Membership in the Metro South Chamber
It's all about Opportunity!
Joining the Metro South Chamber of Commerce can help
to unlock the doors of opportunity for your business.
When you belong to the Metro South Chamber of
Commerce, you are a leader within the business
community and a member of the region's most dynamic
advocacy organization. Membership means potential new
business prospects, new savings, access to resources,
and valuable information for you and your business.
It was February 14, 1913, when a few local business
leaders united to establish the Metro South Chamber of
Commerce to display their pride, commitment, and
enthusiasm for the community and the region. They
recognized what we still honor today. Collectively,
businesses working through the Chamber of Commerce
produce far more individual and community success than
they do working alone.
On April 1, 2, and 3 many community and business
leaders, currently benefiting from membership in the
Chamber, will contact businesses that could benefit
from membership in the Metro South Chamber of
Commerce.
If you are not currently a Chamber member, take this
opportunity to listen to someone who is working
smarter through membership in the Metro South Chamber
of Commerce. You’ll soon learn why so many businesses
recognize Chamber membership as a key to their
business and community success.
Chamber membership costs just pennies a day and
provides your business with tremendous opportunity.
When you join before April 18, 2003 you will receive
over $750 worth of immediate return on your
investment.
To learn how to unlock the doors of opportunity
through Chamber membership, call (508) 586-0500 ext.
229.
Thank You Renewing Members
Avalon Management LLC
Avon Greenhouse & Flower Shop, Inc.
Ballard & Ballard Development, Inc.
Battles Farm Village Apartments
Wm. C. Bearce Insurance Agency, Inc.
Bristol Investment Management
Brockton Plastics, Inc.
Brockton Rox
Butler Built Pavements, Inc.
Chapel of New Hope, Inc.
Chatham West Associates
Colors
Conway Insurance Agency,Inc.
Crystal Cleaners, Inc.
The Enterprise
Gerri Curl
Gilson Paperhanging & Painting Company
Hennessey & MacInnis, Inc.
Ronald H. Holmgren, CPA
Hopkins Foster Care
Peter & Elaine Leahy
MAC Systems, Inc.
McCluskey, Yunits & Buckley, PC
Mediterranean Custom Cabinets, Inc.
Nordgren-Fandrich Insurance Agency
The Oak Lounge
Daniel J. O'Connor, Attorney at Law
Pilling Engineering Group
Play It Again Sports
Prudential Linn Real Estate
Reed, Adami & Kaiser, P.C.
Terrie Stone Catering, Inc.
Technical Futures, Inc.
Turner Brothers, LLC
Dr. Carl A. Walent
Roger P. Wedge, CPA
Our Chamber continues to grow stronger through referrals from our members. Please refer a member today. Call the Chamber at 508-586-0500 or e-mail at info@metrosouthchamber.com.
Good News
Chamber members are invited to send information for the Good News column to the Chamber office.
Brockton Plastics, Inc. is pleased to announce the
appointment of David Guliano as Director of Business
Development. Brockton Plastics is a manufacturer
specializing in producing proprietary componenets of
plastic, leather and textile materials for other
manufacturers on a regional, national and
international basis. In business in Brockton since
1952, Brockton Plastics, in 2001, merged the
manufacturing operation of the former Alger
Corporation and moved that operation from Abington to
Brockton. Mr. Guliano will be responsible for growing
both operations in markets where they have
historically had some share, as well as in others they
have not traditionally serviced.
Media Concepts announces the creation of its newest
web site, www.random-access.net. Random Access
Corporation, located in West Bridgewater, is a sales,
service and consulting company dedicated to providing
reliable, high quality networking services and
innovative solutions using the leading edge
technologies available in today's business world.
Media Concepts, located in Whitman, provides low-cost
web site design, maintenance and hosting for local
businesses. Media Concepts also designed and
maintains the Metro South Chamber of Commerce web
site.
Watson-Guptill Publications (New York City) has
announced the May 2003 release of the new book
"Pastels Made Easy" by Massachusetts Artist Anne
Heywood. Filled with no-nonsense guidance and 200
full-color illustrations, including examples of
Heywood's own collection, "Pastels Made Easy" shows
new artists the basics of painting with the popular
pastel medium. Anne Heywood is a signature member of
the Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod, the
Connecticut Pastel Society, and the United Pastellists
of America and is known throughout New England for her
beautiful landscape paintings and pet portraiture, as
well as her educational workshops. For further
information, aheywood@anne-heywood.com or
508-378-4239.
