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| December 2001 |  |
Chamber Recognizes Regional Economic ImpactAt its 88th Annual Meeting, celebrated with over 400 business professionals in attendance, the Chamber presented seven Metro South Economic Development Impact Awards to area companies who made significant investments and contributions to the economic development of the region in 2001. Honored were Brockton Agricultural Society, Brockton Credit Union, Brockton Redevelopment Authority, Holy Cross Family Ministries, Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, Massachusetts Electric Company, and Residence Inn by Marriott. The Brockton Agricultural Society has a long history steeped in tradition. The Brockton Agricultural Society opened the Brockton Fair in 1874 and by the early 20th century, the fair had become a national institution drawing visitors from all over the country. Since its illustrious beginning, the Brockton Fair has continued to thrive. In 2001 thoroughbred horseracing returned to the Fair after a thirty year absence. Under the leadership of the Carney family, and with over three million dollars in improvements to the fairgrounds, the Brockton Agricultural Society is well positioned to build upon its long-standing tradition and success. Brockton Credit Union is a state-chartered credit union established in 1917. Built upon a solid foundation of exceptional service and convenience, it has grown into the largest state-chartered community credit union in New England and is among the largest in the United States. Under the leadership of James Blake, president, assets have grown by twenty percent, totaling eight hundred and thirty five million dollars and total payroll has increased to over ten million dollars annually. Over five million dollars in new investment has fueled a rapid expansion of branch and ATM locations. Bridgewater, Canton, Middleboro and Raynham locations have recently been added to locations in Abington, Brockton, Easton, East Bridgewater, Plymouth, Randolph, Taunton, and West Bridgewater. Sixty new jobs have been added in the past two years. The Brockton Redevelopment Authority is a private, non-profit, quasi- governmental agency that first began operations in 1956. Since then, it has marshaled millions of federal, state, and city dollars toward the development of buildings and property within Brockton. Government buildings, improved housing and expanded parking projects are among the Authority's many accomplishments. In addition to funding the feasibility study for siting the baseball stadium, under the leadership of Steven Cruz, the Authority completed over three million dollars in road and sidewalk improvements. This project included installation of new water mains, storm drains, sewer lines, and service hook-ups for the betterment of the community. Holy Cross Family Ministries is a fulfillment and outreach arm of the Catholic Church. Promoting and supporting the spiritual well-being of the family is their Mission. This is achieved through the production and distribution of books, prayer cards and Christian items available through locations all over the world. Holy Cross Family Ministries was founded by Father Patrick Peyton, CSC, and is under the sponsorship of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Holy Cross Family Ministries recently relocated their world headquarters from New York to Easton, Massachusetts, where they constructed offices and facilities representing over four million dollars in new investment. The headquarters, led by Reverend John Phalen and managed by William Riley, provides a community room available to local non-profit groups and provides employment to over forty people. Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse is the fourteenth largest retailer in the United States and the thirty-fourth largest in the world with more than seven hundred stores in forty states. Recent annual sales exceeded eighteen billion dollars. Lowe's modern superstores are the largest in the industry with approximately 150,000 square feet of retail space. Lowe's is in the midst of an extensive expansion plan opening two new stores each week including the new Brockton location. Lowe's Brockton store in the Westgate Mall area is a regional draw and represents over fifteen million dollars in new investment to the region. The new location, managed by Fred Duarte, provides great jobs to two hundred and fifty local people. Massachusetts Electric Company, a subsidiary of National Grid, delivers electricity to approximately 1.2 million customers in one hundred and seventy cities and towns. Recently, under the leadership of Stephen Hall, Massachusetts Electric constructed a new service and operations center in Brockton. The facility represents over two million dollars in new investment and serves the entire Metro South region. Located on the corner of Mulberry and East Ashland Streets, Massachusetts Electric employs over fifty people at its Brockton location. Marriott International, one of the world's leading hospitality companies, offers more than 360 Residence Inn hotels in 43 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, and Mexico. Recently, Marriott opened a Residence Inn on Liberty Street in Brockton. Each Residence Inn combines the conveniences of home with the services of a hotel. Locally, over eight million dollars is invested in the Brockton Marriott. The site, managed by Michael Reidy, features eighty-eight fully appointed suites and provides employment for twenty-four full-time staff. Through their respective investments, these organizations 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. Over this past year, these award winners, collectively, contributed over forty million dollars in new construction to the Metro South economy and created five hundred new jobs for our local residents.
