february template ar 2006 2/6/06 2:07 pm page 1 abington ... · join us as we continue our popular...

Join us as we continue our popularGood Morning MetroSouth breakfast series.Enjoy a delicious breakfast while makingvaluable business contacts. The nextGood Morning MetroSouth is scheduled forThursday, February 16, from

7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at the RadissonHotel and Conference Center inBrockton.

The featured speaker isBrockton Mayor JamesHarrington. The Mayor willbe interviewed by theChamber. Questions willfocus on his past experience,his first month in office andhis vision for the future ofBrockton.

Mayor Harrington was a Ward5 City Councillor from 1986-2005and served several terms as council president, until his electionto the office of Mayor. He also

Always about OPPORTUNITYCHAMBER MISSIONTo serve the interests of member businesses while providing community leadership to ensure the economic advancement of the Metro South region.

www.metrosouthchamber.com

Join the Chamber of Commerce

NOW!Call

508.586.0500 x 225 or 229

CONTENTS

Calendar of Events 3

Good News 4

Business Awards 8

New Investors 10

Aisha Bonny of BAMSI, page 9

Thomas Stanton, Jr. of Ricoh Business Systems, page 5

Jon Hurst of R.A.M, page 6

reportFebruary 2006

Abington • Avon • Bridgewater Brockton • Canton • East Bridgewater • Easton • Halifax • Hanover • Hanson • Holbrook • Norwell • Randolph • Rockland • Sharon • Stoughton • West Bridgewater •Whitman

Breakfast Features Mayor of Brockton

Mayor James Harrington

“Taste” Event Set for Shaw’s Center March 22

The Chamber will celebrate the 14th Annual“A Taste of Metro South”on March 22 at theShaw’s Center, 1Feinberg Way in

Brockton. The event will run from5:30 to 8:00 pm.

This Annual Event is a celebration of living and workingin the Metro South region. It is agreat opportunity to sample tastesfrom area restaurants, discovercultural and community service organizations and enjoy live

“English for AllWorkers” SummitMarch 10, Brenner Conference Center

February 16, 2006 - Radisson Hotel, Brockton

Sponsored by: VerizonHosted by: New England Sinai Hospital

entertainment from local performers.

Event Coordinators expectover 700 guests based on pastattendance. Tickets are $20 inadvance and $25 at the door. Thisyear “A Taste of Metro South” willfeature home and garden displays to help welcome spring.Space is limited.

Any restaurants, culturalorganizations or community organization interested in participating in A Taste of MetroSouth should contact Kerrie Blakeat 508.586.0500 ext. 231.

At this very moment, over twothousand Brockton area residentsare eager to learn English so theycan participate fully in the localeconomy. To address this need,the Chamber will convene business, education and community leaders at the “EnglishFor All Workers” Summit onFriday, March 10, 2006 from 12:00Noon until 2:00 p.m. at the NewEngland Sinai Hospital (BrennerConference Center) in Stoughton,MA.

The program will focus onincreasing English language skillstraining to support the growingimmigrant population. Immigrantsare an important component ofthe regional economy and it isimportant for the region to chart acourse of successful integration.

Chamber chairman, SteveHall and Enterprise Publisher, Kirk Davis will open the programby discussing literacy goals andthe importance of finding solutions for the region.

Sponsored by: The National Grid

worked as a computer field serviceengineer and a field service manager at Wang Laboratories, Inc.In 1990 he started Harrington’sInsurance Agency, now BaysideFinancial Insurance Agency and in1996 he started Centre StreetFinancial Services, Inc. a tax andfinancial advising services firm,which he currently owns and operates along with the insuranceagency.

The event is being sponsored by Brockton Area MultiServices Inc. BAMSI is dedicated toimproving the quality of life and

sense of self-worth for individuals and families inMA. BAMSI has developed acomprehensive network ofservices that is effective insupporting and sustainingindividuals over time.

As always, the Good MorningMetro South program is a greatnetworking opportunity. Pre-register by calling 508.586.0500ext. 221. The cost is $17 for mem-bers and $24 for non-members.

Sponsored by:

Article continued on page 2

See related article on page 11

February template AR 2006 2/6/06 2:07 PM

2 ACTION Report February 2006 www.metrosouthchamber.com

P

The nextHumanResourceManagementCouncil(HRMC) meeting willtake place onThursday,February 9, 2006

at the Radisson Hotel andConference Center in Brockton.

The featured speaker is TimIrving. Mr. Irving is theCompliance Assistance Specialist(CAS) working in the OSHABraintree area office. PreviouslyTim worked as a ComplianceSafety and Health Officer on theconstruction strategic team. Priorto joining OSHA in 2001 he

H.R.M.C.Calendar!Human Resource Management CouncilTopic: OSHA Compliance

worked as a safety coordinator onsome of the largest building projects in Boston. As a safetycoordinator with ClarkConstruction he worked on theJoseph Moakley Courthouse onFan Pier and as a safety managerwith Bovis Lend Lease he workedon the 40 story Millennium Placetowers, the 20 story 10 Saint Jamesoffice Building and the BostonResearch Center for MerckPharmaceutical.

Join us for this special seminarthat will help equip you to meetnew challenges facing HR professionals. Pre-register by calling 508.586.0500 ext. 231. Thecost is $17 for members and $27 fornon-members.

Tim Irving, OSHA

Sponsored by: BlueCross/BlueShield

CareerWorks is pleased tohave received a grant from TheNew England ADA (AmericanWith Disabilities Act) andAccessible IT Center. The NewEngland ADA & Accessible ITCenter provides information andguidance on the Americans withDisabilities Act, Section and accessible information technologyto individuals living in NewEngland.

CareerWorks was the onlyOne-Stop Career Center inMassachusetts that received thesefunds. CareerWorks will utilizethis funding to provide a specialized training program forindividuals with hidden disabilities. This training will assistindividuals in acquiring competencies and skills for funding appropriate prospects.

CareerWorks in Brockton AwardedCompetitive Disability Grant

CareerWorks will utilize the fullrange of available basic employment skill training onsitesuch as job search, resume writing, interviewing and networking. All of these workshops will be geared towardindividuals with hidden disabilities, making the subjectmatter welcoming and not intimidating to this audience.

