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| April 2002 |  |
Chamber's Legislative Breakfast Brings Beacon Hill to YouGovernor Jane Swift to Address Chamber - April 26 Over Fifteen Legislators Confirmed The legislative edition of the Good Morning Metro South breakfast program is scheduled for Friday, April 26, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Massasoit Conference Center on Crescent Street in Brockton. Governor Jane Swift will be the featured speaker at this special event. Jane Swift became the Governor of Massachusetts on April 10, 2001, when Governor Paul Cellucci resigned to become the U.S. Ambassador to Canada. Elected Lt. Governor in 1998, she worked as "Co-Governor" with Cellucci to stimulate economic growth, impose fiscal discipline, improve public education, and enhance the quality of life for working families in the Commonwealth. Take this opportunity to meet with your legislators and hear from the Governor on emerging business issues in 2002. This special edition of Good Morning Metro South is sponsored by Massasoit Community College and Massasoit Conference Center. As always, Good Morning Metro South is a great networking opportunity. Guests are encouraged to stay for informal networking immediately following the program. Begin your day by joining other Chamber members for breakfast and networking at 7:30 a.m. Pre-registration is required and easy. Simply fax the back cover of this Action Report to 508-587-1340 or call 508-586-0500 ext. 221. The cost is $15 for members and $22 for non-members.
Thank You Renewing Members
Allegra Print & Imaging
Looking For Leads Internationally?On Thursday, April 18, from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., a breakfast panel discussion featuring Atlantic Canadian and Southeastern Massachusetts business people will take place at Bridgewater State College's Moakley Center. The panel is specifically designed for business people seeking to develop new markets in Canada. The panel draws on the actual experience of business people on both sides of the border. Small business owners, marketing managers, and economic development facilitators will find the discussion informative. A nominal registration fee will be charged. For more information, contact Dr. Anthony Cicerone, Director of BSC Canadian Studies Program, at 508-531-2421. The Mass Export Center of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center will be holding International Letters of Advanced Credit on May 8, 2002, at 9:00 a.m., at the Moakley Center at Bridgewater State College. This "Partners for Trade" event, sponsored by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, and the College's Corporate and Professional Development program, is one of several seminars held throughout the state to offer companies an overview of essential issues crucial for a successful international business strategy. This full-day program program will review the mechanics of letters of credit with an extensive look at how letters of credit can be structured to meet the specific needs of a buyer and seller. Different types and uses of letters of credit will be discussed. The speaker will be Wayne Cook, vice president of Global Trade Banking at State Street Bank. The cost is $65 for Chamber members and $75 non-members (includes continental breakfast and lunch.) For more information contact Michael Sullivan at the Mass Export Center at 508-999-5231 or register for the seminar online at www.mass.gov/export.
Good News Chamber members are invited to send information for the Good News column to the Chamber office. Bay Copy, a provider of digital document solutions, recently named David Newton, of Taunton, as Service Technician for Bay Copy's ADCOM Division. In this capacity, Newton will oversee servicing needs for Sharp and other facsimile machines that Bay Copy sells and services. In 1987, Newton joined the ADCOM team in Norwood. He relocated to the Rockland headquarters this year when Bay Copy purchased ADCOM. He is a graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology with a degree in electronics. Old Colony Hospice, in Stoughton, will hold the 4th annual memorial walk, "Stepping Out for Hospice," on Sunday, April 7, 2002. The walk will begin at 12 noon from the Raymond School, 125 Oak Street in Brockton. Over 400 walkers are expected to participate in the community-wide celebration that will benefit Old Colony Hospice's programs and services. Walkers can choose either a three or a five-mile loop within D. W. Field Park and can walk as an individual or as part of a team. Free t-shirts and gift bags will be given to the first 400 walkers who turn in a pledge form. Team and individual awards will follow the walk. For walk information or a pledge form, please phone the Hospice office at 781-341-4145 ~ Ask for Marilyn or Vanessa. Beginning April 29, 2002, Commonwealth Corporation will present "Doing Business in an Uncertain Market," an eight-week business plan writing program for small business owners. The program is designed to support the needs of existing business owners interested in expanding their target markets; exploring new products or services; changing facilities; adding employees; or seeking a business loan. The program will cover topics such as business strategy; market sizing and customer segmentation; competition; marketing plans; and financial statements. Participants will be well educated on how to create effective business plans by program end. The course will be held on Monday evenings, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the Abington Savings Bank Corporate Office in Abington. The program cost is $250. To register, call Commonwealth Corporation at 508-559-6814. On Sunday, May 5, Brockton Hospital will hold its annual Champions Fighting Cancer Walk. The walk, from Brockton High School to Brockton Hospital, will begin at 10:00 a.m. The event is sponsored by Brockton Hospital and the Chrystine M. Sullivan Memorial Foundation. For more information and registration, call 508-941-7078 or visit the Champions Fighting Cancer link at www.brocktonhospital.com. St. Paul's Church on Pleasant Street in Brockton is sponsoring a Spring Clean-Up Day on Saturday, April 13, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. The church encourages all businesspeople and residents to assist in sprucing up Pleasant Street by ridding the thoroughfare of debris and landscaping the front of your business or home. For more information, call Michael Lydon at 508-897-0795. Shaw's/Star Supermarkets have recently contributed $2 million to the United Way branches across New England. This represents contributions from all Shaw's/Star locations. The campaign was spearheaded by supermarket executives Nicola DiFelice, vice president of non-perishable buying; Paul Gannon, vice president of real estate & marketing and chief operating officer; and Ross McLaren, president and chief executive officer. Tele-Dynamics, Inc. will be hosting an open house for Chamber members at its West Bridgewater office May 7-9, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The company will showcase the latest telecommunications products from TOSHIBA and offer special product discounts for Chamber members only. Tele-Dynamics staff will be present to explain how these products will help you and your business. For more information or to register, contact Heather or Katie at 508-583-5260.
