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Member Affinity Programs
You can save hundreds of dollars by taking advantage of our Member Affinity programs. Just click on the links below for details.
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2011 Chairman's Circle
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors | |
Rising Star
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MEMBER NEWS
This year's winner of a one year NVCC Membership at the 2011 Mega Business Expo is...
Connie Gallant of Segway Experience
Congratulations!
See all the great photos of the Mega Business Expo
*Matt McKee Photography | |
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NVCC 2012 Member to Member Guide Ad Sales Have Begun
No increase in rates for 2012
Email cheryl@WizardOfAdz.com,
call 781-821-1818, or click here to download the reservation form and spec sheet with rates.
Remember -- premium positions go fast so if you want a prime ad location, act early. | |
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Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board
*Anthony F. Caruso
Bank of Canton
Chair-Elect
*Kevin Hallinan
WINNING, Inc.
Treasurer
*Mike Moran
Dedham Institution for Savings
General Counsel
*Sabina T. Herlihy, Esq.
Law Offices of Sabina T. Herlihy
Immediate Past Chairman
*Steve Fradkin
The Wizard of Adz
Previous Past Chairman
*Peter Chase
Truelove, Dee & Chase, LLP
President/CEO
*Thomas O'Rourke
Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce
Dana Bottorff
G. T. Reilly & Company
Michael Cecere, CPA
Gray, Gray & Gray, LLP
Paul Chaggaris
Walpole Cooperative Bank
Linda Dillon
Century 21/Access Properties - Dillon
Kathy Ekberg
Mercer
Debbie Ellis
QRGA, LLP
Pierce Haley, Esq.
Serlin|Haley LLP
Jackie Halfond
Christina's Fireside Grille
Chris Herlihy
Shotgunflat
John Holiver
Norwood Hospital
Brian Johnson
Doc Shredding Corp.
Beth Rosenberg King
Wells Fargo Advisors
Willard Krasnow, Esq.
Constangy, Brooks & Smith, LLP
Nancy Levine
NationStar Mortgage
Greg Martin
Cramer
*Peter McFarland
The Allied Group
*Mary Raczka
HESSCO Elder Services
Peter Rice
Eastern Bank
*Katherine Touafek
School to Careers Partnership
Monty Vaughn
Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane, LLP
Jean Whelan
Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics
*David P. Wolicki, Esq.
Law Offices of David P. Wolicki
*Member of the Executive Committee
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Did you know that the Chamber offers FREE business counseling services at our offices?
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NVCC offers free SCORE COUNSELING at the NVCC office on Thursdays, by appointment.
To register call (781) 769-1126. | |
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From the President
A Seat at the Table
As we approach Thanksgiving, I'm reminded of that great feeling every kid has when they make that transition from sitting at the kid's table to the adult table for the annual feast. Something similar recently occurred for our Chamber.
If you've been a member of the Neponset Valley Chamber for any length of time you k now that we have a history of being deeply involved in local transportation issues that impact our region. In fact, I can remember when I worked here in the mid-1990s, then President, David Mahn advocating for an additional lane on Route 128 and revamping the road network around Westwood Station.
Over the years that work was picked up by Mahn's successors, Doug Wynne and Sue McQuaid. The Chamber became a leader in moving the Route 128 Add-a-lane project forward. We also played a role in securing funding for several highway corridor studies and local road improvement projects, most recently the Morse Street-Pleasant Street intersection and bridge in Norwood.
One of my roles as President is to monitor transportation funding decisions made by the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The MPO is responsible for conducting the federally required metropolitan transportation-planning process for our area. The MPO develops a vision for the region and then decides how to allocate federal, and some state transportation funds to programs and projects-roadway, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian-that support that vision.
