Good Morning Metro South!
September 18th at Holiday Inn

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce is presenting the first Good Morning Metro South (GMMS) of the season on Thursday, September 18, 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. The featured speaker is Jim Ayraud, President and CEO of Next Level, Inc. Next Level, Inc. is a sales evaluation and development company headquartered in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts and is an authorized licensee of the Sandler Sales Institute. Next Level's mission is to challenge both individuals and companies to reach their next level of sales professionalism through a proven seven-step process.

In addition Jim Hager from Southeastern Regional School District and Joe Goldsberry from Media Concepts will speak.

The event is being sponsored by Hub Technical Services, located on Eastman Street in South Easton, MA. Hub Technical Services is an authorized Compaq and Hewlett Packard service provider and is your one stop solution for your computer service and IT needs.

Whether you need basic hardware repair, system installation, or complete onsite system administration Hub Technical Services delivers.

As always, the GMMS breakfast program is a great networking opportunity. Guests are encouraged to stay for informal networking immediately following the program. Pre-register by calling 508-586-0500 ext. 221. The cost is $15 for members and $22 for non-members.

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 2006 are Leland Brockington, New Brock International; James Blake, Brockton Credit Union; John Costa, BC Tent & Awning; Kelly Carney-Kelly, Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park; John Hopkins, Brockton Plastics; Gary Oman, Gary R. Oman, P.C.; Carmel Shields, Shields Health Care Group and John Vlaco, Brophy & Phillips Company.

Nominated to serve a two-year term in the Class of 2005 are James Burns, Shaw's Supermarkets; Jeff Dukess, Frenette & Dukess, PC; and Linda Faria Braun, Adult Learning Center.

Nominated to serve a one-year term in the Class of 2004 is Lou Russo, of Comcast.

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 12, 2003.

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 19, 2003. All Board of Directors' meetings are open to any Chamber member who wishes to attend.

Good News

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

Dr. Rita Miller of Westport Point has been named Associate Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Bridgewater State College. She began her position in June. Dr. Miller will be responsible for student appeals and managing the course schedule for the School of Arts and Sciences. She is excited about her new position and the opportunity to work closely with BSC students. She comes to Bridgewater from Keene State College in New Hampshire, where she taught for 13 years. In addition, Mr. Gregg Meyer of Easton has been named director of admissions at Bridgewater State College. He began his position on July 7. He will be responsible for overseeing all areas of the admissions division including recruitment, admission standards and application review.

Stephan M. Keohane of Easton has been hired as Director of Development for the Children's Museum in Easton. Mr. Keohane was most recently a Business Development Officer with State Street Global Markets where he has been since 1991. His banking background includes extensive international operations and correspondent banking experience in their Global Securities lending and Bond Connect divisions. Mr. Keohane will oversee general fundraising efforts, including government, corporate and foundation grants, business sponsorship, and individual donations.

Massachusetts Electric received the Circle of Caring Award from the Old Colony United Way for its support of the capital campaign and help over the years. The honor was presented at the Annual Meeting of the Old Colony United Way at the Shaw's Center in Brockton. Through a vigorous campaign with area businesses and individuals, Old Colony United Way provides funding to important community agencies, such as American Red Cross, Big Brother-Big Sister, Dorn Davies Senior Center and the Boys & Girls Club. For more information, call the Old Colony United Way at 508-583-6306 or go to the website at www.oldcolonyunitedway.com.

The Charity Guild, Inc. is pleased to announce an award of $10,000 from the Massachusetts Vitamin Litigation Settlement Fund. This award is designated for the purchase of food for their Food Pantry. The Guild Food Pantry served 14,500 individuals in fiscal year 02-03. The Charity Guild also received Community Recognition Award from Brockton Area Multi-Services Inc. (BAMSI) and the Brockton Housing Authority (BHA) at the end of June for their outstanding dedication and community service to the elderly of the Greater Brockton Area. In addition on September 25, 2003 at the Shaw's Center they will host their first ever Harvest Celebration 2003. The celebration will raise needed funds for The Guild Food Pantry program. Tickets are $75.00 each. Please contact Jennifer Franz, (508)583-5280.

