AHENA Award

Presented June 17 at the Holiday Inn

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce will hold the sixth annual AHENA Award on Thursday, June 17, 2004, from 7:30-9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn in Brockton. The Featured speaker for the 2004 ATHENA Awards is Shannon O'Brien, a consumer advocate for "The Ten O'Clock News" on WB56. Ms. O'Brien ran for Massachusetts Governor as the Democratic candidate in the 2002 election. She was the first woman elected treasurer and receiver-general of Massachusetts in 1998. Ms. O'Brien was also a state representative from 1987-1992 and a state senator from 1993-1995. Ms. O'Brien is a graduate from Yale University and holds a law degree from Boston University.

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 a hand-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 the Chamber, calling at 508.586.0500 ext. 221, or logging on to www.metrosouthchamber.com. The cost is $15 for members and $22 for non-members.

Need help starting your business?
Searching for money to start your business?
The Metro South Business Assistance Center can help!
The Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC), a partnership of over twenty organizations, is a high-tech, one-stop business resource center that offers counseling, technical assistance, and financing to potential, existing and expanding businesses.

FREE services offered

• Business Related Software
• Access to Computers & Online Resources
• Comprehensive Reference Library
• Informational & Instructional Videos
• Professional Counseling (by appt.)
• Workshops & Seminars (fees may apply)

Massachusetts Gears Up for a Strong Tourism Season

The fast-approaching Memorial Day weekend heralds the start of the tourism season, and Massachusetts is poised for a strong year. Despite higher gas prices, the rebounding economy should jump start tourism, the commonwealth's third largest industry.

"All signs point to a strong year for tourism as long as the weather stays fine and the economy continues to grow, we hope to surpass the 27 million visitors who vacationed in Massachusetts last year," said Paul Sacco, Executive Director of Travel and Tourism.

The Travel Industry Association of America forecasted that the economic improvement and the rise in customer confidence will help make 2004 one of the strongest years the tourism industry has seen in quite some time. Spending by domestic and international travelers is expected to increase by 6%.

Renewing Members - Thank You!

ANELI Stephanie's Cleaners
Joe Angelo's Cafe & Deli
Bettridge Auto Parts, Inc.
Bridgewater Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
Brockton 21st Century Corporation
Capital Lease Group, LTD.
Capp's Auto Sales, Inc.
The Certified Group, Inc.
Colonial Maintenance
Contractors, Inc.
Connolly Insurance
John Corcoran & Company
Creative Cuts
D'Angelo Sandwich Shop
Dempsey's Village Barn, Inc.
Forms & Graphics, Inc.
Free Evangelical Fellowship
Gouthro Plumbing & Heating
Hackwell-Boone Insurance Agency
Hair It Is!
Hawkeye Fence
Italian Kitchen of Brockton, Inc.
J.J. Cleaning Company
Jacobs Precision Corp
Edward Jones Investments
Julius Tofias & Company, LLC.
Don Levy Accounting Services
March of Dimes
Michael A. Taicher, PC
Micro Wire Products, Inc.
Frank Middleton Real Estate
Modern Auto Body
My Turn, Inc.
Old Colony Council Boy Scouts of America
PIII Corp.
Publicity, Inc.
Quality Plant Service
Robert Berks, Attorney at Law
Edward Sharkansky, Attorney at Law
Schultz, Schwartz & Weinberger
Shaw Glass Company, Inc.
South Easton Motor Sales, Inc.
Southeastern Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
Southeastern Regional School District
Joseph Stadelmann Electrical Contractors, Inc.
Stonebridge Cafe
Vieira & DiGianfilippo, Ltd.
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.

Good News

Great things going on in area businesses

Experience the delights of Ireland first hand with a discounted group trip especially for Chamber members. Travel dates are November 5-12, 2004 from Boston and returning from Dublin nonstop on Aer Lingus. Packages include airfare, hotels and castle, 6 Irish breakfasts and dinners, deluxe motor coach, fully escorted tours, all entrance fees, and taxes. The trip will take in over ten sights. The cost is $1280.00 per person based on double occupancy. Members can meet with their counterparts in Killamey as a visitation business experience. For further information please contact Maura or Paul at Carlson Wagonlit Travel, 781.821.0774. Space is limited, reserve by June 1. A $300.00 deposit is required.

