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| April 2004 | |
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 Wednesday, April 21, from 7:30 to 9:15 a.m., at the Massasoit Conference Center on Crescent Street in Brockton. Governor Mitt Romney will be the featured speaker at this special event. Mitt Romney was elected Governor of Massachusetts on November 5, 2002. Throughout his entire professional career, Governor Romney has been an effective leader in both the business and public service sector. Take this opportunity to meet with your legislators and hear from the Governor of Massachusetts on emerging business issues in 2004. This special edition of Good Morning Metro South is sponsored by Massasoit Community College and the 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 call 508-586-0500 ext. 221 or log onto www.metrosouthchamber.com. The cost is $15 for members and $22 for non-members. On Wednesday, April 21, 2004, business leaders and regional legislators will meet at the Massasoit Conference Center in Brockton to hear Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney discuss his legislative priorities. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to interact with their local legislators and hear first hand what is in store for the business community on Beacon Hill. Presently, Representative Geraldine Creedon, Senator Robert Creedon, Representative Joseph Driscol, Representative David Flynn, Senator Brian Joyce, Representative Thomas Kennedy, Representative Robert Nyman, Representative Thomas O'Brien Senator Jo Ann Sprague, Representative Dan Webster and Representative Kathleen Teahan have confirmed their attendance at this special event. The region's entire legislative delegation has been invited to participate. This event is open to the public. To register, call the Metro South Chamber of Commerce at 508-586-0500 ext. 221 or visit www.metrosouthchamber.com. The cost is $15 for members and $22 for non-members.
Good News Members are invited to send information for the Good News column to the Chamber office. Tracy Dixon of HarborOne Credit Union accepts a personal handheld computer from Joe Lovetere, President of HUB Technical Services. Tracy won the PDA at a recent Good Morning Metro South breakfast. HUB Technical Services is an HP computer reseller and IT outsourcing solution provider located in Easton. Bay Copy has been officially designated as an Authorized Service Provider for a key line of HP printers. The 31-year old family owned business is the area's premier provider of digital document solutions. Businesses with Hewlett-Packard (HP) printers now have a local option for factory authorized service, due to an alliance between Bay Copy and Hewlett Packard. The 100th Annual Meeting Luncheon of the Brockton Visiting Nurse Association will be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at the Shaw's Center from 12:30 to 2:30 P.M. Leah Curtin, Editor in Chief and Publisher of Clinical Systems Management, will be the keynote speaker. The luncheon follows a series of community events that included a centennial kick-held in the spring of 2003, and a "High Tea" in November 2003. A public policy panel cosponsored by the Home and Health Care Association of Massachusetts is being planned for November. For more information call 508-894-5286 or visit www.brocktonvna.org. In addition, Mary Lou McNiff, President of the Brockton Visiting Nurse Association recently announced the election of H. Scott Sanborn, Market Manager, Business Banking Division of Sovereign Bank as Chair of the Board of Directors. Scott has served on their Board for more than nine years, most recently at 1st Vice Chairman and as a member of the Finance Committee. Daniel P. DeVasto, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wolf & Company, P.C. Certified Public Accountants and Business Consultants, is pleased to announce that Margery L. Piercey, CPA, has been admitted as Principal at Wolf & Company, P.C. effective March 8, 2004. Ms. Piercey is a Certified Public Accountant with over nineteen years of experience providing audit and business advisory services to commercial entities in numerous industries including manufacturing, distribution, service and nonprofit. Wolf & Company, P.C. is a regional certified public accounting and business consulting firm. The Brockton Public Library and the Brockton Historical Society along with members of the community are pleased to present "A Celebration of Patriotism: Wartime History on Display". The display will run from April 1-April 30 at the Brockton Public Library, 304 Main Street. For more information call 508-580-7879 or log onto www.brocktonpubliclibrary.org. Stephen L. Bresnahan, M.D., a resident of Milton, has joined the medical staff at Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center. Dr. Bresnahan's office is located at 830 Oak Street, Suite 123E, in Brockton. Dr. Bresnahan's wife, Jocelyn Bresnahan, C.N.P., and Elizabeth Chu-Hoson, C.N.P., are working in collaborative practice with him. Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center is a teaching affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine and a member of Caritas Christi Health Care, the second largest health care system in New England. Jim Haluch of Signs By Tomorrow in South Easton, MA is moving. The company moved from 135 Belmont Street to 65 Belmont Street. For more information call Signs by Tomorrow at 508-230-8901. Heights Crossing will be hosting "An Afternoon of Antiques" with the Kiwanis Club of Brockton on Sunday, May 2, 2004 from 12 noon to 3:00 p.m. the featured dealer/appraiser will be Diana Lothrop of Carriage House Antiques. All donations are for the Kiwanis Scholarship Program. For more information please call Jeff at 508-580-4300 or Anne at 508-585-6919. Mark Primack, executive director of the Wildlands Trust of Southeastern Massachusetts, was named the 2003 Citizen of the Year by Jack Conway & Co., the Bay State's largest independent realty firm. Chairman Jack Conway, presented the award during the Conway Country convention in Mansfield on January 30. The Conway Country Citizen of the Year Award is presented annually by the real estate firm to recognize and honor people in our communities who have stood out above the crowd. In addition, Jack Conway & Co., will open its 43rd real estate office at 1063 North Main Street just south of the Avon line. This will be the second Brockton Office and will be staffed by 15 Conway sales agents. Longtime sales agent Janet Baxter will manage the new office. On May 19, 2004 the Slades' Ferry Bank Center for Business Research at UMass Dartmouth welcomes the legendary F. Lee Bailey, one of the most notable and controversial figures in the field of criminal defense. Mr. Bailey is the keynote speaker at the Center's fourth annual "Excellence in Marketing" awards dinner, which will be held at the Venus de Milo in Swansea, Massachusetts. The Excellence in Marketing awards recognize southeastern Massachusetts businesses with distinctive and successful marketing programs, and provide scholarships to outstanding students in marketing at UMass Dartmouth. Over 400 people are expected to attend the awards dinner. Dinner tickets are $50 or a table of 10 for $500. For tickets and more information contact the university at 508-999-8511 or by e-mailing lkoczera@umassd.edu. Marshfield based Road to Responsibility, Inc. (RTR), one of the Commonwealth's largest, most respected providers of human services was recently awarded the prestigious Funders Prize at the fifth national gathering of the Social Enterprise Alliance in San Francisco. The award was given in recognition of RTR's innovative Ocean Village Ventures, a division within Road to Responsibility that operates several small but profitable local businesses, according to Road to Responsibility president and co-founder Richard J. Walker, Jr. With more than five hundred nonprofits from around the globe in attendance. Founded in 1989, Road to Responsibility provides an array of award winning residential, recreational, employment and day habilitation programs for over 1000 adults with disabilities including mental retardation. They currently employ approximately 460 human service professionals, making them one of the largest on the entire south shore. The Brockton Rox recently announced that General Manager Dave Echols is leaving the club to accept the role as General Manager of the Charleston (SC) RiverDogs, class-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Rox Assistant G.M. David Sacchetti will take over as General Manager, effective April 1. Echols has been with the Rox since their inaugural season. He guided the organization through the start-up process in less than four months prior to the 2002 season continuing through the championship run in 2003. Like Echols, David Sacchetti has been with the Rox since day one. The Brockton Rox begin their defense of the Northeast League crown May 27 vs. Quebec at Campanelli Stadium. Ms. Jean Zona of Plymouth has been appointed director of purchasing at Bridgewater State College. She began her position in January. Ms. Zona has been at the college for 26 years with 11 of those years spent in the purchasing department. Her division overseas the college's compliance with all state regulations regarding the procurement of goods and services, which includes all internal, construction, service bids and contracts. HarborOne Credit Union, the new name for Brockton Credit Union, was recently awarded a $35,000 grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide a homeownership education series to Brockton Housing Authority Section 8 voucher holders. HarborOne began the homeownership counseling sessions and over 60 participants attended a general orientation session. Topics at the orientation included how to negotiate the price of a home; how to obtain a homeownership financing and pre-approvals, how to find a home, including information about home ownership opportunities; and how to identify and avoid predatory loans with oppressive terms and conditions. Subsequent sessions will be individual sessions with a HarborOne representative so that topics and issues can be covered in greater detail. For more information on HarborOne's homeownership education series, please call Cynthia McDonagh at the Brockton Housing Authority (508) 427-9010 or visit HarborOne Credit Union, the new name for Brockton Credit Union, at 68 Legion Parkway, Brockton and ask for Joe Evora, Nato Fonseca or Brian Beausoleil. An enthusiastic family audience enjoyed the Annual Classics for Kids sponsored by Comcast. The event featured The Brockton Symphony Orchestra with Jonathan Cohler, conducting in "Fanfare of Champions". Families enjoyed a one-hour concert, insturment petting zoo, free food, musical activities and visits with local champion athletes and team mascots. A great time was had by all!
