Metro South Chamber of Commerce - Action Report
  February 2004  
Inside this issue...

Calendar of Events
Good News
Renewing Members
Small Business Awards
New Members

Chamber Checks Pulse of Business Community

In the coming months, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce will begin conducting periodic online surveys to gain more input from its over 900 members on issues, concerns and opinions related to the community and region. The Board of Directors at its Annual Strategic Planning Retreat committed to developing an efficient way for Chamber members to regularly share information on areas of vital business concern.

Part of the Chamber's role as the voice of business, is to report on the economic environment in which members operate. This provides members with business intelligence and the opportunity to gain a better understanding of market forces at work in the local, regional and national economies.

A Membership Satisfaction Survey, a Housing Survey, and a Health Care Costs Survey are underway and will be distributed to the membership this month. The Chamber will continue to survey its members regularly via the internet, including periodic Business Confidence Surveys.

The results of the surveys will be compiled and shared with the business community. Members are encouraged to take this opportunity to voice their concerns and share their perspective. Information gained through this process will assist the Chamber with adopting positions and providing political advocacy on various important issues facing businesses of all sizes.

Good News

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

Charles N. Robinson has announced the recent addition of Michael C. Robinson to Rogers & Gray Insurance Agency, Inc. as an Account Executive in their Commercial Lines Department. Following his joining the agency in May 2003, Mr. Robinson attended and successfully completed The National Alliance School for Producer Development, and has acquired his Massachusetts Property/Casualty Broker's License. Mr. Robinson holds a Bachelor's degree in Health Care Administration from Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York and is actively pursuing a Master's degree in Business Administration at the University of Massachusetts in Boston. Mr. Robinson works out of the South Dennis office of Rogers and Gray. Rogers & Gray has seven offices in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Callahan and Associates, Inc. of Washington D.C., a national credit union research and consulting firm, recently recognized the Brockton Credit Union as one of the Best in its Class for mortgage lending in 2003. Brockton Credit Union was praised for ranking 12th in the nation in mortgage loans for all credit unions with assets of $20 million or more ( a total of 3,518 institutions). Through June 30, 2003, the credit union has originated $287,572,478 in mortgages which compares with an average for the credit union industry for the same period of $5,927,351. This performance ranked Brockton Credit Union in the top 1/2 percent of credit unions in the country. The credit union has thirteen retail locations in Brockton and surrounding communities. With over $1 billion in assets, it is the largest community-based credit union in New England and one of the top 100 in the nation. It recently announced an upcoming change in its name to HarborOne Credit Union.

The Children's Museum in Easton is looking for interested adult volunteers to: serve on the planning committee for the Museum's 10th Annual Road Race, scheduled for Sunday, June 20, Father's Day at 9:00 a.m. This annual five-mile road race benefits the programs of the Children's Museum in Easton. This top-notch race attracts over 300 entrants from communities throughout southeastern Massachusetts. Also scheduled is a 2 mile fun walk so that non-runners can join in the fun. Planned as a family event, the museum offers childcare and activities for the children of competitors and volunteers. For more information on how to volunteer, please contact the Children's Museum in Easton at 508-230-3789.

On January 13, 2004 Rockland Trust Residential Lending hosted an Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at its new Residential Lending Center at 1250 Hancock Street, inside the Harvard Vanguard Building. This event was a great opportunity to show the Quincy area community that our new facility is a full service residential lending center where people can get all the options of a mortgage of a mortgage company from a local bank you can trust says Patrick Queally, Rockland Trust Assistant Vice President/Mortgage Sales Manager for Quincy. In addition, Rockland Trust recently made a contribution to the Neighborhood Housing Services of South Shore (NHSS) Executive Director Normand Grenier with a check for $5,000. Rockland Trust Company is a full-service community bank serving Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod.

Peter Dutcher the Brockton Edward Jones Investment representative, will host a free program for woman entitled Winning in Life! at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on February 10, 2004 at the Edward Jones Office located at 849 Belmont Street. This one-hour televised event will feature Bonnie St. John, who NBC Nightly News calls one of the five most inspiring women in America. A birth defect resulted in St. John becoming an amputee at the age of five. Against tremendous odds, she used her imagination and determination to overcome adversity. In addition to hearing Bonnie's inspirational story, viewers will also hear tips to help one find success in career and business, how to face challenges by tapping into one's inner strengths and a special market commentary for women investors with Alan Skrainka, Edward Jones Chief Market Strategist. To reserve a seat or for more information about the February 10th program, call Peter Dutcher at 508-580-2555.