For more information pleasecontact Bruce Wright at 508-513-3446, visit our website atwww.careerworks.org, or come inperson to 34 School Street,Brockton.

As a One-Stop Career Center,CareerWorks offers a place foremployers and people seekingemployment to connect in a cus-tomer-friendly, customer drivenenvironment. CareerWorksapplies creative and innovativeapproaches to meet the growingand changing needs of our members.

READY - SET - GO!!!Attend a FREE SBA workshop designed to highlight the various SBA

programs and services that are available to prospective or current entrepreneurs who need assistance in starting or expanding their business. General information will be provided on the following:

* Small Business Counseling (SCORE) * Small Business Development Centers * Business Information Center * SBA 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program * 8(a) Business Development * HUB/Zones * Small Disadvantaged Business Assistance* Government Contracting Opportunities

A glance at SBA upcoming workshops:•March 15 •April 19 •May 15

The workshop will be held at CareerWorks, 34 School Street, Brocktonfrom 2 - 3:30 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2006. Contact CareerWorksat 508.513.3400 for further workshop information.

Dr. Michael Goodman, Director ofEconomic and Public PolicyResearch at the University ofMassachusetts Office of thePresident, will examine the issuefrom a regional, statewide andnational perspective. He will highlight the positive economicimpact that can result fromaddressing this important workforce need.

Business leaders such as Jim Blake of Harbor One CreditUnion and Sue Joss of BrocktonNeighborhood Health Center willoffer their perspective on the issue.In addition, they will describeactivities and services currentlybeing offered to employees to learnthe English language. Educationleaders such as Dana Mohler Fariaof Bridgewater State College andCharlie Wall of Massasoit

Community College will respondto the business panel and offer avariety of additional creativeoptions.

The forum’s primary goal isreduce the current waiting list forEnglish language classes by 500people in 2006. In addition, thesummit hopes to find a sustain-able solution to this growing problem and keep it from becoming an impediment tofuture regional economic growth.

Verizon is the premier sponsor of the “English for AllWorkers” summit. If you wouldlike more information about theforum contact Chamber Presidentand CEO, Christopher Cooney at508-586-0500 ext. 223.

English article continued from page 1


www.metrosouthchamber.com ACTION Report February 2006 3

FEBRUARY Calendar9 Human Resource Management Council 7:30 am

Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, 195 Westgate Drive, Brockton

16 Good Morning Metro South 7:30 amRadisson Hotel and Conference Center, 195 Westgate Drive, Brockton

17 Government Affairs 7:45 am

20 Presidents’ Day - Chamber Closed

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

Coming up

March1 Ambassador Meeting 8:00 am

10 English for All Workers Forum Noon-2:00 pmBrenner Conference Center,New England Sinai Hospital, Stoughton

14 Executive Committee 4:00 pm

15 Member Orientation 8:00 am


22 A Taste of Metro South 5:30 - 8:00 pmThe Shaw’s Center, One Feinberg Way, Brockton

29 Board Meeting 12:00/Noon

Save the date

April5 Ambassador Meeting 8:00 am

6 Human Resource Management Council 7:30 am Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, 195 Westgate Drive, Brockton


17 Patriots Day - Chamber Closed

27 Legislative Breakfast (Tentative)Massasoit Conference Center, Brockton

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Chair of the BoardStephen HallNational Grid

President and CEOChristopher CooneyMetro South Chamber of Commerce

Chair-ElectReinald G. Ledoux, Jr.Brockton Area Transit Authority

TreasurerGary R. OmanGary R. Oman, P.C.

Vice Chair Community AffairsChristine KaravitesProteas Customized Consulting

Vice Chair Economic DevelopmentRobert KenworthyBank of America

Vice Chair Government AffairsH. Scott SanbornSovereign Bank

Vice Chair Membership DevelopmentDaniel TroutThe Community Bank

Immediate Past ChairJames BlakeHarborOne Credit Union

CHAMBER STAFF

508-586-0500 Front Desk x 221

Kerrie BlakeProgram Director x 231

Christopher CooneyPresident and CEO x 223

Sarah DeBettencourtCommunications Coordinator x 222

John DudleyMembership and Public Relations x 225

Frank GilloolyMembership Sales x 229

Ann MarreseController x 230

ACTION Report(USPS-410630) is published monthly except for combinedJuly/August for $5.00 per year by the Metro South Chamber ofCommerce, Sixty School Street, Brockton, MA 02301-4087.Periodical Postage Paid at Brockton, MA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Action Report, Sixty School Street, Brockton, MA 02301-4087

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce is solely responsiblefor the editorial content of this publication.

The Chamber wishes to assure our members of our intentionto provide physically challenged participants equal access toall programs. If you or your employees have special needsin this area, please let us know by calling the Chamber at508-586-0500 at least 48 hours in advance.

Metro South Chamber of Commerce Sixty School Street, Brockton, MA 02301-4087 tel: 508 586-0500/fax: 508 587-1340 [email protected] www.metrosouthchamber.com

CHAMBER MISSION: To serve the interestsof member businesses while providing communityleadership to ensure the economic advancementof the Metro South region.

ACCREDITEDCHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Networking at Events is one of the most effective ways to grow your business!

Photography by Eagle Photography Website Design by www.mc-internet.com

DIRECTORS

James Burns - Shaw’s Supermarkets

Pasquale Ciaramella - Old Colony Planning Council

Rick Colon - Verizon

Jack Conway -Jack Conway & Company, Inc.

John Costa - B C Tent & Awning Company

Jeffrey Dukess - Frenette & Dukess, PC

Kirk Davis - The Enterprise

Linda Faria Braun - Adult Learning Center

Beth Gleim -

Radisson Hotel & Conference Center

John Hopkins - Brockton Plastics, Inc.

Susan Joss -

Brockton Neighborhood Health Center

Kelly Carney Kelly - Raynham Taunton Greyhound Park

Stephen McDuffy - Holmes-McDuffy Florists

Dana Mohler-Faria - Bridgewater State College

Gerard Nadeau - Rockland Trust Company

David Orloff - Sharkansky & Co., LLP, CPA’s

Andrea Papadopoulos - Arista Associates, Inc.

Lester Schindel -

New England Sinai Hospital

Carmel Shields - Shields Health Care Group, Inc.

