Good Morning Metro South!
September 20th at Holiday Inn

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce will present the first Good Morning Metro South on Wednesday, September 20, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn - Metro South located in Brockton.

The breakfast promises to be fast-paced, informational and educational with topics including breast cancer awareness, an update on the Brockton library, and an introduction from Janine Randall of the Corporation for Business, Work and Learning (CBWL). CBWL recently relocated the entrepreneurial training and rapid response team to the Chamber building located in downtown Brockton.

The September sponsor is the Brockton Symphony Orchestra. Their wonderful music will entertain guests during the registration and networking session. Come meet Ted Hague the new Chairman of the Brockton Symphony Orchestra, and find out more information on the Symphony’s upcoming season.

As always, GMMS is a great networking opportunity. Guests are encouraged to stay for informal networking immediately following the program. Pre-register by faxing the back cover of the Action Report to 508-587-1340 or calling 508-586-0500 ext. 221. The cost is $15/members and $22/non-members.

Legislative Reception - October 5

On Thursday, October 5, 2000, the Government Affairs Division of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Legislative Reception. The Chamber is holding the Reception from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. in Donahue Hall located on the Stonehill College campus in Easton.

This popular event offers members the opportunity to network with area legislators, government officials, candidates for public office and other decision makers. You and your staff are encouraged to attend. It will be an excellent opportunity to meet with business and community leaders in an informal setting to exchange ideas and gain valuable insight.

Beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Reservations can be made by calling the Chamber office at 508-586-0500 ext. 221. The cost is $10 for members and $20 for non-members.

MassDevelopment Opens Metro South Office at Chamber

MassDevelopment has announced the hiring of Mary Waldron, former chief of staff to Mayor John T. Yunits, Jr. She has accepted a position as Regional Manager for the Southeast office. The new office is located at the Metro South Chamber in Brockton. Waldron begins her new position on September 11. MassDevelopment provides funding for market analysis and architectural and engineering studies for proposed development projects. Fifty-seven million dollars has been invested on eleven projects in Brockton since 1998.

Thank You to Renewing Members

A & B Appliance Repair Company
Accountemps
Ace Surgical Supply Company
Advantage Payroll Services
American Staffing Associates, Inc.
Bell Atlantic Information Resources Co.
Berry Real Estate
Stephanie A. Billingham, Psychotherapist
Diana Bougioukos
Bridgewater State College
Brockton Area Assoc. for Retarded Citizens
Brockton Area Committee on Employment
Brockton Area Multi-Services, Inc.
Brockton Spine & Rehab
Daniel Buffington Plastering
Carmen's Mexican and American Restaurant
CDM Electric Company, Inc.
Century Small Business Solutions
City of Brockton
CNC Wire Cut
Law Office of Janet B. Cole
Collins Crane & Rigging Service, Inc.
Colonial Fence Mfg, Inc.
Comeau & Kelly Construction, Inc.
Corporate Fulfillment Systems
Costa Mechanical Services
DE Plumbing & Heating
DMS Signs, Inc.
Jeannine M. Donoghue
Employee Assistance Program, Inc.
Fitzpatrick Irish Imports
Frye Agency, Inc.
Geraldine Pitts
Gomes Plaster & Drywall
The Guardian Center for Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitative Service
Hale Street Properties
Halifax Car Wash/Aqua Spray
Handi-Kids
Heights Crossing
Irwin H. Holland, CPA
Home/Health and Child Care Services, Inc.
Honey Dew Donuts of West Bridgewater II
Immanuel Baptist Church
Dr. Michael D. Keefe
Lithuanian Village Cafe Family Pizza
Lyne Laboratories, Inc.
Marias Sub Shop
Mass. Rehabilitation Commission
Matrix Mortgage Corp.
Maver Memorials, Inc.
McCormick & Sons Insurance Agency, Inc.
Millers Overland Express Co., Inc.
Mr. Appliance
New England Ice Cream Corp
Brian Nickerson/Trucking
North Easton Savings Bank
Carol O'Leary-Cleaning Service
Pariseau Painting Company
Plymouth County Development Council
The Polo Club
Powers & Waitt CPAs
Professional Business Forms, Inc.
Random Access, Inc.
RDC Realty Trust
RE/MAX Landmark Realtors-Barry J. Hurst
Rich's Transportation Services, Inc.
Rodman & Rodman, PC, CPAs
Ryder Transportation Services
Seismic Sound DJ's
Silver Curl
Sir Speedy Printing Center
Star Redemption Center
Stonehouse Gardens Norwell Greenhouse, Inc.
Supreme House of Pizza
TCI Consulting, Inc.
Edward J.Thibeault, Certified Public Acct., P.C.
United Furniture II, Inc.
Unlimited Property Management
Vellano Bros. Inc. / A.J. Vel, Ltd.
Viking Recreation Center
Sisto Volpe Construction, Inc.
Wal-Mart
WBET/WCAV Radio
Weathervane Management
Wilco Sales Co.
Wm. J. Wolffe Electric, Inc.

