Metro South Chamber of Commerce - Action Report
October 2000
Inside this issue...

Business-to-Business Expo
Brockton News
New Members
Business Etiquette Workshop

Annual Meeting and Business-to-Business Expo November 15th

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce will hold its 87th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 15, 2000 from 12:00 noon to 1:45 p.m. at the Ridder Country Club, Rte. 14, Whitman. As part of its Annual Meeting, the Chamber will host a Business-to-Business Expo from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Annual Meeting will be sponsored by The Community Bank, a service-oriented bank based in Brockton. Since it was founded in 1877, The Community Bank has taken a friendly, personal approach to business. This operating philosophy can still be seen in every aspect of what the Bank does today.

The featured speaker at this year's Annual Meeting is Maceyo (Mace) Vaughan, certified trainer and consultant for J. Howard & Associates. Maceyo joined the consulting firm in 1995. He has lead fast-paced, engaging discussions and seminars at many organizations across the U.S., including Dupont, Home Depot, Fidelity, General Motors, MediaOne and Colombia University. J. Howard & Associates has a long reputation as innovators in helping organizations meet the demands of increasingly diverse employees, customers and markets.

Businesses today can profit by recognizing that managing for inclusion of all employees is directly connected to organizational strength and competitiveness. In an era of tougher competition and rigorous cost controls, maximizing productivity requires effective teamwork and full utilization of all employees. Effective people management has become the most critical bottom-line issue and must be accomplished in an increasingly diverse workforce. Most managers understand why it is important to manage diversity, but few understand how.

Prior to 1995, Mr. Vaughan held several managerial positions in private industry. Over a 27-year period he was vice president of a minority-owned diecasting company and vice president of a sixty employee electronics manufacturing company. From 1957-1961, Mr. Vaughan held top secret positions as a Special agent in Army Intelligence and from 1962-1968 as a Security Specialist in the National Security Agency, Washington, D.C. area.

Chamber Chair-elect Lou Russo of AT&T Broadband recently attended a session conducted by Maceyo. "He is a truly dynamic speaker with a powerful message. Productivity within the workforce of tomorrow can be maximized with the knowledge Maceyo provides us today.

We are fortunate to have him as our featured speaker for the Chamber's Annual Meeting," she said. Tickets are $35/person and $340/table of ten. To register, simply fax the back cover of this Action Report to 508-587-1340 or call 508-586-0500 ext. 221.

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 and Candidates 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.

Sponsored by Stonehill College, this popular event offers 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.

The following is a list of confirmed legislators and candidates for the 11th Annual Metro South Legislative Reception:

  • State Senator Robert S. Creedon, Jr.
  • State Representative Robert J. Nyman
  • State Senator Brian A. Joyce
  • State Representative Thomas J. O'Brien
  • State Senator Michael Morrissey
  • State Representative Joseph C. Sullivan
  • State Senator Jo Ann Sprague
  • State Representative Kathleen Teahan
  • State Representative Christine E. Canavan
  • Andrew Burbine, Candidate for Register of Probate
  • State Representative David Flynn
  • John Cafferty, Candidate for Plymouth County
  • Commissioner
  • State Representative Geraldine Creedon
  • Daniel M. Dewey, Candidate for Norfolk Clerk of Courts
  • State Representative William C. Galvin
  • John P. Riordan, Candidate for Plymouth County
  • Commissioner
  • State Representative Louis Kafka
  • Jack E. Robinson III, Candidate for U.S. Senator
  • State Representative Ronald Mariano
  • Mayor John T. Yunits, City of Brockton

This is 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 Metro South Chamber of Commerce office at 508-586-0500 ext. 221. The cost is $10 for members and $20 for non-members.

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 Company
Berry Real Estate
Stephanie A. Billingham, Psychotherapist
Diana Bougioukos
Bridgewater State College
Brockton Area Association 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.

Thayer Completes Institute

Christine Thayer, Program Director of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce has recently graduated from the Institute for Organization Management held at the University of Delaware. Institute is a four-year professional development program offering innovative, challenging and leading-edge continuing education for chamber of commerce executives. Institute is designed to position chambers to meet the needs of the 21st century. Specifically, program participants build skills essential to address the challenges of increased competition, greater member demands and tighter resources. Graduates of the Institute program receive a certificate in Organization Management.

Welcome New Investors

Twelve 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.