Larry Siskind -

Siskind and Siskind Attorneys at Law

John Vlaco - Brophy & Phillips Co., Inc.

Charles Wall - Massasoit Community College

Photo and print production by Mark Mahoney, The Enterprise



GOODNewsHere is What a Standing Ovation Looks Like on Paper!

Chase awaythe chill weatherwith a visit tothe Children’sMuseum inEaston during

February School Vacation Week.Museum hours during FebruaryVacation Week are Monday –Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM andSunday 12 - 5 PM. The museumwill pay tribute to Ben Franklin ashe celebrates his 300th birthdaythis year! Come make a lightningbolt in a jar, attend a birthdayparty with cake, and meet BenFranklin himself! In addition tothe Museum’s three floors of popular hands-on exhibits featuring the arts, sciences and thehumanities, there will be dailyactivities highlighting the work ofBenjamin Franklin. Activitieschange daily – call us or check outour website for a complete schedule.

The Museum is located in theOld Fire Station on SullivanAvenue in North Easton Village.Admission is $6.00 per person,members and children under 1 arefree. For more information checkour website www.childrensmuseumineaston.orgor call us at (508) 230-3789.

Heights Crossing Residentswill be exhibiting their work withthe theme "The Art of the Heart"Taking Good Care of Your Heartfrom February 4, 2006 untillFebruary 27, 2006 at the art roomof the Brockton Public Library,304 Main Street Brockton. Pleasecall Anne Beauregard at 508-584-6919 for more information.

PlymouthCounty has beenchosen toreceive $245,156to supplementemergency food

and shelter programs in the county.

A Local Board made up of representatives from the UnitedWay of Greater Plymouth County;the Salvation Army; The AmericanRed Cross; Catholic Charities andother community-based organizations will determine howthe funds awarded to PlymouthCounty are to be distributedamong the emergency food andshelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. TheLocal Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receivethese funds and any additionalfunds available under this phase ofthe program.

Public and private voluntaryagencies interested in applying forEmergency Food and ShelterProgram funds must contact LocalBoard Chair, Barrie Young, at theUnited Way of Greater PlymouthCounty at 508-583-6306 for anapplication. The deadline for applications is February 10, 2006.

The BrocktonArea WorkforceInvestmentBoard (BAWIB) ispleased toannounce that ithas a newAssociateDirector forResearch and

Operations. Claudia Morgancomes to BAWIB with considerablefooting in both the public and pri-vate sectors. She was the seniorhuman resources executive atinternet security leader Netegritywhen it had the best performingstock on NASDAQ. She then spent severalyears working in micro-enterprise training, mostly with the Centerfor Women and Enterprise. Mostrecently, she served as foundingdirector of the RandolphCommunity Center Project. Shelooks forward to applying herskills to BAWIB's work in operations infrastructure,

program evaluation, and social andeconomic data analysis.

Clare F. Keating, CPA recentlyjoined the audit and accountingdepartment of G.T. Reilly &Company, Certified PublicAccountants, in Milton, MA as aSupervisor. Ms. Keating graduatedfrom Northeastern University(1985) with a BS in BusinessAdministration-Accounting. Sheformerly worked at Boston PublicHealth Commission as an AssistantDirector of Finance. Prior to that,she worked as a Senior Auditor at alocal CPA firm.

G.T. Reilly & Company is a full-service accounting and consulting firm whose clientsinclude corporations, individuals,closely-held family businesses,multi-national companies, non-profit organizations and financial institutions. The firmoffers traditional accounting, auditing and tax services, as well as management consulting servicesand estate planning.

Webster Bank,N.A., a subsidiary ofWebster FinancialCorporation(NYSE: WBS),announces thatAna C. Dyer hasjoined the bank assenior vice

president, region manager for business and professional bankingin Massachusetts. She will maintainoffices in Webster's regional headquarters, 330 Swansea MallDrive, Swansea, Mass. andWebster's banking office at 545Pleasant Street in New Bedford.Dyer will oversee Webster's customer growth, retention andcross-selling efforts for small business banking in Massachusetts.

The University of MassachusettsDartmouth, Center for MarketingResearch (CMR) and theSoutheastern MassachusettsRegional Small BusinessDevelopment Center (SBDC) aresponsoring a Customer ServiceSeminar for area businesses enti-tled “GREAT CUSTOMER SER-VICE and a WARM SUNNYDAY”. The seminar will be heldon Wednesday, February 22ndfrom 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at theUMD Woodland CommonsConference Center. A continentalbreakfast will be served.

Customers are the lifebloodof your business. Good customer service will assure customer retention and the growth of yourbusiness. The seminar willaddress all aspects of customerservice including hiring, training,retention of employees as well assuggestions for keeping customershappy, and fixing problems whenthey are unhappy.

There is a $15.00/personcharge, which can be paid at thedoor. Only checks or cash will beaccepted. Please make checkspayable to UMDF-CMR.

For additional information orto reserve a seat please contactAva Lescault at 508-910-6435.

The B.C. Tent & Awning teamof Bob Masison, Director ofOperations, and Crew Chief Mike Pappas recently participatedin the Mid Atlantic Tent RentersAssociation (MATRA) ConferenceGames winning the first prize forthe fastest time in the "Two ManVista Install.”

MATRA is an organizationmade up of tent rental companiesfrom Maryland, Virginia, and N. Carolina to Maine. The conference closed with theMATRA Games, also known as the“Olympics of tenting.” B. C. Tentparticipants finished first or

Good News continued to page 5

Ana C. Dyer

Claudia Morgan



second in 4 out of 8 events.Also attending the

conference from B. C. Tent were:Bob Costa, CEO; Rhona Walker,Director of Administration; BobKelleher, Facilities Manager; MarkWilson, Crew Chief; JoseRodriquez, Crew Chief; TomMazgelis, Crew Chief. The groupparticipated in educational seminars on: CAD drawing, lighting and electricity, interiortent design, equipment repair, site surveys and layouts, and newtechniques for installing floors intents. The group also attendedrefresher courses on tent installations, including an updateon recently adopted new international codes for proper tentinstallations.

