Metro South Chamber of Commerce
Leading Businesses. Leading Communities
February 1, 2010
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Good Morning Metro South
Wednesday, February 10, 7:30 am - 9:00 am
Holiday Inn Brockton, 195 Westgate Drive

Featured Speaker: Mayor Linda Balzotti, Brockton

Linda BalzottiLinda Balzotti served as a Brockton Councilor for more than a decade, providing strong constituent services, advocacy for neighborhoods and a strong focus on fiscal restraint. A lifelong Brocktonian, she also served as a member of the Brockton Planning Board and as a resident activist.

Linda was elected as Ward 4 Councilor in 1998.
She worked with the City Council to ensure a
multi-million dollar restoration to Brockton's Wastewater Treatment Plan; built a coalition to defeat the proposed reopening of the BFI Landfill, and fought for the construction of the
Brightfields.

Linda is a 1979 graduate of Brockton High School and holds a bachelor's degree from Syracuse University. In addition to serving four terms as a ward councilor and two terms as a councilor-at-large and Council  President in 2001, Linda was a former legislative aide to Representative Christine Canavan, and was employed as the Public Information Officer at
Bridgewater State College.


Spo
nsored by Universal Benefit Plans and presented in partnership with Comcast Business Services.

Register by calling Kim at 508.586.0500 x 231, email [email protected] or register online at www.metrosouthchamber.com/register.html. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members and includes lunch.  This event is sure to sell out, so register early.  Corporate tables of 10 are available.
Government Affairs
Friday, February 12, 12:00 pm
Metro South Chamber of Commerce
60 School Street, Brockton

The featured speaker is John Regan, Executive Vice President for Government Affairs, from Associated Industries of Massachusetts.

aim logo

AIM's mission is to improve the economic climate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by proactively advocating fair and equitable public policy, and by providing relevant, reliable information and excellent services. As Executive Vice President, Mr. Regan is responsible for overseeing AIM's activities in legislative, regulatory issues, litigation and ballot initiatives. In addition to overall management, Mr. Regan focuses on specific issues dealing with economic development, tort and product liability reform, unemployment insurance and workers compensation insurance.

The cost to attend is $5 for members and $10 for non-members and includes lunch.  If you would like to attend, please contact Lisa Keene at 508.586.0500 x 225.

February 2010 Action Report

Tuesday, February 9, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
SBA 101 Workshop for Lenders
Metro South Chamber, 60 School Street, Brockton


Who should attend: New SBA lenders and lenders that need a refresher in the basics. This workshop covers SBA 7a and 504 loan eligibility, overview of SBA finance programs, SBA loan closing and SBA loan servicing. Instructor Anne Hunt, Lead Loan Specialist will guide you though the SBA lending programs and how they can assist your customers. Now that all loans are centrally processed, this training program  is invaluable and more important than ever. Learn how to avoid the most common pitfalls.

To register for this event, contact Lisa Keene, Director of Business Assistance at the Chamber at
508.586.0500 x 225 or email [email protected].


Workforce Safety Grants Available
Thursday, February 11, 2010, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Metro South Chamber, 60 School Street, Brockton


At this workshop, the Office of Safety Staff will take you through the Occupational Safety Health Education and Training Program grant process step by step. The goal of the program is to promote safe and healthy conditions in the workplace through training, education, and other preventative programs for employees and/or employers of industries oeprating within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and whose entire staff are covered by the Massachusetts Workers Compensation Law, sole propriertorship, DBA or self-insured. Determine your eligibility and get
answers. For more information, visit www.mass.gov/osd.

To receive the Training Grant Application, email [email protected]. The application is due by March 3, 2010 at 2:00pm.

To register for the Workforce Safety Grant Workshop, contant Kim Prosper at 508.586.0500 x 231. Lunch will be provided.

New Member Orientation & Business After Hours
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Easton Country Club, 265 Purchase Street, Easton

Orientation, 4:00 - 5:30 pm:  Join us for a Member Orientation on February 25,prior to the Business After Hours networking event. The Member Orientation gives new members, prospective members, and new employees of existing member companies an opportunity to network and explore the many programs and services available to Metro South Chamber members. The Member Orientation is free, but pre-registration is required. Please call 508.586.0500 ext. 231 to register or email [email protected].

