Metro South Chamber of Commerce - Action Report
  June 2003  
Inside this issue...

New Members
Calendar of Events
Good News
Board Member Profile

ATHENA Award Presented on June 19 at Holiday Inn

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce will hold the fifth annual ATHENA Award on Wednesday, June 19, 2003, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn in Brockton.

The featured speaker is Shirley Singleton, co-founder of Edgewater Technology. As President and CEO, she has overseen periods of remarkable prosperity, success and perseverance. Under her direction, Edgewater has grown from a privately held, five-person shop into a publicly-traded, award-winning stategic consulting firm with more than 150 consulting professionals nationally.

Ms. Singleton has more than 20 years of software development, systems integration, and management consulting experience with high technology companies. Prior to co-founding Edgewater Technology, she served as vice president and general manager of the Northeast region of Logica North America, a large systems integrator. She also served as faculty member for the Needham, Massachusetts public schools.

She was named to Boston Magazine's Top 100 Powerful Women for 2003 and was presented the Leader of the Year Award by the Massachusetts Interactive Media Council (MIMC) in 2001.

Each year 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 ahand-cast bronze sculpture, symbolizing the strength, courage and wisdom of the recipient.

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.

Chamber Partners to Provide Health Care Insurance

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce is pleased to provide a listing of carriers for your health care needs. Please contact Debbie Foster from Health Service Administrators for rates and further detailed information at 877-777-4414 ext. 125.

Guarantee top-quality coverage from the carrier that is best suited for your needs. Here is a sampling of the plans Health Service Administrators will work with to satisfy your businesses requirements.

Aetna/US Healthcare
Cigna Health Care
Delta Dental of Massachusetts
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Health New England
Neighborhood Health Plan
Tufts Health Plan

Welcome New Investors

Six 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.

MSPCA Animal Shelter of Brockton
1300 West Elm Street Ext.
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-580-2847
Fax: 508-580-2887
Mr. Scott Giacoppo

Forensic Health Services
214 Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02134
Tel: 617-782-5144
Fax: 617-782-5466

Robert A. Powers
6 Greenfield Street
S. Easton, MA 02375-1423
Tel: 508-238-3562
Fax: 508-238-3562
Mr. Robert A. Powers

Tiffanie Williams & Company
21 McGrath Highway, Suite 206
Quincy, MA 02169
Tel: 617-786-0010
Fax: 617-786-0088
Ms. Tiffanie Williams

TracWel, Inc.
150 Fireworks Circle
Bridgewater, MA 02324
Tel: 508-697-1010
Fax: 508-279-0188
Hilario Melo

West Bridgewater Associates LP
One Wynnewood Road
Suite 200
Wynnewood, PA 19096
Tel: 610-552-6000
Fax: 610-552-6001
Mr. TIm Smith

To join the Chamber, call Frank Gillooly at 508-586-0500 ext. 229 or join online.

Good News

Members are invited to send information for the Good News column to the Chamber office.

Michael J. Pierdinock, President of Lightship Engineering, LLC, has been named Commonwealth of Massachusettsí 2003 Businessman of the Year by the Business Advisory Council. Lightship Engineering is an Environmental and Land Use Consulting firm located in Plymouth, MA. During the recent Congressional Tax Summit in Washington, D.C., Congresswoman Catherine Harris, former Florida Secretary of State, presented Mr. Pierdinock with this award in recognition of his accomplishments as the top small businessman in Massachusetts.

Old Colony United Way will honor several area individuals and businesses at its 81st Annual Meeting and Campaign Celebration on Tuesday, June 17, at noon in the Shaw's Center at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton. The luncheon and program will run from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Registration begins at 11:45 a.m. The public is invited to attend the Annual Meeting and Campaign Celebration. Tickets at $30 per person. To reserve a seat, call Old Colony United Way at 508-583-6306.

The Brockton Rox and BroadcastMonsters have announced a partnership that will bring all 92-games of the Rox regualar season to fans everywhere through the team's website, www.brocktonrox.com. The Rox games will be available to listen to live as well as being archived on the site for fans to catch up on all the Rox action during the 2003 season. During all live telecasts there will be a technical support representative to deal with any Rox broadcast issues that may arise.

