Good Morning Metro South!
February 13 at Holiday Inn

The Chamber will hold the next Good Morning Metro South on Wednesday, February 13, 2002, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn/Metro South, 195 Westgate Drive, Brockton.

Mayor John T. Yunits, Jr. will be the featured speaker. The Mayor will deliver his annual remarks to the business community on the economic future of the City of Brockton and Metro South region. The Mayor will focus on the City's recent accomplishments including the multi-purpose conference/sports center.

Additionally, Lindy Morraca, Smoke Free Coalition; Carol Godfrey, Home/Health and Child Care, Inc; Joan Thompson, R.S.V.P; Lou Russo, AT&T Broadband; and Peter McConnell, Heights Crossing, will present information on their respective organizations.

The February sponsor is Heights Crossing Assisted Living Residence. Heights Crossing is an award-winning facility that offers 79 spacious studio, one, and two bedroom apartments to residents who need assistance.

To register, call the Chamber office at 508-586-0500 ext. 221. The cost is $15 for members and $22 for non-members.

A Taste of Metro South Features Food and Fun... Massasoit Conference Center - March 20, 2002

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Electric Company, The Enterprise, and WBET Radio AM 1460 will present the tenth annual A Taste of Metro South on Wednesday, March 20, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., at the Massasoit Conference Center, located on Crescent Street, Route 27, in Brockton.

Taste will feature samples from Ashleigh's Coffee Café, Brockton Hospital, Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center, Catering by Linda, Main Spring Coalition for the Homeless, Massasoit Community College, Montilio's, Old Country Buffet, and many more.

Taste will host exhibits from Brockton Hospital, Brockton Library Foundation, Brockton Symphony Orchestra, Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center, The Children's Museum in Easton, The Enterprise, Fuller Museum of Art, Massachusetts Electric Company, Old Colony Hospice, South Eastern Economic Development (SEED) Corp., and WBET Radio AM 1460.

Taste will also provide continuous live music and entertainment from Andrea Bates, Brockton Symphony String Ensemble, East Bridgewater High School Jazz Band, The Event Connection, and Stir Fried.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Main Spring Coalition for the Homeless. You may purchase your tickets at Shaw's Supermarkets in Brockton, the Massasoit Conference Center (Crescent Street, Brockton), or the Metro South Chamber of Commerce (Sixty School Street, Brockton.) To purchase your tickets by telephone or for further information, call 508-586-0500 ext. 221.

Restaurants and social service organizations are encouraged to call Lisa Keene at 508-586-0500 ext. 231.

Good News

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

The Brockton Symphony Orchestra will hold its next concert of the season on Sunday, February 10, 2002, at the Brockton High School Auditorium located on Route 123 in Brockton. The concert will feature Van Vliburn Medallist Antonio Pompa-Baldi's performance of Listz's Totentanz, overture to King Lear by Hector Berlioz, and Symphony No. 2 in D Mayor, Op. 73 by Johannes Brahms. Program notes and an introduction by Music Director and Conductor Jonathan Cohler will take place at 2:45 p.m. and the concert will begin at 3:30 p.m. Tickets range from $9-18 (senior and student discounts are available.) The facility is wheelchair accessible. To purchase tickets, call 508-588-3841 or visit www.brocktonsymphony.org.

P.M.P. Associates, LLC, a Chamber member for ten years has recently relocated to 200 North Bedford Street (Route 18) in East Bridgewater. This modern office space offers first floor convenience to its customers and adequate professional space to support its expanded services. P.M.P. Associates is a full-service civil engineering and land planning company.

Old Colony Hospice's third annual Memorial Walk, "Stepping Out for Hospice," will be held on Sunday, April 7, 2002, at D.W. Field Park in Brockton. Old Colony Hospice's goal is to create a continuing awareness of the value hospice care offers to the terminally ill in the community, and raise $60,000 to benefit the many services and programs hospice provides to its patients. Presently, the organization is looking for community support from local businesses. Businesses may help by contributing monetarily, providing promotional items to put in walker's gift bags, and /or providing food donations for the walkers. All sponsors will be listed in the spring issue of the Hospice Newsletter. To participate, call Vanessa Leite at 781-341-4145 ext. 203. Please reserve all sponsorships by February 18, 2002.