The Fuller Museum of Art Docents are offering a free outreach lecture to community organizations in 2003-2004. The Docents, a group of volunteers who guide visitors through the Museum, often educate the public through special lectures and outreach programs. For the next year, they will be providing the slide lecture "Crafting the Future" free of charge to regional organizations and community centers. Reservations must be made one month in advance. Additional outreach presentations are available for a reasonable cost. Groups wishing to schedule a visit by an FMA Docent can call the Fuller Museum of Art at 508-588-6000 ext. 113.

Edward Jones Managing Partner John Bachmann was elected by the United States Chamber of Commerce board of directors as the Chambers Vice Chairman for 2003-2004, according to Peter Dutcher, the financial-services firm's Brockton investment representative. "John brings a wealth of experience and business savvy to this position," said Thomas J. Donahue, Chamber President and CEO. "He will be an integral part of spreading the Chamber's pro-business message to our members and partners both here in the United States and oversees. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the World's largest business federation, representing more than 3 million businesses of every size, sector and region.

Brockton Hospital announced September 8, 2003 as the date for its annual Charity Golf Classic. This year's tournament will take place at the Indian Pond Country Club, offering golfers a magnificent 18-hole championship course measuring 6,800 yards in Kingston, MA. Proceeds from the event go toward Brockton Hospital's continued efforts to provide the most comprehensive programs and services to residents of Southeastern Massachusetts. The afternoon will start golfers with a barbecue luncheon, and welcome them at the end of 18 holes of play with a cocktail reception and awards dinner featuring a raffle giveaway with several great prizes. Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. and the shotgun start begins promptly at noon. Those interested in more information should call the Brockton Hospital Foundation Office at 508-941-7078.

The Brockton Symphony Orchestra recently announced Alice Burke as its new Executive Director. Ms. Burke will oversee all operations of the Orchestra and will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, musicians, and Music Director/Conductor, Jonathan Cohler. The Executive Director duties includes planning, organization and fundraising for the 12 concerts and events the Orchestra presents. Former Executive Director Andrea Bates, will manage a new position for the Orchestra, Senior Advisor and Marketing Director. In addition, the Brockton Symphony Orchestra unveiled its upcoming 56th season which will be themed "A Galaxy of Stars". The first of 6 concerts is Sunday, October 5th when the Brockton Symphony Orchestra hosts the Claremont Trio. For more information on concerts and events logo onto www.brocktonsymphony.org or call 508-588-3841.

Robert W. Gustafson, President & CEO of Crescent Credit Union, recently announced the inauguration of the "Chairman's Club". The group is made up of Crescent Credit Union employees who have been recognized in past years for their service to the membership. The members of the Chairman's Club include: Rosemary Corcoran, Amanda Davis, Meg Downey, Pat Gamache, Gail Haggerty, Joyce Hill, Robin Kirby, Mary Shaughnessy and Rita Trapp.

Canton Personal Injury Attorney Brian Mahoney can now be heard giving legal advice on all aspects of the law and estate planning on Sunday's at 6:30 p.m. on WATD FM 95.9 or on the web at www.959watd.com.

Bay Copy, the area's premier provider of digital document solutions, has received the 2003 Elite Dealer Award from the National trade publication Office Dealer. This is the sixth consecutive year that Bay Copy has received this award. Office Dealer selects the top office equipment dealers in the country from nominations all across the United States.

The Brockton Visiting Nurse Association will hold the 14th Annual Caring for Kids Golf Tournament which will be held on Monday, September 8, 2003 at Thorny Lea Golf Club, Brockton. Player registrations are being accepted-the $225 registration fee includes green fee, golf cart, continental breakfast, lunch on the course, dinner and prizes. Business/corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available. Registration and breakfast begin at 9:00 a.m., shotgun scramble at 11:00 a.m., clubhouse reception, raffles, and awards ceremony immediately follow play. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Caring for Kids Fund of the Brockton VNA. To register to play or for more information, call the Brockton VNA at 508-894-5286.

Amy Pierce has recently joined Plymouth Savings Bank's residential lending division as a senior mortgage officer. She was previously employed at Plymouth Saving's for six years. Ms. Pierce will be responsible for educating consumers about mortgage financing. Plymouth Savings Bank serves Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island through 17 banking offices and 8 mortgage loan centers.

