Workforce Flexibility AwardsPresented at the Good Morning Metro South on Wednesday, October 22

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

CONTENTS

Calendar of Events 3

Good News 4

Renewing Members 10

Valerie Amaral, page 2

Leslie Schweitzer, page 7

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

Leading BusinessesLeading Communities

October2008

Continued on Page 2

www.metrosouthchamber.com

95th Annual Meeting &Business-2-Business Expo

Doug Palmacci, page 9

Wednesday, October 22, 7:30 am

Continued on Page 6

Breakfast to Feature Hollywood East

To learn more about the Sloan Award, visit www.whenworkworks.org

Wednesday, November 19, 2008Massasoit Conference Center

Business Expo: 10:30 am - 3:00 pmAnnual Meeting: 12 pm- 1:45

Join us at the next Good Morning MetroSouth breakfast on Wednesday, October 22 from7:30 -9:00am at the Holiday Inn, 195 WestgateDrive, Brockton. The featured speaker will be PeterFleury, Executive Director of Operations atPlymouth Rock Studios.

Slated to openin September 2010,Plymouth RockStudios will be theEast Coast's first

independent, full-service film and television stu-dio facility to offer everything a storyteller needs,from pre-production to post-production services.The campus features fourteen sound stages, rang-ing in size from 18,000 to 24,000 square feet, thatconnect the filmmaker directly to comprehensive,cutting-edge facilities.

The studio will be the catalyst for the sustainedgrowth of the creative economy in New England,injecting billions of dollars-directly and indirectly-into the economies of Plymouth and theCommonwealth. As a cornerstone of the industry

infrastructure, the campus, in conjunction withproduction companies, is projected to create over2,000 jobs, paying $70,000 on average.

Also speaking From Plymouth Rock Studioswill be Kate Ayson, Production Coordinator andEducation Liaison for The Rock EducationCooperative (TREC). TREC is an environment forcreatively gifted students of all ages to develop theart of storytelling through sound and motion. Formore information, visit plymouthrockstudios.com.

Also at the breakfast meetingwill be the presentation of TheSloan Awards for BusinessExcellence in Workplace Flexibility, aprogram initiated by the USChamber. To present the award willbe Jennifer Fraone, AssistantDirector at the Boston CollegeCenter for Work & FamilyAssociation (NEWFA), an organiza-tion comprised of over 50 leadingNew England employers. Jennifer

KGA, Inc., located at 161 Worcester Road in Framingham, has been in business forover 26 years offering Human Resources services to help with employee retention, man-ager performance, change management, diversity management and wellness manage-

ment, including EAP, training, coaching, consulting, and wellness. They currently employ 19 workers.KGA values work-life balance for both clients and employees. Their highly personal client services are

geared to help improve employee and manager performance in order to support clients' business strate-gies. They believe that their employees will do the right thing, regardless of when and where they areworking. KGA demonstrates complete trust in employees by sharing all business strategy and financialinformation and know that they will do what it takes to get the job done with the least amount of com-promise to their own work-life balance. They offer flexible work schedules, even for call center employ-ees, and have each person equipped with the technology needed to work from home when necessary.KGA offers myriad family-friendly benefits to help build the spirit of a great team. For the business com-munity, they offer a wide range of HR solutions that are based on a deep understanding of each client'sdistinct needs. For more information on KGA, Inc., please visit www.kgreer.com or call 508-879-2093.

HarborOne Credit Union, located at 770 Oak Street in Brockton was establishedin 1917 and currently has 340 employees. They are a regional financial institution

offering competitive products and rates with excellent service and active community involvement.One of the most valued flexible programs HarborOne has is the ability for their staff to change their

employment status between full-time and part-time during their tenure with us. This program is especiallyvalued because the staff is able to maintain their health and dental insurance as well as eligibility for our9.3% profit sharing contribution to their 401(k) - even if they reduce their hours to 20 hours per week.

In addition, HarborOne has an employee volunteer program called “Caring Crew” where employeescan volunteer during work time or their own time. This has given the staff the opportunity to get to knoweach other better and fulfill a worthwhile community need. For more information on HarborOne CreditUnion, visit www.harboronecu.com or call 508-895-1000.

Jennifer Fraone

Sponsored by:

Mark your cal-enders for thisspecial event!Join other busi-

ness people andcommunity leaders and attendthe annual meeting to celebratebusinesses working together forthe future of the Metro SouthRegion.

This year’s key-note speaker will beKeith Westrich, theState Director ofConnecting Activ-ities. He is a frequentpresenter on the topic

of creating a competitive work-force by providing young peoplewith business experience.

SAVETHE

DATE!

Grand Sponsor:

report

Connecting Activities

Contributing Sponsors:

Printing Donatedby the Enterprise

2 ACTION Report October 2008 www.metrosouthchamber.com

EXPO Sponsorship OpportunitiesSponsoring the Annual Meeting and EXPO offers your company exposure

to the local business community and an opportunity to network with busi-ness leaders in the area. Not only does it create an awareness for your prod-ucts and services, it allows you to target your marketing efforts to businessprofessionals and potential customers in the Metro South Region.

Sponsorship categories can be tailored to fit your company needs. CallKim Bewsher at 508.586.0500 x 231 for more information, or download yourapplication on the www.metrosouthchamber.com homepage.

Sponsorships Still AvailableSupporting Sponsor: Receive a table in the Exhibit Hall, two tickets to theAnnual Meeting Luncheon, Recognition during event and in program guide,and Attendee Mailing List. ($1000)Sweet Tooth OR Coffee Station Sponsor: Receive all benefits of SupportingSponsor plus signage at the Dessert Station or Coffee Station in Expo Hall.($1500)Pen Sponsor: Receive all benefits of Supporting Sponsor plus your companylogo/website printed on quality long lasting pens. ($2500)

Call for RafflesDonate a prize for the Metro South Chamber 95 Annual Meeting Raffle and youwill receive valuable exposure and direct promotion to over 400 business leadersin the Metro South Region in attendance. Examples of prizes to donate: Gift cer-tificates, savings bonds, bottles of wine, passes to cultural or educational events,free ads, or clothing. Feel free to be traditional or creative. Proceeds go to theMetro South Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation.Contact KimBewsher at 508-586-0500 x 231 for more information. AD

AD

Business-to-Business ExpoNovember 19, 2008, 10:30 am-3:00 pm

As part of the 95th AnnualMeeting, the Metro South Chamberof Commerce will host a Business-to-Business Expo on Wednesday,November 19, from 10:30 am - 3:00pm, at the Massasoit ConferenceCenter in Brockton. The Business-to-Business Expo is a great opportunity

to reach over four hundred businesspeople throughout the Metro Southregion. Designed to be a personaltable top expo, presenters will beprovided with meaningful opportu-nities to promote their company toprospect after prospect. It is theright place, the right time, and theright audience.

The cost of a booth is $309. Call before October 20 and receivethe discounted price of $259.In previous years, the Chamber’sresponse to this opportunity hasbeen very strong. Since space is lim-ited, registrations are on a first come, first served basis. Toreserve your booth space, call Kim Bewsher, Program Director, at 508.586.0500 ext. 231.