On Saturday, February 7, the MSPCA's Metro South Animal Care & Adoption Center will host a wine tasting to benefit homeless and abused animals currently at the Shelter. Sponsored by some of the areas finest wine outlets, wines from around the world will be made available for your tasting pleasure. The wine guys of Easton, Pops Fine Wine & Liquor of Easton, The Wine Basket of Brockton and 1666 Liquors also of Brockton have all pitched in and promise to make this evening a memorable experience for all of those who attend. The event will be held at the MSCPA's shelter located at 1300 West Elm Street Extension in Brockton from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tickets can be bought in advance for $15 at the shelter or at one of the sponsors locations. Tickets at the door will be $20. You must be at least 21 years of age. To learn more about the Metro-South Animal Care & Adoption Center and services visit www.mspca.org or call 508-586-2053.

The Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents Office of Safety has awarded Caritas Good Samaritan Occupational Health Services a grant for occupational safety and health training for fiscal year 2004. The total projected figure for employees to receive training with DIA grant money in FY 2004 is 16,000 statewide. To date more than 200,000 workers across Massachusetts have received workplace safety training through these funds. Caritas Good Samaritan Occupational Health Service will commit a portion of the grant to increase awareness towards the practice of safety principles and to help educate in the prevention of illness and injuries among companies it selects. Caritas Good Samaritan Occupational Health Services, located at 75 Stockwell Drive, Avon, (508-427-3900), is affiliated with Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, a teaching hospital of Tufts University School of Medicine and a member of Caritas Christi Health Care, the second largest health care system in New England.

Baynes Electric Supply, headquartered in Brockton, MA is pleased to announce that John Martin of Fairhaven, MA has been promoted to branch manager of their Wareham branch. John has been with Baynes for 7 years and previously worked at the New Bedford location. Baynes Electric Supply is a wholesale distributor of electrical supplies with locations in Brockton, Boston, New Bedford, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Norwood, Wareham, Nantucket, Middletown and East Providence.

Michael Yunits of Holbrook has been appointed to the position of Workforce Development Specialist at Massasoit Community College. Mr. Yunits will be responsible for providing outreach to Southeastern Massachusetts business, industry, and governmental organizations, and working with the college's extensive Workforce Development training staff assessing and addressing individual training needs. He brings knowledge of the business community from his role as President of Yunits Engineering Company for the past 18 years and as past Chair of the Board at The Metro South Chamber of Commerce, The South Coastal Workforce Investment Board, The State Workforce Board Association, and current Chair of the Holbrook School Committee. Dr. Charles Wall, President of Massasoit Community College, stated, Mike's knowledge of the business community will aid Massasoit Community College in its continued goal of assuring a high quality workforce in Southeastern Massachusetts.

The Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Departments of New England Sinai Hospital and Rehabilitation Center have been awarded an Outcomes Excellence Certificate from Focus On Therapeutic Outcomes, Inc., a nationwide outcomes data base and reporting service for healthcare providers. These certificates are presented to a select group of providers across the country to recognize the excellence achieved in effectiveness of treatment during the past twelve months. Sinai's PT and OT services has demonstrated a greater increase in function for their patients than the national aggregate average. FOTO outcomes data are beneficial because they provide a benchmark measure for overall quality and value of the services offered by an organization.

To commemorate the opening of Best Buy's 877th store, the Best Buy Children's Foundation presented a $10,000 check to the Old Colony United Way. Tom O'Rourke, President and CEO of the Old Colony United Way accepted the check from store manager Kris Kuhl during a ceremony in the new Best Buy at Westgate Mall. Store employees participated in the event by wearing Best Buy Children's Foundation logo pins in honor of the Old Colony United Way. In addition, on February 1, the Old Colony United Way will have a new name and a new address. The nonprofit organization will be called the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and will be located at 928 West Chestnut Street in Brockton. The name change is a better reflection of our services area said Stephen Hall of Massachusetts Electric Company, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the local United Way. United Way of Greater Plymouth County serves 22 communities and provides funds for 38 member agencies. The goal of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of people who live and work in the communities of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, West Bridgewater and Whitman. For more information, call the United Way of Greater Plymouth County at 508-583-6306 or go to the website at www.oldcolonyunitedway.com

The Fuller Museum of Art in Brockton is now accepting registrations for adult craft workshops at the Fuller Museum School. The workshops are one to three day courses designed specifically to expose new people to contemporary craft. The workshops are taught by professional craft artists currently working and exhibiting their work in New England. Students may register by calling 508-588-6000 ext. 125 or by sending an email to fmaschool@fullermuseum.org. A complete schedule of winter classes and workshops can be found online at www.fullermuseum.org. Professional development points are available for teachers.

