Good Morning Metro South!
October 22nd

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce will hold the next Good Morning Metro South (GMMS) on Wednesday, October 22, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn - Metro South located in Brockton.

The featured speaker is State Treasurer and Receiver General Timothy Cahill. Mr. Cahill was sworn into office on January 15, 2003. Prior to being State Treasurer, Cahill served as the Norfolk County Treasurer and also served as a Quincy Councilor.

The October sponsor is Bristol Investment Management located in South Easton. Walter "Buzz" Herlihy is a Chartered Financial Consultant and a Registered Investment Advisor with over 25 years experience in the financial service business.

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 9th at Stonehill College

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 9, 2003 for the 14th Annual Legislative and Candidates Reception. The reception will be held at Donahue Hall, on the campus of Stonehill College in North Easton, MA from 5:30-7:30 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 local 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 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 $5 for members and $10 for non-members.

Pre-registration is necessary.

Spam an Obstacle to Business

Story Provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

"The proliferation of bulk, unsolicited commercial e-mail has become more than a nuisance," said Joe Rubin, the U.S. Chamber's executive director for technology and e-commerce during testimony before the House Judiciary Committee in July. "Increasingly, consumers are getting bombarded with pornographic and misleading e-mail that overshadows the online communication efforts of legitimate companies."

Spam adversely affects both consumers and businesses. Consumers may be less likely to buy goods online if they think that including their e-mail addresses will lead to a storm of unwanted commercial e-mail. Further, they often delete bulk e-mail from their inboxes indiscriminately, unable to differentiate between spam and e-mail from legitimate companies. Businesses that communicate with their customers via e-mail risk being mistaken as spammers and then being hit with legal action. They also endure productivity losses when spam contains dangerous viruses that corrupt computer systems. And who can forget all the time it takes to download and delete unwanted messages?

To help address the growing spam epidemic, the Chamber supports the Reduction in Distribution Spam Act of 2003. Not only would the act empower Internet service providers to go after spammers, it would also create greater cooperation between business and government, strengthen the Federal Trade Commission's enforcement abilities, and create a single uniform code for e-mail communicators. Such legislation, which is currently awaiting a vote in the House of Representatives, would decrease the harmful impact of spam without stifling the ability of companies to reach their customers, both current and potential.

Good News

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

Mr. Michael Somers of Dighton has been named Library Director at Bridgewater State College. He began his position on July 1. His administrative responsibilities include strategic planning for the library's future, library resources development, managing budgets, and allocation of resources for day-to-day library operations. Mr. Somers comes to Bridgewater from Indiana State University. He holds a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Oakland University, a master's degree in Creative Writing and a master's degree in British American Literature from Purdue University and a master's degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan.

The Friends of Sachem Rock Farm are holding a Fall Festival at Sachem Rock Farm, 355 Plymouth Street (Rt 106) in East Bridgewater on Saturday, October 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. Rain date is Sunday October 19. Some of the activities included are pumpkin carving, scarecrow making contest, hayrides, and pony rides. There will be a "Birds of Prey" demonstration as well as performances by the New World Theater. Also listen to "Dale and the Duds" and learn about the history of Sachem Rock.

Plymouth Savings Bank is introducing a new concept in mortgage lending called the "Home Team". Residential Mortgage Officers will work together to originate mortgage loans, host open houses and provide superior customer service. Customers and Realtors can take advantage of around the clock support from any member of the team even if their loan officer is unavailable, using a direct phone line that is monitored after normal banking hours. Customers can also begin the mortgage process by visiting www.plymouthsavings.com/hometeam to be pre-approved for a mortgage loan.

WCVB Channel 5 personality Susan Wornick will host the fourth Annual Dishin' it up for the Homeless Dinner and Auction, an event that will raise funds for the Mainspring Coalition for the Homeless. The special event will take place Thursday, October 16 at Christina's on Route 1 in Foxboro. Cocktails will be served at 6:30 p.m. with dinner and live auction to follow at 8:00 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Mainspring Coalition for the Homeless, a community based organization that provides safe refuge and essential services to meet the needs of homeless men, women and children. The public is encouraged to attend. Tickets are $50 per person or $500 per table of 10. For further details, or to purchase tickets, call Linda Gately at 508-427-6448 ext. 18 or Executive Director Dennis Carman at 508-427-6448 ext. 10.

