Good Morning Metro South!
October 23rd

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce will hold the next Good Morning Metro South (GMMS) on Wednesday, October 23, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn - Metro South located in Brockton.

The workforce-themed breakfast promises to be fast-paced, informational and educational with speakers Victor DeSantis, Bridgewater State College; and Jack King, Massachusetts Division of Employment and Training.

The October sponsor is Spaces that Work located in Brockton. Spaces that Work specializes in designing functional small office and retail workspaces.

As always, the Good Morning Metro South program is a great networking opportunity. Guests are encouraged to stay for informal networking immediately following the program. 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 for members and $22 for non-members.

Legislative Reception
October 3rd

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce cordially invites members of the business community, candidates for public office, and state, federal and local elected officials to gather on Thursday, October 3, 2002 for the 13th Annual Legislative and Candidates Reception. The reception will be held at Donahue Hall, on the campus of Stonehill College in North Easton, MA from 5:30-8:00 p.m. The reception is sponsored by New England Sinai Hospital and Rehabilitation Center and Stonehill College.

The reception is a casual event at which business leaders, elected officials, and candidates for public office can renew face-to-face contacts and discuss issues of importance to them and the business community while enjoying a complimentary bar and hors d'oeuvres.

Legislative actions at municipal offices, on Beacon Hill and in Washington are having far greater impact on Metro South area businesses than ever before. As a result, there is a greater need for our business community to speak out and be heard on regulations affecting commerce and industry.

As a member of the Metro South Chamber, your organization has a vested interest in helping to foster stronger relationships with area legislators. 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 government understands and supports the needs and concerns of the business community in our region.

Last year's reception was a success with over 100 business people in attendance.

Register by calling 508-586-0500 ext. 225. The event is free. Pre-registration is necessary.

Good News

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

Quincy resident Matt Grant has been named Account Executive at Bay Copy, the area's premier provider of digital document solutions. Grant brings over 10 years of sales experience to his new position as Account Executive. Grant earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Stonehill College in Easton, MA. Bay Copy maintains headquarters at 100 Reservoir Park, in Rockland, MA. In addition to a full line of Konica and Muratec equipment, Bay Copy provides new technology and connectivity solutions for customers looking to reduce both their per-copy price of generating information and their labor costs.

The Fuller Museum of Art is pleased to announce a very special community-wide fundraising event to support the programs and exhibitions of the Fuller Museum of Art. The event takes place Friday, November 1, 2002 at the Fuller Museum of Art, 455 Oak Street, Brockton, Massachusetts. Tickets are $100 per guest and include a catered dinner at 8:00 p.m. and dancing until 11:00 p.m. Ticket price also includes one raffle ticket for a chance to win a Paul Stankard paperweight valued at $4,500. There will also be a silent auction and cocktails from 6:30-8:00. For more information, or to reserve tickets, please call Kristin Villiotte at 508-588-6000 ext.118.

National Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 6-12 this year and during this week, Rogers and Gray Insurance Agency, Inc., will be providing fire education and prevention materials to schoolchildren from the South Shore through the Lower Cape. More than 10,000 fire hats will be distributed. During National Fire Prevention Week, Rogers & Gray invites you to stop by any of its seven offices to pick up information on fire prevention and safety.

On Sunday, October 6 at 9:30 a.m. the New England Sinai Hospital and Rehabilitation Center will host it's first annual Walk For Seniors. Funds from the walk will be used to help cover the Sinai Adult Day Health Care Program costs for seniors who are unable to afford the program's daily cost. The race begins and ends at Alberts Restaurant located at 217 Washington Street, Stoughton, MA. Walkers may pre-register on the morning of the race. For a registration form and race information call Joyce at 781-297-1369. In addition New England Sinai and Rehabilitation Center would like to announce the appointments of Paula Picard and Suzanne Barrett. Picard, BSN,RN was appointed to Nurse Wing Manager and Barrett, RN, BSN has been promoted to Wing B Assistant Nurse Manager.