Mr. Paul Rusesbagina, whowas the subject of the AcademyAward nominated film ‘HotelRwanda’ starring Don Cheadle,will speak at Bridgewater StateCollege on Tuesday, February 21at 7:00 p.m. in the RondileauCampus Center Auditorium.

Tickets will be available to thegeneral public beginning onTuesday, February 7. Tickets are$20 for the general public and $10

for non-BSC students with an IDand seniors.

For more information, pleasecall 508.531.6616 or visitwww.bridgew.edu/cmia.

By way of generous donation from Clear ChannelOutdoor, kidfit CharitableFoundation has recently receivedspace on two large billboardsalong the major Massachusettshighways to spread its message.

With the help of organizationssuch as yours, kidfit hopes to raiseawareness of the epidemic ofchildhood obesity and related diseases in America while promoting fitness, nutrition, andself-image. The kidfit CharitableFoundation is looking for businesses to support its cause,and in return, sponsors receiveadvertising and endorsement onthe donated billboards and kidfit'swebsite.

If your organization is interested in the opportunity to bea part of the billboard project,please contact Kimberlee Gibbs-Bubello at 508.577.5715 orvisit www.kidfitkids.com.

Good News continued from page 4 MEMBERProfile

Address: 307 Waverley Oak RoadWaltham, MA 02452

Phone: 781.891.4200 x 3238

Fax: 781.893.2859

Website: www.ricoh-usa.com

Year Established: 1936

Number of Employees: 6,100 (USA)

Products or Services: Digital black & white and colorcopiers and printers, fax machines,scanners, duplicators, wide formatdocument imaging solutions.

Thomas L. Stanton, Jr.

Ricoh Business Systems

What is unique or special aboutyour firm and the products andservices you offer? Ricoh is the world leadingprovider of office equipment. Weare the direct manufacturer Fortune 200 company.

What is your market area?We are a nationally recognizedcompany.

What is your main business objective concerning your customers and the business community?To provide a total solution basedon the customers needs.

The Chamber features a Member Profile

in each issue of the Action Report.

Members are selected randomly from

those in attendance at the Good Morning

Metro South (GMMS) breakfasts.

The next Ambassador meeting will meet on March 1from 8:00 - 9:00 am at the MetroSouth Chamber of Commerce.

The Ambassador Team meetson a monthly basis to serve fellowmembers by providing information, resources, member-to-member support,

Meet, Greet & Serve Fellow Members

increasing awareness and promoting active participation inChamber programs and services. Presently, there are over twenty business professionals onthe Ambassador Team.

To become an Ambassador,please contact John at 508.586.0500 ext. 225.

Athena Parker and Ambassador Bob Wisgirda of WBET 1460 AM Radio

Ronald Lombardi of New England Sinai and AmbassadorMarilyn Jackson of Old Colony Hospice of Brockton

Chamber Selects SullivanThe Chamber Welcomes Kerry Sullivan

Kerry Sullivan

The Chamber is pleased toannounce the recent addition ofKerry Sullivan as full chargeBookkeeper for the organization.

Kerry will be responsible for allof the Chamber's financial record keeping and will workcooperatively with the management team to produceforecasts, projections and budgets.

Prior to joining the staff of theChamber, Kerry was employed byRich’s Transportation and OnTechnology fulfilling similar duties.

Should you have any questionsabout your account with the MetroSouth Chamber of Commerce,please contact Kerry at

508.586.0500 ext. 230 or via emailat [email protected].



Ambassador Team/MembershipThe Ambassador Team meets on a monthly basis to

serve fellow members by providing information,resources, and member-to-member support, increasingawareness and promoting active participation in Chamber programs and services. Presently, there are over twenty business professionals on the Ambassador Team.

Government Affairs CommitteeGovernment affects your life every day.

Legislative actions at municipal offices, on Beacon Hill,and in Washington D.C. affect your organization’s con-tinued ability to prosper. With widespread concernover the status of the national economy, now morethan ever is the time to speak out and be heard ontaxes, regulations, and other issues that affect your bot-tom line. The Government Affairs Committee meetsevery month to discuss issues of concern to MetroSouth businesses.

Human Resource Management CouncilThe Human Resource Management Council

(HRMC) supports and provides continuing educationand consulting to professionals in the ever-changingworld of human resources. Regardless of the size ofyour business, human resource issues directly affectyou, and the resources of the Council can be your linkto vital information.

The Chamber provides manyopportunities

to expand your business contacts.

For a complete list of all Chamber

committees, please visit

www.metrosouthchamber.com

or call 508-586-0500

x221.

Opportunities for Customers & Contacts

Should You Advertise?

Should you advertise? Theanswer is yes. That is a given.True, there are rare exceptions,but the odds overwhelminglyfavor new businesses doing somekind of advertising. What kindand where gets more complicated.More often than not, when youthink advertising, you thinknewspaper, TV, radio and directmail. All good. And so many otherless obvious media. After all, theywould cease to exist if theyoffered no value.

So what’s best for you? A lotof the answer will depend onwhat type of business you haveand what you expect the advertising to do for it. Is yourbusiness seasonal, service oriented, highly competitive -these are just three of the many considerations. And there are fartoo many to get into specificshere, with possible exception ofstating flat-out: - no matter howmuch or little you have to spend,and no matter where you spend

it, consistency is essential for anynew business.

So, how much should youspend? And where? What is inyour budget? What’s normal foryour kind of business? These arevery tough questions and can’t beanswered in this limited space. Wecan tell you that the answers areburied somewhere in what we call“doing your homework.”

SCORE counselors can help.We don’t have all the answers, tobe sure; but we can give somesuggestions and perhaps put youin the right direction to find theanswers. Call a SCORE counselorat the Metro South Chamber ofCommerce today at 508.587.2673for a FREE counseling appointment.

Article provided by:

Where is the best place to advertise?

Next Meeting: February 17, 2006

The Government Affairsmonthly meeting will be held onFebruary 17, 2006 at the ChamberHeadquarters and provides anopportunity for member businesses to discuss issues important to them with their elected officials. This month’s guestspeaker is Jon Hurst, President ofthe Retailers Association ofMassachusetts (RAM).