Kathleen Thomassen, President of Thomassen Associates in Raynham MA, now has a weekly radio show called Workplace Solutions. You can hear it on WPEP 1570 AM every Monday from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. Listeners will get information on how to find a job, keep a job, be a better employee or be a better employer. If you have a topic or question that you would like addressed on the show, please call Kathleen at 508-822-1570 ext. 7 and leave a voice message.

The Drop-In Room at the new $1.2 million Senior Center at 1 Deer Crossing in Lakeville will soon feature a game table and chairs made possible by a donation from Bridgewater Savings. The Bank's $1,765 contribution will cover the purchase of two antique rockers, four arm chairs and a wooden game table for the activities area of the new Senior Center. In addition for the fifth consecutive quarter, Bridgewater Savings has earned a 5-Star Superior rating for financial strength from BauerFinancial, Inc. and independent national bank research firm. Five Stars is the firm's highest rating, and indicates that Bridgewater Savings is one of the safest banks in the United States. Bridgewater Savings is a state-chartered bank with offices in Bridgewater, Lakeville, Raynham, and West Bridgewater.

National Fire Prevention Week is October 5-11 this year and during this week, Rogers & Gray Insurance Agency, Inc. as it has done for nearly 50 years, will be providing fire education and prevention materials to school children 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. Offices are located in Falmouth, Hyannis, Orleans, Plymouth, Sandwich, South Dennis and Wareham..

Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center's free community lecture and discussion series continues, and the next lecture, called "Strategies for Your Financial Security," takes place 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Monday, October 20, 2003, in the ground-floor community conference room at the hospital, 235 North Pearl Street, Brockton. The lecture and discussion are free, but pre-registration is required. Those interested may call 508-427-3547 for information to register.

The International Trade Assistance Center is pleased to announce that they have expanded to the Cherry & Webb building located at 139 South Main Street in downtown Fall River. The building, which houses UMass Dartmouth's Professional and Continuing Education Center, will allow ITAC to continue to deliver professional international trade assistance from a centralized location. Any company interested in reaching ITAC can contact us at 508-324-4422 or visit us on the web at www.massitac.org.

The Fuller Museum of Art in Brockton is searching for volunteers to serve as docents. Docents are responsible for educating adult and student tour groups on exhibitions as well as presenting outreach programs at community sites. Volunteers should be willing to commit to the Docent program for at least three years and should be available for tours during the week between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as needed. A background in art is not necessary-just a willingness to learn and work with others. Those who are bilingual are especially encouraged to apply. For more information, please call 508-588-6000 ext. 113 or visit www.fullermuseum.org

The Children's Museum in Easton, in collaboration with the Oakes Ames Memorial Hall Music Series, will present Jimmy Tingle, one of the top social commentators and humorists in the country. Proceeds from this special benefit performance on Thursday, October 23, at 8:00 p.m. will support the educational programs and exhibits of the Children's Museum in Easton. Tickets are $25 per person. Premium tickets are $35 and guarantee excellent seating, a complimentary beverage, and special post-concert reception with Jimmy Tingle. Advance reservations are strongly suggested. To reserve tickets call The Children's Museum in Easton at 508-230-3789. In addition, The Children's Museum in Easton is proud to announce the grand opening of their ZOOMZone, an exhibit which recreates the look and feel of Zoom, PBS's popular kids’ show. Activities in the zone will encourage children ages 2-11, to interact with hands-on scientific, engineering and mathematical problems.

The Fitzgerald Group, the region's leading reseller, training and support organization for MAS 90, MAS 200 and MAS 500 accounting and business software, announced that it has relocated its corporate headquarters to Sharon, MA. The new office effectively increases the space that The Fitzgerald Group has for its operations by 50% and offers the added benefit of having its Training Center located on the first floor, adjacent to the consultants’ stations. The Fitzgerald Group offers more than 50 years experience in implementation and training. The firm maintains and operates a full training center at its Sharon, MA corporate headquarters.

