Metro South Chamber of Commerce - Action Report
  July/August 2001  
Inside this issue...

Ambassador of the Quarter
Good News
Calendar

2001 ATHENA Recipient...
Barbara Duffy of MY TURN, Inc.

The Metro South Chamber recently held the third annual ATHENA Award program at the Massasoit Conference Center. Over 140 business professionals and community leaders were in attendance to see Barbara Duffy honored as the 2001 ATHENA Award recipient.

Barbara is the founder and executive director of the Massachusetts Youth Teenage Unemployment Reduction Network (MY TURN, Inc.) She founded this non-profit organization in 1984 to provide at-risk high school students with the emotional support and self esteem necessary to be successful and productive in today's world.

During the past 15 years, Barbara has supported countless young women in reaching their full potential as leaders and professional businesswomen.

Through Barbara's innovative MY TURN program, the success stories are endless. The impact of her program has benefited thousands of young women in southeastern Massachusetts. Barbara embodies the very spirit of the ATHENA Award.

The ATHENA Award is presented to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in reaching their full leadership potential.

The event, sponsored by Bay State Gas Company, also featured Kathleen Doxer, co-owner of Frugal Fannie's. Kathleen spoke about Frugal Fannie's rise over adversity and its current day success. Originating in Westwood, MA, the weekends-only retailer now has 8 locations in Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

Ambassador of the Quarter

The Metro South Chamber has named Anne Beauregard as its Ambassador of the Quarter.

Anne has been involved with the Metro South Chamber of Commerce since 1999. Upon joining, she became active on both the Taste of Metro South Committee and Ambassador Team.

Anne carries her advocacy and enthusiasm for the Metro South Chamber everywhere she goes. Whether she is at a Chamber event or volunteering elsewhere she is always promoting Brockton and the Metro South region. She says she enjoys being an Ambassador because she likes "letting people know just how much being a member of the Chamber can do for both them and their business."

In addition to her commitment to the Chamber, Anne is extremely active in several community and social service organizations. She serves on the Attire for Hire Advisory Board, Brockton Area AIDS Consortium, and the President's Advisory Council on Community and Minority Affairs at Massasoit Community College. She is a volunteer for endless organizations in Brockton, including the Fuller Museum of Art and D.W. Field Park Association, and Kiwanis.

The Ambassador of the Quarter program highlights and rewards Ambassadors who go above and beyond in their duties as a member of the Ambassador Team. Each quarter, an outstanding Ambassador will be featured in the Action Report newsletter.

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. To participate on this committee, please contact Andrew Voght, membership services coordinator, at 508-586-0500 ext. 229 or send an e-mail to info@metrosouthchamber.com.

Good News

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

Bridgewater State College (BSC) and Dean College have entered into a Joint Admissions agreement, which will facilitate the transfer of eligible participating students from Dean College to BSC upon completion of their associate degree program. The new program will begin in September 2001. This is the first time BSC, which has similar agreements with all the two-year colleges in the Commonwealth, has entered into such an agreement with a private institution.

Jack Conway & Company has been rated as having the 102nd largest sales volume of any real estate brokerage firm in the United States. Jack Conway & Company did almost a billion dollars in gross sales last year. The company also was rated the 49th largest privately owned independent in the country and the largest of the privately owned independents in New England. The rating was done by Real Trends, a national magazine that tracks the real estate industry.

New England Sinai Hospital and Rehabilitation Center has achieved accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations as a result of its demonstrated compliance with the Joint Commission's nationally recognized health care standards. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commission is dedicated to continuously improving the safety and quality of the nation's health care through voluntary accreditation. Sinai President Donald Goldberg called the accreditation "proof of an organizationwide commitment to provide quality care on an ongoing basis."

Reflective of its longstanding commitment to citizens with disabilities, Road to Responsibility (RTR) announces the promotion of Ronald E. Scott to assistant vice president of quality and development. In this newly created position, Mr. Scott's responsibilities include staff training and development, monitoring regulatory standards and compliance, directing program quality enhancement activities, and ensuring RTR's readiness for periodic evaluation by both state and federal agencies. Ronald has been employed by Road to Responsibility since 1999 and possesses an extensive background in the human services industry.