Mr. Hurst was named Presidentof the Retailers Association ofMassachusetts (RAM) in December1990. As the chief executive officerof the 2,500-member statewidetrade association, Hurst managesthe staff, business affairs, memberservices and education, publicaffairs, and governmental affairs ofthe organization. RAM was organized as the “Voice of

GOVERNMENTAffairs

Retailing”in 1910,and todayrepresentsall typesand sizesof storesandrestau-rants inthe retailemployersectoracross thestate.

If you would like to attend orreceive further information aboutthe Chamber’s GovernmentAffairs Committee, please contactthe Chamber at 508. 586.0500 ext.221.

Jon Hurst

The orientation will beginpromptly at 8:00 a.m. Coffee andrefreshments will be provided.Please bring plenty of businesscards for networking and somepromotional materials about yourbusiness to share.

The Member Orientation isfree, but pre-registration isrequired. Please call 508.586.0500ext. 221 to register or [email protected].

MEMBEROrientationMarch 15, 2006 - 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.

Join us for a MemberOrientation held at the Chamberof Commerce building onWednesday, March 15, 2006. TheMember Orientation gives newmembers, prospective members,and new employees of existingmember companies an opportuni-ty to network and explore themany programs and services avail-able to Metro South Chambermembers. Whether you’re a newmember, new to your company, ora long-time member who wants toknow “what’s new at theChamber”, you’ll be welcome atthis session. Health Services Administrators

Sponsored by:


www.metrosouthchamber.com ACTION Report February 2006 7m

TheBrocktonNeighborhood

Health Center has been awarded a$1.5 million federal grant to helpbuild a new facility, the healthcenter's executive director saidMonday.

"This is pretty exciting for us,"said Sue Joss, the center's execu-tive director. "We have been at thisfundraising piece for a good threeyears."

Groundbreaking for the newfacility is expected to take place inApril, she said.

The grant was awardedthrough the EconomicDevelopment Administration ofthe U.S. Department ofCommerce, Joss said. The fundswere awarded as a "joint invest-ment" to the health center and thecity of Brockton to help fund construction of a new medical,dental and training center in thedowntown area, according to theEDA.

Joss said the health center andthe city had jointly applied for thefunds in 2003.

The Brockton NeighborhoodHealth Center plans a $16.3 million, 58,000-square-foot, five-story building at Main Streetand Legion Parkway. It will rent a4,000-square-foot space on the firstfloor to Plaza Pharmacy.

Boston-based Monitor Builderswill be the general contractor, Josssaid. She expected the health center would be able to select thesubcontractors by March.

The ultimate purpose of thegrant is job creation, Joss said. Thehealth center currently has 135employees. That number is expected to grow to about 210employees in the first five yearsafter the new center is built.

"They look at our growth, butthey also look at jobs that areexpected to be created because ofour expansion," Joss said.

Joss said the center hasapplied for a $12.5 million, 30-year

Health Center Project Gets LiftArticle provided by: Brockton Enterprise 1.17.06

By Maria Papadopoulos, Enterprise staff writer

loan for the project. While borrow-ing the money, it will continue rais-ing funds during construction.

The center, currently located at231 Main St., provides medical anddental services to low-income resi-dents in the region.

The center has more than60,000 visits annually, Joss said.Approximately 82 percent of itspatients are minority and 54 per-cent are uninsured.

The Old Colony PlanningCouncil, whichserves as thelocal liaison tothe EconomicDevelopmentAdministration,also worked on

the grant application. "They were ahuge part of why we got the grantas well," Joss said.

EDA assistance is available torural and urban areas experiencinghigh unemployment, low incomeor other severe economic distress.

"What we used in our applica-tion were average per capitaincome and unemployment rate.Those two (factors) were very clearin the downtown area," Joss said.

In 2000, Brockton's average percapita income was $17,163, com-pared to the national average of$21,578, Joss said.

Brockton's unemployment ratein 2004 was 6.8 percent, 1.7 per-centage points higher than thestate rate and 1.3 percentage pointshigher than the national rate, Josssaid.

Joss said a representative fromthe EDA will visit Brockton onWednesday to present the grant tothe health center and Mayor JamesE. Harrington.

“The ultimatepurpose of the grant is job creation...”

Computer image of the new Neighborhood Health Center

The Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC), a partnershipof over twenty organizations, is a high-tech, one-stop businessresource center that offers counseling, technical assistance, andfinancing to potential, existing and expanding businesses.

FREE services offered • Business Related Software • Access to Computers & Online Resources• Comprehensive Reference Library • Informational & Instructional Videos• Professional Counseling (by appt.) • Workshops & Seminars (fees may apply)

Need help starting your business?Searching for money to start your business?

The Metro South Business Assistance Center can help!

Research, Consultation, Education, and AdvocacyPREMIER SPONSOR

2006 Business Book, Hot off the Press

The Chamber of Commercewill soon be distributing the2006 Metro South Book forBusiness. The book features areadining, lodging, public golf courses, recreation, legislativeleaders, community demographics, regional and economic data and a completemembership listing. The book alsoincludes a full color map of the

Metro South region, highlightinghotels, golf courses, industrialparks, town halls and other pointsof interest.

The 2006 Book for Businessfeatures an array of local photographs highlighting thebeauty of the region.

“This year’s Book for Businessfeatures 100 pages of information useful to residents, visitors, andbusinesses in the Metro Southregion. It places the entireChamber membership at your fin-gertips,” said Christopher Cooney,President and CEO of theChamber.

Copies of the Book forBusiness will be distributedthroughout the region to banks,real estate offices, town halloffices, all Chamber members, area colleges, and sentto all relocating businesses and families interested in the MetroSouth area.

The Book for Business, Membership Directory & Guide



RENEWINGMembersThank You !