Business After Hours Networking, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm: Easton Country Club offers function space for corporate outings, business breakfasts, award ceremonies, parties, reunions, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs and more with 2 function rooms offering spectacular views or charming cozy settings. The 18-hole golf course offers a mixture of fairways and
large greens for all golfers of all skill skill levels. For more information,
visit www.eastoncountryclub.com. This event is $5 for members and $10
for non-members and will take place directly after the Member Orientation
(see above). Register by calling Kim at 508.586.0500 x 231 or email [email protected].


18th Annual Taste of Metro South
Wednesday, March 24, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Shaw's Center, Brockton

2009 ads


Celebrate living and working in the Metro South region
Sample tastes from area restaurants
Discover cultural and community service organizations
Enjoy live entertainment from local performers

Over 50 restaurants and 600 guests expected! With Entertainment
by the Baha Brothers and the Brockton High School Jazz Band.
All guests will receive a free Boston MassPass Book worth thousands of dollars in coupons.

Tickets are now available at the Chamber, 60 School Street, Brockton or online at www.metrosouthchamber.com/register.html.
$25 in advance/ $30 at the door
Call 508.586.0500 x 231 for more information.

Are you a Restaurant or organization that would like to participate? Area restaurants and local organizations are encouraged to participate by renting booth space or sponsoring the event. All those who do participate will gain exposure through direct interaction with new potential customers, word of mouth, advertisements in the Enterprise, Action Report and Program Guide, and potential coverage on the Brockton Community Access Channel, WXBR 1460 AM, and WATD 95.9 FM. Don't miss this invaluable opportunity. For more information on exhibiting or sponsoring, please contact Kim Prosper at 508.586.0500 x 231.
Visit Shanghai, Beijing and Xi'an China
October 11-19, 2010
Only $1,999 per person (Include World Expo Ticket)


China2

World Expo 2010:
The World Exposition has represented the greatest in human inspirations and thoughts since the London Expo in 1895. The World Expo combines not only political, economic, and cultural features, but also demonstrates the highest level of social, scientific and technological advancements. The theme of the Expo 2010 Shanghai is "Better City, Better Life." Over 200 nations and international organizations are exhibiting in the World Expo, with 70+ million visitors expected.


Featured Attractions on the Trip:
World Expo 2010, the Great Wall of China, Terracotta Warriors, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, Ming Tombs, Yu Garden, Jade Factory, Summer Palace, Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, Tiger Hill, Green Tea Plantation, Chinese Acrobat Show, Pudong  Economic Development Zone, Huaqing Hot Spring Park, and more ...

Space is Limited! Reserve your Place Now! *Based on double occupancy and deposit before April 30. For more information, contact Lisa Keene at the Chamber at 508.586.0500 x 225 or email [email protected].

"This is an unbelievable trip for the money - what memories! It went off without a glitch -
perfect. I can't believe I saw what I did. Hotels - magnificent! Chinese tour guides - outstanding! Buses - perfect! Exposed to so much - wonderful! Thank you, Metro South Chamber of Commerce, for the trip of a lifetime!"
- Sally Burke, Bridgewater, traveler on 2009 trip
Chamber Member/ Community
Events & Workshops


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Every Thursday: Tamboo Bistro & Ultra Lounge Office Party 5:05.  Every Thursday at 5:05pm.  This is the perfect way to Network with local business, be seen and heard.  Each time you attend, drop off your business card.  The office with the most business cards by the end of the month will win an office party at the lounge. $5 after work menu, great music, networking, or relax in posh upscale atmosphere.  For more information, call 508.584.8585.  Tamboo is located at 252 Main Street, Brockton.  Spotlight your Office: feature your company info with slideshow, info and microphone, share events, set up a company table, receive VIP treatment.  For more information, download the registration form.