Colonial Maintenance Contractors, Inc. celebrates 25 years of service to the community. Founded in 1976 as a single person operation, Colonial Maintenance has grown to over 40 professional employees providing full service cleaning operations for 75 companies throughout eastern Massachusetts. President and Founder George Davey attributes this hallmark achievement of growth and stability to excellent service, excellent people, and fairly priced services. As part of this important anniversary, a special contribution will be made by Colonial Maintenance on behalf of each employee. Over $2,500 will be distributed to the employees’ charities of choice as part of this year long celebration.

James C. Lively, president and chief executive officer of Bridgewater Savings Bank, announces the promotion of Michelle A. Durette to assistant vice president and residential loan officer. Ms. Durette joined Bridgewater Savings in 1993 as a mortgage loan originator with seven years of banking experience. In 2000 she was promoted to mortgage officer. A graduate of UMASS Dartmouth, Michelle has been the recipient of Bridgewater Savings’ Outstanding Achievement Award and was named Employee of the Month for the first quarter in 2000.

Additionally, Bridgewater Savings Bank announces the promotion of Viki A. Preston to assistant vice president and trust officer. Ms. Preston joined the bank in 1998 with experience in managing trusts, estates, investment management accounts, and individual retirement accounts. She is president of the Norfolk and Plymouth Estate and Business Planning Council. A graduate of New England Trust School, Viki studied accounting, taxation, and estate planning at Bentley College and has completed courses with Massachusetts Bankers Association, American Bankers Institute, and MLCI.

Spectrum Training announced today that six more schools will be joining the North East Technology (NET) Consortium this fall. Under the NET Consortium's umbrella, member schools will have access to Spectrum's technology curriculum and training plan, one of the most advanced programs for Information Technology training and certification testing in the region. By sharing resources such as distance learning and career counseling, member schools will be able to keep their costs down, and students will have the benefits of receiving a high quality, high tech education at any one of the convenient college campuses including Bridgewater State College, UMASS Dartmouth, and UMASS Amherst.

Bay Copy has received the prestigious 2001 Elite Dealer Award from the national trade publication Office Dealer for the fourth consecutive year. Bay Copy was chosen as one of the 50 top independent office equipment dealers nationwide, from more that 3,000 dealers nominated. Office Dealer selects winners for the annual award on the basis of dealership growth, marketing innovations, community involvement, and overall marketplace excellence.

Robinson & Cole, LLP welcomes Peter M. Phillipes to its firm. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Phillipes worked for The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company where he was responsible for supervision of the legal, regulatory compliance, risk management, loss prevention, and government and corporate affairs functions.

Nadia Jane Abgrab, associate professor of marketing at Stonehill College, has received the 2001 Professor Award for Excellence in Direct Marketing from the New England Direct Marketing Association. The regional award is presented to one professor in the New England area who makes an outstanding contribution to the field of direct marketing education.

Chapter 2122 of Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) has openings for retired or semi-retired business owners or managers. As volunteer counselors to small business entrepreneurs, you will use your business knowledge and experience in a worthwhile and satisfying activity. To obtain more information, call a SCORE counselor at 508-587-2673.

Commonwealth Corporation announces the summer Business Plan Writing Program for small business owners. The program is designed to support the needs of existing business owners interested in exploring a new product or service, expanding their target market, adding employees, changing facilities, or seeking a business loan. Topics include: business strategy, competition, pricing, financial projections, and public relations. Participants will be well educated on the process of developing a comprehensive business plan by graduation. The eight-week Business Plan Writing Program will be held on Wednesday events, starting July 18, 2001, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the Abington Savings Bank Corporate Offices in Abington. Led by an experienced business plan instructor, the program will build on a 10-year successful track record with over 2,500 graduates. The deadline for registration is July 9, 2001, and the course fee is $250 (includes materials.) For more information or to register, please call Angela Holley at 508-559-6814.

