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| December 2000 |
Chamber Recognizes Regional Economic ImpactAt its 87th Annual Meeting, with over 350 business professionals in attendance, the Chamber presented six Metro South Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Impact Awards to area companies who have made a significant investment and contribution to the economic development of the region. Honored were Boston Biomedica, Downtown Brockton Association, JLS Mailing Services, NEES Communications, New Brock International and New England Development. Boston Biomedica, better known as BBI, is located in West Bridgewater. BBI is a leader in the management of infectious diseases, providing products and services for the detection and treatment of infectious diseases such as AIDS, Lyme Disease and Viral Hepatitis. BBI has constructed and expanded its BioTech Center and Headquarters in West Bridgewater over the past several years. It now employs close to one hundred fifty people with additional offices and staff in Connecticut, Maryland and California. BBI was founded by a native of the area, Richard Schumacher, an Easton resident. The Downtown Brockton Association (DBA), an established business advocacy organization is dedicated to the continuous improvement of Downtown Brockton. As testament to this mission, the DBA with its over one hundred members has pursued an impressive agenda since its inception in 1985. Every major business issue facing Downtown has been impacted by the thoughts and actions of the members of this dedicated business organization and its Executive Director Ed Nicholas. Whether the issue has been loft housing, two-way traffic or the return of Trolleys to Main Street, the DBA has consistently represented the best interests of businesses and the community. JLS Mailing Services was founded in Boston eighty years ago by one of Massachusetts's first female entrepreneurs. Throughout JLS' longevity, it has retained its focus on printing, mailing and data processing services for over one hundred clients. This past year, JLS moved their operations and jobs from Boston to Brockton. Their move to and investment in Brockton consists of over one and a half million dollars in renovations to the former Buck-a-Book building at 673 Crescent Street. NEES Communications (NEESCom), based in Westborough, Massachusetts is a high-tech company specializing in fiber optic communications. It touts itself as the company that, "gets you where you want to go-fast!" NEESCom has invested millions of dollars in constructing a state of the art point-to-point fiber optic backbone encircling Metropolitan Boston via the most populated urban centers. Recently, Brockton became home to NEESCom. More specifically, through a referral from M. Donahue Associates, NEESCom constructed a high tech switching station at the Metro South Chamber of Commerce Headquarters on School Street in Brockton. The presence of NEESCom and its switching station in Downtown Brockton opens the door to high tech companies desiring superfast fiber optic communications. In addition, NEESCom's twenty-year lease with the Chamber has further enhanced the Chambers building and commitment to the development of technology as a catalyst for future development in the Metro South area. New Brock International is a comprehensive residential and commercial painting and wallpaper company. Leland Brockington and his wife Stella, both lifelong residents of the City of Brockton founded the company in 1987. After Mr. Brockington completed years of work at IBM and Wang Laboratories, he and his wife decided to start this new venture. Since that time, their business has grown steadily. Three of their sons, Kevin, Geremy and Tab, and a daughter Christine have joined the company. New Brock International employs over fifty full and part-time employees. The company recently purchased, rehabilitated and now occupies an office building on Cary Street in the City of Brockton. The Brockingtons returned the building to the city's tax roll while providing additional office space to an accounting firm and a property management company. This past year, New Brock International was recognized for their urban reinvestment by the U.S. Department of Commerce and awarded appropriately. Westgate Mall, built in 1963, was one of the nations first enclosed shopping malls. New England Development Inc., a well-established giant in retail development, purchased Westgate Mall in 1998. Since then, they have completely redeveloped the regional shopping center pouring over twenty million dollars into the center. The result, is an array of new retailers and additional investment throughout the area. Sears, Old Navy, Gap and Waldenbooks are just a few of the new stores made possible by the extraordinary investment and vision of New England Development. Combined, these organizations through their respective investments have preserved and expanded jobs, provided for future growth, enhanced the appearance of the area and generated tax revenue for additional improvements throughout the Metro South region.