Look to a Greater Emphasis on Entrepreneurship in Brockton

by Martin Freier

Entrepreneurs today have a much greater influence on our economy than ever before. They are the CEO's of most of the dot-coms, IPO's, pre-IPO and new technology type of companies and the headline-makers. Among their ranks are quite a good number of millionaires. Their companies transformed cities like Waltham and Cambridge and have created entirely new industries and products, some of which have not even been contemplated in yesterday's science fiction. It should come as no surprise that Brockton is also trying to capture some of that infectious entrepreneurial spirit. Already we're beginning to see a difference in the way people think and act in this City of Champions.

Though more entrepreneurs than ever before see their ideas turned into products that become viable businesses, just as many never get a chance to be heard. That's because these days there are so many ideas out there that the banks and venture capitalists can afford to be selective.

In particular, what banks and venture capitalists are looking for from all ventures are fast results and high payoffs. They demand that the entrepreneurs demonstrate an understanding of the business process and have a creative plan on paper. This calls for an entrepreneur to be conversant in the use of planning tools and the manipulation of information that is readily available - skills that can be learned, without too much of an investment on the part of the entrepreneur, thanks to substantial funding infused into the business community by the federal and state government agencies at all levels and from the private sectors through the enterprise centers that offer the training programs, much like the Corporation for Business, Work, and Learning (CBWL) that has recently moved to the Metro South Chamber of Commerce.

Brockton's Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) Chapter was introduced recently to Peg Ryan, Director of Entrepreneurial Training at CBWL, the organization that will be occupying a portion of the facilities in the Chamber of Commerce building. At its monthly meeting, Ryan indicated to the SCORE counselors, who volunteer their services to help startups, and entrepreneurs, that the Entrepreneurial Training Program formerly offered in Quincy by CBWL has now been entirely relocated to the Metro South Chamber of Commerce Building.

She identified the following important reasons for the move:

• In the next few years Brockton is the city likely to experience substantial entrepreneurial activity and economic growth.

• The Chamber of Commerce Building houses the Business Assistance Center (BAC) facility, a complete business information center, an important element in the training program.

• SCORE Counselors are available on premises to help businesses with counseling entrepreneurs once they successfully launch their businesses into the market place.

The Entrepreneurial Training Program Ryan heads is designed to enable ambitious individuals with promising ideas to establish their own businesses. Instructors/Consultants in the program are successful entrepreneurs and trainers with extensive backgrounds in marketing, finance, and strategic planning. Furthermore, those individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own and have encountered difficulties or barriers to locating employment in their field or industry may qualify to receive this training at no cost. The program is relatively low cost and it includes classes and practical hands-on exercises. In the concluding sessions, students are expected to complete and present their business plan.

Ryan expressed her satisfaction with the attention she's been receiving in Brockton and the nearby cities, towns, and communities, even before her program's official opening day. She's especially pleased by the referrals from successful graduates. She attributed this to the surprising achievements by its program's recent graduates, as some. recent follow-up interviews among past graduates indicates - 75% of the graduates started businesses, the majority of whom are still in business.

In response to a question as to how she plans to collaborate with the SCORE counselors, Ryan responded, "I expect that once the prospective entrepreneurs or business owners will have completed their business plan, they will require the help of SCORE counselors with effective implementation of the plan and with tailoring it to the actual market conditions in specific locations. New entrepreneurs may also require mentoring and other follow-up help."

Martin Freier is a consultant, writer, author, columnist, SCORE counselor, and Director of Education of SCORE, Chapter 422. The SCORE organization offers FREE counseling for start-ups and small businesses throughout the United States. Counseling hours in its offices located in the Metro South Chamber of Commerce at Sixty School Street in Brockton are from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. You can make an appointment with a SCORE counselor by calling 508-587-2673.

Welcome New Investors

Fourteen 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.