Get your Meaningful Business Acumen (MBA) in a Day!

Wednesday, July 25, 2001, Wheaton College, Norton, 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Tuition: $65.00/person; $60.00/person for corporate groups of 3 or more

Includes breakfast, lunch, choice of five seminars, and all instructional material

You would be hard pressed to find a better value than "MBA in a Day." This business education program assembles an impressive roster of 25 business consultants who will share with you their knowledge, skills, and experience in business management. The instructors are recognized as seasoned experts in their fields: sales, marketing, finance, technology, and customer service are just some of the topics to be addressed. You create your own customized curriculum from a menu of 25 seminars. Additionally, you will make valuable new business contacts as the program format encourages participants to share their practical experience. You will leave this information-packed program with many new ideas, techniques, and skills that can improve the profitability and efficiency of your business.

Sponsored by: Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Commerce of the Attleboro Area, North Attleboro & Plainville Chamber of Commerce,Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce, Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce, and Tri-Center Region United Chamber of Commerce. In cooperation with: Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Southeastern Regional Office and Wheaton College.

Brockton Fair

Since 1874 the Brockton Fair has been providing thrills and enjoyment for people of all ages. This year's entertainment includes the demolition derby, figure 8 racing, fun rides, nightly bands, great food, fireworks, live thoroughbred horse racing (back after almost 30 years), and much more. The fair is held at the historic Brockton Fairgrounds located on Route 123 (Belmont St.) For more information, call 508-586-8000 or visit the fair website at www.brocktonfair.com.

Welcome New Investors

Seven new investors have recently joined the Chamber's winning team. They are joining you, the business professional who have invested in your company and the Metro South economy through Chamber membership.

Affordable Closet Systems
58 Vernon Street
Whitman, MA 02382
Tel: 781-447-3040
Fax: 800-974-1144
Jay Condon
Contractors-Specialty

Cromwell Consulting, Inc.
1447 Turnpike Street
Stoughton, MA 02072
Tel: 781-297-3641
Fax: 781-297-9421
Kevin Cromwell
Foodservice Design

Martinelli, Inc.
727 North Underwood St.
Fall River, MA 02720
Tel: 508-235-1184
Kevin Martinelli
Restaurants

Puddle Jumpers Preschool, Inc.
227 East Main Street
Avon, MA 02322
Tel: 508-586-1901
Fax: 508-586-6172
Sue Quinlan
Schools/Colleges

Rich Courier
380 Belmont Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-584-1222
Fax: 508-584-5950
Richeler Federique
Courier Services

United Steel Mould Co.
219 Walnut Street
W. Bridgewater, MA 02379
Tel: 508-586-3147
Karl Anderson
Machine Shop

Westside Behavioral Health, LLC
22 Christy's Drive
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-580-4611
Fax: 508-580-4404
Michael Weiner
Psychotherapy

Please Update Your 2001 Book for Business

Espress Depot
105 Cedar Street
E. Bridgewater, MA 02333
Tel: 508-328-3222
Fax: 508-580-2070
John Turowski
Vending

Eagle Express, Inc.
P.O. Box 612
S. Easton, MA 02375
Tel: 508-238-4390
Fax: 508-230-9890
Michael Clark
Transportation/ Contract Carrier

Munro Distributing
33 Commercial Street
Raynham, MA 02767
Tel: 508-821-3722
Paul Michaud
Electrical Supplies

Our Chamber continues to grow stronger through referrals from our members. Please refer a member today. Call Andrew Voght at 508-586-0500 ext. 229.

Government Affairs

Next Committee Meeting: Friday, August 4, 2001, at 7:45 a.m. Metro South Chamber Conference Room 1

It's been a busy year for the Chamber's Government Affairs Division. The Chamber continues to work as the premier business advocacy organization in the region - speaking loudly, clearly and regularly on behalf of business. Dialogue between members and legislators continues on a regular basis. Meetings of the Government Affairs Committee are held monthly between members and legislators to discuss issues of regional importance. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, August 4, at 7:45 a.m., at the Chamber's headquarters. This is a special planning meeting to lay out the activities for the next legislative season beginning in September.

