and can be transported quite easily. The hydrogen can be extracted by using water as a catalyst. A panel of three experts will give comments on the case presentation. Come to the Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center at 151 Martine Street in Fall River to learn and network with other entrepreneurs and professionals who invest in the companies they build. This event will be held Thursday January 16, 2003 at 6:30- 8:30 p.m. The SEED Corporation (South Eastern Economic Development) is the featured sponsor for this event. Call Diane Joiner at (508) 531-2788 to pre-register. Cost is $5.00 before the event and $15 at the door. For more information visit www.semassventureforum.org.
Mayor Yunits at February GMMSMayor 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 12, 2003, 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.
Government AffairsThe next Government Affairs Committee meeting will be on Friday, January 17, 2003 at 7:45 a.m. at the Chamber's headquarters. The guest speaker is Alan McDonald, executive director of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable (MBR). MBR is a statewide association comprised of seventy-five CEO's and leading executives of major Massachusetts companies that are committed to resolving public policy issues. The MBR has recently issued a report called "Solutions for Massachusetts Health Care". This report offers a comprehensive review of the state's health environmental and a series of recommendations for government and business to consider in addressing health care issues. The report can be found online at www.maroundtable.com. Health care is a major issue for the chamber and its members. Health care costs and insurance premiums have been steadily increasing over the last several years, with a 15% increase projected for this year. If you and your company are concerned about health care costs, then we recommend that you attend and listen to this presentation. All members are welcome. Government affects your life every day. 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. For further information on the Government Affairs Committee, call Roy Nascimento at 508-586-0500 ext. 225 or e-mail roy@metrosouthchamber.com.
Ambassador of the QuarterBob Tufts of SET Associates, earns Ambassador of the Quarter. Bob began his career as a gas inspector for the town of Easton. From there he worked his way up to Manager of Propane Services for Bay State Gas and Northern Utilities. He retired after 35 years of service. Bob is now a sales manager and co-owner of SET Associates. SET Associates, established in 1997, is a promotional product supplier/manufacturer's representative, selling imprinted sportswear and advertising specialties to businesses, schools, colleges, municipalities, and organizations located in Southeastern Massachusetts. SET Associates offers personalized service with access to more than 3300 suppliers with over 500,000 products. Bob joined the Chamber seven years ago when he co-founded his business. He wanted to get involved so he joined the Ambassador's Team four years ago. Bob enjoys the networking and friendships that he has made at the monthly Good Morning Metro South meetings. Bob also enjoys being an Ambassador. "The advance business updates given at the Ambassadors meetings, give me a jump start on my competition." Bob is also involved in many other organizations. He is the Trustee of Unity Church of North Easton, Trustee and Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary of Village Cemetery Corp., Trustee and Treasurer of Easton Community Corp., Director and Assistant Treasurer of the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Massachusetts, Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Brockton, and he is also the beneficiary of the Paul Harris Award. 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 Frank Gillooly at 508-586-0500 ext. 229.