HR Alternatives, a coaching, consulting and training company, has changed its name to Primary Vision Company/HR Alternatives. The company's new web address is www.primaryvisionco.com. In addition, Jane Callahan, principal, recently received an award of appreciation from New England Satellite Systems, Inc. "in recognition of outstanding service and professionalism."

The Slade's Ferry Bank Center for Business Research at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is now accepting nominations for Outstanding Marketing Awards to be presented at their Award Banquet. The awards will be given to those who have distinguished themselves in their communications with consumers regarding their product or service. eligible businesses must operate in Southeastern Massachusetts. Nominations should include: name of the nominee, name of the nominator, and information indicating why the nominee should be recognized for outstanding marketing achievement. Nominations can be mailed to the Slade's Ferry Bank Center for Business Research, Group 2-216, UMASS Dartmouth, 285 Old Westport Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747, faxed to 508-999-8646, or e-mailed to nbarnes@umassd.edu.

On Thursday, March 7, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., the Brockton Library Foundation will hold a fundraiser at Heights Crossing, 35 Christy Place, Brockton. The event will feature Kerry Downey Romaniello, author and chef. Her recent cookbook "Out of the Earth" will be available for purchase. The Foundation will also conduct a silent auction of "theme basket." For more information, call 508-897-0190.

In a nationwide project to help the Air National Guard (ANG) enhance Homeland Defense, C.W.B. Contractors, Inc. assisted the construction services subsidiary of Butler Manufacturing company with an emergency procurement program to provide ANG with a strategic network of F-15 and F-16 hangars now on strip alert and patrolling the skies as part of Operation Noble Eagle. The $20 million project included a master design, fabrication, and erection of 30 hangars in 30 days as locations where winter snow and ice could affect the air-defense operations. A subsequent series of 12 additional hangars followed the initial round. over 10 locations throughout the country have received the hangars.

The Advisory Board of Catholic Charities South in Brockton recently elected Brian McDavitt as Chairman. Mr. McDavitt is a member of the Catholic Charities nominating and development committees and has served on the board for the past ten years. He is the First Vice President and Loan Center Manager for Commercial Lending at Rockland Trust Company. He has played a major role in the current growth of the agency's Brockton-based social services. McDavitt joins the leadership of the agency during a major development in its family, children, youth and immigrations services. Future priorities include the upgrade and development of the facilities and new community partnerships within the public and private sector. McDavitt has 30 years experience in banking and commercial lending with twelve of those years in Brockton. he graduated with an economics degree from Providence College and now lives with his family in Duxbury.

Thank You Renewing Members

Air Systems Service Co., Inc.
Avalon Management, LLC
Wm. C. Bearce Insurance Agency, Inc.
BKA Associates
Brockton Area Transit Authority
Campanelli Companies
Melvin D. Cohen, Atty at Law
Commonwealth Mediation & Conciliation
Crystal Cleaners, Inc.
Dahlborg-MacNevin Funeral Home
Dharma's Creative Hair Design
Direct Media
M. Donahue Associates, Inc.
Energy Conservation, Inc.
Fredericks & Gerardi Insurance Agency
Four Seasons Hair Salon
Fuller Museum of Art
Green Market Services Co., Inc.
Hanson Printing Company, Inc.
Brian Healey Contractor
IBS/Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Ideal Jewelry & Loan
Jordan's Furniture
Knowland Machine
W. B. Mason Company, Inc.
McClaren Heat/Air
Mutual Oil Company, Inc.
Nemo's Carry All Market, Inc.
New England PrintWorks
Oak Street Launderall/Aros, Inc.
QLogic Corp.
Results Home Buyers, Inc.
Rockland Trust Company
Top Quality Staffing Services
Tosca-Brady Insurance Agency, Inc.
Verizon Communications
Westgate Lanes
Westgate Mall Properties, LLC
Wizard Computer Services, Inc.

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

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce and Fleet Small Business Services are joining forces to recognize the achievements and contributions of small businesses and entrepreneurs in creating new jobs and economic opportunities in the Metro South region. All Chamber members are invited to participate in the selection process to name the Tenth Annual "Small Business of the Year" and "Entrepreneur of the Year" award winners.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. Each year, we are proud to turn a special spotlight on small businesses and their valuable contribution to our community," said Christopher Cooney, President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. "We look forward to receiving nominations from you."

Nomination is easy...

