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| February 2003 - Celebrating 90 Years! | |
Good Morning Metro South!
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| When: | Thursday, March 20, 2003 |
| Where: | The Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Sixty School Street, Brockton, MA 02301 |
| Time: | 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. |
Preregistration is required.
Sponsored by the State of Minority and Women Business Assistance (SOWBA), this workshop will present the requirements for state and federal transportation certification for minority or women owned business. The state purchased millions of dollars worth of products and services from SOMWAB-certified businesses. If your business has a product of service that the state buys, you could profit from certification. All SOMWBA applicants must attend one workshop.
For more information and a registration package call 617-973-8692, or log onto the SOMWBA Internet site at www.somwba.state.ma.us and register on-line.
"Veterans: How to Start or Grow Your Business"
| When: | Wednesday, March 12, 2003 |
| Where: | Brockton VA Medical Center (The Recreation Hall) |
| Time: | 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. |
Call Hank Cammack of SBA at 617-565-5567 today to reserve your space.
This workshop is a great opportunity to learn about the procurement and lending programs available to Veterans through SBA and its resource partners. There will be participation by The Procurment Technical Assistance Center, The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), and South Eastern Economic Development Corporation (SEED).
Topics covered include:
Contracting opportunities with the government
SBA Business Loan programs for veterans
How to develop a business plan.
Featured speakers include:
Donna O'Connor; SBA Economic Development
Sandra Ledbetter; Procurement Technical Assistance
Center
Bruce Young; SCORE
Janice Johnson-Plumer; South Eastern Economic
Development Corp. (SEED)
Roy Nascimento; Metro South Chamber of Commerce
Roberta Allen; Brockton 21st Century Economic
Development Council
Gordon Helme; Former SBA Veteran's Affairs Officer
Hank Cammack; SBA Veterans' Business Development
Officer
34 School Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: 508.513.3400 Fax: 508.513.3450
Email: info@careerworks.org
www.careerworks.org
We'll get you working, hiring and connected to training
CareerWorks 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. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information on CareerWorks services call (508) 513-3400.
The Verizon Foundation has recently awarded a generous grant to support The Newspaper Education (NIE) programs at The Enterprise and the Patriot Ledger newspapers. Newspaper In Education 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 newspapers and other educational materials to enhance learning through real-life experiences relevant to students’ daily lives.
For more than a century, Verizon has been the forefront of corporate citizenship in the communities it serves. As the largest private employer in Massachusetts, Verizon is committed to bolstering organizations that advance literacy, workforce development and community technology. Verizon made charitable contributions to some 500 non-profit organizations in the Commonwealth during 2002.
Bridgewater State College's Corporate and Professional Development Center presents Steve Greene, CEO of W.B. Mason and Business Plan Presenter, Mr. John Hart, III, President and Vice President of Development Elliot Klugman of EDC Systems at the February 6, Southeastern MA Venture Forum. The forum is sponsored by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce and held at Bridgewater State College Moakley Center auditorium from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
ECD Systems provides anti-piracy solutions for the digital content. The primary company focus is the hard media distribution of high unit volume computer games and application software. The combined segments represent the greatest revenue potential and is the most receptive anti-piracy adoption. ECD's anti-piracy solution is demonstrably more resistant to copying and cracking than any competitive technology and has passed rigorous testing reviews at multiple Fortune 50 technology companies.
Call Diane Joiner at (508) 531-2788 to pre-register. Cost is $5 before the event and $15 at the door. For more information visit www.semassventureforum.org.
Story by Sean Flynn, Enterprise Staff Writer
When the New England Group Tour magazine comes out annually, there is a full page ad promoting tourist attractions for Taunton, New Bedford, and Fall River, but not a word telling the bus tour operator in central Pennsylvania or elsewhere why he should stop in Brockton.
Although the city now collects more than $400,000 annually in room taxes from its five hotels - the Marriot Residence Inn, Holiday Inn, Best Western, Super Eight and Elm Court - none of that money is used to attract visitors of the city.
The Metro South Chamber of Commerce, spurred on by its hotel members, is leading an initiative to ask the city to set aside $75,000 of that funding to market the city, an effort the Chamber argues would benefit the city's economy and not just the hotels.
"Our proposal is that the mayor and the City Council appoint a five-member panel, headed by an administrator like Anne McCormack, that would put out requests for proposals," said Chris Cooney, Metro South's president.
McCormack heads the mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs.
