avon report - metro south chamber of commerce · bridgewater credit union bridgewater savings bank...

Attractive Tax Rate Sought; Factor of 1.5 to Spur GrowthBrockton is the hub of the Metro South Region (south

of Boston). With Brockton’s extensive infrastructure,ample workforce and strategic location it is a natural hubof business. “We want businesses to think of Brocktonwhen contemplating business growth and expansion. Wewant Brockton to equal value in the minds of decisionmakers. We want key indicators to all point to Brocktonas a place that has everything a business needs to thrive”,said Christopher Cooney, Chamber President and CEO.

Among top indicators business people consider, asidefrom location, infrastructure and workforce, the commer-cial tax rate is perhaps the most obvious. This is particu-larly true when comparing a nearby community or a sim-

ilar sized “gateway city”. When combining the com-mercial tax rate with water and sewer rates, a city likeBrockton can gain a significant strategic advantageby pricing to attract and retain business. Brockton,with its new water supply and recently renovatedwaste water treatment plant is poised for growth. Inorder to achieve growth, Brockton must be deter-mined to attract business. Setting a tax rate of 1.5 is aclear sign, Brockton means business!

The Brockton City Council will set tax rates within thenext few weeks. To learn more about this meeting atBrockton City Hall contact the Chamber of Commerce at508.586.0500 x223 or [email protected].

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

New Members 10

Member Profiles 12

Suzanne Bump, page 7

Rochelle Sugarman, page 9

Leading BusinessesLeading Communities

November2011

www.metrosouthchamber.com

Yashin Cerritos, page 10

Business to Business Expo Exhibitors

“What’s Next in Health Care” at Annual Meeting

ABC SpecialteesAFA Massachusetts, Inc.Allegra Print & ImagingArt on the Spot StudioB.C. Tent & Awning Company, Inc.Bank of AmericaBath FitterBAWIB / Connecting ActivitiesBeacon Telecom, Inc.Bernardi Auto GroupBlue Cross/Blue Shield of MABoston Business JournalBoston Medical Center

HealthNet PlanBridgewater Credit UnionBridgewater Savings BankBridgewater State UniversityBrockton Area Arc, Inc.Brockton RoxComcast

Costco WholesaleCrescent Credit UnionCurry CollegeEastern BankFather Bill's and MainSpringFisher CollegeGood Samaritan Medical CenterHarborOne Credit UnionHealth Services Administrators (HSA)Holiday Inn Express Brockton -Boston

Opening 2012Home/Health and Child Care ServicesHub Technical ServicesID Graphics GroupJack Conway & Company, Inc.KenMark Office SystemsMarathon Commercial Solutions LLCMassasoit Community CollegeMechanics Cooperative BankMetro South Chamber of CommerceMutual BankOld Colony Elder Services, Inc.Owens Corning Residential Products Pattavina Networks

Pilgrim Sands on Long BeachPops Fine Wines & LiquorsRed Jacket ResortsRich Morgan PhotographyRob Peters EntertainmentRockland Trust CompanySCORESharkansky LLP, CPA'sSign Design, Inc.SOFA - Society for Financial

AwarenessSouth Eastern Economic

Development (SEED)Corp.Sullivan Tire & Auto Service -

BrocktonMA Supplier Diversity OfficeTax-olutions Inc.Technical Support Int'lThe Community BankThe EnterpriseUnited Way of Greater Plymouth

County, Inc.Universal Benefit Plans, Inc.Verizon Communications

Visit Today!www.VoteForBusiness.com

www.brockton.ma.us

VOTEElection Day is

November 8, 2011

M a k e y o u r

v o t e c o u n t !

Wednesday, November 16, 2011Conference Center at Massasoit

770 Crescent Street, Rt 27, Brockton

Schedule:Business-to-Business EXPO: 10:30am-12:00pm

Annual Meeting Luncheon: 12:00pm-1:45pmBusiness-to-Business EXPO: 1:45pm-3:00pm

Keynote Speaker:

David Morales, VP ofPublic Policy and Planningfor Steward Health CareSystem, LLC

Peter NevilleRe-Elected Chamber Chair

report The Chamber

is pleased toannounce thatPeter Neville,CEO of Con-cord Foods wasre-elected chairman of theMetro SouthChamber.

Concord Foods is a food manu-facturer located in Brockton, MA,which has over 800 finishedgoods and 215 employees.Concord’s several product linesinclude complimentary items forthe produce department, bread-ers and batters and ice cream andconfectionary items.

Peter serves on the FinanceCommittee in Westwood, is amember of the Young PresidentsOrganization (YPO), formerChairman of Brockton 21stCentury Corporation and Co-Chair of the Southeast RegionalCompetitiveness Council. Hereceived a B.S. from LehighUniversity and an MBA fromBabson College. Previously, hespent 5 years in Sales andMarketing with Black & Decker.

As the Chamber Chair, Peterwill work with the Board,Chamber Staff, and member-ship to champion the Chamberin its mission to serve the inter-ests of member businesseswhile providing communityleadership and ensuring eco-nomic advancement through-out the Metro South region.

Peter Neville,Concord Foods

The Annual Meeting and Business-to-Business Expo will be held on Wednesday,November 16 at the Conference Center atMassasoit, Route 27, Brockton from 10:30am-3pm. Join 500 other business people and com-munity leaders and attend the annual meetingto celebrate businesses working together for thefuture of the Metro South Region.

The featured speaker is David Morales, VicePresident for Public Policy and Strategic Planningfor Steward Health Care System, LLC.

Morales has a unique and distinguished careerin health care and policy. One of the key archi-tects and authors of Massachusetts’ Health CareReform law, Chapter 58, Morales previouslyserved as Commissioner of the Division of HealthCare Finance and Policy. As Commissioner, he ledefforts to enhance quality of care, while reducingcosts in the nation’s most innovative health care

Continued on Page 2

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

2 ACTION Report November 2011 www.metrosouthchamber.com

Annual Meeting Corporate Table SupportersBank of AmericaBridgewater Savings BankBridgewater State UniversityBrockton Area Transit AuthorityBrockton Area Workforce Investment BoardBrockton Housing AuthorityThe Community BankCrescent Credit UnionThe EnterpriseGood Samaritan Medical Center

HarborOne Credit UnionMassasoit Community CollegeMutual BankOld Colony Planning CouncilOld Colony YMCARockland Trust CompanySharkansky LLP, CPA’sStonehill CollegeUniversity of Massachusetts Boston

market. He also presided over theimplementation of innovative solu-tions in health care that include the AllPayer Claims Database, Health CareCost Trends market analysis and hear-ings, in partnership with the State’sAttorney General. In addition, as amember of the Health Care Cost andQuality Council, Morales worked tostandardize the metrics used to pub-licly measure quality, as well as totalmedical expense.

Morales also served as Deputy Chiefof Staff to Massachusetts GovernorDeval Patrick, and Senior Advisor toMassachusetts Senate President RobertE. Travaglini. In both roles, he ledefforts on issues that included healthcare policy, economic developmentand life sciences. Finally, Morales alsohas extensive knowledge in the phar-maceutical market and implementedthe nation’s first prescription druginsurance model, PrescriptionAdvantage, which influenced the cre-ation of Medicare. Part D. Morales is adedicated public and community ser-

vant, who has founded multiple non-profit organizations committed to fos-tering leadership.

Singing the National Anthem will beNicki Meade Draves from CatholicCharities South.

Also at this meeting, Economic ImpactAwards will be presented to businesseswho have made a significant investmentin the Metro South region over the pastyear. Board service awards will also bepresented. Entertainment and soundwill be provided by Rob PetersEntertainment.

Schedule time before or after theAnnual Meeting Luncheon to attendthe Business-2-Business EXPO andlearn about the products and servicesof over 65 businesses and organiza-tions. The EXPO is free to walk thefloor.

Lunch tickets are $45 for members and$55 for future-members. This event willsell out so pre-registration is required. Toregister, please call Kim Prosper at508.586.0500 x 231 or register online atwww.metrosouthchamber.com.

Annual Meeting, Continued from page 1

On Wednesday, November 30,2011, Chambers In Partnership forProgress (C.H.I.P.P.S) invite you toattend the Regional BusinessAfter Hours from 4:30-7:00p.m. at the TauntonHoliday Inn, 700 MylesStandish Blvd, Taunton.