The Brockton Rox have announced the hiring of three
new staff members for the 2003 season. Liz Cavanaugh,
Jim Pfander and Ryan Smith join the Rox for the team's
second season. Cavanaugh's responsibilities will
include community relations and to further branch out
the Rox name into surrounding areas. Pfander will be
involved in the promotions department and making the
ballpark fresh and interesting for the fans. Smith
will be working with the media, website and other
broadcasting duties for the Rox.
Brides to be and wedding planners alike can walk
through the big day in advance using the latest
computer technology with easy to use tent calculators,
glossaries and computer-aided design that bring the
planned event to life. BC Tent & Awning, a leading
provider of tents, awnings and accessories, provides a
website www.bctent.com to offer wedding planners the
use of a tent calculator that offers them the
opportunity to create a preliminary tent size. Wedding
planners can enter the number of guests and then
choose an example including dance floors or a head
table to select the size and style of tent.
Carolyn B. Rzewski, Assistant Vice President and
Commerical Lines Account Executive at Rogers & Gray
Insurance Agency, Inc. has been elected President of
the Cape Cod Insurance Agents Association, Inc.
(CCIAA). Ms. Rzewski has served on the organization's
Board of Directors for 3 years and has also served as
Chairperson for the Education Committee. She was
inducted as President at the association's January 30,
2003 meeting.
The American Diabetes Association has awarded the
diabetes education program at Caritas Good Samaritan
Medical Center its Education Recognition Certificate.
ADA said it believes the medical center's program
offers high quality diabetes self-management education
which is an essential component of effective diabetes
treatment. The association's Education Recognition
Certificate assures that education programs meet
national standards, developed and tested under the
auspices of the National Diabetes Advisory Board for
diabetes self-management education programs.
Peter Cottontail is Coming! Have your child's portrait
taken with real bunnies for Easter. All sessions done
by appointment and times are filling fast. Dates are
March 29, 30 and April 4, 5, and 6. Call Michael at
Eagle Photography for details and to set up your
session today at 508-697-4973.
New England Sinai Hospital and Rehabilitation Center
will conduct a six week weight loss program, Weight
Less Nutrition Class. Classes begin Monday, March 10,
2003 from 6:30 to 7:30 at New England Sinai Hospital,
150 York Street, Stoughton. Taught by a registered
dietitian, the class includes education and
individualized eating and nutrition guidelines,
behavior modification techniques, exercise planning,
label reading, heart-healthy guidelines for shopping,
eating and cooking, dining out guidelines and
strategies to maintain weight loss. The cost is $95
for the six week program and registration is required.
For more information or to register, call
781-297-1387.
In a concert that deliberately pairs two contrasting
composers, Brockton Symphony Orchestra Music Director
and Conductor Jonathan Cohler has chosen to highlight
the works of Mozart and Beethoven who are two of the
most popular composers in history. The program, which
is the second to last program of the season, will
include Mozart's Oboe Concerto in C Major and Symphony
No. 35 in D major; and Beethoven's Egmont Overture and
Symphony No. 2 in D. Major. The audience is invited to
attend a free pre-concert lecture given by Cohler at
2:45, then stay for the 3:30 p.m. concert and
reception in honor of the 55th anniversary of the
Symphony. The concert takes place at Brockton High
School, Route 123, Brockton. For tickets and more
information call 508-588-3841 or
www.brocktonsymphony.org.
The MIT Endicott House is a unique site for meetings
and special events. An elegant mansion with a history
enriched in old-world grandeur and enhanced by
contemporary refinements is offering a 10% discount on
all meetings booked through April 30. In addition, any
residential groups will be offered a complimentary
pre-dinner reception which includes hors d' oeuvres
and non-alcohlic beverages. A minimum of ten rooms
must be booked with this offer. For more information
call 781-251-6360.
A number of local businesses will again sponsor the
Credit For Life at Massasoit Community College on
Wednesday, April 30, 2003. Some 240 high school
seniors from Brockton will participate in the event.