Thank You Renewing Members

Baynes Electric Supply Co., Inc.
Benner's Camera & Video Shops
William E. Beyer Design
Bridgewater Square Chiropractic
Bristol Investment Management
Brockton Community Access(BCA)
Brockton Day Nursery
Brockton Fair
Brockton Rox
Brockton Visiting Nurse Association
Busy Bee Pre-School/Daycare
Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center
Carlo Gavazzi, Inc.
Christo's Inc.
Christy's Realty L.P.
Comfort-Temp Oil
Commonwealth Mediation & Conciliation
Dahlborg-MacNevin Funeral Home
Direct Media
M. Donahue Associates, Inc.
Energy Conservation, Inc.
The Enterprise
Four Seasons Hair Salon
Franklin Sports, Inc.
Gold Line Transportation
Hanson, Murphy & Associates
Hanson Printing Company, Inc.
Hayward Boynton & Williams, Inc.
Brian Healey Contractor, Inc.
Holiday Inn-Metro South
Jordan's Furniture
Ellen Moore Design
Mutual Oil Company, Inc.
Nelson Copy Supply Company, Inc.
Nemo's Carry All Market, Inc.
Nu-Print, Inc.
Pawtucket Red Sox
Peak Interior Supply Co., Inc.
Penny Wise Graphics
Sign Design, Inc.
Smith, Buckley & Hunt Insurance Agency
Universal Door Company
Wal-Mart
Walker-Clay, Inc.
Westgate Mall Properties, LLC
Wolf & Company, PC

Our Chamber continues to grow stronger through referrals from our members. Please refer a member today. Call Frank Gillooly at 508-586-0500 ext. 229 or e-mail info@metrosouthchamber.com.

More Tools and Resources for Your Business...

Winter Business Workshops

Free SOMWBA Workshop

When:Tuesday, February 10, 2004
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 Office of 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 purchases millions of dollars worth of products and services from SOMWBA-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.


SEED Workshops

"Learn The Fundamentals in Planning, Preparing For, and Financing Your Business"

When:Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Where:CareerWorks, 34 School Street, Brockton
Time:9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Cost:Free

This workshop is geared toward helping potential entrepreneurs evaluate and understand the fundamentals of owning one's own business. Information on how to get started, where and how to get financing, and the loan application process will be presented. Attendees will also be provided with a guide to writing a business plan and other matierals.

"Understanding the Purpose of Financial Statements and How They Can Help Determine the Health of Your Business"

When:Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Where:CareerWorks, 34 School Street, Brockton
Time:9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Cost:Free

The focus of this workshop is to help attendees understand a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. The workshop also examines how a small business owner can anticipate financial needs in order to operate his/her business more efficiently.

Please call Laurie Walsh at SEED Corporation at 508-822-1020 to register for either or both sessions by February 13th or for directions to CareerWorks. For more information about SEED and its programs, visit www.seedcorp.com.

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.

Chestnut Farm Apartments
100 Chestnut Farm Way
Raynham, MA 02762
Tel: 508-822-5959
Fax: 508-822-2929
Ms. Sheryl Echols
Apartments

First Horizon Home Loan Corp.
700 West Center Street, Suite 6
W. Bridgewater, MA 02379
Tel: 508-427-3979
Fax: 508-584-2718
Mr. Bruce G. Dansby
Banks/Financial

Geoffrey Paul
44 Baltic Avenue
North Easton, MA 02356
Tel: 508-238-0238
Fax: 508-238-1043
Real Estate/Residential

PG Plastics
PO Box 2373
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-427-0843
Fax: 508-586-5927
Mr. Peter Egan

Poyant Signs, Inc.
125 Samuel Barnet Road
New Bedford, MA 02745
Tel: 508-995-1777
Fax: 508-995-6114
Mr. Geoffrey Diehl

To join the Chamber, call Frank Gillooly at 508-586-0500 ext. 229 or join online.