In May, Jane E. Callahan, President of Primary Vision Co. and HR Alternatives completed a program on Conducting Internal Complaint Investigations certified by the Mass. Commission Against Discrimination (M.C.A.D.) and Mass. Continuing Legal Education. She is now listed on the M.C.A.D. provider list as an independent discrimination complaint investigator. She can be reached at 508-279-1800 or online at www.PrimaryVisionCo.com.

Last month, the Brockton Credit Union was very pleased to serve as host to two visitors from the Republic of Moldova who were in the United States to learn more about advertising and marketing. Sergui Beznitchi, Marketing Director of "Haruzlmagine", a firm specializing in advertising and tourism, and Sergey Staruch, Commercial Director of "Risco", one of the largest independent Advertising Agencies in Moldova, spent several hours at the main office of the credit union. They discussed the design of creative projects with the staff of the marketing department and representatives of RDW Group, the credit union's ad agency.

Former winning jockey Gene Bresnahan from taxjockey.com again this year is extending an invitation to join him for his 14th annual "Day at the Races" to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Dedham. The price of $36 includes a great lunch in the Topsider Room and a tour of the jockeysí quarters at Suffolk Downs. Busses will leave Gene's office at 875 Providence Highway, Dedham at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 23. Call Gene at 781-326-6411 or reply through his website at taxjockey.com.

Douglas H. Philipsen, who recently retired as president and chief executive officer of Rockland Trust Company, was honored by Jack Conway & Co. as the South Shore's "Banker of the Decade." Philipsen, who stepped down as leader of the bank earlier this year, received the award during the 16th annual Conway Country Convention.

The Employee Benefits Division of Rogers & Gray Insurance Agency, was recently honored by Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare as a recipient of the exclusive "Gold Elite Producer Award." Rogers & Gray Vice President Mark Rezendes, CEBS, accepted the award on their behalf at a dinner awards ceremony held at the Westin Hotel, Boston, on Tuesday, April 16, 2003. The "Elite" broker designation is one that is being conferred on a select group of brokers by Harvard Pilgrim for the first time. The recognition is given based on performance by all brokers during 2002. In order to be considered "Elite," a broker or agency had to produce at least $500,000 in new business premium as well as have an overall block of business totaling at least $50,000 in new business premium as well as have an overall block of business totaling at least $1 million.

Brockton Hospital is proud to announce that Emergency Physician Dr. Adam Mandel has been awarded the "Pride of Public Safety" Award as part of national Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week 2003. The award is presented to emergency services personnel who rise above and beyond the normal call of duty and dedicate thier lives to saving others. The award recognition was announced at a ceremony attended by hundreds of EMS professionals from throughout Southeastern Massachusetts at Lantana's in Randolph.

Brockton Neighbors United (BNU) has launched a new-to-Brockton high school student recognition initiative called "Local Businesses for Student Success!" (LBSS). LBSS has the enthusiastic support of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor's office and the Superintendent of Schools. The project will encourage students to graduate, will promote local sales and can help build a more qualified workforce. The kick-off for "Local Businesses for Student Success!" will be in September. For further information and to participate as an LBSS business, contact Brockton Neighbors United at 508-588-5099.

The Brockton Visiting Nurse Association kicked off its centennial celebration at their 99th Annual Meeting on Wednesday April 9, at the Fuller Museum of Art in Brockton. The event is one of a series of special events that have been planned to commemorate this important milestone for the organization which was founded in 1904.

Seven nurses from New England Sinai Hospital and Rehabilitation Center in Stoughton were presented Elinor Rosiner Scholarships at the hospital's recent nurse recognition ceremonies. Named as this year's recipients were: Danielle Cochrane, RN of Marlboro; Jean Ivil, RN of Weymouth; Murielle Sanon, NA of Brockton; Stephanie Sturge, NA of Halifax; Alice Grasso, RN of Stoughton; Amelia "Emily" Monteagudo, RN of Mansfield and Charleen Strelke, RN of North Easton. Jean Ivil, RN, and Danielle Cochrane, RN were recipients of Rene Mandell Scholarhsip awards. The Woolfson Family Making A Difference Award" was bestowed posthumously to Sarah Eldredge, Lepine, LPN. Charlene Strelke, RN of North Easton was awarded the Neil Latham Scholarship.