Meet business peo-ple from the CranberryCounty, Cape Cod Canal,Fall River, Metro South, NewBedford, Plymouth Area, TauntonArea, Tri-Town and United RegionalChambers of Commerce. Last year’s

networking event brought together acrowd of nearly 300 business profes-sionals and entrepreneurs. This is a

great opportunity to meet mem-bers from surrounding cham-

bers. To register for this event

please call the Chamber at508.586.0500 ext. 231. COST

TBD, Come and enjoy hotand cold hors d’oeuvres, 50/50

raffle, cash bar and most impor-tantly a lot of NETWORKING! Don’tforget your business cards. Sponsoredby Health Services Administrators.

9 Chambers to Combine Networking

NETWORKING

Interconnecting groups of individualswith a common goal

Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Hardy’s Catering Opens in W. Bridgewater

Left: Marky Hardy, Carrie Melcher, Jen Lee, Chris Hill,Glen Hardy, Corrine Turpin, Marisa Boucher, John

Hopgood stand in front of the Hardy’s sign.

Hardy’s Fine Food & Catering isnow open at 740 N. Main Street(rt 28) West Bridgewater.Hardy’s offers catering packagesfor all occasions, from parties todinners, to business luncheons.Featuring full service with waitstaff, drop off convenience,equipment and tent rentals. TheMartinique Room on site is avail-able for business meetings andparties of up to 70 guests.Hardy’s also features a fullrestaurant, outside patio, andbar. For more information, call508-588-8838 or visitwww.hardycatering.com.

Sponsored by:

Good Samaritan Medical Center Opens New ER

B21 Chairman Joe Casey of HarborOne, Donna Rubinate, GoodSamaritan Medical Center, Laura Raymond, Director of EmergencyServices, Pat Ciaramella, Old Colony Planning Council and Chris Cooney,Chamber President & CEO

Waiting room at the new Good Samaritan Medical CenterEmergency Room located at 235 N. Pearl Street, Brockton

Good Samaritan Medical Center has opened a new state-of-the-art emergencyroom. The $30-million project will allow the medical center to provide worldclass, patient-centered care in the heart of the community. The new 32,000 squarefoot space includes 42 private rooms, including 6 fast-track bays, a 2-bay traumaroom, cardiac care room, 64-slice CT scanner and X-ray suite, dedicated space forbehavioral health, pediatric and gynecological patients, isolation room for patientswith infectious diseases, decontamination unit and private workroom for EMSproviders. The new emergency department will accommodate approximately60,000 yearly visits. The new Emergency Room at Good Samaritan also includesa partnership with the Fuller Craft Museum and the deCordova Sculpture Parkand Museum to provide art for the center.

“Champion” Raffle Prizes at Annual Meeting

Attend the Metro South Chamber’s 98th Annual Meeting for the opportunity to win great prizes! Prizesinclude a signed boxing robe and autographed picture of Larry Holmes, a signed Jennie Finch auto-graphed picture, a signed Bobby Orr hockey puck, a Red Jacket Resort family get-away, limo rides,Pilgrim Sands weekend get-away, whale watches, harbor cruises, tickets for sporting and entertainmentevents and more. For more information, to buy your tickets, or to donate a raffle prize, contactKimberly Prosper at 508.586.0500 x 231, or email [email protected].

www.metrosouthchamber.com ACTION Report November 2011 3

Note: All meetings are held at the Metro South Chamber Office or Metro South business Assistance Center (BAC) unless other- wise indicated.

8:00 am12:00 pm

12:30 pm

8:30 am

10:30 am12:00 pm3:00 pm

4:30 pm

8:00 am

12:00 pm

3:00 pm

7:30 am

12:30 pm

10:00 am

12:00 pm

8:30 am

12:00 pm

7:30 am

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

NOVEMBER Calendar1-9 Chamber Trip to China

Chamber Open

2 Ambassador Meeting4 Government Affairs8 Election Day9 Africa Trip Webinar

Register online at www2.gotomeeting.com/register/43116965010 “Show Me the Money” Direct PR Workshop

11 Veterans Day - Chamber Open

16 98th Annual Meeting & EXPOMassasoit Conference Center, Route 27, Brockton

Expo BeginsAnnual Meeting LuncheonExpo Ends

24-25 Chamber Closed (Thanksgiving)

30 Regional Business After HoursTaunton Holiday Inn, 700 Myles Standish Blvd, Taunton

Coming UpDecember

7 Ambassador’s Meeting

9 Government Affairs

13 Executive Committee

15 Good Morning Metro SouthThe Charlie Horse, 674 Old West Center Street, W. Bridgewater

15 LoJack Ribbon Cutting40 Pequot Way, Canton

16 SDO Pre-Certification Workshop

21 Board Meeting

26 Chamber Closed (for Christmas)

Save the DateJanuary

2 Chamber Closed (For New Years Day)

12 SEED Workshop

13 Government Affairs

16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Chamber Closed

19 Good Morning Metro SouthThe Shaw’s Center, 1 Feinberg Way, Brockton

Newsletter Designed by Alison van Dam

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

Photography by Rich Morganwww.richmorganphotography.com

ACTION Report Volume 11 - 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.

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

ACCREDITEDCHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Photo and print production by Mark Mahoney, The Enterprise

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Chair of the BoardPeter NevilleConcord Foods

President and CEOChristopher CooneyMetro South Chamber of Commerce

Chair-ElectWilliam MorseMutual Bank

TreasurerDavid OrloffSharkansky & Co., LLP, CPA’s

Vice Chair Community AffairsAndrea PapadopoulosArista Associates, Inc.

Vice Chair Economic DevelopmentPat CiaramellaOld Colony Planning Council

Vice Chair Government AffairsSusan JossBrockton Neighborhood Health Center

Vice Chair Membership DevelopmentPatricia WilliamsHarborOne Credit Union

Immediate Past ChairScott SanbornTD Bank

DIRECTORS

Jane Callahan - HR Alternatives

Richard Colon -Verizon Communications

John Costa - Backstage Hardware & Theatre Supply

Loretta DeGrazia - East Coast Petroleum

Peter Dello Russo - Bridgewater Savings Bank

Anne DeMinico - Consultant

Francis Dillon - Stonehill College

Jeffrey Dukess - Frenette & Dukess, PC

Sheila Gonzalez -Bank of America

Steve Hall -Prism Energy Services

John McGovern - Rodman & Rodman, PC, CPA’s

Jim Murphy- Wheatstone Engineering & Consulting, Inc.

Gerald Nadeau- Rockland Trust Company

Bill Scanlon -Community Newspapers (The Enterprise)

Andrew SchwartzLaw Office of Andrew H. Schwartz, LLC

Larry Siskind -Siskind and Siskind Attorneys at Law

Art Sullivan -Consultant

CHAMBER STAFF 508-586-0500 Front Desk x 221

Christopher CooneyPresident and CEO x 223

Kimberly ProsperProgram Director x 231

Kerry SullivanFinance x 230

Alison van DamDirector of Communications x 222

Lisa KeeneBusiness Development x 225

John NestiMember Services x 229

Kathleen LynchConnecting Activities - Internships x 227


GOODNewsCelebrate the great things going on!

Mutt-O-Mat Self Serve Dog Wash-A-ThonMutt-O-Mat Inc pet grooming salon and selfserve dog wash will sponsor their first annualSelf Serve Dog Wash-A-Thon on Saturday,November 12. 100% of proceeds will bedonated to the Animal Protection Center ofSoutheastern MA. Mutt-O-Mat is located at531 Pleasant Street, Brockton. Call 508-510-4733.

Crescent Credit Union Coat CollectionCrescent Credit Union is collecting coats frommembers, neighbors, and employees to assistAnton’s Cleaners in collecting good, qualitycoats – the kind you would give to a friend –for any age and in any size. The campaign willcontinue through January 7, 2012. Coats canbe dropped off at any of Crescent CreditUnion’s five Brockton branches: 115Commercial Street, 1219 Main Street, 1300Belmont Street, 835 Oak Street, and 715Crescent Street in the Shaw’s Supermarket.For more information, visit www.crescent-credit.org or call 508-559-5409.