The Community and Professional Education Human Resources Program from Stonehill College will hold a breakfast seminar on Wednesday, October 15 from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at Stonehill College Alumni Hall.The breakfast seminar How To Create a Resilient Workplace in These Challenging Times will cover the ability to recover from hardship and difficult challenges, coping skills to deal with continuing change and what you need to know to find opportunity in chaos. The speaker is John Melo, Director of Organizational Development for Cytyc Corporation. The cost is $20. For more information contact Darlene Marks at 508-565-1295.

Information Boards Completed

The Brockton Information Boards were recently updated. The printing of the boards was done by Sign Design in Brockton.

The Brockton Information Boards feature a complete map of the City of Brockton, including major routes, transportation services, schools, points of interest, sponsor information, and a detailed inset of the downtown area.

The Brockton Information Boards support the revitalization of the "City of Champions" by promoting area businesses and locales, thereby, retaining dollars and fostering growth in Brockton. The boards are located at the BAT Intermodal Centre, Brockton Historical Society, downtown parking garage, downtown commuter rail station, the Fuller Museum of Art, and the Chamber.

Are You Eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit?

Claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a federal and state tax benefit for people who work. With both the federal and state tax credits, workers may get up to $4,600. Workers can claim both the federal and state EITC, even if they do not owe income tax, simply by filing federal and state income tax returns. They will receive a state credit equal to 15% of the federal amount. A person is eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit if they have more than one child and earn $32,121 or less, have one child and earn $28,281 or less or no children and earn $10,710 or less. Also all members of the family must have a social security number. Nonresident aliens are eligible if married to a U.S. citizen or resident alien. For more information call 617-918-5275.

Do You Have an HR Question?
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.

Champion City Recycling
1039 N. Montello Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Mr. Jack Walsh
Recycling

Creative Transitions
8 Nauset Road
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-584-9062
Fax:508-580-6466
Mr. Michael P. Connor

Heidi Churchill Real Estate Assoc.
277 Turnpike Street
Easton, MA 02375
Tel: 508-230-3750
Fax: 508-230-3758
Ms. Heidi Churchill
Real Estate/Residential

Holbrook Cooperative Bank
95 N. Franklin Street
Holbrook, MA 02343
Tel: 781-767-1888
Fax: 781-767-0515
Mr. Raul Ferrera
Banks/Financial

Joseph Trecarichi, CPA
P.O. Box 354
Bridgewater, MA 02324
Tel: 508-697-8270
Fax: 508-697-7164
Mr. Joseph Trecarichi

P.K. Beauty Supply
89 Main Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-588-6976
Fax: 508-588-6887
Wunuo Ryee
Beauty Salons/Supplies

Ram's Roti Restaurant
27 Pleasant Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-587-5535
Ms. Sharon Ram
Restaurants

Stor-U-Self
230 Oak Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-941-0009
Fax: 508-941-0022
Ms. Kelle Synder
Storage

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

B.A.C. to Business Workshops

SOMWBA Workshop

Date: Tuesday, October 9, 2003
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Cost: Free

Sponsored by the State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance (SOMWBA), this workshop will present the requirements for state and federal transportation certification for minority or women owned businesses. If your business has a product or service that the state buys, you could profit from certification. All SOMWBA applicants must attend one workshop.

For information and a registration package call: 617-973-8692, or log onto http://www.somwba.state.ma.us.

Exporting Seminar

Date: Thursday, October 16, 2003
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 am
Cost: $15/ per person (includes breakfast)

Join the Massachusetts Export Center for a small, informal and interactive discussion on exporting specifically designed for beginners. This seminar will cover the basic export process and will discuss the different players involved in the export transaction. Issues to be covered include determining export readiness, assessing and researching potential export markets, identifying and selecting potential export partners, mechanics of the export transaction, and working with export service providers. Be sure to bring all of your export questions.

To register call the Chamber at 508-586-0500 ext. 221.

All workshops are held at the Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC) located at 60 School Street, Brockton.

Pre-registration is required.

