Annual Meeting and Business-to-Business Expo November 14

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce will hold its 88th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 14, 2001, 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. All of the expo display space is sold out.

The Annual Meeting will be sponsored by Netronic, Inc. Netronic, located in the Easton Industrial Park, is a single-source provider of fully managed networks and communications services for businesses. The company provides realistic, cost effective solutions geared to the unique needs of small- and medium-sized businesses.

The featured speaker at this year's Annual Meeting is Carol Ann Small. Founder of Something Unique Productions, Carol Ann offers a unique perspective on the benefits of laughter and finding humor in the workplace and everyday life. Carol Ann is a motivational humorist and humor consultant who imparts wisdom with a twist of real-life comedy. From resolving conflict to building self-esteem, Carol Ann informs and entertains audiences. Her programs concerning stress management, customer services, and business/ gender communication teach participants the necessary skills to perform at their optimum level. Carol Ann's customized humor presentations have entertained corporations, associations, and the general public for more than a decade. She received her Bachelor's degree in Speech Communications and Performing Arts from Emerson College. She is a member of the National Speaker's Association and is included in Strathmore's Who's Who.

Tickets are $39/person and $380/table of ten. To register, fax the back cover of this Action Report to 508-587-1340 or call 508-586-0500 ext. 221.

Holiday Parade, Celebration
Downtown Brockton - Nov. 24

On Saturday, November 24, 2001, the Downtown Brockton Association (DBA), in conjunction with the City of Champions, will sponsor a Holiday Parade.

The day will feature free events throughout the downtown, including pictures with Santa at Tuxedos by Merian on 141 - 143 Main Street; train rides at Legion Parkway; and a tour of Fire Station #1 located on Pleasant Street. Other activities will take place at City Hall including face painting by the Kiwanis Club and Key Club; and crafts from the Council on Aging and D.W. Field Park Association. Caffe Mundo's famous chowder as well as other hot and cold refreshments will be served throughout the day.

The parade will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m. in front of the Old Bat Terminal on Main Street ending at City Hall Plaza.

City Hall will be open from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Featured at City Hall will be George Cataldo; the Sing-A- Long Singers; Teen Challenge Choir; Brockton High School Band; Henry the Juggler; Carol Duhammel, puppeteer and story teller; and Santa. Winners of the best float and best band will be announced and finally, the Mayor will turn on the Holiday lights.

Parking is available at the parking garage located on the corner of Main and Crescent Streets at no charge.

In years past, the event has attracted over 20,000 people from in and around the Brockton area. Over 2,500 people from community, school, and business groups participate in the parade.

The DBA encourages your organization's participation in this special event. Any amateur float, musical organization or marching procession is welcome. Registration deadline is November 10, 2001. Volunteers are also needed for the event.

To participate, volunteer, or receive additional information about this event, please call the Downtown Brockton Association at 508-587-4322.

Good News

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

Bridgewater State College recently has named John Paganelli of Milford associate director of internships and experiential learning. Mr. Paganelli will assist students in their search for job-related experience during their college years, and will also assist faculty members who monitor students during the internship period. He is currently planning the college's first-ever internship fair, scheduled for April 2, 2002. The event will feature a mix of private companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. Mr. Paganelli earned a bachelor's degree in psychology at Stonehill College and a master's degree in liberal arts with a concentration in teaching English as a second language from Clark University.

Jack Conway & Company recently entered its 45th year serving the real estate needs of buyers and sellers in Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod. Jack Conway, who started the company on October 12, 1957, in a small storefront on South Street in Hingham Square, said he was proud of the fact that his firm has survived for more than four decades - a rare feat in today's business world.

Leonard F. O'Connor, president of AQM Information Solutions - a leading provider of acquisition, qualification, account management products, and data enhancement solutions - announces the addition of Rapid Update to the AQM Real Estate Product Line. In an industry in which speed and accuracy is an absolute must, Rapid Update offers customers the means to notify credit repositories of legitimate changes on a loan applicants’ credit file that could delay a mortgage loans final approval. Rapid Update's electronic delivery and data exchange adds to the strength of AQM's Real Estate products and meets the demands of businesses in the mortgage industry.