You may nominate your own business or any other business you deem worthy. Submit a summary of your reasons for the nomination, based on the criteria listed below. Call or fax the Chamber office for nomination forms. You may include any additional documentation that will help illustrate why the business is deserving of the award. Nominees do not need to be members of the Chamber. Nominees must be a for-profit business.

Criteria...

Employment/Staying Power. The Small Business of the Year nominee must have been in business for a minimum of three consecutive years under the current ownership, and have between 10 and 50 full-time equivalent employees. The Entrepreneur of the Year nominee must have fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees.

Growth. The nominee should demonstrate growth in employees, revenues and profitability.

Innovation. The firm should demonstrate creativity and imagination in the development of its business or in its product or service.

Social Responsibility. Nominees should reflect internal and external social responsibility, which may include one or more of the following points: strong, comprehensive employee relations programs; efforts by the company and its staff to aid or benefit the community through personal involvement and/or donations of other company resources; efforts to encourage diversity in its workforce and management; activity in the business community through involvement in industry or professional organizations; and development of other programs relating to social and community betterment.

Nominations are due by Monday, March 4, 2002. Call the Chamber office at 508-586-0500 to request an easy-to-complete nomination form. Winners will be selected by the Chambers Award Selection Committee and will be announced at a special Good Morning Metro South on May 22, 2002. Award recipients will receive an engraved plaque and extensive promotion honoring their business and achievements.

Shaw's Showcases Superstore

Shaw's Supermarkets recently opened their newest store on Belmont Street in Brockton. Hundreds of people from the community were in attendance to wish the Metro South-based food retailer well with their expanded presence in the Brockton market. In the late 1800's Mr. Maynard Davis started the local grocery store chain and expanded it through acquisition in 1919 of the George C. Shaw Company. Today, Shaw's serves more than two million customers each week at stores all over New England.

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.

Government Affairs

Geoffrey Beckwith, executive director, Massachusetts Municipal Association, will be the featured speaker at the next Government Affairs Committee Meeting on Friday, February 8, 2002, at 7:45 a.m., at the Chamber's headquarters located at Sixty School Street in downtown Brockton. Mr. Beckwith will discuss the legislative priorities of his organization for 2002.

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.

Brockton Rox Set to Roll

Opening Day Tickets Still Available

Trading on the name of its most celebrated native son - former heavyweight champ Rocky Marciano - the newest team in professional baseball announced that it would be called the Brockton Rox. David Echols, Rox general manager, said the name was chosen in part because it worked on a number of levels: as a tribute to the legendary Marciano; as a quiet homage to New England's beloved "Sox;" and as a simple declarative sentence, "Brockton Rocks!"

Brockton Professional Baseball is offering several season ticket plans, including the Super Box Seat Plan, which provides fans with a prime box seat location for every home Rox game, wait service for concessions, and a personal seat identifier; and the Box Seat Plan, which includes box seats for every home game, and a personal seat identifier. Other packages include one plan for reserve seats, and two 10-game "mini plans," named for a couple of Brockton legends. Fans looking at a mini-plan can choose between the Marciano Plan, which begins with the May 31 home opener, and the Hagler Plan, which kicks off on June 1.

The new Brockton club of the independent Northern League, which has set up offices in the former Community Bank building at 1280 Belmont street, is taking full advantage of its new facility, offering fans a chance to buy season tickets at the drive-thru window. According to Echols, the club is waiting for a seating chart for its new stadium - currently under construction - but until then is accepting down payments on tickets.

The Rox will play their first-ever game May 24 versus the Elmira Pioneers. The club will open its home schedule on May 31, the first of 45 home games. For more information or to order your tickets by phone, call 508-587-1660.

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
11	Taste Committee Meeting	3:30 pm
13	Good Morning Metro South Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South Sponsor: Heights Crossing	7:30 to 9:30 am
15	Workforce Roundtable	8:00 to 9:45 am
18	Presidents' Day	Chamber Office Closed

March Calendar

4	Taste Committee Meeting	3:30 pm
6	Ambassador Team Meeting	8:00 am
7	Business After Hours Residence Inn by Marriott 124 Liberty Street, Brockton	5:30 to 7:30 pm
8	Government Affairs Meeting	7:45 am
11	Taste Committee Meeting	3:30 pm
12	Executive Committee Meeting	4:00 pm
20	A Taste of Metro South Massasoit Conference Center	5:30 to 8:00 pm
27	Board of Directors	12:00 noon

April Calendar

24

Legislative Breakfast

7:30 am

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

March Small Business Seminar Series

The Economy is Down, Business Doesn't Have to Be!