Old Colony Elder Services Receives GrantOld Colony Elder Services has recently beenawarded a $3,869 grant from the Tufts HealthPlan Foundation to be applied to OCESFamily Caregiver Support Program's "It'sAbout Time" free workshops for caregivers.Three "It's About Time" workshops will beoffered in partnership with Councils on Agingin Marshfield, Plymouth and Brockton. Theworkshops will teach caregivers techniquesand strategies to manage their time andreduce stress. The first workshop will be heldon November 3, 2011, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. atthe Marshfield Council on Aging. There is nocost to attend, but class size is limited.Caregivers may register for the workshops bycontacting Rochelle Sugarman at OCES (508)584-1561 ext 312.

Students Paint Downtown Mural

This past summer, the Downtown BrocktonBusiness Association and HarborOne CreditUnion funded a mural painted at theChampion High School and B.B. RussellAlternative School on Warren Avenue in thecity. The project was part of the Summer ofWork and Learning. The subject is“Education” and the outline was sketched byartist Laura DeDonato and then painted byseveral students. In appreciation, HarborOnepresented all participants with gift certificates.

Eastern Bank Donates to MassasoitThe Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation hasdonated $10,000 to Massasoit CommunityCollege to offer students at MiddleboroughHigh School a program that will prepare themfor college-level coursework and providescholarships to pursue post-secondary educa-

tion at Massasoit. This program is modeledafter a program Massasoit currently runswith Bridgewater-Raynham Regional HighSchool. The funds will help the college pro-vide ongoing academic programming on-siteat the high school to address the issue of ahigh percentage of students testing intodevelopmental level courses despite hav-ing passed high-stakes tests atMiddleborough High School.

Trennial Kaffe Stuga & Christmas FairThe Martha Guild of the First LutheranChurch of Brockton will hold its triennialKaffe Stuga and Christmas fair onSaturday, November 12 from 10 to 4 at thechurch located at 900 Main Street and inThe Fruth Center. This fair was estab-lished in the late 1940’s attracting nearly1,000 people each year its held. Enjoyhomemade Swedish pastries, sandwichesand coffee while the remainder of thechurch and parish hall is filled with crafts,over 40 vendors, a Swedish import shopand Swedish bakery. Admission to theChristmas Fair is free and to enjoy hot cof-fee and traditional open faced Swedishsandwiches and pastries tickets are avail-able at the door for a donation of $6.00.This traditional event continues the cus-toms begun by the first Swedes who cameto Brockton in 1854 and established FirstLutheran as the first church ofScandinavian origin in all of New Englandin 1867.

Vanessa Leite Joins Brockton Day NurseryVanessa Leite has been named ExecutiveDirector of Brockton Day Nursery. Shebrings with her over 13 years of experiencein non-profit fundraising and organiza-tion management, most recently workingas the Executive Director for the IrishCultural Centre of New England inCanton. Prior to that, Leite worked as theDirector of Programs, Events and Servicesfor the Newton-Needham Chamber ofCommerce and as the Director ofResource Development with the UnitedWay of Greater Plymouth. The BrocktonDay Nursery, a non-profit organizationestablished in 1894, is one of the largestearly education and child care providersin the city. For more information visitwww.brocktondaynursery.org or call 508-588-2700.

Steven Beck Honored NationallySteven Beck, Executive Director of the BigBrother Big Sister Foundation, has beenawarded the Presidential Medal ofVolunteerism for 2011-12. The medal willbe presented by President Obama at a spe-cial ceremony at the White House inNovember. Mr. Beck is receiving thehonor in recognition of his thirty years ofwork with non-profit, educational andvolunteer organizations, which includeBig Brothers Big Sisters, the MassachusettsOffice of Elder Affairs, Martha's VineyardCommunity Services, the Home & Health

Care Association, the May Institute andthe National Autism Center. The BostonCeltics and the Massachusetts LotteryCommission recognized Steve's work withBig Brothers Big Sisters by presenting himwith the "Heroes Among Us" award lastDecember. His work has also garneredawards and special recognition from theMassachusetts House of Representatives,Standard & Poor’s and the National MusicEducators Association.

Richard Pierce Names Chair of Randolph SavingsThe Board of Directors of RandolphSavings Bank has announced that RichardC. Pierce has been elected to serve asChairman of the Board. Mr. Pierce hasserved the Bank in some capacity for near-ly 20 years, being elected a Corporator in1992 and becoming a Director in 1995. Mr.Pierce is the President of HousingManagement Resources, Inc., an afford-able housing property management com-pany located in North Quincy.

John Butler Named Assistance Vice PresidentJames W. Blake, President and CEO ispleased to announce the addition of JohnButler as Assistant Vice President, BusinessServices Officer. He will be responsible fordeveloping business checking and lendingrelationships within the community weserve, including financing for commercialreal estate, equipment purchases, businesslines of credit, and term loans. Butlerrecently served as a Regional LendingManager at HarborOne. Prior toHarborOne Butler was a Sales Associate atSmith, Buckley, & Hunt InsuranceCompany in Brockton and was previouslywith HarborOne Credit Union as RegionalLending Manager from 2002 – 2007.

G.T. Reilly & Company New HiresAngelo J. Bruno and Kelly V. Colvin recent-ly joined the audit and accounting depart-ment of G.T. Reilly & Company in Milton,Mass. as Staff Accountants.Bruno graduat-ed from Stonehill College in May 2011with a bachelor’s degree in businessadministration. He resides in Smithfield,RI. Colvin graduated from BridgewaterState University in May 2011 with a bach-elor’s degree in accounting & finance. Heand his wife reside in Foxboro.

Prophett-Chapman Cole & Gleason Open HouseSaturday, November 12: Prophett-Chapman Cole & Gleason Funeral Homesand Cremation Services Open House incelebration of a new building remodeling.2-5pm, 35 Spring Street, East BridgewaterMa. Attend and enter to win a free YMCAmembership. Call 508-378-4862 for moreinformation, or visit www.ccgfuneral-home.com. Prophett-Chapman Cole &Gleason Funeral Home is family ownedand operated since 1862.

St. Joseph Manor BOWL-A-THONNovember 13: St. Joseph Manor HealthCare will hold its first ever BOWL-A-THON at the Westgate Lanes in Brockton,Massachusetts. All proceeds directly ben-efit our 118 residents and 60 adult day

health clients. Team registration (5bowlers) costs $125.00 and includesunlimited games for 3 hours, shoe rentaland brunch. Don't bowl? Participate bybecoming a sponsor or just stop in forbrunch. To register as a bowler, sponsoror for additional information pleasecheck out our Bowl-A-Thon website ath t t p : / / w w w. b o w l a t h o n . n e t /event/st_joseph_manor_bowlathon_2011 or contact Marni Dunton, MarketingCoordinator at 508-583-5834 ext. 3055 orvia email at [email protected]

Brockton Holiday Toy DriveHoliday Toy Drive & Distribution: Join usin making the holidays a wonderful timefor local families. Collect toys/gifts:organize a collection at work or commu-nity group. We accept new, unwrappedgifts. Volunteer: set up on December 20,help in the distribution process onDecember 21 or help in the clean up onDecember 22. Volunteers are also need-ed in days leading up to the event inassistance with data entry and gift collec-tions. Donate: Your tax deductible dona-tion will help offset the costs associatedwith managing the event. For moreinformation, contact Nicki atnorma@[email protected] or call 508-587-0815 x 264.

Ruth Littleton Named Realtor of the YearThe Tri-County Board of Realtors haschosen Ruth Littleton of Littleton RealEstate, Brockton as 2011 Realtor of theYear. Mrs. Littleton is the President-Electof the Tri-County Board of Realtors,serves on the Education ProgramCommittee, the Finance Committee andis Chairman of the MembershipCommittee as well as chairman of“Charitable Outreach” Committee. Shewill be honored along with 14 other MARealtors of the Year at a banquet inWorcester.

Wolfe Named Brockton Library DirectorElizabeth Wolfe is joining the BrocktonLibrary from Braintree’s Thayer PublicLibrary as the new Director. Brockton’sPublic Library has a collection of 140,000books and has two branch libraries.

Wolfe, whogrew up inBridgewaterserved aslibrary directorof Marlboroand workedfor the stateboard oflibrary com-

missioners before spending 5 years atThayer Public Library. Wolfe will moveto Brockton within the next year.

Staples Offer for Chamber MembersMetro South Chamber members receive30% off any Copy and Print order over $30for Chamber members at the Staples inAvon. For more information, email [email protected].