Dr. Jo-Anne S. Lema has been appointed to the position of vice president for administration and finance at Bridgewater State College. She began her position on April 7. Dr. Lema, in her new position, will oversee a number of college departments including finance and fiscal affairs, facilities, human resources and administrative support services. Dr. Lema holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and mathematics from Merrimack College, a master's in education from Boston University, a master's in business administration with a concentration in finance from the University of Southern New Hampshire and a doctorate in educational administration from Harvard University. Dr. Lema resides with her husband in North Attleboro.

Savantic Software, a Randolph-based web consulting company, has recently helped Quincy Asian Resources, Inc., a non-profit resource agency that serves the needs of Quincy's growing Asian population, launch its website. The site provides core information about the agency, its mission, and its services, and will evolve to become a true online resource for the agency's members and for the community it serves. The site is www.qari.info. Savantic Software, Inc. is a cost-effective provider of complete software, database, and web solutions to small businesses and non-profit oganizations. For more information, contact Robert Ng at 781-986-0800 ext. 202.

CareerWorks Presenting Job Fair June 4

Story Provided by CareerWorks

As an ongoing effort to serve area businesses, CareerWorks, the Brockton Area One-Stop Career Center, in partnership with the City of Brockton, Metro South Chamber of Commerce and Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board is sponsoring a job fair on June 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn-Metro South adjacent to the Westgate Mall.

This job fair has been established to give area businesses the opportunity to meet and interview a large pool of qualified candidates as well as the chance to network with other businesses.

For a registration form or more information, please contact the Employer Services Unit at CareerWorks at 508-513-3416.

As a One-Stop Career Center, CareerWorks offers a place for employers and people seeking employment to connect in a custom-friendly, customer driven environment. CareerWorks applies creative and innovative approaches to meet the growing and changing needs of our members.

The employers listed below are recruiting persons for Management, Light Industrial, Retail, Banking, Medical, Warehouse, Administrative Support and more!

Adecco Employment
Brockton Area Multi- Services, Inc.
Brockton Credit Union
Brockton Visiting Nurse Association
Chadwick's of Boston
Citizen's Bank
Community Care Services
Cumberland Farms
Fed Ex
Jordan's Furniture
Mass. Army National Guard Recruiting Retention Command
Self Help, Inc.
South Shore Savings Bank
Sovereign Bank
Sullivan & Cogliano
Verizon
Vinfen Corporation

In Partnership With:
City of Brockton
Metro South Chamber of Commerce
Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board

As of May 21, 2003 the above employers have confirmed their participation.

Spring Business Workshops

SEED Workshops

Learn the Fundamentals of Planning, Preparing For, and Financing Your Business"

Date: Wednesday, June 11
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.)
Location: Ben Franklin Savings Bank
58 Main Street, Franklin, MA

This workshop is geared toward helping potential entrepreneurs evaluate and understand the fundamentals of owning one's own business. Information on how to get started, where and how to get financing, and the loan application process will be presented.

"Understanding the Purpose of Financial Statements and How They Can Help Determine the Health of Your Business"

Date: Wednesday, June 18
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Ben Franklin Savings Bank
58 Main Street, Franklin, MA

The focus of this workshop is to help attendees understand a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. The workshop also explains how a small business owner can anticipate financial needs in order to operate his/her business more efficiently.

To register for these free workshops contact Laurie Walsh from SEED at 508-822-1020. The workshops are being co-sponsored by Ben Franklin Savings Bank. For directions please call 508-528-7000, ext, 416.

SEED Corporation, the presenter, is a non-profit organization certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and designed as an Intermediary under the SBA's Microenterprise Intermediary Program. This program is designed to provide loans to new and existing business owners in amounts up to $35,000. For more information on SEED and its programs, please call our office at 508-822-1020 or visit our website at www.seedcorp.com.

New Brockton Map Underway Available in July

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce is currently working with The Map Guys, a specialty publication company, to produce a new Brockton map.

This Map of Brockton features a superb street listing ideas for having fun and all the great things to do in the City of Champions.

The Chamber, receives numerous requests from new arrivals, tourists, and businesses for maps of the area. The Map Guys produce a colorful, high quality product that will provide an exceptional map of Brockton.

The Map Guys will be contacting Chamber members in the next few weeks providing the opportunity for businesses to place advertisements on the map. Businesses choosing to advertise, will be provided with copies of the map for distribution.

Metro South Music Festival
Saturday, July 12

The Metro South Music Festival is set for Saturday, July 12. Brockton's Campanelli Baseball Stadium plays host to the B-52's. The show begins at 7:00 p.m.