On Thursday, August 29, the International Trade Assistance Center held it's annual Legislator of the Year Award. The ceremony honored Senator Mark C. Montigny and was held at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth's Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center located at 151 Martine Street in Fall River. This award is given each year to a legislator who has demonstrated a commitment to helping our region expand internationally. ITAC is a private, non-profit organization that provides international trade assistance to local companies. Any company interested in receiving assistance from ITAC should contact Tobias Stapleton at 508-910-9848.

The Brockton Rox of the independent Northern League, hoping to keep alive the momentum of their successful inaugural season, have opened a retail outlet store at Campanelli Stadium. The store, Rox'n Things, will allow fans to purchase authentic Rox apparel and merchandise on a year round basis. During the baseball off-season, the store will be open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During the season, in addition to the regular store hours, Rox'n Things will be open evenings and weekends when the Rox are in town.

The UMass Center for Professional Education at Brockton, located at 34 School Street, will hold a grand opening on November 13, 2002 at 2:30 p.m. The center houses Career Works (the local one stop career center), the UMass Extension Nutrition Education Program, the New England Institute of Law Enforcement Management and the Shaw's Career Transition Center. All are invited. For more information call Marni Dunton at 508-513-3464.

The Brockton Symphony Orchestra presents the 55th Fanfare Concert, Sunday, October 6, at 3:30 p.m. at Brockton High School. This grand opening concert features four festive pieces that will demonstrate the 55 year-old orchestra's versatility. Respighi's Pines of Rome, and Roman Carnival by Berlioa, and Hummel Trumpet Concerto in E-flat Major are on the bill, plus a special selection to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of American composer, Richard Rogers. A medley of one of his most recognizable music theater creations, Carousel, will be performed as a special feature. Subscriptions or single tickets may be purchased. Single tickets priced from $10-$19.50. Group, senior and student discounts available. For information call 508-588-3841 or log on to www.brocktonsymphony.org

Brockton Hospital is pleased to announce new fall programs and lectures. On Wednesday, October 2 at 7:00 p.m. there will be a discussion given by Keith Merlin titled, "Menopause Myths and Hormone Replacement Therapy Truths". There will also be an interactive discussion on how to ease the aches and pains associated with arthritis. To register for these lectures call OneCall at 508-941-7979. Space is limited. In addition Brockton Hospital will hold a mammography screening on October 18, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Women's Imaging Center at Brockton Hospital. Most insurances provide coverage for mammogram screenings. Pre-registration is required. Call OneCall at 508-941-7925 to register.

The International Trade Assistance Center (ITAC) announces the creation of "Export Metro South". The new program, created in conjunction with the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, is aimed at small to medium-sized businesses in the Metro South area that wish to increase their export revenue. As of October 17, representatives from ITAC will be holding regular office hours at the Metro South Chamber of Commerce on School Street, in order to meet one-on-one with local businesses. Companies interested in participating in this no-cost program should contact the Metro South Chamber at 508-586-0500 ext.221. Appointments will be scheduled from 9:00 a.m. through noon. Afternoon appointments are available upon request.

The new owners of Star Land Recreation Center on Route 53 in Hanover are planning to upgrade the 35-year-old amusement complex, including a state-of-the-art miniature golf course. Paul Durgin, vice president of Conway Commercial, recently negotiated the sale of Star Land for $3,000,000. Conway Commercial is a division of Norwell- based Jack Conway & Co., the largest privately-owned real estate firm in Massachusetts. Conway has more than 600 sales agents in 40 offices from Boston to Cape Cod.

The West Bridgewater Public Library is presenting "Smart Women Finish Rich", a workshop program, led by Investment Representative Peter J. Dutcher of Edward Jones Investments, on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 at 7 p.m. in the Meeting Room of the West Bridgewater Public Library. This program for professional business women is being presented through the Small Business Improvement Mini-Grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. This motivational seminar is for women who want to learn how to improve the quality of their financial lives right away. This program is free to interested women and anyone who may benefit. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to the Library at 508-894-1255 or e-mail bsmith@sailsinc.org.

The Internal Revenue Service has scheduled free Small Business Tax Workshops. The workshops are scheduled for October 26 and November 23. The time is from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The workshops will take place at Copley Place - Boston Training Center, Four Copley Place Center, 2nd Floor, Copely Square, Boston, MA. For more information or to register call 617-316-2541.