Bay State Gas CompanyBaynes Electric Supply Co., Inc.Benner’s Camera & Video ShopBrian Healey Contractors, Inc.Brockton 21st Century Corp.Christy’s Realty L.P.Citizens Bank of MassachusettsClearpoint Communications, Inc.Comfort Temp OilCommonwealth Mediation &

ConciliationComputer-Ed instituteConway Insurance Agency, Inc.East Coast Truck & TrailerFour Seasons Hair SalonFranklin Sports, Inc.Holmes McDuffy Florist, Inc.Jordan’s FurnitureKeller WilliamsMargaritelli USA, Inc.Massasoit Community College

Mr. Appliance of Brockton LLCMutual Oil Company, Inc.Nelson Office ProductsNemo’s Carry All Market, IncPierce Refrigeration, Inc.Pine Hill Cemetery AssociationPoyant Signs, Inc.Recordkeeper Records

Management SystemsRodman & Rodman, PC, CPA’sSampson & Hall FuneralsSeismic Sound DJ’sSir Speedy Printing CenterSullivan Appraisal/Marlene AnnTele-Dynamic, Inc.The EnterpriseThe National GridUnited Furniture II, Inc.Universal Door CompanyWalker-Clay, Inc.William M. Callahan Real Estate

Nominations Being Accepted forSmall Business Awards

The Metro South Chamber ofCommerce and Bank of AmericaSmall Business Services are joining forces to recognize theachievements and contributions ofsmall businesses and entrepreneurs in creating new jobsand economic opportunities in theMetro South region. All membersare invited to participate in theselection process to name the 15thAnnual Small Business of the Yearand Entrepreneur of the Year awardwinners. "Small businesses are thebackbone of our local economy.Each year, we are proud to turn aspecial spotlight on small businessesand their valuable contribution toour community," said ChristopherCooney, president and CEO of theMetro South Chamber. "We look forward to receiving your nominations."

Nominating someone is easy...You may nominate your own business or any other business youdeem worthy (maximum of onenomination per category). Submit asummary of your reasons for thenomination, based on the criterialisted below. Call or fax theChamber office for nominationforms. You may include any additional documentation that willhelp illustrate why the business isdeserving of the award. Nomineesdo not need to be members of theChamber. Nominees must be a for-profit business.

Criteria...Employment/Staying Power. TheSmall Business of the Year nominee must have been in business for a minimum of threeconsecutive years under the current ownership, and have lessthan 50 full-time equivalentemployees. The Entrepreneur of theYear nominee must have been inbusiness less than three years, andhave fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees.

Growth. The nominee should demonstrategrowth in employees, revenues, and profitability.

Innovation. The firm should demonstrate creativity and imagination in the development of its business or inits product or service

Social Responsibility.Nominees should reflect internal and external social responsibility, which may includeone or more of the followingpoints: strong, comprehensiveemployee relations programs;efforts by the company and its staffto aid or benefit the communitythrough personal involvementand/or donations of other company resources; efforts toencourage diversity in its workforce and management; activity in the business communitythrough involvement in industryor professional organizations; anddevelopment of other programsrelating to social and communitybetterment.

Nominations are due byMarch 17, 2006. Call the Chamberoffice at 508-586-0500 ext 231 torequest an easy-to-complete nomination form. Winners will beselected by the Chamber's AwardSelection Committee and will beannounced at a special awardsprogram in May. Award recipientswill receive an engraved plaqueand extensive promotion honoringtheir business and achievements.

Workers May Qualify for EITC

Brought to you by:

Mayor James Harrington

Metro South Chamber ofCommerce is proud to partnerwith Mayor James Harrington'sEarned Income Tax Campaign for2006. Free electronic tax preparation and filing is availableat Brockton's Main Branch PublicLibrary, 304 Main Street, beginning Saturday, January 21stand continuing through SaturdayApril 15th.

Hours of operation areMonday and Tuesdays from 4 pmto 7 pm and Saturdays from 10am to 1 pm. Sign in and flyers willbe available at the entrance on thefirst floor on White Avenue.

Preparation and filing will bedone on a first come first servebasis. Please bring a photo ID;Social Security Cards for you andyour dependents as well as allearned income statements, i.e.

W-2’s and 1099s.This program is designed to

assist working families and individuals with low and moderateincome take advantage of theEarned Income Credit (EIC) as wellas the Child Tax Credit (CTC).

For working families throughout the country this taxcredit is worth more than ever - $4,400 for some families.Many families may also qualify forthe CTC, worth up to $1,000 foreach child. Millions of eligibleworkers risk missing out on theseimportant federal tax benefitswhich are also matched to a lesserdegree by the state.

Last year the Metro SouthChamber and the Mayor's EITCCampaign returned more than$300,000 to eligible Brockton participants.

2005 Entrepreneur of the Year Award Winner, Jeff Chrzanowski, Sparks Street Auto


www.metrosouthchamber.com ACTION Report February 2006 9m

Chamber SetsLegislative Priorities

Members of the Chamber’sBoard of Directors andGovernment Affairs Committeehave recently completed a strategicplanning process to determine thetop five legislative issues for 2006.They are as follows:

•Health Care-Increasing access to quality healthcare and controlling costs. Opposecurrent proposal to institute a newpayroll tax on employers.

•Education & Workforce Training-Supporting the goals of educationreform and promoting job trainingand investment in human capital.

• Economic Development-Developing and supporting economic strategies that willencourage the growth of existingsmall business and industry andattract new business ventures tocomplement the region.

•Housing-Supporting sensible solutions tothe housing challenges faced bythe Commonwealth.

•Fuel/Energy Costs-Encourage savings through additional awareness of energysavings programs available tochamber businesses. CoordinateChamber member purchasing program to achieve greater savingsfor chamber member businesses.Support of public policies and legislation that supports competi-tive energy purchasing rates.

The Metro South Chamber’slegislative priorities are not a catalog of the Chamber’s positionon every important issue thatmight come up over the next year.Rather, they are intended to communicate to employers, thenews media, the legislature and administration, a sense of what ourfederal, state, and local government’s top priorities shouldbe to encourage job creation andeconomic growth.

For more information, pleasecontact Kerrie Blake at theChamber 508.586.0500 ext. 231 oremail via [email protected].

GRO-N-THINGS, INC.

SERVING AREA BUSINESS SINCE 1975

P.O. Box 1246Middleboro, MA 02346508.947.8433 (p)781.767.2244 (f)

Shelley TierneyOWNER

Breakfast Draws Large Crowd - Deval Patrick Featured

Rebeca Perez of East Coast Petroleum, Maria Carey Lallemand of BAWIB and

Mary Waldron of the Brockton 21st Century Corporation

Dana Moler-Faria and Edward Minick ofBridgewater State College

Deval Patrick, Candidate for Governor and Lou Russo of Comcast

Vanessa Leite of the United Way of GreaterPlymouth County and

Danny Steele of Verc Rentals Aisha Bonny and Charlie Fiske of BAMSI

Protecting your computersfrom viruses is as important asturning on your burglar alarm andlocking your doors. If youremployees use e-mail, share files,and surf the Internet, then theyengage in activities that allowviruses to spread from one com-puter to another.