"Nuts and Bolts"
Workforce Grant Information Session
Sponsored by the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board

Date: Thursday, October 16, 2003
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Location: BAWIB Conference Room
34 School Street, Brockton

In a time of limited public resources, the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund and the Workforce Training Fund Express can provide dollars to employers to upgrade the skills of your workers. The topics to be covered are: Overview of the Workforce Training Fund and the Express Fund, Application do's and don'ts, obtaining technical assistance, forming a collaborative with other companies, selecting a training partner, and examples of matching funds.

To register or for more information contact Shannon Marshall at 508-584-3234 or email smarshall@bawib.org by Friday, October 10, 2003.

Annual Meeting and Business-to-Business Expo November 19th

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce will hold its 90th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 19, 2003, from 12:00 noon to 1:45 p.m., at the Massasoit Conference Center, Route 27, Brockton. 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 Thomas M. Menino. Thomas M. Menino is serving his third term as Mayor of the City of Boston. Elected first on November 2, 1993, he was re-elected to a second term without opposition in 1997, and won a third term in a landslide victory in November 2001. He had previously served four months as Acting Mayor and nine years as a District City Councilor from Hyde Park.

Mayor Menino serves as President of the United States Conference of Mayors, where he champions homeland security and housing availability. He has been an advisor to the National Trust for Historic Preservation since 1989.

Mayor Menino will discuss many items of interest including the National Democratic Convention Schedule for July 2004 in Boston and his recent initiative to increase awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit.

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 2003

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
14	Executive Committee Meeting	4:00 pm
17	Government Affairs Committee	7:45 am
22	Good Morning Metro South Sponsor: Bristol Investment Management Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South	5:30 pm
23	Business After Hours Queset on the Pond, Easton Sponsor: Douglas A. King Builders	7:45 am
31	Board Retreat Sponsor: Brockton Credit Union Location: Borderland State Park	8:45 am

November 2003

5	Ambassador Meeting	8:00 am
14	Government Affairs Meeting	7:45 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

December 2003

3	Ambassador Meeting	8:00 am
10	Executive Committee Meeting	4:00 pm
11	Human Resource Management Council Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South	8:00 am
12	Government Affairs Meeting	7:45 am
17	Board Meeting	12 noon
18	Good Morning Metro South Sponsor: Old Colony Elderly Services 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.

Business-to-Business Expo November 19

As part of the 90th Annual Meeting, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce will host a business-to-business expo on Wednesday, November 19, 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 Abington Savings Bank, Bennett Mortgage, Hub Technical, and Rodman & Rodman to name a few.

The cost of a booth is $275. Call before October 16 and receive the discounted price of $225. 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.

Douglas A. King Builders, Inc. Hosts Business After Hours

On Thursday, October 23, 2003 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Douglas A. King Builders, Inc. will host a Business After Hours at Queset On The Pond in Easton.

Queset on the Pond is a 99 unit, state of the art rental community with a direct response to the changing needs of active adults and is an important milestone in adult housing.

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.

Employer Involvement: A Key to Creating Tomorrow's Workforce

Story Provided by Meghan Abella-Bowen

School to Career (STC) began in 1994 as an initiative to make education more relevant and exciting to all students and to help raise academic achievement. Through STC programs and activities students work closely with teachers and employers to apply their academic learning to real-world tasks and address workplace challenges that build on classroom activities. These activities can be as simple as an employer being a guest speaker in a classroom to hosting a semester-long student internship at their company. For many students, STC activities will be their introduction to the working world and will ultimately facilitate their smooth transition into post-secondary education and the workforce.

Experience over the past decade has shown us that STC activities have many benefits for both students and employers. For students, research shows that students who participate in STC activities are more likely to receive better grades, stay in school, go directly to college, and approach life with a positive attitude. STC activities also provide students access to more career choices and options. For employers, STC provides direct access to shaping the future workforce. Because employers depend on schools to prepare their future employees, getting involved provides employers an opportunity to define the knowledge, skills, and abilities students need for the workplace. Through participation in STC activities employers can directly influence the education system through input on curriculum development and activities being offered to students.

So, how can businesses become involved? We are lucky in the Brockton Area to have a well established School to Career Partnership. Over the past decade our regional STC Partnership has been working with schools and employers to connect students to work and learning opportunities. Below are just some of the activities we offer in which employers can participate:

Business Guest Speaker - Employers visit students in the classroom and explain the work in their industry or company.