Lisa Keene Joins Metro South Chamber of Commerce StaffThe Metro South Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the recent addition of Lisa Keene to its management staff. Lisa Keene has been named Program Director. Lisa will be responsible for all chamber programs and events. This includes the monthly Good Morning Metro South breakfasts, the Human Resource Management Council series, the Taste of Metro South, and the Chamber's Annual Meeting and Business Expo. Lisa has completed two years of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management, a four year professional development program for U.S. chamber executives and holds a Bachelor's degree in Management and Economics from Bridgewater State College. Previously, she has served as the Membership Services Coordinator at the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce and Special Projects Coordinator for the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce in Rhode Island. "I am extremely pleased with Lisa's appointment as Program Director. Her experience at both the Plymouth Area and Greater Providence Chambers of Commerce will prove invaluable to us as we continue to grow and offer new and exciting opportunities for our members," said Christopher Cooney, President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. Lisa replaces Christine Thayer who left the Chamber in November.
Experience the Power of LEANAt the end of WWII, the American manufacturing community flourished because it was the only show left standing. Europe and Eastern Europe were in ruins. Asian manufacturing was non-existent. American goods and services were in high demand all over the world. If you were just a mediocre manufacturing professional, you could not do anything wrong. Things have changed! The world has rebuilt, and American producers face increasing global competition and dwindling profit margins. The traditional quick-fix solutions aren’t working. America's manufacturers need to reevaluate the entire philosophy for managing their production operations. The old production philosophies and management goals must be evaluated and revamped to keep pace with changing times. A new and revolutionary production philosophy emerged nearly 40 years after the end of WWII as a preferred approach to becoming a World Class Manufacturer. Since its introduction, Lean Manufacturing has been given many other names - JIT, Pull, Demand-Flow, Synchronous, Cellular, etc. Whatever you want to call it, lean manufacturing is based upon the "elimination of waste" and the creation of smooth flow in a manufacturing process. Throughout the country, companies are implementing lean manufacturing on their shop floors. The benefits to these companies include up to: 90% reduction in cycle time; 90% increase in on-time shipments; 75% reduction in work-in-progress; 50% increase in quality; and 75% reduction in floor space.
Lean 101: Buzz Electronics You begin by manufacturing circuit boards in a chaotic, traditional manufacturing firm. Then, we apply lean principles to the results of your first simulation. For the remainder of the day, you revisit the manufacturing environment and use the lean techniques that have been presented. You will learn about the eight wastes in manufacturing, and how to apply standardized work, workplace organization, visual controls, set-up reduction, batch size reduction, point-of-use storage, quality at the source, workforce practices, and pull systems to eliminate these waste. You will demonstrate that you are able to apply these lean principles to your company, and will be amazed at the results in net income. Buzz Electronics is offered exclusively through the national NIST MEP system and its certified Lean Manufacturing Trainers. Your local MEP office, The Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), is a private, non-profit organization that assists manufacturers become more competitive by applying the latest manufacturing and management technologies.
About the Workshop Cost: The fee is $165 per person for Chamber members ($200 for non-members) includes continental breakfast, lunch and breaks. Time: Registration and breakfast begin at 7:30 am. Workshop begins at 8:00 am and ends by 5:00 pm. Registration: Register on-line at www.massmep.org or call 781-376-0028. For more information, call 800-MEP-4MFG or 781-376-0028.
Thank You to Renewing Members
Acushnet Company
Metro South Training Initiative
The Metro South Training Initiative (MSTI) is a joint project of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce and the University of Massachusetts - Donahue Institute to assist local employers with developing customized training programs. This assistance will enable employers to apply for up to $250,000 in training grants from the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund. If you are an employer interested in receiving assistance with developing your training plan or with applying for state training funds, you can register for one of the following convenient two-day technical assistance workshops. These workshops will assist you in developing a comprehensive and sound training plan with clear, measurable objectives and outcomes that position you for training support from the Workforce Training Fund.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WORKSHOPS
Workshop 1
Workshop 2
Workshop 3 Please Note: Participation in each workshop is limited to the first six companies that register. The cost is $30/members and $50/non-members. Registration includes refreshments and materials. All workshops take place at the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Sixty School Street, Brockton. Please contact Roy Nascimento at 508-586-0500 ext. 225 for more information. To register, please call the Chamber Office at 508-586-0500 ext. 221.
