Metro South Chamber of Commerce
Leading Businesses. Leading Communities
September 21, 2009
Sponsored by:
WBE New

Women's Business Exchange - September 22, 2009
Connecting women business owners with the experts
and resources to grow their business.
Good Morning Metro South
Wednesday, September 23, 7:30 am - 9:00 am
Holiday Inn, Brockton, 195 Westgate Drive

Featuring:
Emily Neill, Vice President of Sales for the New England market of Constellation NewEnergy, Inc., a subsidiary of Constellation Energy (NYSE:CEG). Neill works with businesses throughout the region to stabilize their electricity costs in today's volatile energy market. Ms. Neill will be speaking about a new Constellation NewEnergy preferred power purchasing program for Chamber members.

Edan Barshan, President and CEO of Universal Benefit Plans. Edan will provide a Massachusetts Identity Theft Law Boot Camp: What Employers Need to Know. Learn what the new regulations cover and who they apply to, what the terms "personal information," "encryption," and "written information security plan" mean, and what your organization needs to do to comply.

Also: Dr. Matthew H. Malone, the new Superintendent of Brockton Public Schools, and Steven R. Gordon, the new President of Good Samaritan Medical Center.

The cost to attend is $20 for members and $25 for non-members.  To register, contact Kim Prosper at 508.586.0500 x 231, email [email protected], or reigster online at www.metrosouthchamber.com/register.

September 2009 Action Report
Read it Here!

Thursday, October 1, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Legislative Reception
Donahue Hall, Stonehill College, N. Easton

Legislative ReceptionThe Legislative Reception is a casual event at which business leaders, elected officials, and candidates for public office can renew face-to-face contacts and discuss issues of importance to them and the business community while enjoying complimentary refreshments and hors d'oeuvres. Expected to be in attendance are one or more candidates for the Senate seat.

As a member of the Metro South Chamber, your organization has a vested interest in helping foster stronger relationships with local officials. The Legislative Reception is an excellent and cost-effective way for you, your key staff, and colleagues to initiate or renew face-to-face contacts at the state, federal and local level. We encourage your firm to participate and support the unified voice of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. Together, we can ensure that government understands and supports the needs and concerns of the business community in our region.

The cost to attend is $5 for members and $10 for non-members.  To register, contact Lisa Keene at 508.586.0500 x 225 or register online at www.metrosouthchamber.com.



Business Issues Expert Panel
Thursday, October 8, 8:15 am - 10:30 am
Holiday Inn, Brockton, 195 Westgate Drive


"You and Your Business" -
Cost-Cutting Strategies During a Recessionary Economy


Topics addressed will include:

� Wage reductions and furloughs � Vendor contract renegotiations
� Scaling back health and pension costs � Reductions in force
� Stimulus changes to COBRA � The Worker Adjustment and
Retraining Notification Act (WARN) � New HIPAA Regulations
(in effect September 23, 2009) � New Data Security Laws
(in effect January 1, 2010) � The Employee Free Choice Act
� The Family and Medical Leave Act � The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

The cost to attend is $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Cost includes an extensive handout binder and continental breakfast. Call Kim for more information, 508.586.0500 x 231 or email [email protected]. You may also register online.
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Katherine A. Hesse, a partner with the law firm of Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane, has practiced primarily in labor and employment and employee benefits law for over 25 years.
Thomas A. Colomb provides ongoing counsel to employers on a wide range of employment matters including collective bargaining agreements, occupational safety, sexual harrassment and workplace violence, and workplace investigations.



NEW: Metro South Chamber Social Network
(Exclusively for Chamber Members)

New Networking Site
 
Please take a moment to sign up at mymetrosouthchamber.ning.com.
This site has a lot of potential in the future for maintaining a strong Chamber and a strong business community. Over 35 Chamber members have already joined.

Contact Alison at 508.586.0500 x 222 if you have any questions.
Chamber Member/ Community
Events & Workshops

Tuesday, September 22: The Community Bank Women's Business Exchange.  Thorny Lea Golf Club, 159 Torrey Street, Brockton at 9:00 am.  "Become a Google Guru" with Marsha Marsiglio   Get more from your internet searches, discover shortcuts, tips and secrets to harness the effectiveness of the significant time spent on your computer.  Find out about the many "free" Google products that are available at your fingertips. Register for this event.