Charles N. Robinson, President of Rogers & Gray Insurance Agency, Inc. has announced the election of Cheryl Strough as Assistant Vice President. Ms. Strough has been with Rogers & Gray for eight years in the Employee Benefits Division. She has been an insurance professional for 23years and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Finance from Pennsylvania State University. Rogers & Gray has seven offices in Southeastern Massachusetts.

The Board of Directors of the Downtown Brockton Association recently changed the position of the Executive Assistant for the Downtown Brockton Association to Executive Director. The position has been held by F. Ed Nicolas, since 1996, and prior to 1996, he held the position of Executive Director of Brockton Central, Inc. The DBA will also host their ninth annual Hundred Hungry Friends Dinner on Tuesday, September 30, 2003 at 6:30 at the Massasoit Conference Center. Please call 508-587-4322 for more information.

Governor Romney/Chamber Announce Business Survey

Earlier this year Governor Romney announced the formation of six Regional Competitiveness Councils (RCC's) across the Commonwealth. The goal of this major initiative is to insure that Massachusetts remains a competitive place in which to do business. Input from local business leaders is critical as the RCC's develop priorities to promote firm investment and job growth.

Please help support the economic growth and competitiveness of your region by completing a brief survey, found at www.metrosouthchamber.com.

The survey will ask about your perspectives on a wide range of factors that shape the economic competitiveness of the southeast region. It is an important part of a regional analysis conducted for the Councils by Professor Michael Porter and the Harvard Business School. It follows a well-respected methodology that has been used to understand regional economies throughout the United States and the globe. This is an opportunity to provide information directly to the Commonwealth and the Governor. The results of the survey will be one piece of input to Governor Romney and the cabinet in helping to develop the state budget for '05, to help set priorities in the Commonwealth, and to determine how monies are spent.

If you have questions, or need help with the survey, please contact Gay Wells at the Massachusetts Office of Business Development at 508-730-1438 or at gay.wells@state.ma.us.

Chamber Unveils New Human Resource Hotline

Does your Business have Human Resource questions? Do you know where to turn for answers? The Metro South Chamber of Commerce has developed a hotline for your business to receive professional advice from experts in the HR field. Simply e-mail your question to the HR hotline at hrhotline@metrosouthchamber.com or log onto to www.metrosouthchamber.com. For more information contact Lisa Keene, Program Director at 508-586-0500 ext. 231.

Welcome New Investors

Eight 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.

A S Service Center
189 Clinton Street
Brockton, MA 02302
Tel: 508-580-5714
Fax: 508-894-8285
Automotive Repairs

Brazey Software Development
6 Parker Drive
Plymouth, MA 02360
Tel: 508-746-6948
Fax: 508-746-6948
Keith Barzey
Computer Soft/Services

CDIJ Enterprises
28 Bigney Avenue
Brockton, MA 02301-4806
Tel: 617-899-0376
Claudia M. Denelle
Consultants

Cameron's On The Green
436 Oak Street, Route 14
East Bridgewater, MA 02333
Tel: 781-447-7888
Fax: 781-447-0524
Bill Russell
Restaurants

Community Values
P.O. Box 1294
Pembroke, MA 02359
Tel: 781-826-5058
Fax: 781-826-7253
Kevin Erickson
Advertising

Countrywide Home Loans
27 Eastman Street
South Easton, MA 02375
Tel: 508-238-9000
Fax: 508-238-5171
Michael Graff
Banks/Financial

Real Simple Solutions, Inc.
106 Main Street
North Easton, MA 02356
Tel: 508-238-1551
Fax: 508-238-5180
Peg Ryan
Retail

Sunset Venue Media
52 Bassett Road
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-345-0341
Greg Brown
Media