Chamber Member BenefitsNEW CONTACTS: The Chamber actively presents a wide variety of programs providing you with hundreds of opportunities to make profitable new business contacts! Plus, you will receive referrals from the thousands of people who contact the Chamber each year for recommendations. SAVINGS: The Chamber helps you make money and save money. You have access to valuable group medical, dental and long-term disability insurance plans, and special discounts on internet access, natural gas, electricity and cellular phone charges just by being a member. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Knowledge is power! Expand your horizons by participating in information-packed meetings, seminars and workshops. ECONOMIC GROWTH: Creating and retaining jobs is a primary function of the Chamber. We tackle the tough issues affecting the region's economy. The Chamber helps members remain competitive, grow and prosper. LEGISLATIVE ACTION: The Chamber does collectively what none of us can do alone - speak out loudly, clearly and regularly on behalf of business. As a member, you’ll have a voice in the Chamber's actions to pass pro-business legislation and prevent the passage of legislation that hurts business. INFORMATION: You will have access to helpful resources, facts and figures, market trends, business tips, management techniques, and timely information on the people and issues affecting our community. COMMUNITY BETTERMENT: Education, recognition, marketing, job training and cultural diversity are some of the emerging community issues being addressed by the Chamber to enhance the quality of life in the Metro South region. BUSINESS RESOURCES: The Chamber is your one-stop Business Assistance Center. We have the answers to your business questions and the resources your business needs. You can access over twenty local, regional, state and federal business assistance organizations at the Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC), including the Small Business Administration and the South Eastern Economic Development Corp. THE BOTTOM LINE: Membership is an investment in your business's future. The Chamber gives you access to customers and decision makers, valuable savings on business products and services, and the information you need to make critical business decisions. To become a member of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, call Andrew Voght at 508-586-0500 ext. 229.
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Good Morning Metro South!
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| 6 | Ambassador Team Meeting | 8:00 am |
| 6 | Executive Committee Meeting | 4:00 pm |
| 8 | Government Affairs | 7:45 am |
| 8 | Human Resource Management Council Holiday Inn - Metro South | 8 to 10 am |
| 12 | Buzz Workshop for Manufacturers | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| 13 | Board of Directors Meeting | 12:00 noon |
| 14 | Good Morning Metro South Informal Networking Sponsor: Merrill Lynch Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South | 7:30 to 9:30 am |
| 25 | Christmas | Chamber office closed |
January Calendar
| 1 | New Year's Day | Chamber office closed |
| 10 | Ambassador Team Meeting | 8:00 am |
| 11 | Metro South Training Initiative Workshop 1 - Initial Session | 9:00 am - noon |
| 12 | Government Affairs Meeting | 7:45 am |
| 15 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Chamber office closed |
| 23 | Metro South Training Initiative Workshop 1 - Follow-up Session | 9:00 am - 11:00 am |
| 24 | Good Morning Metro South | 7:30 to 9:30 am |
| 25 | Human Resource Management Council Holiday Inn - Metro South | 8 to 10 am |
Note: All meetings are held at the Metro South Chamber office or Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC) unless otherwise indicated
Good News
Chamber members are invited to send information for the Good News column to the Chamber office.
Cassandra R.D. Walcott, M.D., has joined the department of pediatrics at Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center. Walcott is seeing new patients at Pediatric Health Care of Brockton, 830 Oak Street, Brockton, where she is in medical practice with Jules Rako, M.D., James S. Weiner, M.D., and Katherine F. Azaro, M.D.