Tuesday, March 5, 2002 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $25.00

Diane Grzyb, owner, Cardinal Marketing, describes inexpensive ways to keep your company on your current and potential customer's map. Hear creative solutions to keep your company at the top of your customer's minds as they plan to carefully spend their disposable income. This information-packed presentation also includes useful tips on utilizing your slow time to polish your image, and how to create a marketing plan for the future. To register, call Cheryl Berdnick, SBDC, at 508-673-9783.

Increase Your Marketing Effectiveness in an Economic Downturn

Tuesday, March 12, 2002 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $25.00

Diane Grzyb presents ten steps to increase your effectiveness when competing for a piece of the pie. This seminar will answer the following economic concerns:

1. Is it the right time to spend marketing dollars on advertising?
2. If so, where should dollars be spent and how much should be spent?
3. How to buy cost effective advertising space.
4. How to benefit from free advertising referred to as public relations.

To register, call Cheryl Berdnick, SBDC at 508-673-9783.

Sponsored by: Metro South Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Development Council (SBDC)

Please note: All meetings are held at the Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC.)

Business After Hours
March 7

On Thursday, March 7, 2002, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Residence Inn by Marriott will host a Business After Hours at its new 124 Liberty Street location in Brockton.

Marriott International, one of the world's leading hospitality companies, offers more than 360 Residence Inn hotels in 43 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, and Mexico.

Recently, Marriott opened a Residence Inn on Liberty Street in Brockton. Each Residence Inn combines the conveniences of home with the services of a hotel. Locally, over eight million dollars is invested in the Brockton Marriott. The site, managed by Michael Reidy, features eighty-eight fully appointed suites and provides employment for twenty-four full-time staff.

Mark your calendar for this great opportunity to meet potential clients, customers, and other local business people. Refreshments will be served. Exposure for your business is your competitive edge, so bring plenty of business cards.

The cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Please pre-register by Tuesday, March 5, by calling the Metro South Chamber at 508-586-0500 ext. 221.

Junior Achievement: Volunteer Today!

What is Junior Achievement?

Junior Achievement (JA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preparing tomorrow's leaders by teaching kids how business works. Since 1919, JA's mission has been to ensure that every child in America has a fundamental understanding of the free enterprise system. This is achieved by developing the desire in young people to stay in school and appreciate lifelong learning, by fostering positive attitudes toward work, and by creating a partnership that bridges the classroom and workplace.

Provided to schools at no charge. JA's sequential and integrated programs for students in grades K-12 utilize a unique delivery system that brings a volunteer role model into the classroom. The volunteer facilitates 5-8 sessions of instruction with the support of the regular classroom teacher using materials that are filled with lively hands-on activities. All lesson plans, support materials, and training are provided by Junior Achievement.

Volunteer Role:

• Attend a 45-minute training session by JA staff;
• Receive your JA program kit (detailed lesson plans, activities, posters, etc.);
• Visit your classroom teacher to observe the class atmosphere (optional) and arrange a day and time for the program that fits your schedule;
• Agree to facilitate 5 sessions for elementary school program or 6-8 sessions for middle and high school programs; and
• Work with the classroom teacher (the teacher is required to remain in the room to provide assistance and support.)

For more information or to become a volunteer, contact Elizabeth Lane, JA, at 617-367-6690 or llane@ja-easternmass.org.

Welcome New Investors

Seven 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.