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

Thank You Renewing Members

A1 Affordable Towing & Repair
A & B Appliance Repair
ACS Services, Inc.
Ace Surgical Supply Company
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Brockton, Inc.
Associacao Caboverdiana De Brockton, Inc.
Atlantic Elevator North
Bayside Financial Insurance Agency
Beacon Telecom, Inc.
Benoit, Benoit, & Associates
Best Western Carlton House
Stephanie A. Billingham, Psycotherapist
Bob's Ski-Doo, Inc.
Bridgewater State College
Burke & Foskett, LLC
Capp's Auto Sales, Inc.
CASSI
CDM Electric Company, Inc.
Law Office of Janet B. Cole
Council On Aging
Counter Productions, Inc.
The Crazy Chef's Caterers
Dharma's Creative Hair Design
Effective Logistics
Embassy House Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Employee Assistance Program
The Feitelberg Company
Genesis Capital Advisors
H.W. Temps
Halifax Car Wash/Aqua Spray
Heights Crossing
Honey Dew Donuts of West Bridgewater II
JLS Mailing Services
Labor Ready, Inc.
Lorraine Crayon Company, Inc.
Lyne Laboratories, Inc.
Mackin Pallet & Trucking Co., Inc.
McCormick & Sons, Insurance Agency, Inc.
Merry Maids
Miller's Express Company, Inc.
Mr. Appliance
The Ockers Company, Inc.
One Step Ahead
PC's 4 U
Wallace H. Peckham III, CPA
Plymouth County Development Council
Plymouth Savings Bank
Random Access, Inc.
R & M Associates
Rodman & Rodman, PC, CPA's
Robert G. Roy
Seismic Sound DJ's
Sir Speedy Printing
Stoughton Pumping Service
Synergy Capital Group
South Shore Tri-Town Development
Supreme Enterprises
Supreme House of Pizza
Thomassen Associates
United Furniture II, Inc.
Unlimited Property Management
V & C Construction
Sisto Volpe Construction, Inc.
Wal-Mart 2122
Washington Realty Trust
Westside Behavioral Health, LLC
Wilco Sales Company
Wireless World

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.

Small Business Workshops
SEED Entrepreneurial Workshops

Session 1

Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2003
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Learn the fundamentals of planning, preparing for and financing your business.

Session 2

Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2003
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Learn to understand financial statements and how they help to determine the health of your business.

The SEED Workshops are located at the SEED Office at 80 Dean Street, Taunton, MA. For registration or more information contact Laurie Walsh at 508-822-1020.

The U.S. Small Business Administration

"Veterans: How to Start or Grow Your Business"

Date: Friday, September 19, 2003

Time: 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Location: Brockton VA Medical Center
Building 7 (The Recreation Hall) Room A-113 Take exit 17A off of route 24

Topics included:
Contracting Opportunities with the government SBA Business Loan Programs for Veterans How to develop a business plan

Featuring Participation by:
The Procurement Technical Assistance Center The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), and South Eastern Economic Development Corporation (SEED)

Call Hank Cammack of SBA at 617-565-5567 today to reserve your space.

Business After Hours Sept. 25 at The Community Bank

On Thursday, September 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., The Community Bank located at 1265 Belmont Street will host a Business After Hours.

Join us for an evening of wine-tasting and hors d' oeuvres on the spacious patio at The Community Bank.

Mark your calendar for this great opportunity to meet potential clients, customers and other local business people. Exposure for your business is your competitive edge, so bring plenty of business cards.

The cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. To register, please call the Metro South Chamber of Commerce at 508-586-0500 ext. 221.

Legislative Reception
October 9

Stonehill College to Host Reception at Donahue Hall

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce invites you to the 14th Annual Legislative and Candidates Reception on Thursday, October 9, 2003 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Donahue Hall on the Stonehill College Campus in Easton.

As a member of the Metro South Chamber, your organization has a vested interest in helping to foster stronger relationships with elected officials. The Legislative Reception is an excellent and cost-effective way for you, your key staff and colleagues to initiate or renew face-to-face contacts at the state, federal and local level. We encourage your firm to participate and support the unified voice of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. Together, we can ensure that the government understands and supports the needs and concerns of the business community in our region.

Please register no later than October 7 by calling the Chamber office at 508-586-0500 ext.221. The reception is $5 for Chamber members and $10 for non-members.

September 2003

1	Labor Day Chamber Office Closed
10	Ambassador Meeting	8:00 am
18	GMMS Sponsor: Hub Technical Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South	7:30 am
19	Government Affairs Meeting	7:45 am
24	Human Resource Management Council Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South	8:00 am
25	Business After Hours Location: The Community Bank	5:30 pm

October 2003

1	Ambassador Meeting	8:00 am
9	Legislative Reception Sponsor: New England Sinai Hospital and Stonehill College Location: Donahue Hall, Stonehill College	5:30 pm
13	Columbus Day Chamber Office Closed
16	Business After Hours Location: F1 Race Track, East Bridgewater	5:30 pm
22	Good Morning Metro South Sponsor: Bristol Investment Management Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South	7:30 am
31	Board Retreat Sponsor: Brockton Credit Union Location: Boarderland State Park	8:45 am

November 2003

4	Ambassador Meeting	8:00 am
19	Annual Meeting Location: Ridder Country Club, Rte. 14, Whitman	12:00 noon
19	Business-to-Business Expo Sponsor: First Federal Savings Bank Location: Ridder Country Club, Rte. 14, Whitman	10:30 am

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

Chamber Announces $500,000 in SEED Small Business Loan Funds

The South Eastern Economic Development (SEED) Corporation announced today that it has $500,000 in loan funds available for small businesses in the City of Brockton.