The Brockton Credit Union hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its newest full-service branch at 295 Bedford Street (Route 18) in Bridgewater on Monday, October 1, 2001. This branch opening capped off a year-long expansion program which included new branch openings in Middleborough and Raynham, the relocation of a branch in Canton, and the opening of a Loan Center in Plymouth. As part of the celebration, James Blake, president and CEO of the credit union, presented checks in the amount of $250 to the Bridgewater Police Department and the Bridgewater Youth Center.

On Tuesday, November 27, 2001, beginning at 7:30 a.m., Slade's Ferry Bank Center for Business Research will conduct a free informational breakfast at the UMASS Dartmouth Resident Hall Conference Room. Attendees will learn about the broad-based business assistance available through the Center. Dr. Nora Ganim Barnes, Center Director, will delineate the Center's capabilities, and senior faculty members will present information on topics such as accounting and finance; business information systems; management; and marketing. To register, contact Jocelyn at 508-910-6434 or e-mail nbarnes@umassd.edu.

On Monday, December 3, 2001, from 8:15 to 10:30 a.m., the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board will conduct a "nuts and bolts" session on the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund at the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. Administered by the Massachusetts Division of Employment and Training, the Workforce Training Fund is intended to provide needed resources for businesses to train their current and newly hired employees. The Workforce Training Fund's major focus is on small- to medium-sized companies that would not be able to make the investment without this assistance. Training resources in the form of matching grants range up to $250,000 per grant recipient. Small employers (50 employees or less) are also eligible to apply for a Workforce Training Fund Express grant for up to $15,000. We urge you to attend this FREE session. For an agenda and registration form, contact the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board at 508-584-3235.

Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans are now available to Massachusetts businesses affected by the September 11 events or subsequent federal actions. Eligible small businesses that have been directly impacted and have suffered substantial economic injury can apply for working capital loans of up to $1.5 million at 4 percent for up to 30 years. Loan proceeds can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. We are fortunate in Massachusetts that the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, with locations throughout the state, will partner with SBA to assist business owners with the application process. Counselors at the SBDC centers also stand ready to assist companies with specific problems that have arisen since the events of September 11. Please contact the SBA in Boston at 617-565-5590 or in Springfield at 413-785-0484 for further information and for a copy of our "Massachusetts Business Assistance Guide," which outlines the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.

The Brockton Symphony Orchestra will hold its first concert of the season on Sunday, November 18, 2001, at the Brockton High School Auditorium located on Route 123 (Route 24, exit 17A) in Brockton. The fall concert will feature Verdi's Four Seasons - to be heard in its entirety, Pachelbel's Cannon, and Igor Stravinsky's Pulcinella Suite. Program notes and an introduction by Music Director and Conductor Jonathan Cohler will take place at 2:45 p.m. and the concert will begin at 3:30 p.m. Cohler, recently called "a tireless champion of the music of clarinet" by WGBH's Richard Knisley, describes the Symphony's 54th season as an eclectic mix of selections for small and large orchestras. Tickets range from $9-18 (senior and student discounts are available.) The facility is handicap accessible. To purchase tickets, call 508-588-3841 or visit www.brocktonsymphony.org.

Peter Dutcher, the Brockton Edward Jones Investment representative, will host a free seminar titled, "Investing Basics," on Tuesday, November 13, 2001, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., at the Metro South Chamber. Topics include: Examining Your Financial Situation; Understanding Investment Basics; Controlling Y our Taxes; Identifying Your Risk Tolerance; and Managing Your Risk. For more information or to reserve a seat, call Peter Dutcher at 508-580-2555.

Resume, Computer, Internet Skills Offered to Job Seekers

CareerWorks offers job seekers various career placement services. These include: a multi-media resource library with computers, career and occupational assistance with education and training opportunities, help with job hunting strategies, plus a range of career development workshops.

Workshops available at CareerWorks include Resume Critique, Computer Basics, Internet Basics, Goal Setting, Interviewing for Success, Salary Negotiations, Building Self Confidence, Overcoming Age Barriers, Labor Market Trends, Career Exploration, Coping With Job Loss, Networking, and Dress for Success.