I do that by attending their meetings and also by serving on a committee that advises the MPO, the Regional Transportation Advisory Committee. Recently, the MPO underwent changes to its makeup and added several seats to its membership, increasing from 14 to 22. Among those additions was a voting representative from each of the regional subgroups of the MPO. Our local subgroup is called the Three Rivers Interlocal Council (TRIC). In light of the fact that the Chamber has for so long been involved in regional transportation issues and the fact that we have a unique regional perspective on transportation and economic development, the members of TRIC decided to ask me to serve as their representative on the MPO. So last week the Town of Norwood (because I live there) was elected to serve a three-year term on the MPO as a representative of TRIC with me serving as their designee.
So what?
The MPO serves 101 communities in eastern Massachusetts, including Boston. I am just one of 22 members of the MPO. So clearly this does not mean that a flood of transportation funding is going to pour into the Valley. However, it is important and meaningful. Our region now has a seat at the grownups table, which as someone once said, is always better than being what's on the table. As our local rep, I will be able to share the perspective of our region with others in the MPO. In turn, we will be aware of what opportunities are available and what the important factors and determinants are when it comes to making funding decisions. An expanded MPO is good in that it brings more voices to the conversation regarding transportation funding, without becoming unwieldy.
The Chamber, through its past involvement is seen as a respected, knowledgeable and balanced entity when it comes to transportation issues, and it is in this spirit that I am eager to represent our region on this important regional body.
Tom O'Rourke
President | |
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QuickBooks for Small Business' workshops
sponsored by G.T. Reilly & Company
Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce programs will help small business owners leverage their productivity, profitability
Small business owners will learn how to leverage their productivity and profitability at two workshops sponsored by G.T. Reilly & Company and the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce on Monday, Monday, November 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
"QuickBooks for Small Business: Beyond the Basics" will help business owners who are already using QuickBooks for invoicing utilize the software's more advanced features, including customization of reports and forms, job costing, online banking, year-end tips and tricks, and troubleshooting.
"In this economy, small business owners need to get a handle on their finances and use all the tools at their disposal to improve profitability," says Gina Weinstock, a Certified QuickBooks Advanced Pro Advisor who will lead the workshop. Weinstock works with Reilly Business Services, which provides bookkeeping services, payroll preparation, financial statements and income tax returns for small businesses, in addition to QuickBooks support.
These workshops are free of charge to chamber members, but registration is required and seating is limited. The charge for non-chamber members is $25. A continental breakfast will be provided.
November 7 easy registration | |
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In This Economy, Don't Pass Up Opportunities to Give Your Business an Edge
Chamber events and programs are networking opportunities, and a way for you to showcase your business, enhance professional development and build relationships in the Neponset Valley Region and beyond.
While it is work, it is not difficult, and it can be fun and productive with the right plan of action.
The most important first step is to know your reason for going to networking functions and programs; what do you hope to get out of it? Knowing the answer will help you develop a system for successfully disseminating the right information about your business, creating leads that further your company's goals, and gaining insight into helping your business thrive in uncertain times.
If you are unsure of what your plan should be, join us for a "How to Network" Seminar, or one of our many business seminars and let us show you the ropes to successful and beneficial networking. Remember these programs are designed for you, our member.
Regardless of what your purpose is for attending a program, you must understand that it is never about getting the sale at the meeting. Networking is about building relationships! Remember people only buy from those they know and trust, especially in this fragile economy.
The Chamber has a full calendar of programs and events designed for YOUR business needs. Check it out; I promise you will be happy you did, and as always, I am here to help you and answer any of your questions.
Cristoff Shay
Director of Programs
cristoff@nvcc.com |
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Ambassador of the Third Quarter for 2011
Sharon Fradkin of 
Please join us in congratulating her for all her dedication and hard work. |
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Upcoming Programs | |
Thursday, November 3
HR Council
"Hot HR Issues"
8:00-9:00am
NVCC Office
190 Vanderbilt Avenue
Norwood, MA
FREE Members - All are welcome to join in the conversation.