Tim Chapin and Philip Hamric, Timber Lanes

95th Annual MeetingJoin us and over 400 fellow Chamber

members at the Massasoit ConferenceCenter in Brockton for the Metro SouthChamber of Commerce 95th AnnualMeeting. The keynote speaker will beKeith Westrich. Keith is a frequent speak-er and presenter on the topic of creating acompetitive workforce by providingyoung people with business experience.The topic, and speaker compliment therecent decision to incorporate competitiveworkforce issues into the Chamber’sEconomic Development division.

Through ConnectingActivities, Mr. Westrichprovides resources andtechnical assistance to the16 Workforce InvestmentBoards and 15 LocalSchool-to-Career Part-nerships to support thedevelopment and imple-

mentation of the state's work-based learn-ing agenda for districts/schools participat-ing in school to career initiatives across theCommonwealth.

Previously, Mr. Westrich served as theDirector of the Boston Private IndustryCouncil's nationally recognized ProTechprogram which laid the foundation for

November 19, 2008, 12:00 pm-1:30 pmthe integration of school and work-based learning designed to give stu-dents the academic, technical/tech-nological and employability skillsnecessary to compete in higher edu-cation and high performance work-places.

Also at this meeting, EconomicImpact Awards will be presented tobusinesses who have made a signifi-cant investment in the Metro Southregion over the past year. Board serv-ice awards will also be presented.

Singing the national anthem andproviding entertain-ment prior to themeeting will beValerie Amaral, MissMassachusetts 2007.Valerie was recipientof the PreliminaryTalent Award at the2007 Miss America

pageant. Tickets are $45 for members and

$55 for non-members. Corporatetables of 10 are still available. To reg-ister, please call Kim Bewsher at508.586.0500 x 231 or register online atwww.metrosouthchamber.com.

Keith Westrich

Valaria Amaral

www.metrosouthchamber.com ACTION Report October 2008 3

OCTOBER Calendar9 IP Telephony Workshop

13 Chamber Closed - Columbus Day

14 Executive Committee

21 Women’s Leadership ExchangeIKEA, 1 IKEA Way, Stoughton

22 Good Morning Metro SouthHoliday Inn, 195 Westgate Drive, Brockton

23 Regional Workforce Development SummitMassasoit Conference Center, Route 27, Brockton

23 WINNING Executive Brief

28 SEED Commercial Realtor Workshop

29 Board Meeting

30 Business After Hours- Brockton VNA500 Belmont Street, Brockton

Coming UpNovember

4 SOMWBA Workshop

5 Regional Business After HoursMansfield Holiday Inn, 31 Hampshire Street, Mansfield

14 Government Affairs

18 Financial Priorities Workshop

19 Annual Meeting & EXPOMassasoit Conference Center, Route 27, Brockton

EXPOMeeting Luncheon

22 Plymouth County/Cape Cod Railroad Excursion Lakeville MBTA station. See page 9.

29 Brockton Holiday ParadeDowntown Brockton

Save the DateDecember

3 Ambassador Meeting

9 Executive Committee

11 Good Morning Metro SouthHoliday Inn, 195 Westgate Drive, Brockton

12 Government Affairs

17 Board Meeting

ACTION Report Volume 8 - Issue 11(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 needs inthis area, please let us know by calling the Chamber at 508-586-0500 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 info@metrosouthchamber.com www.metrosouthchamber.com

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

ACCREDITEDCHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

Photo and print production by Mark Mahoney, The Enterprise

Note: All meetings are held at the Metro South Chamber Office unless other wise indicated.

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Photography by Rich Morgan www.richmorganphotography.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Chair of the BoardReinald G. Ledoux, Jr.Brockton Area Transit Authority

President and CEOChristopher CooneyMetro South Chamber of Commerce

Chair-ElectH. Scott SanbornSovereign Bank

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

Vice Chair Community AffairsRick ColonVerizon

Vice Chair Economic DevelopmentRobert KenworthyBank of America

Vice Chair Government AffairsChristine KaravitesProteas Customized Consulting

Vice Chair Membership DevelopmentDaniel TroutThe Community Bank

Immediate Past ChairStephen HallNational Grid

CHAMBER STAFF

508-586-0500 Front Desk x 221

Christopher CooneyPresident and CEO x 223

Kim BewsherProgram Director x 231

DIRECTORS

Pasquale Ciaramella - Old Colony Planning Council

Jack Conway -Jack Conway & Company, Inc.

John Costa - B C Tent & Awning Company

Loretta DeGrazia - East Coast Petroleum

Jeffrey Dukess - Frenette & Dukess, PC

John Holiver - Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center

Brenda Hunter - Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc.Susan Joss - Brockton Neighborhood Health Center

Stephen McDuffy - Holmes-McDuffy Florists

Dana Mohler-Faria - Bridgewater State College

William Morse - Mutual Bank

Basan Nembirkow - Brockton Public Schools

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

Andrea Papadopoulos - Arista Associates, Inc.

Lester Schindel - New England Sinai Hospital

Larry Siskind -Siskind and Siskind Attorneys at Law

Lydie Ultimo - TERI

John Vlaco - Brophy & Phillips Co., Inc.

Charles Wall - Massasoit Community College

Patricia Williams - HarborOne Credit Union

Lisa KeeneMembership x 225

Kathryn SaylesCompetitive Workforce x 229

Kerry SullivanFinance x 230

Alison van DamDirector of Communications x 222

4 ACTION Report October 2008 www.metrosouthchamber.com

GOODNewsCelebrate the great things going on!

Sinai Women’s Auxiliary Breakfast EventOn Sunday, October 19, Sinai

Women's Auxiliary presents its annual“Breakfast with Friends.” The breakfast fea-tures a variety of menu items and noodlekugels (noodle puddings) made by mem-bers of the Auxiliary. This event will be heldat Brenner Conference Center at NewEngland Sinai Hospital, 150 York Street,Stoughton, at 10 am. Tickets are $15 perperson and includes entertainment andbreakfast. To make a reservation, or formore information, please call 781-297-1333.Proceeds of the event support the fundrais-ing efforts of the Sinai Women's Auxiliary.

Conrad Appointed Chair of Board Roy A. Conrad

has been appointedChairman of theBoard of Directors ofRandolph SavingsBank. He has been anintegral part ofRandolph SavingsBank serving in manycapacities for nearlythree decades. Since1980 Conrad has been a Corporator ofthe Bank, was elected a Trustee in 1990,and has served on the Bank's ExecutiveCommittee since 1994.

Conrad ran a successful grocerybusiness, in North Randolph, for 37years as the Owner and Manager ofConrad's Supermarket.

Baroni of Signature Healthcare Honored Suzanne Baroni,

Manager of theBetter BeginningsProgram at Sig-nature HealthcareBrockton Hospital,has received theC o m m u n i t yHealth WorkersSupervisor of theYear Award from the MassachusettsAssociation of Community HealthWorkers (MACHW). The criteria for theaward includes: understanding the roleand importance of community healthworkers (CHWs), working on integratingCHWs into the rest of the health & humanservice team, and being supportive ofCHWs accessing trainings and classes.

The Better Beginnings Program providesprenatal education, care, and supportservices to women in the community.Advocates provide women with a widerange of assistance including, free preg-nancy testing, a link to health insurance,

interpretation, transportation, pre-natalcare, scheduling doctor's appointments,delivery, and post-natal care. The pro-gram has also been instrumental in pro-viding help for anyone in need of healthcare services, insurance, communityresources and education on topics of con-cern.