As a One-Stop Career Center, CareerWorks also offers a place for employers and people seeking employment to connect in a customer-friendly, customer-driven environment. CareerWorks assists employers in finding an unmatched pool of professional and skilled labor. Its staff works closely with employers to understand their business goals and to assist with employment outreach services.

CareerWorks is located at 157 Centre Street in Brockton. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information on CareerWorks and/or workshop availability, call 508-513-3400 or visit www.careerworks.org.

IBS/Harvard Pilgrim Launches Broker Incentives

Beginning November 1, 2001, IBS (Interlink Business Services) will pay commissions to Massachusetts licensed brokers on all new Harvard Pilgrim Health Care business submitted to IBS with one to nine subscribers.

IBS is the Massachusetts billing and enrollment administrator for the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care products offered through Chambers. Harvard Pilgrim Health care is offered as a benefit of membership through the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. Established in 1977, IBS has successfully serviced thousands of self-employed individuals and small business owners in the New England area.

IBS offers an excellent commission schedule to brokers along with generous production incentives for all new businesses written November 1, 2001, through December 31, 2002. If you are interested in offering any of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care products available through the Metro South Chamber or would like more information, call an IBS sales representative at 800-487-4427 ext. 1830.

Government Affairs

The next Government Affairs Committee Meeting will be held on Friday, November 9, at 7:45 a.m., at the Chamber's headquarters located at Sixty School Street in Brockton.

Jim Harrington, City Councilor At Large, will be the guest speaker. Councilor Harrington will discuss current Brockton issues and answer questions from the committee.

A number of important business-related issues will be coming before the Brockton City Council. Find out what to expect for the coming year. Will the Council raise commercial property tax rates this year? What is the status of two-way traffic in the downtown, the baseball stadium, the downtown housing initiative, and other economic development projects in the city. How will the expected cuts to the state budget affect Brockton?

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 contact Roy Nascimento at 508-586-0500 ext. 225 or roy@metrosouthchamber.com.

Academy Generates Thought, Action

Over forty corporate executives from throughout the region attended the "Workforce 2020 Learning Academy for Great Thinkers" on Tuesday, October 30, 2001, to discuss challenging employment issues and successful employment practices. The half-day program included national speakers discussing workforce trends and future challenges and opportunities. The program also included a series of panel discussions and exercises for business leaders around the issues of recruiting, training, and retaining a qualified and skilled workforce.

Welcome New Investors

Six 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 Offices of Daniel Kaplan
1214 Park Street, Suite 203
Stoughton, MA 02072
Tel: 781-344-0486
Fax: 781-344-2901
Daniel Kaplan
Accountants

All Seasons Services, Inc.
1265 Belmont Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-559-9000
Fax: 508-559-2301
William Batchelor
Vending

Brockton Community Schools
43 Crescent Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-580-7595
Fax: 508-894-4258
Kathleen Smith
Schools/Colleges

Jurasek Associates, Inc.
448 Turnpike Street, Suite L2A
South Easton, MA 02375
Tel: 508-230-7260
Fax: 508-238-5753
Joseph Jurasek
Business Support Services

Pharmerica
1123 Pearl Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-588-4600
Fax: 508-587-3645
George Cayer
Pharmacies

Rose Therese Cap & Gown Co.
59 Pleasant Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-586-5812
Fax: 508-586-5683
Terence McGillivray
Apparel

Our Chamber continues to grow stronger through referrals from our members. Refer a member today. Call Andrew Voght at 508-586-0500 ext. 229.

Russo Elected Chamber Chair

Lou Russo, manager of Government Affairs at AT&T Broadband, has accepted a second term as Chair of the Board for the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. Serving on the Board of Directors since 1995, Russo was named Chair-Elect in 2000 and began her term as Chair last November. She has demonstrated significant commitment to the Chamber in its pursuit of economic advancement for the Metro South area.

As manager of Government Affairs for AT&T Broadband, she is responsible for franchise negotiations and license compliance, interaction with elected and appointed officials and other government and public affairs initiatives.