Bay Copy, a leading provider of digital document solutions has appointed Kristian Bates to the position of Service Technician. In his new duties, Bates will focus on repair and troubleshooting for Konica brand copiers. He will also work with clients to establish connectivity and networking on the products. Bates studied electronics at Old Colony Regional High School in Rochester, MA. He is a former service technician at Alexander Business Machines in Michigan. Bay Copy is a second-generation, family-owned business founded in 1972 serving the document imaging needs of Massachusetts businesses.

Old Colony Hospice has recently met with Thimble & Friends Quilt Guild to be honored as the Charity of the year and received 25 hand made quilts that will be distributed to hospice patients. The group selects one charity each year to benefit from it's loving work. Other charities in the past years include: Abington Police Department, Hospice Care of Greater Taunton, and the DOVE Shelter for Domestic Abuse. Members of the guild come from various towns: Whitman, Holbrook, Rockland, Weymouth, Kingston, Middleboro, Stoughton, Freetown, Taunton, Brockton, Bridgewater, and Hanover. For further information please contact Marylin Jackson, Development Director at 781.341.4145 ext. 313.

On Saturday, June 12, the MSPCA's Metro South Animal Care and Adoption Center will host a charity wine tasting at their facility, 1300 West Elm Street ext. in Brockton from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 in advance and $30.00 at the door. All proceed go directly to helping the abused animals throughout the community. This event is sponsored by The Wine Basket of Brockton, Pops Fine Wines of Easton, The Village Cheese Shoppe of Foxboro, Shaw's West of Brockton, and Dorthy Lou Pastry of Easton. For more information contact the MSPCA at 508.586.2053

The South Shore Tri-Town Development Corporation and Lennar Partners are redeveloping the South Weymouth Naval Base into an inaugural nature/heritage walking tour free and open to the public to facilitate first hand the direct knowledge of the land and it's heritage. Future tours planned: Thursday, June 3, 6:30 p.m., nature and heritage; Saturday, June 12, 10 a.m. - noon, nature and heritage. Rain or shine the meeting points is on the base at 223 Shea Drive. Dress appropriately and remember your insect repellent. For further information contact Alan S. Manoian, 781. 682.2187 ext 119 or Manoian@ssttdc.com.

Brockton Hospital is pleased to announce infant massage is a great way to help decrease your babies discomfort from gas, colic and constipation. It also allows for a deeper, longer sleep and helps facilitate growth from Development. Infant massage classes consist of two classes two and a half hours in length by a certified instructor. Classes cost $15 and pre-registration is required. For further information please call 508. 941.7979.

Charles N. Robinson, President of Rogers and Gray Insurance Agency, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Peter N. Burke as an Account Executive in their Commercial Lines Department. Mr. Burke has been in the insurance industry for eight years. He has successfully completed the Hartford School of Insurance, Commercial Lines Producers Program, as well as the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents' Seven Step Success program. He has acquired his Massachusetts Property/Casualty Life & Health Brokers License and is also a Notary of the Public. He works out of the Plymouth office of Rogers and Gray. Rogers and Gray have eight locations in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Bay State Gas Company and the Brockton Public Library will sponsor this year's Annual Summer Solstice on Monday, June 21, 2004 at the Arnone Elementary School from 3:30-6:30 p.m. KO, mascot of the Brockton Rox will kick-off the days activities that will also include Dave Gorman's Kid's Road Race Rally, an art contest and a scavenger hunt.

Brockton Hospital is hosting certified Professional cosmetologists who volunteer their time and skills to help patients undergoing treatment for cancer enhance their appearances. Patients learn how to use make-up, wigs, and other accessories to regain their self- image and confidence during a time when their looks may change somewhat during treatment. Please call 508.941.7979. Next program is June 14, 2004.

HarborOne Credit Union is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Romano recently earned her Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree from University of Phoenix, Greater Boston Campus. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a Bachelor in Business Administration, and major in Accounting, she joined HarborOne Credit Union in 1999 as Auditor. She has also earned the designations of certified Internal Auditor and Certified Financial Services Auditor. Ms Romano and her family live in Plymouth.