Wednesday, September 23:  Blood Drive at the Masonic Lodge, 1pm-6:30pm, 279 Prospect Lodge.  Sponsored by the Baalis Sanfrod Masons. Lunch served. Donars will receive a Red Sox t-shirt.

Thursday, September 24: 2009 beer and wine tasting sponsored by the Brockton Rotary Club.  Enjoy an evening of socializing, food and drink, 5-8pm at the Shaw's Center, Brockton.  All proceeds to benefit the Brockton Community.  Raffle Items donated by local businesses.  Tickets are $20 each and available by contacting Tina White at 508-821-1845 or email [email protected].

Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27: Yard Sale at the Metro South Animal Care and Adoption Center (1300 W. Elm St. Ext., Brockton. Please note that the team will be accepting donations for the sale, now thru September 22nd. Please no computers, paint or other hazardous material.

Wednesday, September 30: (and each Wednesday), Take a "Walk in the Wild Place" at the Children's Museum in Easton, 10:30am-11:15am.  Kids are invited to explore the gardens and participate in fun and exciting crafts and activities.  Different topics about nature will be covered each week.  Call 508-230-3789 for more information.

Wednesday, September 30: Joseph W. Martin Institute for Law and Society will welcome Jen Marlowe who will discuss art as activism and its ability to inspire change, 6:30 pm at the Martin Institute on the Campus of Stonehill College.  For more information, visit http://www.stonehill.edu/x10444.xml.

Wednesday, September 30: Dr. Richard McArdle, chief of urology at Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center, will oversee a free Prostrate Cancer screening at the Good Samaritan Radiation Oncology Center, 818 Oak St., on the main campus of Good Samaritan Medical Center from 5-6:30 pm. All males age 50 and older are invited to take part in the screening. Men over 40 who are African American or have a family history of prostate cancer are encouraged to be tested.  Light refreshments will be available at the screening. Pre-registration is required. To register please call DoctorFinder at 1-800-488-5959.

Thursday, October 1: Children's Museum in Easton Animal Happenings Informal petting Zoo Drop in Day (The first and third thursdays of each month), 10:30 am- 11:15 am.  For more information, visit the Drop In Days page.

Saturday, October 3: Annual Walk for Victims' Safety, a benefit event for victim services of Brockton Family and Community Resources, Inc. A 2.5 miles ((4k) walk/run starting at The Raymond Elementary School, 125 Oak Street, Brockton. Community members are encourage to form teams of co-workers, neighbors, family members or friends and wear matching shirts.  Sponsor forms are available at BFCR, 18 Newton Street, Brockton and at several Banks.  Call BFCR or for more information, 508.583.6498.

Saturday, October 3: Signature Healthcare will be holding a Celebration of Life to honor those who have lived with cancer from 2-4pm at Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital, 680 Centre St., Brockton.  We are partnering with Vantage Oncology to give survivors, their families and loved ones a chance to connect, in addition to providing light refreshments, favors and informational materials.  We request an RSVP as space is limited.  Those interested in attending should call 508-941-7817 no later than September 25th.  When arriving on Oct 3, attendees can follow signs to reserved parking.  We hope you'll join us for this free special event.

Sunday, October 4: The Brockton Historical Society presents a History of Fashion.  2 esteemed Brocktonians, Lee Roukous and Leo Narducci have offered their talents to raise money for the Brockton Historical Society. Reception at 1:00 pm, luncheon at 1:30 pm at the Shaw's Center, Brockton.  $50 per person. For reservations or information call Barbara at 508-583-4987.

Tuesday, October 6: Shop, Save & Support Old Colony Hospice at Lord & Taylor's South Shore Benefit Bash,  9:00am to 10:00pm. Call Linda Werman at 781-341-4147 x 204 or send e-mail to [email protected] to purchase your $5.00 Admission Ticket.  Old Colony Hospice keeps 100% of the ticket sales proceeds.  You receive a 20% off coupon good for one special item* and a 15% all day savings pass* good on cosmetics and fragrances and all regular and sale priced items. Additional discounts for existing and new Lord & Taylor Charge Cardholder's too. There will be chances to win prizes and more. Special offer - buy 4 tickets and get the 5th free. Items can be pre-selected beginning September 26th and held at the store for you until October 6.

Sunday, October 11: Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts Paws in the Park. Please join us for our 1st annual Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts Paws in the Park dog walk. Paws in the Park is a fun-filled way to support your local shelter. Registration forms available at www.apcsm.org.
Walk begins at 11am w/ registration starting at 10am. Borderland State Park (259 Massapoag Avenue, North Easton).