Towerfest 2008 at DW Field ParkTowerfest 2008 will be held on Saturday,

October 11, 2008 (raindate Sunday Oct 12) atDW Field Park at the Tower, Oak St,Brockton from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free fun forthe whole family with clowns, balloons,crafts, tours, music, decorating pumpkinsand so much more. For more informationplease call Pat 508-586-4425.

Sinai Men’s Associates Donates to CampaignAt a recent meet-ing of the SinaiMen's Associates,the group's presi-dent ThomasO'Connor of Ran-dolph presentedSinai Presidentand CEO Lester P.Schindel a check for $5,000 represent-ing the first installment toward theMen's Associates $25,000 pledge to thehospital's $6-7 million “On the Path toExcellence Capital Campaign.Campaign objectives include the reno-vation and modernization of patientand visitor areas and the purchase ofstate-of-the art technology.

Chamber Members Participate in TournamentThe following Metro South Chamber

of Commerce members were on hand atthe recent Golf Classic VI tournament tobenefit Old Colony Hospice as sponsors,participants or donated prizes and in-kindsupport: Accurounds, Baypointe Rehab &Skilled Nursing Center, BC Tent &Awning, BE Peterson, Brockton Rox,Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center,Children's Museum of Easton, CostcoWholesale, Country Club of Halifax,Farley Funeral Home, Federal Telephone& Communication, HarborOne CreditUnion, Heights Crossing Assisted Living,Milton Hospital, Mutual Bank,Philadelphia Insurance Companies, PineOaks Golf Course, Randolph ChryslerJeep, Rockland Trust Company, SovereignBank, St. Joseph Manor, Stonehill College,Texas Roadhouse, The Community Bank,The Shaw's Center, Trufant Real Estate,Verc Rentals, Wal-Mart, W.B. Mason,Whole Person Health.

To find out about next year's tourna-

ment, please call 781-341-4147, Ext. 204, orvisit us on-line at www.oldcolonyhos-pice.org.

Jeff Miller: New Director of DevelopmentCaritas Good Samaritan

Medical Center is pleasedto announce the appoint-ment of Jeff Miller as theDirector of Development.

Miller was formerly thedirector of institutionaladvancement at QuagliaInstitute for Student

Aspirations and a former chief philanthro-py officer with St. Luke's Hospital in NewBedford.

Miller, who is a Certified Fund RaisingExpert is 1 of approximately 5,000 CFRE'sin the country and earned the credentialsby meeting a series of standards whichinclude tenure in the profession, educa-tion, demonstrated fundraising achieve-ment and a commitment to service to not-for-profit organizations.

Miller's past positions also includeDirector of Marketing and ClientRelations for New England BaptistHospital/Caregroup Occupational HealthNetwork.

MultiCultural Banking Center AnniversaryHarborOne Credit Union's Multi-

Cultural Banking Center in downtown

Brockton celebrated its one-yearanniversary in September.

Believed to be the only one of its kindin the country, the Center was created tohelp low and moderate-income resi-dents, minorities and immigrants avoidpredatory financial practices througheducation. Its creation was spurred bythe growing foreclosure crisis, which hasseverely impacted the Brockton area.

To date, more than 450 people havetaken classes at the center, includingcourses in all languages on the basics ofpersonal finance, first-time home own-ership, foreclosure prevention andEnglish as a second language.

In February, Neighborhood HousingServices of the South Shore opened aHomeOwnership Center within theMultiCultural Banking Center. InAugust, the National Credit UnionFoundation made a special trip to theBoston area to visit the Center, showcas-ing the innovative program as a modelfor credit unions around the country.For more information, call 508-895-1770.

Wheatstone Engineering Welcomes . . .Wheatstone is pleased to announce that

Carl Shapiro, a Principal and co-founder, has been elected President of theLSP Association, an organization repre-senting nearly 1,000 of the state's LicensedSite Professionals and associated environ-

Jeff Miller

Roy A. Conrad

ADSuzanne Baroni receives theMACHW Award

Thomas O’Connor presentsa check to Lester P. Schindel

Provided will be vital information aboutkeeping blood sugars normal and takingcontrol of your diabetes. A physician'sreferral is needed for participation. Thecost of the series is covered by manyinsurances. To learn more call 781-297-1385.

Challenges of Sales EffectivenessOn Monday, November 10 &

Wednesday, November 19 the BrocktonDowntown Higher Education Center pres-ents “Challenges of Sales Effectiveness,” Atwo-part training. November 9: SalesPeople Have Rights Too! 2-5pm. $59. Learnhow to assert yourself, gain the respect ofprospects and customers, and make moremoney in the process. November 19:Increasing Business Sales in ToughEconomic Times. 2-5pm. $59. Take controlof the sales cycle in a way that your cus-tomers will actually appreciate. TheBrockton Downtown Higher EducationCenter is located at 34 School Street. Call508.588.9100 x 2011 or x 2013 to register.

SEED Workshop at the Charlie HorseOn Thursday, October 23, SEED and

Mansfield Bank will hold 2 basic businessworkshops at the Charlie Horse, 674 OldWest Center Street, West Bridgewater. 1)"Learn the Fundamentals in Planning,Preparing For, and Financing YourBusiness," 9am-12pm. Registration is at 8:30am. Breakfast and lunch included. 2)Understanding the Purpose of FinancialStatements and How They Can HelpDetermine the Health of Your Business." 1-4pm. Call Tamarah at SEED at 508-822-1020to register for one or both sessions.

St. Joseph Manor Dinner ShowOn Saturday, November 15, St. Joseph

Manor will present a dinner show.Come for a night of food, drinks, andfun! The show venue is MassasoitConference Center in Brockton.Cocktails start at 6:00 p.m and theDinner and Show start at 6:30 p.m. Thecost is $65.00/per person or $600.00/pertable of ten. The show is entitled "TheWake of Matty O'Malley." The world isnever going to be the same without

Sine Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year beganin 1995, more than 30,000 outstandingteachers have been honored. Wal-martcontributed more than $67 milliontoward education. Of that, $29 millionhas gone directly to local school, as willanother $5 million this year.

MA Conference for WomenThe Massachusetts Conference forWomen will be held on Thursday,December 11 at the Boston Convention &Exhibition Center from 7:30am-5pm..Speakers to include Holly RobinsonPeete, Actress and philanthropist, LeslieStahl, Journalist, Joni Evans, Esteemedpublisher, Mary Wells, Iconic advertisingexecutive, and Marianne Williamson,Internationally acclaimed author and lec-turer. Tickets are $135 through November11. Prices will increase starting the 12th.To register or for more information, visitmaconferenceforwomen.org or call 866-747-2899.

United Way Announces Campaign ChairsThe United Way of Greater Plymouth

County is pleased to announce that EdSantos, President of the PlymouthIndustrial Development Corporation, andMayor James E. Harrington, City ofBrockton, have agreed to be this year’sUnited Way Campaign Co-Chairs. The2008/2009 United Way Campaign Goal isto raise $1,650,000. For more informationon the United Way and how you candonate, visit www.uwgpc.org.

Children’s Museum Golf TourneyOn Monday, October 13, the Children'sMuseum in Easton present “Play foreKids Multi Generational GolfTournament” at 2pm at the EastonCountry Club. Enjoy 9 holes of golf,putting, family cookout, golf contests,raffles and award ceremony. All pro-ceeds from this fundraiser will benefitthe Children's Museum's service andoutreach programs. To register, call (508)230-3789, or visit www.childrensmuseu-mineaston.org.