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.
Small Business Workshop
Marketing & Advertising 101
This workshop will provide a simple, understandable,
and practical approach to marketing and advertising
your business effectively. You will learn about
efficient and economical methods of locating and
reaching your target market.
Welcome New InvestorsThree 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.
Anna Sorgi, LLP
Daniel J. Flynn & Company
Miray Medical Corporation To join the Chamber, call Frank Gillooly at 508-586-0500 ext. 229 or join online.
Taste 2004: Terrific SuccessThe 2004 A Taste of Metro South entertained a crowd of over 500 people with food, music, and fun and t $2,000.00 was donated to the Metro South Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Many thanks to the premier sponsors: Massachusetts Electric Company, The Enterprise, and WBET Radio 1460 AM for supporting the event. Thank you to the contributing sponsors: Abington Savings Bank, American Medical Response, BC Tent & Awning, Brockton Visiting Nurse Association, Churchill Linen Supply, Columbia Electric Supply, Comcast, The Community Bank, Crescent Credit Union, The dj Experience, Eagle Photography, HarborOne Credit Union, Holmes-McDuffy Florists, Massasoit Community College, North Easton Savings Bank, Security Federal Savings Bank, Shaw's Supermarkets, and Sign Design for donating time, services, and products. Special thanks to the Taste Planning Committee: Linda Bean, Ann Malley-Laneau, Paula Peterson, Paul Sellstone, Cheryl Showstack, and Bob Wisgirda for giving their time to plan this great community event. Many thanks also to: Brockton Key Club Volunteers, the Chamber Ambassadors Committee, participating restaurants and organizations and everyone else involved in this event celebrating the Metro South region.
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UMass President Dr. Wilson At Small Business AwardsThe Metro South Chamber of Commerce and Fleet Small Business Services will present the 13th Annual Small Business and Entrepreneur of the Year Awards on Wednesday, May 19, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. The featured speaker will be Dr. Jack Wilson, President of the University of Massachusetts. Dr. Wilson was named President of the five-campus, 60,000-student University on March 24, 2004. He had served as interim President since September, 2003. Previously, he had served UMass as the Vice President for Academic Affairs and as a founding CEO of UMass Online. He also tenured Professor of Management at UMass Amherst. This special edition of the Good Morning Metro South series will be held at the Holiday Inn/Metro South in Brockton. The program will honor the region's top small business owners and entrepreneurs. As always, GMMS is a great networking opportunity. Guests are encouraged to stay for informal networking immediately following the program. Pre-register by calling 508-586-0500, ext. 221 or log onto www.metrosouthchamber.com. The cost is $15 for members and $22 for non-members.
Champion Your Chamber!