Since dangerous viruses,worms, and malicious codes canwreak havoc, it's essential to devel-op an anti-virus strategy. If youhave a network, consider solutionsthat encompass all the machineson the network as a group, ratherthan individually. (Look for fea-tures such as centralized manage-ment, automatic virus patternupdates, and server-based clientsoftware deployment). If, however,you have just a single PC or ahodgepodge of computers, thenchances are you'll find that an off-the-shelf anti-virus package is thebest solution.

In either case, the key to anti-virus software is in the updates.The number of computer viruses-now estimated at more than22,000-grows every day. Updatingis required as often as once aweek. The good news is that thecost of keeping up is minimal: afew dollars a year at most. In fact,

anti-virus software itself is veryinexpensive-as little as $29.95 percopy (network packages rangefrom less than $20 to more than$4,000, depending on the numberof users). The software can befound through catalogs, onlinesoftware retailers, or at computersuperstores. Leading brandsinclude Global Virus Insurance(Panda), InoculateIT (ComputerAssociates), McAfee (NetworkAssociates), Norton (Symantec),and Office Scan (Trend Micro).

What features should you lookfor? Low-maintenance updating isthe most important. The best pack-ages allow automatic, click-freeupdating; the software periodicallyretrieves the latest virus definitionsfrom its Web site and incorporatesthem into your software. Also,you'll need to decide how youwant your files to be protected.Can the software remove zippedviruses from e-mails withoutdestroying the entire document?Will it warn you of infected filesbefore they're downloaded?

Since anti-virus software willbe continuously running in thebackground, be aware that someprograms can cut computer per-formance speed by up to 6%. Ifmaximizing processing speed iscritical to your business, carefullyevaluate how much loss in speeddifferent packages will cause, andconsider adding more RAM to yourcomputer if need be.

That’s Not A Cold Your Computer CaughtArticle provided by: Verizon Work @ Home newsletter


NEWInvestorsMaking an Investment in our Community!

1-800-GOT-JUNKMs. Dina Qualizza51 Broad StreetBridgewater, MA 02324Phone: 508.697.8890Website:www.gotjunk.comRubbish Removal

Angels Healthcare CompaniesDr. Mazen Eneyni536 Washington StreetAbington, MA 02351Phone: 781.871.3773Fax: 781.871.3771Health & Fitness

Belmont Dry CleanersMr. William Lucas92 Torrey StreetBrockton, MA 02301Phone: 508.580.4610Fax: 508.580.4610Dry Cleaners/Laundries

Joseph HutchinsMr. Joseph Hutchins39 Allen Street, Apt. 3Brockton, MA 02301

Juliano EnterprisesMr. Michael Juliano132 Campenelli Ind. DriveBrockton, MA 02301Phone: 508.586.1200

Northeast WholesaleMr. John Hurwitz39A Teed DriveRandolph, MA 02368Phone: 781.767.1019 ext. 204Fax: 781. 767.1021Contractors Equipment/Supplies

RDC Realty TrustMr. Robert CampbellPO Box 446Abington, MA 02351Phone: 781.447.6908

Start Right Start Bright ChildcareMs. Euphemia Jones856 North Montello StreetBrockton, MA 02301Phone: 508.941.6767Childcare

The Wizards DuelMr. John Throne675 Centre StreetBrockton, MA 02302Phone: 508.584.9572Entertainment

Tierney AppraisalsMr. William Tierney11 Hartshorn StreetWest Bridgewater, MA 02379Phone: 508.857.3375Fax: 508.580.3473Real Estate/Appraisers

U.S. Postal Service/BrocktonMr. Charles Williams120 Commercial StreetBrockton, MA 02302-9998Phone: 508.559.1910Fax: 508.559.1940Delivery Services


To Join the Chamber Contact

John Dudley x 229

Frank Gillooly x 225

508.586.0500

Massachusetts isthe historic leader fortrade and investmentin the United States,producing $285 billionin goods and servicesannually.

Paul Swenson,Massachusetts Directorof International Tradein Shanghi, China willmeet with local businesses in BrocktonFebruary 15th atThorny Lea CountryClub. The luncheon meeting willfocus attention on current oppor-tunities for selling products inChina. Medical and aeronauticsindustry representatives in partic-ular are encouraged to attendalthough any business peopleinterested in conducting businessin China should attend. The lunchis hosted by the Chamber andheld in cooperation with theMassachusetts Office ofInternational of Trade andInvestment (MOITI) and theInternational Trade AssistanceCenter (ITAC).

Chamber Offers China Trade Assistance

MOITI works toexpand theMassachusetts economy by marketing the state’sbusiness internationally,through focusedexport promotion,attracting foreigncompanies to investin Massachusetts andhandling protocol asit relates to trade andinvestment.

TheInternational TradeAssistance Center is a private,non-profit organization that pro-vides international trade assis-tance to local companies. Based inSoutheastern Massachusetts, ITACis affiliated with all of the majorChambers of Commerce withinthe region.

If you would like to participate in this meeting withPaul Swenson to discuss opportunities in China, please contact the chamber to register at508.586.0500 x 222.

Christa Bleyleben, Executive Director ofMassachusetts Office of International

Trade & Investment

MassMEP and University ofMassachusetts, Dartmouth partnerto offer a collaborative approach toenable small manufacturers implement lean manufacturingtools and techniques!

Join us on Thursday, March 23,2006 for an introductory session toLean Principles and the LeanCollaborative. You might be a smallor medium-sized manufacturerthat has contemplated the idea ofimplementing lean techniques andmethodologies, but you do nothave enough resources to undertake a project of this nature.

Lean Manufacturing Collaborative:Learn by Doing for Small Manufacturers

MassMEP and UMassDartmouth have partnered tooffer this program to area companies starting in March 2006.The MEP’s team of expert facilitators and trainers in LeanManufacturing and supply chainhas developed a new and affordable approach to help yourorganization benefit from theimpact of a lean transformationand sustained change. We calledthis new approach the LeanManufacturing CollaborativeProgram.