Send your Good News to Alison atavandam@metrosouthchamber.com

www.metrosouthchamber.com ACTION Report October 2008 5

mental professionals.Wheatstone is an environmental consult-

ing firm in Braintree, MA specializing incontaminated property development, duediligence site assessment, and environmen-tal property management issues. Mr.Shapiro also serves as Vice-Chairman of theNeedham Conservation Commission.

The LSPA was formed in 1993 whenMassachusetts privatized its waste sitecleanup program. LSPs are professional sci-entists and engineers experienced in theassessment and cleanup of oil and haz-ardous material contamination. TheAssociation serves as the responsible advo-cate of its membership with respect to regu-lations, policies and practices which impactthe LSP profession, and advocates for issuesthat impact environmental professionals,local stakeholders, and the community as awhole

John Knierim Joins Randolph SavingsRandolph Savings

Bank President andChief Executive OfficerThomas H. Drummeyhas announced thatJohn T. Knierim hasjoined the Bank asSenior Vice President,Chief Financial Officer.In his new position,

Knierim will oversee all financial opera-tions of the bank. Knierim comes to Randolph Savings fromPutnam Bank, a $495 million bank withseven locations, where he was Senior VicePresident, Senior Operations Officer aswell as Compliance and ChiefInformation Officer. He has over 20 yearsof banking experience including elevenyears at The Milford National Bank andTrust Company where he was also SeniorVice President, Chief Financial Officer.

Managing Your DiabetesOn October 20 ,22, 27, and 29, New

England Sinai Hospital Center presents“Key to Managing Your Diabetes” from 6-8pm. The center is located at 50 YorkStreet, Stoughton. This course is for peo-ple with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Matty! Singing and shenanigans! Dancethe Keel Row, listen to funny eulogies,and help console his poor widow. You'llshed tears of laughter with this long run-ning and great interactive show!

Tickets are available at St. JosephManor, 215 Thatcher St., Brockton, bycalling 508-583-5834, or emailing bdil-lon@sjmbrockton.org

Welcome George Washington TomaAfter 55 years in its Weymouth location,

George Washington Toma TV andAppliance has opened a second store inBrockton. The family owned and operatedhome appliance and electronics retailershas purchased Central Stores, which wasfounded by the Karp family in 1927.

Known throughout the region for the jin-gle “There’s Always A Toma to Talk To,”George Washington Toma is the largestindependent TV and appliance store on theSouth Shore. “Our business continues togrow, helped in part by the tremendoussuccess of Boston sports teams. Everyonewants to see [the games] on big screen tele-visions,” said George Anthony Toma,Founder. Toma offers a wide assortment ofappliances for the kitchen and home, aswell as televisions and electronics. They arepart of a seven billion dollar buying groupwhich enables them to offer their productsat a price that is competitive with the largerchain stores.

The new George Washington Toma islocated at 5 Westgate Drive, Brockton. Formore information, visit www.gwtoma.com.

Hancock Teacher Named Teacher of the YearAllison MacDonald, a teacher at the

Hancock School in Brockton, was namedthe local Teacher of the Year by theBrockton Wal-Mart store. The award wasgiven as part of Wal-mart’s 12th annualTeacher of the Year program and included a$1,000 grant for the Hancock School, a $100gift card for MacDonald to buy classroomsupplies, a Teacher of the Year polo shirtand a certificated of appreciation.

A Brockton High graduate, MacDonaldhas taught at the Hancock School for 7years. She was nominated for the award byCalvin Duncan who was in her 3rd gradeclass last year.

John T. Knierim

ADAD

6 ACTION Report October 2008 www.metrosouthchamber.com

GRO-N-THINGS, INC.

SERVING AREA BUSINESS SINCE 1975

Shelley TierneyOWNER

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

Interior Plant Maintenance and Design Service

On Wednesday, November 5,2008 the nine SoutheasternMassachusetts area Champ-bert of Commerce will hosta Regional BusinessAfter Hours from 4:30-7:00 p.m. at theMansfield Holiday Inn,31 Hampshire Street,Mansfield.

Meet business peoplefrom the Attleboro, CranberryCounty, Metro South, New Bedford,Fall River, North Attleboro, Tri-Town,Plymouth and Taunton Chambers ofCommerce.

Last years networking eventbrought together a crowd of

nearly 300 business professionalsand entrepreneurs. This is a

great opportunity to meetmembers from surround-ing chambers.

To register for thisevent please call the

Chamber at 508.586.0500 ext.231. The event is free for mem-

bers and $10 for non-members.Come and enjoy hot and cold horsd’oeuvres, 50/50 raffle, cash bar andmost importantly a lot of NET-WORKING! Don’t forget your busi-ness cards.

9 Chambers to Combine Networking

NETWORKING

Interconnecting groups of individuals

with a common goal

Sponsored by: AD

works with organizations to provideresearch and consultation on flexibil-ity, work-life balance and otherworkforce management issues. Theaward will be presented to KBA, Inc.,located in Framingham withHonorable Mention going toHarborOne Credit Union inBrockton. (See page 1).

Good Morning Metro South is beingsponsored by Signature Hospital.Signature Healthcare is SoutheasternMassachusetts’ largest integratedhealthcare systems with more than 550providers and 2,500 employers. It is aprivate, not-for-profit 253-licensed bed,community teaching hospital providinga full spectrum of pediatric and adultcare services. Last year, SignatureHealthcare had nearly 62,000 emer-gency visits.

As always, the GMMS breakfastprogram is a great networkingopportunity. Guests are encouragedto stay for the informal networkingimmediately following the program. Register by calling Kim at508.586.0500 x 231. The cost is $20 formembers and $25 for non-members.

Good Morning Metro South Continued from page 1

At this workshop, learn how using key financial indicators can help run yourbusiness more effectively and get your employees to buy in. Instead of justusing increased dollars of sales to describe your company's growth, you will beable to use key indicators such as the increase of return from sales, thedecreased percent of account receivable over 60 days due, the increase in thepercentage of ownership versus debt, etc. Learn about the indicators, decidewhich key indicators will improve your company the most, focus on how toimprove those indicators and then track those trends with the employees thathave a direct effect on them. This workshop will also include a discussion onhow to control and improve cash flow, deciding between needs vs. wants, andvarious small business financing choices.

This workshop will be presented by Shannon Donovan, Accounting andFinance Department at Bridgewater State College. If you would like to attend,please contact Lisa Keene at 508.586.0500 x225.

Tuesday, November 188:30 am - 10:30 am

Chamber Office, 60 School Street, Brockton

Financial Priorities WorkshopBuildings Eyed for Museumand Cultural Arts Center

City and business officials have been meeting with the ownersof the world's largest black doll collection over the past fewmonths. The group is exploring possible sites for the attraction.The museum and related cultural arts activities are expected togenerate significant interest in the community. The current pro-posal calls for artist loft housing, studio/classroom space, museumexhibit and retail areas and a 350 person theatre.

Design by David Silverman, map-lab Inc.

Brockton will once again becomea destination for movie buffs fromthroughout the region. Macy's hasmoved its retail store to the otherend of the Mall to make way for anew state of the art movie theatrecomplex. Construction has begunand the new theatres are expected toopen in 2009.

