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Small Business and Entrepreneur of the Year at Next GMMSThe Metro South Chamber of Commerce and Fleet Small Business Services will present the eleventh annual Small Business and Entrepreneur of the Year Awards on Wednesday, May 22, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. 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. The featured speaker is Jeff Butland, the newly appointed New England Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). As Regional Administrator, Butland will oversee the SBA's District Offices throughout New England. Butland was a member of the Maine House of Representatives from 1988-1992, a State Senator from 1992-1998, and President of the Maine Senate from 1994-1996. In addition to his legislative experience, he held positions of increasing responsibility at Maine's L.L. Bean, Inc. As always, GMMS is a great networking opportunity. Guests are encouraged to stay for informal networking immediately following the program. Pre-register by faxing the back cover of the Action Report to 508-587-1340 or calling 508-586-0500 ext. 221. The cost is $15 for members and $22 for non-members.
Local Students Participate in Tech Prep Entrepreneurship DayOn Friday, March 29, 2002, fifty-five students from four local high schools participated in the annual StepUp (Southeast Tech Prep) Entrepreneurship Business Plan Presentation Day at the Massasoit Conference Center. The event was sponsored by the Southeastern Massachusetts Tech Prep Consortium and the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. There were seven presentations given by tech prep students from Silver Lake Regional High School in Kingston, Weymouth High School, Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in Easton, and South Shore Regional Vocation Technical High School in Hanover. The students each gave 10-minute presentations and then were questioned by four evaluators: Bruce Young, Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE); Elaine Stewart, Massasoit Community College; Joan Medeiros, Rockland Trust Company; and Janine Randall, Commonwealth Corporation. Karen Ward, StepUp, presented awards to the participating students. Of the seven presentations, there were three top winners. The first-place winners were Genevieve Omar and Josh Fanning of Silver Lake Regional High School for their business, "Laker Tyme Coffee." The second-place winner was Abner Dejesus-Dias of Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School for his business, "Spa Satisfaction." The third-place winner was South Shore Vocational Technical High School's Justin Yanosick for his business, "Solutions Architecture." Southeast Tech Prep students combine the last two years of high school with the first two years of college. Students are given the opportunity to explore career options and determine which pathway best matches their interests and abilities. The program assists students through quality education, practical experience, and challenging opportunities in becoming world-class entrepreneurs dedicated to making significant contributions to society. For more information on this program, call John Creed, Southeastern Technical Institute, at 508-238-1860 ext. 263.
Good News Chamber members are invited to send information for the Good News column to the Chamber office. Ann Carter has been elected to the Board of Directors of Abington Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ NMS: ABBK), holding company of Abington Savings Bank. Ms. Carter is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The Rasky/Baerlein Group, based in Boston. Ms. Carter is responsible for the daily operations of The Rasky/Baerlein Group, setting the course for the agency's strategic development and growth. She also guides development of client strategies in the finance, real estate, professional services and health care practice areas. Ms. Carter serves in a number of charitable and civic positions, including as a member of the board of trustees and program committee of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. The Brockton Area Association for Retarded Citizens (BAARC) will hold its Tenth Annual "Walk in the Park for BAARC" on Sunday, May 19. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Oak Street entrance to D.W. Field Park. The four-mile walk begins at 11:00 a.m. The money raised will be used to maintain BAARC's After Work Programs and hep subsidize the Family-to-Family Support Center. All registered walkers will be provided with a light lunch. Flyers are available at Tedeschi Good Shops in the greater Brockton area. For more information, call BAARC at 508-583-8030. On Tuesday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m., the first general information meeting and rehearsal for the Potpourri 2002 Musical Show will be held in the Mezzanine of the Brockton High School Auditorium. All volunteers and participants are invited to attend. This year's theme is "Hollywood." Included among the show highlights will be an onstage chorus, dance lines, and orchestral accompaniment. Brockton Credit Union has appointed Michael J. Asack as branch manager of its new location on Route 44 in Raynham. Mr. Asack has been with the credit union for over seen years and has held a number of positions, most recently as assistant branch manager of the Westside Brockton location. The U.S. Postal Service recently presented JLS Mailing Services with the Mail Preparation Total Quality Management Award. The Total Quality Management program, adopted by a host of different manufacturing and businesses in the past decade, is an organization system that helps companies provide better services and products. JLS is the first bulk mailing firm in the Northeast to receive the prestigious award. Eagle Photography has recently opened a new studio at 481 Bedford Street (Route 18 near the Sports Dome) in Bridgewater. The 1,350 square-foot studio had state-of-the-art professional photography equipment, as well as digital capabilities. Founded in 1988, Eagle Photography specializes in weddings, portraits, family photos, and corporate events, and also does photography for commercial advertising and public relations. For more information, call Michael Sellstone, owner, at 508-697-4973 or visit www.eaglephotography.com. The South Eastern Economic Development (SEED) Corporation recently unveiled its Business Center at an Open House held at its Taunton location. The Business Center includes over 300 publications, videos, and software on a full