Chamber Receives $100K from Good Samaritan; Largest Cash Donation in Chamber's History

Home » Chamber Receives $100K from Good Samaritan; Largest Cash Donation in Chamber's History

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce has received the largest cash donation in the organization’s one hundred year history from Good Samaritan Medical Center.

Good Samaritan Medical Center, a part of the Steward Health Care System LLC, has pledged $100,000 to the Metro South Chamber of Commerce Centennial Innovation Campaign.  The donation establishes Good Samaritan Medical Center as a leading supporter of the regional business community and commercial activity in downtown Brockton.

“We have long recognized the importance of meaningful partnerships and Good Samaritan Medical Center works tirelessly to support the communities we serve,” said John A. Jurczyk, FACHE, Interim President of Good Samaritan Medical Center.  “I am proud of our local leadership team and grateful to Steward Health Care for affirming a permanent connection to critical initiatives designed to improve the economic and civic fabric of greater Brockton at this pivotal time.”

“This is one more example of the giant positive economic impact Good Samaritan Medical Center has upon this region of Massachusetts. Their investments in health services, employment numbers and physical presence provide a very positive influence and we are happy to count them as a key strategic partner within the Metro South business community,” said Christopher Cooney, Chamber President and CEO.

The Chamber Centennial Innovation Campaign is an initiative that was introduced at the Metro South Chamber 100th Annual Meeting in November of 2013.  The campaign seeks to raise $350,000 to renovate the historic Chamber headquarters, creating a modern business hub for the community to learn how to open a new business, find business assistance, or generate a strong business network to bolster the local economy.

The headquarters served as a power station for Thomas Edison in the late 19th Century.  It is here where he perfected his three-wire system of underground lighting that would power city theaters, factories, firehouses and residences and serve as the model for electricity in the rest of the world.  The Chamber purchased the building in 1988, transforming Edison’s power plant into office space.

“The building retains much of its original character through its brick walls, but has not been updated since the time of purchase.  The building is now in need of major renovations including aesthetic and structural updates, handicap accessibility, a new roof, and other updates required to bring the building up to date,” stated Cooney.

The Campaign also includes plans to update the Business Assistance Center (BAC) which provides workshops, education, counseling and resources to the region’s small businesses, and the Edison Business Incubator, providing below-market price office space for entrepreneurs.  Included in these updates will be new computers, equipment and software, as well as a more modern, technologically advanced conference room available for use by businesses and the community.

The Chamber building is located in downtown Brockton at 60 School Street, across from City Hall.  One hundred years ago, downtown Brockton was the scene of a bustling economy; where shoe giants such as Stacy Adams, William L. Douglas, George E. Keith and Churchill-Alden where changing the industry and making Brockton a household name.

“As the Chamber celebrates its Centennial, we remember the impressive industrial history of downtown Brockton, while ushering in the next wave of development with Station Lofts and the Enterprise Block construction.  It is important for the Chamber to remain in downtown Brockton and support its economic revival.  This City is the heart of the entire Metro South region.” said Bill Morse, Metro South Chamber of Commerce Chairman.

The Chamber has announced that with Good Samaritan Medical Center’s gift it has now raised nearly $300,000, meeting 85% of its goal.  The final tally will be announced at the Chamber’s 101st Annual Meeting this November. For more information on the Chamber Centennial Innovation Campaign, or to donate to the Fund, visit www.metrosouthchamber.com/programs/innovation-campaign.

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