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| May 2004 | |
Small Business and Entrepreneur of the Year May 19 at Holiday InnThe Metro South Chamber of Commerce and Fleet Small Business Services will present the 12th Annual Small Business and Entrepreneur of the Year Awards on Wednesday, May 19, 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 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 served UMass as the Vice President for Academic Affairs and as a founding CEO of UMass Online. He also served as a tenured Professor of Management as UMass Amherst. Dr. Wilson is nationally and internationally know for his leadership in the reform of higher education programs, winning the Theodore Hesburgh Award, the Boeing Award, and the Pew Charitable Trust Prize for his innovative programs. 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, calling 508-586-0500, ext. 221 or going online to www.metrosouthchamber.com. The cost is $15 for members and $22 for non-members.
Good News Chamber members are invited to send information for the Good News column to the Chamber office. James W. Blake, President and CEO of HarborOne Credit Union announces the addition of PJ Sowden as Regional Lending Manager, Mortgage Department. He was previously employed with Radious Financial Group and GMACM both of Quincy and was responsible for mortgage origination with a specialty in condominium complexes. As a regional lending manager at HarborOne, he is responsible for the origination of residential mortgages, construction purchases and refinances within Plymouth and Norfolk counties. HarborOne is one of the largest mortgage lenders in the area and is the third largest lender within Plymouth County. Established in 1917, HarborOne has over $1 billion in assets and is the largest state chartered, community credit union in New England and one of the top 100 in the country. Media Concepts has moved from Whitman to Brockton. The new address is 60 School Street, 1st floor, Brockton, MA 02301. The new phone number is 508-586-9610. Media Concepts specializes in Website Design and Video Production. The Jack Conway Co. has moved up a notch in the national ranking of real estate firms, according to ratings released by National Relocation Magazine. The Eastern Mass based firm had 6,926 transactions for 69th place nationally and first in Massachusetts. In the sales ranks, it was 75th nationally and also first in Massachusetts. The national list also indicates that Jack Conway Co. is the 28th largest privately owned independent in the entire United States. The Norwell based firm also owns Conway Financial Services, Washington Appraisal, Conway Relocation, Conway Property Management and the Relocation Registry. At a recent annual meeting of Rogers & Gray Insurance Agency, Inc. two employees were announced as Salesperson of the Year for 2003 in their respective divisions. Robert Bizak was acknowledged as the Property/Casualty Salesperson of the Year. He is Executive Vice President of Rogers & Gray and works from the Plymouth office. He has been with Rogers & Gray for 3 years. Robert Macallister, CLU, ChFC, was acknowledged as the Employee Benefits Sales of the Year. Bob is a Senior Vice President and Account Executive in the Hyannis office. He has been with Rogers & Gray for 14 years. Representatives of Bridgewater Savings were joined by several Town officials recently for the Grand Reopening of the Bank's full-service Lakeville branch at 6 Main Street. Changes at the Lakeville office began three years ago, with the expansion of the building's parking areas, the addition of a drive-up lane and a new ATM machine, all designed to accommodate increased customer activity. Bridgewater Savings is a state-chartered bank with offices in Bridgewater, Lakeville, Raynham, and West Bridgewater. The United Way of Greater Plymouth County has a striking new brochure to give potential donors, thanks to the efforts Mary Shields of Shields Design Group in Plymouth. The local agency created the attractive Leadership Giving brochure and insert materials as a donation to the United Way. The new brochure lists different levels of leadership giving and describes different services offered to the community by the United Way of Greater Plymouth County. There's also an easy-to-use fulfillment piece with a tear-off form so people can send in donations or pledges. The United Way of Greater Plymouth serves 22 communities and provides funds for 38 member agencies. For more information, call the United Way of Greater Plymouth County at 508-583-6306, email the staff at info@uwgpc.org or go to the website at www.uwgpc.org. On February 13, 2004, Wendell Carter, Territory Sales Representative for G&K Services a 100-year-old Uniform and Facility Company signed a three-year contract with Bay State Gas to provide uniforms to all of their technicians in Massachusetts. Wendell has been with G&K for seven months and is a new member of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. Peter J. Dutcher, the Brockton Community Investment Representative, will host a free program, titled "What's Great About Growing Older" featuring NBC's Today Show weatherman Williard Scott at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on May 11 at the Edward Jones office at 849 Belmont Street in Brockton. This one-hour televised event will address how one can set goals in retirement, how to feel young while growing old, and how to leave a legacy of learning. To reserve a seat of for more information about the May 11 program, call Peter Dutcher at 508-580-2555. The Brockton Area Association for Retarded Citizens (BAARC) will hold their Twelfth Annual "Walk in the Park for BAARC" on Sunday, May 16. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Oak Street entrance to D.W. Field Park. The Walk begins at 11:00 a.m. The rain date is May 23. BAARC provides Advocacy, Information and Referral, and Employment Services. The money raised through this fundraising event is used to subsidize the Family to Family Support Center. "Walk with a Friend" is the theme. All registered walkers will be provided with a light lunch. All walkers and friends are welcome to participate. Walk flyers will be available at Tedeschi Food Shops in the Greater Brockton Area. For more information, call BAARC at 508-583-8030. As part of a new Massasoit Community College workforce training series called "Massasoit Motivations", Gary Silverman, owner of a local computer consulting company, explored the many aspects of palm pilots with participants from fourteen area businesses. The training breakfast, co-sponsored by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce on March 26, 2004 was held at the Massasoit Conference Center. Participants asked many questions about utilization of this new technology for their businesses, and were eager for the follow-up class, which will be held on May 5. The next training breakfast in the series will present "Network Security for the Small and Home Business." It will be held in June in the Louison Board Room on the Massasoit Community College Brockton Campus. Massasoit's Professional Development Center is coordinating the series, and can be called at 508-588-9100 ext. 2013 for registration information. Baynes Electric Supply, headquartered in Brockton, MA is pleased to announce that William Arnone, Executive Vice President, has just celebrated his 30th year anniversary with the company. Bill joined Baynes Electric as a salesman in 1974 and has been an integral part of the company's growth since then. Baynes Electric Supply is a wholesale distributor of electrical supplies with locations in Brockton, Boston, New Bedford, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Norwood, Wareham, Nantucket, Middletown and East Providence. Shields MRI Brockton introduced its powerful new high-field open MRI system that allows Physicians to scan patients three times faster than any other commercially available open to MRI system. This new system uses a super-conductive magnet to produce amazing images, which are second to none. Shields MRI high-field open system is unique in that it operates at a higher magnetic strength while offering the comfort of an open MRI exam. Developed in the 1980's, MRI utilizes computers and magnetic fields to provide safe and non-invasive images of the human anatomy. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, MRI uses no radiation. For more information or to schedule an MRI exam, please call 1-800-258-4674 Ext. 3365. Evelyn Blackmon has been appointed as a Human Resources Specialist in the New England Sinai Human Resources Department. Most recently the Director for Human Resources at the Whittier Street Health Center in Boston, she has extensive experience in managing and directing all areas of Human Resources in a healthcare setting. She holds a Bachelor's of Arts in Management degree from Eastern Nazarene College. In addition, Stoughton resident Nadalee Marie Angelos, RN, was named as an Assistant Nurse Manager at New England Sinai Hospital. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Fitchburg State College. Magery L. Piercey, CPA of Wolf & Company, P.C., Certified Public Accountants and Business Consultants, was chosen as a recipient of the Accounting Alumni Award for 2004 from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Selected from a list of four finalists, Margery receives this award on its 30th anniversary and will speak about her career as an accounting professional. Margery is a leader in the profession and her prominent role is exemplified as she takes over as President of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants in May 2004. Margery joined Wolf's Boston office as a Principal in the Commercial Accounting and Audit Group in March 2004.
Thank You Renewing Members
A B General Contractors, Inc. 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.
Welcome New InvestorsEight new investors have 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.
American Institutional Supply, Inc.
Bank of Canton
Boggs Productions
Boston Centerless
Carlson Wagonlit
Coldwell Banker Residential Broker
Richard Sasso
South Shore Telecom To join the Chamber, call Frank Gillooly at 508-586-0500 ext. 229 or join online.
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| 5 | Ambassador Team Meeting | 8:00 am |
| 7 | Chamber and State Leaders Conference Location: Omni Parker House | |
| 11 | Executive Committee Meeting | 4:00 pm |
| 12 | SBA Programs & Services Workshop Location: Metro South Chamber BAC 60 School Street, Brockton | 9:00 am |
| 12 | Automated Export System Certification Workshop Location: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Center for Professional and Continuing Education Center | 4:00 pm |
| 14 | Government Affairs Meeting | 7:45 am |
| 19 | Small Business Awards Sponsor: Fleet Small Business Services Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South | |
| 26 | Board of Directors | 12 noon |
| 31 | Memorial Day Chamber Office Closed |
| 2 | Ambassador Team Meeting | 8:00 am |
| 8 | Membership Drive | |
| 9 | Membership Drive | |
| 10 | Membership Drive | |
| 11 | Government Affairs Meeting | 7:45 am |
| 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.