Poyant Signs was just awarded the contract for the Sovereign Bank acquisition conversion of eighteen Abington Savings Bank branches and fifty-six Compass Bank branches and off-site ATMs. The conversions will be taking place in two stages over the next six months. Poyant Signs is one of the leading sign companies in the Northeast and has been in the business for 66 years.

Chamber Offers Start-Up Space

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce is offering small business office/suites to home-based businesses looking to make the transition into the office market. Offices are located at the Chamber's office building on School Street in Brockton. Individual offices or multiple suites are available and range from $450. - $1,000. per month. Some offices are furnished and all feature exposed brick walls and high speed internet access. Contact Roy Nascimento for more information at 508.586.0500 ext. 225.

Governor Appoints Cooney to State Workforce Board

Governor Mitt Romney recently appointed Chamber President and CEO Christopher Cooney to the Massachusetts State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB). The SWIB, composed of business, government and community leaders, is charged with developing a comprehensive Workforce Investment System that better prepares youth and adults to enter the workforce, and encourages employees to continue and expand their investment in their workforce. Cooney, through his services, will help develop a strategic plan for the Workforce Investment System in Massachusetts.

Stonehill Opens Non-Profit Center

June Opportunities

Workshops, Programs and Events

The United Way of Greater Plymouth County will honor several area individuals and businesses at it's 82nd Annual Meeting and Campaign Celebration on Tuesday, June 8, 2004. The event begins at noon at the Radisson Hotel in Rockland. The Board Chair Stephen Hall of Massachusetts Electric and Campaign Chair Robert Gustafson of Crescent Credit Union will make the presentations during the luncheon program, which also feature the election of the board of directors and officers, recognition of volunteers and presentations to campaign leaders. Tickets are $30 per person or $240 per table of eight. For tickets or for further questions please call Sue Holmes at 508.583.6306 or www.info@uwgpc.org.

Computer Know-How

Do you know what your computer is doing now? Your computer may be attacking foreign websites, storing illegally copied computer applications, or it may be infected with a computer virus, worm or Trojan horse and you have no idea. Michael Bennett, a Certified Systems Security Professional, and the Network Manager for Massasoit Community College, will offer suggestions that will help you mitigate these and other problems. This continental breakfast program will be presented on June 23, 2004 in the Louison Board Room at the Brockton Campus of Massasoit Community College. For information and registration contact the Professional Development Center of Massasoit Community College at 508.588.9100 ext. 2013.

~ Board Member Profile ~
BC Tent and Awning Company Inc.

Address: 25 Bodwell Street Avon, MA 02322

Website: www.bc.tent.com

Year Established: 1980

Number of Employees: 14 full time/ 15 part-time

Products or Services: Rent tents, tables, chairs, dance floors, staging, and more. Custom installation of awnings available.

What is unique or special about your firm and the products and services you offer? Our reputation for getting the job done, no matter what the conditions and our ability to solve the clients needs creatively.

What is your market area? Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. What markets do you serve? Commercial and residential.

What is your main business objective concerning your customers and the business community? That we always provide quality products and services for the best value, which may not always be the best price.

How long have you been a member and what is your Chamber involvement? A member for one year and am involved with Government Affairs.

John Costa, President of BC Tent and Awning has been employed by the company for eight years and has been president for six months. John has a B.S. in Accounting from Bentley College and enjoys reading, golf, gardening, and travel. BC Tent and Awning has received the South Shore Success Profile Award in 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003, President - American Rental Association of Massachusetts, Board Member - Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board.

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.

ATHENA Award Nominees

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce and Sovereign Bank will present the ATHENA Award on Thursday, June 17, 2004, from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn, Metro South. The following people have been nominated for the 2004 ATHENA Awards:

Meghan Abella-Bowen took over the role of facilitator for the Youth Services arm of the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board in 2001. She has initiated programs that have affected the lives of many young women, especially with regard to educating young women in non-traditional career options. She helps to connect businesses and the youth. In getting to know the Brockton business community through her work with the Chamber and in her work as a Rotarian, she seeks out businesses as intern placements and many businesses have been quite responsive. Meghan is a youth mentor at the Brockton neighborhood community center. She supports young women and past WIB employees in writing references for college applications and jobs.

