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| April 2003 | |
Chamber's Legislative Breakfast Brings Beacon Hill to YouOver Fourteen Legislators Confirmed The legislative edition of the Good Morning Metro South breakfast program is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, from 7:30 to 9:15 a.m., at the Massasoit Conference Center on Crescent Street in Brockton. Senate President Robert Travaglini will be the featured speaker at this special event. Take this opportunity to meet with your legislators and hear from the Senate President on emerging business issues in 2003. Robert Travaglini was elected Senate President this year after serving Senator for the Suffolk and Middlesex District since 1992. 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.
Business After Hours - April 16On Wednesday, April 16, 2003, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., First Federal Savings Bank will host a Business After Hours at its 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 ATM's!. 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. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. New members, CPA?s and accountants are free. Please pre-register by April 14. Refreshments will be served.
The Southeastern MA Venture Forum - April 3The Southeastern Mass Venture Forum will hold its next monthly meeting on Thursday, April 3, 2003, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Martin Institute, Stonehill College. The featured speakers for this event will be George Duclos, Chairman of the Board, and Carol Hegarty, CFO of Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, a Duclose Corporation. Born and raised in Fall River, MA, George Duclos built his first boat when he was 13 years old. In 1954, he moved to Blount Marine of Warren where he continued his work as a draftsman specializing in piping systems and calculation. While there, he met his mentor and future business partner naval architect Preston R. Gladding. A year later, Preston Gladding and Richard Hearn invited George to join them in the formation of Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding on the Taunton River in Somerset. In 1984, Mr. Duclos, with his wife Pauline, became sole owners of Gladding-Hearn through a leveraged buyout, established the Duclos Corporation and became a North American licensee of InCat Design, Sydney Australia, the world?s leading catamaran fast ferry designers. In addition, there will also be a provider panel discussion "Growth Capital in Today's Environment". The featured sponsor for the event is Weingarten, Schurgin, Gagnebin & Lebovici LLP. The Metro South Chamber of Commerce is a partner in hosting the forum. The cost is $5 by pre-registering and $15 at the door. To pre-register call Diane Joiner at 508-531-2788 or by e-mail at djoiner@bridgew.edu. For more information visit our website at semassventureforum.org .
Good News Members are invited to send information for the Good News column to the Chamber office. James W. Blake, President and CE0 of Brockton Credit Union reported on the financial performance of the credit union during 2002 and its growth to over $1 billion in assets. Blake indicated that "the credit union grew by over 16% last year and places it among the largest financial institutions in the area." In addition, Brockton Credit Union recently promoted Craig MacMillan of Brockton to On the Job Banking Representative, MacMillan is a graduate of Bridgewater State College and has been with the Brockton Credit Union for a year. Also, Anita S. Hart of Pembroke was recently appointed to Vice President of Consumer Lending. Ms. Hart has been with Brockton Credit Union since 1996 and most recently was Consumer Loan Servicing Officer. Ellen Moore Design, a complete graphic design and marketing firm, is pleased to announce a move to a new office at 1164 High Street in Bridgewater. The new space is more than double that of the previous, allowing for expanded services. Ellen Moore Design has been bringing high quality, creative marketing to clients for five years in the Metro South region and looks forward to continued success in this new location. For more information contact Ellen Moore at 508-279-1777. A local physician who practices at Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center has been listed among the nation's top doctors. The non-profit "Consumers CHECKBOOK" listed Dr. Christopher J. Corey, F.A.C.S., of Easton, a vascular surgeon at Caritas Good Samaritan, as one of America's top physicians in its most recent "Consumers' Guide to Top Doctors." More than 260,000 physicians in more than 50 metropolitan areas across the country were surveyed in compiling this list of top doctors. The appointment of Philip E. Alkana, BA, MA, RRT, as Director of Respiratory Care recently was announced by New England Sinai Hospital President Donald Goldberg. Mr. Alkana brings alsmost 20 years of experience to his new position. Mr. Alkana is a member of the American Association of Respiratory Care and the American Medical Informatics Association. Brockton Hospital announced that it is offering area patients who suffer from diabetes a comprehensive program to help understand, treat, and live with diabetes. Buoyed by a $65,000 grant from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Brockton Hospital has established a comprehensive program to help educate physicians, staff, and most importantly, patients about the disease and how to minimize its effects. The program offers patients ten hours of training in a formalized setting to help them understand, monitor, treat, and live with the disease. For more information on Brockton Hospital?s Diabetes Self