Monday, October 12: The Children's Museum in Easton is looking for interested adult volunteers to serve on the planning committee for the Museum's 5th Annual Play Fore Kids Multi-Generational Family Golf Tournament. The tournament is planned for Columbus Day - Monday, October 12, 2009 at the Easton Country Club. Dads and moms, aunts and uncles, grandparents and kids are invited to participate in this fun-filled day, featuring activities for golfers and non-golfers alike.  Enjoy 9 holes of golf, contests, raffles, a family styled dinner and an awards ceremony! For more information on how to volunteer, please contact Paula Peterson at the Children's Museum in Easton at (508) 230-3789 or email us at [email protected].

Wednesday, October 14: SCORE interactive workshop, 'Live Your Dream, Starting Your Own Business.' You have a great idea, you are an expert in your field, you're filled with enthusiasm but you're not sure where to start.  Topics include self assessment, testing financial feasibility, projecting financing requirements, financing a startup, cash flow and basic money management, and marketing including pricing, promotion and distribution.  9:30 am - 12:30 pm at the Stoughton Public Library, 84 Park Street, Stoughton.  The fee is $25.  Register online at www.scorema.org or call SCORE at 1-508-587-2673.

Thursday, October 15: Timeless Antiques, Brockton, Open House, 1208 Belmont Street, 5:30pm-7:30pm. Timeless Antiques, Watch and Jewelry Co. offers unique, hard to find antiques, art, sculpture, jewelry and watches for the discriminating buyer.  Expert watch and jewelry design and restoration done on premises.  Also buying gold, diamonds, sterling, and coins.  Find us on facebook and visit us online at www.boston-antiques.com. This event is free to attend.  Refreshments and networking opportunities will be available.  RSVP to Lauren Dupre at 508-580-3650 or [email protected].  You may also respond to this email or call Kim Prosper at 508.586.0500.

Friday, October 16: Brockton Family and Community Resources Conference on Culturally Appropriate Victim Services will feature Dr. Oliver Williams, Director of the Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community at the University of Minnesota. Stonehill College, Martin Auditorium, 9am-3pm with sign in at 8:40 am. Registration is $40 and includes lunch and conference materials.  Call 508.583.6498 or visit www.brocktonfamilyandcommunityresources.com.

Sunday, October 18: St. Joseph Manor's 2nd Annual Vendor Fair, 12pm-3pm. Various vendors will at the Manor to sell gifts for the holidays.  Vendors from Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Select Expressions Jewelry Designs and more will be in attendance.  The event is open to the community.  Please come by for one stop shopping, great raffle items and to help support St. Joseph Manor, 215 Thatcher Street, Brockton, MA 02302.  For more information please call, 508-583-5834.  www.SJMbrockton.org

Saturday, October 24: Come in costume to the Children's Museum in Easton's annual Halloween bash. 2-4pm and 6-8pm. The frightful activities for all-ages this year include plenty of Halloween crafts, trick-or-treat bag decorating, fortune telling, a creepy animal show with New England Reptile and Raptor, spooky music and games, and much more!  You can even go on a chilling lantern lit trick-or-treat romp through The Wild Place! $4.00 for members and $8.00 for non-members.  Call 508-230-3789 to reserve your spot.

Saturday, October 24: Ian Irving Third Annual Bone Marrow Registration Drive at Moreau Hall Elementary School Cafeteria, rt. 138, in Easton from 10am-2pm. More than 35,000 patients per year, many of them children, are diagnosed with diseases treatable by a marrow or stem cell transplant.  These diseases include leukemia, lymphoma and other cancers and genetic diseases. Our first drive was a success! Colleen Corona, Chairwoman of the Easton Board of Selectmen, joined the bone marrow registry in 2007 and was a match for a 6 year old little girl.  We would like to find more perfect matches! A simple mouth swab is all it takes. For more information, visit www.crir.org, email Dianne Irving at [email protected], or watch the special YouTube video from 2002 when Ian's donor and wife came to visit.

Sunday, October 25: Brockton Symphony Orchestra Concert at West Jr. High School, Brockton, at 3:00 pm.  This concert's theme in ice; exploring the coolness of the Northern climes of Finland and Norway, featuring the brilliant Venezuelan pianist, Kristhyan Benitez. Featuring Finlandia, Op. 26, No. 7 by Sibelius, Piano Concerto in A minor, Op.16 by Grieg, and piano Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 43 by Sibelius.  Mark your calendars- additional concerts will be on December 6, January 24, and May 2. Please call our Box Office at 508-588-3841 to purchase tickets, or visit www.brocktonsymphony.org.
 