The Metro South Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the fifth 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 Thursday, June 17, 2004, 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 Kerrie Blake, 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 Kerrie Blake, 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.
Walmart recently presented the Metro South Chamber of Commerce with a grant to help fund the Metro South Business Assistance Center. The center, is located at the Chamber office building at 60 School Street and is operated in cooperation with the US Small Business Administration, SCORE and several regional economic development agencies. For more information about the Business Assistance Center contact Roy Nascimento at 508-586-0500 ext. 225.
Name: Shaw's Supermarket, Inc.
Address: 750 West Center Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379 www.shaws.com
Year Established: 1860
Number of Employees: There area 30,000 associates in the six New England states.
Products/Services: Retail Supermarkets
What is unique or special about your firm and the products and services you offer? Shaw's success is the company's ongoing emphasis on attentive customer service and high quality products that have been the hallmarks for more than 140 years.
What is your market area? My market area is southeastern Massachusetts.
What markets do you serve? The markets I serve are Brockton, Braintree, Easton, Hanson, Weymouth, Randolph, Stoughton, Sharon, Canton, Hanover, Cohasset and Medfield.
What is your main business objective concerning your customers and the business community? Shaw's is committed to satisfying the diverse and changing needs of our communities, our business partners, our associates and of course our customers.
What is your Chamber involvement? I have been on the Chamber's Board of Director's for one year. I have been involved with "A Taste of Metro South", the Annual Meeting and Business Expo, and the Board of Directors retreat.
What are some of the positions you have held? I have been market area director, director of special projects, and regional operations manager.
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.
Story Submitted by Marni Dunton from CareerWorks
On Tuesday, April 6, 2004 CareerWorks, the Brockton Area One Stop Career Center honored HarborOne Credit Union and Concord Foods as Employer of the Year Nominees along with Brenda Wornum-Moore as the Job Seeker Nominee of the Year.
Career Center Day has become an annual event at the State House, It's purpose is to showcase the Massachusetts One-Stop Career Centers and to recognize nominees both locally and statewide for Employer and Job Seeker of the Year. This event is an opportunity to engage the legislators in their continued support of the career centers. "The opportunity to have members of our legislative delegation celebrate the accomplishments of the Career Centers is crucial to continued support," Brian Donnelly, Director of CareerWorks stated. "Representative Geraldine Creedon brought attention to services provided to more than 400 Employers and over 4,000 Job Seekers by CareerWorks within the past year.
"This event gave CareerWorks staff a chance to meet and network with other Career Centers from Massachusetts," Shannon Mulcahy, Employer Services Coordinator said. "We exchanged ideas and information regarding various types of services we provide to job seekers and employers."
This year CareerWorks was proud to honor HarborOne Credit Union and Concord Foods as nominees for Employer of the Year and Brenda Wornum-Moore as nominee for Job Seeker of the Year. All were recognized because of their outstanding contributions to CareerWorks and the workforce development within Brockton and the surrounding communities.
Over fifty people from throughout the Metro South region attended a business after hours at Emmanuel House Residence on April 15.
Emmanuel House Residence located at 25 East Nilsson Street in Brockton, 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.
The Southeastern Mass Venture Forum continues its 2003-2004 Program Year Thursday evening May 6, 2004 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Forum's educational program brings together entrepreneurs and those who work with growth companies.
This month's sponsor is NTB Associates. Richard E. Gamache, Esq., Partner, Weingarten, Schurgin, Gagnebin & Lebovici LLP will be the guest speaker. He will speak about intellectual property considerations for entrepreneurs and founders of early-stage companies. Intellectual property has become an increasingly important consideration for entrepreneurs. This presentation will deal with intellectual property related issues that are typically faced, and often overlooked, by entrepreneurs in their roles as founders of early-stage companies. It will provide a general overview of the various forms of intellectual property protection including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. It will also provide an overview of intellectual property related topics that entrepreneurs should become familiar with including confidentiality, ownership, and potential loss of intellectual property rights. Finally, the presentation will identify some of the risks that may be encountered during the founding of early-stage companies, and the steps that may be taken to minimize those risks.