Akeya's Desktop Publishing & Secretarial Services
15 Packard Way
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: 508-580-2610
Fax: 508-580-4509
Vera Strong
Business Support Services

Brockton Oxygen, Inc.
1640 Main Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: 508-930-8161
Fax: 508-880-2666
Jeff Sundberg
Distributors

The Education Extension
325 West Elm Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: 508-587-2345
Fax: 508-587-7967
Pamela Clarkson
Child Care

Joyful Learning/Southbrook School
792 Plymouth Street
Bridgewater, MA 02324
Phone: 508-697-9131
Fax: 508-697-7526
Joan Burns Decelles
Schools/Colleges

Lorraine Crayon Co., Inc.
146 Court Street
Brockton, MA 02303
Phone: 508-587-9400
Fax: 508-588-8066
David Grandmount
Manufacturers

MacTaggart Scott & Co., Ltd.
66 Main Street
North Easton, MA 02356
Phone: 508-238-9889
Fax: 508-238-9598
Joseph Urciuoli
Manufacturers

Matrix Mortgage Corp.
21 Almon Avenue
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: 508-586-3332
Fax: 508-586-3226
Al Roppolo
Banks/Financial

Patriot Finishmen Inc.
374 Ash Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: 508-588-5375
Lawrence Maroon
Contractors - Specialty

RHI Management Resources
101 Arch Street, Suite 2000
Boston, MA 02110
Phone: 617-737-1700
Fax: 617-951-0904
Tony Manfredi
Consultants

Wallace H. Peckham III, CPA
130 Liberty Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: 508-580-6670
Fax: 508-586-1675
Wallace H. Peckham III
Accountants

Sullivan Tire Co., Inc.
41 Accord Park Drive
Norwell, MA 02061
Phone: 781-982-1550
Fax: 781-871-6250
Paul Reed, Sr.
Automotive Parts

Voice Stream Wireless
50 Vision Blvd.
East Providence, RI 02914
Phone: 508-369-2200
Fax: 401-588-5658
Patti Reyes
Telecommunications

Warrior Insurance & Financial Services Agency
126 Main Street
North Easton, MA 02356
Phone: 508-230-9310
Fax: 5008-230-9461
John Dustin
Financial Services

Law Office of George L. Whiting, Jr.
49 Lincoln Blvd.
Abington, MA 02351
Phone: 781-878-1040
Fax: 781-871-9970
George Whiting, Jr.
Attorneys

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.

More CBWL Offices, Services Move to Chamber

The Corporation for Business, Work and Learning (CBWL) announced this past July an agreement to move its Entrepreneurial Training offices from Quincy to the Metro South Chamber of Commerce office building in Brockton. "The training program consists of classes and practical exercises leading to the preparation of a specific, comprehensive business plan tailored to the individual entrepreneur's business" said Janine Randall, Lead Instructor/ Consultant.

In August, CBWL expanded its agreement with the Chamber to include relocation of the Rapid Response Team from Stoughton. "The CBWL Rapid Response Team provides statewide early intervention, no cost re-employment services to companies and their employees affected by layoffs and closings" said John Murray, Rapid Response Coordinator.

In addition, CBWL established a satellite office of The Trust, a quasi-public loan fund established by the Massachusetts State Legislature in 1984 with a current capitol base of $11 million. The Trust provides direct loans, lines of credit and loan guarantees to small to medium-sized manufacturing companies statewide.

"Together, CBWL, SBA, SCORE, SEED and the Metro South Chamber are working cooperatively to provide Metro South businesses comprehensive assistance at a state-of-the-art facility" said Christopher Cooney, President and CEO of the Chamber.

September Calendar

6	Ambassador Team Meeting	8:00 am
15	Government Affairs	7:45 am
20	Good Morning Metro South Informal Networking Sponsor: Brockton Symphony Orchestra Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South	7:30 to 9:30 am
26	SOMWBA Workshop	10 am to 1 pm
28	Buzz Workshop for Manufactures	8 am to 5 pm

October Calendar

4	Ambassador Team Meeting	8:00 am
5	Legislative Reception Donahue Hall, Stonehill College	5:30 to 8:00 pm
10	Executive Committee Meeting	4:00 pm
12	Human Resource Management Council Holiday Inn - Metro South	8 to 10 am
13	Government Affairs	7:45 am
18	Mass. Department of Revenue Seminar	9 am to noon
20	Good Morning Metro South Informal Networking Sponsor: Brockton Hospital Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South	7:30 to 9:30 am
25	Board of Directors Meeting	12 noon

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

Good News

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

Life Care Center of West Bridgewater announces that Marvin Lipschutz, M.D. has been named the National Medical Director of the Year for Life Care Centers of America. Dr. Lipschutz has been with the West Bridgewater facility since its opening in May 1996. This honor recognizes Dr. Lipschutz for his outstanding contributions he makes to the residents and the facility at large. In addition, the Life Care Center honors Lisa Nystom, LPN, Charlotte Mankus, LPN, and Antoinette Davies, LPN for receiving Excellence in Caring awards during National Nurses Week.