range of business topics; two computer stations with Internet access, a copier, scanner, television, and VCR; and a meeting room for one-on-one sessions with visitors. In addition to the Business Center, SEED offers workshops, business assistance, and loan programs. For more information, contact SEED at 508-822-1020 or visit www.seedcorp.com. Brockton Neighborhood Health Center (BNHC) had received ambulatory care accreditation from the Joint Commission for the Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the same accrediting organization that surveys hospitals. BNHC scored 95, a score the surveyors said is truly exceptional for a first-time survey. BNHC is proud of this official recognition of the high quality services the center provides to its patients. Coming Up In June...On Thursday, June 13, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., Jane Callahan, president and owner, Primary Vision Company, will host an Executive Briefing at the Best Western Carlton House in Brockton. Join other business owners and executives in this informative session on performance evaluation and development. Learn how to apply 360 degree feedback systems theat really drive results. Leave with proven insights and practical strategies for measuring, managing, and developing employee performance. The cost is $69. For more information and to register, call Jane Callahan at 508-279-1800 or e-mail janec@primaryvisionco.com. Download a registration form from the website at www.primaryvisionco.com and fax to 508-279-2757. The Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board (BAWIB) will hold its Second Annual Business Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 27, 2002, from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Massasoit Conference Center, 770 Crescent Street, Brockton, MA. The program will include keynote speaker(s) on workforce development issues and a Workforce Champions Award ceremony to honor area employers that have been community leaders in improving the quality of the workforce in Brockton and the surrounding towns. The award recipients, who are divided into three categories - Trainers, Promoters, and the Heavyweight Champion - have worked together to bring job training dollars to the region and have strengthened the effectiveness of area workforce development initiatives through their participation and leadership in the local workforce investment system. For more information, contact Gaynor Andrews, executive assistant, BAWIB, at 508-584-3234.
Manufacturing Area Consortium Receives Workforce Training GrantThe Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board, through its partnership with the Southeast Massachusetts Manufacturing Consortium, has been awarded a BEST (Building Essential Skills through Training) grant of $544,122 to provide education and training to over 600 area manufacturing workers in basic educational and occupational skills. The training will support career ladders and offer opportunities for new hires and entry-level workers to rise to higher-skill, higher-paying positions. Two Brockton area manufacturers, the Acushnet Company and Quaker Fabrics, are among the beneficiaries of the grant. The education and training services provided will help workers to progress along a career ladder. For example, an entry level worker or machine operator could progress from team coordinator, to team leader, to supervisor. The grant is one of six awarded in Massachusetts following a highly competitive proposal process. The BEST grants are an initiative of Governor Jane Swift, the Commonwealth Corporation, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Department of Education, the Division of Employment and Training, and the Department of Transitional Assistance. The grants support industry-driven partnerships seeking to address their workforce development needs. The Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board is one of 16 Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) statewide working to build links between the business community and the workforce. The Boards oversee and implement workforce development activities in the Commonwealth. They are composed of private sector business people, labor, education, and community leaders and serve as conduits for federal and state workforce development funds. The Workforce Boards also help connect employers with job seekers and provide current members of the workforce, and those seeking employment, with the training they need to succeed in an ever-changing economy. The Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board's programs include, but are not limited to: One-Stop Career Centers, School to Career Connecting Activities, and Youth Summer Jobs and Education programs. In an ever-changing economy, the Workforce Boards are vital to both the business community and the workforce.
Business After Hours - June 13On Thursday, June 13, 2002, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Old Colony YMCA will host a Business After Hours at its 635 Plymouth Street, East Bridgewater location to celebrate the success of its Invest in Family Campaign and the opening of its new Family Fitness Center. The Old Colony YMCA serves 29 communities in Southeastern Massachusetts with programs for all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Activities promote health living and positive values that build strong spirits, minds, and bodies. The new Family Fitness Center at the East Bridgewater facility includes 6,000 square feet of new cardiovascular and strength training equipment, a renovated indoor pool, an indoor running track, a new aerobics and exercise room, and new family and multi-use locker rooms. 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. Refreshments will be served. To pre-register, call the Metro South Chamber of Commerce at 508-586-0500 ext. 221 or e-mail info@metrosouthchamber.com.
ROX Opening Day May 31st!The Brockton Rox are an independent minor league team in the Northern League, set to begin play at Campanelli Stadium on May 31, 2002. Campanelli Stadium, adjacent to Brockton High School, will seat 4,750 and hold twelve luxury sky suites. In addition to season and individual game-day tickets, the Rox offer a variety of entertaining options, including picnics, group outings, birthdays, and a Kids Club. Game-day tickets will cost $4 for general admission, $6 for research seating, and $8 for box seats. For more information about Rox fun and affordable family entertainment, please call 508-587-1660 or visit www.brocktonrox.com.