The fair, which was designed by Consumer Credit
Counseling Services of Southeastern New England, is a
highly interactive program designed to teach young
adults the basics of budgeting financial literacy and
the role credit plays in all aspects of personal
finance. The Fair Committee is always looking for
volunteers to staff the booths and help in other ways.
If you feel you would like to participate in this
event and can spare the morning of April 30, please
call Leo MacNeil at Brockton Credit Union
508-895-1314. In addition, Brockton Credit Union
recently announced the promotions of Bianca Fugazotto
and Laurie Lemmo. Fugazotto of Easton was promoted to
the position of Mortgage Analyst. She joined the
credit union in 1996 and first served as a teller in
the Easton branch. Ms. Lemmo of Middleboro was
promoted to the position of Mortgage Processing
Manager. She joined the credit union in 1997 and first
served as Customer Service Representative, and most
recently she served as Customer Service Representative
at the credit union's Plymouth Mortgage Center.
On Saturday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m. Kelly Carney Kelly
of Brockton will host Trivia Night at the Fuller
Museum of Art. Teams of four to five players will
compete to answer a range of general knowledge
questions put forth by the FMA Quizmaster. Cost is $25
per person whether you are a player or an observer.
Register by calling the FMA at 508-588-6000 ext. 118
or send your check made out to "Fuller Museum of Art"
to the museum at 455 Oak Street, Brockton, MA 02301.
Savantic Software, a Randolph-based web consulting
company, has launched a new website to promote a bone
marrow drive organized by South Cove Community Health
Center, New England's premier health center for the
Asian community. The site will serve as the central
online resource for regional Asian-Americans to learn
why they should donate and how to become donors. The
site is found at http://www.scchc.org and
http://www.savantic.com/scchcmarrow.
Join Old Colony Hospice, a non-profit organization
based in Stoughton, MA for the 5th annual memorial
walk "Stepping out for Hospice", on Sunday, April 6,
2003. This community-wide celebration will benefit Old
Colony Hospice's services, as well as their
bereavement, spiratual and volunteer programs.
Registration will start at 11:00 a.m. at the Raymond
School, 125 Oak Street in Brockton. The walk will
start at noon. Walkers can choose either a three or
five mile loop within D. W Field Park. For more
information, contact Marilyn Jackson at Old Colony
Hospice at 781-341-4145 or at
www.oldcolonyhospice.org.
Earth Day will be celebrated locally on Wednesday,
April 23, 2003 with a comprehensive clean-up of the
Salisbury Brook in Brockton. The Chamber, Fleet Bank,
and the Old Colony Boy Scouts of America have pledged
over 100 volunteers for the clean-up. Brockton City
Planner, Nancy Stacksavoie, City Engineer, Jacques
Borges, and DPW Director Robert Smith have all offered
support of the clean-up activities. The clean-up will
kick-off at the new Salisbury Park on Montello Street
at 9:00 a.m. For more information or to offer your
assistance, please contact the Metro South Chamber of
Commerce at 508-586-0500 ext. 221.
More Tools and Resources for Your Business...
Free U.S Small Business Administration Workshop
"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.
Free SOMWBA Workshop
| 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.
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.
All SOMWBA applicants must attend one workshop.
Free SBA Procurement Technical Workshop
"Government Contracting - Exploring New Opportunities"
| When: | Tuesday, March 25, 2003 |
| Where: | 10 Causeway Street, 1st Floor Auditorium |
| TIme: | 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. |
| RSVP: | by Friday, March 14, 2003 by calling Lisa
Gonzalez 617-565-5588 or e-mail lisa.gonzalez@sba.gov. |
One-Stop Career Center For All Your Employment Needs
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:
- Free listing of jobs on Mass Job Bank
- Job referral of qualified candidates
- Employer recruitments at CareerWorks
- Connect with a large pool of registered CareerWorks
job seekers
- School to Career Program
- Employer site visits to assess employment needs
- Connection opportunities to business resources
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:
- Interviewing for Success
- Salary Negotiations
- Dynamic Resumes
- Computer Basics
- Career Exploration
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.
2003 Award Nominations Now Being Accepted
To recognize the achievements and contributions of
small businesses and entrepreneurs in the region, the
Metro South Chamber of Commerce and Fleet Small
Business Services invite you to participate in the
selection process to name the 2003 Small Business of
the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year.