Management Program, please contact One Call at 508-941-7979. National Volunteer Week is April 27 through May 3. Formed in 1996, the Southeastern Massachusetts Volunteer Council is an alliance of organizations, agencies and businesses that exists to promote, support and recognize all forms of volunteerism. SMVC members include youth, elder, educational and other service organizations as well as representatives of the business community. Scheduled primarily in the greater Brockton area, monthly meetings provide members with a productive networking forum as well as an opportunity to share services and align common goals. For more information on how you can become involved or for more information about volunteer opportunities in your area, please contact Elena Ceurvels-Murphy, Coordinator, Volunteer Services, Brockton Hospital at 508-941-7198. Hanson, Murphy, & Associates (HMA) is pleased to announce that it has reached agreement with American Water to explore the development of a regional desalinization plant in the Ipswich River Basin to serve communities in the northeastern region of Massachusetts. Many of the communities in this region suffer from chronic water supply shortages. Jeff Hanson and John Murphy, the principals at HMA, were instrumental in the conceptual design and development on the Taunton River project. Robert F. Stoico, Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer of FirstFed America Bankcorp, Inc. announced that Lynne Turner-Liro recently joined FirstFed as a Vice President/Relationship Manager in Business Banking. In this position she will be responsible for commercial lending and serving business customers in the Greater Brockton and South Shore areas. Road to Responsibilty's first annual Jazz Blues Sunday Brunch and Auction, held this past March 9, was a smashing success. The financial results were equally dramatic, raising an astounding $60,400! The money raised will be used to support the residential, recreational and employment programs to disabled adults. Over 300 guests flocked to RTR's Ocean Village Nor'easter Function Hall in South Weymouth to attend the gala affair. Heights Crossing Assisted Living Residence will host the Brockton MSPCA "Paws for Appreciation" event on Saturday, May 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. at 35 Christie Place, Brockton. The theme of this year's event will be "Celebrating Animals in Art". Among several local artists displaying work will be Lance Bukoff of Accent Photography, who will be exhibiting examples of his pet portraiture. Mr. Bukoff's work can also be seen in the very popular Saturday "Pet of the Week" feature of The Enterprise. The exhibition is open to the public, free of charge. Donations to support the shelter will be greatly accepted. 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 April 4, 5, and 6. Call Michael at Eagle Photography for details and to set up your session today at 508-697-4973. Catholic Charities South is holding its annual Spring Fest and Auction on Thursday, May 8 at Stonehill College's Martin Institute. This year's Co-Chairs are Bill Callahan of Callahan Reality and Kathy Hayes of The Community Bank. The popular politcal satirist, Dick Flavin will return as the guest auctioneer. Proceeds benefit the children and family services of the agency. Golf rounds at the region's finest courses, overnight at the Ritz, Coach for the day for the Brockton Rox, and a striper fishing trip are some of the favorite auction items this year. For more information or to contribute, call Maryellen Ryan, 508-587-0815 ext. 234. Signs By Tomorrow in Easton, MA is under new ownership! A new chamber member, Jim Haluch is the new owner of the Easton location as of February of this year. The store is located at 135 Belmont Street and has been serving local area customers for the past few years. Signs By Tomorrow offers a variety of sign and graphics work for local businesses, including installation services. For additional information on Signs By Tomorrow, visit thier location or call 508-230-8901. Hub Technical Services is pleased to announce the addition of Tim Morgan to the technical staff. Mr. Morgan's wealth and experience in commercial and medical organizations broadens the talented team. Mr. Morgan is a Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), he is also experienced in many other applications. The addition of Mr. Morgan to HUB continues to broaden the field of technical resources. Hub Technical Services can address any network or computer related issue for customers large and small. Hub Technical Services is a full service Authorized HP/Compaq reseller and service provider located in Easton. A number of local businesses will again sponsor the Credit For Life at Massasoit Community College on Wednesday, April 30, 2003. 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. If you feel you would like to participate in the event call Leo MacNeil at the Brockton Credit Union 508-895-1314. The Tofias PC Charitable Foundation is pleased to announce that it has awarded grants to the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center and the Brockton Neighborhood Health Center. The Brockton Neighborhood Health Center's grant will be used to support the upgrade of the health center?s practice managment system. Converting to a paperless medical record is integral to managing patient services in the most efficient, fiscally responsible manner. BNHC is a multi-cultural organization that provides high quality, financially accessible health and dental care to its community residents.
Thank You Renewing Members
Allegra Print & Imaging 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.