The fee is $15 at the door and $5 if you pre-register. Call Steve Andrade at 508-531-2972 or email at spandrade@bridgew.edu.
Story Provided by Meaghan Abella-Bowen
This past winter, the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board (BAWIB) initiated their 2004 Youth Advisory Committee, a sub-committee of BAWIB's Youth Council. The Youth Council's mission is to establish a youth development system that ensures all youth will acquire the necessary skills and work experience to successfully transition into a career, further education, and training. The Council membership consists of representatives from business, education, and community based organizations.
The Youth Advisory Committee was formed by the Youth Council for purposes of getting input from area youth into the types of job preparedness and career oriented workshops and information materials that are offered in our area's high schools. The group currently consists of 9 youth representatives from 4 high schools in our region: East Bridgewater High School, Stoughton High School, West Bridgewater High School, and the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School.
Over the past few months the group has met 4 times and has discussed several projects that will enhance career related training opportunities and informational materials in their high schools. Potential projects include:
By the end of June, the group will have selected one project and developed an action plan for implementation. To reach this goal the group will work during the month of May to build support for the project with their teachers, guidance counselors, and administrative staff, determine resources needed to implement the project, and outline an implementation approach specific to their individual school. The group will also develop a Power Point presentation on the project and present it to the BAWIB Youth Council for input and feedback.
The Youth Advisory Committee's work is a win-win opportunity for students, schools, and BAWIB. The high school students gain valuable leadership, communication, and project management skills, learn how to work on a committee, and are contributing to youth career education programs. The schools will receive a project and or resources that support career education and will develop additional student leaders. And BAWIB will continue to further its mission of ensuring all youth acquire the necessary skills to successfully transition into careers and further education and training.
If you would like to learn more about the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board's Youth Council please contact Meghan Abella -Bowen, Youth Services Coordinator at the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board at 508-584-3234.
In honor of Earth Day 2004, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Fleet Bank, the Order of the Arrow Old Colony Boy Scouts of America, and the City of Brockton partnered together to clean up Salisbury Brook in Brockton on April 22. Over 100 volunteers showed up to display their Brockton Pride and clean up one of the city's well known parks.
The Metro South Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Starbucks Coffee in Brockton, Dunkin Donuts on North Main Street in Brockton, Lowe's Home Improvement, BC Tent and Awning, Old Country Buffet, CRT Recycling, Inc., Trojan Recycling Inc., and BFI for their donations.
The Chamber would also like to thank the Council on Aging and Coca Cola for providing lunch to the Earth Day volunteers.
The Metro South Chamber of Commerce and the Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives invite you to attend the Chamber and State Leaders Conference on Friday, May 7.
This event promises to be filled with information about policy issues affecting businesses and the Commonwealth's economy. This event is for anyone doing business in Massachusetts and is a great opportunity to gain valuable information for your company and voice your concerns to policy makers.
The confirmed speakers are Senate President Robert E. Travaglini, Administration and Finance Secretary Eric A. Kriss, and Secretary of Commonwealth Development Douglas I. Foy. The conference will begin at 10:00 a.m at the Historic Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston.
A New York Deli lunch will be served at 12:00 noon. The cost is $40 for members. To register or to obtain further information, call Roy Nascimento, Vice-President, Metro South Chamber of Commerce, at 508-586-0500 ext. 225.
Overview of SBA Programs and Services
Date: Wednesday, May 12
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Metro South Chamber of Commerce
60 School Street, Brockton
Cost: Free
This workshop will help you gain a better understanding of the various SBA programs and services that are available to prospective or current entrepreneurs who need assistance in starting or expanding their businesses. General information will be provided on the following programs and services: Service Corps of Retired Executives, Small Business Development Centers, Business Information Center, Hub Zones (Historically Underutilized Business Zones) and Government Contracting Opportunities.
Pre-registration is required. To register contact Kerrie Blake, Program Director at 508-586-0500 ext. 231.
Automated Export System Certification Workshop
Date: Wednesday, May 12
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Center for Professional and Continuing Education
Center
139 South Main Street, Fall River
Cost: $35.00
By mid 2004, the US Government will require all exporters to file their shippers export declarations via the Automated Export System. This workshop will provide an overview of the automated export system and AES Director, followed by hands-on training and filing of sample SEDs via AES PC Link. The program is being run jointly by the Massachusetts Export Center and the US Department of Commerce.
You may register at www.mass.gov/export.