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| June 2002 |  |
ATHENA Award Presented on June 19 at Holiday InnThe Metro South Chamber of Commerce will hold the fourth annual ATHENA Award on Wednesday, June 19, 2002, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn in Brockton. The Chamber presents the ATHENA Award to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in his or her business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in reaching their full leadership potential. The ATHENA Award is presented in the form of a hand-cast bronze sculpture, symbolizing the strength, courage and wisdom of the recipient. Marylou Sandry, founder of Marylou's Coffee, will be a featured speaker. This successful chain of 15 coffee shops throughout the South Shore, was founded in 1986 and is known for the "Best Coffee in Town". The coffee is served in the famous pink cups by a friendly staff. Marylou's Coffee has been highlighted in the Boston Globe, TV's "Chronicle", Fox 25, Channel 56 and Channel 7. Marylou is a member of the South Shore Women's Business Network, the Specialty Coffee Association of America, Toastmaster's International, the Board Forum and is a South Shore Hospital Overseer. A second featured speaker will be Vicki Donlan, publisher and founder of Women's Business Boston, a 25,000 controlled-circulation newspaper devoted to women in the Boston, New Hampshire and Rhode Island region. She is also publisher and founder of Women's Busienss New York, a 50,000 controlled-circulation newspaper covering New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. Ms. Donlan plans further expansion in the near future. The ATHENA Award program sponsor is Bay State Gas. Bay State Gas is an energy service company serving more than 300,000 customers in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. As always, the Good Morning Metro South program promises to be fast-paced, informational, and 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/members and $22/non-members.
Business After Hours
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Pride, Enthusiasm, Commitment Displayed Through MembershipIt's a Great Time to Join the Chamber!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 business advocacy organization. It was February 14, 1913, when a dozen local business people united to establish the Metro South Chamber of Commerce to display their pride, commitment, and enthusiasm for the community and 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. Influence, perspective, resources, and results are multiplied through the leadership of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. The entire community benefits from the presence of a strong, effective Chamber. On June 11, 12, and 13 many community and business leaders, currently benefiting from working through 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. You’ll soon learn why so many businesses recognize Chamber membership as a key to their business and community success. Chamber membership costs just pennies a day and provides your business with tremendous opportunity. When you join before June 15, 2002 you will receive over $750. worth of immediate return on your investment. To learn more about displaying your community pride, enthusiasm, and commitment through Chamber membership, call 508-586-0500 ext. 229.
Jazz Up Your Summer!
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| 4 | Ambassador Team Meeting | 8:00 am |
| 5 | State House Day 2002 State House Great Hall | 8:30 am |
| 11-13 | Membership Drive | |
| 13 | Business After Hours East Bridgewater YMCA | 5:30 to 7:30 pm |
| 19 | ATHENA Award Sponsor: Bay State Gas Company Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South | 7:30 to 9:00 am |
July Calendar
| 4 | Independence Day | Chamber Closed |
| 17 | Business Assistant Center Luncheon | 12:00 noon |
| 25 | Chamber Day at the Rox Business After Hours Campanelli Stadium 1 Lexington Ave., Brockton | 6:30 pm |
August Calendar
| 9 | Legislative Planning Meeting | 8:00 am |
| 13 | Executive Committee Meeting | 4:00 pm |
| 14 | Ambassadors/GMMS Planning | 8:00 am |
| 14 | ATHENA Focus Group | 10:00 am |
| 27 | HRMC Planning | 8:00 am |
| 28 | Board Meeting | 12:00 noon |
| 28 | Business After Hours CMGI Field | 5:30 pm |
Note: All meetings are held at the Metro South Chamber office or Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC) unless otherwise indicated.
Chamber Day at the Rox July 25
On Thursday, July 25, 2002 the Metro South Chamber of Commerce will celebrate Metro South's new home team, The Brockton Rox at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton.
The event features a special "fun pack" for you, your employees and customers to enjoy. This evening is a great oppotunity to hold your company outing while experiencing the newest baseball stadium and team in America. The Rox will be playing the New Jersey Jackals. Given time is 7:11 p.m.
All members are invited and encouraged to participate in this event. Mark your calender for this great opportunity to meet potential clients, customers and other local business people as well as take in a great baseball game. Exposure for your business is your competitive edge, so bring plenty of business cards.
To find out more information on this event call Kerrie at the Chamber 508-586- 0500 ext. 222.
Chamber Honors Small Business and Entrepreneur at Awards Program
The Metro South Chamber of Commerce and Fleet Small Business Services were pleased to recognize business achievement with the presentation of the 2002 Entrepreneur and Small Business of the Year Awards on May 22nd at the Holiday Inn / Metro South in Brockton.
Over eleven years ago, Fleet Bank joined forces with the Chamber to develop this recognition program and Fleet has been the sponsor of the awards program ever since.