The B-52's were formed in 1976 and have sold over 20 million albums. The group named themselves after Southern slang for exaggerated "bouffant" hairdos. The band Kate Pierson, Fred Schneider, Keith Strickland and Cindy Wilson began weekend road trips to and from New York City for pick-up gigs at CBGB's and a handful of other rundown venues. Before long, thier thrift store aesthetic, beehive hairdos, toy instruments and genre-defying songs were the talk of the post-punk underground. From "Rock Lobster", "Planet Claire" and "Private Idaho" to "Channel Z," "Good Stuff" and the two new songs, "Hallucinating Pluto" and the single "Debbie" the B-52's unforgettable dance rock tunes start a party every time the music begins. The underlying message of the B-52's is, it's okay to be different.

Tickets are available now online at www.metrosouthmusicfest.com or by calling the box office at 508-559-7000. Tickets range from $25 to $45. For more information contact the Cultural Affairs Office at 508-580-7109.

Government Affairs

Next Committee Meeting: Friday, July 20 at 7:45 a.m.
Metro South Chamber Conference Room 1

The next Government Affairs meeting is Friday, June 20, 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-, at 508-586-0500 ext. 225 or e-mail roy@metrosouthchamber.com.


Businesses Meet With Kennedy to Discuss Workforce Issues

On May 27, 2003 business leaders from throughout the region met with U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy to discuss workforce and skills development programs designed to keep Metro South businesses and workers competitive for years to come. Healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and communication industry representatives were on hand to advocate for the continuation of worker and skill training programs. "Our workers and their skills are the greatest asset and competitive advantage we have in the Brockton area. We must continue to provide our workers pathways of opportunity for their future skills development. It benefits us all to maintain a strong workforce development program" said Christopher Cooney Chamber President.

The round table discussion was hosted by the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board (BAWIB) and the Metro South Chamber of Commerce at the recently opened Shaw's Center in Brockton. BAWIB Chair, Patricia Williams began the meeting by welcoming the Senator and business leaders to the roundtable discussion. Brockton Mayor John T. Yunits introduced the Senator and thanked him for his commitment to providing federal support for many programs benefiting Brockton residents.

Chamber Day at the Rox

On Thursday, July 17, 2003 the Metro South Chamber of Commerce will celebrate Metro South's 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 afternoon is a great oppotunity to hold your company outing while experiencing a great baseball stadium and team in America. The Rox will be playing the Berkshire Blackbears. Given time is 12:00 noon.

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 or to register call at the Chamber 508-586- 0500 ext. 221.

June Calendar

4Ambassador Team Meeting8:00 am
13Government Affairs Meeting7:45 am
19ATHENA Award
Sponsor: Sovereign Bank
Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South
7:30 - 9:00 am

July 2003

4Independence Day
Chamber Closed
 
17"Chamber Day at the Rox"
Business After Hours
Campanelli Stadium
1 Lexington Ave., Brockton
11:30 am

August 2003

9Legislative Planning Meeting8:00 am
12Executive Committee Meeting4:00 pm
19Ambassadors/ GMMS Planning8:00 am
27Board Meeting12 noon
28HRMC Planning8:00 am
28Business After Hours5:30 pm

Note: All meetings are held at the Metro South Chamber office or Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC) unless otherwise indicated.

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 2003 Entrepreneur and Small Business of the Year Awards on May 22nd at the Holiday Inn / Metro South in Brockton.

Over twelve 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 2003 Entrepreneur of the Year Award was presented to James Messinger of The Crazy Chefs Caterers. James Messinger, the proprietor of "The Crazy Chefs," is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts Management. Chef James received numerous accolades, awards and graduated with honors from the C.I.A. Chef James has worked for the finest restaurants in the area and also served as a Wine Consultant to Boston's largest and finest hotels and restaurants. Chef James is completely dedicated to the hospitality/service industry and to the Metro South region.

Through his innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit, James Messinger goes to great lengths to ensure that every 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 2003 Small Business of the Year Award was presented to Modern Auto Body. Modern Auto Body, located on North Montello Street in Brockton, has been in the collision repair business since 1986. Modern Auto Body works closely with insurance companies and car rental agencies to ensure their customers have a hassle free experience. Modern Auto Body's main objective is to return the repaired vehicle to pre-accident condition for their customers. Modern Auto Body is also dedicated to helping the local business community grow through their various volunteer and outreach programs.