Career Fairs/Career Expo Day - Special events held to allow students to meet with employers to learn about the industry.

Company Tours - Students visit the worksite, talk with employees and observe workplace activities.

Job Shadowing - A student follows an employee at a company location to learn about a particular occupation or industry.

Internships - Students work for an employer for a specified period of time to learn about a particular industry or occupation.

Teacher Externships - Employers provide opportunities for educators to explore an industry or company to develop their knowledge of workplace skill needed for the industry.

If you would like to learn more about the STC Partnership or participate in STC activities please contact Meghan Abella-Bowen, Youth Services Coordinator at the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board at 508-584-3234.

Kathy Mattea Kicks Off United Way Campaign

The Old Colony United Way Campaign Kick-Off for 2003- 2004 campaign was a kick up your heels event. On September 19th, 2003 700 United Way Supporters, dressed in jeans and cowboy boots, moseyed over to Plymouth's Memorial Hall to enjoy the music of two time Grammy award winner Kathy Mattea. Proceeds from every ticket sold goes back into the community care fund of the Old Colony United Way in its support of services for the community.

Old Colony Supporters feasted on a Texas Longhorn BAR-B-Q at the Radisson Plymouth Harbor before the entertainment began. Steve Hall, Vice President of Business Services of Massachusetts Electric in his role as President of the Old Colony Board of Directors welcomed guests and rallied those present for a successful year as the community unites in "coming to the aid of those living and working in Plymouth County. We work to provide the most resources available improving the quality of life in our area. One in three people were helped last year in the Plymouth County area by a United Way funded program".

The 2003 - 2004 Campaign Chair Bob Gustafson, president of Crescent Credit Union, set the bar high at which the community must answer the needs of those less fortunate. "We are increasing the goal to $1,776,000. This is a substantial increase over last year but I know people in the community will do their best. The Old Colony United Way will stay focused and committed to the pressing needs of the community and work hard to achieve this aggressive goal."

Area businesses that helped to make the night a success include Saftler's of Whitman, PartyLite, The Home Depot, Holmes-McDuffy Florists, Inc. Petal Pusher Florist and the Radisson Plymouth Harbor and Memorial Hall.

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.

Thank You Renewing Members

Abby Mae's Limousine
Ailano School of Cosmetology/Ultimate Designer
Anania Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Bauman Photography, Inc.
Bay Copy
Bridgewater Fitnesss Center, Inc.
Bridgewater Goddard Park Medical Associates
Brockton Area Association for Retarded Citizens
Brockton Area Multi-Services, Inc.
Brockton Area Private Industry Council, Inc.
Brockton Pediatrics, Inc.
CWB Contractors, Inc.
Cardinal Spellman High School
The Charity Guild, Inc.
City Shredding Corporation
Coneco Engineers & Scientists
Creative World Children's Learning Center
Cromwell Consulting, Inc.
Diversified Environmental Corporation
Edwards Movers, Inc.
Forms & Graphics, Inc.
Freitas Real Estate Assoc. Inc.
Furtado Freight Lines
General Courier
George's Service Station
Irving W. Goldberg
Gomes Plaster & Drywall
Gowell Candy Shop, Inc.
The Guardian Center for Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitative Services
Health Care of Southeastern Mass., Inc.
Holy Cross Family Ministries
Home/Health and Child Care Services, Inc.
J.J. Cleaning Company
Accounting Offices of Daniel Kaplan
March of Dimes
Maver Memorials, Inc.
J.K. Olivieri Insurance Agency, Inc.
P & D Builders, Inc.
P.M.P. Associates, LLC
Pariseau Painting & Renovation, Inc.
Patriot Finishmen Inc.
Powers & Waitt CPA's
Pyramid Flooring
RE/MAX Advanced Realtors
Rentals Unlimited
Denise Robichaud Interior Design
Rose Therese Cap & Gown Company
S & S Temporary Work Service
SalesGroup
Self-Help, Inc.
Shields Health Care Group, Inc.
South Coastal Physical Therapy
Stonehouse Gardens Norwell Greenhouse, Inc.
Sullivan Tire Company, Inc.
Torrey Enterprises
Trufant Real Estate, Inc.
John T. Veale, D.M.D.