Brockton Area Multi-Services Inc. (BAMSI) is pleased to announce its certification as a Minority Non-Profit Organization (M/NPO) by the State Office of Minority and women Business Assistance under the business description of Multi-Service Organization: Day and Residential Support, Elder Services, Outpatient Mental Health, Public Health, Special Education, Mental Retardation.
Virginia Murray was recently promoted to the position of Director of Public Relations and Marketing at BAMSI. She also serves as a member of the Metro South Chamber's Ambassador Team.
BAMSI, in conjunction with the United State Marine Corps Reserve, is collecting toys for children during the Annual Toys for Tots Toy-Raiser. Anyone wishing to donate a new, non-violent, wrapped toy may bring it to a local Brockton site or may arrange for pickup at your home or place of business. Collections will be accepted until December 20th. For more information, call Maureen at 508-586-5475 or drop off a toy at BAMSI, 500 Belmont Street, Suite 230, Brockton.
Attire for Hire announces its Holiday Wish List. The organization is looking for racks to hold items, jewelry boxes for displays, size markers, clothes racks, recycle containers, brochure racks, and office equipment such as a copy machine and a computer. Other items in need include lightly worn men's and women's professional apparel and casual wear, in addition to women's accessories such as scarves, jewelry and shoes. For more information or to donate items, please call Ted at 508-586-6352.
The Board of Directors of the Southeastern Massachusetts Chapter of the American Red Cross is pleased to announce that David Todd will be joining the Chapter as long-term interim Executive Director. David has served the Minneapolis Area Chapter for the past seven years as Administrator of External Affairs. He brings with him strong experience in fund raising, communications and strategic planning.
The International Trade Assistance Center (ITAC), is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Blanton to the position of Director of Corporate and Government Outreach. Mr. Blanton had previously worked at ITAC in 1997 as Project Manager until leaving to pursue graduate education at the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University.
Brockton Hospital is pleased to announce that E. Peter Dubay, Vice President of Community Relations and Philanthropy, has recently achieved the status of Fellow in the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP). The Fellow designation sets the gold standard for professionalism in the field of health care resource development and management. It is the highest certification honor award by the AHP.
Fran Dillon Receives Charles A. Fuller Award
At its 87th Annual Meeting, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce presented the Charles A. Fuller Memorial Chamber Award to Francis X. Dillon, Vice President of College Relations for Stonehill College.
The late Mr. Charles Fuller served as Chairman of the Board for the Chamber and was very dedicated to the Chamber and the community. The Fuller award recognizes an individual whose leadership performance, personal example and good influence has done the most to advance the welfare of the Metro South Chamber and the community.
Fran is best known for his ease in working with people and his reputation for getting things accomplished with a smile. Fran joined the Chamber's Board of Directors in 1991. His accomplishments on behalf of the Chamber are numerous. In addition to serving on the Executive Board as Chair of Community Affairs, Fran has served on the Legislative Affairs and Taste of Metro South Committees. As Chamber Chairman in 1999, he was active in the successful U.S. Chamber Reaccreditation process. He is always an active participant, contributing consistently through words and actions.
Beyond Fran's Chamber service, he is also active in many community organizations. He serves on the Boards of the Children's Museum in Easton, Caritas Christi in Boston and the Security Federal Savings Bank in Brockton. He has recently completed a term as Chairman of Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center. "Fran's extraordinary commitment to the Chamber and Metro South community is impressive. He truly embodies the spirit of the Fuller Award," said Christopher Cooney, President & CEO of the Metro South Chamber.
Roy Nascimento Promoted to Vice President-Public Affairs
The Metro South Chamber of Commerce has promoted Roy Nascimento to the position of Vice President-Public Affairs. Roy will be responsible for legislative strategy, grant writing, community affairs and economic development efforts of the Chamber.
Roy has been with the Chamber staff as Public Affairs Director since August of 1998. He holds a Bachelors degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the Frank Sawyer School of Management at Suffolk University. Roy has also completed his first year of the Economic Development Institute, a three-year professional development program for economic development executives conducted by the University of Oklahoma. Prior to joining the Chamber, he was employed by BankBoston in Quincy.