"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:

  • Athena International Foods, Inc.
  • Bumper to Bumper, Inc.
  • The Crazy Chef's Caterers
  • Douglas King Builders
  • Greenlife, Inc.
  • Holmes-McDuffy Florist, Inc.
  • Jiten Hotel Management, Inc.
  • Modern Auto Body
  • Northeast Wholesale Nail & Fastener
  • SDI Diagnostics
  • Seismic Sound DJ's
  • Taxjockey.com
  • West Side Foods & Pizza

~Board Member Profile ~
John McGovern

Name: Rodman & Rodman, P.C., CPA's

Address: 3 Newton Executive Park, Newton, MA 02462

Telephone: 617-965-5959

Website: www.rodmancpa.com

Year Established: 1961

Number of Employees: Rodman & Rodman has 12 employees.

Products/Services: Rodman & Rodman provides profit improvement strategies, performance measurement, strategic planning, business valuations, plus is a full service CPA firm providing tax and accounting services.

What is unique or special about your firm and the products and services you offer? We guarantee our work will meet or exceed our clientsí expectations. We work with local business owners who want to improve profits and increase the value of their businesses.

How long have you been a Chamber member? Rodman & Rodman has been a member of the Chamber since 1989.

What is your Chamber involvement? I am on the Board of Directors.

What are some job positions that you have held? I have been in public accounting since 1984. Prior to that I ran a lumber yard.

What is your educational background? I have a BS in accounting from Jersey City State College, a BA in education from the University of Massachusetts, and a certificate in business valuation from Northeastern University.

How long have you been at your present job? I have been with Rodman & Rodman since 1992.

John McGovern lives in Bridgewater with his wife Marty and their two sons Zachary and Dillon.

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.

Local Business Leaders Participate in State House Event

On May 20, 2003 business leaders throughout the Commonwealth joined in Boston for the Annual Chamber State House Day.

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce as well as other Chamber's from across Massachusetts took the opportunity to meet legislative and policy leaders.

The featured speakers were Lt. Governor Kerry Healey, Speaker of the House Thomas Finneran and Senate Ways and Mean Chair Terry Murray. Over 100 people were in attendance to hear the speakers address the Commonwealth's economy. The event took place at the historical Omni Parker House.

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce and the Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives sponsored the event.

Community Services Learning Connect Students to Local Busineses

Story Provided by Meghan Abella-Bowen

During the spring of 2003 a team of seniors at West Bridgewater Middle/Senior High School participated in a youth lead Community Resource Mapping Project. The team of six students began meeting in February to discuss the project. Five objectives were identified for the project:

  1. Identify the employment needs of youth,
  2. Survey West Bridgewater high school students about their jobs,
  3. Identify career exploration activities for students,
  4. Survey local employers about job opportunities for students, and
  5. Create a Job Seekers Guide listing local businesses who offer jobs to students.

With their objectives identified, the team began developing a plan on how to collect the information. The students reviewed several data collection models and with the help of Kris Monahan, from the Institute of Regional Development at Bridgewater State College, decided to use a survey model. Two surveys were designed to collect information from two groups, high school students and employers.

The first group surveyed students in grades 9-12 at West Bridgewater Middle/Senior High School on their job experiences and employment needs. Information gained from the survey will be presented to administrators and guidance at West Bridgewater High school as well as to the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board's Youth Council. The information will be used to identify and develop future career awareness programs for students at West Bridgewater and across the region.

In May, the second group sent cover letters and surveys to 100 West Bridgewater businesses. The objective of the survey was to help create a link between local businesses and students at West Bridgewater Middle/Senior High School. The survey asked employers if they hired students, what skills are needed for the positions, hourly wages, benefits, and company policies. Information gained from the survey will be compiled into a Job Seekers Guide that will be made available to students at West Bridgewater Middle/Senior High School. The goal of the Job Seekers Guide is to educate students on job opportunities and career resources in the local area.

The Resource Mapping project has been a great learning experience for the students. Through the project the students have gained "real world" experience that will help them as they transition into work and further education. Deirdre Cahoon, the project advisor, explains that the project gave students an opportunity to gain work experience and skills that are not always available in a classroom environment. Through the project, students have been able to enhance their employability skills in areas of organizing and analyzing information, communicating, and using technology. The program has been a win-win for everyone. Students gained work experience, additional skills, access to a local job resource guide, and connections to potential employers.