William E. Beyer Design
181 Copeland Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-586-4906
William E. Beyer
Art

Brockton Rox
1280 Belmont Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-587-1660
Fax: 508-587-2802
David Echols
Entertainment

Colors
708 Washington Street
South Easton, MA 02375
Tel: 508-230-7929
Laurie Rettig
Beauty Salons/Supplies

Diaz Construction Corp., Inc.
PO Box 112
Bridgewater, MA 02324
Tel: 508-889-8085
Fax: 508-697-1482
Leonel Diaz
Construction

East Coast Truck & Trailer
55 Knapp Center
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-586-1666
Fax: 508-584-9744
Elaine Celia

K & B Delivery
450 Crescent Street
Brockton, MA 02302
Tel: 508-897-0334
Fax: 508-587-0997
Kevin Smith
Delivery Services

Pinnacle Coaching Services
124 Morse Ave.
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-587-0654
Ursala Smith
Consultants

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 ~
Brockton Area ARC

Business Name: Brockton Area Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC)

Address: 1250 West Chestnut Street, Brockton, MA 02301

Telephone: (508) 583-8030

Website: www.BrocktonAreaArc.org

Year Established: 1950

Number of Employees: 28

Products or Services: Advocacy, information and referral services, Family-to-Family Support Center services, and employment services for adults with disabilities.

What is unique or special about your firm and the products and services you offer? The Brockton Area ARC is involved in advocacy for the rights, general welfare, and appropriate services for people with disabilities in Massachusetts. The Brockton Area ARC, through its Family-to-Family Support Center, provides active information, education, and referral services. The association operates an employment services program with the goal of assisting individuals with disabilities experience gainful employment.

What is your market area? The association serves the greater Brockton area.

What markets do you serve? The Brockton Area ARC provides services to the business community and adults with disabilities.

Please list awards, honors, or special recognition your firm has received: 1998 Award of Merit from the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities

What is your main business objective concerning your customers and the business community? The Brockton Area ARC's main objective is job placement of individuals with disabilities where a match exists between the preferences and abilities of the individual and the needs of the company seeking to fill vacant positions.

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.

Small Business SCORE Big Help

Dick Sherman, The Business Journal of Southeastern Massachusetts

Sometimes success lies in the chances you don't take.

That's been the experience of a group of retired executives who devote their time and energy to the hopes and dreams of small business practitioners throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.

Seasoned business veterans like Arthur Whish, Bruce Young, and Abe Gamzon are members of the Brockton chapter of SCORE, the Senior Corps of Retired Executives. Sponsored nationally by the Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE counsels its clients on virtually every issue that might impact their operations.

The Brockton group handles about 500 cases a year, 60% of which involve business startups. Sadly, for those who make the grade in this competitive world, many more fall by the wayside. The lucky ones from the latter category are those who get out before they're in over their heads.

The Brockton counselors agreed that people often have good technical ideas, but don't have the foggiest notion of how to make them work. That's where SCORE can help. The organization offers counsel from experts in virtually every aspect of business management. SCORE volunteers are retired or active business owners or managers - members of 389 local chapters who provide assistance to clients throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.

At no cost to the client, SCORE volunteers offer in-depth counseling and training, helping both prospective and established small business owners and managers to identify problems, determine their causes, and develop solutions. Bruce Young pointed out that the organization is "big in cyber counseling." A client can go on the Internet and match his or her needs with an expert.

The three Brockton chapter SCORE officials are exemplars of SCORE's unique capabilities. The 67-year-old Young joined SCORE when he retired from his post as regional financial manager for Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates in Newton.

Gamzon, 78, a certified public accountant, once conducted a private practice, but eventually switched to industry and wound up as senior vice president of finance for Kay Wyndsor, Inc., a manufacturer of women's apparel.

"I always liked to teach," he said, pointing out that he drew great satisfaction from his mentoring activities among younger people at his company. Whish, also 78 and president of the Brockton SCORE chapter, is a veteran of World War II flying service who graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as an industrial engineer and worked for Armstrong Cork in various assignments over a career spanning 35 years.

While some people are discouraged by the realities of entrepreneurship, others wade in, address their particular challenges, and rise to the top. An example is Brockton pharmacist Dotun Diyaolu, who brought excellent professional credentials but virtually no business experience to the table when he went to SCORE in 1997 to learn the intricacies of business.

Gamzon recalled that he and his SCORE colleagues reviewed Diyaolu's business plan "over many sessions." With the help of an SBA-guaranteed loan from the Rockland Trust Company, the native Nigerian opened the Plaza Pharmacy in downtown Brockton - an area with an obvious need for such a facility. The pharmacy was the first to be situated on Main Street in nearly a decade, and its advent helped to rejuvenate the area.

SCORE does a good many referrals. Young said the Brockton chapter, affiliated with the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, frequently steers people to experts in such fields as insurance and the law.

Prospective clients can reach the SCORE office at 508-587-2673.