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.
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 Monday, March 17, 2003. Call
the Chamber office at 508-586-0500 to request an
easy-to-complete nomination form or visit the
interactive link on our website at
www.metrosouthchamber.com. 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.
New MA Gift Certificate Law Impacts Retailers
On January 1, 2003, important changes were made to the
current gift certificate and merchandise credit laws.
These changes will go into effect on April 4, 2003.
The new law can be found at Chapter 510 of the Acts of
2002. Information provided by http://www.state.ma.us/consumer/Pubs/giftcert.htm
| Old Law | New Law |
|
Gift Certificates must be good for at least 2 years.
Gift Certificates are defined as "a writing
identified as a gift certificate purchased by a buyer
for use by a person other than the buyer not
redeemable in cash and usable in its amount in lieu of
cash in exchange for goods or services supplied by the
seller."
Gift Certificates are subject to the abandoned
property law after five years of inactivity beyond the
life of the certificate.
|
Gift Certificates must be good for at least 7
years.
The definition of Gift Certificates is expanded to
include electronic cards with a banked dollar value, a
merchandise credit, a certificate where the issuer has
received payment for the full face value for the
future purchase or delivery of goods or services and
any other medium that evidences the giving
consideration in exchange for the right to redeem it
for goods, food, services, credit or money of at least
an equal value.
Gift Certificates are no longer subject to the
abandoned property law.
|
|
If a gift certificate does not have the expiration
date clearly marked on its face, the issuer of the
gift certificate shall be punished by a fine of up to
three hundred dollars.
Merchants are not required to provide a consumer
with cash for the remaining value of the gift
certificate when only a portion of the certificate has
been redeemed
Merchants refusing to redeem a gift certificate
they have sold before it has reached its lawful
expiration date, shall be punished by a fine of not
more than three hundred dollars.
|
Gift certificates not clearly marked with a date of
issuance shall be good forever.
If 90% or more of a gift certificate has been used
or redeemed, a merchant must give the consumer the
choice between receiving cash or another gift
certificate in the amount of the remaining balance.
Merchants refusing to redeem a gift certificate
they have sold before it has reached its expiration
date, shall be punished by a fine of not more than
three hundred dollars. Also, merchants selling gift
certificates, which impose a time limit of less than 7
years shall be punished by a fine of not more than
$300.
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A Taste of Metro South Features Food and Fun for
Everyone
Massasoit Conference Center - March 19, 2003
Come and experience the best that the region has to
offer in food and fun at the 11th Annual Taste of
Metro South on Wednesday, March 19, 2003. The Taste is
sponsored by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce,
Massachusetts Electric Company, The Enterprise, and
WBET Radio 1460 AM and will run 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
Cafe, Brockton Hospital, Caritas Good Samaritan
Medical Center, The Carriage House of Easton, Catering
by Linda, Christo's, Good Days Restaurant, Gourmet
Cafe, Grandma's Coffee Cakes of New England, The
Grill, MainSpring House, Mamma Nina's Food-Wine-Bar,
Massasoit Conference Center, Montilio's, More Than
Pasta, Porticello's Ristorante, Southeastern Regional
High School, Spoleto, Sweet Ginger, and Town Spa.
Taste will host exhibits from Brockton Area
Multi-Services, Inc., Brockton Hospital, Brockton
Symphony Orchestra, Caritas Good Samaritan Medical
Center, The Charity Guild, The Children's Museum in
Easton, The Enterprise, Handi Kids, Massachusetts
Electric Company, Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Old
Colony Elderly Services, Old Colony Hospice, Old
Colony United Way and WBET Radio 1460AM.
Taste will also provide continuous live music and
entertainment from juggler Peter Czymbor, United
Brass, Brockton High School Jazz Band, Haley's Irish
Step Dancers and A Classic Sound.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. You
may purchase your tickets at Shaw's Supermarkets in
Brockton or at the Metro South Chamber of Commerce.
To purchase tickets by telephone, or for additional
information, call 508-586-0500, ext. 221.