Thank You Renewing Members
Academy Inn Hotel
Good News Chamber members are invited to send information for the Good News column to the Chamber office. Bridgewater State College has named Stephen Andrade director of corporate and professional development and Kenneth Silva associate director of corporate and professional development with the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education. Both are responsible for developing and delivering training, education, and related services to companies both on and off campus. Initial focus areas include entrepreneurship, quality and process improvement, management and computer-related training and certification programs. Andrade has over 20 years of business and economic development experience. For the past seven years, he served as founder and president of the Southeastern Massachusetts Manufacturing Partnership (SMMP) in Taunton. Silva has over 30 years of senior management and training experience. For the past seven years, he has served as vice president of SMMP. New England Sinai Hospital & Rehabilitation Center has named Thomas Wagstaff, MS, RD, Director of Nutritional Services. Wagstaff brings 17 years of food service experience in the healthcare sector to his new position, most recently serving as Food Service Director at Kindred Healthcares’ Clark House at Fox Hill Village in Westwood, MA. Wagstaff received his BS in nutrition from the University of Vermont, Burlington, and earned a masters of science in hospitality administration from Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI. As a dietetic intern at Beth Israel Hospital, he was the co-recipient of the Adele Dronsick Endowment Award for Outstanding Dietitian. In addition, New England Sinai Hospital has named Jennifer O'Brien, RN, BSN, Clinical Educator in the Hospital's Nursing Department. O'Brien, a graduate of Brockton Hospital School of Nursing, earned her BSN from Curry College, Milton, MA, and has completed graduate course work at Emerson College, Boston, MA. During her nursing career she worked as a staff nurse at Brockton Hospital, and most recently served on the clinical study unit at New England Medical Center. Bridgewater Savings Bank has made available a million dollars in affordable mortgage funding for municipal employees of 27 area towns and cities. Under the state's new Municipal Mortgage Program, area employees will be eligible for up to 100% financing at favorable rates for the purchase of a home in communities served by the Bank. The properties financed must be owner-occupied, and certain income limits and other restriction apply. At least one applicant must be a full-time, salaried town, city, or state employee. The Municipal Mortgage Program was initiated by MassHousing. The agency's Mortgage Insurance Fund provides insurance on the loans the Bank makes under this program. Further information about the Municipal Mortgage Program at Bridgewater Savings Bank is available from William Babbitt, senior vice president and senior residential loan officer, at 800-356-8622. FleetBoston Financial recently announced that for the second consecutive year it is the number one U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lender in both the Northeast and the nation. Fleet's Small Business Services group approved 2,889 loans within the seven-state market that consists of New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine during the SBA's recent fiscal year. Fleet's SBA loans comprise about 18% of its overall small business loan portfolio, or approximately 14% of the loan dollars it provides to the small business community. On Wednesday, December 12, beginning at 7:30 p.m., the Brockton Symphony Orchestra will conduct its Holiday Pops concert at the Brockton High School Auditorium. The concert will feature beloved holiday musical selections such as Leroy Anderson's Bugler's Holiday, Von Williams’ Greensleeves, and the popular sing-along which enlists audience participation. Also featured are The Unity Church of North Easton Handbell Choir and the Brockton High School Concert Band. Sponsors of this wonderful event include the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Brockton Garden Club, Holmes-McDuffy Florists, and CF Landdesign. Part of the concert proceeds will benefit the MainSpring Coalition for the Homeless. Tickets are $10 per person. To purchase tickets, call 508-588-3841 or visit www.brocktonsymphony.org. Road to Responsibility (RTR), provider of programs for individuals with disabilities, has caught the attention of Minneapolis-based Northland Institute. Recently, RTR received national recognition as one of only fourteen non-profits from around the country to be featured in the Institute's newly published Social Enterprise Sourcebook. The book recognizes organizations whose mission has more to do with advancing a particular social cause rather than making money. RTR was recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and creating an enterprise of local businesses that provide employment and job training opportunities for individuals with disabilities. For more information on RTR, call 781-834-1300.
Businesses Benefit ChamberThe Chamber thanks the following companies for their donations to benefit the Chamber's Foundation and Annual Meeting Raffle:
Abington Savings Bank Special Thanks To...
B C Tent & Awning Co., Inc. Additional thanks to the exhibitors, volunteers, and attendees for making the 88th Annual Meeting such a wonderful event.
