Y2K: Is Your Company Really Prepared? Y2K Seminar to be held at the Chamber office on December 17th from 8:00-10:00 a.m. Every functioning aspect of business, state and federal government--including governmental agencies and courts, insurance companies, the financial industry, retail stores, factories, food distribution systems, and healthcare--will be affected by the Year 2000 computer problem. Fixing the problem is such a costly, labor-intensive task that experts estimate U.S. companies will spend $440 billion on addressing the Year 2000 before January 1, 2000. In addition, companies will spend an estimated $1 trillion in legal costs on related issues in the few years immediately following the turn of the century. Some economists estimate that approximately 30% of all businesses worldwide will fail as a result of not being prepared for the date change and predict that the millenium bug will precipitate a deep, worldwide recession. In an effort to help businesses cut through the hype and learn more about the realities of the Year 2000 problem, The Community Bank, in conjunction with the MetroSouth Chamber of Commerce and SCORE, will host a special program entitled "Countdown to the Year 2000: A Business Perspective", designed especially for the Metro South business community. The featured speaker will be Andrew J. Pantos, President of Pantos, Lewis & Associates, Inc., a training and education firm which specializes in providing programs on technology, regulatory and compliance issues. Mr. Pantos and his firm have worked with the Department of Finance, Department of Administration, Department of Commerce, and the State Treasurer of several states to educate the state business communities about the Year 2000 issue. He has also worked extensively with financial institutions to educate their staff, management, Board of Directors and customers on Y2K issues. During this two-hour program, Mr. Pantos will address several Y2K-related topics including Tips for Developing a Y2K Plan, Assessing the Y2K Impact on Your Business, and Possible Legal Liability. The program promises to be educational and easy to understand. The focus of the program is to give businesses an opportunity to learn more about the Year 2000 computer problem and how to best prepare for the Y2K challenges and issues. The Community Bank is offering this program at a nominal fee of $10.00 to all businesses. This program will be held at the Metro South Chamber of Commerce office on Thursday, December 17, 1998 from 8:00 - 10:00 am. The Chamber is located on Sixty School Street, Brockton. Space is limited, please register by December 10 by calling the Chamber office at (508) 586-0500 x 221. Warm Holiday Greetings and Best Wishes for 1999 from the Officers, Directors and Staff of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce Thank You to Renewing Members A & B Appliance Repair Company AGM Industries, Inc. American Rentall Center Anania Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Appliance Concepts Arc Design Architectural Glazing Systems, Inc. Bauman Photography, Inc. Baystate Bus Corporation Beacon Skanska Construction Company Belmont West Associates Blue Hills Alzheimer Care Center Braintree Rug Company, Inc. Brewer & Lord, LLP Brockton Area Private Industry Council, Inc. Brockton Pediatrics, Inc. Brockton Symphony Orchestra Brockton/West Roxbury VA Medical Center Brueggeman Real Estate Cape Cod Caf, Inc. Cape Cod Needleworks Capeway Aluminum & Vinyl, Inc. Conrad Corporation Controller Service & Sales Co., Inc. Conway Insurance Agency, Inc. Delta Financial Management Corp. Design Systems Heating & A/C, Inc. Diversified Environmental Corporation Dunkin Donuts E. M. Construction, Inc. Eastern Arc and Machine Robert Ercolini and Company, LLP, CPAs Fitzpatrick Irish Imports Foursquare Gospel Church Georges Service Station Gold Line Transportation Gowell Candy Shop, Inc. Harry B. Harding & Son, Inc. Healy & Healy, CPA Hilliards Chocolate System Hospice of Boston/Greater Brockton HR Alternatives J & M Associates Jason Associates Jays Automotive, Inc. Jims Auto & Truck Repair, Inc. Mainframe Communications, Inc. Mark Centers Trust Marson Creative Fastener Matts Garage MediaOne Milson & Louis, Inc. Noymer Leather & Gifts, Ltd. Isam Mitchell & Company, Inc. Modern Grafix Repair, Inc. New Brock International, Inc. New England Office Supply New England Sinai Hospital and Rehabilitation Center Nu-Print, Inc. J.K. Olivieri Insurance Agency, Inc. Pilgrim Consolidators, Inc. Plymouth County Communications, Inc. R & D Albert Raleigh and Sons, Inc. RASCO International SET Associates Sign Design, Inc. Sir Speedy Printing Center Sullivan Appraisal / Marlene Ann, Inc. Thorny Lea Golf Club Timber Lanes, Inc. Titleist & Foot-Joy Worldwide Worldwide Educational Services Y2K The Year 2000 Computer Problem A lot of people are talking about it. A lot of people will