March Calendar
| 4 | Taste Committee Meeting | 3:30 pm |
| 5 | Ambassador Team Meeting | 8:00 am |
| 8 | Government Affairs Meeting | 7:45 am |
| 11 | Executive Committee Meeting | 4:00 pm |
| 12 | Taste Committee Meeting | 3:30 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 |
April Calendar
| 1 | Membership Drive
Sponsor: Sovereign Bank
Location: Metro South Chamber of Commerce
School Street, Brockton | |
| 2 | Membership Drive
Sponsor: Sovereign Bank
Location: Metro South Chamber of Commerce
School Street, Brockton | |
| 3 | Membership Drive
Sponsor: Sovereign Bank
Location: Metro South Chamber of Commerce
School Street, Brockton | |
| 9 | Ambassador Team Meeting | 8:00 am |
| 10 | Legislative Breakfast
Informal Networking
Sponsor: Massasoit Community College
Location: Massasoit Conference Center
Crescent Street, Route 27, Brockton | 7:30 - 9:30 am |
| 16 | Business After Hours
Location: First Federal Savings Bank
73 Belmont Street, Easton | 5:30 pm |
| 17 | Human Resource Management Council
Holiday Inn - Metro South | 8:00 - 10:00
am |
May Calendar
| 22 | Small Business Awards
Sponsor: Fleet Small Business Services
Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South | 7:30 - 9:00 am |
Note: All meetings are held at the Metro South
Chamber office or Metro South Business Assistance
Center (BAC) unless otherwise indicated.
~ Board Member Profile ~
Walter Herlihy
Company Name: Bristol Investment Management and
Retirement Planning Company
Address: 45 Bristol Drive, Suite 101, S. Easton, MA
02375
Telephone: 508-230-3588
Website: www.InvestmentBuzz.org
Year Established: 1993
Number of Employees: 3
Products or Services: We offer fee based financial
planning and investment management, retirement
planning, company pensions, and charitable giving
planning.
Please list awards, honors, or special recognition
your firm has received:
- Advisor to the Boston Better Business Bureau
- Advisor to the Boston Globe Spotlight Team
- Advisor to the Congregation of the Holy Cross Development Office
- Advisor to the Stonehill College Development Office
- Board Member for several organizations the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Stonehill Community and Professional Education, and Financial Service Professionals of Massachusetts
What are some of the job positions that you have held?
Director of information technology, director of new
product development, a national marketing manager for
a major financial service company, teacher and coach
How long have you been a Chamber Board Member? I have
been a board member for 7 years.
What is your Chamber involvement? I have been very
involved in the Chamber for many years. The Chamber
has been very helpful to me in meeting new people and
establishing great relationships. I love the open,
honest opportunity to network and help others that the
Chamber facilitates and encourages.
How long have you been at your present job? I started
in the financial service business in 1969. I have
owned my own firm since September 1993.
What are your hobbies or interests? I enjoy
basketball, dancing, theater, music, and volunteering.
I am also interested in helping non-profits raise
money, helping children, and helping the less
fortunate.
The Chamber's Board of Directors meets regularly to
address policy and issues of economic and community
concern. Each month a member of the Board of Director
will be profiled in this seciton of the Action Report.
Umass And Stonehill Students Complete Chamber
Internships
Jonathan Roche, Jocelyn Pinkney, Jessica Mallozzi and
Janet McHale are currently completing internships with
the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. Pinkney,
Mallozzi, and McHale are concluding undergraduate
studies in International Studies Communications, and
Psychology at Stonehill College. Roche is a senior at
the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth,
completing his undergraduate study in Political
Science. The interns have assisted the Chamber staff
on legislative, membership, program and general office
administration.
The Chamber provides several internship opportunities
for students each year. For more information on the
Chamber's internship program contact Roy Nascimento,
Vice President at 508-586-0500 ext. 225.
Nominations for ATHENA Award Now Being Accepted
The Metro South Chamber of Commerce and Sovereign Bank
are pleased to announce their joint sponsorship of the
ATHENA Award. The ATHENA Award, created for the
Chamber of Commerce in Lansing, Michigan in 1982, has
expanded to over 350 cities in the United States,
Russia, and Canada. It is presented in the form of a
hand-cast bronze sculpture, symbolizing the strength,
courage, and wisdom of the recipient.
The Metro South Chamber of Commerce believes in the
values underlying the ATHENA Foundation's philosophy
of incorporating the talents and expertise of women
into the leadership of our businesses, our
communities, and our government. The spirit of the
ATHENA Program is captured in the following quotation
from Plato: "What is honored in a country will be
cultivated there."By honoring exceptional leaders,
others will be encouraged to excel.