The funds are available through a special loan pool for city businesses established by SEED Corporation working in conjunction with the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. The pool was established with grants from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and a loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The pool of funds enables SEED to make loans up to $50,000 to meet small businesses' needs for equipment, furniture, leasehold improvements, working capital, and paying off high interest credit cards," explained Maria Gooch-Smith, SEED's executive director.

According to Gooch-Smith, SEED can also combine these loans with a bank loan or with funds available through other SEED loan programs to meet a business need up to $100,000. These loans are usually made for five years, but can be amortized over 10 years depending on the use of the funds. The interest rate is fixed for the term and ranges from 6 percent to 7.5 percent.

"The goal of this loan pool is to ensure that small businesses in Brockton have the financing they need to grow and create new jobs. Often a small business needs a little more than a bank can provide, or finds that it cannot obtain the funds it needs from a bank, that's when this loan pool comes in," explained Gooch-Smith.

According to Gooch-Smith, the process for obtaining a loan consists of filling out a fairly simple one sheet application form which can be obtained through Seed's web site: www.seedcorp.com or by calling SEED at 508-822-1020.

For start-up businesses, Gooch-Smith suggests attending one of SEED's monthly Business Basics Workshops, and preparing a business plan. A Business Plan Booklet is also available on SEED's web site.

Over the past 5 years, SEED has made 28 small loans to businesses in Brockton totaling $837,000 to create 127 new jobs. These loans have been made to a range of small businesses including restaurants, gift shops, hair salons, fitness centers, day care providers, convenience stores, pharmacies, moving services, manufacturing companies and others.

Under its largest loan program, the SBA 504 Program, SEED has made 13 loans to Brockton businesses totaling $6 million and helping to create 155 new jobs.

SEED Corporation is a non-profit economic development organization established in 1982. Under various programs, SEED makes loans from $5,000 up to $1.3 million to assist small businesses to grow and create jobs throughout the region.

For a copy of the loan application and more information about SEED Corporation, please call 508-822-1020 or visit www.seedcorp.com.

Brockton Credit Union Breaks New Ground in Brockton

The Brockton Credit Union Board of Directors participated in a ground breaking ceremony of a new corporate headquarters on Oak Street, Brockton. The 60,000 square foot facility is scheduled to be completed by summer 2004. It is being designed by ADD Inc. of Cambridge and constructed by Brophy and Philips Company, Inc. of Brockton.

President and CEO, James Blake stated that "this facility will provide much needed space for our growing departments and also enable departments to be housed together in one area. This facility will house 146 employees who use to be spread in Brockton and Randolph and three locations. By building in Brockton, we are maintaining our ongoing commitment in the city."

Brockton Credit Union is the largest community-based credit union in New England with over $1 billion in assets and thirteen locations.

New Song Art Center's A.M.P. Festival September 5, 6, and 7

NSAC will be hosting Brockton's 1st Art, Music, and Poetry Festival in conjunction with Mayor Yunits' Office and Brockton's Office of Cultural Affairs on September 5, 6, and 7 on City Hall Plaza, Brockton, Massachusetts. In case of rain, festivities will be held in the parking garage.

This weekend will begin Friday at noon and end at dusk each night with a concert. City Hall Plaza will be filled with booths set up by local artists, crafters, and food venders. In addition, the plaza will feature an area for musical and poetic competitions. Inside City Hall there will be exhibits by artists, films, and workshops sponsored by Brockton Civic Organizations. All proceeds will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, NSCA and their outreach programs.