Demographics Changing Business Approach

In 1990, 75.6% of the U.S. poplulation was made up of white caucasians. In 2030 that percentage will have changed to 60.5%. Is your company prepared for the change?

Whether seeking freedoms or searching for greater prosperity, people from all lands have come to America since the early 1600s bringing their traditions, their culture and their special skills. Our nation is a giant melting pot built on the diversity of many cultures. Throughout the years, our cultural diversity has been a driving economic force. And in today's economic environment, it is even more important than ever that we recognize the diversity of our workforce and value it as an asset in accomplishing our business objectives.

Addressing cultural competency can directly affect the bottom line. To help people better understand cultural diversity and recognize how becoming culturally competent can positively impact their business or organization, Community Health Issues Alliance (COHIA) is presenting a one day workshop, "Increasing the Odds for Success... Position Your Organization to be Culturally Competent" on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 at Massasoit Conference Center, Brockton, MA , 8:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. Presenters are: Judge Charles Walker, Administrative Judge with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA), Immediate Past Chair of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), associate professor at New England School of Law and adjunct professor at Boston College; Marilyn Gardner, RN, Cultural Competency Coordinator, VNA Care Network, Inc.; Louis Brambilla, president, Lessons Learned; and Roberta Rosenberg, founder, Multi-Cultural Coalition for the Aging.

Registration of $30 includes continental breakfast, lunch and conference materials. An additional fee will be in effect for those wishing to receive nursing (4.5 contact hours) or social work CEUs. For more information or to receive a conference brochure/registration form call Carole Herrup: 781-297-1329.

Welcome New Investors

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

Attitash/Bear Peak
Rt. 302, P.O. Box 308
Bartlett, NH 03812
Tel: 781-335-8867
Fax: 603-374-1960
Bob Hassett

Cornerstone Benefits Group, Inc.
875 Centerville Rd.
Warwick, RI 02886
Tel: 800-678-1700
Fax:401-821-6003
Mr. Mark A Giorgio
Insurance

Denise Robichaud Interior Design
100 N. Water St.
E. Bridgewater, MA 02333
Tel: 508-378-2992
Fax: 508-378-8820
Denise Robichaud
Interior Design

Effective Logistics
194 S. Main St.
W. Bridgewater, MA 02379
Tel: 508-588-8427
Fax: 508-588-3217
Christopher T. Daly

Growthways, Inc.
1330 Main St.
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-941-6505
Marty Berliner

H & F Consulting
61 Belmont Street
W. Bridgewater, MA 02379
Tel: 508-580-8500
Fax: 508-588-8988
Cheryl Washwell

Julian Plumbing
934 Ash St.
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-583-1502
Fax: 508-580-4886
William Julian
Plumbing & Heating

Law Office of Patricia A. Lennon
71 Legion Parkway #16
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-580-5691
Fax: 508-580-3553
Atty. Patricia Lennon
Attorneys

Protection One
340 Turnpike St.
Canton, MA 02021
Tel: 781-774-7219
Fax: 781-828-3210
Robert Wanders

Savantic Software
41 Highland Ave.
Suite 8
Randolph, MA 02368
Tel: 781-986-0800
Fax: 781-986-0801
Robert Ng

Our Chamber continues to grow stronger through referrals from our members. Please refer a member today.

Chamber Action
Get Involved!

The Chamber provides many opportunities to expand your business contacts. For a complete list of all Chamber committees, please visit www.metrosouthchamber.com or call 508-586-0500 ext. 221.

Human Resource Management Council
The Human Resource Management Council (HRMC) supports and provides continuing education and consulting to professionals in the ever-changing world of human resources. Regardless of the size of your business, human resource issues directly affect you, and the resources of the Council can be your link to vital information. If you, or someone at your business, would like to receive notice of upcoming HRMC meetings, contact Lisa Keene at 508-586-0500 ext. 231.

Ambassador Team/Membership
The Ambassador Team meets on a monthly basis to serve fellow members by providing information, resources, and member-to-member support, increasing awareness and promoting active participation in Chamber programs and services. Presently, there are over twenty business professionals on the Ambassador Team. To become an Ambassador, contact Lisa Keene at 508-586-0500 ext. 231or e-mail lisa@metrosouthchamber.com.