Westgate Mall to Boast New Movie Theatres

www.metrosouthchamber.com ACTION Report October 2008 7

International Trade at Recent Breakfast

Leslie Schweitzer, Senior Trade Advisor,US Chamber of Commerce

Paula Murphy, Founder & Director,MA Export Center

Cheryl OpperSchool on Wheels

Mayor James Harrington and Dennis Carman of United Way of GreaterPlymouth County, the program sponsor, are interviewed by Christine Karavites

Dennis Carman, Sponsor, United Way of Greater Plymouth County, Paula Murphy, MA Export Center, Leslie Schweitzer, Senior Trade Advisor, US Chamber of

Commerce, Cheryl Opper, School on Wheels, and Christopher Cooney, Chamber President/CEOThe crowd at the Breakfast enjoys networking opportunities

Good Morning Metro South attendees enjoy a deliciousbreakfast buffet at the Holiday Inn, Brockton

Leslie Schweitzer, US Chamber of Commerce, converseswith program emcee Fran Dillon of StoneHill College

Photos courtesy of Rich Morgan, www.richmorganphotography.com Sponsored by:

Last Chance to Advertise- Book For BusinessDon’t miss your last opportunity to place a 2009 Book For Business

Advertisement. The book is distributed to all chamber members, real estateoffices, town offices, colleges, hotels and families interested in relocating tothe area. Your ad will be listed in close proximity to your free business direc-tory listing and is sure to give you a leg up in the competition by receivingadded exposure.

Don’t have the time to create an ad, or the moneyto pay a designer? If you reserve your ad spacenow, our in house graphic designer will create aprofessional quality full color ad for you, free ofcharge. The ad is yours to use for additional pro-motions or for other publications. For examplesfrom last year’s book, visit www.metrosouthcham-ber.com/ads2008.pdf

Call Alison at 508.586.0500 x 222 or email avandam@metrosouthchamber.com for more informa-tion and for ad rates.

Michael Zygiel, President of Federal Telephone andCommunications will present a workshop on IP Telephony onThursday, October 9, 8:30 am-11am at the Metro SouthChamber of Commerce in Brockton.

Today's businesses face never ending challenges of not only choosing theright communications products and services available, but also understandinghow the different types of converged voice and data equipment will work bestin their office environment. Michael will discuss the types of connectivitybetween you and outside world available through the internet and existingvoice networks. He will talk about the difference between IP, traditional, and cel-lular technologies and how an entrepreneur can best use these technologies toincrease productivity and enhance their bottom line. Learn about the most pop-ular methods businesses can use to control their costs including the bundling ofservices, different carrier services that are offered, and exciting technologiesincluding T1, DSL, Internet Protocol (IP) and Cable services. Also discussed willbe the uses of traditional telecommunications systems as well as newer IP basedcommunications equipment. Visit www.fedphone.com.

If you would like to attend, contact Lisa at 508.586.0500 x 225.

IP Telephony Workshop

Students Showcase Their CreativityLeft: Students in the My Enterprises/Artists for Humanity program discusstheir work at the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton. My Enterprises is anentrepreneurial incubator for young people in Brockton and surround-ing towns. The new nonprofit serves 15-21 year olds through a power-ful, paid program focused on artistic rigor, real-world relevance, andadult relationships. My Enterprises has teamed with Artists for Humanityin Boston which has provided thousands of Boston teens with the keys toself-sufficiency through paid employment in the arts. The summer proj-ect is working to expand the program into the fall. To learn more, go towww.afhboston.com.

“Helping qualified buyers with financing to purchase a Brockton home currently owned by a

bank, in foreclosure, or sold through a short sale.”

w w w . b u y b r o c k t o n . o r g

8 ACTION Report October 2008 www.metrosouthchamber.com

The next Ambassador Team meet-ing will take place in the form of aMembership Drive on Thursday,November 6 at Stonehill College inEaston. November’s Ambassadormeeting will return to its normal timeand location at 8am on Wednesday,December 5 at the Chamber Office.

The Ambassador Team meets on a monthly basis to serve fellowmembers by providing information,

Ambassador Meeting: Membership Drive

resources, and member-to-membersupport, increasing awareness and pro-moting active participation in Chamberprograms and services. Presently, thereare over twenty business professionalson the Ambassador Team.

To become an Ambassador, contact Lisa at 508.586.0500 x225. Formore information on the Metro SouthChamber Membership Drive, see theback page.

WINNING Executive Brief“How to Grow Your Business Even in a Down Economy”

Thursday, October 23, 200812:00 pm - 2:00 pmChamber Office60 School Street, Brockton, MA

This workshop is for leaders whose companies face one or more of the fol-lowing challenges:• Not enough qualified prospects• Presentations and proposals end up becoming “Unpaid Consulting”• Goal setting, motivation and confidence aren't what they should be• Not enough qualified referrals or introductions• Far too many prospects want to “think it over”• There's a lot of interest, but not enough bottom line results

Hosted by Bob Murray, Principal, WINNING, Incorporated. WIN-NING, Inc. specializes in leadership and sales force development. Our mis-sion is to “Abolish mediocrity and develop business champions.” Ournationally acclaimed business development system helps our clients exceedtheir goals and achieve their visions of success.

To register for event, please contact Lisa Keene at 508.586.0500 x 225

175 Crossing Boulevard, Suite 300Framingham, MA 01702(508-532-7001)www.paetec.com

Year Established: 1998

Products or Services: PAETEC's coreofferings portfolio spans data, voice,and Internet communications servic-es. Our value-added solutions portfo-lio encompasses data center solutions,communications management soft-ware, equipment, network securitysolutions, and exclusive financingprograms.

Number of Employees: PAETECemploys almost 4,000 service ambassa-dors who advocate for customersevery day.

What is unique or special about yourfirm and the products and services youoffer? PAETEC is a national commu-nications solutions partner to busi-ness-class customers, deliveringunmatched service and personalizedsolutions. PAETEC is the premierealternative to the ILECs based on ournationwide footprint, breadth of prod-ucts and quality of service.

Our philosophy of personalizingbusiness communications is at theheart of what PAETEC does. We takepride in supplying the most appropri-ate solution for each customer based ontheir individual needs, and our dedi-cated service professionals work dili-gently to ensure complete satisfaction.

PAETEC Holding Corp.What is your market area?Telecommunications

What markets do you serve? 82 of thetop 100 Metropolitan Service Areas

Please list awards, honors or specialrecognition your firm has received: ISO-certified customer care processes,PAETEC acts as a trusted advisor andbuilds long-term customer relation-ships, proven by 99.7% customerretention rate, Received “AmericanBusiness Ethics Award (mid-size com-pany)” in 2005 from Society ofFinancial Services Professionals,PAETEC ranked #66 among world's125 Best Training Programs in 2007,per Training magazine, 2007-Named“Most Innovative CompetitiveCarrier” by New Paradigm ResourcesGroup, 2006 and 2007- Named“Corporate Stewardship” finalist byUS Chamber of Commerce Center forCorporate Citizenship, 2008-“CiscoCustomer Satisfaction Excellence,”from Cisco customer surveys.