Friday, November 4
Speaker Series with Barbara Anthony, Undersecretary of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations AffAffairs.
7:45-9:15am
Holiday Inn
55 Ariadne Road
Dedham, MA
$20 Members, $30 Non-members, $15 Facebook Fans (Members of the Chamber only)
Monday, November 7
Quickbooks Seminar
8:30-11:30am
NVCC Office
190 Vanderbilt Avenue
Norwood, MA
FREE Members, $25 Non-members
Tuesday, November 8
Noon Networking
12-1:30pm
Buca di Beppo
233 Elm Street
Dedham, MA
$25 Members, $50 Non-members, $15 Facebook Fans (Members of the Chamber only)
Monday, November 14
New Member Orientation
8-9:15am
NVCC Office
190 Vanderbilt Avenue
Norwood, MA
FREE
Tuesday, November 15
Did You Know? The Changes to Employment Law Affecting You! with Georgia Critsley, General Council for the Department of Justice Criminal Information Services
7:45-9:15am
Holiday Inn
55 Ariadne Road
Dedham, MA
$20 Members, $30 Non-members, $15 Facebook Fans (Members of the Chamber only)
Thursday, November 17
Business After Hours
5:30-7:30pm
Napper Tandy's
46 Day Street
Norwood, MA
$10 Members, $20 Non-Members
Netclub accepted
Wednesday, November 30
Holiday Kick-Off
5:30-7:30pm
Bar Louie
Patriot Place
Foxboro, MA
$15 Members, $25 Non-Members, $10 Facebook Fans (Members of the Chamber only)
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Chairman's Circle Sponsor Spotlight |
Bank of Canton growing, serving more customers, and providing quality financial solutions to consumers and businesses in our market area!
Bank of Canton has come a long way since the mid 1800's when Paul Revere's son served on our Inaugural Committee of Investment, just a few years after first opening for business in a local tavern!
Over 175 years later, while many community and commercial banks are reducing their services, increasing their fees, and raising barriers on mortgage applications and loans, Bank of Canton continues to expand its services to customers and support a wide variety of community organizations in need. We are committed to offering a wide array of quality and up-to-date financial solutions to consumers and businesses, both within and outside of our local market area.
Satisfied Bank of Canton clients find our expansive suite of business banking products and services competitively priced, and designed with the business' needs in mind.
Business Checking, Savings and Money Market Deposit Accounts, Commercial Real Estate Mortgages, Business (Commercial and Industrial) Loans, and Lines and Letters of Credit are just a few of the deposit and loan products available to businesses. Remote Deposit Capture, Business Online Banking - with our new Business BillPay feature rolling out soon - Business Debit and Credit Cards, Merchant Card and Payroll Services represent just a sampling of the many convenience-based services we offer. For consumers, we provide free personal checking accounts with reimbursement of ATM fees charged at over 400,000 ATMs nationwide, savings and investment accounts, mortgage and consumer loans, residential construction financing and a wide array of e-services designed to make banking simple and efficient. Add to all of this a comprehensive array of Non-deposit Investment Products and Services*, (Retirement Plan Sponsorship, Cash Management, Mutual Funds & Annuities) available to both businesses and consumers, and it's easy to understand why we don't see ourselves as just a bank, but rather as a provider of valuable financial solutions!
Whether the economy and housing market are strong or weak, we have maintained our commitment to making affordable home mortgages available to Massachusetts residents and see this as a core value of being a true community bank. In fact, in 2010, we originated in excess of $1,000,000,000 in residential mortgages, closing in excess of $800,000.000; and we're confident that 2011 will prove to be another banner year in the lending arena. Furthermore, people are struggling in all sectors of the economy, yet many qualify for affordable home mortgages and deserve to receive them.
We are particularly proud to receive prestigious recognition from the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency (MassHousing), which honored our community bank as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' "Top Producer" of the agency's first mortgage loans for the third consecutive year and "Top Minority Lender" for the fifth consecutive year. In 2010, Bank of Canton originated 176 MassHousing loans totaling $40.6 million, including 26 mortgages to minorities totaling $5.9 million.