Russo has an extensive background in community relations. She maintains an active role on many community Boards. Her commitment to the Chamber has also been very significant. Russo has Chaired the Chamber's "Good Morning Metro South" steering committee, Government Affairs Division, and played a leadership role in earning the Chamber's ten-year re-accreditation designation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Russo entered the telecommunications industry in 1985 serving as the Stoughton program director for Continental Cablevision, where she taught television production skills to community residents. She has held various positions within Continental and MediaOne, including community programming manager and manager of community relations for 17 communities in Metro South.

Working with the Board, staff and membership, Russo will lead the Chamber in its mission to serve the interests of member businesses while providing community leadership and ensuring economic advancement within the Metro South region.

Stonehill Hosts Successful Debate, Reception

The Metro South Chamber's 12th Annual Legislative Reception, held on October 1, 2001, at Stonehill College, provided local business people with an opportunity to meet elected officials and discuss the needs and concerns of the local business community. The reception has evolved into one of the region's premier annual events, a "must attend" for anybody who's anybody in politics and business in the region. Over 150 people attended the event, including over thirty state senators, state representatives, mayors, city councilors, selectmen, candidates for public office, city and town officials, several candidates for congress and even a few candidates running for governor! Many thanks to Stonehill College and New England Sinai Hospital for sponsoring this important event.

November Calendar

7	Ambassador Team Meeting	8:00 am
9	Government Affairs Meeting	7:45 am
14	88th Annual Meeting Business to Business Expo Sponsor: Netronic, Inc. Location: Ridder Country Club, Rte. 14, Whitman	5:30 to 8:00 pm
22	Thanksgiving	Chamber office closed
23	Thanksgiving (day after)	Chamber office closed

December Calendar

4	Human Resource Management Council Holiday Inn - Metro South	8:00 to 10:00 am
5	Ambassador Team Meeting	8:00 am
13	Executive Committee	4:00 pm
14	Government Affairs Committee	7:45 am
18	Good Morning Metro South Sponsor: Tele-Dynamics Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South	7:30 to 9:30 am
19	Board of Directors	12:00 noon
25	Christmas	Chamber office closed

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

When Holy Cross Family Ministries moved its world headquarters from New York to the campus of Stonehill College in Easton it created sixteen new jobs and invested over $1 million in the new facility. This event will be a chance to visit the Holy Family's headquarters and view the new buildings and community room. Sponsored by Holy Cross Family Ministries, this business after hours will be a great opportunity to meet potential clients, customers, and other local business people. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Refreshments will be served.

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

Chamber Leadership for 2002

The Chamber's Board of Directors is made up of thirty business and community leaders from throughout the Metro South region. Presently, the Board consists of Frederick Adami, Reed, Adami & Kaiser; James Blake, Brockton Credit Union; Leland Brockington, New Brock International; Richard W. Cost, Bridgewater State College; Mark Donahue, M. Donahue Associates; David P. Frenette, Frenette & Dukess; Stephen Hall, Massachusetts Electric Company; Gregory Hart, Robert Ercolini and Company, LLC, CPA's; Walter Herlihy, Bristol Investment Management; John Hopkins, Brockton Plastics, Inc.; Robert Kenworthy, Fleet Bank; Reinald Ledoux, Brockton Area Transit Authority; John McCluskey, McCluskey, Yunits & Buckley, P.C.; Stephen McDuffy, Holmes-McDuffy Florists; John McGovern, Rodman & Rodman, P.C.,CPA; Mary Meserve, Meserve Travel and Cruise Center; Gerard Nadeau, Rockland Trust Company; Paula Peterson, The Children's Museum in Easton; Antonio Pires, Pires Auto School; James F. Plugh, The Enterprise; Lou Russo, AT&T Broadband; Scott Sanborn, Sovereign Bank; Paul R. Sellstone, Eagle Photography; Carmel Shields, Shields Health Care Group, Inc.; and James S. Troup, LeBaron Foundry, Inc.