Accounting Team/ARI
1250 Hancock Street
Quincy, MA 02169
Phone: 617-479-1414
Fax: 617-479-1121
Jeffrey Ware
Employment

American Eagle Temp Services
955 Montello Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: 401-258-0088
Aires A. Goncalves
Employment

Brockton Public Schools
470 Forest Avenue
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: 508-580-7447
Fax: 508-894-4269
Maureen Murray
Schools/Colleges

Financial Matters
Bookkeeping Svce.
292 Hillberg Avenue
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: 508-243-3984
Ann E. Marrese
Business Support Services

Holy Cross Family Ministries
518 Washington Street
North Easton, MA 02356
Phone: 508-238-4095
Fax: 508-238-3953
William J. Riley
Religion

Hurry Associates
549 Columbian Street
South Weymouth, MA 02190
Phone: 781-331-7732
Fax: 781-331-0106
Robert Caldeira
Manufacturers' Representatives

J. Inman Gallery, Inc.
135 Belmont Street
South Easton, MA 02375
Phone: 508-238-3567
Fax: 508-238-3567
James Inman
Art/Custom Framing

Lady Limo
524 Ash Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: 781-844-9125
Fax: 508-580-2444
Marianne Rivard
Limousine Services

Mike Croft Interiors
39 Davis Street
Hanover, MA 02339
Phone: 781-871-0532
Michael R. Croft
Contractor-Specialty

Payrolls Plus, Inc.
541 Columbian Street
Weymouth, MA 02190
Phone: 781-331-3320
Fax: 781-331-7762
Don Richmond
Payroll Services

Reilly Electrical Contractors
14 Norfolk Avenue
Easton, MA 02375
Phone: 508-230-8001
Fax: 508-230-8885
James J. Reilly
Electrical Contractors

Top Quality Staffing Services
9 Main Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: 508-580-2267
Fax: 508-580-3403
Jerome Offutt
Agencies/Associations

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.

Chamber Offers Etiquette Session With Leading Authority

Business Etiquette for Today & Executive Dining Skills

Have you ever ...

  • Experienced anxiety when meeting new people or initiating a conversation?
  • Wondered what fork to use, which bread plate was yours or how to propose a toast?
  • Wanted to favorably impress an international guest?

If so, you are not alone. In boardrooms, livingrooms and classrooms across the country, etiquette is a hot topic. Why? Competition is stronger than ever before. Today, savvy individuals of all ages are cultivating social skills to ensure their success in a rapidly changing world.

Etiquette is the ultimate business tool. Whether you are cultivating a new business relationship or attending a function with the executive staff, your manners will be notice and judged. Yet, in the business world, exemplary dining skills are a must. Executive Dining Skills will provide you with the skills you need to handle any dining situation with ease. Business Etiquette for Today helps professionals present themselves with confidence and authority in all situations where business is promoted.

Roseanne Thomas is founder and president of Protocol Advisors, Inc. of Boston. She and her staff provide private consultation and present seminars on Business Etiquette, International Protocol and Executive Dining Skills. Ms. Thomas consults with Fortune 500 companies and other leading business organizations, colleges and graduate schools. Her clients include Fidelity Investments, Deloitte & Touche, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Putnam Investments, the Boeing Company, State Street Bank, Global One, New England Medical Center, Fleet Bank, MIT, Boston University and many others.

Ms. Thomas has been interviewed by National Public Radio, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald and The Patriot Ledger. She appears on television and radio and was featured on WCVB-TV's Chronicle. She also publishes articles on topics of etiquette and international protocol.

On November 15, the Chamber will hold an etiquette course for regional business leaders at the Ridder Country Club in Whitman. Seating is limited. The session begins at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude at 11:30 a.m., just prior to the start of the Chamber's 87th Annual Meeting. The cost is $50.00 per person. Contact Christine Thayer for more information at 508-586-0500 ext. 231.

Roseanne Thomas will present a preview at the upcoming Good Morning Metro South breakfast on Thursday, October 19 at the Holiday Inn - Metro South.


Good Morning Metro South! October 19th at Holiday Inn

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce will present the next Good Morning Metro South on Thursday, October 19, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn - Metro South located in Brockton.

This month's program features Michael Widmer from the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation who will be discussing several ballot questions coming up in November. In addition, State Senator Brian Joyce will discuss recent legislative initiatives and activities impacting residents and businesses in the Metro South region.

Senator Joyce serves the Metro South communities of Avon, Canton and Randolph. He serves on Banks and Banking; Government Relations; Human Services & Elderly Affairs Committees; and serves as Chair of the Public Service Committee and Vice Chair of the Criminal Justice Committee.

Sponsored by Brockton Hospital, the October GMMS promises to be fast-paced, informational and entertaining. Brockton Hospital is a private, non-profit teaching hospital serving 20 cities and towns in Metro South.