Non-profit organizations would submit proposals, for example, to improve signage in the city, market the city or beautify it. The organization could be expected to provide matching funding or in-kind services, Cooney said. Or, an organization could propose an advertisement promoting Brockton AAA guide, he said. Many travelers use guidebooks of the American Automobile Association.
Cooney pointed out the hotels pay full property taxes, so the room tax is an added source of revenue for the city.
"There is a feeling we can carve out at least some of the room tax revenues and return some benefit to the taxpayers who paid it," Cooney said.
"He makes a huge point," said Mayor John T. Yunits, Jr. "We have a lot to sell. I'll file something with the City Council this month."
The council's Finance Committee is expected to take up the proposal at its next meeting this month, on a day to be set by the new council president, Ward 7 Councilor Charles Logan.
The council will have the final say on wether a promotions fund will be established and how much will go into it.
Cooney said the Chamber initially had hoped that 45 percent of the rooms tax could be set aside for promotion and marketing of the city, but initial discussions with city officials showed that would not be accepted.
Yunits said expected financial difficulties, in light of pending cuts in state aid to communities, make a commitment of that size unrealistic at present time. He said a permanent annual allotment is also unlikely.
Instead, he said an amount could be set aside for two to three years in a trial program to see how it works. "We want to see how things settle down," he said.
Cooney said the room tax has increased significantly over the past few years and is expected to increase even more in the coming years.
Yunits agreed with that assessment, saying the city could be collecting about $600,000 in room taxes annually in coming years.
A new Country Inns hotel is planned off Route 27 near the Westgate Mall.
Cooney said that when the state Legislature authorized the collection of a 4 percent local room tax at hotels, the intention was that funding should be used to promote the communities and regions of the state, to attract new visitors and to assist the tourism industry.
Communities such as Plymouth, Quincy, Fairhaven and the Cape Cod communities have used at least part of their room taxes for these purposes.
"With the creation of Campanelli Stadium along with the new conference center, the Fuller Museum and other cultural and recreation attractions, coupled with the many well-known branded hotels in Brockton, the city has a great opportunity to help promote Brockton as a tourism destination," said Patrick C. Apel, executive director of the Plymouth County Development Council-Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Andrea Bates, executive director of the Brockton Symphony Orchastra, pointed out that Massachusetts Bureau of Tourism has predicted that by 2004 tourism will be the number one revenue generating industry in the state.
"Without a clear source to promote tourism in our area, we do a disservice to both community and the potential visiting public," she said.
Mike Reidy, general manager of the Marriot Residence Inn, said in a letter to Yunits that hotels collect a total of 9.7 percent going to the state and the remaining 4 percent to the local community.
If a portion of this 4 percent were used as proposed, a long-range result would surely be an increase in volume for many businesses," he said.
Reidy said this increase in business would increase revenues for the city, thus giving the city a significant return on its investment.
| 5 | Ambassador Meeting | 8:00 am |
| 6 | Human Resource Management Council Holiday Inn - Metro South | 8:00 am |
| 12 | Good Morning Metro South Sponsor: BAMSI Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South | 7:30 am |
| 14 | Government Affairs Meeting | 7:45 am |
| 17 | Presidents' Day Chamber offices closed | |
| 25 | Taste Committee Meeting | 3:30 pm |
| 28 | Drive Kick-Off Breakfast Location: Thorny Lea Golf Club | 8:00 am |
| 29 | Board of Directors | 12:00 noon |
| 4 | Taste Committee Meeting | 3:30 pm |
| 5 | Ambassador Team Meeting | 8:00 am |
| 11 | Executive Committee Meeting | 4:00 pm |
| 14 | Government Affairs Meeting | 7:45 am |
| 19 | A Taste of Metro South Massasoit Conference Center | 5:30 - 8:00 pm |
| 26 | Board of Directors | 12:00 noon |
| 1 | Membership Drive | |
| 2 | Membership Drive | |
| 3 | Membership Drive | |
| 10 | Legislative Breakfast* Informal Networking Sponsor: Massasoit Community College Location: Massasoit Conference Center Crescent Street, Route 27, Brockton *Pending speaker confirmation | 7:30 - 9:30 am |
Note: All meetings are held at the Metro South Chamber office or Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC) unless otherwise indicated.
Company Name: Old Colony Planning Council
Address: 70 School Street, Brockton, MA 02301
Telephone: 508-583-1833
Website: www.ocpcrpa.org
Year Established: OCPC was established under state statue in 1967.