For more information on School to Career activities, please contact Meghan Abella-Bowen at the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board at 508-584-3234.

~ Member Profile ~
Storage USA

Name: Storage USA

Address: 1430 Bedford Street, Abington

Telephone: 781-878-7550

Products/Services: Storage USA provides self storage units, moving supplies and truck rentals.

What is unique or special about your firm and the products and services you offer? Storage USA is open 7 days a week and has state of the art securtiy, the longest access hours in the business and month by month rentals.

What is your market area? Our market area is Quincy to Bridgewater.

What markets do you serve? The markets we serve are commercial and residential.

Please list awards, honors, or special recognition your firm has received: Storage USA is a supporter of lcoal business and charities in the area.

What is your main business objective concerning your customers and the business community? Our main business objective is taking storage problems away from local businesses and making a move as pleasant and less stressful as possible.

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 Thursday, June 19, 2003, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn - Metro South in Brockton.

Government Affairs

Next Committee Meeting: Friday, May 9 at 7:45 a.m. Metro South Chamber Conference Room

The next Government Affairs meeting is Friday, May 9, 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 guest speaker is Geoff Beckwith, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA). The Massachusetts Municipal Association is a non-profit, nonpartisan association that serves as an advocate for Massachusetts cities and towns before the Massachusetts Legislature, the executive branch, regulatory bodies and the courts. Mr. Beckwith will discuss the state budget crisis and MMA's legislative proposals. 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- at 508-586-0500 ext. 225 or e-mail roy@metrosouthchamber.com.

Thank You Renewing Members

American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
B C Tent & Awning Company, Inc.
Barbour Corporation
Bay State Cooling
Beaver Woodworking Supplies, Inc.
Robert Berks, Attorney at Law
Boucher's Opticians, Inc.
Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board
Brockton Christian School
Brockton Furnace & Duct
Brockton Parking Authority
Capital Lease Group, LTD.
Carmen's Mexican and American Restaurant
The Certified Group Inc.
Judith A. & Richard Clark
Collins Crane & Rigging Service, Inc.
Colonial Fence Mfg, Inc.
Jack Conway & Company, Inc.
Copley at Stoughton Nursing Care Center
Cramer Levine & Company, Architects, P.C.
Creative Homes, Inc.
Richard C. Dailey
John DeCosta Jr., Inc. Lock & Security
Dempsey's Village Barn, Inc.
J. Derenzo Co.
Donahue & Company
Ernie's Construction, Inc./ Asphalt Paving & Excavation
Free Evangelical Fellowship
Edgar D. Fulton Realtors
Gazelle Solutions, LLC
Grant Stanton Produce Co., Inc.
Great Elm Greenhouses, Inc.
Hair It Is!
Handi-Kids
Hilliard's House of Candy, Inc.
The Hire Authority Inc.
Jacobs Precision Corp.
Edward Jones Investments
Gina Kinsella's Dance Studio
Koretz & Murphy
Marriott Courtyard
W. B. Mason Company, Inc.
Matrix Mortgage Corp.
C A Matson Glass Company, Inc.
Media Concepts
Albert Merola-General Contracting
Merrill Lynch
Metro South Consultants, Inc.
Frank Middleton Real Estate
Mihos Realty
Needel Welch & Stone, PC
New England Baling Wire., Inc.
Nick's Auto, Inc.
North Easton Savings Bank
Old Colony Planning Council
Gary R. Oman, P.C.
PIII Corp.
B. E. Peterson, Inc.
Regional Insurance Agency, Inc.
Gerald T. Reilly & Company
Schlossberg & Associates
Schultz, Schwartz & Weinberger
Edward Sharkansky, Attorney at Law
Sharkansky & Co., LLP, CPA's
Shaw Glass Company, Inc.
Skillings Auto Sales, Inc.
Ira Smith Truck Rental & Repair
South Easton Motor Sales, Inc.
South Shore Oil Heat Supply, Inc.
Southeastern Regional School District
Spaces That Work
Joseph Stadelmann Electrical Contractors, Inc.
Stonebridge Cafe
Michael A. Taicher, PC
Taylor Rental Center
Julius Tofias & Company, LLC.
Victor & Raphel
Viking Recreation Center
VKO, Inc. DBA Arley Corporation
Walkover Commons Apartments

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.