Susan Gravelle Joss is the Executive Director of Brockton Neighborhood Health Center in Brockton. The health center currently provides service to more than 9,700 patients with over 55,000 patient visits annually in 4 sites throughout the Brockton area. Susan is active in the Mass League of Community Health Centers where she serves as Board Secretary; she is involved in the Rotary Club and she is on the board of Brockton's 21st Century Corporation. She has also served as president of Community Services of Greater Brockton and formerly served on the board of United Way and other advisory boards. Sue has demonstrated support for the advancement and leadership development of business and professional women. Through Sue's leadership individuals have an opportunity to gain essential skills such as, computer and technical skills and to develop a career plan that will lead them to economic self-sufficiency.

Madeline O'Reilly, RN, BSN, MSN is Director of Clinical Services for Old Colony Hospice. Under her clinical leadership for the past few years, Old Colony Hospice has successfully increased the patients cared for by 12-15% annually for the past two years. A life long resident of Brockton, Madeline is an active member of St. Margaret's Parish and a member of the church's Choral Group. She strives to influence the health care industry that is primarily female so that there will be sufficient care providers in the future.

Patricia Reale is Director of the CHOICES Program at Massasoit Community College. CHOICES is a program for low income returning students from a variety of backgrounds. They include individuals of all ages, both genders and varying skill levels. Pat is responsible for so many success stories of women, that would have remained on public assistance or in extreme cases, and maybe even lost the custody of their children. Instead, these women know challenging careers, possess self esteem and go on to help others. Pat also supports the International Women's Month activities. In particular, she coordinates the annual Kick-off breakfast at Massasoit every year.

Shailah Stewart is the District Entrepreneur for the Brockton School Department. Shailah is dedicated to professionalism and the community. Through her commitment and coordination she has developed the BHS Internship Program, the Brockton Educational Foundation, management of the Community Service Learning Program, coordination of the Summer Work and Learning Program, the creator of the Mayor's successful Youth Summit and creation of the Principal for A Day event in the Brockton School System. In her own community of Jamaica Plain, Shailah served as a member of the Meridian Academy Advisory Group, Co-Chair of the Parent Council Executive Committee and a member of the board of the Jamaica Plain Art Center.

Kelly Mallory is owner of Mallory Headsets. She is very involved with her children and their peers and donates funds for their events. Her company is staffed almost entirely by women. She continues to inspire her employees with sales excellence. She is a member of the New England Minority Purchasing Council. Kelly was disadvantaged as a child, and recognizes how important goals are for children. She assists her children and their friends by helping them set goals and believe in their ability to achieve them.

The ATHENA Awards 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 accomplishments

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 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 in 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. Each of these impressive women are honored for their tireless commitment to their profession and community. Warm congratulations are extended to each of them.

Punch-Up Your Promotion!

Join the Chamber to become a Contender Joining the Metro South Chamber of Commerce can help your business become a heavy weight contender, unlocking the doors of opportunity. When you are a member of the Chamber you are a leader within the business community and a member of the region's most dynamic advocacy organization. Membership means potential new business prospects, new savings, access to resources, and valuable information for you and your business.

On June 8, 9, 10 many community and business leaders, currently benefiting from membership in the Chamber, will contact businesses that could also benefit from becoming a member. This year's drive will feature many incentives for small businesses to join the Chamber. Chamber membership costs just pennies a day and provides your business with tremendous opportunity. When you join before June 18, you will receive over $2,500 worth of immediate return on your investment. To learn how to become a contender of opportunity through Chamber membership, call 508.586.0500 ext. 229.

Opportunities for Customers & Contacts

Ambassador Team/Membership

The Ambassador Team meets on a monthly basis to serve fellow members by providing information, resources, and member-to-member support, increasing awareness and promoting active participation in Chamber programs and services. Presently, there are over twenty business professionals on the Ambassador Team.

Government Affairs Committee

Government affects your life every day. Legislative actions at municipal offices, on Beacon Hill, and in Washington D.C. affect your organization's continued ability to prosper. With widespread concern over the status of the national economy, now more than ever is the time to speak out and be heard on taxes, regulations, and other issues that affect your bottom line. The Government Affairs Committee meets every month to discuss issues of concern to Metro South businesses.