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| 6 | Human Resource Management Council Holiday Inn - Metro South | 8:00 am |
| 7 | Ambassador Team Meeting | 8:00 am |
| 7 | Marketing and Advertising Seminar | 9:00 am |
| 9 | Government Affairs Meeting | 7:45 am |
| 15 | Business After Hours Location: Emmanuel House | 5:30 pm |
| 19 | Patriots' Day Chamber office closed | |
| 21 | Legislative Breakfast Informal Networking Sponsor: Massasoit Community College Location: Massasoit Conference Center Crescent Street, Route 27, Brockton | |
| 22 | Earth Day Clean Up Event | 9:00 am |
| 5 | Ambassador Team Meeting | 8:00 am |
| 7 | Chamber and State Leaders Conference Location: Omni Parker House | 9:30 am |
| 11 | Executive Committee Meeting | 4:00 pm |
| 11 | Membership Drive | |
| 12 | Membership Drive | |
| 13 | Membership Drive | |
| 14 | Government Affairs Meeting | 7:45 am |
| 19 | Small Business Awards Sponsor: Fleet Small Business Services Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South | |
| 31 | Memorial Day Chamber Office Closed |
| 17 | ATHENA Award Sponsor: Sovereign Bank Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South | 7:30 am |
Note: All meetings are held at the Metro South Chamber office or Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC) unless otherwise indicated.
On Thursday, April 15, 2004 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Emmanuel House Residence will host a Business After Hours at it's 25 East Nilsson Street, Brockton location.
Emmanuel House Residence offers safe, enjoyable and affordable assisted living within an attractive apartment retirement community. A wide range of individualized services are available, enabling residents to enjoy their independence to the fullest.
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 are free. Please pre-register by calling the Metro South Chamber at 508-586-0500, ext. 221.
The Enterprise Newspaper In Education (NIE) program is proud to announce its 7th Annual Career Day sponsored by the Shaw's Center, in collaboration with the Brockton Rotary Club, Community and Schools for Career Success (CS2), and the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board. This event will be held on Wednesday, April 28 at The Shaw's Center in Brockton from 9:00-11:30 a.m.
This initiative is designed as an opportunity to build stronger connections between schools and community, a central goal of Education Reform. By connecting schools with area businesses, students can see the meaning and relevance of what they are learning in school, invigorating the school culture and the classroom, while they begin to consider their potential careers. Businesses and/ or High Schools wishing information on participation can contact Cheryl Showstack, Newspaper In Education Coordinator at 508-427-6856.
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.
On April 22, 2004, as part of the Earth Week Celebrations, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Fleet Bank, Brockton Parking Authority and the city of Brockton are partnering to clean up the War Memorial Building section surrounding areas of the Salisbury River in downtown Brockton. Over 100 volunteers will be participating in the half day clean-up event. 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 recreational opportunities for the Brockton Community. Expanded grass areas and planting, general clean-up along the brook and improvements to water quality are all significant parts of the project.
The Government Affairs Committee will hold its next meeting on Friday, April 9, 2004 at 7:45 a.m. at the Chamber's headquarters. The guest speaker is Michael Widmer, President of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. Mr. Widner will discuss the economy, the fiscal health of the Commonwealth, and the state budget.
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.
Story Submitted By: Anna Nalevanko,
Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board
Today's employer is looking for employees that can relate well to customers and demonstrate commitment to their job. Employers need entry level workers who think on their feet, learn on the job, and work "smarter", not just harder. As an employer you need entry level workers who come equipped with the 3 R's - reading, writing, and arithmetic as well as a 4th R - readiness to work.
As part of our mission, in preparing youth for the workforce, the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board (BAWIB) has developed a program that teaches personal life skills to high school students. The second round of the GOALS (Get Occupational and Life Skills) Program is just getting underway in area high schools and will run through May, 2004. The Program is offered through a partnership between the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board, local school districts, and Mass. Job Training - Brockton Office. Funding is made available through the Massachusetts Department of Education's Connecting Activities Grant.
This spring, the GOALS Program is being conducted at three high schools in our region: Brockton High School, East Bridgewater High School, and West Bridgewater High School. The sessions are held during the after school hours for 7 consecutive weeks. We anticipate that a total of over 20 students will be involved. A broad range of practical life and employability skills are taught including: Money Management, Interpersonal Skills, Conflict Resolution, Goals and Priorities, and Good Work Habits.
We are always looking for employers to be involved in youth training activities. If you are interested in the GOALS Program or other training programs such as student internships, job shadowing, or being a guest speaker please contact Meghan Abella-Bowen at 508-584-3234 or mabellabowen@bawib.org.