Edison Memorial ProgressesThe Metro South Chamber of Commerce Foundation recently announced progress made towards creating a permanent memorial to honor Thomas A. Edison. It will be placed in front of the historic Edison building located in downtown Brockton. In addition to beautifying the area, the memorial will serve as a lasting reminder of Edison's contribution to the technological history that took place in 1883 when Edison electrified Brockton's downtown. Edison chose Brockton because it featured a classic New England village center, was near Boston, and was one of the most progressive small cities in the nation. Edison's central system in Brockton was one of the first to employ all of Edison's generator wiring, conductors, feeder lines, and meters. The highly efficient power station was the first plant to cross the boundaries of illumination and introduce completely safe commercial electric motors, electric appliances, and electric street-car (trolley) traction. It also allowed for aesthetically pleasing underground wiring. For more information on Edison, visit www.thomasedison.com.
Taste 2003: Delicious SuccessStory Provided by Jennifer Kovalich at The Enterprise Tantalizingly tempting with its rich, buttery aroma, the lobster bisque from Rockland's Not Just Seafood was to much to resist. Sipping from 2-ounce cup after 2-ounce cup, Alba Hayward of Taunton figures she had the equivalent of a whole bowlful at A Taste of Metro South Wednesday at the Massasoit Conference Center on Crescent Street. The 11th annual festival of food and music presented by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce drew an estimated 800 people. "I think in an hour I put on 10 pounds," Hayward said as she left for the night. "I loved the lobster bisque." To the swinging sounds of the Brockton High School Jazz Band and the voices of A Classic Sound, the proprietors and employees of 25 area restaurants dished out sample after sample of their cuisine. Dishes ranged from the hot, boneless buffalo wings of Good Days Restaurant in West Bridgewater to chicken curry and honey chicken with pineapple and walnuts from the Gourmet Cafe in Brockton to assorted risotto dishes and raspberry ganache cookies made by the Southeastern Regional High School, to name but a few. The event drew more restaurants than in the past, said Christopher Cooney, president and CEO of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. "It's all about boosting the spirit of the community and showing what we have here in the way of restaurants and civic associations," Cooney said. "The annual event is part of a drive to have Brockton and the surrounding region identified as a place to taste another part of the world without having to go to Boston," he said. Catherine Gildea, director of operations at the Shaw's Center, which opened last month, spent the evening serving crisp crab cakes topped with spoonfuls of white remoulade sauce. Not everyone was serving food. Handi Kids, a Bridgewater non-profit group that provides programs for people with special needs, used the event to educate the public about its mission. "We feel we're the best kept secret," he said. The evening was a chance for Blake's Breakfast, at 207 Belmont St., Brockton, to show off its array of baked goods. The restaurant is "Home of the Heavyweight Muffin". He already has a fan in Brockton Rox Coach Ed Nottle. "It's like going home to have breakfast. When you eat it, its just like mom's cooking," Nottle said. Brockton High School Jazz Band members Mike DelVecchio, Steve Hatfield, Dave Bernard, Katie Houstle, Brian Roberts and Amanda Corvini enjoyed indulging in short cake and pizza after performing. "The food was good, but the music was better," DelVecchio joked.
Thank You Taste Sponsors
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Supporting Sponsors
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Champion Your Chamber This SpringIt'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. When you join before April 18, 2003 you will receive over $750 worth of immediate return on your investment. Pay with your credit card and receive an additional $550 in radio and print advertising. To learn how to unlock the doors of opportunity through Chamber membership, call (508) 586-0500 ext. 229.
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.
Government AffairsNext Committee Meeting: Friday, May 9 at 7:45 a.m. Metro South Chamber Conference Room 1 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.
Salisbury Brook Clean UpIn honor of Earth Day 2003, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Fleet Bank, the Old Colony Boy Scouts of America, and the City of Brockton have partnered on a project to clean-up the Salisbury Brook in Brockton. Join over 100 volunteers for the clean-up effort on Wednesday, April 23, 2003. The clean-up will kick-off at the new Salisbury Park on Montello Street at 9:00 a.m. For sponsorship information or to volunteer, call the Metro South Chamber of Commerce at 508-586-0500 ext. 221. The City of Brockton has developed a concept for an approximately three quarter mile long greenway along the Salisbury Brook in downtown Brockton. The Salisbury Brook Greenway Proposal presents a tremendous opportunity to enhance the environment, provide improved pedestrain circulation downtown, and to provide recreational opportunities for the Brockton Community. Expanded grass areas and planting, general cleanup along the brook and improvements to water quality are all significant parts of the project.
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