On Wednesday, November 14, 2001, at the Chamber's Annual Meeting and Business-to-Business Expo, seven new Board members will be presented. They are Katherine Austin, Citizens Bank; Pam Bellino, Bay State Gas Company; Pat Ciaramella, Old Colony Planning Council; Christine Karavites, UMASS Donahue Institute; Paul LaBreche, The Enterprise; Maria Martins, Cape Verdean Association of Brockton; and Charles Wall, Massasoit Community College.

Together the Chamber achieves what no one business can do alone. To learn more about the Metro South Chamber, contact President and CEO Christopher Cooney at 508-586-0500 ext. 223.

The December issue will feature the new Board members who were elected at the Chamber's 88th Annual Meeting.

Map of Metro South Underway

Three marketing students from Bridgewater State College are presently working for the Metro South Chamber. As part of their Sales Management Course, Katie Corley, Paul Fortes, and Danielle Stella are selling ads for both the Year 2002 Metro South Book for Business and the new Map of Metro South.

Under the leadership of Professor Sylvia Keyes, the students are gaining first-hand experience with business-to-business sales. The students are learning how to work as a team, manage their time effectively and use what they are learning in the classroom in a professional atmosphere. They are following up on leads, making cold calls, developing prospects, and selling advertisements for the Chamber's Book for Business and Map of Metro South.

The Metro South Book for Business is a 100-page, four-color publication featuring a complete membership directory and guide to the Metro south region. This year, 5,000 copies of the Book for Business will be distributed throughout the region to banks, real estate offices, hotels, town offices, all Chamber members and sent to all relocating businesses and families interested in the Metro South area.

The Map of Metro South is a four-color, fold-out map featuring all eighteen Metro South communities and includes all streets, municipal buildings, schools, hospitals, parks, golf courses, museums, and other points of interest. The Chamber's goal is to distribute 7,500 copies of the map throughout the region in conjunction with the Book for Business.

To advertise in the Book for Business or Map of Metro South, call Jennifer Poole at 508-586-0500 ext. 222 or e-mail at jen@metrosouthchamber.com.

Information Board Installed at Brockton Historical Society

The Metro South Chamber recently installed a Brockton Information Board at the Brockton Historical Society, located on Pearl Street. The new board is the sixth to be erected by the Chamber over the past two years. Other locations include the BAT Intermodal Centre, the Downtown Brockton Parking Garage, the Downtown MBTA Commuter Rail Stop, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, and the Fuller Museum of Art.

Board Shapes Future at Borderland Estate

The Ames Estate at Borderland State Park in Easton proved to be an exceptional facility for the Chamber's Board of Directors to conduct a strategic planning session. The Board worked through facilitator Wayne Mitchell to build upon recent member survey data in identifying organizational priorities for the next two years. The day culminated with an in-depth tour of the Ames Mansion by ranger Eleanor Yahrmarkt of the Massachusetts State Park Service.

Thank You Renewing Members

Abby Mae's Limousine
Abington Savings Bank
Air Systems Service Co., Inc.
R & D Albert
American Rentall Center
Anania Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Appliance Concepts
Architectural Glazing Systems, Inc.
AT & T Broadband
Baystate Bus Corporation
Berish Properties
Blue Hills Alzheimer Care Center
Bob's Auto Body
Brewer & Lord, LLP
Bridgewater Square Chiropractic
Lawrence F. Briggs Insurance
Brockton Area Committee on Employment
Brockton Area Smoke-free Coalition
Brockton Education Association
Brockton Pediatrics, Inc.
Brockton Symphony Orchestra
Cape Cod Cafe, Inc.
Capeway Aluminum & Vinyl, Inc.
CATAX, Inc./Christo Liapopoulos
Conway Insurance Agency, Inc.
Crescent Credit Union
Mike Croft Interiors
Delta Financial Management Corp.
Dunkin Donuts
Eastern Arc & Machine
Easton Spring Corporation
EM Construction, Inc.
Robert Ercolini and Co., LLP, CPA's
Farley Funeral Home, Inc.
Fulfillment, Inc.
Goddard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
Irving W. Goldberg
Gowell Candy Shop, Inc.
Grace Bible Church
Handi-Kids
Hilliard's Chocolate System
J.K. Holmgren & Associates, Inc.
Hospice of Boston, Inc./Hospice of Greater Brockton
HR Alternatives/The Executive Exchange
Hurry Associates
Jason Associates
Kitchen Sales, Inc.
Lady Limo
Mainframe Communications, Inc.
Marson Corporation
Maximum H.V.A.C.
Miller's Overland Express Co., Inc.
New England Office Supply
Philadelphia Insurance Companies
Pines Day Care Center, Inc.
Plymouth County Development Council
Sign Design, Inc.
Sonitrol Alarm Company
South Eastern Economic Development (SEED) Corp.
Sportswear Inc.
William R. Sullivan
Tele-Dynamics, Inc.
Timber Lane, Inc.
Timeless Beads
Torrey Enterprises, Inc.
Triple P Packaging & Paper Products, Inc.
United Furniture II, Inc.
John T. Veale, D.M.D.
Village Garage
Wolfe Pack Sports Supply