Company: Adult Learning Center/Brockton Public Schools
Address: Paine School, 211 Crescent Street, Brockton, MA 02302
Telephone: 508-580-7475
Year Established: 1973
Products/Services: The Adult Learning Center provides classes for adult learners: basic literacy, GED preparation, family literacy, citizenship preparation, and work-related english.
What is unique or special about your firm and the products and services you offer? Our mission is to provide adults with opportunities to develop literacy and language skills needed to qualify for further education, job training, and improved employment. The Adult Learning Center provides a comprehensive range of learning services to help adults improve their basic skills in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, listening, math, and problem solving. These skills also help our students in their roles as family and community members.
Please list any awards, honors or special recognition your firm has received? The Brockton Adult Learning Center has received numerous commendations from the Massachusetts Department of Education, Adult and Community Learning Services. We have also received the "Celebrate Literacy" Award for exemplary service from the International Reading Association and South Shore Council. Perhaps the most important recognition of our services is the fact that there are more than 1,100 adults on a waiting list for enrollment.
What is your main business objective concerning your customers and the business community? Our main business objective is to thrive and remain competitive, the Metro South business community needs a skilled and trainable workforce. The Adult Learning Center helps develop that workforce by providing adults with a foundation of basic skills and English proficiency needed for employment, further education and everyday life.
How long have you been at your present job? I have served as Adult Learning Center Director for 28 years.
How long have you been a member of the Chamber? We have been a Chamber member since 2001.
What is your Chamber involvement? I am on the Board of Directors.
Do you have any hobbies or interests? I enjoy gardening, traveling and needlework.
Linda has been married for 24 years to her husband Bill and has two sons ages 21 and 19.
The Chamber's Board of Director's meets regularly to address policy and issues of economic and community concern. Each month a member of the Board will be profiled in this section of the Action Report.
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and its Charlton College of Business has a strong commitment to the business community of southeastern Massachusetts. The University strives to make it easy for companies and organizations of all sizes and sectors to access the resources of the University.
The Charlton College of Business has one of the stronger support entities. Slade's Ferry Bank Center for Business Research. Under the Directorship of Chancellor Professor of Marketing, Dr. Nora Gamin Barnes, it enables regional entrepreneurs and public sector administraters to gain full access to the faculty and facilities of the Charlton College of Business. The Center works closely with area chambers of commerce, business development organizations, government entities and other organizations to reach into the community and assist in solving problems and satisfying needs. The Center is strong in providing the community with easy access to a marketing research capability that is widely recognized locally, state wide and nationally. True to its community commitment, few businesses or organizations are turned away due to a shortage of research funds. It has one central focus, to provide area entrepreneurs and other organizations with market insights essential to making their business and/or organization more profitable and efficient.
The Center is anxious to talk with community members who feel the Center can help them with solving their problems or satisfy needs. Please contact Dr. Nora Gamin Barnes at 508-999-8756; email Nbarnes@umassd.edu.
Story Submitted By: Marni Dunton, CareerWorks
As part of an ongoing effort to serve regional businesses, CareerWorks, the Brockton Area One-Stop Career Center along with the Plymouth/Quincy Career Centers are hosting a Career Fair and Business Seminar on May 5th from 10:00 am through 4:30 pm at The Conference Center at Massasoit in Brockton, MA.
The Career Fair and Business Seminar have been established to give regional businesses the opportunity to meet and interview a large pool of qualified candidates as well as the chance to network with other businesses.
The Business Seminar will be held from 10:00 am- 12:00 noon. Seminar presenters include Daniel S. Field, Esq., Assistant Attorney General and Kathleen Thomassen, President of Thomassen Associates. Topics will cover the most current human resource trends and Massachusetts laws regarding employee wages and working conditions.
The cost to participate is $350. If you would like to register or would like further information please contact Shannon Mulachy at 508.513.3416 or Andrea Kingman at 508-513-3442 at CareerWorks or Jacquelyn McLellan at 508-732-5302 at the Plymouth Career Center.