Metro South Government Affairs
The Government Affairs Committee meets on a monthly basis. Government affects your life everyday. Legislative actions at municipal offices, on Beacon Hill, and in Washington D.C. affect your organization's continued ability to prosper. With widespread concern over the status of the national economy, now more than ever is the time to speak out and be heard on taxes, regulations, and other issues that affect your bottom line. To learn more, contact Roy Nascimento at 508-586-0500 ext.225.

Students Learn Through Summer Internships

For six weeks this summer, fifteen Whitman- Hanson Regional High School Students participated in a summer work-based learning program funded by the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board. The program created learning and earning opportunities for students by connecting classroom activities to the students’ jobs.

For many students, this program was their first employment experience.

The federally funded grant, secured by Marilee Cantelmo, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, with the aid of Georgia Clancy, School to Career Coordinator, was aimed at helping students realize skills and knowledge gained through academic studies and then put them into practice at the workplace. Through journal writing, scenario reading, role-playing, and actual work experience via a paid internship, students began to value responsibility and accountability both in school and in private industry.

Whitman-Hanson Regional High School teachers worked with four local employers ( Lite Control, Inc., Merry Deb Daycare, Honey Tree Day Care, and Health South Rehabilitation Hospital of Braintree) to identify job placements for the students. Once placements were identified, the teachers and employers worked collaboratively to develop several skill sets and competencies that the student would focus on during the internship. As part of the program design students participated in a week-long career preparedness curriculum that introduced students to the habits and responsibilities of good employees. After completing the week long curriculum, students then began a 5 week internship.

The success of students in the program was supported by the positive feedback from work-site supervisors who evaluated the student's performance on the job using the Massachusetts Work-Based Learning Plan (WBLP). The WBLP is an assessment tool that bridges experience with work experience through the use of nine competencies.

Summer intern programs such as these contribute both short and long-term benefits to the community. Not only by giving students exposure to potential career opportunities, but also by improving the quality of the employment pool. For example, many of the employers this summer expressed a desire to hire students on this fall part-time. However, one employer is going a step further. Health South Rehabilitation Hospital of Braintree has invited one student to continue working with the company throughout his senior year. Upon his graduation this spring, Health South plans to hire the student on full- time and send him to Pennsylvania for additional training.

For more information on how to become involved in School to Career activities please contact Meghan Abella-Bowen at the Brockton Workforce Investment Board at 508-584-3234.

Business-to-Business Expo
November 13

As part of the 89th Annual Meeting, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce will host a business-to-business expo on Wednesday, November 13, 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 table top 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 Expo you will find booths by Bridgewater State College, Career Works, Fleet Bank, and Fulfillment Inc. to name a few.

The cost of a booth is $229. Call before October 16 and receive the discounted price of $199. In previous years, the Chamber's response to this opportunity has been very strong. Since space is limited, registrations are on a first come, first served basis. To reserve your booth space, call Lisa Keene, program director, at 508-586-0500 ext. 231 today.

The Community Bank Hosts Business After Hours

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

The event is planned as part of a year-long celebration of the Bank's 125th year of service to Brockton and the surrounding communities. The event also features great door prizes.

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.

Annual Meeting and Business-to-Business Expo November 13th

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce will hold its 89th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 13, 2002, 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 featured speaker at this year's annual meeting is William M. Bulger. Bulger became the twenty-fourth president of the University of Massachusetts in 1996. From 1978 to 1996, he served as President of the Massachusetts Senate, making him the longest serving Senate president in Massachusetts’ history.

Under President Bulger's leadership, the University of Massachusetts has dramatically increased support from private sources, promoted higher standards for incoming students and expanded honors programs. The University has also attracted record amounts of research funding, began generating significant income from the licensing of intellectual property, and launched a $1billion capital improvement program.

The Annual Meeting is sponsored by FirstFed Savings Bank. Tickets are $39/person and $390/table of ten. To register, call 508-586-0500, ext.221.