Number of Employees: OCPC has14 full-time, 7 part-time employees.
Products or Services: The Old Colony Planning Council is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for transportation and transit planning for the area; designated an Economic Development District by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, for the coordination of economic development activities within the OCPC District; and the Area Agency on Aging that administers and plans for elderly service needs and requirements in a twenty-three-community area of Southeasern Massachusetts. The Council is also the designated Regional Clearinghouse for the review of federal and state program applications to assure consistency with regional plans, programs and policies and to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort in the community development program activity. The council also services as a State Data Center and is the repository of socioeconomic data and information for each member community of the Council.
What markets do you serve? OCPC serves our member Municipalities, Local, Regional, State and Federal Agencies; and representatives of various groups, businesses and organizations within OCPC region.
How long have you been a Chamber Board Member? I have been a board member for two years.
What are some of the job positions that you have held? My current postion is Executive Director of OCPC. My previous postion was Assistant Director/Transportation Program Manager
How long have you been at your present job? I have been at OCPC for 25 years.
In addition, would you please list family and any hobbies or interests that you have? I enjoy traveling, fishing, swimming, baseball, music and movies. I have been married to my wife Patti for 18 years and have three children: Christina, Giulianna, and Antonio.
What is your educational background? I have a B.A. from Northeastern University and a M.A. in Urban Affairs from Boston University.
The Chamber's Board of Directors meets regularly to address policy and issues of economic and community concern. Each month a Board of Directors will be profiled in this section of the Action Report.
On Wednesday, January 8th, a group of students and teachers from East Bridgewater High School (EBHS) boarded a bus for the hour plus commute to Edgewater Technology in Wakefield, Massachusetts. The students, who were selected from technology classes or from among a group of students in last year's Technology Careers for High School Students program, were participating in a High-Tech Career Day at Edgewater Technology. Career Day is just one of several activities that make up the EBHS-Edgewater Technology Partnership. The partnership began this past summer when EBHS sent a request to Edgewater's co-founder and CEO Shirley Singleton to explore a venture that would link high school students with individuals employed in the corporate world of technology. Ms. Singleton, a former graduate of EBHS, saw the value of such a venture and invited Student Support Specialist Ginny O'Kelly and technology teacher Jack Condon to visit Edgewater and develop a plan for the partnership.
The partnership will create a variety of activities for EBHS students to participate in throughout the year. The first activity was held in late fall when Steve Mangan, a Senior Consultant at Edgewater Technology, met with EBHS students in a web design class to describe the firm, its vision and successes. Career Day, the second activity, built on Mr. Mangan's presentation and introduced students to all aspects of Edgewater's business. Finally, throughout the winter and spring the students will continue to work with Edgewater Technology staff through an e-mail mentoring network which is currently being finalized.
Career Day began with a presentation by Ms. Singleton. Singleton described the career path that led her to her present position, stressing to the students that her family was hard-working but far from wealthy, and that she was the only one of her siblings to attend college. She explained that the path to a successful career involves hard work and initiative to make it happen. Singleton shared with the students her experiences, both good and bad, to help them appreciate the power they hold if they capitalize upon opportunities, and apply a solid work ethic in their studies and at their jobs. After Singleton's presentation, students toured the Edgewater facility where they met specialists in networking, programming, finance, and in many other aspects of the company's day-to-day operations.
Career Day ended with a presentation by Mr. Mangan's team about the unique roles each member plays in meeting the needs of Edgewater's clients. Each speaker described his/her responsibilities in the process of developing a proposal to meet the needs of a specific client and the creation of a prototype model solution. A highlight of the presentation was the personal touch that each speaker brought to the discussion. Common themes among the individual stories were the importance of persistence, the need to continually learn new skills, the value of teamwork as a means to success, and the recognition that nothing learned is ever wasted. Such lessons, coming from this enthusiastic group of individuals, had a strong impact on the EBHS students. Career Day at Edgewater exposed students to outstanding models of the qualities and values that lead to success.
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.
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 members are invited to participate in the selection process to name the 12th 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. "We look forward to receiving your nominations."
Nominating someone is easy....