WorkSharing:
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Technology Breakfast
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| 13 | Executive Committee | 4:00 pm |
| 14 | Government Affairs Committee | 7:45 am |
| 18 | Good Morning Metro South Sponsor: Tele-Dynamics, Inc. Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South | 7:30 to 9:30 am |
| 19 | Board of Directors | 12:00 noon |
| 25 | Christmas | Chamber offices closed |
January Calendar
| 1 | New Year's Day | Chamber offices closed |
| 8 | Neighborhood Business Builders Session I | 6:00 to 8:30 pm |
| 9 | Ambassador Team Meeting | 8:00 am |
| 15 | Executive Committee | 4:00 pm |
| 15 | Neighborhood Business Builders Session II | 6:00 to 8:30 pm |
| 18 | Government Affairs Meeting | 7:45 am |
| 21 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Chamber offices closed |
| 22 | Neighborhood Business Builders Session III | 6:00 to 8:30 pm |
| 23 | Good Morning Metro South Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South Sponsor: Eastern Refrigeration | 7:30 to 9:30 am |
| 29 | Neighborhood Business Builders Session IV | 6:00 to 8:30 pm |
| 30 | Board of Directors | 12:00 noon |
Note: All meetings are held at the Metro South Chamber office or Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC) unless otherwise indicated.
Government Affairs
Robert R. Ruddock, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs for Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), will be the guest speaker at the next Government Affairs Committee Meeting on Friday, December 14, 2001, at 7:45 a.m. Mr. Ruddock will provide members with an overview of the upcoming legislative session.
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, please call Roy Nascimento at 508-586-0500 ext. 225.
Attention Entrepreneurs!
Beginning January 8, 2002, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce will host Neighborhood Business Builders' four-session Feasibility Training class to Brockton residents aspiring to be entrepreneurs. This part-time training class includes instruction on developing a product, identifying a target market, and financial planning for business owners. Sales and marketing will be a primary focus. One-on-one assistance and access to business loans will also be available for qualified participants. The class will be held on Tuesday evenings (January 8, 15, 22, and 29), from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., at the Metro South Chamber located at Sixty School Street in Brockton. To register, call Jason Feldman at 866-JVS-WORK (587-9675) extension 107.
Beginning January 14, 2002, Commonwealth Corporation will present "Doing Business in an Uncertain Market," an eight-week business plan writing program for small business owners. The program is designed to support the needs of existing business owners interested in expanding their target markets; exploring new products or services; changing facilities; adding employees; or seeking a business loan. The program will cover topics such as business strategy; customer segmentation and needs analysis; financial statements and projections; public relations; and competition. The course will be held on Monday evenings, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the Abington Savings Bank Corporate Office in Abington. The program cost is $250. To register, call Commonwealth Corporation at 508-559-6814.
Best Western Featured at Business After Hours
The Best Western Carlton House recently hosted a Metro South Chamber Business After Hours at its newly remodeled facility located on Belmont Street in Brockton.
Over the past year, the Best Western has undergone major renovations. The hotel presently has 69 newly remodeled and beautifully appointed rooms, a full-service restaurant and lounge, that offers live entertainment on weekends, two newly decorated banquet and function rooms, and a brand new outdoor swimming pool. For more information on the Best Western Carlton House, call 508-588-3333.
Paul Sellstone Receives Charles A. Fuller Award
At its 88th Annual Meeting, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce presented the Charles A. Fuller Memorial Chamber Award to Paul Sellstone. After forty-two years with Shaw's Supermarkets, Paul now works with his son, Michael, owner of Eagle Photography.
Since joining the Chamber's Board of Directors in 1994, Paul has been called upon many times to work on Chamber initiatives. His accomplishments on behalf of the Chamber are numerous. Paul has served on the Government Affairs Committee and has been very active on the Taste of Metro South Committee. His ability to utilize the many contacts he has made throughout the years has contributed to the success of many Chamber programs. Paul is always an active participant, contributing consistently through word and action.
Beyond Paul's Chamber service, he is also active in the Boy Scouts of America. Paul lives in Bridgewater with his wife Barbara of thirty-eight years. He has a son Michael and a daughter Michelle.
Paul's extraordinary commitment to the Chamber and Metro South community is impressive. He truly embodies the spirit of the Fuller Award. The late Mr. Charles Fuller served as Chairman of the Board for the Chamber and was very dedicated to the organization 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 of Commerce and the community.
Metro South Training Initiative
- Learn how to receive up to $250,000 in training funds
- Develop a customized training plan for your company
- Find customized solutions for your workforce challenges
The Metro South Training Initiative (MSTI) assists 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 the following convenient two-day technical assistance workshop. This workshop 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 WORKSHOP
(Attendance is required for both sessions)
| Initial Session: | Wednesday, January 16, 2002 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
| Follow-up Session: | Friday, January 25, 2002 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. |
Participation is limited to the first six companies that register. The cost is $30/members and $50/non-members. Registration includes refreshments and materials. The workshop takes place at the Metro South Chamber, Sixty School Street, Brockton. For more information or to register, contact Gaynor Andrews, Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board, at 508-584-3234.