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.

"With over 150 people in attendance, I met more prospects in an hour at Good Morning Metro South than I could have in an entire week."

September 2000 Survey Response

October Calendar

4Ambassador Team Meeting8:00 am
5Legislative Reception
Donahue Hall, Stonehill College
5:30 to 8:00 pm
9Columbus DayChamber Office Closed
10Executive Committee Meeting4:00 pm
13Government Affairs7:45 am
18Mass. Department of Revenue Seminar9 am to noon
19Good Morning Metro South
Informal Networking
Sponsor: Brockton Hospital
Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South
7:30 to 9:30 am
26Board of Directors Meeting12 noon
26Human Resource Management Council
Holiday Inn - Metro South
8 to 10 am

November Calendar

1Ambassador Team Meeting8:00 am
5Business After Hours
Brockton Hospital
5:00 to 7:00 pm
10Government Affairs7:45 am
18Annual Meeting
Business-to-Business Connection
Sponsor: The Community Bank
Location: Ridder Country Club, Rte. 14, Whitman
9 am to noon

December Calendar

1Human Resource Management Council
Holiday Inn - Metro South
8 to 10 am
14Good Morning Metro South
Informal Networking
Sponsor: Merrill Lynch
Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South
7:30 to 9:30 am

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.

On September 20, the Brockton Symphony Orchestra hosted the Good Morning Metro South breakfast at the Holiday Inn. Symphony Board Chairman Ted Hague was on hand to introduce new Executive Director Geir Jaegersen, comment on the Symphony's current and future endeavors and conduct a survey about perceptions of the Symphony within the business community. "We realize the need for more marketing and outreach," commented Jaegersen. "The Symphony is highly regarded, but that hasn't been translating into attendance."

The Symphony will perform its regular season concerts on November 5, February 11 and March 25, with a special holiday pops concert on December 6 and the annual "Classics for Kids" concert on April 8. Call 508-588-3841 for more information.

Michael Nickley has been named Sovereign Bank New England's regional vice president for both the Massachusetts and New Hampshire mortgage division. Nickley's primary responsibilities will include developing SBNE's mortgage business and providing mortgage support to more than 190 community banking offices in both states.

The Boston Business Journal has once again included Colonial Maintenance Contractors, Inc. on its list of the "Area's Largest Janitorial Service Companies." Located in Avon, Colonial Maintenance provides janitorial service to a client area from Waltham, through downtown Boston, south to Raynham and Taunton, with an emphasis on the Metro South region.

Brockton Area AIDS Consortium will hold their 9th Annual Walk for AIDS on Saturday, October 7, beginning at 9:00 am at 500 Belmont Street in Brockton. Pledge sheets are available by calling 508-559-6510 or stopping by Attire for Hire at 13-15 High Street in Brockton.

Make A Difference Day Literacy Fair will be held on Saturday, October 28 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Raymond School, located on Oak Street, Brockton. This event is an opportunity for children Pre K to grade 6 to share books with adult readers, play bingo for books, visit with storybook characters and more.

On Saturday, October 21, between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m., the Artists' Circle of the Fuller Museum of Art will hold its Collector's Corner Art Sale at the Museum. The sale will feature original, quality art work offered by experienced artists, that will be well below gallery prices (no item will be sold over $150.00). Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, please call Paula Vespaziani at 508-947-5822.

Party Planet DJs are pleased to announce that they have merged with The Event Connection. "We look forward to continuing to serve our clients, both past and present. They will still be dealing the the same names and faces, and even some new ones as part of this move," says Charles Bernard, Sales and Marketing Director. "We are very pleased at this opportunity. It is a very positive move for both companies," continues Rob Peters, Operations Manager. Their new address is 51 DiAuto Drive in Randolph and their new telephone number is 781-963-3188.

The South Eastern Economic Development (SEED) Corporation recently announced the hiring of Susan Maguire as Business Assistance Coordinator for the Southeastern Business Network (SBN). Susan will be working with participating organizations from throughout southeastern Massachusetts to provide technical assistance to start-up and existing small businesses.

Business-to-Business Expo

As part of its Annual Meeting, the Metro South Chamber will host a business-to-business expo on Wednesday, November 15, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Ridder Country Club in Whitman. The Business-to-Business Expo is a great opportunity to reach over three hundred business people from throughout the Metro South region. Designed to be a personal expo, presenters will be provided with meaningful opportunities to promote their company to prospect after prospect. It is the right place, the right time, and the right audience. At this year's Connection you will find booths by B.C. Tent & Awning Company, Brockton Symphony Orchestra, Jack Conway & Company, and Mainframe Communications, to name a few.