Human Resource Management Council

The Human Resource Management Council (HRMC) supports and provides continuing education and consulting to professionals in the ever-changing world of human resources. Regardless of the size of your business, human resource issues directly affect you, and the resources of the Council can be your link to vital information.The Chamber provides many opportunities to expand your business contacts.

For a complete list of all Chamber committees, please visit www.metrosouthchamber.com or call 508-586-0500 x221.

Chamber Calendar

June 2004

1	SOMWBA Certification Workshop	10:00 am
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
23	Business After Hours First Federal Savings Bank, 73 Belmont Street, Easton	5:30 pm

July 2004

16

Workforce 2020 MIT Endicott House, 80 Haven Street, Dedham

8:30 am

August 2004

10	Good Morning Metro South Planning Committee	8:30 am
13	Government Affairs Planning Session	7:45 am
17	Executive Committee	4:00 pm
23	Business After Hours	5:30 pm
25	Board Meeting	12:00 noon

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

Government Affairs

Next Meeting: Friday, June 11, 2004 at 7:45 a.m. Metro South Chamber of Commerce

The Government Affairs meetings are held monthly and 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.

If you would like to attend or if you would like further information on the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee, please contact Roy Nascimento at the Chamber at 508. 586.0500 ext. 225 or via e-mail, roy@metrosouthchamber.com.

~ Member Profile ~
Take Five Vending L.T.D.

Address: 75 First Street, Unit 6, Bridgewater, MA 02324

Website: www.takefivevendingltd.com

Year Established: 1980

Number of Employees: 9

Products or Services: Full line vending services such as office coffee, water, and coolers.

What is unique or special about your firm and the products and services you offer? Take Five Vending customizes vending programs for each specific customer, based on customer input, needs, and demographics. This along with supplying the latest technology in vending equipment sets us apart from the competition.

What is your market area? South Shore.

What markets do you serve? Offices, hospitals, manufacturers, public areas, nursing homes, and retail locations.

What is your main business objective concerning your customers and the business community? To supply first rate customer service and the best brand name products vending has to offer at a reasonable price.

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. The next breakfast is Wednesday May 19, 2004, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn - Metro South in Brockton.

CareersWorks Career Fair a smashing success

More than 1,100 job seekers attended the May 5 Career Fair sponsored by CareerWorks and the Plymouth/Quincy Career Centers in partnership with the southofboston.com, the Brockton Enterprise, the Patriot Ledger and MPG Newspapers. The great turnout filled the Conference Center at Massasoit Community College in Brockton.

"Everyone who worked on this did a fantastic job," said CareerWorks Director Dr. Brian Donnelly. "The goal of these events is to connect workers with employers, and we couldn't be more pleased with the success today."

The participants ranged from those seeking a job to those already holding a job but wishing to change careers. An enthusiastic group of CareerWorks staffers greeted the job seekers near the conference room entrance and supplied them with a handout listing the participating employers. The staffers also signed the job seekers up for CareerWorks memberships.

Job seekers walked among the information tables of the 40 participating businesses, gathering information and talking to the companies' representatives. The companies ran the gamut from temp staffing companies such as Kelly Services of Quincy and Pro Staff of Braintree, to health care concerns such as the VA Boston Healthcare System of Brockton and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center of Boston, to retail giants such as Jordan's Furniture of Avon and Home Depot of Avon.

As a One-Stop Career Center, CareerWorks offers a place for employers and people seeking employment to connect in a customer-friendly, customer driven environment. CareerWorks applies creative and innovative approaches to meet the growing and changing needs of our members. CareerWorks can be reached at 508.513.3400.

Center for Women & Enterprise and Chamber partner to offer Business Planning

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce and the Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE) in Boston have joined forces to offer entrepreneurial training in the Brockton area to dislocated workers. The program is designed to support the needs of dislocated and recently unemployed workers who are interested in starting a business.