October Calendar

2	Ambassador Team Meeting	8:00 am
3	Legislative Reception Sponsor: New England Sinai Hospital and Stonehill College Location: Donahue Hall, Stonehill College	5:30 to 8:00 pm
8	BAC Workshop "How to Develop & Maintain Cash Flow"	8:30 to 11:30 am
9	Human Resource Management Council Holdiay Inn-Metro South	8:00 am
14	Columbus Day	Chamber Office Closed
15	Executive Committee Meeting	4:00 pm
17	Business After Hours The Community Bank	5:30 to 7:00 pm
18	Government Affairs Meeting	7:45 am
22	BAC Workshop "Strategies For A Successful Marketing Campaign"	8:30 to 11:30 am
23	Good Morning Metro South Sponsor: Spaces That Work Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South	7:30 to 9:00 am
30	Board of Directors Meeting	12:00 noon

November Calendar

6	Ambassador Meeting	8:00 am
8	Government Affairs Meeting	7:45 am
13	89th Annual Meeting Location: Ridder Country Club, Rte. 14, Whitman	12:00 noon to 1:45 pm
13	Business-to-Business Expo Sponsor: First Federal Savings Bank Location: Ridder Country Club, Rte. 14, Whitman	10:30 am to 3:30 pm

December Calendar

4	Ambassador Meeting	8:00 am
10	Executive Committee Meeting	4:00 pm
12	Human Resources Management Council Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South	8:00 am
13	Government Affairs Meeting	7:45 am
18	Board Meeting	12:00 noon
19	Good Morning Metro South Sponsor: Thomassen Associates Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South	7:30 am

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

Make The Government Your Next Customer

With funding from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Massachusetts Department of Economic Development, through the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Isenberg School of Management, the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) was established in November 1999.

Many forms of service are provided to PTAC clients. The most valuable of these services is one-on-one counseling, both during the proposal process and the subsequent contract period. When a client talks to a PTAC specialist, he/she is talking to a member of one of the strongest PTACs in the nation. The Massachusetts PTAC specialists have over 150 years of combined experience, both as government buyers and industry sellers.

Counseling sessions can involve discussing a client's issues or problems, researching potential solutions, and conveying those solutions back to the client. Through a combination of research and team brainstorming, PTAC specialists work to provide the most accurate and comprehensive information to all their clients. PTAC also can supply technical information, such as specifications and standards (MIL-SPEC or MIL-STD) and pricing history. Pricing histories are available on any federally procured item with a National Stock Number or NSN (a number assigned to stock listed items of the Federal Government). Using past pricing helps clients gauge their competitiveness. Another valuable service is the bid match - a compilation taken from various bid notice sources, including the Commerce Business Daily, a vast number of government agency electronic bid boards, teasers: electronic -response-only bid notices, and state and municpal listings.

PTAC can assist your firm by:

• Assessing your potential as a government contractor
• Identifying government contract and subcontract opportunities
• Providing specifications and standards
• Helping to develop a quality control program
• Providing electronic commerce information
• Providing access to research and development funds
• Assisting with contract management

For more information contact the Procurement Technical Assistance Center at 508-673-9783.

Beacon Properties Expands Housing In Brockton

Fleet Development Ventures (FDV), one of the nation's leading bank-owned urban equity investment organizations, together with Beacon Residential Properties, an affiliate of the Beacon Companies, and Boston Capital recently joined Brockton Mayor Yunits and other city officials and residents in celebrating the grand opening of the Walkover Commons.

Walkover Commons, a $13.1 million mixed-income housing facility, features 80 new one and two-bedroom rental housing units. To date, Walkover Commons Management has received more than 600 applications and has 20 units leased.

FDV, through its Real Estate Equity Group, provided $8.9 million of equity to help finance the Walkover Commons project, which was syndicated by Boston Capital, and was developed to help address the affordable housing shortage. According to market research conducted by Boston Capital, there is a strong demand for rental housing in Brockton where supply has remained nearly constant over the past 10 years with occupancy rates at 99 percent.

"This is a great project and has been a huge plus for Campello. These are beautiful units and the demand reflects that," said Mayor Yunits.

Walkover Commons was built on the site of the Walkover Club. The new facility features a fitness center, a library/reading lounge, laundry facilities on each floor, covered parking areas, and many other amenities.