Members: Send your good news [email protected]

8www.metrosouthchamber.com ACTION Report November 2011 5

Celebrate the Holidays with Downtown Parade

The 25th annual Brockton HolidayParade is being sponsored by theDowntown Brockton Association(DBA), the City of Brockton and theCampello and Montello BusinessAssociations. The theme is “25 Years ofParade Memories.”

Free pictures with Santa, sponsoredby Independence Associates /Tuxedosby Merian, will take place at 10am at141-143 Main Street. City Hall Activitieswill take place from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

The parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. infront of the old BAT Terminal on MainStreet, ending at City Hall Plaza. It willfeature creative floats, clowns, marchingbands, marching processions and, ofcourse, a very jolly man in red. Parkingis available at the parking garage located

on the corner of Main and CrescentStreets at no charge. In years past, theevent has attracted over 25,000 peoplefrom in and around the Brockton area.Over 2,500 people from the community,schools, and business groups march inthe parade.

Musical organizations and marchingprocessions are encouraged to partici-pate. Awards are presented for the bestfloats and marchers. To participate, callthe DBA at 508.587.4322.

Saturday, November 26, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Santa Hat Record Brought Back HomeParticipate in Brockton’s Santa Hat Challenge on Sunday,

November 19, 2011. Help Brockton kick-off the holidayseason. Brockton holds the record for most santa hatsin one place with 872 hat wearers, bringing the record

back home from Mullingar, Ireland, which won the title in2009 with 719 hats.

ACCE NATIONAL STUDY: When You Join a Chamber• Consumers are 44% more likely to think favorably about your business• Consumers are 63% more likely to buy your goods and services To learn more about joining the Metro South Chamber, call John Nesti at 508.586.0500 x229, email [email protected] or visit metrosouthchamber.com

The Metro South Connecting ActivitiesPartnership spotlights youth involved in struc-tured internships with local employers. To learnmore about this and other competitive workforceprograms, contact Kathleen Lynch at theChamber by calling (508) 586-0500 ext. 227 orvia e-mail [email protected].

“Melissa Peck, a senior from Whitman-Hanson RegionalHigh School, has been observing our clinic for the pastseveral weeks. She hopes to attend a Physical Therapyprogram in the fall, with Northeastern being her firstchoice. Since her arrival she has been a great fit. She com-municates easily with patients and the entire staff.Although Melissa primarily observes due to rules thatgovern physical therapy practices, she is always eager tolearn. Melissa is our third student from the Whitman-Hanson Connecting Activities Program, and all of thestudents have been eager to learn and interact with thetherapist and patients when appropriate.”

- Joe Howley, Ortho Sport Physical Therapy, Inc.Ortho Sport Physical Therapy, Inc. is located at 104 LibertyStreet in Hanson with a second location in West Bridgewater.

Intern, Melissa Peck (right) ofWhitman-Hanson Regional HighSchool with supervisor Rick Baily (left).Juliana is involved in a yearlonginternship at Ortho Sport PhysicalTherapy Inc.

“The Hair Solution has been involved with manyinterns associated with the Whitman-HansonConnecting Activities internship program. AlexandraHeery is an intern that we have had the pleasure tohost. She is hoping to embark on a career as a stylistafter graduation. Her involvement with this programgives her the benefit of experiencing the real life oper-ations of the salon. She is very capable, cooperativeand ready to take on any task that is assigned to her.Hopefully this experience will benefit Alex in herfuture endeavors.”

Karen Souza, The Hair SolutionThe Hair Solution is located at 242 Broadway in Hanover.

Intern, Alexandra Heery (left) ofWhitman-Hanson Regional HighSchool with supervisor LindaOsborne (right). Alyssa is involvedin a yearlong internship at The HairSolution.

Do You Need an Intern?

Do you need extra assistance around the office?Would you like to help shape the future of the Metro South region’s skilled workforce?

The Connecting Activities program connects studentsfrom local high schools to worksites based on career interests. For moreinformation, contact Kathleen Lynch at 508.586.0500 x 227 or email [email protected]. You may also visit www.metrosouthcham-ber.com/ca.html.

Connect with the Connecting Activities Program

Chamber Helps Keep Teens “Into” SchoolEach school day 7,000 stu-dents become dropoutsnationwide. The MetroSouth Chamber ofCommerce along withBank of America has chosen to helpwith this crisis within its own commu-nity. In October, volunteer presentersfrom the business community deliv-ered CHOICES, an interactive deci-sion-making workshop that empow-ers teens to achieve academic successin pursuit of their career and life aspi-rations to 8th graders at BrocktonNorth and Whitman Middle School.Throughout the academic year, pre-

senters will deliver 15 work-shops to local communitieswithin the region. Membersof the business communitywho delivered workshops in

October were: Kate Archard, UMASSBoston, Vanessa Dautruche, Old ColonyYMCA, Barbara Walters, CareerWorksMeredith Keane, Keane AdvocacyConsulting and Angel Nieves, AFLAC. Tolearn more information about CHOICESvisit www.choices.org.To bring CHOICESto your community, please contactKathleen Lynch, Connecting ActivitiesCoordinator at 508-586-0500 x 227 or [email protected].

Brockton Top Community for Young PeopleThe City of Champions has

been recognized nationally asa top place to live for youngpeople by America’s PromiseAlliance and ING for thefourth time. The competitionrecognizes communities across the coun-try that focus on reducing high schooldropout rates and providing service andsupport for their youth.

Among the initiatives that has led to thedesignation are the Schools on Wheelsprogram, Safe Corners Street OutreachProgram, Brockton After Dark and LateNight Basketball, as well as TipSoft, ananonymous text message system in

which students canreport bullying toadministrators.

Brockton will receivea $2,500 grant, signageidentifying the com-

munity as one of the nation’s 100 BestCommunities for Young People andaccess to America’s Promise Alliance’scommunity development resources.

This year, more than 300 communitiesfrom all 50 states, the District of Columbiaand Puerto Rico were nominated for the100 Best distinction. A list of all 2011 win-ners can be found at www.americas-promise.org/100best.

Criolo Fashion Show at Brockton LibraryCriolo/Downtown by Design recently presented a FallFashion Show at the Brockton Mail Library. Proceedsbenefited the Brockton Library Foundation. Theevening featured a runway show and live rapping andmusic. For more information, contact Will Barbosa ofDowntown by Design at 508-942-9265 or visitwww.crioloculturalclothing.com. Downtown by Designis located at 162 Main Street, Brockton.Left: Model Suzanna Pires. Photo courtesy ofBrocktonPost.Com. Right: Anne Beauregard of theBrockton Library Foundation


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110 North Leyden StreetBrockton, MA 02302

508-586-2000visit our website at www.holmesmcduffy.com

DAILY PROMPT DELIVERIESTO BROCKTON AND VICINITYOR ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

DAILY PROMPT DELIVERIESTO BROCKTON AND VICINITYOR ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

Join the Metro SouthChamber on a Trip to thePlains of Africa for a 15-day trip on March 15 - 29,2012!

Explore Kenya's wildlife& stunning natural vis-tas! Numerous gamedrives bring you insearch of the Big 5 (lions,elephants, buffalo, leop-ards & rhinos) on your safari adventure.

In addition to 9 wildlife safaris, learn about the culture of the Samburu,visit the equator, travel through the Aberdares mountain range and rain-forest see the Nyahururu waterfalls, enjoy an optional hot air balloon ride,see My. Kilimanjaro and visit Nairobi.

The Cost is $6,639 per person (double occupancy); $8,289 (single occu-pancy). Included in price is round trip air from Logan Int'l Airport, attrac-tion taxes & fees, 36 meals, hotels and hotel transfers. Not included is can-cellation waiver and insurance of $260 per person.

For more information, contact Alison van Dam, 508.586.0500 x 222, [email protected] or visit www.metrosouthchamber.com.

Kenya Wildlife Safari AdventureMarch 15 - March 29, 2012

Explore the Amalfi CoastMarch 27 - Apri l 4 , 2012

Whether it is culture, gastronomy, cut-ting edge design, sybaritic pleasures orsimply the art of doing nothing andsoaking up the atmosphere, Italy is acountry for lovers of all that is good inlife. The Amalfi Coast’s mixture of his-tory and nature are yours to discoverfrom the Cathedral of Amalfi, to the vil-las in Ravello and the numerouschurches. From Galli’s Isles in front ofPositana to the Emerald Grotto, nearConca Dei Marini, the Amalfi Coast willcaptivate you with its warmth andbeauty.