Welcome New Investors
Eight 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.
Brady Associates
3 Apple Court
Rockland, MA 02370
Tel: 781-871-8205
Fax: 781-871-9097
Ellen Brady
Business Support Services
Brockton Traffic Commission
45 School Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-580-7807
Fax: 508-580-6143
Peter Crone
Municipal
Computer-Ed Institute
375 Westgate Drive
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-941-0730
Fax: 508-587-8436
Alan Lampert
Schools/Colleges
Eagle Elevator Co., Inc.
22 Elkins Street
Boston, MA 02127
Tel: 617-269-1122
Fax: 617-269-1132
Nisi Snow
Service
Lakeside Sales
40 Strafello Drive, Unit 4
Avon, MA 02322
Tel: 508-587-5432
Fax: 508-587-5409
Frederick Magistro, Jr.
Apparel
M & M Trucking
162 Errol Road
Brockton, MA 02302
Tel: 508-586-5374
Michelle Hayes
Delivery Services
Ross Electrical Contracting Co., Inc.
247 Washington Street, 2nd Floor
Stoughton, MA 02072
Tel: 781-344-3885
Fax: 781-344-4178
Richard Ross, Sr.
Electrical Contractors
Willwork Inc., Exhibit Services
23 Norfolk Avenue
South Easton, MA 02375
Tel: 508-230-3170
Fax: 508-230-3710
William Nixon
Service
Our Chamber continues to grow stronger through referrals from our members. Refer a member today. Call Andrew Voght at 508-586-0500 ext. 229.
~ Member Profile ~
Ellen Moore Design
Business Name: Ellen Moore Design
Address: 159 Newbury Street, Brockton, MA 02301
Telephone: 508-580-0076
E-mail: ellen@ellenmooredesign.com
What is your main objective concerning your customers
and the business community?
Ellen Moore Design's main objective is to promote
business growth and visibility for clients through
effective and creative marketing and communication
design. It's my business to make your business shine!
How is your firm unique?
Ellen Moore Design (EMD) offers eighteen years of
experience in both the creative and the production
aspects of marketing. A true partnership approach,
clarity of vision, and an exacting attention to detail
are key elements to this firm.
What markets do you serve?
Because good marketing and communication are
imperative to all, EMD's market area is not restricted
to a particular set of industries. Each industry and
business is unique and has its own specific needs.
Understanding them is the important first step in
partnering with clients.
What is your market area?
Ellen Moore Design primarily serves clients in New
England, although with current technology, the ability
to serve businesses in any location is unlimited. Of
particular interest to EMD, is building partnerships
in the Metro South/ South Shore region to further the
success of the business community, and as a result,
our communities as a whole.
List of Awards
- National Gold Ink Award
- Publishers Marketing Association -Benjamin Franklin Award
- South Shore Women's Business Network- Rising Star Award 2000
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 Good Morning Metro South breakfast will be held on Tuesday, December 18, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn - Metro South.
Seven Elected to Chamber Board
At its 88th Annual Meeting, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce welcomed seven new members to its Board of Directors. On November 14, 2001, Lou Russo, AT&T Broadband, and Chair of the Chamber's Board of Directors, introduced Katherine Austin, Citizens Bank of Massachusetts; Pam Bellino, Bay State Gas Company; Pasquale 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, to over four hundred members of the Metro South Chamber.
In their new role as directors, they will be responsible for helping the Chamber carry out its mission: to serve the interests of member businesses while providing community leadership to ensure the economic advancement of the Metro South region.
The Chamber's Board of Directors has thirty members and meets regularly to address policy and issues of economic and community concern. The next Board of Directors meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 19, 2001, at the Chamber's headquarters located at Sixty School Street in Brockton.
Fred Adami, Reed, Adami & Kaiser, P.C., Chairs Chamber Foundation
Last year, the Chamber created the Metro South Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The 501 (c) 3 Foundation was established by the Chamber to assist in the betterment of the community through charitable activities. Funds raised by this newly formed Foundation will be utilized primarily for services provided through the Metro South Business Assistance Center and specific vocational and technical worker development programs.
"The foundation enhances the services offered by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. This new subsidiary will enable the Chamber to pursue additional funding through grants and private contributions, making it possible to expand our programs and services," said Christopher Cooney, president & CEO of the Metro South Chamber.
For more information on the Metro South Chamber of Commerce Foundation, please call Roy Nascimento at 508-586-0500 ext. 225 or e-mail at roy@metrosouthchamber.com.