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Free Tax Preparation If you are a low to moderate income family, live in the Greater Brockton area and at least one member of your household worked, even part time in 2009, you may be eligible for this free service.  Don't go to tax preparers who charge you to do your taxes and charge you again to get a loan for an early refund.  Most people can get their state refund in 3 to 5 days and their federal approximately 7days later and save hundreds of additional dollars in preparer and loan fees.  Claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a federal and state tax benefit for people who work.  With both the federal and state tax credits, workers may get up to $5,657 in refunds.  Workers can claim both the federal and state EITC, even if they do not owe income tax, simply by filing federal and state income tax returns.  You will receive a state credit equal to 15% of the federal amount.

Where and When:
Mondays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. starting February 1, 2010:
MultiCultural Banking Center, HarborOne, 68 Legion Parkway, Brockton
Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. starting January 30 and Wednesday evenings from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. starting February 3, 2010
: Self Help Healthy Housing and Community Resource Center, 142 Crescent St., Brockton

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Wednesday, February 3: Comedians for Hatian Relief with Dick Doherty's Beantown Comedy Escape at the Holiday Inn Brockton, 195 Westgate Drive.  Tickets are $25, Golden Circle $50.  100% of proceeds will go to Haitian Relief, the Ester Lafontant Charitable Foundation.  Featuring Frank Santorelli from the Sapronos, Jim Lauletta, Paul Nardizzi, Stephanie Peters Comedy Diva, Corey Rodrigues, and Mitch Stinson.  Visit www.beantowncomedy.com for more information.

Thursday, February 4: Working For Work, a support group for the area unemployed, is pleased to announce a special presentation,  Being Unemployed and Disabled.  The guest speaker will be Maxine Connell of the Leadership Team of the Mass. Dept. of Rehabilitation.   We will discuss services available, job search techniques, and a discussion of the common problems arising from unemployment.  2 p.m. at the North Attleboro Public Library (118 No Washington St., North Attleboro) in the Community Room.  There is no fee for this and all are welcome.  For further information call 617-331-5541.

Thursday, February 4: American Red Cross Blood Drive at My Storage Space, 230 Oak Street, Brockton, 12pm-5pm.  Please call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800 733-2767) or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

Thursday, February 4: Analyis of Impediments to Fair Housing Discussion at the Chamber, 60 School Street Brockton, from 10:30 am -12:00 pm.  Please join the City of Brockton, Building a Better Brockton, Inc., and the Brockton Housing Authority for an informational meeting and discussion about fair housing issues, and how we can work together to ensure equal access to housing for all people in Brockton. RSVP 608-586-0021 or [email protected].

Friday, February 5: United States Census 2010 On-Site Recruiting/testing at Self Help, 142 Crescent Street, Brockton at 9:30 am.  Looking for Census Takers, Crew Leaders, Crew Leader Assistants, Recruiting Assistants, & Census Clerks.  Pay ranges from $12.50-$17.00 per hour.  For more information, contact Anne Marie Louis-Jean or Russell Greene, US Census Recruiting Assistants @ 781-577-2950.

Sunday, February 7:  Family Arts Day at the Children's Museum in Easton from 1-3pm with Mass Certified Art Insutrctor Judith Murray-Smith, the Talented Teans Art Class and the staff of the museum.  Explore student art exhibitions.  ALl ages welcome, free with admission, no reservation required.  For more on the Children's Museum in Easton, call 508-230-3789.


Wednesday, February 10: Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center Entrepreneurship Speaker Series.  2nd Wednesday of each month from 12-1:30 pm, 151 Martine Street, Fall River. "Market and Business Research: 10 Tips for finding good information" by Jane John and Risa Sacks.  Whether your company is exploring an innovative new product line, researching a competitor, or deciding whether to launch a business in the first place, market and business information can help reduce your risk. We will give tips for using both the Internet and the phone to find the information you need.  RSVP 508-910-9815.

Friday, February 12: 9 am-5 pm, come to the Children's Museum in Easton and celebrate a sweet holiday!  Drop in on the 14th for a day of delicious activities!  Devote the day to sweet things by creating special Valentine's Day themed craft and yummy chocolate lollipops for yourself or for your valentine.  No reservation required.  For more information, call 508-230-3789.