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Winter Building Boom In Brockton and BeyondMetro South Momentum continues with MORE businesses investing in Brockton and the entire Metro South region. New construction and investment is visible throughout Brockton, bringing with it new jobs and more resources for the community. Over a dozen public, private and general redevelopment projects are underway with another dozen to begin in 2003. Housing, education, transportation and retail establishements are all being developed to enhance the region. "The key to Brockton's success is the unified goal of private and public stakeholders in promoting a better Brockton. Time and time again, public and private leaders and investors comment on the positive, impressive and consistant message they receive from everyone involved in Brockton's future." said Christopher Cooney, President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber. The Shaw's Center is adjacent to the new Campanelli Stadium located on Lexington Avenue in Brockton. The Shaw's Center is a 15,000 square-foot facility. It offers private rooms for executive meetings of ten, a complete banquet hall for 600 guests, or anything in between. Filene's, expected to open in mid March, is 140,000 square feet. It is the largest store on the Westgate Property. Filene's is planning to hire over 200 full and part-time employees. The store will be a full stocked store including furniture. Currently there are 20 Filene's stores in the State of Massachusetts. The Texas Road House is located at 124 Westgate Drive in Brockton. Due to open in the spring, their motto is "legendary food, legendary service through legendary people". Kentucky Fried Chicken will open a new restaurant located on Belmont Street across from the VA hospital. The chicken franchising business was started in 1952 by Colonel Harland Sanders. There are now three locations in Brockton. The newest of the Super Stop & Shop stores is located 475 Bedford Street (Route 18 ) in Whitman. The new 65,000 square foot store has created 200 additional jobs. Stop & Shop has grown from a single corner grocer to a chain of more than 330 stores throughout New England. The new Home Depot on Crescent Street in Brockton is one of thirty Home Depot stores in Massachusetts. HomeDepot is investing $4.3 million dollars in the facility. One hudred and sevety five new jobs will be added. The store is scheduled to open this spring. Additional economic development projects under construction include the new Brockton Public Library on Main Street, the Brockton Area Transit Authority parking garage on Commercial Street, Stop & Shop Superstore on North Montello Street, National Tire and Battery on Westgate Drive, and Hercules Demolition on Wilder Street all in the City of Champions, Brockton.
January Calendar
February Calendar
Note: All meetings are held at the Metro South Chamber office or Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC) unless otherwise indicated.
One Stop Career Center For All Your Employment NeedsCareerWorks provides the following services for employers:
CareerWorks assists employers in finding an unmatched pool of professional and skilled labor. Our staff works closely with employers to understand their business goals and assist with employment outreach services. As a One-Stop Career Center, CareerWorks offers a place for employers and people seeking employment to connect in a customer-friendly, customer-driven environment. CareerWorks also offers job seekers various career placement services. These include a multi-media resource library with computers, career and occupational assistance with education and training opportunities, help with job-hunting strategies, plus a range of career development workshops. The workshops are free and cover basic job searching techniques such as:
The One-Stop Career Center serves Brockton, Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, Easton, Stoughton and Whitman. For more information on CareerWorks services call (508) 513-3400.
New Businesses Join The ChamberThe Chamber offers many unique opportunities for business owners and managers to "get the word out" about their companies’ products and services. Advertising and marketing have an important place in educating potential customer base, and help direct new customers and clients to your door. In addition, successful businesses inevitably attribute their most dramatic growth to "word of mouth" and person to person contacts. Chambers of Commerce were developed, in part, to aid members of a given business community in making person-to-person contacts. In addition to formal networking events, participation in monthly chamber activities, working committees or advocacy groups, chambers will promote your business as an organization that actively cares about the community. Business can make a huge difference in improving the economic climate of their host communities-it's a climate that ensures business success. Welcome new members.
Champion Your Chamber This SpringChamber to Kick Off Membership Campaign on February 28 at Thorny Lea. The Metro South Chamber of Commerce will host a kick-off Breakfast for its annual Membership Drive on Friday, February 28, at Thorny Lea Golf Club in Brockton. On April 1,2,3, community and business leaders, currently benefiting from working through the Chamber, will be contacting businesses with an invitation to join. This year's drive will be conducted by Jim Cusano, owner and president of HRC, a membership development firm for Chambers nationwide. Using a "selective networking" technique-combined with many years of experience helping chambers build membership-Mr. Cusano will explain the details of the campaign in a very compelling but brief presentation. If you would like to attend the February 28 Kick-Off Breakfast and learn how you can assist the Chamber in its recruitment drive, please contact Kerrie Blake at 508-586-0500 ext.222 or e-mail kerrie@metrosouthchamber.com.
Metro South Gears Up For "Taste" Celebration"A Taste of Metro South" will be held on Wednesday, March 19, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Massasoit Conference Center, Route 27 in Brockton. Sponsored by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Electric Company, The Enterprise, and WBET AM 1460, 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. 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.
~ Board Member Profile ~
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