Ambassador of the QuarterThe Metro South Chamber has named Ginny Murray, Brockton Area Multi-Services, Inc. (BAMSI), its Ambassador of the Quarter. Ginny has served for two years as the Public Relations and Marketing Director for BAMSI, a human service agency with administrative offices located in Brockton and over fifty program locations throughout the Metro South region and west to Framingham and Worcester. For twenty years she worked as the Director of one of BAMSI's alternative educational programs. She holds a B.A. in French from Bridgewater State College and an M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling from Assumption College. Since 1995 she has been overseeing the creation of the public relations and marketing department for BAMSI. Since joining the Chamber in the early 1990's, Ginny found a niche in the Ambassador Team, serving as Chair for three years, which culminated in her being awarded the Charles A. Fuller Award in 1996 by the Chamber. She remains an active member and volunteers frequently at many Chamber events. Ginny is in the process of becoming a member of Brockton Rotary. She is currently a member of the International Who's Who of Professionals and actively participates in the Southeast Massachusetts Volunteer Council (SMVC). The Ambassador of the Quarter program highlights and rewards Ambassadors who go above and beyond in their duties as a member of the Ambassador Team. Each quarter, an outstanding Ambassador will be featured in the Action Report newsletter. The Ambassador Team meets on a monthly basis to serve fellow members by providing information, resources, and member-to-member support, increasing awareness and promoting active participation in Chamber programs and services. To participate on this committee, please call 508-586-0500 ext. 221.
Lincoln Street Lot Leasing Spaces...Request for Proposals for Lease of Parking Spaces The Brockton Parking Authority (BPA) is seeking proposals from interested parties for the lease of parking spaces in the Lincoln Street lot (corner of Montello and Lincoln Streets across from City Hall.) Lessees will receive assigned, guaranteed parking spaces in the gated-access parking lot. Lessor will be responsible for maintaining, lighting, plowing, and sanding the lot. The price per space is $40 per month ($480 per year) to be reviewed annually. The length of the lease, number of spaces, and other terms and conditions to be mutually agreed upon. All proposals will be reviewed and acted upon at the regular Parking Authority meeting on April 25, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Metro South Chamber of Commerce building located at Sixty School Street in downtown Brockton. All proposals must be submitted in writing by 12:00 noon on Friday, April 12, 2002 to the Brockton Parking Authority, Attn: James Walsh, Executive Director, Sixty School Street, Brockton, MA 02301. For more information, contact the BPA at 508-580-7840.
Welcome New InvestorsFive 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.
A+ Triumph Staffing
Complete Chimney Service, Inc.
Ron Pettinato/Star Mortgage
Pillings Engineering Group, Inc.
Sun Appraisal Co., Inc. Our Chamber continues to grow stronger through referrals from our members. Refer a member today. Call Andrew Voght at 508-586-0500 ext. 229.
Nominations for ATHENA Award Now Being AcceptedThe Metro South Chamber of Commerce and Bay State Gas Company 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 Wednesday, June 19, 2002, 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, April 29, 2002. Nomination forms also can be downloaded in either .pdf or Microsoft Word files.
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Business After Hours - April 25On Thursday, April 25, 2002, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Eastern Bank will host a Business After Hours at its 80 Washington Street, Norwell location. The Norwell branch, first occupied by Fleet Bank, was purchased by Eastern Bank in June 2000. The branch employs twelve people and does a great deal of business banking with a solid retail base. Mark your calendar for this great opportunity to meet potential clients, customers, and other local business people. Exposure for your business is your competitive edge, so bring plenty of business cards. This event is free for those who pre-register by calling the Chamber at 508-586-0500 ext. 221 or faxing the back cover of this newsletter to 508-587-1340. Refreshments will be served.
Champion Your Chamber This SpringChamber to Kick Off Membership Campaign on April 12th at Thorny Lea The Chamber will host a Kick-Off Breakfast for its annual Membership Drive on Friday, April 12, 2002, at Thorny Lea Golf Club in Brockton. On June 11, 12, and 13 community and business leaders, currently benefiting from working through the Chamber, will be contacting businesses with an invitation to join. This year's Drive will be conducted by Jim Cusano, owner and president of HRC, a membership development firm for Chambers nationwide. If you would like to attend the April 12 Kick-Off Breakfast and learn how you can assist the Chamber in its recruitment drive, please contact Jennifer Poole at 508-586-0500 ext. 222 or e-mail jen@metrosouthchamber.com.