What is your main business objectiveconcerning your customers and thebusiness community? PAETEC's corpo-rate mission is to be the most customerand employee-oriented communica-tions provider. Giving back to ourcommunities is a way of life atPAETEC. Whether its having our peo-ple serve on Boards of local non-prof-its, providing sponsorships of events,or putting together walk teams to sup-port a favorite cause, our caring is alarge part of our culture.

Women’s Leadership ExchangeTuesday, October 21

8 am - 4 pmIKEA Store, 1 IKEA Way, Stoughton

This Conference is for women whowant to grow their businesses,women who want to expand theirprofessional network, and womenwho want to learn from businessexperts and each other.

This year’s program includesguided opportunities for network-ing, collaboration and forging part-nerships and alliances, case studiesso you can learn from exceptionalwomen who build or lead multi-million dollar businesses and storiesof growth that will renew yoursense of purpose and provide newideas to propel your business suc-cess. Connect with successfulCEO’s and top executives with our“quick Connections” programdesigned to help you meet like-minded women. Also including isspeed coaching where you willreceived personalized coaching

from WLE Growth Gurus for 5 min-utes each throughout the day. Movefrom expert to expert and consultwith leaders in the fields of market-ing, business law, management, lead-ership and more.

Speakers include Helen Freiner,Chairman and co-founder of iRobotand the popular Roomba vacuumcleaning robot, Judy George,Entrepreneur author, public relationswhiz, and design guru, NancyMichaels, nationally known businessdevelopment coach, author, speakerand consultant to women and minor-ity business owners, and LynnRobinson, leading business intuitioncoach, and author, Trust Your Gut:How the Power of Intuition CanGrow Your Business.

For more information and to register,call 888-937-5800 or visit www.wom-ensleadershipexchange.com

Dale Carnegie Communication Training12 Consecutive Weeks, 6-9:30pm

First Session: October 28Courtyard by Marriot, 200 Technology Center Drive, Stoughton

Look around and you at successfulbusiness people, world leaders, profes-sional athletes and entertainers. You’llfind a high number of Dale CarnegieCourse graduates. Dale Carnegie hastransformed the lives of over 5 milliongraduates.

Through a proprietary process thatuses team dynamics and intra-groupactivities, the course will help you mas-ter the capabilities demanded in today’stough business environment. You’lllearn to strengthen interpersonal rela-tions, manage stress and handle fast-changing workplace conditions. You’llbe better equipped to perform as a per-suasive communicator, creative prob-lem-solver and focused leader. You’lldevelop a take-charge attitude that

allows you to initiatewith confidence andenthusiasm. Movebeyond your com-fort zone as you stretch for and attainambitious new goals.

Dale Carnegie Training research hasidentified the key attributes that distin-guish top performance. These attrib-utes have been incorporated into aprocess that coaches you through afour-phase continuous improvementcycle.

The cost to enroll is $1,995, but MetroSouth Chamber members will receive$200 off. Team discounts are available.To register, contact Janet at 781-894-2700x 241. Visit www.boston.dale-carnegie.com for more information.

www.metrosouthchamber.com ACTION Report October 2008 9

Networking at the Residence Inn Marriott

Christopher Cooney, Chamber President & CEO, Raffle Winner, JoeKameese, American Business Connection, Raffle Winner EdnaRoche, All Shine Cleaning, Rosa Torres, General Manager at theResidence Inn by Marriott, and Rob Peters, Rob PetersEntertainment. Raffle prizes provided by the Residence Inn andRob Peters Entertainment.

More than 75 people enjoy the networking andrefreshments at the Residence Inn Marriott

Phil Capone, Signature Healthcare and GayMartin, New England Sinai Hospital

Gail Mello, Brockton Visiting Nurse Associationand Charmaine Hewitt, A Touch of Love Floral

Doug Palmacci, Embroidme and Jim Thomas,Jim’s Appliance & Drain Cleaning

SOMWBA Workshop

The State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance (SOMWBA)reviews the eligibility of minority and women business enterprises, and minori-ty and female controlled non-profits, to participate in affirmative purchasing andcontracting opportunities. Workshops are required for all interested principals ofminority and women businesses or nonprofit organizations applying for certifi-cation through the State Office of Minority & Women Business Assistance.Businesses that are at least 51 percent owned and controlled by minority orfemale principals, or non-profits that are at least 51 percent controlled by minor-ity or women board members may be eligible for SOMWBA certification.

WHAT THE WORKSHOP WILL COVER…• Business Affirmative Market Programs• SOMWBA's certification application• Explanation of regulatory language & criteria necessary to be certified• Required documentation for certification• Explanation of the certification processWHO SHOULD ATTEND…• The eligible owner/principal of any minority or women business enterprise.• All those assisting in the SOMWBA certification process (such as yourattorney, business advisor, or accountant)

Pre-registration is required. To register, visit www.somwba.state.ma.us or call617-973-8692.

November 4, 10:30 am - 1:30 pmMetro South Chamber of Commerce, 60 School Street, Brockton

West Side Foods Re-Opens

New Rail Stations Proposed

The EOT has worked with SouthCoast communities and theSoutheastern Regional Planning andEconomic Development District(SRPEDD) to identify potential railand bus station sites. The routesserved by the potential stations areAttleboro, Middleborough, theAttleboro-Middleborough Hybrid,Stoughton and Rapid Bus. (Stationsare listed below.)

EOT anticipates that the draft stateEnvironmental Notification Formand federal Notice of Intent will befiled in mid-November, followed byjoint public meetings. EOT will con-duct a series of Station Workshops inSouth Coast communities with pro-posed stations between November2008 and February 2009.Community leaders and peoplefrom neighborhoods close to theproposed stations will be invited tothe workshops to contribute ideasfor the stations.

www.southcoastrail.com

Transportation and Public Works (EOT) has released a Station Siting Report recom-mending 18 proposed station locations for the South Coast Rail Project.

Recommended Metro South Stations• East Taunton - Attleboro or Stoughton railalternatives, current Target Plaza, withfuture transit-oriented development. • East Taunton - Middleborough andAttleboro-Middleborough Hybrid rail alter-natives, located at the current Mini Golf site. • Taunton - A multi-modal transportationcenter with transit-oriented developmentclose to downtown Taunton, serving theStoughton rail alternative. • Taunton Depot - A multi-modal trans-portation center with transit-oriented devel-opment in downtown Taunton, serving theAttleboro and Attleboro-Middleboroughhybrid alternatives, currently located at theGATRA/ Oak Street site. • Whittenton - A station in Taunton withmill redevelopment potential, serving theWhittenton variation of the Stoughton railalternative. • Galleria Station - A bus-only station locat-ed in the current Saturday overflow parkinglot at the Galleria Mall in Taunton• Raynham Park - A station located at theDog Track in Raynham that has potential forlarge-scale transit-oriented development,serving the Stoughton rail alternative. • Easton Village - A village-style station withlimited parking in downtown Easton, closeto the historic train station, serving theStoughton rail alternative. • North Easton - A regional parking stationin the Roche Brothers Plaza and serving theStoughton rail alternative.