Join the Metro South Chamber on this9 day tour. $2,399 includes hotels,meals, flight, transfers and transporta-tion to and from JFK, tours, guides andmotor coaches. Optional 2 night Romeextension offered.

For more information, contact Alison,508.586.0500 x 222, [email protected]. Download theitinerary at metrosouthchamber.com/pdf/amalfiitin.pdf.

Join us from the comfort of your own home to view a free live online webinar.All you need is internet connection. See wonderful pictures showing highlights ofthe tour, learn more about the places we visit and ask any questions.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 201112:30 pm - 1:00 pm

Register online at www2.gotomeeting.com/register/431169650

The annual verification form canbe completed online in the MembersOnly Section of the Chamber Website.The updated information will be usedin the Annual Book for BusinessMember Directory. The information

on the form will also be used fortelephone referrals made by theChamber.

The Metro South Book forBusiness is a colorful, 99 page mem-ber directory and guide. It containstown information, business and res-idential demographics, legislativeinformation and 2 free listings foreach member. View last year’sBook for Business at www.met-rosouthchamber.com/b4b. hml. Lastyear, 5,000 directories were printedand mailed to members, businessleaders, town halls, libraries, allBrockton Businesses, BusinessAssociations, and more.

The Members Only Login Pagecan be found under the MemberBenefits tab on the Chamber website.Please contact Alison van Dam at508.586.0500 x 222, [email protected] if you have notreceived your login information.

Last Chance to Advertise in Annual Directory!

Don’t miss the opportunity to place an ad in the 2012 Book For Business, sentto over 5,000 businesses. Your ad will be listed in close proximity to your freebusiness directory listing. In addition, your alphabetical and categorical listingwill be displayed bold and in green font. This opportunity is sure to give youa leg up on the competition by receiving added exposure.

Don’t have the time to create an ad, or the money to pay a designer? Ifyou reserve your ad space now, our in house graphic designer will create aprofessional quality full color ad for you, free of charge. The ad is yours touse for additional promotions or for other publications.

Call Alison at 508.586.0500 x 222 or email [email protected] for more information and for ad rates.

Advertise in the 2012 Book for Business

Chamber Hosts U.S. Embassy Rep of Cape VerdeSue Joss, Chamber Chair of Government

Affairs chaired a meeting of the businesscommunity and Carla Brigham of U.S.Embassy in Cape Verde. The meetingdesigned to introduce business people toCape Verde market, heightened awarenesswhile establishing working relationships.Cape Verdeans comprise the largest segmentof Brockton’s population according to recentcensus figures. As a result of the meeting, atrade mission to Cape Verde is being dis-cussed.

Pictured: City Councilor Jass Stewart,Mayor Linda Balzotti, Carla Brigham of the U.S. Embassy in Cape Verde, Veronica Martins, CommercialAssistant to the Office of Consulate General, Shaynah Barnes of Congressman Stephan Lynch’s Office, SueJoss of the Brockton Neighborhood Health Center and Christopher Cooney, Chamber President & CEO.


Elected Officials and Business Leaders Meet at Legislative Reception

Senator Thomas Kennedy;State Representative Angelo D’Emilia

Aida Coelho and Kaitlin Kenderson,Representative Christine Canavan’s Office

Bill Beyer, William E. Beyer Design; Janice Beyer, Brockton SchoolCommittee; Robert McCarthy, Plymouth County Probate Court

State Representative Geraldine Creedon; State Representative Louis Kafka

City Council Jass Stewart; Brockton Mayor Linda Balzotti; Ken Thompson, Chief of Staff, Brockton

State RepresentativeMichael Brady

Sponsored by:

Christopher MacMillan, Brockton City Councilor; Thomas Monahan, Brockton CityCouncilor; Laurie Monahan; Michelle Dubois, Brockton City Councilor

Joe Siciliano, Sodexo; Ron Matta,Candidate for Brockton Mayor

Robert Sullivan, Councilor at Large; Daniel Salvucci, Town ofWhitman; Francis Lynam, Town of Whitman

Mark Linde, BCA; Sabina Herlihy of Sabrina Herlihy & Associatesand Buzz Herlihy, Beacon Financial Planning

Pat Ciaramella, Old Colony PlanningCouncil; John Stagnone, Town of Stoughton

Special Thanks to:WATD 95.9 FM and the Brockton Community

Access (BCA) for covering the event. Photos by Rich Morgan Photography

State Auditor Suzanne Bump; Senator Thomas Kennedy; Shaynah Barnes, Office ofCongressman Stephan Lynch; Chris Cooney, Chamber President & CEO

Bill Morse, Mutual Bank; Sue Joss,Brockton Neighborhood Health Center

Robert Brady, Town of Avon; AnneBeauregard, Brockton Library Foundation

Add RadarFrog to your Direct Mailcampaign for 3 months for just $75

For more details callThe Patriot Ledger 617-786-7180

The Enterprise 508-638-5580

of Boston. Dr. Goodman earned hisMasters and Ph.D. at Boston University.

GoodM o r n i n gMetro Southis being spon-sored byUnited Wayof GreaterPlymouth County and St. JosephManor.

The mission of the United Way ofGreater Plymouth County is to increasethe organized capacity of people in thePlymouth County area to care for them-selves and for one another. St. JosephManor is a 118-bed non-profit nursinghome located on a 26 wooded acre cam-pus. The campus also houses the MaterDei Adult Day Health program whichserves 60 clients per day offering sup-port and relief to caregivers who have24-7 hour responsibility of a loved one,by providing your family member aplace to spend the day.

The cost to attend is $25 for membersand $35 for future-members andincludes breakfast and networkingopportunities. If you would like to reg-ister, please call Kim Prosper at508.586.0500 x 231, [email protected] orregister online at events.met-rosouthchamber.com.


Public Policy Professor; Book Fair at Next BreakfastThursday, December 15, 2011, 7:30 am - 9:00 am

Join us at the next Good MorningMetro South breakfast on Thursday,December 15 from 7:30 am - 9:00 am atThe Charlie Horse, 674 Old WestCenter Street (rt 106), Bridgewater, inthe new function hall. The featuredspeaker is Michael Goodman.

Michael Good-man is associateprofessor and chairof the Departmentof Public Policy atthe University ofMassachusetts Dart-mouth where hedirects the face-to-face and fullyonline Master’s in

Public Policy program.A leading analyst of the

Massachusetts and New Englandeconomies, Professor Goodman is apast president of the New EnglandEconomic Partnership, a non-profitorganization made up of leadingregional analysts that produces semi-annual economic forecasts of the eco-nomic outlook for each of the six NewEngland states.

He currently serves as Co-Editorof MassBenchmarks, the journal of theMassachusetts Economy published bythe UMass Donahue Institute in coop-eration with the Federal Reserve Bank

Michael Goodman

Sponsored by:

“Compliance Made Easy” at Breakfast Meeting

Fran Dillon, Stonehill College, Emcee Good Morning Metro South on the road at the Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton

Wynona Lynch-McWhite, Executive Director of the Fuller CraftMuseum is interviewed by Charlie Hickey of CareerWorks

Jeff Liebman, President of GoodSamaritan Medical Center

Shirley Cruz, Office of Attorney General; Walter Goldstein, Department ofUnemployment Insurance; Philip Hillman, Department of Industrial Accidents Attendees enjoy delicious food catered by Hardy’s Catering

Geoff repre-sents the 9thPlymouth District.He serves on theJoint Committee onRules, Joint Com-mittee on Ways andMeans, House Committee on Personneland Administration, House Committeeon Rules and House Committee onWays and Means.

Also speaking will be Real Recyclingfor Massachusetts discussing theMassachusetts Bottle Bill.

R.S.V.P. online by visitingevents.metrosouthchamber.com. Youmay also call Lisa at the Chamber at508.586.0500 ext. 225, [email protected]. Thecost to attend is $5 for members and $15for future-members.

The next Government Affairsmeeting will take place on Friday,November 4, 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm at theMetro South Chamber, 60 SchoolStreet, Brockton. Speaking will beState Representative Geoffrey Diehl.

Geoff Diehl isformer AccountExecutive at SignDesign andPoyant Signs. Healso assisted wifeKathyJo with theopening of BossAcademy ofPerforming Arts.Geoff is a member

of the Metro South and South ShoreChambers as well as a former memberof the Whitman Finance Committeeand By-Law Review Committee.