Member Profile ~ Brockton Symphony Orchestra

Business Name: Brockton Symphony Orchestra

Address: PO Box 143, Brockton, MA 02303

Telephone: 508-588-3841

E-mail: Exec.dir@brocktonsymphony.org

Website: www.brocktonsymphony.org

Year Established: 1948

It is well known that "quality of life" is a major factor for home-buyers when considering their choice of community in which to live and raise a family. The Brockton Symphony Orchestra is an important cultural organization that is at the top of that category. For 54 years, they have been entertaining with classical, pop, and special concerts, and their audience comprises people from over 88 communities in the South Shore.

The Symphony has proven for years that one does not have to be a classical music buff to enjoy an afternoon or evening with them. They provide fantastic concerts for all ages and musical interests from composers such as Bach and Brahms to John Williams and Leroy Anderson. This season there are three classical concerts, one holiday pops concert, Classics for Kids, Concerto Competition, Top 5 recital and social events, one of which is held at Thorny Lea Golf Club.

Andrea Bates has returned to the full-time position of Executive Director, having previously held the position from 1996-1998. She works in concert with Jonathan Cohler, Music Director and conductor; Ted Hague, Chair of the Board; board members; musicians; and volunteers to provide diverse and entertaining events. Bates herself is a singer/musician who has twenty-plus years of professional stage experience. Her credits include national tours of South Pacific with Robert Goulet, A Chorus Line with Michael Kincaid, two tours of Japan, and has her own jazz CD, What A Classic. She created and hosted the local cable program, Good About Brockton, and writes a Sunday column for the Enterprise called City Lights.

Conductor Jonathan Cohler is in his sixth season with the Symphony and has the reputation of adding an extra visual dimension to the concerts with his energetic conducting style. He also gives a fun and informative session prior to each concert on the music that will be presented. He is a world-renowned clarinetist whose discography includes no less than 5 CDs. He has toured the US, Japan, Europe, China, South America, and has performed at festivals including Tanglewood, Aspen, The Rockport Chamber Music Festival, and The Newport Music festival.

The Symphony has achieved a reputation of being a springboard for future stars. This year's Van Cliburn Piano Competition Silver Medallist, Antonio Pompa-Baldi will solo in February, and for the opening concert in November, future star and winner of the Brockton Symphony Concerto Competition, Lily Francis, will solo on Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Jonathan Cohler himself will solo on the March All-Mozart Concert. Bates credits the success of the Symphony on several factors; audience approval, superb musicianship and innovation, and community support. Chamber members are advertisers in the program book and major supporters in the form of sponsors. Sponsors include the Metro South Chamber, Campanelli Companies, The Enterprise, Bay State Gas, Massachusetts Electric, Feitelberg Insurance, North Easton Savings Bank and The Community Bank. She adds, "In order to keep ticket prices low and accessible to all, we base our budget a variety of sources of income: ticket sales, individual donations, grants, and sponsorships. We are grateful for the support of our business community. They recognize that their participation in community and cultural events are not only good for Brockton, but good for the entire region."