Harvard Pilgrim Open Enrollment Extended to May 15, 2002Harvard Pilgrim's Open Enrollment is available to Metro South Chamber of Commerce members and their employees with businesses in Massachusetts. Interlink Business Services (I.B.S.) would like to remind Metro South Chamber members that you have until May 15, 2001 to enroll with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care during their Open Enrollment. This is also the time for existing member groups to make changes to their policy and add any new eligible employees to their plan. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care has changed the names of their current products and some of the plan option now include Chiropractic Services. Harvard is also please to introduce a new, cost-effective HMO Best Buy 1000 Plan. Their expanded pharmacy network now includes more than 40,000 pharmacy locations nationwide. In addition to HMO options, members may also select a Point of Service (POS) plan where they can choose in-network or out-of-network providers. If you are self-employed or a small business owner, this is a great opportunity for you to enroll with Harvard Pilgrim, a comprehensive and affordable health plan. If you are a current subscriber and have questions about Open Enrollment, please contact the I.B.S. Client Services Department at 1-800-487-4427 ext. 1820. In addition to Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, UnitedHealthcare of New England and Delta Dental Plan of Massachusetts are also available to Metro South Chamber members. For more information on the health and dental plans offered, please call I.B.S. at 1-800-487-4427 ext. 1830.
CareerWorks and UMASS Move to School StreetUMASS CareerWorks is happy to announce its move to 34 School Street (across from City Hall), Brockton, MA 02301. Quality Services... Real Solutions! Come join UMASS CareerWorks in our new location and help define and refine services for employers at the Employer Focus Group on Thursday, May 23 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Breakfast will be served. The event is sponsored by University of Massachusetts, Donahue Institute- CareerWorks, in partnership with the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board and the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. For more information call Employer Services at 508-513-3400.
Chamber to Present 4th Annual ATHENA Award ~ June 19The Metro South Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the fourth annual ATHENA Award Program. 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 of Commerce will present the ATHENA Award to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in their 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, call Lisa Keene, Program Director, at 508-586-0500 ext. 231 and a nomination form will be mailed to you upon request. Completed nomination forms may be mailed to Lisa Keene, Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Sixty School Street, Brockton, MA 02301 or faxed to 508-587-1340. Nomination forms may also be filled out online at www.metrosouthchamber.com.
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.
Daleswell, Inc.
Hair It Is!
M.B. Davids Trans. Our Chamber continues to grow stronger through referrals from our members. Please refer a member today.
Kerrie Blake Appointed Communications CoordinatorKerrie Blake recently joined the Chamber as Communications Coordinator. She will be responsible for producing the Chamber's newsletter, Book for Business, press releases, and event marketing. Kerrie recently completed an intensive academic internship with the Chamber. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Bridgewater State College in Communications and resides in Whitman. "Kerrie's academic background coupled with her internship experience and interpersonal skills will serve our Chamber and membership well," says Christopher Cooney, Chamber President. "We're looking forward to having Kerrie on staff full time coordinating our marketing efforts. She is well positioned to make a significant impact for the Metro South Chamber."
Intern Learns Valuable Skills at Metro South ChamberUgochi Igbokwe, a senior at Brockton High School, recently completed an internship at the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. Meeting the needs of our members, relating to the public, and networking are just some of the skills Ugochi learned this past school term. In addition, Ugochi assisted the Chamber staff on legislative, membership, program, and general office administration. The Chamber offers a variety of internships for high school and college students. If you would like information on interning at the Chamber, please call Roy Nascimento at 508-586-0500 ext. 225 or e-mail roy@metrosouthchamber.com.
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Where Will You Find Your Next Customer?It's a Great Time to Join the Chamber! "I don't know who you are." "I don't know your business." "I don't know your business record." "I don't know what your business sells." "I don't know the reputation of your business." "Now - - - what was it you wanted to sell me?" The Metro South Chamber of Commerce is the best sales tool for your business. Since 1913, the Chamber has been actively promoting local businesses, providing members with access to customers and decision makers, and helping members develop profitable business relationships. For more information about the Chamber, call 508-586-0500 ext. 229. Join before June 15, 2002, to receive over a huge return on your investment.