GOVERNMENTAffairsThe monthly Government Affairs meetings are held at the

Chamber and provide an opportunity for member businesses to discuss issues important to them with their elected officials.

Sponsored by:

Geoffrey Diehl

Andre Porter, Massachusetts Office ofSmall Business & Entrepreneurship

Photos by richmorganphotography.comSound by robpetersentertainment.com

Watch video highlights on youtube.com/user/metrosouthchambercom.

Watch the full video on BrocktonCommunity Television.

Call for Authors - Breakfast to Feature Book FairIf you are an author or have published a book, the Metro South Chamber would liketo invite you to showcase at the December Good Morning Metro South breakfast ina table top book fair. Books can make the perfect gift for the Holiday Season. Dontmiss this opportunity to reach a wide audience! For more information, contactKimberly Prosper at 508.586.0500 x 231, [email protected].

“Brockton Revisited” To Be Released Early Next YearBrockton Revisited, a book containing scenes ofBrockton’s past, drawn from vintage images fromprivate, public and institutional resources from theidyllic 1950 and 1960 decades, is set for release inJanuary of 2012. The book is written by JamesBenson, past president of the Brockton HistoricalSociety, a lifelong resident of the Brockton area anda local historian. Pictured: James Benson withChristopher Cooney, President & CEO of the MetroSouth Chamber of Commerce. For more information,contact James at 508-586-9021.

Willworks Inc. Exhibit Services Reopens in EastonMichael Hunter, Massachusetts Undersecretary of Housingand Economic Development Beth Stehley, Greater BostonConvention and Visitors Bureau (GBCVB), Colleen Corona,Easton Board of Selectman, Office of State RepresentativeChristine Canavan, Bill Morse, Mutual Bank, WillworkPresident William F. Nixon Willwork General Manager DavidKing James Nixon, son and Willwork Master of Ceremonies,and Massachusetts State Senator Brian A. Joyce at Willwork’srecent relocation to 23 Norfolk Avenue in the EastonIndustrial Park following a fire in the old facility.


The next Ambassador Team meetings will take place on Wednesdays, November2 and December 7 at the Chamber Office. The Ambassador Team meets monthly toserve fellow members by providing information, resources, and member-to-membersupport, increasing awareness and promoting active participation in Chamber pro-grams and services. For more information, contact John at 508.586.0500 x229.

Meet Your Ambassador Team

Rochelle Sugarman, Old Colony Elder ServicesAMBASSADOR of the QuarterWhat is your business?

For more than thirty-seven years, Old ColonyElder Services (OCES) hasbeen providing exemplaryservices and support to theelder population in south-eastern Massachusetts,ensuring their dignity andindependence, while maxi-mizing their quality of life.Incorporated in 1974, OCESis one of 27 private, non-profit Aging ServicesAccess Points (ASAP) desig-nated by theCommonwealth ofMassachusetts.

OCES is a recognizedleader in elder care with a clear vision andpassion for delivering high quality servic-es. We are privileged to act as the entrypoint for elders, families, caregivers andhealthcare professionals who wish toaccess programs, services and communityresources. Our staff members coordinateand/or provide a wide range of services tomore than 18,000 elders, caregivers anddisabled individuals annually, most ofwhom are ill, frail and/or of low income.OCES’s direct services include:Information and Referral;Interdisciplinary Care Management(intake, assessment, development, imple-mentation and monitoring of service plansand reassessment of needs); ProtectiveServices (investigations of abuse and neg-lect of elders); Nutrition; MoneyManagement; and Family Caregiver

Support. OCES’ mission is to provide

services that support the dignityand independence of elders,allowing individuals to maxi-mize their quality of life, livesafely and maintain good healthand prevent unnecessary orpremature institutionalization. How long have you been in thisbusiness?

For thirty-seven years, since1974.Please list your past experienceand educational background.

Rochelle Sugarman, a gradu-ate of the University ofMassachusetts at Amherst, is aformer teacher and health edu-

cator and has been with Old ColonyElder Services since 2005 serving present-ly as Supervisor of the Family CaregiverSupport Program; a program whichserves to educate and empower care-givers by offering one on one assistance,trainings and support services. How long have you belonged to theChamber? When did you become anAmbassador?

OCES has been a member for 19 years.Rochelle has been an Ambassador for theChamber for 2 years. How does your Chamber membership workfor you?

Chamber membership allows for manyopportunities to make meaningful con-nections in the community as well as tobenefit from programs and servicesoffered to members.

Congratulations to RochelleSugarman of Old Colony ElderServices for being named theAmbassador of the Quarter

PR 101 is the most costeffective marketing toolavailable to small to mid-market businesses. But whatare the strategies and tacticsto maximize PR?

PR Works has coined thephrase "Direct PublicRelations". Previously seenas largely an unquantifiable "image"tool, PR Works has launched a newapproach to PR that emphasizesdirect response. What are the tech-

Thursday, November 10, 20118:30 am - 10:30 am

Metro South Chamber, 60 School Street, Brockton

niques in making eliciting aresponse from PR? What areexamples of this approach?How do you measureresults? Workshop present-ed by Steve Dubin, PRWorks Public Relations &Advertising.

To register for this freeworkshop, visit events.met-rosouthchamber.com, or contact LisaKeene, 508.586.0500 x 225,[email protected]

"Show Me the Money" Direct PR Workshop

Learn about the state certification process andexplore how certification can benefit your businessfrom the Supplier Diversity Office (formerly the

State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance)

The Supplier Diversity Officerequires all interested businesses toattend this session in order to applyfor certification as aMinority, Women, or DisadvantagedBusiness Enterprise. This session willinclude information about the regula-tions, qualifications, process, andother information needed to beginthe certification process. It will alsoinclude information from the

Friday, December 16, 201110:00 am - 12:00 pm

Metro South Chamber, 60 School Street, Brockton

SDO Pre-Certification Workshop

Supplier Diversity Program (for-merly AMP) detailing the process totake advantage of upcoming oppor-tunities for certified M/WBE's.

This workshop is free to attend. Toregister, visit events.met-rosouthchamber.com. If you haveany additional questions, contactLisa Keene at 508.586.0500 x 225 oremail [email protected]

The South EasternEconomic Development(SEED) Corporation willhold free basic businessworkshops aimed atassisting potential and existingentrepreneurs. Session 1: “Learn the Fundamentalsin Planning, Preparing For, andFinancing Your Business” is gearedtoward helping potential entrepre-neurs evaluate and understand thefundamentals of owning one’s ownbusiness. Information on how to getstarted, where and how to getfinancing and the loan applicationprocess will be presented.Attendees will also be provided witha free guide to writing a businessplan and other materials. Session 2: “Understanding thePurpose of Financial Statements

and How They Can HelpDetermine the Health ofYour Business” isfocused on helpingattendees understand a

balance sheet, income statement,and cash flow statement. Theworkshop also explains how asmall business owner can antici-pate financial needs in order tooperate his/her business more effi-ciently.

Please call SEED Corporation at508-822-1020, for more informa-tion or to register for a free work-shop. Breakfast and lunch willalso be provided free of charge toattendees.

For more information on SEEDand its programs, please call theSEED office at 508-822-1020 or visitwww.seedcorp.com.