On Thursday, June 19, 2003, the Metro South Chamber
will present the ATHENA Award to an exceptional
individual who has achieved excellence in his/her
business or profession, has served the community in a
meaningful way, and has assisted women in reaching
their full leadership potential.
To nominate an individual, please call Lisa Keene at
508-586-0500, ext. 231. An ATHENA Award nomination
form will be mailed upon request.
Nominations are due
Monday, May 19, 2003.
Southeastern MA Venture Forum - March 6
Bridgewater State College's Corporate and
Professional Development Center presents "Growth
Capital in Today's Current" on Thursday, March 6,
2003 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The forum will be held at
Bridgewater State College Moakley Auditorium.
The cost is $5 if you pre-register by March 5 and $15
if you register at the door. To register contact
Diane Joiner at 508-531-2788 or e-mail
djoiner@bridgew.edu. For more information visit
www.semassventureforum.org. The forum is co-sponsored by
the Metro South Chamber of Commerce.
Government Affairs
Next Committee Meeting: Friday, March 14 at 7:45 a.m.
Metro South Chamber Conference Room 1
The Government Affairs meeting will hold its next
meeting of Friday, March 14, 2003 a.m. at the
Chamber's headquarters. The guest speaker is Peter G.
Christie, President & CEO of the Massachusetts
Restaurant Association (MRA). MRA is a statewide
association that represents over 2,000 members in the
food and beverage industry. The MRA's mission is to
support, promote and enhance the food and beverage
industry in Massachusetts for the benefit of both its
members and the public.
Mr. Christie will discuss the legislative priorities
of the MRA and address the recent proposals for the
creation of local-option taxes, such as a local meals
tax. If you and your company are involved in the food,
beverage, or hospitality industry, then we recommend
that you attend and listen to this presentation. All
businesses are welcome to attend.
Anyone interested in attending the meeting can
contact Roy Nascimento, Vice President at 508-586-0500
ext. 225 for more information.
~ Member Profile ~
Fulfillment, Inc.
Company Name: Fulfillment, Inc.
Address: 1123 Pearl Street, Brockton, MA 02301
Website: www.fulfillmentinc.com
Year Established: 1990
Number of Employees: 10
Products or Services: Fulfillment, Direct
Marketing- (Catalogue & e-commerce) kit & portfolio
assembly, mailing services, telemarketing, pick &
pack, database management and custom packaging.
What is unique or special about your firm and the
products and services you offer? Fulfillment, Inc., is
an extension of our client's marketing department. We
offer a team with a hands-on approach to every detail
of a project from inception, quality issues,
appearance and scheduling. Fulfillment, Inc. will
coordinate and organize every requirement of a direct
marketing campaign including, printing, graphics, ad
specialties, packaging, and distribution costs.
What is your market area? Our market area is New
England with a national involvement.
What markets do you serve? The markets we serve are
any size corporation needing business to business and
or business to consumer fulfillment, and direct
marketing activities.
Please list awards, honors, or special recognition
your firm has received:
Fulfillment, Inc. is a Postal Service Business
Partner, trained in all current requirements of bulk
mail processing and database management. They are a
list broker able to direct your mail-piece to any
market or customer base. They are prepared to assist
clients with many packaging and distribution
efficiencies.
What is your main business objective concerning your
customers and the business community? Fulfillment,
Inc. has had 13 years of reliable and consistent
performance to a broad spectrum of clients including
the city of Brockton, Reebok International, Colgate
Oral Pharmaceuticals, Cablevision and Harvard Pilgrim
Health Care. They offer local employment to the
community with an emphasis on using local businesses
and services.
The Chamber features a Member Profile in each issue of
the Action Report. Members are selected randomly from
those in attendance at the Good Morning Metro South
(GMMS) breakfasts. Attending a GMMS is great exposure
for your business. The next breakfast is Thursday,
April 10, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Massasoit
Conference Center.
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.
Christy's Realty L.P.
130 Liberty Street #4
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-427-6111
Fax: 508-427-4333
David Goodman
Metro South Athletic Club
85 Liberty Street
Brockton, MA 02301-5518
Tel: 508-588-3444
Fax: 508-587-9854
Mark Bouchard
Health and Fitness
Pae Tec Communications, Inc.