April Calendar
May Calendar
June Calendar
Note: All meetings are held at the Metro South Chamber office or Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC) unless otherwise indicated.
Small Business WorkshopsThe West Bridgewater Public Library, with support from a Small Business Improvement Mini-Grant through the Library Services and Technology Act from the Mass. Board of Library Commissioners, presents the following free business seminars: Register Now. Space is limited. Wednesday, April 10, 2002, 5:00 to 6:45 p.m. "Business Retirement Planning: Options for Small Business Owners"
Instructor: Peter Dutcher, Edward Jones Investments Wednesday, April 24, 2002, 5:00 to 6:45 p.m. "Management by Objectives (MBO): Goal Setting and More"
Instructor: Bruce E. Marquis, President, Marquis Business Services All workshops held at the West Bridgewater Public Library. Refreshments will be served. Register Now. Space is limited. For more information and directions, please contact Sherry Pinter, reference librarian, or Beth Smith, library director, at the West Bridgewater Public Library, 80 Howard St. Tel: 508-894-1255. E mail: bsmith@sailsinc.org.
Government AffairsMs. Maria Ollari from the Boston lobbying firm of Shanley, Fleming and Associates is the scheduled guest speaker at the next Government Affairs meeting on Friday, April 19, 2002, at 7:45 a.m. Ms. Ollari, who is representing the Massachusetts Dental Association, will discuss legislation that they have filed that would make changes to the small group insurance statute, which would presumably lower rates for small businesses. The committee will also discuss the final preparations for the Chamber's Annual Legislative Breakfast on Friday, April 26, 2002. The monthly Government Affairs meetings provide an opportunity for member businesses to discuss issues important to them with their elected officials. Join other Chamber members for this opportunity to interact with legislators and hear first hand what is in store for the business community on Beacon Hill. For further information on the Government Affairs Committee, call Roy Nascimento at 508-586-0500 ext. 225 or e-mail roy@metrosouthchamber.com.
Kennedy Announces Training GrantSenator Kennedy advises Michael Brady, Mayor Jack Yunits, and Brian Donnelly that a National Emergency Grant has been awarded to support displaced Shaw's workers in training, intensive career development services, and finding new jobs. The project aims to enhance skills in the Brockton Area Workforce to meet employer needs while putting people back to work. The project calls for the enrollment of 185 workers, with 100 of those workers to enroll in training programs. CareerWorks has exceeded the grant's goal by enrolling 212 workers with 101 committed to training. The tremendous success of the project has led to a request for a supplemental grant to assist an additional 70 laid-off Shaw's workers. The project includes intensive services such as: assessment testing; career and vocational testing; training and career exploration; and job search activities and workshops. CareerWorks, located at 157 Centre Street in Brockton, serves Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Stoughton, West Bridgewater, and Whitman. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday - 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information, call 508-513-3400 or visit www.careerworks.org.
2002 Taste: A Delicious SuccessAt the 2002 Taste of Metro South, hundreds of people enjoyed delicious samples from the region's leading restaurants, wonderful displays from numerous not-for-profit organizations, and continual live music from several local groups. The event heightened awareness of all the great aspects of living and working within the Metro South region and generated over two thousand dollars for the MainSpring Coalition for the Homeless. The Chamber wishes to thank the many companies who provided sponsorship for the evening. Premier sponsors include: Massachusetts Electric Company, The Enterprise, and WBET 1460 AM. Contributing sponsors include: Acushnet Company, American Medical Response, BC Tent & Awning, Inc., Brockton Area Transit Authority, Chadwick's of Boston, Churchhill Linen Supply, Citizens Bank of Massachusetts, The Community Bank, Eagle Photography, The Event Connection, Fleet Bank, Holmes-McDuffy Florists, Massasoit Conference Center, Rockland Trust Company, Shaw's Supermarkets, Shields MRI - Brockton, and Sign Design. Special thanks to the Taste Planning Committee: Al Asiaf, Massasoit Community College; Linda Bean, Massasoit Conference Center; Charles Bernard, The Event Connection; Sandy LaFratta, Brockton Hospital; Ann Malley-Lanau, Massachusetts Electric Company; Anne McCormack, City of Brockton; Ellen Moore, Ellen Moore Design; Paula Peterson, The Children's Museum in Easton; Linda Ross, Catering by Linda; Michael Sellstone, Eagle Photography; Paul Sellstone, Eagle Photography; and Cheryl Showstack, The Enterprise, for giving their time to plan this event. Many thanks also to: Matthew Walsh & Brockton Key Club Volunteers, Massasoit Community College Volunteers, Stonehill College Volunteers, participating restaurants and organizations and everyone else involved in this event celebrating the Metro South region.
~ Member Profile ~
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