Frank Talk, Swift Action at Chamber's Legislative BreakfastGovernor Jane Swift was the keynote speaker at the Chamber's Annual Legislative Breakfast on April 26. The Governor focused on the $2 billion budget deficit projected for 2003. She was critical of the major budget cuts proposed by the House Leadership and for the proposals to raise taxes. She noted there are other alternatives besides raising taxes that should be considered first to balance the budget. The Governor commended the Metro South Chamber of Commerce for consistently working to make the Commonwealth of Massachusetts a more competitive state in which to do business, create jobs, and expand economic opportunity. Over three hundred people attended the popular annual event. The Chamber would like to recognize and thank the following legislators for attending and hearing from their many constituents in the small business community: Senator Robert Creedon, Senator Marc Pacheco, Senator Michael Morrissey, Representative Christine Canavan, Representative Geraldine Creedon, Representative Thomas Kennedy, Representative Joseph Sullivan, Representative Kathleen Teahan, as well as Mayor John Yunits of Brockton, Plymouth Country District Attorney Timothy Cruz, Plymouth Country Registrar of Deeds John Buckley, and the many local officials from Brockton, Bridgewater, and Whitman. A special thanks to Senator Jo Ann Sprague for her assistance in organizing the event.
BAC Benefits BusinessOn May 26, 1999, Congressmen Joseph Moakley and William Delahunt opened the Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC) in cooperation with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. The Metro South BAC, located at the Chamber's headquarters, Sixty School Street, Brockton, serves as a one-stop business center and satellite office of the SBA offering counseling and technical assistance to potential, existing and expanding businesses. The BAC operates as a partnership among nearly twenty organizations involved in promoting the development of small business. The Metro South Business Assistance Center is one of the most successful satellite Business Assistance Centers opened by the U.S. Small Business Administration in Massachusetts. Since it opened its doors, the center has assisted over 3000 clients with their efforts to start and build their businesses. The SBA and Chamber recognizes Fleet Bank, Rockland Trust Company, Eastern Bank, Abington Savings Bank, First Federal Savings Bank, The Community Bank, Wal-Mart, Commonwealth Corporation, and SCORE for their community leadership and support of the Metro South Business Assistance Center.
May Calendar
June Calendar
July Calendar
Note: All meetings are held at the Metro South Chamber office or Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC) unless otherwise indicated.
Chamber Bids Fond Farewell to Jennifer PooleDozens of Metro South Chamber members and staff bid a fond farewell to Jennifer Poole at a luncheon held at the Chamber on Wednesday, May 1.
"We will miss Jen and the many skills she brought with her to the Chamber. She has made a significant difference in the quantity and quality of Chamber publications and outreach. We all wish her the very best in all her future endeavors," said Christopher Cooney, president and CEO, Metro South Chamber. Poole will depart the Chamber to relocate to Asheville, North Carolina.
Spring Business WorkshopsTrading InternationallyThe Mass Export Center of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center will be holding International Letters of Advanced Credit on May 8, 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 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. The speaker will be Wayne Cook, vice president of Global Trade Banking at State Street Bank. The cost is $65 for members and $75 for non-members. For more information, contact Michael Sullivan at the Mass Export Center at 508-999-5231 or register online at www.mass.gov/export. Incorporating Your Small BusinessOn May 9, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Slade's Ferry Bank Center for Business Research will host "The Wisdom of Small Businesses Incorporating - Benefits and Burdens" workshop. Southern New England School of Law Adjunct Professor Ronald A. Cavallero will present the workshop and cover a number of topics of importance to smaller companies and nonprofit corporations. In addition to Professor Cavallero, a CPA will be present to answer tax issues. The workshop will take place at the Southern New England School of Law, 333 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth, MA. Attendance is free, however, pre-registration is required.To register, call Jocelyn Kagan at 508-910-6434 or e-mail jkagan@umassd.edu. For more information on SFBCBR and its programs, call 508-910-6434 or visit www.umassd.edu/cbr. See related story on Page 9
Norwell Business After Hours Attracts Over 100Over 100 people attended the recent Chamber Business After Hours held at the Eastern Bank in Norwell. 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. This networking event was a great opportunity for local business leaders to visit the facility and acquire new business contacts. The next Business After Hours will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2002, at the East Bridgewater YMCA.
New in 2002The Metro South Chamber of Commerce will continue to highlight the progress of existing and new projects throughout the Metro South region. Bridgewater State College is in the midst of a $50 million construction and renovation project that will add three new structures to the campus and refurbish an existing academic building. The projects include an 84,000-square-foot field house; an 83,400-square-foot residence hall; a 33,000-square-foot dining facility; and the renovation of Harrington Hall. The four-story residence hall will house 300 students in 85 suites. The dining facility building includes seating for 750 students in a combination of open dining areas and smaller conference/dining rooms. Additionally, there is an administrative dining area, arcade seating areas and support office space. The single-story facility includes a central arcade/gallery space and retail operations.
Government AffairsThe next Government Affairs meeting is Friday, May 10, at 7:45 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Metro South Chamber headquarters located at Sixty School Street in downtown Brockton. 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 more information on the Government Affairs Committee, contact Roy Nascimento, Vice President-Public Affairs, at 508-586-0500 ext. 225 or e-mail roy@metrosouthchamber.com.
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