Wednesday, October 28: Join us at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Manor, 215 Thatcher Street, Brockton, for a complimentary CEU presentation on: Herbal Medicines-What You Need to Know.  One (1) CEU will be awarded to Nurses.  Refreshments will be served.  To reserve your spot for this complimentary CEU presentation, contact Marni Dunton, Marketing Coordinator at [email protected]or 508.583.5834 ext. 3058, by Monday, October 19, 2009.

November 5, 2009 - "Night on the Town" to benefit Old Colony Hospice @ Grand Ballroom, Granite Links, Quincy MA.  Join us for our fall gala to benefit the patients and families in our care. Help us celebrate our 30th anniversary and honor a local community friend ~ HarborOne Credit Union ~ the first recipient of the Old Colony Hospice Humanitarian Award . This award is annually presented to an organization, individual or group that exhibits a deep-seated passion for improving the quality of life in the community through varied efforts but most particularly through leadership, philanthropy, promoting volunteerism and acting as a role model for others to emulate.  To sponsor, attend or receive more information about this event, call Linda Werman @ 781-341-4147 x 204 or send e-mail to [email protected]. Tickets are $125 per person.

Saturday, November 7: The Brockton Historical Society in collaboration with the Cape Verde Association, present Voyages from Cape Verde to Brockton and surrounding areas. 2-5pm at the Brockton Public Library Lingos Room. This is the first in an on going series to get to know, respect and appreciate our neighbors' talents and gifts.  Dr. Aminah Pilgrim, historian and professor at UMass, Boston and current president of the  Cape Verdean Association along with Dr. Joao Rosa, Professor at UMass, Dartmouth will  present.  There will also be songs, poetry, art and light refreshments. Tickets are $15, and $5 for BHS students with ID.  Contact Ellie Wentworth at 508-588-5174 or the Cape Verdean Association at 508-559-0056.

Thursday, November 10: The Marge Levy Spirit of Hospice Award 2009 will be presented at the Annual Meeting event scheduled for Tuesday, November 10 at the Shaw's Center.  The award is presented to someone who, through their outstanding involvement and dedication, has made a significant contribution of leadership, contributed to the achievement of organizational mission or service which has improved or enriched the lives of others and the welfare of our clients and their families, and whose accomplishments reflect admirably on or has brought distinction to Old Colony Hospice. For more information, visit www.oldcolonyhospice.org

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The Irish Cultural Centre's Academy Fall Term of Language, Music and Dance classes will begin in September.  Classes being offered are Fiddle, Tin Whistle, Bodhran, Gaelic Singing, Step Dancing and Set Dancing for beginners to advance levels. 
 
Classes meet once per week for 10-12 weeks in length for 60 to 90 minutes. Prices vary per class and are very reasonable. For more information, call 781-821-8291.

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Bridgewater Farmer's Market
Join us for the inaugural year of the Bridgewater Farmer's Market. Sponsored by the Bridgewater State College Center for Sustainability, the market takes place on Tuesdays from 3:00-6:30 at the corner of Spring and Broad Streets (on Rt. 18 next to the railroad tracks) from July 21-October 27, 2009. Please contact Market Manager Amy Braga ([email protected]) to participate as a vendor or Arthur Lizie ([email protected]) for additional general information.
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Fuller Craft Museum

455 Oak Street, Brockton, MA 02301
www.fullercraft.org

Members Free, Adults $8, Seniors and Students $5
Children under 12 Free, Wednesday 5:00-9:00pm Free
Open Daily 10am-5pm.
 
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Want to see your workshops and events here? email Alison van Dam a short description of your event with "eUpdate" in the subject line. First come, first served basis.  Please submit in the format you see above.

LAST CHANCE
Advertise in the 2010 Book for Business

95 yearsTrying to decide where to place your marketing dollars in a down economy?  Invest in a resource guide that is sure to provide lots of exposure for the whole year!

The Book for Business is distributed to over 5,000 businesses, residents and town halls.  It contains member listings, town and business demographics, legislative information, restaurants, golf courses, and more.  Last year, the book was mailed to all Brockton businesses.