Fleet Development Ventures is one of the nation's leading bank-owned urban equity investment organizations, is part of Fleet's Community Investment Group, a nationally recognized business model for implementing a holistic and innovative approach to community economic development in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

America's Employers Are Small Businesses

A New Report Shows Ninety-Nine Percent of All Employers Are Small Businesses

Small Business continues to be the nation's employer, according to a new report issued by the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The most recent data shows that over 99% of the country's employers are small businesses and that they employ more than half of the private workforce.

"Strong small businesses are vital to the health of the United States economy," said Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy. "It's no wonder that Americans look to Main Street to provide jobs and community support, especially during uncertain economic times," he continued.

Small business dominates several sectors of the American economy. For example, in construction 99.9% of firms are small, while 99.6% of businesses in professional, scientific and technical services are small, as well as 99.3% of the firms engaged in health care and social assistance.

The report, "2002 State Small Business Profiles" also demonstrates how women and minority- owned small businesses contribute to America's economy. The latest figures show that women own 26% of the nation's firms and minorities own 15%.

The complete report, which presents a small business profile of each state, is available from the Office of Advocacy web site at http://www.sba.gov/advo. For more information on the office of Advocacy, visit http://www.sba.gov/advo, or call 212-205-6533.

On Tuesday, August 27, Republican candidate for governor Mitt Romney along with his running mate Kerry Healy visited the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. Romney and Healy met with local business professionals within the community to discuss the Workforce of Tomorrow and many other issues facing businesses within the region. Healthcare costs, tax development incentives and urban issues dominated the agenda. Romney is the only Republican Candidate running for Governor.

Southeastern Massachusetts
Venture Forum ~ October 3

The Southeastern Mass Venture Forum will hold its next monthly meeting on October 3rd. The Forum's educational program brings together entrepreneurs and other individuals who may be interested in servicing and/or investing in growth companies.

This event will feature a talk by a successful entrepreneur, followed by a review of a growing business. Anastasios Simopoulos, President/ Senior Design Engineer for Beta Dyne, Inc. along with Harlan Batchelder, Vice President of Sales; will be presenting their business plan, which will then be critiqued by a panel of experts.

Beta Dyne, Inc., located in Bridgewater, MA, is a design-oriented electronics manufacturing company dedicated to providing the best of leading-edge technology for the telecommunication, computer, instrumentation and associated industries. The Company designs and manufactures function generators, ring generators, and DC/DC converters.

The October 3 program will run from 6:30 to 8:30 PM and will be held at the Moakley Center at Bridgewater State College. The Forum is managed by Bridgewater State College's Corporate & Professional Development office, part of Graduate & Continuing Education. The Metro South Chamber of Commerce is a co-sponsor of the venture forum.

The fee is $10, however Metro South Chamber of Commerce members can pay a reduced fee of $5 by pre-registering. To do so please contact Lisa Turner at (508) 531-2788 or visit the Forum website: www.semassventureforum.org.

Thank You Renewing Members

A1 Affordable Towing & Repair
AFLAC
Bauman Photography, Inc.
Bay Copy
Bob's Auto Body
Bridgewater Goddard Park Medical Assoication
Brockton Area Multi-Services, Inc.
Brockton Community Schools
Brockton Pediatrics, Inc.
Brockton Symphony Orchastra
CareerWorks
Catering by Linda
The Charlie Horse Restaurant
CNC Wire Cut
Dunkin Donuts
Easton Spring Corporation
Farley Funeral Home, Inc.
Fulfillment, Inc.
Furtados Freight Lines, Inc.
Genisis Capital Advisors
Gomes Plaster & Drywall
Accounting Offices of Daniel Kaplan
Lyne Laboratories, Inc.
Maver Memorials, Inc.
McCormick & Sons Insurance Agency, Inc.
Metromedia Energy, Inc.
Modern Auto Body
Mr. Appliance
The Ockers Company, Inc.
J.K. Olivieri Insurance Agency, Inc.
P.M.P. Associates, LLC
Pariseau Painting & Renovation Inc.
Powers & Waitt CPA's
Primary Vision Company/HR Alternatives
Protection One
Random Access, Inc.
RE/MAX Advanced Realtors
Residence Inn by Marriott
Rose Therese Cap & Gown Co.
Ruggiero & Son, Inc.
Sales Group
Shields Health Care Group, Inc.
Sims & Sims, LLP
Sportswear Inc.
Standard Modern Co., Inc.
Stonehouse Gardens Norwell Greenhouse Inc.
Stoughton Pumping Service
Trufant Real Estate, Inc.
Village Garage