February 12 & February 13:  Enjoy a romantic retreat this Valentine's Day at the Holiday Inn, Brockton.  Overnight deluxe accommodations, in room champagne and chocolate covered strawberries, Sunday lunch for two at the Grill Restaurant and 2pm late checkout. $175 per couple, tax and gratuity included.  For reservations call 508-588-6300.

Monday, February 15: 2010 Census Tour:  The US Census Bureau will be in Center Court at Westgate Mall, Brockton from 12 to 4pm educating our customers and you about the importance of filling out the US Census.  This census determines the distribution of more than $300 billion annually of government funding for critical community services.  It generates thousands of jobs across the country.  It impacts YOUR voice in Congress.  It only takes 10 minutes!  So don't forget to fill out your census when you receive it in the mail.

Tuesday, February 16: Magic with  Brenner at Westgate Mall, Brockton.  Join us at 2pm in the Children's Play Area located in front of Sears with the infamous Stephen Brenner and his whimsical animals!


Wednesday, February 17: Blood Drive at the Holiday Inn Brockton, 195 Westgate Drive from 2-7pm.  Receive a free souvenir Bruins t-shirt.Call 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule your appointment today.

Wednesday, February 17: Attend a FREE SBA workshop designed to highlight the various SBA programs and services that are available to prospective or current entrepreneurs who need assistance in starting or expanding their business. General information will be provided on the following: Small Business Counseling (SCORE),  Small Business / Development Centers · Business Information Center SBA 7(a) · Loan Guaranty Program · 8(a) Business Development HUB/Zones · Small Disadvantaged Business Assistance · Government Contracting Opportunities The workshop will be held at CareerWorks, 34 School Street, Brockton from 2 - 4 pm. Contact CareerWorks at 508.513.3400.

Thursday, February 18: Blood Drive at Good Samaritan Medical Center, Moakley Conference Center, 235 N. Pearl Street, Brockton, 11:30 am - 4:30 pm/  Please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to make an appointment to donate blood.  Donors will receive a free long sleeve Bruins t-shirt as a thank you.

Thursday, February 18: You Are The Star:  Join the DJ Dance Party with bubbles, games, prizes  and more at 2pm in The Children's Play Area at Westgate Mall, Brockton.

Thursday, February 18: Cooking with Kids: Friendship Foods at the Children's Museum in Easton with Rosa Galeno, local chef and owners of Rosa's Food Shop.  Kids will learn how to prepare several different recipes and bring home dinner.  Pre-registration required.  $30 which includes the workshop for each adult and child.  For more information, visit www.childrensmusuemineaston.org

Saturday, February 20: Tribute to Allie Colombo for his dedication to the sport of boxing and as a trainer of World Heavyweight Champion, Rocky Marciano.  Joe Angelo's Cafe, 11 Crescent Street, Brockton.  Doors open at 5, event starts at 6:30pm.  $25 donation. For more information, visit www.rocky49wins.com or call 508-509-3236.

Thursday, February 25: CEO Roundtable.  Winfree Business Growth Advisors will conduct a free workshop for business owners and Independent Agents.  Do you need to get in front of better prospects, hire a top performer, or eliminate "think it overs"?  Get the answers here.  The session will be held from 8:30 am to 10:30 am at 25 Braintree Hill Office Park, Suite 200, Braintree, MA.   For reservations call Ken Cheo at 781-930-3220 or email [email protected].

Friday, February 26:  Brockton Rox Hot Stove Banquet.  Featuring former major league players Cecil Fielder, Rich Gedman, Butch Hobson and Pete Incaviglia.  Doors open at 6pm.  Dinner will be served at 7:30pm.  The program will feature an open questions and answer session.  Individual tickets are $50, and private tables of 10 are available.  A raffle to benefit Father Bills & Mainspring will also take place.  Tickets are available at the Rox office or by phone at 508-559-7000.

Saturday, February 27: Mardi Gras Madness at the Shaw's Center, Brockton.  All proceeds to benefit the Brockton Day Nursery Scholarship and BDN Lends a Hand Funds.  Fun casual attire, no speeches, no awards, no sit-down dinner- Not your typical fundraiser!  To purchase tickets, visit brocktondaynursery.org or call 508-588-2700.