To participate, contactMassMEP Lead Project Manager – Glenn Gertridge at508-679-0847 or [email protected].

Article provided by:

Do You Have a HR Question?Try the Human Resource Hotline

Sponsored by: Does your business have Human Resource questions?Do you know where to turn for the answers?

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce has developed a hotline for your business to receive professional advice from experts in the HR field.

Simply e-mail your questions to the HR hotline at [email protected] or log onto www.metrosouthchamber.com. For more information contact Kerrie Blake at 508.586.0500 ext. 231.

Medical Device and Aeronautics Industries Targeted - Feb. 15, 2006



Becoming a member of theMetro South Chamber ofCommerce provides your businessopportunities to accelerate itsgrowth. When you join theChamber, you become a leaderwithin the business communityand a member of the region's mostdynamic advocacyorganization.Membership meanspotential new businessprospects, new savings, access to valuable resources andinformation, access tohealth and dentalplans, a variety ofmarketing opportunities andmore, for you andyour business.

On May 9, 10, and 11, manycommunity and business leaders,currently benefiting frommembership in the Chamber, willcontact businesses that could benefit from membership in theMetro South Chamber ofCommerce. This year's drive willfeature many exciting incentivesfor small businesses to join theChamber, including free radio andprint advertising, free admissionto several Chamber events, amazing discounts and more.Drive volunteers will get a taste ofMardi Gras – beads, food, andfun! – experiencing this year’sdrive theme.

Build Your Chamber & Help Re-BuildNew OrleansMembership Drive – May 9, 10, 11

As a result of the devastatingimpact Hurricane Katrina had onthe gulf coast in 2005, the economic development of thatregion has been paralyzed andremains slow to recovery as localbusinesses and Chambers ofCommerce struggle to get back on

their feet. This year,the Chamber ispleased to announcethat at the conclusionof the 2006Membership Drive adonation will be madetoward re-establishingChambers in the gulfcoast area.

If you are notcurrently a Chambermember, take thisopportunity to listen

to someone who is working moreintelligently through membershipin the Metro South Chamber.Chamber membership is affordableno matter how small your business– 70% of our members have 10 orfewer employees – and it providesyour business with tremendousopportunity.

To discuss how the Chambercan help you build a stronger business, or if you are a currentmember and wish to become adrive volunteer, call John at (508) 586-0500 ext. 225.

Complete registration form on page 12

“Taste” Event Set for March!

Stephen Brennan, Leah Andrade and Angela Raymondof Brennan’s Blackthorne Tavern Christian Linoie of Chili’s Grill and Bar, Brockton

Twenty-eight participating restaurants at the2005 “A Taste of Metro South” made the selectionof food amazing. The night was a success withover 750 people tasting treats from restaurantsthroughout the South Shore.

Mark your calendar for March 16, 2006. This isan event you will not want to miss! Call Kerrie at508.586.0500 ext 231 for more information.

New Brockton MapThe Metro South Chamber of

Commerce is pleased to announcethe production and release of anew Brockton city map.

The map features hand drawnbuildings, historical sites and hotellocations on the map as well asmany local attractions.

“The map is an artistic rendi-tion of the rich architecture andnumerous fun places in Brockton.“ said Chamber President andCEO Christopher Cooney, .

Maps are being distributedthroughout the region and will beavailable in late February at theChamber office located at 60School Street in Brockton.

The cover of the new Brockton city map.Hand drawn and colored by Designer Ellen Moore

The Metro South Chamber ofCommerce and the Center forWomen & Enterprise (CWE) inBoston have joined forces to offerentrepreneurial training in theBrockton area to dislocated workers. The program is designedto support the needs of dislocatedand recently unemployed workers who are interested instarting a business.

Entrepreneurs Begin Ten Week Program at ChamberThe program is funded

through a grant from theMassachusetts Division of CareerServices. The ten-week program isbeing held at the Metro SouthBusiness Assistance Center (BAC)and will include topics such asbusiness strategy, competition,pricing, financial projections, andpublic relations. One-on-one counseling will also be available.

Participants will be well educatedon the process of developing acomprehensive business plan upongraduation from the program.

For more information, pleasecall the Chamber at508.586.0500 ext 221.

Participants discuss their business ideas during theThursday afternoon session at the Chamber

See related article on page 1


BUSINESS EVENTS PlannerIT’S EASY TO REGISTER!508-586-0500 x 221

508-587-1340

E-mail:[email protected]

Send reservation and payment to:

MSCCSixty School Street Brockton, MA 02301-4087

PREREGISTRATION IS NECESSARY. Individuals registering at the event will be charged a $5.00 late fee. For companies wishing to be billed there is a $3.00 billing charge.Cancellations for all events must be received 24 hours in advance of the event, otherwise the company will be charged regardless of attendance.

February 9Human Resource Meeting

7:45 - 10:15 amRadisson Hotel and Conference Center195 Westgate Drive, Brockton

This event is a great opportunity to work with other

Human Resource professionals while enjoying a buffet

breakfast followed by a keynote speaker and program.

Please RSVP at 508.586.0500 ext. 221


February 17Government Affairs7:45 a.m.Metro South Chamber of Commerce60 School Street, Brockton

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.

Call 508.586.0500 ext 225 for further information

February 16Good Morning Metro South

7:30 - 9:30 amRadisson Hotel and Conference Center195 Westgate Drive, Brockton

This event is a great opportunity to network with

other members while enjoying a buffet breakfast

followed by a keynote speaker and program.

Please RSVP at 508.586.0500 ext. 221

Names of Persons Attending

Event

Company

Phone

REMINDER:

We accept VISA, MasterCard and AMEX for dues and special events!

Team Captain: ___________________________________________________________

Volunteers:

1. ______________________________ 3. ________________________________

2. ______________________________ 4. ________________________________

Prize Donation: ______________________________________________________

Contact Information: ___________________________________________________

If you wish to represent your organization by becoming a membership drive captain or making a prize donation, complete the form below and fax it back to the Chamber at 508.587.1340 by April 5.

May 9, 10, 11, 2006

* To benefit in part the Gulf Coast Chambers of Commerce See related article on page 11.


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