Your ad will be listed in close proximity to your free business directory listing. In addition, your alphabetical and categorial listing will be displayed bold and in green font. This opportunity is sure to give you a leg up in the competition by receiving added exposure.

Don't have the time to create an ad, or the money to pay a designer? If you reserve your ad space now, our in house graphic designer will create a professional quality full color ad for you, free of charge.

For more information, Download the contract at www.metrosouthchamber.com/b4badcontract.pdf,
email Alison, or call 508.586.0500 x 222. 
Support the Chamber and Share your Experiences

  • Have you found an important lead through the Chamber?
  • Have you developed invaluable relationships?
  • Has the Chamber helped your business flourish?
  • Has the Chamber gone above and beyond your expectations in a particular way?
  • Has an event touched you, or have you learned a valuable lesson from one of our speakers or staff members?
  • What has Chamber membership meant to you?

Share your experiences while gaining exposure. Please email your testimonials to [email protected].  We will feature testimonials in future e-updates, Action Reports, and presentations. 
New Brockton Information Boards Seeks Sponsors

bibSponsor a space on the new Brockton Information Boards to be placed at 6 locations across Brockton; Brockton Area Transit Intermodal Centre, the downtown commuter rail station, the downtown parking garage, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce/City Hall, the Brockton Historical Society and the Fuller Craft Museum. The boards contain a map of the city and important cultural attractions.

The intent of the boards is to provide an appealing and practical way to assist people in their navigation while showcasing local businesses, promoting tourism, and helping current residents realize the "hidden gems" within the city.

Six sponsor spaces are available for $1500/year, with discounts for 2nd and 3rd year reservations. For more information, contact Alison at 508.586.0500 x 222 or email [email protected]
Chamber Joins Social Network System

The Chamber is online in a number of social networking and discussion board groups. Please feel free to visit, join, friend, and comment!

Chamber Social Network: mymetrosouthchamber.ning.com

Facebook Profile:
Facebook.com
Facebook Page: Facebook.com
Myspace Page: myspace.com/metrosouthchamber
Wiki site:
www.metrosouthchamber.wikispaces.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/MetroSouth
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com (Search for Metro South Chamber of Commerce)
BlipTV: metrosouthchamber.blip.tv
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/metrosouthchamber


2009/2010 Season Ticket
Date Extended to September 21
Sign up now to receive a FREE TASTE TICKET


season tic
2010 Season Ticket
Includes:
All Good Morning Metro South Programs (6 Programs, $120 value)
� All Business After Hours (at least 7, $35 value)
� Annual Legislative Luncheon ($30 value)
� ATHENA Award Breakfast ($25 value)
� Small Business Awards Luncheon ($35 value)
� 1 Taste of Metro South Ticket ($25 value)

Reserve your Season Ticket by September 8 and receive 1 additional Taste of Metro South Ticket ($25 value)



All This for $175.- (Save $120.- per person)
Advertise on www.metrosouthchamber.com 
Www.metrosouthchamber.com currently averages over 100,000 hits monthly. Banner ads have become the most popular form of internet advertising. When a viewer clicks on your banner, they will be taken to your own web site, increasing your reach and the size of the message you can deliver.
Prices range from as little as $75/month
View the Website Advertising Agreement Form



Advertise Here in the E-Update
With 1000+ subscribers,  it is a great way to reach key business leaders and decision-makers about your firm's products and services.  The Chamber eUpdate is highly effective in reaching our target audience.
Prices start at $25/week.
View the eUpdate Advertising Agreement Form

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In This Issue
GMMS Breakfast Meeting
Action Report
Leg Reception
Business Issues Panel
NEW Networking Site
Community Events
Advertise in the B4B
Information Boards
Season Ticket
Advertise Here

Information on all Business After Hours, Good Morning Metro South Breakfasts and other annual meetings.


Upcomimg Chamber Meetings:


September 23:
Good Morning Metro South
Register Online

October 1:
Legislative Reception
Register Online

October 7:
Ambassador Meeting
Events Page

October 8:
Business Issues Panel
Register Online

October 15:
Timeless Antiques Open House & Networking Event
Events Page

SAVE THE DATE
November 18:
Annual Meeting & EXPO
Register Online

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Chamber Website


Visit our new Website!

Website image

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Videos Now Online!

A new video component has been added to the Metro South Chamber of Commerce website! 

jeff taylor

Watch videos from the 2009 Small Biz Awards Featuring Jeff Taylor, Monster.com and Eons.com creator.

Watch Videos here