Chamber to Host Business Plan WorkshopsThursday, January 12, 9 am -12 pm < (Session I) >

Thursday, January 12, 1 pm - 4 pm < (Session II) >

Metro South Chamber of Commerce, 60 School Street, Brockton, MA

Back Row: Yashin Cerritos, Mutual Bank; Andrew Sheehan, AFA Massachusetts; Brian Droukas, Sovereign Bank; Mark Ofstein, Costco; FriendWeiler, HarborOne Credit Union; Nancy Chiappini, Home/Health & Child Care; Linda Werman, Old Colony Hospice; Bob Wisgirda, WXBR 1460AM;Bob Tufts, SET Associates; Penny Ramseyer, Sullivan & Cogliano Training Center; Daniel Donovan, Eastern Bank; John King, Cirees, Inc. Front Row:Patricia Plummer-Wilson, Brockton Day Nursery; Marguerite Salvucci, South Coastal Bank; Debbie Falasca, The Shaw’s Center; Anne Beauregard,Brockton Library Foundation. Not pictured: Edan Barshan, Universal Benefit Plans; Cheryle Brady, RBC Wealth Management; Susan Cunniff,Mansfield Bank; Rich Hooke, Crescent Credit Union; Joseph Kameese, American Bookkeeping Solutions; Jayne Kelleher, Advantage Home HealthCare; Paul Key, Father Bill’s & Mainspring; Kelly Le, Bridgewater Savings Bank; Sasha Link, Bridgewater State University; Angel Nieves, AFLAC;Steven Petluck, Brockton Area Arc; Sandii Rollock, WATD 95.9 FM; Cheryl Showstack, The Enterprise; Michael Spinelli, Webster Bank

RENEWINGMembers Thank You !AGM Industries, Inc.America's Best DefenseAndree Robere Salon & Day SpaBridgewater Square Chiropractic - ACreating Wellness CenterCoastal Community CapitalComcastCouncil on Aging Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center

Crocetti's Oakdale Packaging CompanyEast Coast Transit Services, Inc.Hilliards Chocolate SystemHR Alternatives/Primary Vision ConsultingIrving W. GoldbergJ.M. Pet ResortKenMark Office SystemsLaw Office of Joseph M. FidlerLiberty Square Group

Living the Dream Auto CareMacTaggart Scott & Co., Ltd.Manny's Night & Day Cleaning ServiceMcCall Ambulance ServiceNortheast VisionlinkProphett- Chapman Cole & Gleason Funeral Homes & Cremation Serv

Quail RunRaymond A. Wallace, AccountantSir Speedy Printing CenterSpark Street Auto BodyThe Belli Group Strategic Marketing LLCThe Charity Guild, Inc.The Woodlands at Abington StationTown of East BridgewaterVerizon CommunicationsWal-Mart #2904

WELCOME New MembersMaking an Investment in Our Community

Boufides Insurance Agency, Inc.Ms. Catherine Hanron457 Pleasant StreetBrockton, MA 02301(508) 587-7500www.boufidesinsurance.comInsurance

BTA Development Corp.Mr. Alex Bezanson943R Brockton Ave.Abington, MA 02351(781) 857-2200www.btadevelopment.comContractors Building

Creations by AlexandraMs. Alexandra Kanakakis457 Pleasant StreetBrockton, MA 02301(508) 941-6830www.alexandra-creations.comApparel

Granite Payroll Associates Inc.Mr. Marco Schiappa176 Granite StreetQuincy, MA 02169(401) 263-7921www.granitepayroll.comPayroll Services

Griffin Fire & Safety Inc.Mr. Joe Griffin15 Lindale AvenueDedham, MA 02026(781) 329-6047Fire Protection

ID Sign Group Inc.Mr. Tim Fisher9 Bristol DriveSouth Easton, MA 02375(508) 238-8500www.idsigngroup.comSigns

Prime Financial Business ServicesMr. Oscar Garcia, Jr.400 Washington Street, Suite 100Braintree, MA 02184(781) 849-0822taxolutions.netPayroll Services

Trio CafeMr. Ilian Tchourilkov12 Temple StreetWhitman, MA 02382(781) 447-1064www.mytriocafe.comRestaurantsCatering

Tutto Bene / Pasta BeneMr. Ben Albanese1050 Pearl StreetBrockton, MA 02301(508) 583-1515www.benemeansgood.comRestaurantsCatering

To Join the Chamber,Call John Nesti at 508.586.0500 x 229.


Chamber Affiliation News & Events

The East Bridgewater Business Association provides a uni-fied voice for business in East Bridgewater, provides a forumfor networking, provides education about matters of busi-ness importance and provides support to community activi-ties. Call 508-378-8400 for more information.

The Stoughton Chamber of Commerce will host a meeting atCharlie’s Deli, 366 South Main Street, Sharon on Monday,November 14, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. At the meeting, JulieDennehy, an accredited PR consulting will discuss guerrillamarketing techniques. The cost to attend is $15 for membersand $20 for non-members. For more information, visit www.stoughtonma.com orcall 781-297-7450.

The mission of the Norwell Chamber ofCommerce is to promote the civic, economic andsocial welfare of its members and the Town ofNorwell. For more information, visit norwellchamberofcommerce.com.

To become an affiliate organization of the Chamber, contact John Nesti at508.586.0500 x 229 or email [email protected].

Join the Bridgewater Business Association for Christmas on theCommon, Sunday, December 4, 1-4pm. Come for photos with Santa,pony rides, holiday music, food and hot drinks. In addition, therewill be a Christmas Bazaar at the Bridgewater Mason’s Hall. This

event is free to attend. If you would like to participate in the bazaar, contactNancy at 508-697-2731. Visit www.bridgewaterbiz.biz for more information.

Workshop Attendees Increase Productivity

After Hours Networking at Mutual Bank

Mark Adams, The Covenant Agency; Mark Duncan, Mutt-O-Mat, Inc.; Lourdes Nieves, HarborOne Credit Union

Chris Cooney, Chamber President &CEO; Glen White, CEO of Mutual Bank;

David Orloff, Sharkansky LLP, CPA’sLinda Accardi, Hospice of Boston & Greater

Brockton; Yashin Cerritos, Mutual Bank

Josh Davis and Barry Walters, Boston Limo & ShuttleService; John King, Cirees, Inc,

Participants in a recent Lean Manufacturingworkshop used an interactive process ofassembling clocks to learn how to eliminatewaste, increase productivity and profitabilityand gain a competitive edge in the market-place. The workshop was sponsored by theMass MEP (Manufacturing ExtensionPartnership). For more information, call508-831-7020 or visit www.massmep.org.

Francisco Harnadis and Alex Perez, BurritoWraps; Arnie Danielson, Greater Brockton

Society for Poetry & Arts

The Mutual Bank Business After Hours welcomed more than70 people to 656 Crescent Street in Brockton

Laurie Walsh, SEED Corp; Kevin Brower, HarborOne CreditUnion; Brockton Mayor Linda Balzotti


After Hours Networking at The Charlie Horse

Bill Scher, Sandler Training; Tim Holick, Wood Palace; Kevin Brower, HarborOne Credit Union

Jim Murphy, Wheatstone Engineering; Ed Stewart, The CharlieHorse; Pat Ciaramella, Old Colony Planning Council, Chris

Cooney, Metro South Chamber

Attend a FREE SBA workshop designed to highlightthe various SBA programs and services that are availableto prospective or current entrepreneurs who need assis-tance in starting or expanding their business. General

information will be provided on the following:Small Business Counseling (SCORE)

Small Business / Development Centers • Business Information CenterSBA 7(a) • Loan Guaranty Program • 8(a) Business Development

HUB/Zones • Small Disadvantaged Business AssistanceGovernment Contracting Opportunities

The workshop will be held at CareerWorks, 34 School Street, Brocktonfrom 2 - 4 pm on the third Wednesday of each month. The next workshopswill be held on November 16, 2011 and December 21, 2011. ContactCareerWorks at 508.513.3400 for further workshop information.

U.S. Small Business Programs Offered

P: [email protected]

Year Established: 2010

Products or Services:News, events and happenings inthe city of Brockton and local area.

Number of Employees: 1

What is unique or special aboutyour firm and the products andservices you offer?BrocktonPost.com brings its read-ers a mix of news, politics, govern-ment, in-depth issues analysis, fea-tures, events, happenings and acomprehensive Brockton Policelog. We are an independent week-ly-style online news source.

What is your market area?Brockton and surrounding com-munities.

What markets do you serve?Those seeking news and informa-tion about the city, neighboringcommunities and beyond.

Each month, a Chamber member is select-ed randomly at Good Morning MetroSouth to receive a member profile.

MEMBERProfile

Lisa Crowley, BrocktonPost.com

CommunityConnections of Brocktonrecently held theirFamily Center OpenHouse. The event waswell attended by neigh-bors, friends, and localagencies. Mr. Sunshine,from BMC Health Net,was present as well asmany children and theirfamilies. There was fac-ing painting by Cindy Mevina, pumpkin decorating and children’s activities withYMCA staff, Daina Rodrigues and Lauren Maia-Paiva. The Family Center also hadZumba with YMCA’s Jessica Ortiz, and ZumZum Melanie, sent four instructors tohelp get everyone fit. There was story time with Nicole Meade Draves, from CatholicCharities. Susan Bickoff, from Wic showed her support as well as Protecting allSmiles, LLC Public Health Hygienists provided free teeth screening and fluoride.Brockton Neighborhood Health center sent representatives, and Louis Gorham,from Health Imperatives came to show support. Stella’s pizza provided pizzas, C.NSmith Farm brought apples and Stop and Shop provided a cake. There was musicbrought by Stephen Fontaine for everyone to dance and enjoy the day.Commissioner Angelo McClain, Mayor Linda Balzotti, and United Way CEO,Dennis Carman were present to show their support. For more information on theFamily Center, visit 18 Perkins Street, Brockton or call 508-583-5631.