Chamber Charters Cape Cod Railroad

A special railroad trip for Metro South Chamber of Commerce andRotary International Members is planned for Saturday, November 22nd.The express train ride will leave from the Lakeville MBTA station at 1:45pm and travel along a beautiful rail line featuring forests, wetlands andcranberry bogs. The train will traverse the unique counter-weight railroadbridge spanning the Cape Cod Canal and continue through SandwichVillage. After a brief pause, the train will return to Lakeville at 5:00 pm viathe same route while passengers enjoy a tasty lunch aboard the wonder-fully restored dining cars of the Cape Cod railroad. This is a very specialcharter that is the first to be permitted in more than forty years. Tickets are$45.00 and will be sold to Chamber members and Brockton Rotary Clubmembers only. To purchase tickets, please contact the Chamber at508.586.0500 x 231.

All Aboard! Saturday, November 22, 1:45 pm - 5:00 pm

Studio Suite with Full Kitchen

West Side Foods, under the own-ership of George Arvantidis, hasrecently renovated its facility at 35Torrey Street, Brockton. It is now re-open for business. Call 508-588-1331or visit www.westsidemenu.com formore information and a menu.

RENEWINGMembers Thank You !65 Market Realty TrustAvon Quality StorageBay CopyBayPointe Rehabilitaion & Skilled CareCenterBridgewater GettyBrockton Area Association for RetardedCitizensBrockton Area Multi-Services, Inc.CATAX, Inc./Christos LiapopoulosChild Development & Education, Region5Coastal Community CapitalCountry Club of HalifaxCramer Levine & Company, Architects,P.C.Handi KidsHarvard Pilgrim Health CareHeights CrossingHoly Cross Family MinistriesHome/Health & Child Care Servcies, Inc.Illuminated InteriorsLakeland Realty Inc./ReMax AdvancedRealtorsMackin Pallet & Trucking Co., Inc.MassDevelopment

Maver Memorials, Inc.Northern LIghts Electric Company, Inc.P.K. Beauty SupplyPAETECPC'S 4 UPlymouth County Registry of DeedsPowers & Waitt CPAsProtection OneR D C Realty TrustRadioStationsForSale.netRE/MAX Advanced RealtorsResidence Inn by MarriottRick's Custom FabricationRobert G. RoyRodman & Rodman, PC, CPAsStephanie A. Billingham, PsychotherapistStorage Pros Self StorageSupreme EnterprisesThe Charlie Horse RestaurantThe Cleaner SpotTraining Resources of America, Inc.TransPro CourierTrufant Real Estate, Inc.Winfree Business Growth AdvisorsWinning Inc.Wright Technology Group

86 Finnell DriveWeymouth, MA 02188www.servpropfweymouth.com

Year Established: 1988

Products or Services:Disaster Restoration & ProfessionalCleaning

Number of Employees:50

What is unique or special about yourfirm and the products and services youoffer? We offer speciality cleaning in additionto emergency fire and water clean up

What is your market area?Boston and the South Shore

What markets do you serve? All of South Eastern New England

Please list awards, honors or specialrecognition your firm has received: Francise of the Year. Out of 1387nationally, we are ranked 3rd.

What is your main business objectiveconcerning your customers and thebusiness community?To give the best service at a reasonableprice.

MEMBERProfile

Jean Roche, Marketing Representative

Servepro of Weymouth,Quincy, Hingham & Brockton

WELCOME New MembersMaking an Investment in Our Community

Nurse Entrance Exam CourseSoutheastern Technical

Institute in partnership with theMayor's Higher EducationCollaborative and the Metro SouthChamber of Commerce will offerits Practical Nurse Entrance ExamPreparation Course on Mondaysand Thursday from October 20th -November 13th from 3:00- 5:00pm at the Metro South Chamberof Commerce, 60 School Street inBrockton.

Medical Facilities that have staffapplying to the Practical NurseProgram or individuals applying totake the Placement Exam can signup for the course close to home andwork in downtown Brockton. Thecourse prepares individuals to dotheir best on the placement exam

and includes the review of Algebra,English (Reading Comprehensionand Writing) and Science includingBiology, Chemistry and GeneralScience. Classes are taught by math,English and Science instructors.Cost for the four week program is$140.00 and includes the TEASStudy Review Book ($40.00).

The TEAS test date for thePractical Nurse Entrance Exam isSaturday, December 6 at theSoutheastern Technical Institute, 250Foundry Street, South Easton, MA.

For information contactSoutheastern Technical Institute at508.230.1575 or Christine Karavites,Coordinator, the Mayor's HigherEducation Collaborative at508.982.4276.

Brockton Holiday Parade Call for Floats

Baystate Financial ServicesMr. Jack McIntoshOne Exeter Plaza, Suite 1400Boston, MA 02116617-585-4504Financial Services

Brockton Clean Energy/Advanced PowerMr. Ronald Kelly90 Main StreetBrockton, MA 02301617-456-2206www.brocktoncleanenergy.comEnergy Management

Business Financial Solutions, Inc.Mr. Ronald Kelly2 Canton Street, Suite 314AStoughton, MA 02301781-341-6262Business Consulting Services

George Washington Toma TV &ApplianceMr. George A. Toma1353 Commercial StreetWeymouth, MA 02189781-335-6435www.gwtoma.comAppliances

System Solutions Group, Inc.Mr. Jonathan Dost, Sr.100 Solitude DriveTaunton, MA 02780508-967-7022www.ssgc.comComputer Software Services

To join the Chamber,Call 508.586.0500 x 225

Saturday, November 29, 2008

The 2008 Holiday Parade in Brockton will take place inDown-town Brockton on Saturday, November 29.

Any float, musical organization or marching processionis welcome to participate. Awards will be given out for thebest floats and marchers. Registration is free and open toall, so be sure to register your organization today! The Cutoff date is November 15th. Call 508-587-4322 for more information.

Brockton ChronicledThe popular television show,

Chronicle, spent a full week inBrockton during September. The showwill highlight some of Brockton'srecent developments including lofthousing, green building, solar powergenerating facilities and new restau-rants. The Chronicle film crew climbedto the very top of the stately and his-toric Brockton City Hall to film thecityscape from the roof. The show willalso feature the Brockton High SchoolFootball team in a recent game againstBoston College High School. The tele-vision show will air on channel 5, laterthis year.

Christopher Cooney, Chamber President, Camera man fromChronicle , Mayor James Harrington, City of Brockton, RayLedeux, Chair of the Chamber Board and Jason Potts,Chronicle

10 ACTION Report October 2008 www.metrosouthchamber.com

The Chamber is pleased to announce the addi-tion of Kathryn Sayles to its staff as the newConnecting Activities Program Coordinator.Within this role, Kathryn will focus on creating acompetitive workforce by providing young peo-ple with business experience. This new positioncompliments the recent decision to incorporatecompetitive workforce issues into the Chamber'sEconomic Development division. Kathryn recent-ly graduated Magna Cum Laude from theUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst with a B.A.in Psychology and a minor concentration inPortuguese, which she speaks fluently. For more

information about the Connecting Activities Program, contact Kathryn at508.586.0500 ext. 229 or via e-mail at ksayles@metrosouthchamber.

www.metrosouthchamber.com ACTION Report October 2008 11

Greek Festival Draws Many To Brockton

The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Brocktonrecently held its Annual Greek Food Festival. A large crowdcame out over the 4 days to enjoy the world famous greekcuisine, the bazaar/marketplace, and Greek music anddancing.

Brockton VNA to Host After Hours Chamber Welcomes Kathryn Sayles

Chamber Promotes Workforce SummitYou are invited to a Southeastern Massachusetts Workforce Development

Summit, “Working Together,” A Massachusetts Workforce StrategiesInitiative.