need to do something about it. This is a set of website links which provide information on the subject, including some free computer checkers: www.y2k.com www.sba.gov/y2k www.nstl.com/html/nstl_y2k.html Websites contributed by Needel, Welch & Stone, P.C. Welcome New Investors Five new investors have recently joined the Chamber's winning team. They are joining you, the business professionals who have invested in your company and the Metro South economy through Chamber membership. Bay State Physical Therapy 377 Belmont Street Brockton, MA 02301-4994 (508) 584-7711 FAX (508) 584-7744 Kara Shanahan Physical Therapists Chris Vlachos 83 Joyce Avenue Whitman, MA 02382-1835 (781)447-9186 Chris Vlachos Cleaning/Janitorial Dan's Hardwood Floors 33 Sherwood Avenue Braintree, MA 02184 (781) 843-2702 Dung Nguyen Services EnergyEXPRESS, Inc. 2000 West Park Dr., Ste 300 Westborough, MA 01581-3928 (508) 871-7150 FAX (508) 366-5334 Jim Donnelly Energy Management Law Office of Donald Williams Williamsburg Square 1342 Belmont Street Brockton, MA 0230-4436 (508) 941-0782 FAX (508) 586-4993 Donald Williams Attorneys Good News Chamber members are invited to send information for the Good News column to the Chamber office. Jack Conway & Co. announce the induction of Paul Durgin as president of the Plymouth County Development Council. Durgin, vice president of Conway Commercial Group, has been on the PCDCs board for five years and will serve a one-year term as president. He will work with Executive Director Patrick C. Apel on an aggressive fund-raising campaign to match a record $348,000 grant presented by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. PCDC is a non-profit marketing agency established to promote the historical, recreational and commercial opportunities of the region. The commission also provides technical and financial assistance to cultural organizations communities throughout the county. Fuller Museum of Art will be holding a workshop and two art courses this month. Create your own boxwood tree centerpiece at the FMA workshop on Monday, December 7 from 6:30 - 9:30 pm. Teddy Hickey will conduct this workshop for a cost of $40 for non-members and $25 for members. The museum will offer two art courses over the Winter Vacation, both from 10:00 am - noon. The price is $40 for non-members and $30 for members. To register for either program, call the FMA school at (508) 588-6000 x 125. American Red Cross continues to help the community with its American Red Cross Workplace programs. These programs allow the Southeastern Massachusetts Red Cross Chapter help businesses meet OSHA regulations and protect employees. The Red Cross provides on-site CPR, First Aid, Preventing Disease Transmission and/or Protect Your Back training. For more information, contact Jennifer Winship, Sales & Marketing representative at (800) 232-8812. Brockton Area Multi-Services, Inc. (BAMSI), in conjunction with the Marine Corps Association, will be collecting toys for the Toys for Tots organization during the month of December. Any new, unwrapped, non-violent toy for children from infant to 12 years of age may be brought to BAMSI's Administration Office, 500 Belmont Street, Suite 230, Brockton, Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or to Crescent Enterprises, 430 Howard Street, Brockton, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Staff members will go to homes or businesses to pick up any toy donations. All toys will be delivered to the Toys for Tots Distribution Center. Call Mike or Maureen at (508) 586-9611 for more information. Good Samaritan Medical Center has an ongoing bereavement support group for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. The group, facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker, is a safe and understanding environment where people can share experiences, express feelings, and learn about the grieving process. Drop-in sessions are held weekly on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 pm at Heights Crossing, Christys Drive in Brockton. For more information, call Patricia McClellan, LICSW, in Good Samaritan Medical Centers Department of Social Work at (508) 427-3032. Bridgewater State College has named Dr. Peggy Smith, Director of the Academic Achievement Center. At the center, students can learn more about the wide array of services available to them, including academic advising, tutoring and assistance coping with disabilities of any kind. The college has also named Janet Gumbris, Director of the Office of Financial Aid. Ms. Gumbris has 17 years experience in financial aid administration and has held a variety of positions in her field. She came to BSC in 1992 and has served as acting director since February. Old Colony Hospice is partnering with Yankee Magazine in Yankees Community Partners program. Through this program, Old Colony Hospice plans to expand its