Tuesday, March 2: ABC's of E-Tools, 8:00 am - 10:00 am at the Irish Cultural Centre, Canton. Join us for this FREE workshop where you can learn about search engines and search engine optimization, social networking (Facebook, Twitter, LinedIn, YouTube, Myspace), blogs and e-newsletters.  RSVP to the MSBDC at 508-673-9783.

Saturday, March 6: Concert featuring 5 Brockton area organists at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 900 Main Street, Brockton, to benefit the Haitian relief.  If you are interested in sponsoring or attended this event, contact James Benson at 508-586-9021.

Wednesday, March 17: Attend a FREE SBA workshop designed to highlight the various SBA programs and services that are available to prospective or current entrepreneurs who need assistance in starting or expanding their business. General information will be provided on the following: Small Business Counseling (SCORE),  Small Business / Development Centers · Business Information Center SBA 7(a) · Loan Guaranty Program · 8(a) Business Development HUB/Zones · Small Disadvantaged Business Assistance · Government Contracting Opportunities The workshop will be held at CareerWorks, 34 School Street, Brockton from 2 - 4 pm. Contact CareerWorks at 508.513.3400.


Sunday, March 21: The Easton YMCA will present a live musical theatre event "Click Clack Moo" at 1pm at the Oliver Ames High School Auditorium.  The one hour musical is based on the popular Caldecott Award-winning book by Doreen Cronin and is for ages 4+.  All proceeds will provide financial assistance for Easton families and children in need through the Y's "Strong Kids Campaign." Tickets are sale now by phone or in person at the Y. 508.238.9758.  $15 orchestra, $10 mezzanine.

Friday, May 28:  The Brockton Rox will kick off the baseball season with a three game home set against the Worcester Tornadoes.  For a full schedule, visit www.brocktonrox.com.


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Special Discount for Chamber Members
 
Visit Living the Dream Auto Care and receive 10% off any repair or service over $100 until March 31st  2010.  Located at 363 Neponset Street, Canton.  Visit www.ltdac.com for more information or call 339-237-4711.
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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 Tuesday- Sunday, 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays.
 
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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.

green plus
Take the Sustainability Survey


A recent study revealed that 83% of consumers say it is somewhat or very important to them to purchase products and services from responsible, sustainable companies, but few companies know how to improve sustainability performance and communicate their green and sustainable efforts to customers and employees. 
 
The Metro South Chamber has partnered with Green Plus (www.gogreenplus.org) to announce a new initiative which will allow businesses to achieve a credible "green" certification in order to convey their commitment to responsible and sustainable operations. Please complete a brief survey on sustainability so that the Chamber may assess the needs of the business community and help to increase knowledge, community engagement, environmental impact and business success.   Sustainability Survey.


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: 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.
Added Benefits for Chamber Members

Constellation NewEnergy Power Program: An Electricity aggregation program to help members better manage their energy costs.

Expanded Health Insurance Services from Health Services Administrators (HSA): Introducing the One Resource Solution website, offering up to dating information and resources to help you, your business and employees find the best plan.

For more information on either of these programs, visit www.metrosouthchamber.com/insurance.html
In This Issue
Mayor at GMMS
Government Affairs
New Action Report
SBA for Lenders
Workforce Satefy Grant
Member Orientation/BAH
Taste of Metro South
China Trip
Community Events
Sustainability Survey
Networking Site

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

--------------------------
2010 Book for Business Coming Soon!

2010 Directory Cover

Email Alison for
more information.



Upcoming Chamber Meetings:

February 2:
Taste Committee Meeting

February 3:

Ambassador Meeting

February 9:
Taste Committee Meeting

February 9:
SBA 101 for Lenders

February 10:
Good Morning Metro South

February 11:
Safety Grant Lunch & Learn

February 12:
Government Affairs

February 23:
Taste Committee Meeting

February 25:
Business After Hours and Member Orientation


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CHAMBER
SOCIAL
NETWORKING
SITES


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Chamber

Website


Visit  our  Website!

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A new video component
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Metro South Chamber of
Commerce website! 

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

Watch Videos here



NEW BROCKTON VIDEOS
60 second commercials written and produced by the Chamber currently running on NECN and BCA

Brockton Video
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