The program is funded through a grant from the Massachusetts Division of Career Services. The ten-week program will be held at the Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC) and will include topics such as business strategy, competition, pricing, financial projections, and public relations. One-on-one counseling will also be available. Participants will be well educated on the process of developing a comprehensive business plan upon graduation from the program. For more information, please call Gretchen Dock, CWE Boston Programs Manager at 508.536.0700 ext. 224.

Chamber Action Report gets New Design

Ellen Moore from Ellen Moore Design (EMD) along with Chris Cooney, President/CEO, and Sarah DeBettencourt, Communications Coordinator, of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, are pleased to display the new design layout of the Action Report Newsletter.

The Chamber has worked closely with Ellen Moore Design to recreate a template and consistent design that will promote current news, events, programs, and advertisement for members through effective and creative marketing and communications design. Ellen has been in the business for nearly twenty years with experience in both creative and production aspects of marketing.

Please contact Sarah at 508.586.0500 ext. 222 to place your news in the Action Report.

Looking to Brockton for a Knockout

NBC-TV is looking to land a knockout with a new reality show called "The Contender." The producer, Mark Bennett, of "Survivor" and "The Apprentice" fame, hopes to find a few contenders in the City of Champions who can punch their way to the top. "The Contender" is not a show simply about boxing or boxers, it is a show about people and their dreams, hopes, desires, and fears. The show will be hosted by Sylvester Stallone and will feature Sugar Ray Leonard. The show will air on NBC within the year.
*parts of article by J. Kovalich, Brockton, Enterprise

New Investors - Welcome!

B.N. Yanow Company
220 East Ashland Street
Brockton, MA 02302
508.894.8900
Mr. Alyn Pinkofsky
Manufacturers Representative

Ramco Foods, Inc.
3 Bert Drive
West Bridgewater, MA 02379
508.583.2778
Mr. Jim Mandeville
Food Suppliers

Dr. Carla Goodwin
47 Symphony Drive
North Easton, MA 02356
508.238.5964
Dr. Carla Goodwin

Kara Fernandes
129 Bay Road
North Easton, MA 02356
508.238.3487
Ms. Kara Fernandes

Carousel Fun Center
Auburn Street
Whitman, MA 02382
781.857.1286
Ms. Charlene Conway
Recreation

Mabel Medical Solution
9 Massachusetts Ave.
Brockton, MA 02302
508.584.0350
Mr. Chike Henry Okolo

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

Do Your Employees need a Raise-Your Company a Tax Break?

Health Services Administrators (HSA) has entered into a joint venture with FBD Consulting to provide a flexible spending account to all Chamber of Commerce employers who wish to participate in a pre-tax benefit plan. This is a great way for small employers and their employees to save on premium contributions on a pre-tax basis.

Most importantly you can give your employees a raise; your company a tax break, and receive superior compliance services with a section 125 Premium Only Plan by HSA. Save your employees money by allowing them to pay for their health premiums on a Pre-Tax Basis. A section 125 cafeteria plan will allow your employees to save social security (FICA), federal and state taxes while immediately saving you the employer, social security (FICA), federal unemployment taxes (FUTA), and worker's compensation taxes (where applicable). A premium only plan is a win-win situation for both the employers and the employees. Below are actual Tax Saving examples. Please call Health Services Administrators with further questions at 877.777.4414. Costs to enroll in this program are $100 for the first year and $50 after that.

Duplitron and the dj experience Win Top Awards

Fleet Bank Sponsors Awards Program

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce and Fleet Small Business Services were pleased to recognize business achievement with the presentation of the 2004 Entrepreneur and Small Business of the Year Awards on May 19th at the Holiday Inn, Metro South in Brockton. Over thirteen 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 2004 Entrepreneur of the Year Award was presented to Charles Bernard of the dj experience. Charles Bernard, the proprietor of the dj experience is located at 18 Middle Street in Plymouth. Mr. Bernard has been in business since 2003. He provides DJ services, event planning and sound reinforcement. He does all of this with three employees. Mr. Bernard serves Boston, the South Shore and Cape Cod. His main business objective is to provide a complete production of the client's specific event. Charles Bernard is committed to the Metro South Community. He and each of his associates volunteer their time with one community group per quarter.