Thursday, October 23, 8:30 am - 12pmMassasoit Community College Conference Center

770 Crescent Street, Brockton

The featured speakers are Suzanne M. Bump, Massachusetts Secretary ofLabor and Workforce Development and Paul Harrington, Associate Director ofthe Center of Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University. Interactivebreakout sessions include Job Readiness for Immigrants, Training ResourcesAvailable Now, High Education Skills Gap and Growth in the Region.

This statewide initiative will bring leaders in business, education, governmentand workforce development together to develop concrete plans and partner-ships to fill jobs that are in-demand in each region of the state and to developpathways to skills and opportunities that lead to success in our economy. TheCenter for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern university will present newsoutheastern Massachusetts labor market data to assist regional partners indeveloping strategies to solve workforce challenges.

Registration is free and includes a complimentary full breakfast. Please RSVPby October 10 by calling 508-531-1437 or emailing connect@connectsemass.org

SEED Commercial Realtor Workshop

This seminar isdesigned espe-cially for com-mercial real estate

brokers. The presentation will be givenby representatives of South EasternEconomic Development (SEED) Corp.,a non-profit corporation certified by theUnited States Small BusinessAdministration (SBA).

SEED's presentation at the Chamberwill focus on the SBA 504 Program.Commercial real estate brokers willthen be able to provide their clientswith alternative commercial financingopportunities. SEED will also discussits Broker Referral Program.

Under various programs, SEEDmakes loans from $5,000 up to $4 mil-lion to assist small businesses to growand create jobs throughout the region.This past year, SEED made 143 smallbusiness loans totaling $47.7 million,leveraging another $69.4 million inbank financing and private funds, andassisting in the creation of 785 new jobs.

To register for the free presentation,call the Lisa at the Chamber at (508)586-0500 x 225.

SBA 504 Program

• Lowest Possible Fixed InterestRate: 6.4% for 20 Yrs; 6% for 10 Yrs • No Up Front Deposit • Up to 90% Financing to Buy,Construct or Improve Commercial& Industrial Buildings or Buy andInstall Heavy Machinery &Equipment • Bank provides 50%; SEED provides up to 40% • All Eligible Costs Rolled intoSBA 504 Loan • 24 Hour Pre-Qualification / 3Day SBA Approval • No Application Form toComplete • Quick & Efficient Turn Around • Other Loans up to $100,000 @5.9% Fixed • Most Businesses Are Eligible

For more information on the SBA504 Program, please call (508) 822-1020 or visit www.seedcorp.com.

Tuesday, October 28, 8:30 am - 9:30 amMetro South Chamber Office, 60 School Street, Brockton

Please join us onThursday, October30, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pmfor a Business After Hours net-working event at the

Brockton Visiting Nurse Association,500 Belmont Street, Brockton.

The Brockton Visiting NurseAssociation is a Medicare certifiednonprofit home health care organiza-tion covering cities and townsthroughout Southeastern Mass-achusetts. For more than 100 years(incorporated in 1904), the BrocktonVNA has provided care and supportto people of all ages in their homes.Services include nursing, physicaltherapy, occupational therapy,

speech/language pathology, dieticianand nutritional counseling, homehealth aides, medical social workersand the Caring for Kids Program, aunique model of home care for med-ically children. The Brockton VNAtoday makes thousands of visits annu-ally. Patients rely on Brockton VNA'sexperience, quality care and results.Contact Brockton VNA by calling508-587-2121 or 800-295-6341.

The cost to attend is $5 for membersand $10 for non-members. If youwould like to register, please call Kimat 508.586.0500 x 231. You may alsoregister online at www.met-rosouthchamer.com/register.html. Asalways, remember to bring your busi-ness cards! Connec t ing Ac t i v i t ie s S ta f f

Shailah Stewart, Brockton High SchoolLiaison, Brian Hannon, Youth ServicesDirector, BAWIB, Christine Evans, EastBridgewater High School Liaison, GeorgiaClancy, Whitman Hanson Regional SchoolLiasison, Nicholi Ibello, MCAS OutreachCoordinator, Youthworks, and KathrynSayles, Connecting Activities Coordinator

Lynn Nicholas, president and CEO of theMassachusetts Hospital Association met with twodozen Chamber members recently in Brockton. Thetopic was comprehensive health care and risinghealth insurance costs. Many employers mentionedhow insurance premium increases are placing a bur-den on small business owners. Ms. Nicholas capturedfront page headlines in the Enterprise Newspaperwith her comments concerning sharing responsibilityfor cost controls with doctors and health care planproviders. The meeting was held at the Chamber aspart of the Chamber's monthly Government Affairsprogram. The next meeting is scheduled for theChamber on F r i d a y , N o v e m b e r 1 4 t h at noon. Lynn Nicholas, President &CEO, Massachusetts Hospital Association

Kathryn Sayles

Hospital Association CEO Generates Business Community Interest

12 ACTION Report October 2008 www.metrosouthchamber.com

BUSINESS EVENTS PlannerIT’S EASY TO REGISTER!508-586-0500 x 231

508-587-1340

E-mail:kbewsher@metrosouthchamber.com

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.

October 30Business Afer Hours

October 22Good Morning Metro South

Names of Persons Attending:___________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

______________________________Event:_____________________________

Company:________________________________________________________

Phone:__________________________________________________________

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

5:30 pm - 7:30 pmBrockton Visiting Nurse Association500 Belmont Street, Brockton

This is a great networking event in a casual set-ting. Refreshmnets will be served. Do not forgetyour business cards.

Tickets: $5 members, $10 non-members

Please RSVP at 508.586.0500 ext. 231

November 5Regional Business After Hours

4:30 pm - 7:00 pmMansfield Holiday Inn31 Hampshire Street, Mansfield

Network with 9 Southeastern MassachusettsChambers. Don’t forget to bring your businesscards.

Tickets: $free for members, $10 non-members

Please RSVP at 508.586.0500 ext. 231

Join the Chamber in the month of November to receive over $1,000 in promotional benefits.

• 1 FREE member listing in the Action Report newsletter distributed to over 47,000 homes

and businesses through the Enterprise newspaper - $100 value

• FREE set of membership mailing labels - $150 value

• 2 FREE listings in the 2009 Metro South Book for Business - $150 value

• FREE listing in the Chamber online directory with a hot link to your business website - $100 value

• FREE admittance to your first two Chamber Business After Hours networking events - $20 value

• 5 FREE 30 second radio spots on WXBR Radio AM 1460 - $250 value

• FREE Business Card Ad in the Action Report - $250 value

The Chamber of Commerce is the leading voice of business. Contact us today to put the Chamber to work for you!Call Lisa at 508.586.0500 ext. 225 for more information.

NNETWORK YYOUR BBUSINESS ETWORK YYOUR BBUSINESS

TO NNEW OOPPORTUNITIES!TO NNEW OOPPORTUNITIES!

M e m b e r s h i p D r i v e

www.metrosouthchamber.com

7:30 am - 9:00 amHoliday Inn-Brockton195 Westgate Drive, Brockton

This breakfast program provides an opportunity forChamber members to network woth other Chambermembers and business owners while becominginformed about important topicsTickets: $20 members, $25 non-members

Please RSVP at 508.586.0500 ext. 231