Employer Forum Features Best Practices

The Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, and the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute are holding the Workforce Champions Forum on Tuesday, October 29, 2002 from 8:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m., location to be determined.

The Workforce Champions Forum is designed to help businesses access solutions to the critical challenges of hiring, training, and retaining qualified workers. Participants will learn about "best practices" in the area of workforce development that are being utilized throughout the region and will have the opportunity to define their company's employment needs and concerns. Participants will also receive information on current employment programs that are available to help them, and will learn how to develop a plan that outlines the solutions to the workforce challenges that they face.

Space is limited and early registration is recommended. To register, please contact Gaynor Andrews at 508-584-3234.

The Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board is one of the 16 Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) statewide working to build links between the business community and the workforce. The Boards oversee and implement workforce development activities in the Commonwealth.

Local United Way Holds Kick-Off Event

The Old Colony United Way kicked off their 2002-2003 fundraising campaign efforts at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton on Friday, September 20. A ballpark lunch was served and attendees were treated to some light fun and games.

Featured speakers included U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan, Joseph E. Ciccolo, Jr., Chief Volunteer Officer for the Old Colony United Way, and Barbara Fuyat, Executive Director of the South Shore Women's Center. Brockton Mayor Yunits, this year's Old Colony United Way Campaign Chair, stressed the importance of fundraising for 2002-2003 in veiw of the state budget cuts and an expected increase in the demand for services from the local United Way agencies. As a result of these anticipated demands, this year's goal is set at 1.9 million a 15% increase over last year. As government funding drops the local agencies will be turning to the United Way to maintain services in this slow economy.

The Old Colony United Way and its 37 member agencies serve 22 communities in the greater Plymouth Area. The purpose of the local United Way is to assure that the people of the Old Colony area are provided with an effective and efficient network of human care services.

~ Member Profile ~
William E. Beyer Design

Business Name: William E. Beyer Design

Address: 181 Copeland St., Brockton, MA. 02301

Telephone: 508-586-4906

Year Established: 1965

Products or Services: William E. Beyer Design offers portrait paintings of homes, people, pets, boats, etc.

Number of Employees: None

What is unique or special about your firm and the products and services you offer? I not only paint fine art watercolors but accept commisions of businesses, homes, boats, etc. I also paint montage paintings of towns and cities. I have print for sale on the web through "Wall Street Gifts".

What is your market area? I can paint anywhere by photos.

Please list awards, honors or special recognition your firm has received: I received the honor of painting the official poster for the tall ships. This was the official authorized print for the year 2000. I was one of the 20 artists choosen out of 9,000 applicants worldwide. The Kentucky Derby is carrying my race poster in their outlets and marketing efforts. Also a collector in Louisville, Kentucky has purchased my painting of the Titanic, signed by one of the surviving passengers of the Titanic, which was used in a documentary entitled "The Survivors". I am also listed in the "Currier" book of American Artists. I am currently the Chairman of the Board of the Milton Art Museum in Milton, MA. I have recently received the prestigious Grumbacher - Koh - Noor Award.

I am a graduate of Pratt Institute in New York and have been a commercial artist for the past twenty-seven years. I have over 35,000 limited editions of various subjects on the market today. Some of my exhibits have included The Copley Society in Boston, The Small World Gallery in Rockport, and the Todd Gallery in Wellesley. In addition to my murals and watercolors in some of the finest motels and restaurants, I have just finished seven large paintings for the South Shore Bank. This is the third such bank assignment. I am painting a new signed and numbered print for the Alumni Association of Brockton High School serving 55,000 graduates.

What is your main business objective concerning your customers and the business community? I establish life-long memories through paintings.

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, October 23, 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.