The Children's Museum in Easton will present Jonathan Edwards in a special benefit concert on Thursday, September 28, 2000. Jonathan Edwards is a veteran folk/rocker, whose 1971 song "Sunshine" brought him instant fame. The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. in the Oakes Ames Memorial Hall in Easton and offers cabaret-style seating and an intimate atmosphere in a unique, historic setting. The Cafe will open at 6:30 p.m. for beverages and light refreshments. Tickets are $30 per person. Seating is limited so reserve your tickets today by calling The Children’s Museum in Easton at 508-230-3789.

The Bridgewater Community Development office is hosting the third annual Campus Business Day on Wednesday, September 13, at Bridgewater State College. A joint effort between the Bridgewater Business Association, the Town of Bridgewater and Bridgewater State College, the event is designed to introduce businesses to new and returning students, faculty and employees of the college. The event is held adjacent to the Rondileau Campus Center from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There is no charge for businesses to participate. For further information or to make a reservation, call 508-697-0950.

Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center will host its annual Country Fair on Saturday, September 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The fair will feature carnival rides, safety demonstrations, craft fair, clowns, games, music, raffles and the famous chicken barbecue. Admission to the fair is free. Ample, fully accessible parking is available on the grounds. Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center is located just off Route 24, exit 18B, at 235 N. Pearl Street, Brockton.

On Saturday, September 30, beginning at 9:00 a.m., the American Heart Association (AHA) will hold its annual American Heart Walk at the Blue Hills Reservation, Houghton Pond, in Milton. The Walk is both a fundraiser and an educational event. The goal is to focus America’s attention on the problems of cardiovascular disease and stroke. There will be an on-site wellness expo, offering free blood pressure screenings, body fat testing, fitness testing, and general health information from many local vendors and health facilities. The money raised helps fund cardiovascular and stroke research and education in the Metro South region and nationwide. For further information or to support the AHA, call Tricia Kearns at 1-800-662-1701 ext. 3144.

Mainframe Communications, Inc. announces the opening of an additional branch location on the north shore of Massachusetts. "The present needs of our customers were beginning to put a real strain on our headquarters located in Easton" said Steve Harrigan, Project Manager of Mainframe. The expansion to the north shore will help Mainframe meet the increasing demands of clients in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Sylvia Keyes, professor of marketing at Bridgewater State College, was presented with the Bridgewater Alumni Association Award for Exceptional Dedication to Students. The Award is presented to a member of the faculty who has volunteered his or her energy and talent to enrich the lives of students. Professor Keyes was also presented with the Award for Excellence in Direct Marketing by the New England Direct Marketing Association.

Big Dig, Big Tour, Big Hit

About twenty members of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce toured the "Big Dig" in July. The Central Artery/Tunnel Project is the nation’s largest municipal transportation project. The project will replace 13 million cubic yards of excavated dirt with 3.8 million cubic yards of concrete and construct 161 lane miles of highway in a 7.5 mile corridor.

During the peak construction (1998 through 2000), about $3 million of work was completed each day and the project includes 109 separate construction contracts. Metro South Chamber members were able to trek to the depths of Boston and see the project up close.

Experience the Power of LEAN

At the end of WWII, the American manufacturing community flourished because it was the only show left standing. Europe and Eastern Europe were in ruins. Asian manufacturing was non-existent. American goods and services were in high demand all over the world. If you were just a mediocre manufacturing professional, you could not do anything wrong. Things have changed! The world has rebuilt, and American producers face increasing global competition and dwindling profit margins. The traditional quick-fix solutions aren't working. America's manufacturers need to reevaluate the entire philosophy for managing their production operations.

The old production philosophies and management goals must be evaluated and revamped to keep pace with changing times. A new and revolutionary production philosophy emerged nearly 40 years after the end of WWII as a preferred approach to becoming a World Class Manufacturer. Since its introduction, Lean Manufacturing has been given many other names - JIT, Pull, Demand-Flow, Synchronous, Cellular, etc. Whatever you want to call it, lean manufacturing is based upon the "elimination of waste" and the creation of smooth flow in a manufacturing process.