The Entrepreneur of the Year award recognizes innovative individuals whose businesses have grown through their commitment to their customers and their community. The 2002 Entrepreneur of the Year Award was presented to Jerome Offutt of Top Quality Staffing.
Jerome began Top Quality Staffing in 1999 on Main Street in Brockton. Top Quality Staffing is a temporary employment agency which markets to all of New England and serves clients in light industrial, clerical, and professional businesses.
Mr. Offutt's unique approach to business is by providing his employees with assistance for housing, drug and alcohol counseling, job training, or by simply listening to them and offering sincere advice. Mr. Offutt believes by allowing his employees the opportunity for a better life he is enhancing their productivity and enriching our community.
Through his innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit, Jerome Offutt goes to great lengths to ensure that every employee and client is satisfied; a quality that is to be celebrated in the Metro South region.
The Small Business of the Year award recognizes business leadership, which has fostered company growth and created new jobs while contributing to the community. The 2002 Small Business of the Year Award was presented to United Furniture, Inc.
United Furniture, located on Main Street in Brockton, is a family-owned business currently operated by Peter Daphnis. United Furniture is a retail furniture business carrying high-end, traditional lines offering competitive quality and price. United Furniture is a service-oriented business as indicated by their one-on-one relationship with their customers. United Furniture recently instituted a multi-lingual direct mail program to service non-English speaking customers in the Greater Brockton area.
Since it's beginning in 1919, United Furniture has grown steadily and become a leader in the downtown Brockton area. In 2001, with the purchase of the building they currently occupy, United Furniture solidified its commitment to the downtown area. United Furniture's commitment to the community includes Mr. Daphnis’ involvement in the Downtown Brockton Association and 21st Century Corporation, supporter of the Little Red Schoolhouse program, sponsor of the Kennedy School reading program, and service on various local committees.
United Furniture is proud of its continuing commitment to the downtown Brockton community and their commitment to serving the furniture needs of the Metro South region.
"The awards program is a way for the Chamber and Fleet Small Business Services to recognize people who are devoting their time to growing a small business," said Christopher Cooney, president and chief executive officer of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce."Small businesses make up a majority of the businesses in the region. Many of them begin locally, expand, contribute positively to the economy and yet, go unnoticed."
This is one of the Chamber's many programs and services that is geared to the needs of smaller businesses. The Metro South Chamber recognizes the important role that small to middle sized businesses play in our economy. The Chamber will continue to offer services to meet their needs. The twelve candidates nominated this year were very strong and the selection process was extremely difficult. Each nominee was rated based on the following criteria: number of employees; staying power; growth; social responsibility; and innovation.
The Metro South Chamber of Commerce congratulates the following businesses for being nominated:
- Architectural Glazing Systems, Inc.
- B C Tent and Awning Company
- Bay Copy
- Bills Taxi/A&A Metro Transportation
- Cappiello Promotions Services
- Greenlife, Inc.
- Habig-Magoon Insurance
- Inspired Interiors
- Paper Tigers
- Seismic Sound DJ's
- Top Quality Staffing
- United Furniture Inc
Governor Swift Visits Chamber
Governor Jane Swift was the guest speaker at a recent Good Morning Metro South held at the Massasoit Conference Center. There were over 300 people in attendace as well as many Senators and State Representatives to hear the Govenor speak about plans to address the states's $2 billion budget deficit for 2003.
The Govenor 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.
~ Member Profile ~
Massachusetts Electric
Name: Massachusetts Electric
Address: 100 East Ashland Street
Telephone: Customer Service Information 1-800-322-3223
E-mail: ann.malley-laneau@us.ngrid.com
Website: www.masselectric.com
Year Established: Early 1960s
Number of Employees: Approximately 2,600 employees including 260 in the company's South Shore operating area.
Products/Services: Massachusetts Electric delivers safe, reliable electricity at prices that are amoung the lowest of any major utility in New England. The company serves approximately 1.2 million customers in 168 Massachusetts communities including more than 225,000 customers in 23 South Shore communities.
What is unique or special about your firm and the products and services you offer? The company's energy efficiency programs make available to customers a variety of financial inncentives, technical assistance, and partnerships with the energy efficiency industry.
What is your market area? We serve many towns in the South Shore.
What markets do you serve? Massachusetts Electric serves residential, governmental, commercial and industrial customers.
Please list awards, honors, or special recognition your firm has received: Massacusetts Electric has received the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Award for Excellence in Consumer Education and the Tree Line USA award.
What is your main business objective concerning your customers and the business community? Massachusetts Electric Company's primary objective is to deliver safe, reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost in an environmentally sound matter.
The Chamber features a Member Profile in each issue of the Action Report. Members are selected randomly from those in attendance at the Good Morning Metro South (GMMS) breakfasts. Attending a GMMS is great exposure for your business. The next breakfast is Wednesday, June 19, 2002, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn - Metro South in Brockton.