unique Circle of Care to patients and families by targeting bereavement outreach programs. Community Partner groups will sell Yankee Magazine subscriptions and for every subscription sold at $20, Old Colony Hospice will receive a $10 donation from Yankee. The goal is to generate $3,000 through this fund-raising program. This year, instead of giving the same old fruitcakes to your friends, customers, and employees, give them a subscription to Yankee Magazine and help the Old Colony Hospice. To order, call (800) 981-3265 and ask for Community Partners and mention Code # CBM4NIL. Barbour Corporation Receives Chamber Economic Development Impact Award The Chamber honored Barbour Corporation. with its Economic Development Impact Award at the 85th Annual Meeting. Barbour Corporation has been a fixture in Brockton since 1892. Cradled in this regions proud shoe industry, Barbour Corporation has grown over the one hundred plus years it has remained in Brockton and represents this citys finest tradition of perseverance. In the face of a century of changing economic fortunes, Barbour Corporation has fought steadily to maintain its premier standing among the nations leaders of Leather Shoe Welting and Plastic Profile Extrusions. With the kind of success that withstands the test of time, Barbour Corporation has excelled beyond our region, acquiring two of its chief competitors in Worcester and Johnson City, New York, making Barbour Corporation the only manufacturer of leather welting in the U..S. and Canada. Barbour Corporation has put Brockton and the Metro South region on the national map. They have, for over a century, provided good jobs to generations of local workers. The project recognized by the award is their new facility located on over eighteen acres formerly occupied by the abandoned Montello Pool at 997 North Montello Street in Brockton. This new facility is the result of 7.2 million dollars of investment and will feature 125,000 square feet of modern work space with state-of-the art manufacturing equipment. Barbour Corporation employs approximately 60 people at its Brockton location. It is anticipated that this number will rise by 25% upon completion of construction with additional growth possible. This project will preserve and expand jobs, provide for future growth, enhance the appearance of the area and generate tax revenue for the city. Barbour Corporation represents the finest traditions of our past with the brightest promise of our regions future. Tom Butler Receives Fuller Award This years recipient of the Charles A. Fuller Memorial Chamber Award is Tom Butler, owner of Butler & Associates of Easton. Tom is a doer. Since joining the Chamber in 1995, Tom has jumped into Chamber activities with both feet. He immediately joined the Chambers Ambassador Committee and recorded a 100% attendance record for the year. He has displayed exceptional commitment in his ambassadorial duties by delivering, in person, hundreds of new member plaques, participating in dozens of Chamber events and actively recruiting new members on a consistent basis. Many of you may recognize Tom from the broad smile and firm handshake he regularly extends to Chamber members as they enter the monthly Good Morning Metro South breakfast program. Tom truly embodies the spirit of the Fuller Award. The late Mr. Fuller had served as Chairman of the Board for the Chamber and was very dedicated to the organization and the community. This award recognizes a member for exceptional service to the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. R.E.B. and UMass Offer Training and Career Services The Brockton Regional Employment Board has partnered with the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute to offer a variety of workforce services that are geared toward improving the quality of the nation's workforce. Through consultation with clients, the Umass Donahue Institute provides customized products and training that respond effectively to the changing needs of the workplace. The Institute offers the following training services: Strategic Planning Business Planning Business/Education Linkages Change Management Benchmarking Financial Management Needs Assessment Executive Coaching Customized Workshops Proposal Development Career Works, located in downtown Brockton, is managed by the Umass Donahue Institute and is designed to be customer-friendly and customer-driven. Ease of information access is vital and is provided through state-of-the-art technology and by experienced, highly qualified staff. Job seeker services include: Job placement services Self-directed job and training searches State-of-the-art multimedia resource library On-line job listings and talent bank Instructional workshops including basic computer training Customized referrals One-on-one interviews Customized resum development In-depth educational counsel General career and