If you would like to attend or if you would like further information on the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee, please call Roy Nascimento, Vice President-Public Affairs, at 508-586-0500 ext. 225.


Chamber Day at the Races
Thursday, July 12

Make This Your Company Outing!

It was 1972 when the last thoroughbred horse race was conducted at the Brockton Fairgrounds. Twenty-nine years later, the sport returns. On Saturday, June 30, horse racing will once again be part of the annual Brockton Fair. Over a twenty day period, spectators will again be able to experience live and simulcast horse racing here in Brockton.

As part of horse racing's return, the Metro South Chamber will host a Chamber Day at the Races on Thursday, July 12, 2001. From 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., experience live horse racing from the VIP Room located in the grandstands at the historic Brockton Fairgrounds.

The event, sponsored by the Brockton Fair, Carney Bros., Pepsi-Cola Company, and J.J. Taylor, is a great opportunity to meet with potential clients, customers, and other local business people. Since space is limited, registration is required. Call the Chamber at 508-586-0500 ext. 221 to reserve your seat. The cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. For more information, call Lisa Keene at 508-586-0500 ext. 231.

Information Boards Updated, Expanded in 2001

The Metro South Chamber, in cooperation with the Plymouth County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Brockton Area Transit Authority, Brockton Parking Authority, Mayor's Economic Advisors and over sixteen sponsoring organizations, recently updated the 2001 Brockton Information Boards to assist residents and visitors in Brockton. The Boards feature a complete map of Brockton that includes BAT bus routes, MBTA commuter rail stops, hospitals, schools, museums, recreation areas, shopping centers, and participating businesses.

The Boards are located at the BAT Intermodal Centre, Crescent Street Parking Garage, Downtown MBTA Commuter Rail Stop and Metro South Chamber of Commerce. Two new Boards will be installed by summer's end.

The Chamber wishes to recognize the following businesses and organizations for their leadership in sponsoring the Brockton Information Boards: Brockton Area Transit Authority, Brockton Historical Society, Brockton Hospital, Brockton Neighborhood Health Center, Brotherhood Credit Union, Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center, City of Brockton, Crescent Credit Union, D.W. Field Park Association, The Elmcourt Hotel, Everett's Auto Parts, Fuller Museum of Art, Heights Crossing, Mass. Job Training, Inc., Massasoit Community College, Matrix Mortgage Corp., Old Colony YMCA, Plymouth County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Stephanie's Cleaners.

The Boards were constructed by DMS Signs of Brockton and will be updated annually.

Thank You Renewing Members

BKA Associates
Barbour Corporation
Berry Real Estate
Bob's Ski-Doo, Inc.
Boucher's Opticians, Inc.
Bourne Enterprises
Briarwood Real Estate
Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board
Brockton Furnace & Duct
Lester L. Burdick, Inc.
CareerWorks
CMG Associates
Colonial Fence Mfg. Inc.
Connolly Insurance
Corporate Fulfillment Systems
Creative World Children's Learning Center
Customized Data Services, Inc.
Donahue & Company
Ernie's Construction, Inc./Asphalt Paving & Excavation
Genesis Capital Advisors
Grow Associates, Inc.
Hamilton Painting Co.
Hilliard's House of Candy, Inc.
Interstate Coach
JLS Mailing Services
K & Associates/LAN-COM, Inc.
Robert King Music Sales, Inc.
Life Care Center of West Bridgewater
Lorraine Crayon Co., Inc.
Made to Match, LLC.
Frank Middleton Real Estate
Needel Welch & Stone, PC
New England Protection, Inc.
Northeast-10 Conference
Old Colony Planning Council
PIII Corp.
Packaging Store
Rich's Transportation Services, Inc.
Rick's Custom Fabrication
David F. Russell Funeral Home, Inc.
Schlossberg & McLaughlin, Attorneys at Law
Schultz,Schwartz & Weinberger
Sidelines Restaurant and Sports Bar
Siskind & Siskind
G.J. Stanley, DDS
Star Redemption Center
Stonebridge Cafe
Supreme Enterprises
Supreme House of Pizza
Taylor Rental-Party Plus
TCI Consulting, Inc.
The Ultimate Advantage Group
Verc, Inc.
Viking Recreation Center
Wal-Mart