You may nominate your own business or any other business you deem worthy (maximum of one nomination per category). 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 less than 50 full-time equivalent employees. The Entrepreneur of the Year nominee must have been in business less than three years, and 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 Friday, March 7, 2003. Call the Chamber office at 508-586-0500 to request an easy-to-complete nomination form. Winners will be selected by the Chamber's Award Selection Committee and will be announced at a special Good Morning Metro South on May 22, 2003. Award recipients will receive an engraved plaque and extensive promotion honoring their business and achievements.
Brockton Old Colony YMCA received $10,000 from Verizon to fund a new technology center and before- and after-school programs as part of the United Way's "Keeping Kids On Track" initiative. This donation will help 100 school age children to accomplish their academic success at the Old Colony YMCA's Central Division in Brockton. An additional 250 children per week will be served, through before-and after-school programs in Plymouth. These programs will offer academic enrichment and socialization in a safe setting with caring adults.
United Way announced that Verizon has invested $500,000 to enhance literacy and technology curriculum at 51 Massachusetts after-school programs. The funding marks Verizon's fourth year of major support for "Keeping Kids on Track", bringing the total to $2 million.
Verizon's partnership with the United Way's KKOT initiative reflects the company's commitment to ensuring that children have access to quality after-school opportunities, which support learning, improve academic achievement, and build self esteem.
The Old Colony YMCA, an Old Colony United Way agency, offers values-based programs bthat serve more than 55,000 children from the Greater Plymouth County area each year.
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 services.
The Government Affairs Committee will hold its next meeting on Friday, February 14, 2003 at 7:45 a.m. at the Chamber's headquarters. The guest speaker is Aaron Gornstein, Executive Director of Citizens Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA). CHAPA is a statewide group that focuses on affordable housing and community development. Established in 1967, CHAPA is the only statewide group which represents all interests in the housing field, including non-profit and for-profit developers, homeowners, tenants, bankers, real estate brokers, property managers, government officials, and others. Mr. Gornstein will be addressing housing issues that are affecting the state and the Metro South region.
Anyone interested in attending the meeting can contact Roy Nascimento, vice president at 508-586-0500 ext. 225 for more information.
Company Name: Old Colony YMCA
Address: Association Office, 320 Main Steet, Brockton, MA 02301
Telephone: 508-583-2155
Website: oldcolonyymca.org
Year Established: 1887
Number of Employees: 950
Products or Services: The YMCA provides wellness, chilcare, support for at-risk-youth, camping, volunteering, mentoring, family recreation, youth sports and swimming.
What is unique or special about your firm and the products and services you offer? YMCA programs are available to everyone - regardless of their ability to pay. Along with our volunteers, I raise the funds needed to subsidize our program fees and provide financial assistance those in need.
What is your market area? Southeastern Massachusetts
What markets do you serve? The YMCA serves people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities who are looking to increase their overall health and reach their potential in a supportive community.
What is your main business objective concerning your customers and the business community? The Old Colony YMCA is committed to the development of strong spirit, mind and body, guided by Judeo-Christian principals to enrich the quality for everyone in our communities.
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.
Nine 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.
Andre Robere
285 Washington Street
N. Easton, MA 02356
Tel: 508-230-8394
Fax: 508-230-8395
Kristen Orphanos
Beauty Salons/Supplies
Family Salons, Inc./Salon Esprit
225 Bedford Street
E. Bridgewater, MA 02324
Tel: 508-378-1530
Fax: 508-378-7891
Bruce Marquis
Beauty Salons/Supplies
Full Service Dental Health
Westgate Mall
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-587-5333
Fax: 508-587-5333
Nancy Blumenthal
Hanson, Murphy & Associates
1115 W. Chestnut Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-427-5503
Fax: 508-427-9345
Jeff Hanson
Hercules Building Wreching Co., Inc.
PO Box 2355
Brockton, MA 02305-2355
Tel: 508-588-3390
Fax: 508-580-0334
Cherie Kiley
Contractors Specialty
Ortho Sport Physical Therapy
230 W. Center Street
W. Bridgewater, MA 02333
Tel: 508-588-2800
Fax: 508-588-2881
Joseph Howley
Outside the Box Advertising
12 Walnut Street
Taunton, MA 02780
Tel: 508-801-8827
Fax: 508-824-6484
Robert Grayum
Raynham Taunton Greyhound Park
1958 Broadway
Rahnham, MA 02767-1900
Kelly Carney-Kelly
Traffic Solutions, Inc.
164 Titicut Road
Raynham, MA 02767
Tel: 508-822-8920
Fax: 508-822-8920
David F. Belanger
Engineering