occupational assessment tests Access to technology-based and distance learning resources Employer services include: Aggressive employer outreach Job referral of qualified candidates Education and training program referral Career center bulletin board service Access to computerized talent bank Identification of corporate training needs Industry specific recruitment Pre-layoff seminars Identification of federal/state training funding Database of company hiring policies, legal responsibilities Employer forums Research, evaluation and information technology Corporate outplacement services Videoconferencing Private interviewing space For more information, contact Christine Karavites, Director of Education and Workforce Services, at (617) 287-7054; email karavites@umbsky.cc.umb.edu

85th Annual Meeting Attracts Over 300 The 85th Annual Meeting and Business-to-Business Connection attracted over 300 Chamber member and guests to the Ridder Country Club in Whitman on November 18th. Although there has been many changes among staff this past year, the Chambers board has been unwavering in their commitment, stated Fran Dillon, who will be serving his second term as Chairman of the Board. He noted that the Chamber is truly a team effort and all the members deserve credit for its success. The Chamber extends its thanks to the Annual Meeting Sponsor, Brockton Credit Union, all the business leaders who attended, and the thirty-one companies who proudly displayed their goods and services at the Business-to-Business Connection. December Calendar 2 Ambassador Team Meeting MSCC Office 8:00 a.m. 9 Good Morning Metro South Holiday Inn/ Metro South, Brockton RSVP - Janine (508) 586-0500 x 221 7:30-9 a.m. 10 HRMC Planning Committee MSCC Office 8:30 a.m. 10 Finance/Budget Committee MSCC Office 3:30 p.m. 16 Board of Directors MSCC Office 12:00 noon 17 Y2K Seminar   January 13 Good Morning Metro South Sponsored by Stonehill College RSVP - Janine (508) 586-0500 x 221 7:30-9 a.m. All events are held at Chamber headquarters unless otherwise noted Christopher Cooney Completes Citizens' Legislative Seminar Chamber President, Christopher Cooney, recently completed the Citizens' Legislative Seminar (CLS) series held at the State House. Once a week for six consecutive weeks, Cooney, along with fifty other participants, gathered in the Senate President's office for a three-hour period to examine the legislative process. Sessions commence with a presentation to the group given by two faculty members, usually a senator and a representative, on the topic of the day. Participants then break up into small groups led by a legislator faculty member for informal discussion. All comments are "off the record" since honest, candid consideration of the issues, in an atmosphere of mutual trust, is an important objective of the program. Traditionally, it has been the task of the press, the schools, and elected representatives to present the functions and activities of the legislature to the public. The CLS series supplements these resources and provides a more realistic view of the legislature. CLS was established in 1976 through a joint effort of the Massachusetts State Senate and the University of Massachusetts. Senate President Thomas F. Birmingham has entrusted the Senate Legislative Education Office with the design and the administration of the program. Participants are selected from a wide variety of fields, representing both the public and private sectors. The goal of the Citizens' Legislative Seminar is to provide a unique opportunity to both observe and participate in the legislative process. Websites '98 The Chamber is pleased to publish a comprehensive listing of member websites. As the business community approaches the next millenium communications are being reshaped by the Internet and the World Wide Web. Businesspeople everywhere are discovering the Webs potential as a major marketing environment and are positioning their businesses in the global marketplace by establishing a webiste. If you have taken your place on the Web, send us your business homepage address and the Chamber will add it to its growing website directory. Absolute Steel Rule Die Co., Inc. http://www.absolutedie.com Accountemps www.accountemps.com ALLEnergy Marketing Company, LLC www.allenergy.com American Packaging Co., Inc. http://www.AMPKG.com Automatic Data Processing http://www.adp.com B. C. Tent & Awning Company, Inc. http://www.bctent.com BankBoston www.bankboston.com Barbour Corporation http://www.barbourcorp.com Bay Copy www.baycopy.com Bay State Gas Company http://www.bgc.com Beaver Woodworking Supplies, Inc. http://www.beaverwoodworking.com Berish Properties, Inc. http://www.american-mfg.com Blue Hills Alzheimer Care Center www.maonline.com/bluehill Boston Edison Company http://www.bedison.com Boys and Girls Club of Brockton, Inc. http://members.tripod.com/~bbgc/bbgc-2.HTM