July Calendar

11Ambassador Team Meeting8:00 am
12Chamber VIP Day at the Races
Brockton Fair Grounds
Sponsors: Brockton Fair, Carney Bros., Pepsi-Cola Company, J.J. Taylor
11:30 am to 4:30 pm
26Metro South Leads Group8:15 to 9:30 am

August Calendar

8Good Morning Metro South
Planning Committee
8:00 am
9Human Resource Management Council
Planning Committee
8:30 am
10Government Affairs
Planning Committee
7:45 am
14Nominating Committee3:00 pm
14Executive Committee4:00 pm
29Board of Directors12:00 noon
30Metro South Leads Group8:15 to 9:30 am

September Calendar

19Good Morning Metro South7:30 am

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

Martins Selected to Lead Capeverdean Association

The Capeverdean Association of Brockton recently appointed Maria Martins as its new executive director. Ms. Martins comes to Brockton with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the human and social services and health and mental health care fields.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Sacred Heart University and her Masters degree in Social Work and Community Organization, Planning, Policy, and Administration (COPPA) from Boston College.

The Capeverdean Association of Brockton is a non-profit community-based organization whose mission is to provide educational, civic, health, social and human services to Capeverdeans residing in the greater Brockton area. Its purpose is to assist, promote and serve the members of the Capeverdean community.

Services include:

Education: The Association offers English as Second Language (ESL), literacy, General Education Diploma (GED), and U.S. Citizenship preparation classes. Individuals may also receive assistance in applying to colleges and universities.

Health: The Association hosts workshops on issues such as HIV/AIDS, teen pregnancy, tuberculosis, drug/alcohol abuse, and accessing affordable health care.

Employment: The Association provides information on employment opportunities and offers assistance in preparing resumes and employment applications. Counseling: The Association offers counseling services to individuals and families in the areas of marriage, divorce, emotional problems, and domestic and community issues.

Housing: The Association provides assistance in the search of apartments, attainment of rental assistance, and resolution of housing and landlord disputes.

Youth/Elderly: The Association provides fun and educational programs to the youth. Elderly individuals may receive interpretation and transportation services, and referrals to all social service agencies.

To find out more about the Capeverdean Association, call 508-559-0056.

Brockton High Students Complete Summer Internships

As part of the Summer of Work and Learning program, the Metro South Chamber is hosting two high school interns. Joshua Grigsby and Sheretta Knight, both students at Brockton High School, began their internships on Tuesday, June 26, 2001. Meeting the needs of our members, relating to the public, and networking are just some of the communications skills the students will learn this summer. In addition, Joshua and Sheretta will assist the Chamber staff on legislative, program, membership, and general office administration.

The Chamber provides several internship opportunities for students each year. If you would like information, contact Roy Nascimento at 508-586-0500 ext. 225.

Membership Reflects Pride in the Metro South Region

Do you currently own, operate, manage, or represent a business or organization within the greater Brockton area? Have you wondered what you could do to positively impact the business climate and the quality of life within the region? Are you interested in becoming part of the Metro South solution? If you answered yes to any of the above, it's time to join the Chamber. Here's why...

  1. Networking
  2. Qualified Leads
  3. Referrals
  4. Business Resources
  5. Professional Development
  6. Legislative Action
  7. Economic Growth
  8. Community Betterment
  9. Cost Effective Advertising
  10. Savings (Medical Insurance, Telecommunications, and Energy)

To join the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, call Andrew Voght, membership services coordinator, at 508-586-0500 ext. 229 or e-mail at info@metrosouthchamber.com.