Students Learn the Realities of Starting a Business

Story Submitted by Meghan Abella-Bowen
Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board

How many of you have ever thought about starting your own business? For a group of juniors and seniors at Stoughton High School, that is exactly what they have been thinking about all semester. This year 35 students at Stoughton High are participating in a new Entrepreneurship course being taught by Helen Rabouin in the Business Department.

The year long course utilizes the Small Business Administration's (SBA) online course Discover Business. A course which outlines the critical steps necessary to start a business, including identifying a product or service, developing a company name, and creating a business plan. Students working independently or in small groups will complete a business as their final project for their business portfolio.

To help students understand the challenges to starting a business, Rabouin asked former Stoughton High School Alumni and Principal of the Phia Group, LLC Michael Branco, to meet with her class. Branco and his partners own and operate the Phia Group, an experienced provider of debt recovery strategies. Branco invited the students to visit his company and participate in a business roundtable to discuss business plans and address questions on starting your own business. To prepare for the meeting students prepared questions based on their business plans and the information they had received from the SBA website.

Branco began the roundtable discussion by telling the students about himself, his company, and the path he took to get where he is today. Students were then encouraged to ask questions. Ramon Brito, a senior, was very interested in starting his own computer repair and networking business as a way to support himself through college.

Brito explained his business plan to Branco and asked him for his advice. Before giving him any advice, Branco asked the student to tell him more about his computer expertise and past work experience. At this point it became clear that the student had strong computer skills and a plan but that he had very little business experience. Branco then asked Brito, "Why would you want to go out and make mistakes on your own time and money? You may have the computer skills, but that is different from running a business." As the discussion went on Branco explained to him and the other students that no matter how much market research you do, you will not be aware of all the obstacles and pitfalls that face you when you start your own business. Branco's advice to Brito was to spend time working for someone else in the industry, learn about the equipment you need, understand the market ups and downs, and learn the business side as well as technical side of the industry. Then, after gaining your experience, start your own company.

After the roundtable discussion, Rabouin asked Brito what he gained from the experience. Brito explained, "the discussion was very valuable, Mr. Branco's advice will save me a lot of money." Brito explained that he had already saved up a considerable amount of money and had been looking into a location to run his company. "Thank goodness Mr. Branco said what he did to me. With out his advice I would have gambled on starting the business and it would have cost me!"

When asked why he participated in the high school program Branco explained, "as a business person who has been out of school for awhile, you forget that the students dont have this (business) knowledge. They want to start their own business, but they dont have the experience, knowledge, or capital. By creating roundtable discussions such as the one created by Helen Rabouin and my company, today's students may hopefully avoid some of the pitfalls other young business people have experienced."


Good Morning Metro South!
February 12 at Holiday Inn

The Chamber will hold the next Good Morning Metro South on Thursday, February 12, 2004, from 7:30 to 9:30 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 many recent accomplishments.

In addition to Mayor Jack Yunits, Jane C. Edmonds, Director of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development will also speak at the breakfast. Ms. Edmonds will discuss workforce trends, employer services and grant funds available through the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund. The Workforce Training Fund provides approximately eighteen million dollars per year for the purpose of training today's workers for tomorrow's jobs. Ms. Edmonds has served in her current position since her appointment by Governor Mitt Romney in 2002. Prior to this appointment, she served as chair of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), the Commonwealth's civil rights law enforcement agency. From there she went onto serve as Director for the Office of Intergovernmental Relations for the city of Boston. Ms. Edmonds is also a former elected member of the Sharon School Committee.

The February sponsor is the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board (BAWIB). BAWIB is one of 16 Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) statewide working to build links between the business community and the workforce. The Boards oversee and implement workforce development activities in the Commonwealth.

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. Members can also register on-line at www.metrosouthchamber.com. The cost is $15 for members and $22 for non-members.