Bradford Business Systems, Inc. www.bbsystems.com Bridgewater State College http://www.bridgew.edu Brockton Hospital www.brocktonhospital.com Campanelli Companies www.campanelli.com Cape Cod Needleworks www.ccneedleworks.com Cardinal Spellman High School http://www.spellman.com CASSI http://cassi.com CBWL - Enterprise Center http://www.cbwl.org CCU Cleaning Services, Inc. http://www.argo.net/~ccu/ Cellular One www.boston.cellone.com Citizens Bank of Massachusetts www.citizensbank.com City of Brockton http://www.brocktonmass.com Clearpoint Communications, Inc. www.clearpointcom.com CMG Associates www.cmgassociates.com Comprehensive Business Services http://www.comprehensive.org/ddespres Credit Data Of New England http://www.creditdata.com DeWolfe New England www.dewolfnewengland.com Digital Control Systems, Inc. http://www.digitalcontrol.com Dining In Mass, LLC http://www.dininginmass.com Eastern Edison Company/EUA www.eua.com EnergyEXPRESS, Inc. http://energyexpress.com Express Computer Supply, Inc. www.computersupplies.com Fleet Bank www.fleet.com Frye Agency, Inc. www.allmerica.com Fuller Museum of Art www.arts-online.com/fuller.htm Grace Bible Church http://home.ici.net/cust_pages/gbc/ Harte-Hanks Response Management http://www.hartehanks.com Holmes-McDuffy Florists, Inc. www.holmesmcduffy.com Home/Health and Child Care Services, Inc. www.hhcc.org Immanuel Baptist Church http://www.ibconline.org Independence Insurance Agency http://www.quickpage.com/:indinsun Jack Conway & Company, Inc. www.jackconway.com JeniStar, Inc. http://www.jenistar.com John DeCosta, Jr., Inc. Locksmiths http://www.jdecosta.com Joseph Stadelmann Electrical Contractors, Inc. www.stadelmann.com Kilroy Bros Moving & Storage http://massbusiness.com/kilroy/ Kimand Solutions www.kimand.com Kingdom Golf Services www.kingdomgolf.com LifeCraft http://seedsofhope.com Lion Labels, Inc. http://www.lionlabels.com Lucini Motor Sales, Inc. http://www.lucinimotors.com M. Donahue Associates, Inc. www.donahueassociates.com MainePower www.cmpco.com Mainframe Communications, Inc. www.mainframecomm.com Massachusetts Special Olympics South Suburban Area www.specialolympicsma.org McBee http://www.mcbeesystems.com Media Concepts http://www.mc-internet.com MediaOne http://www.mediaone.com Metromail Corporation http://www.metromail.com Murphy Management Group www.energyvision.com Museum of Fine Arts Distribution Center http://www.mfa.org New England Mentor, LLC NewEnglandMentor.com Nu-Print, Inc. www.nuprint.com Office Products, Inc. www.instocknow.com OfficeTeam www.officeteam.com Old Colony United Way, Inc. http://www.ocuw.org Online Directories, Inc. http://www.massbusiness.com P.M.P. Associates, LLC www.pmpassoc.com Packard Paper Corp www.packardpaper.com Parent McLaughlin & Nangle http://www.pmn.com Peak Interior Supply Co., Inc. http://www.thomaspublishing.com Platypus Multimedia Solutions www.platypusmultimedia.com Plymouth County Development Council http://www.plymouth-1620.com Pro Staff http://www.prostaff.com RASCO International http://www.rascointernational.com Robert King Music Sales, Inc. http://rkingmusic.com Rockland Trust Company http://www.rockland-trust.com Rodman & Rodman, PC CPAs http://rodmancpa.com Romm & Company, Inc. http://www.romm1900.com Ronald C. Tockman, CPA http://www.rctockman.com Shaw's Supermarkets, Inc. www.shaws.com Siegrist Land Surveying http://www.ici.net/cust_pages/marsieg/marsieg.html Sign Design, Inc. http://www.signdesigninc.com Signs By Tomorrow http://www.signstomorrow.com Southeastern Massachusetts Manufacturing Partnership http://www.smmp.org Southeastern Telecommunications, Inc. http://www.setelcom.com Special Events Catering www.bostondine.com STD Precision Gear & Instrument, Inc. www.stdgear.com Stonehill College http://www.stonehill.edu Sullivan Appraisal/Marlene Ann. Inc http://pages.prodigy.com/appraisal Sverdrup Civil, Inc. http://www.sverdrup.com System Solutions Group, Inc. www.ssgc.com TCI Consulting, Inc. www.tciconsulting.com The Cadillac Oldsmobile Nissan Center http://www.cadillaccenter.com The Children's Museum in Easton www.start.at/cme The Community Bank www.communitybank.com The Enterprise members.aol.com/enternews/news.html The Goal Setting Company www.goal-setting.com The Kendall Whaling Museum http://www.kwm.org The Pointe Group-Health Care & Senior Living www.thepointgroup.com Timber Lanes, Inc. http://www.candlepin.com Titleist & Foot-Joy Worldwide www.titleist.com Tosca-Brady Insurance Agency, Inc. http://members.aol.com/vj5342/Index.htm Trufant Real Estate, Inc. http://www.trufantre.com USN Communications www.usncomm.com Vision Systems www.visionsyst.com Waterford Village www.rent.net.waterfordvillage Whitman-Hanson Regional School District http://www.whrsd.k12.ma.us Winstar iCi http://www.ici.net Wm C. Bearce Insurance Agency, Inc. http://www.bearce.com Wolf & Company, PC www.wolfandco.com