Throughout the country, companies are implementing lean manufacturing on their shop floors. The benefits to these companies include up to: 90% reduction in cycle time; 90% increase in on-time shipments; 75% reduction in work-in-progress; 50% increase in quality; and 75% reduction in floor space.

Lean 101: Buzz Electronics
Business owners and managers can experience the power of lean, and the changes and benefits of moving from a traditional to a lean manufacturing environment by participating in Buzz Electronics, a live simulation workshop.

You begin by manufacturing circuit boards in a chaotic, traditional manufacturing firm. Then, we apply lean principles to the results of your first simulation. For the remainder of the day, you revisit the manufacturing environment and use the lean techniques that have been presented.

You will learn about the eight wastes in manufacturing, and how to apply standardized work, workplace organization, visual controls, set-up reduction, batch size reduction, point-of-use storage, quality at the source, workforce practices, and pull systems to eliminate these waste. You will demonstrate that you are able to apply these lean principles to your company, and will be amazed at the results in net income.

Buzz Electronics is offered exclusively through the national NIST MEP system and its certified Lean Manufacturing Trainers. Your local MEP office, The Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), is a private, non-profit organization that assists manufacturers become more competitive by applying the latest manufacturing and management technologies.

About the Workshop
The MassMEP is working with the Metro South Chamber of Commerce to promote the benefits of Lean Manufacturing. We are cosponsoring a Buzz Electronics Workshop on September 28, at the Metro South Chamber of Commerce located at Sixty School Street in Brockton.

Cost: The fee is $165 per person for Chamber members ($200 for non-members) includes continental breakfast, lunch and breaks.

Time: Registration and breakfast begin at 7:30 am. Workshop begins at 8:00 am and ends by 5:00 pm.

Registration: Register on-line at www.massmep.org or call 781-376-0028.

For more information, call 800-MEP-4MFG or 781-376-0028.

Report of the Nominating Committee

The Chamber Board of Directors, composed of a broad cross-section of Chamber members, is responsible for policy direction for the organization. For continuity, board terms are staggered over three years. The Chamber's Nominating Committee has prepared the following slate of candidates to fill terms expiring this year on the Board of Directors.

Nominated to serve a three-year term in the Class of 2003 are Frederick Adami, Reed, Adami & Kaiser; Leland Brockington, New Brock International; John Hopkins, Rextrude; Robert Kenworthy, FleetBoston; Mary Meserve, Meserve Travel; Fred Ridgeway, Wal-Mart; Robert Rose, Massasoit Community College; Lou Russo, AT&T Broadband; and Carmel Shields, Shields Healthcare.

Nominated to serve a two-year term in the Class of 2002 are Mark Donahue, M. Donahue Associates; David Frenette, Frenette and Dukess; and Greg Hart, Robert Ercolini and Company, LLP, CPAs.

Nominated to serve a one-year term in the Class of 2001 are Steven McDuffy, Holmes-McDuffy Florists; and Antonio Pires, Pires Auto School.

In accordance with the Chamber bylaws, additional names of Chamber members can be nominated by petition bearing the signatures of at least 30 member firms in good standing. Such petitions must be filed by September 15, 2000.

If a legal petition is presented with additional candidates, the names of all candidates will be mailed to all active members. If no petition is filed, the nominations shall be closed and the nominated slate will be elected by the Board at their October meeting.

New Board members will take office at the Chamber's Annual Meeting on November 15, 2000. All Board of Directors’ meetings are open to any Chamber member who wishes to attend.

NewEnergy for Savings

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce announces an exciting new energy program brought to you by NewEnergy, an energy services provider, and Massachusetts Electric Company. The program is designed to reduce energy consumption and demand for energy by increasing the efficiency with which energy is used. The benefits of enrolling include reduced energy bills and capital equipment upgrades. Additional advantages of this program include a free review of your facility to identify improvements for energy reduction; financial rebates from Massachusetts Electric Company for 40-80% of the cost of improvements; one-stop convenience for all aspects of the program; financing; and positive impacts on the environment. This program is being offered to all Chamber members served by Massachusetts Electric Company.

An informational meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 13, from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the Holiday Inn - Metro South, Brockton. Representatives from NewEnergy and the Metro South Chamber of Commerce will be available to answer questions and offer further information about this program. To register, please call Bob Kinscherf with NewEnergy at 617-772-7504.