Your Chamber of Commerce... We Mean Business

Some of our recent activities and accomplishments...

* Advocated for Regional Conference/Sports Center - The Chamber hosted meetings, met with prospective owners, provided regional demographic data, wrote follow-up letters, passed a unanimous resolution, and lobbied the Governor in the effort to establish this much needed facility.

* Advocated for several economic development projects - water, transportation, education, housing, and infrastructure within Metro South.

* Awarded Massachusetts Workforce Training Grant - Through this joint project of the Chamber and UMASS Donahue Institute, the Chamber assisted local employers with developing customized training programs to enable them to apply for up to $250,000 in training grants from the Massachusetts Workforce Training Funds.

* Awarded U.S. Department of Labor Workforce Development Grant - conducted workforce development academies providing businesses, investment boards, service providers, and community leaders the unique opportunity to jointly address workforce development challenges. Issues include recruitment, hiring, training, retention, and advancement strategies.

* Awarded Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Grant - conducted a successful pollution prevention forum for the health care industry. The forum covered specific pollution prevention strategies including employee safety, purchasing challenges, and waste reduction.

* Hosted many high-profile speakers - Senate President Thomas Birmingham; State Senator Robert Creedon; Speaker of the House of Representatives Thomas Finneran; Massachusetts Small Business Administration District Director Elaine Guiney; House Minority Leader Francis Marini; State Treasurer Shannon O’Brien; State Representative Joseph O'sullivan; and Brockton Mayor John Yunits, Jr.

* Recognized local businesses - Annual Small Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, ATHENA Award, and Economic Impact Awards.

* Presented over a dozen seminars - In conjunction with the Small Business Administration and the Small Business Development Center, the Chamber offered a variety of seminars with topics ranging from "Doing Business with the Government" to "Strategies for Managing Stress."

~ Member Profile ~
The Community Bank

Company Name: The Community Bank

Address: 1285 Belmont Street, Brockton

Telephone: 508-587-3210

Website: www.communitybank.com

Year Established: 1877

Number of Employees: 71

Products/Services: The Community Bank provides individual, family, and business banking services; online banking; and investment services.

What markets do you serve? We serve small and mid-sized businesses, families, and individuals.

What is your market area? We provide services to southeastern Massachusetts with our branches in Brockton, Bridgewater, and Sandwich.

What is unique or special about your firm and the products and services you offer? The Community Bank's commitment to the Metro South region, and its home-base of Brockton since 1877, is something that really sets us apart. Our conservative growth over the years (we now have 3 branches in Brockton, 1 in Bridgewater, and 1 in Sandwich) has helped us stay true to our roots, to our vision, and to our customers.

Our business banking accounts and services are top-notch, and we back them up with current technologies like Online Banking and Billpay, and telephone banking. We offer assistance to small businesses with free meeting space, use of office equipment, and guidance at our Bridgewater Small Business Center.

What is your main business objective concerning your customers and the business community? We understand the importance of building relationships in business, and that's where we put our energy. We think that it's the way we’ve always delivered on our promise of personal attention that makes us really unique. For a bank, we also have a rather unique corporate symbol. The green kite. Our kite symbol has allowed us to create a fresh and fun bank-wide theme that contributes to the spirit that makes us special. The truth is, it's not kites that are important to us, it's what they symbolize: A return to simpler times and simpler joys. The desire to continually climb and reach new heights. The importance of having a little fun in life...and in business.

The Community Bank will celebrate its 125th birthday in 2002, and we look forward to making it another winning year.

A Member Profile will be featured in each issue of the Action Report. Members will be selected randomly from those in attendance at the monthly Good Morning Metro South breakfast. Attending a Good Morning Metro South is great exposure for your business. The next breakfast will be held on Wednesday, September 19, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn - Metro South. Bring your business cards and increase your company's chance of being selected as a featured business.