The Festival will feature Lisa Housman singer/songwriter from Cambridge, MA whose songs are (in the words of one critic) "Mini-musicals... One minute you're laughing and before you know it, you're crying". Lisa's songs deal with topics like epilepsy, lost love, riding the subways and have been enjoyed by college and coffeehouse crowds across the country. Lisa will be teaming up with singer/songwriter Dave Falk, whose song "Peace O' Mind" was featured in the film "Director's Bugs", which won first place in the Dublin Film Festival, Experimental Films Category (2003), and whose song, "In the Light", spent several weeks as number one on the mp3.com's Alternative Country Charts.

NSAC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts empowerment organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the performing and visual arts. For more information or to donate prizes contact Wendy (MDA) at 508-947-2929.

~ Board Member Profile ~
Gregory Hart

Company Name: Ercolini & Company LLP

Address: 55 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110

Telephone: 617-482-5511

Website: www.recpa.com

Year Established: 1974

Number of Employees: 35

What markets do you serve? Our client base includes clients in the real estate development and management area, a wide array of small and medium size businesses.

What is unique or special about your firm and the products and services? We are unique in that we specialize in providing business solutions for small family owned business in a number of client niches. We pride ourselves on effectively servicing clients throughout their business’ and families development cycles. Many of our clients have third generations that are now being serviced by our firm.

What is your main business objective concerning your customers and the business community? We pride ourselves for being able to bring creative approaches to our clients’ problems including proactive planning solutions for individuals and businesses. Our goal is to be their primary financial advisor, their "Personal Financial Coach", if you will.

How long have you been a Chamber Board Member? I have been a Chamber Board member since 1995.

What is your Chamber Involvement? I have served as chairman of the small business committee and the Small Business and Entrepreneur of the Year nomination committee and Treasurer of the Chamber since 1999.

What are some the job positions you have held? I have practiced in public accounting since 1980 and have been a partner with Ercolini & Company since 1990.

Greg Hart has been married for 22 years to his wife Diane. They have three children, Meredith, Caroline and Daniel. Greg enjoys coaching their various sports including baseball, soccer and basketball. He also enjoys traveling to new baseball stadiums.

The Chamber's Board of Directors meets regularly to address policy and issues of economic and community concern. Each month a Board Member will be profiled in this section of the Action Report.

Regional Business After Hours at Gillette Stadium

On Thursday, September 18, the New England Revolution will host the Ultimate Business After Hours at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA. The event will take place in the Fidelity Investments Clubhouse overlooking the field prior to the Revolution home game. Chambers of Commerce from all over New England will be invited to participate in this unique event.

The cost for the event is $55. This includes food, two drink tickets per person and a parking pass.

For more information or to order by phone, contact Kevin Barney at the New England Revolution at 508-384-9192.

Walmart Supports Small Business Assistance

Rosa Gaskins, Director of Community Relations for Walmart presents James Blake, President of Brockton Credit Union and Chairman of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce with a contribution for the Metro South Business Assistance Center at the Chamber Day at the Rox. The Metro South BAC provides prospective and existing small business owners with the technical assistance and resources that they need to grow their small business. Chamber Day at the Rox was sponsored by Brockton Credit Union.

The Brockton Historical Society Presents Memoirs

The Brockton Historical Society presents Memoirs on Saturday, October 18, 2003 at the Massasoit Conference Center. The reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. and dinner is at 7:30 p.m.

Included in the event is "The Historic Citizens Award", which will be presented to Leo Narducci in a retrospective fashion show highlighting his career. Mr. Narducci grew up in Brockton where his parents owned a clothing business. Upon graduation from Rhode Island School of Design, Leo moved to New York City where he enjoyed a very successful career in fashion.

The cost of the event is $50 and the dress code is to be creative. For more information or to make reservations contact Barbara Lutz at 508-583-1039 or Lee Roukous at 508-587-0328 or visit www.brocktonma.com.

Lending alternatives for Small Business

Provided by Ercolini & Company, LLP

One of the greatest challenges facing a small company is securing a loan or finding a venture capitalist to fund a planned expansion, modernization or operation. Quite often, an initial stumbling block is knowing where and how to go about getting a loan. What many small businesses might want to consider is that the Small Business Administration (SBA) can be a creative team player when the need to seek out a small business loan arises.

The Small Business Administration was established in 1953 to help ensure America's small businesses are given an equal opportunity to grow and succeed. Because so many small businesses have a difficult time qualifying for bank loans, the SBA has become an integral part of many companies’ short-and long-term plans.