The cost of a booth is $175. Call before October 17 and receive the discounted price of $150. In previous years, the Chamber's response to this opportunity has been very strong. Since space is limited, registrations are first come, first served. To reserve your space, call Christine Thayer, Program Director, at 508-586-0500 x 231 today.

News of Note

Come on in...water's fine!

Brockton's long-term water shortage will soon come to an end. The City of Brockton recently entered into agreement with Bluestone Energy Services Inc. to supply up to 3.5 million gallons of water to the city during periods of severe shortages. Bluestone energy and its parent company, AquaSource, will develop and operate a $40 million desalinization plant on 14 acres near the Taunton River in Dighton. The plant will filter brine and salt out of seawater providing a potentially unlimited resource of water for the region.

The desalinization plant marks an end to a shortage which has impacted Brockton and surrounding communities for decades. Resolution of the water shortage positions the City of Brockton and surrounding communities for new economic growth in the years to come.

Standard & Poor and Moody's upgrade Brockton's status

Standard and Poor has upgraded the City of Brockton from a BBB+ rating to an A- rating for 2000. Moody's assigned the city an A3 rating for 2000, up two levels from BAA2. These recent upgrades mark a complete turnaround for the City of Brockton. The new ratings will save the city millions and mark an improved outlook for the city. The ratings upgrade show that the City of Brockton is a good investment.

Two-Way Traffic Returns to Downtown Brockton

The state will be spending $6.5 million dollars on infrastructure improvements to downtown Brockton. The funds were included in the transportation bond bill approved by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Cellucci last month. Two-way traffic provides more direct access to Main street and downtown businesses, improves the urban character of the downtown streets, and provides for better access to and from state numbered routes in the downtown. This follows recent streetscape improvements on Main Street including roadway reconstruction, new sidewalks with brick banding, ornamental lighting, street trees, and new and on-going developments that are bringing back an economic vitality to downtown Brockton.

Member Profile -
Rogers & Gray Insurance Agency

Company Name: Rogers & Gray Insurance Agency

Address: 341 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02361 Rogers & Gray has five other offices located throughout Cape Cod.

Website: www.rogersandgray.com

Telephone: 1-800-242-0988

Year Established: 1906

What is your market area? Customers of Rogers & Gray are located throughout the country.

Products or Services: Rogers & Gray's product portfolio includes group health, dental, disability, life and AD&D plans; Voluntary (employee-paid) benefits; COBRA Administration; Section 125 plans; Executive LTD; Self-insured programs and Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs). In addition, the agency also offers Financial Services, Commercial Property & Casualty, and Personal Lines coverages. Mark Rezendes, Assistant Vice President of Rogers & Gray, assists employers in providing the best overall Employee Benefit Package within the company's budget. He works with employers in the areas of benefit design, rate negotiation and plan implementation.

What is unique or special about your firm and the products and services you offer? Rogers & Gray provides honest, knowledgeable advice and superior service. There is a team of experienced people within the benefits department that are readily available to assist customers. Customers are kept well informed on new products and government regulations. Rogers & Gray begins the renewal process well in advance of the plan anniversary date. Rezendes has access to virtually every benefit market available in Massachusetts as well as most nationally. Most insurers use brokers as a distribution channel which means that employers' costs are not increased when Rogers & Gray is involved.

Please list awards, honors or special recognition: Rezendes, a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, holds a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation. In addition to being a member of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Rezendes is a member of the Boston Chamber of CEBS and the New England Employee Benefit Council.

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.

Upcoming SBDC Seminars

Coping with the Pressure of Priorities
Dick Woodies, Richard Woodies Associates
October 27, 2000 ~ 9:00 to 11:00 am ~ $25/person

Learn how to develop skills to help make decisions that will enable you to meet those deadlines, stress-free.

Building Customer Loyalty Through Quality Customer Service
Ruth Palumbo, Verizon Communications
November 3 ~ 9:00 to 11:00 am ~ $25/person

Happy customers are key to the success of every business. Don't let poor service skills turn your customers away. Make great service your #1 priority.

Seminars will be held at the Metro South Business Assistance Center, Sixty School Street, Brockton, MA. To register, call SBDC at 508-673-9783.

Government Affairs

Next Committee Meeting:
Friday, October 13, 2000 at 7:45 a.m.
Metro South Chamber Conference Room 1

The monthly Government Affairs meetings provide an opportunity for member businesses to discuss issues important to them with their elected officials. Join other Chamber members for this opportunity to interact with legislators and hear first hand what is in store for the business community on Beacon Hill.

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