February 2004

4Ambassador Meeting8:00 am
5Human Resource Management Council
Holiday Inn-Metro South
8:00 am
10SOMWBA Workshop10:00 am
11Taste Committee Meeting9:15 am
12Good Morning Metro South
Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South
Sponsor: Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board
7:30 am
13Government Affairs Meeting7:45 am
16Presidents Day
Chamber offices closed
 
25Taste Committee Meeting9:15 am

March 2004

3Ambassador Meeting8:00 am
3Taste Committee Meeting3:30 pm
10A Taste of Metro South
Massasoit Conference Center
5:30- 8:00 pm
12Government Affairs Meeting7:45 am
16Executive Committee Meeting4:00 pm
31Board of Directors12:00 noon

April 2004

13Membership Drive 
14Membership Drive 
15Membership Drive 
21Legislative Breakfast*
Informal Networking
Sponsor: Massasoit Community College
Location: Massasoit Conference Center
Crescent Street, Route 27, Brockton
*Pending speaker confirmation
7:30 am

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

Metro South Gears Up For Community Celebration

Massasoit Conference Center - March 10, 2004

A Taste of Metro South will be held on Wednesday, March 10 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Massasoit Conference Center, Route 27, 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 more than 20 area restaurants, discover cultural and community service organizations, and enjoy live entertainment from local performers.

"A Taste of Metro South is an 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 Metro South Chamber of Commerce Foundation, to assist in the betterment of the Metro South community through charitable activities.

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.

Champion Your Chamber!
Member Drive April 13,14,15

Show your support of the community while strengthening the voice of business.

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce will conduct a three day Membership Drive to help enroll local businesses while introducing them to the benefits of Chamber membership.

On April 13,14,15, 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 feature many incentives for small businesses to join the Chamber.

If you would like to learn more about participating in the chamber membership's recruitment please contact Kerrie Blake at 508-586-0500 ext.222 or e-mail kerrie@metrosouthchamber.com.

Do You Have an HR Question? Try the Human Resource Hotline

Does your Business have Human Resource questions? Do you know where to turn for answers?

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce has developed a hotline for your business to receive professional advice from experts in the HR field.

Simply e-mail your question to the HR hotline at hrhotline@metrosouthchamber.com or log onto to www.metrosouthchamber.com.

For more information contact Lisa Keene, Program Director at 508-586-0500 ext. 231.

Massasoit Offers PDA Workshop

Massasoit Community College in cooperation with Staples and Palm Inc. present a seminar designed to help those who have made the move and those who are contemplating the move to a Personal Digital Assistant. This hands on seminar will show how your business needs will drive technology purchases now and into the future.

Participants will learn the most effective use of a PDA. The featured speakers is Gary Silverman, President of Clueless Computer, Inc. Gary has over 15 years of experience assisting people with issues surrounding personal computers.

The PDA Workshop is scheduled for March 26, 2004. Registration and continental breakfast begin at 7:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 8:00 a.m. and concluding at 9:30 a.m.. The workshop will take place at the Massasoit Conference Center in Brockton. The cost is $15 for $22 for non-members.

Pre-registration is necessary. Please contact Irene Donoghue, Program Coordinator, Professional Development Center (PCD) at Massasoit at 508-588-9100 ext. 2013.

Mass Development Provides Business Financing at Chamber

MassDevelopment provides flexible financing solutions. There bond financing programs offer a cost-effective method for companies and institutions to finance capital projects, new equipment purchases and facility expansions. Loans and guarantees are available to help companies grow their operations, and develop assistance supports early-stage projects in communities across the state. There customers include manufacturers, nonprofits and communities. They assist clients with in upgrading facilities, expanding outreach and revitalizing neighborhoods and business districts. For more information contact MassDevelopment at 508-586-9669.

Property Tax Increase Signed Into Law

Legislation supported by some municipal leaders that would increase the tax classification rate from 175% to 200%, and further shift the property tax burden from residential taxpayers to business taxpayers was passed by the Massachusetts Legislature and signed into law last month by Governor Romney, despite vigorous opposition from the Metro South Chamber of Commerce and statewide business groups. The Chamber is disappointed with the Governor's decision to sign this legislation and especially with his early support for the bill, which shifted the momentum in favor of passage.We do believe that the Metro South Chamber of Commerce's efforts produced some improvements in the final version, and sent a powerful message that will affect future policy deliberations.

Nominations Being Accepted for 13th Annual Awards

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 Thirteenth 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 12, 2004. 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 Wednesday, May 19, 2004. Award recipients will receive an engraved plaque and extensive promotion honoring their business and achievements.

Chamber to Undergo Review in 2004

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce has embarked upon a self-study for reaccreditation through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "This process, conducted every five years, allows us to re-examine our programs and management in order to improve our collective effectiveness," said Chamber President & CEO Christopher Cooney.