Through his innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit, Charles Bernard 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 2004 Small Business of the Year Award was presented to Duplitron. Duplitron Inc., located at 244 Liberty Street in Brockton has been in the office machine business since 1987. Duplitron serves Eastern Massachusetts and Northern Rhode Island. Their goal is to provide their customers with the most efficient and productive pricing with a service department that is second to none. Duplitron has a committed service department that maintains constant attention to all accounts and product needs. The company recently earned "Office Dealer of the Year" for 2003 and was on Inc Magazine's top 500 List. Duplitron is involved in several community events including recent participation in the Breast Cancer Walk-a thon.

"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 CEO 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 seven 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:

• City Shredding Corporation
• Conway Financial Services
• Duplitron Inc.
• Hub Technical Services, LLC
• Northeast Wholesale Nail and Fastener Supply Co.
• Spec, Inc.
• the dj experience

Chamber in Bloom with Work Express

The Work Express Program has recently finished a tremendous job landscaping the front of the Metro South Chamber building on School Street in Brockton.

DeBettencourt and Thomas fill Chamber Positions

The Chamber is pleased to announce the addition of Sarah DeBettencourt to its staff as the new Communications Coordinator.

Sarah will be responsible for producing the Chamber's 2005 Edition of the Metro South Book for Business, monthly Action Report newsletters, press releases, and event marketing. In addition, she will design all Chamber advertisements and sponsor spaces that appear on the Brockton information boards.

Prior to joining the staff of the Chamber, Sarah was employed at the City of Brockton?s Huntington School. She holds a B.A. in Fine Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design from Bridgewater State College.

Feel free to contact Sarah at 508.586.0500 ext. 222 or via e-mail at sarah@metrosouthchamber.com for information on any of the Chamber's publications.

The Chamber is also pleased to announce the addition of Melissa Thomas to its staff as the new Administrative Assistant. Melissa will preform a variety of important duties, including coordinating the annual membership drive and assisting with special events. She is the point of contact for members requesting information, registering for events and receiving Chamber mailings. Melissa's primary role is to provide exceptional customer service.

Melissa recently graduated from Bridgewater State College and received a B.A. in Communications. She lives in Plainville and at the end of the summer will be relocating to West Virginia.

Small Businesses Health Insurance Reform

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce is supporting House Bill 1699 which would reform the health insurance market for small businesses. The dramatic increases in health insurance premiums faced by our members have made this issue a priority for the Chamber. Increases in small business premiums from 15 to 35% in each of the past five years have not been unusual. A recent study by the Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy concluded that the increases in premiums for small businesses and their employees were at least 17.5% higher than the premium increases paid by larger businesses. This must change, or more small businesses will be forced to choose between offering health insurance, hiring more employees, or remaining profitable.

House Bill 1699 is designed to level the playing field for small businesses, and to create opportunities for competition in Massachusetts. Group discounts, similar to those available for years in auto insurance, will become a reality with this legislation. New insurers will enter the marketplace, and local insurers will be likely forced to offer new small businesses options and lower costs in order to keep their local market share. State regulation and protections against fraud and abuse are assured in the bill.

This bill is perhaps the most important proposal on the table for the legislature to pass this year in order to support small businesses. The Chamber will continue to monitor the legislation and we encourage members to contact their state legislators and ask them to support this bill. For more information on this legislation contact Roy Nascimento at 508.586.0500 ext. 225 or via e-mail at roy@metrosouthchamber.com.

Annual Children's Museum Father's Day Race

Celebrating 10 Years

The Children's Museum in Easton, Father's Day Road Race and Walk has established itself as an annual tradition for southeastern Massachusetts. On Sunday June 20, 2004, this top-notch community event will celebrate it's tenth running race.

The acre route is a 5 mile certified course, with many shady and scenic features. Organization Plus Road Race Management Services of Lincoln, RI will provide the course and timing services.

As always, this Father's Day race and walk is a family-friendly event. Childcare and activities are available for the children of participants and volunteers. The post party will have raffle prizes along with thirst quenching beverages and delicious refreshments.

This years sponsors include the Bank of Easton, Maguire's Bar and Grill, and the Rielly Foundation among others. Entry fee is $15 in advance and $20 the day of. For further information or to obtain an entry form call 508.230.3789 or register on-line at www.coolrunning.com