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.

Attitash Bear Peak Offers Upside to Down Hill Skiing

This winter, you can ski so much your teeth will hurt from smiling-with the $299 Attitash Bear Peak and Sunday River Pass. It's your ticket to good times all season at both Attitash Bear Peak and Sunday River. With the exception of just 16 blackout dates, the pass is valid all winter long including weekends. There is also an unlimited season pass being offered for $599 valid every day at both resorts. Either way, with 198 trails on 10 peaks combined, you’ll have plenty to smile about. But hurry, there is only a limited number. They’re going fast and the deal is good only while quantities last or until October 27, 2003. Get your $299 or $599 pass today by logging onto www.attitash.com/vipgroup.

Government Affairs Meeting

Next Committee Meeting: Friday, October 17 at 7:45 a.m.Metro South Chamber Conference Room 1

Mr. Bill Vernon of the NFIB/Massachusetts is the scheduled guest speaker at the next government affairs meeting. Mr. Vernon will discuss the ongoing crisis in our unemployment insurance trust fund. With the loss of more than 160,000 jobs since 2000, the UI trust fund balance has dropped from $2 billion to an estimated $50 million by the end of the year. Without intervention, employer rates could automatically increase by as much as 150%. 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.

For further information on the Government Affairs Committee, call Roy Nascimento at 508-586-0500 ext. 225.

Brockton Rox Win Championship

On September 11, 2003, the Brockton Rox became the 2003 Northeast League Champions. Over 3,500 loyal fans came out is support of the Wildcard Brockton Rox at Campanelli Stadium and witnessed the first ever professional baseball championship in the "City of Champions" with a 4-1 victory over the North Shore Spirit. The Rox became only the second wild card team to ever go on to win the Championship (New Jersey Jackals '01). Rox left handed pitcher Scott Martin tossed 6 2/3 innings with six strike-outs. He received a standing ovation when replaced, recorded his first career playoff win and won a championship all in the same game. All star Conor Brooks and Tony Stutz closed the door on the Spirit with 2 1/3 innings of perfect baseball.

The Brockton Historical Society Presents Memoirs

The Brockton Historical Society proudly presents "The Historic Citizens Award" fashion designer Leo Narducci 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 will be a retrospective fashion show highlighting Narducci's career.

Mr. Narducci grew up in Brockton where his parents owned a clothing business. Upon graduation from Rhode Island School of Design, Mr. Narducci moved to New York City where he enjoyed a very successful career in fashion. His many accomplishments included being awarded the coveted Coty American Fashion Critics Award.

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.

~ Member Profile ~
G. T. Reilly & Company

Business Name: G. T. Reilly & Company, Certified Public Accountants

Address: 424 Adams Street, Milton, MA 02186

Telephone: 617-696-8900

Website: www.gtreilly.com

Year Established: 1955

Products or Services: G.T. Reilly & Company is a full-service accounting, auditing, tax, and business consulting firm.

Number of Employees: 40

What is unique or special about your firm and the products and services you offer? We are a regional CPA firm that prides itself on close client relationships while having the ability to provide services nationally and internationally through our close-knit network of other regional firms in the U.S. (35 firms), and around the globe (80 countries) known as Moore Stephens International.

What is your market area? Our market area is primarily eastern Massachusetts and lower New Hampshire, with clients in surrounding states.

What markets do you serve? Our clientele includes corporations, closely-held & family businesses, financial institutions, non-profit organizations and individuals.

Please list awards, honors or special recognition your firm has received? G. T. Reilly & Company belongs to the President's Club at South Shore Hospital and is working on The Promise Campaign which has leading businesses whose generosity helps support quality care close to home.

What is your main business objective concerning your customers and the business community? Our objective is to establish a real working relationship with businesses and non-profit organizations who need us to help them grow and prosper.

Other affiliated companies are Moore Stephens Reilly, PC, Reilly Consulting Group, Inc., Reilly Financial Advisors, LLC, ReillyTech and Reilly Benefits.

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 22, 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.