225 Chapman Street
Providence, RI 02905
Tel: 401-427-9109
Fax: 401-421-2226
Eric Husgen
Prudential Financial
134 Main Street
N. Easton, MA 02356
Tel: 508-230-9988
Fax: 781-444-5908
Stephen Passias
Sherwin Williams Co.
650 Oak Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-559-2020
Fax: 508-559-9278
Kathryn Patenaude
Brockton City Council Moves Toward Promotions Fund
At its February 3, 2003 finance committee meeting, the
Brockton City Council unanimously voted to endorse a
resolve to create an independent Visitor Services
Board and Promotions Fund for the City of Brockton.
The vote came after a presentation made by a chamber
delegation of over thirty residents, business owners,
and community leaders from the city.
The proposal calls for a small portion of the city's
rooms tax collection to be set aside for promoting the
city to visitors and residents. The city collects
these funds from visitors staying at local hotels and
motels. The funds would be used for programs and
projects that enhance recreational resources, local
beautification, public safety, promotional and
marketing activities, events, services and public
improvements. A private sector match would be
required for projects and the five member visitor
services board would determine how the funds are
spent.
Research has shown that for every $1.00 invested in
visitor promotion the return is $8.00 to the local
community. The creation of this fund will lead to new
visitors to the city and new visitors will mean more
money spent at Brockton businesses, new businesses to
service those visitors, new jobs and ultimately
greater prosperity.
The Chamber applauds the decision of the council and
would like to publicly thank them for their leadership
and their strong support. The chamber will now work
with Mayor John T. Yunits and the Council as they take
the next step of forming the independent Visitors
Services Board.
Business After Hours April 16
First Federal
Savings Bank
On Wednesday, April 16, 2003, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
First Federal Savings Bank will host a Business After
Hours at it's newly renovated 73 Belmont Street
location, in Easton.
First Federal Savings Bank now has 26 full-service
banking and insurance offices in Southeastern
Massachusetts and Rhode Island and 32 ATMs!
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. New members, CPA's and
accountants are free. Please pre-register by calling
the Metro South Chamber at 508-586-0500 ext. 221.
Second Annual Employer-Education Forum
Story by Meghan Abella-Bowen
The Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board will hold
its Second Annual Employer-Education Forum on Monday,
March 31, 2003, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the J.
Joseph Moakley Center at Bridgewater State College.
The forum brings employers and educators together to
prepare today's youth for tomorrow's workforce.
This year the keynote speaker will be Verizon's
Regional Director of Public Relations, Bonnie
Coughlin. Ms. Coughlin will discuss Verizon's
commitment to workforce development and how
school-to-career activities play a part in that
development. Since the inception of school-to-career,
Verizon has been a key player in helping to prepare
our youth for the world of work.
This year the forum will feature three break-out
sessions to discuss specific strategies that are being
utilized in our region to help prepare our future
workforce. These strategies include: mentoring
students who will be our future workforce (mentoring),
developing curriculum to meet employer needs
(teacher externships)and supporting
work-based learning through internships
(student internships).
The forum will give you an opportunity to hear from
local employers and educators who are using these
strategies. Learn how these strategies can be
implemented in your company or school. Offer input or
feedback on how we can improve these strategies.
Discover how to expand these opportunities to your
company or school district.
Employers are strongly encouraged to register for
this event. We need the input and participation of
the business community in order to implement the most
effective strategies for educators and employers to
work together to develop our youth into skilled and
successful workers.
For additional information about the forum or
school-to-career activities, please contact the
Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board's Youth
Services Coordinator, Meghan Abella-Bowen, at
508-584-3234, extension 12.
Plane Tickets Awarded at Drive Kick-off
John Gibson of the Brockton Rox won two roundtrip
airlines tickets recently at the 2003 Membership Drive
kick-off breakfast. Gibson along with Liz Cavanaugh
and Gary MacKinnon, attended the breakfast held at
Thorney Lea Golf Club. The three Rox employees have
formed a team to participate in the drive. The Chamber
Memberhsip Drive is scheduled for April 1, 2 and 3.
To learn more about volunteering or about joining the
Chamber, call Frank 508-586-0500 ext. 229.
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