The SBA offers a variety of assistance programs designed to meet a wide array of small business needs. The SBA's 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program is their primary lending mechanism, accounting for more than 80% of all lending activity. There are a number of smaller, specialized programs that also fall under Section 7(a) of the Small Business Act.

Some of the programs included under Section 7(a) are: loans for small businesses; loans for short-term and cyclical working capital needs; special loans for businesses engaged in international trade; loans for exporters in need of short-term working capital; loans for financing pollution control facilities; financial and technical assistance for small-sized defense-dependent businesses; special assistance to minority and women loan applicants; financial assistance to employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs); surety bond guarantees; and special considerations for veteran loan applications.

In addition to providing economic assistance the SBA's Office of Advocacy acts as a watchdog by ensuring that small business interests receive fair congressional, executive, federal, and state agency attention. The SBA also makes sure that small business receive fair consideration on loan applications, as well as government contracts and purchases.

Businesses whose loan requests are denied by conventional lending institutions may wish to consider applying for an SBA loan. Upon having its initial loan request rejected, the business should ask if its lender would consider making the loan under the SBA Guaranty Program. If the lender then agrees to make the loan, the applicant for submission to the SBA On the other hand, if the lender elects not to make a loan under the SBA Guaranty Program, the business can then apply for a direct loan from the SBA, provided the business satisfies the categorical requirements of one of the special loan programs.

If a business were interested in an SBA loan program, a good first step would be to contact the Small Business Development Center at 508-673-9783. Each center works in concert with its respective state governments in areas concerning economic development and small business assistance. They also provide counseling and training for established and fledgling small businesses. In addition, those centers can supply information on which type of loan program for which a business may qualify.

If you would like more information on how an SBA loan program could help you, visit the SBA website at www.sba.gov.

~ Member Profile ~
Media Concepts

Company Name: Media Concepts

Address: Whitman, MA 02382

Telephone: 781-447-1312

Website: www.mc-internet.com

Year Established: 1992

What markets do you serve? Media Concepts serves the small business markets.

What is your market area? Our market area for website design is national and the market area for video production is eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Products/Services: Media Concepts provides website design, maintenance and video production.

What is unique or special about your firm and the products and services you offer? Media Concepts offers personalized service, rapid turnaround and years of experience.

What is your main business objective concerning your customers and the business community? Media Concepts strives to meet all clients requirements in a timely, efficient and friendly manner.

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. The next breakfast will be held on Thursday, September 18, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn - Metro South.

Human Resource Management Council Meeting Sept. 24

Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2003
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Location: Holiday Inn-Metro South 195 Westgate Drive, Brockton

Two Topics You Won't Want to Miss!

Developing Your Worksharing Plan
Christine Swenson, Massachusetts Division of Employment and Training

Worksharing, a program of the division of Employment and Training, is designed to help both employers and employees during a temporary slowdown in sales or production. Attend and learn how your company could benefit from the WorkSharing program, a win-win for Massachusetts workers and their employers.

Executive Coaching for HR Directors
Linda Learner, Stonehill College

Stonehill College's Human Resources Certificate Program offers up-to-date information and meaningful insights for those with human resources responsibilities. Join Linda Learner, one of the program's instructors, as she presents Executive Coaching for the Human Resources Director.

The Human Resource Council offers a Guest Pass Program. You may invite a colleague whose company is not a Chamber member to an HR Meeting free of charge. Build relationships with other HR professionals and business owners while introducing them to the benefits of joining our Chamber.

"Jobs First Day" September 4 at CareerWorks

As part of the Governor's statewide focus the on One-Stop's, CareerWorks, the Brockton Area One-Stop Career Center, is offering an exciting jobs program. Jobs First Day will be held Thursday, September 4, 2003. This open house will showcase the services the center provides to employers and job seekers. The schedule of events includes: Job Development Workshops offered every hour including Computer Basics, Internet Basics, MS Word, Job Search Strategies, Dynamic Resume Writing, Resume Critiquing and Interviewing. A Mini-Job Fair from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon is also planned.

CareerWorks is conveniently located in downtown Brockton at 34 School Street, across from City Hall and the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. The hours of the open house are from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. For further information please contact Michele Audette, Manager of Core Services at 508-513-3417.