The Accreditation program was instituted by the U.S. Chamber to recognize effective organizational performance. Accreditation designates chambers of commerce that conduct a well-balanced program of action. Only 750 of the 3,300 chamber of commerce across America have earned this honor. In Massachusetts fewer than 12 Chambers have achieved accreditation. The Metro South Chamber of Commerce has been accredited since 1989 by maintaining a strong regional organization and providing quality customer focused programming.

Six task forces have been formed to thoroughly examine major components of the Chamber. They include Organizational Evaluation, Program of Action, Finance, Staff, Communication and Plant & Equipment. Following extensive review of these areas, a detailed report will be sent to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

"We look forward to the self evaluation the reaccreditation process affords us in 2004. Conducting a thorough review of our Chamber will enable us to prepare for a dynamic future," said James Blake, Chairman of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce.

Government Affairs
February 13

The Government Affairs Committee will hold its next meeting on Friday, February 13, 2004 at 7:45 a.m. at the Chamber's headquarters. The guest speaker is Sarah Crawford, Manager, Eastern Region of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Crawford will speak about federal issues.

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

Anyone interested in attending the meeting can contact Roy Nascimento, vice president at 508-586-0500 ext. 225 for more information.

Career Transition Center at CareerWorks Serves Over 125 Employers

The Shaw's Career Transition Center and CareerWorks provided workers for over 125 employers during the past year. The Federally funded National Emergency Grant was a huge success with over 160 job seekers securing employment. Not only were the dislocated workers successful, but also were the employers who filled their job openings.

CareerWorks, the Brockton Area One-Stop Career Center, is constantly striving to serve the needs of both job seekers and employers. Although, the Shaw's Career Transition Center is ending, CareerWorks continues to assist employers with all their human resource needs. Not only can CareerWorks provide assistance with your job openings, but a wide range of other services including:

  • Education and Training Program Referrals
  • Industry-Specific Recruitment
  • Assistance with Pre-Layoff Seminars
  • Employer Forums
  • And much more

CareerWorks is located in Downtown Brockton across from the Metro South Chamber of Commerce and City Hall. The UMass Center at Brockton, which houses CareerWorks, is also equipped with meeting rooms and training facilities to assist you with your business needs. For more information regarding employers services or The UMass Center at Brockton meeting and training facilities please call 508-513-3400.

~ Member Profile ~
CDIJ Enterprises

Company Name: CDIJ Enterprises

Address: 28 Bigney Avenue, Brockton 02301-4806

Telephone: 617-899-0376

Website: www.cdijenterprises.com

Year Established: 2003

Number of Employees: Sole Proprietor

Products or Services: CDIJ offers business consulting and analysis specializing in process improvement.

What is unique or special about your firm and the products and services you offer? We believe that finding and eliminating the hidden waste in a company is the most progressive and positive way to improve the bottom line. CDIJ's slogan is Simplicity and clarity leads to productivity. Case in point: a local retailer was having trouble producing its weekly flyer on a system that was designed specifically for them to accomplish this task. We provided a post-implementation analysis that revealed that the processes being followed cost the company in excess of $2.5 million annually! That is a lot of money for any company. We provided them with fourteen new procedures to eliminate waste.

What is your market area? Our market area is Quincy through the South Shore to the middle Cape.

What markets do you serve? We have worked in many types of business environments including finance, retail, public school systems, hospitals, and utility companies. We are very versatile and proven.

Please list any awards or recognition your firm has received: The rewards we have received are the satisfied and relieved looks on the faces of our clients when we submit our finding and procedures to follow to get to their ultimate goal.

What is your main business objective concerning your customers and the business community? We want to help companies improve their bottom line with the least amount of disruption to their existing workforce and company objectives. We listen to our clients and provide the service that they want and need.

CDIJ Enterprises want to become your consultant of choice for all your business operational needs. CDIJ Enterprises prides itself on utilizing your current resources. We believe that the best way to solve a problem is to find a better way to do the same thing while maintaining your company's mission.

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 Thursday, February 12, 2004 from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn - Metro South.

Are You Eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit?

Claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a federal and state tax benefit for people who work. With both the federal and state tax credits, workers may get up to $4,600. Workers can claim both the federal and state EITC, even if they do not owe income tax, simply by filing federal and state income tax returns. They will receive a state credit equal to 15% of the federal amount. A person is eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit if they have more than one child and earn $32,121 or less, have one child and earn $28,281 or less or no children and earn $10,710 or less. Also all members of the family must have a social security number. Nonresident aliens are eligible if married to a U.S. citizen or resident alien. For more information call 508-580-7100.