Spring Business Workshops
The West Bridgewater Public Library, with support from a Small Business Imporovement Mini-Grant through the Library Services and Technology Act from the Mass Board of Library Commissioners, present a free business seminar.
Register Now. Space is limited.
Wednesday, June 5, 2002, 5:00 to 6:45p.m.
"Sensible Cents: Budgeting for Small Businesses"
Creating a budget for your business
Using your budget to manage your business
Instructor: Bruce E. Marquis Business Services
All workshops are held at the West Bridgewater Public
Library.
Refreshments will be served.
For more information and directions, please contact Sherry Pinter, reference librarian, or Beth Smith, library director, at the West Bridgewater Public Library, 80 Howard St. Tel: 508-894-1255. E-mail: bsmith@sailsinc.org.
The U.S. Small Business Administration in collaboration with the Procurement Technical Assistant Center, and The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) invite you to a free workshop.
Veterans Register Now.
Thursday, July 18, 2002, 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
"Veterans: How to Start or Grow Your Business"
Contracting opportunities with the government
SBA Business Loan programs for veterans
How to develop a business plan
The workshop will be held at the Brockton VA Medical Center Building 22 ("The Recreation Hall")
For more information or to register call Hank Cammack of SBA at 617-565-5567.
ATHENA AWARDS
Nancy Colarusso is the President and CEO of Brockton Furnance & Duct Distributors. She purchased the company in 1988 and has since expanded the business. Colarusso was chosen by the Commonwealth Institute and the Center for Women's Leadership of Babson College as one of the top hundred business leaders. Colarusso supports varous organizations such as the Brockton Police and the Boys and Girls Club.
Marian Wroble Cox is the Arts and Entertainment Specialist for WBET radio. She hosts her own show "Conversations with Marian". Cox has been a member of Altrusa International since 1970. She has served as a speaker, judge, and fashion commentator for numerous charitable groups.
Christine Karavites is a Senior Consultant for the University of Massachusetts Office of the President at the Donahue Institute. Karavites helped lead a team that designed and developed the University's Brockton presence with the creation of a One Stop Career Center to employees and employers in Brockton. She has also served on the Board of the Brockton Multi Service Center and has provided customized planning assistance to employers throughout the region.
Paula Peterson is the Director of the Children's Museum in Easton. She has been elected to the Easton Co-Operative Bank Community Advisory Council. Peterson serves on the Board of Directors for the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. She is also very active in the Easton Public Schools.
Kristen Stadelmann is the President of Central Electrical Speciality Co. She began the business in 1988 and obtained her Journeyman's License and Master Electrician's License to better understand the needs of her customers. Standelmann is also active in the Boys and Girls club of Brockton.
Mary Waldron is a Community Entrepreneur Liaison for the Brockton Public Schools. Her community service includes being a member of the Old Colony Planning Council and co-founder of the Red, White, & Black Ball. Waldron is a recipient of the My Turn - Community Service Award.
The ATHENA Award Program celebrates the potential of all women as valued members and leaders of the community and recognizes those who support them. The Award honors individuals who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment... those who excel in their chosen field, have devoted time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and who also opens paths so that others may follow.
The ATHENA Award, created for the Chamber of Commerce in Lansing, Michingan 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 a quotation from Plato, "What is honored in a country will be cultivated there." By honoring exceptional leaders, others will be encouraged to excel.
The two featured speakers for the ATHENA Awards program are Marylou Sandrey, founder of Marylou's Coffee and Vicki Donlan, publisher and founder of Women's Business Boston and Women's Business New York.
The event will take place at the Metro South Holiday Inn in Brockton from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. The Athena Award program sponsor is Bay State Gas. Pre- register for this event by faxing the back cover of the Action Report to 508-587-1340 or calling 508-586-0500 ext.221. The cost is $15/members and $22/non-members.
Each of these impressive women are honored for their tireless committment to their profession and community. Warm congratulations are extended to each of them.
Chamber State House Day
Wednesday June 5, 2002
Join business leaders from throughout the Commonwealth on Wednesday, June 5, 2002, in Boston for the Annual Chamber State House Day.
State House Day is a great opportunity to meet your legislative and policy leaders. The keynote speaker is Treasurer Shannon O'Brien. Invited speakers include Governor Jane Swift Senate President Thomas Birmingham, House Speaker Thomas Finneran, and the Chairperson of Transportation, Taxation, Commerce and Labor, and Health Care.
The Metro South Chamber of Commerce and the Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives are sponsoring the event. Registration/continental breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Great Hall of the State House and the program starts at 9:30 a.m. Lunch will served at 12:00 noon. The cost is $25 per person. To register or to obtain further information, call Roy Nascimento at 508-586-0500 ext. 225.