Community Connections Opens Family Center

Brian Droukas, Sovereign Bank; Rob Peters, Rob PetersEntertainment; Craig Pina, Non-Profit Consultant; Klete

Squires, Special Olympics

Jonathan Parker, Eagle Eye Accounting, Neal Braver, Liberty Tax Services

The Charlie Horse, located at 674 OldW. Center St., W. Bridgewater, has anewly renovated function room withfireplace, 9 ft. projection screen and 750” HD monitors. The Charlie Horsealso features great food, music, liveentertainment, over 70 arcade games,bowling and more. Visit www.thechar-liehorse.com.

Expanded Health Insurance Services Via WebWe are pleased to announce our

expanded relations with HealthService Administrators (HSA). TheChamber in combined efforts with

HSA is offering to all members the One Resource Solution website. The OneResource Solution offers the most up to date information and resources abouttoday's health plan choices allowing you to make informed decisions aboutchoosing a health plan for you, your business, your employees and your fami-lies. Whether your questions pertain to comparing health plan benefits (fromALL state approved providers), how to get access to a variety of plans withaffordable rates, or how the changing health care platform may affect anemployer, the Chamber Team at HSA can help. For more information, click the“Affordable Health Insurance” link at metrosouthchamber.com/insurance.html.

Hiring Our Heroes Helps Veterans Find JobsJoseph Kameese, American Bookkeeping Solutions, KathleenLynch, Metro South Chamber and Shawna Young of the U.S.Chamber of Commerce at the Hiring Our Heroes Event, aunique hiring fair for veterans, Guard and Reserve membersand eligible spouses at the Campus Center at the Universityof Massachusetts - Boston. 72 Boston-area employers werepresent as well as hundreds of local veterans and militaryspouses. The Boston Hiring Our Heroes was the 40th stop inthe campaign. Thus far, the national campaign has connect-ed more than 38,000 veterans with more than 2,000 differ-ent employers, helping 2,900 veterans land jobs.

BUSINESS EVENTS Planner

Boufides Insurance Agency, Inc.

457 Pleasant Street, Brockton508-587-7500 • www.boufidesinsurance.com

Serving all your insurance needs, protecting you,your family and your business. Boufides InsuranceAgency provides superior customer service and rep-resents the top local and national insurance carriers.We have an experienced team that can analyze yourinsurance needs and suggest the best options for yourprotection. The Boufides Insurance Agency wasfounded in 1963 by Nicholas T. Boufides and is proud-ly serving the community.

ID Sign Group

9 Bristol Drive, S. Easton508-238-8500 • www.idsigngroup.us

ID Sign Group is a full service commercial signcompany fabricating everything from interiorADA Braille signs to large exterior illuminatedpylon signs. We design and fabricate in our own18000 sq. ft. state of the art facility. We also haveexperienced service techs onsite to service exist-ing signs whether created by us or not. At IDSign Group Excellence and Satisfaction isGuaranteed!

Rand Whitney

PO Box 758, Bridgewater508-878-7737 • www.randwhitney.com

Rand Whitney is your partner for complete packag-ing solutions. Rand-Whitney Container’s customersneed creative, cost-saving packaging solutions andthey need them yesterday. Rand-WhitneyContainer’s niche in the protective packaging indus-try is meeting those needs with lightning turnaroundand optimized economy. For today’s lean-mindedmanufacturers, an independent partner means intel-ligent solutions.

Creations by Alexandra

457 Pleasant Street, Brockton508-941-6830 • www.alexandra-creations.com

Tailoring, Design, Repairs…Creations byAlexandra does it all. Specializing inmen’s/women’s/children’s design to newwedding gowns or alterations. Repairingleather & suede, hems, zippers, linings, etc.Creations by Alexandra is your one stopshop for all things garments. “The Finest inTailoring and Alterations At AffordablePrices.

BTA Development Corp.

943R Brockton Ave, Brockton781-857-2200 • www.btadevelopment.com

For over 30 years, the Bezanson family has beenproviding business services to Southeastern MA.Today BTW Building & Remodeling, Inc. is meet-ing the needs of the community with modular andcustom-built homes, additions and renovations.Offering custom modular homes, custom site-builthomes, additions, renovations, design, site workand permitting, decks and sheds, and basementremodeling/finishing. Call today for an estimate.

Tutto Bene (Pasta Bene)

1050 Pearl Street, Brockton508-583-1515 • www.benemeansgood.com

Pasta Bene is now Tutto Bene! We’ve changed thename, but everything else stays the same, same peo-ple, location and great food. We offer the best inauthentic Italian food and we still sell our fine pastaproducts under the Pasta Bene name in our retailshop. In addition to traditional Italian cuisine, wealso offer contemporary Mediterranean fare. OpenTuesdays-Saturdays 10am-10pm. Also offering cater-ing options and trivia every Wednesday night.

Trio Cafe

12 Temple Street, Whitman781-447-1064 • www.mytriocafe.com

Trio Cafe gives you the gift of time, and alwaysfresh, delightfully tasty cuisine. The Trio Cafe is afamily owned business in Whitman Center. Weprovide our customers with Catering menu flexibleenough for all occasions and budgets. The Trio Cafeis open Mon/Tues, 8am-4pm, Wed/Fri, 8am-8pm,Saturday, 8am-4pm and Sunday, 8am-2pm. Formore information, email [email protected] visit www.mytriocafe.com.

November 4Government Affairs

12:00 pm - 1:30 pmMetro South Chamber of Commerce60 School Street, Brockton

Providing the opportunity for business people to discuss issues of importance with elected officialsrelative to the business and economic climate.

Cost; $5 members, $15 future-membersPlease RSVP at 508.586.0500 ext. 225

November 30Regional Business After Hours

5:30 pm - 7:30 pmTaunton Holiday Inn700 Myles Standish Boulevard, Taunton

Enjoy networking with the nine SoutheasternMassachusetts area Chambers of Commerce. Don’tforget your business cards!

Cost: TBDPlease RSVP at 508.586.0500 ext. 231

IT’S EASY TO REGISTER!508-586-0500 x 231

508-587-1340

E-mail: [email protected]

Online: www.metrosouthchamber.com

Send reservation and payment to:

Metro South Chamber of CommerceSixty School Street Brockton, MA 02301-4087

November 16

98th Annual Meeting & Expo

10:30 am - 3:00 pmMassasoit Conference Center770 Crescent Street, Brockton

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


December 15

Good Morning Metro South

7:30 am - 9:00 amThe Charlie Horse674 Old West Center Street, W. Bridgewater

This breakfast program provides an opportunities to hearfrom informative and entertaining speakers. It is also a great networking opportunity.


BUY LOCAL FROM THESE NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS!

Ralph D’Emilia

Prime Financial Business Services

400 Washington Street, Suite 100, Braintree781-849-0822 • www.taxolutions.net

If you’re looking for a firm large enough to offer afull array of business services, but small enough toknow you on a personal basis, than look no further.We have been in business since 1985. We are a bi-lingual, Spanish speaking firm. Our primary serv-ices include payroll, bookkeeping, taxation andbusiness consulting. We also offer a host of spe-ciality services to cater to unique client needs. Freeconsultation available.

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November 9Africa Trip Webinar

12:30 pm - 1:30 pmOnline

Join us from the comfort of your own home to view afree live online webinar about the Chamber Trip toAfrica running from March 15-29, 2012.

Visit www2.gotometting.com/register/431169650to register.

November 10“Show Me The Money”

8:30 am - 10:30 amMetro South Chamber of Commerce60 School Street, Brockton

PR 101 is the most cost effective marketing tool availableto small to mid-market businesses, but what are thestrategies and tactics to maximize PR? Join us to find out.

Cost; Free to attendPlease RSVP at 508.586.0500 ext. 225

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