Government Affairs
Next Committee Meeting:
Friday, December 8, at 7:45 a.m.
Metro South Chamber Conference Room 1
Ronald Hollander, President of the Massachusetts Hospital Association (MHA), will be the guest speaker at the next Government Affairs Committee Meeting on Friday, December 8 at 7:45 a.m.
The MHA represents the hospitals and health systems of Massachusetts through advocacy, education and information. Mr. Hollander has served MHA and its member institutions for 17 years and was named president in 1995 by the MHA Board of Directors. As President, Mr. Hollander has continued to provide leadership during the rapid restructuring of the Massachusetts health care system. Under his direction, MHA has been in the forefront of advocacy efforts on behalf of hospitals and the communities they serve.
The monthly Government Affairs meetings provide an opportunity for member businesses to discuss issues important to them with their elected officials. Join other Chamber members for this opportunity to interact with legislators and hear first hand what is in store for the business community on Beacon Hill.
If you would like to attend or if you would like further information on the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee, please call Roy Nascimento, Vice President - Public Affairs, at 508 586-0500, ext. 225. The meetings are open to any member of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. All meetings are held at the Chamber's headquarters located on Sixty School Street in Brockton.
Welcome New Investors
Ten 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.
Bridgewater Square Chiropractic
63 Main Street
Bridgewater, MA 02324
Phone: 508-697-0050
Fax: 508-697-0882
Kevin A. Perry, D.C.
Chiropractors
Edward Jones Investments
849 Belmont Street
Brockton, MA 02301-5545
Phone: 508-580-2555
Fax: 877-222-7329
Peter Dutcher
Investments
First Parish of Bridgewater
50 School Street
Bridgewater, MA 02324
Phone: 508-697-2525
Kyle Hamilton
Religion
John C. Hafferty
Real Estate Broker
93 Allen Road
North Easton, MA 02356
Phone: 508-238-7117
John C. Hafferty
Real Estate/Property Management
Leisure Woods Association, Inc.
21 Grant Street
West Bridgewater, MA 02379
Phone: 508-588-5783
Michael Altieri
Rentals
New England PrintWorks
741 Belmont Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: 508-559-5000
Fax: 508-559-6888
Tracy Sousa
Apparel
Law Office of John Riordan
403 North Montello Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: 508-588-5562
Fax: 508-588-6273
John Riordan
Attorneys
Serve New England
146 Will Drive
Canton, MA 02021
Phone: 781-828-5151
Fax: 781-828-5152
Cheryl Monahan
Agencies/Association
South Eastern Economic
Development (SEED) Corp.
80 Dean Street
Taunton, MA 02780
Phone: 508-822-1020
Fax: 508-880-7869
Susan Maguire
Business Support Services
William R. Sullivan
49 Sutton Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: 508-587-5260
William R. Sullivan
Paint/Wallpaper
Our Chamber continues to grow stronger through referrals from our members. Please refer a member today. Call Andrew Voght at 508-586-0500 ext. 229.
Local Businesses Contribute to Annual Meeting Raffle
AT&T Broadband
Brockton Credit Union
Cape Cod Cafe
Carmen's Mexican and
American Restaurant
Chadwick's of Boston
The Charlie Horse Restaurant
Christo's
Cirelli's Warehouse Marketplace
Citizen's Bank
Coca-Cola Bottling Company
of New England
The Community Bank
Crystal Cleaners
The Enterprise
Flowers Unlimited
The Grill
Home/Health &
Child Care Services
Irving's Home Center
Italian Kitchen
Lithuanian Village Cafe
Family Pizza
Mainframe Communications
Meserve Travel
Stonebridge Cafe
Supreme House of Pizza
United Furniture
Verizon
Special Thanks To...
BC Tent & Awning
Eagle Photography
The Event Connection
Hanson Printing
Holmes-McDuffy Florists
Special Events Catering