We have always considered ourselves like family to our customers. Trusting us and having peace of mind are high priorities, which we nurture with our customers every day. Putting this philosophy into practice is what has enabled Bank of Canton to grow, prosper and, most importantly, evolve as a leader in the banking industry.
Part of the trust we exhibit as a community bank is supporting and donating to important causes and nonprofit organizations throughout the Neponset Valley, South Shore, and Brookline (home of our newest branch). Besides being active members of the NVCC (with Anthony Caruso, Senior Vice President / Retail Banking chairing the board this year), we have supported many nonprofit organizations including: Massachusetts Hospital School, Canton Food Pantry, Quincy Community Action Programs, Randolph Middle School STARS Program, and the Brookline Chamber of Commerce. During the holidays, in addition to mitten trees where customers are invited to trim a tree with newly made or purchased hats, scarves and gloves, which are subsequently donated to a worthy organization in each of our branch towns, our customers will have the opportunity to win drawings for prizes at all our branches.
Homeowners, depositors, business owners, builders, trade organizations, board members and corporators, and of course, our most valuable asset - our employees, have supported our institution for nearly two centuries. We hope to continue being worthy of their loyalty, passion, dedication, and leadership in the future.
Stephen P. Costello is President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Canton, www.ibankcanton.com. |
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Join us in celebration of you, our member, for a night of glitz, glamour, and amazing food at the Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on January 19, 2012 at Showcase Live in Foxboro.
Showcase Live
Patriot Place
Foxboro, MA
Thursday, January 19
$50 Members, $60 Non-Members, $350 Tables of 8 (Members), $400 Tables of 8 (Non-Members)
Easy registration
Sponsorships of $2500 and $1500 are available. Please call
Cristoff at 781-769-1126, or email cristoff@nvcc.com for details.
Please help us nominate deserving receipents!
Nomination Form | |
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93/95 Interchange Update
The NVCC hosted a meeting of the Route 93/95 Interchange stakeholders in October. The Environmental Assessment a nd Draft Environmental Impact Report for the project were recently released and are open to public comment until November 3rd. Additionally, a public hearing was held on Wednesday, October 19th at 6:30 pm at Canton High School.
The Chamber views the I-93/I-95 Interchange project as the top regional priority in our region. This long-overdue project will ultimately result in increased economic development activity in the immediate area, resulting in the one thing we are all concerned about right now - jobs.
With the progress and anticipated completion of the Route 128 add-a-lane project north of the interchange, the completion of the interchange is a critical element in achieving the full benefit from the add-a-lane project.
The Chamber continues to work with MassDOT as well as federal, state and local officials, regional businesses, labor unions and others to see this critical infrastructure project through to completion.
For more information on this project click here. | |
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Member Spotlight
Rob Ferrini has been a member of the Chamber since 2006. He is a f ounding member of the Elder Care Alliance and a Member of REN 1. Rob is also an Ambassador for the chamber.
The Murphy insurance group is one of the largest family-owned full service insurance agencies in Greater Boston and has been helping families and businesses with their insurance needs since 1908.
As a full-service agency, The Murphy Insurance group uses a holistic approach to providing protection against risk.
The agency has experts in all aspects of insurance, including:
Employee Benefits - Including Health, Dental and Disability Insurance
Financial Planning, both for businesses and individuals
Life Insurance, Disability Insurance and Long-Term Care Insurance
Home owners, Condominium, Automobile for families
Property, Liability and Workers Compensation coverage for businesses.
For more information, please give Rob a call at 781-380-0599, or he can be reached by email at rob@murphyinsgroup.com
*Businesses featured in the Member Spotlight are chosen from attendees of the Networking Events. Sign up today for the next Networking for your business' chance to be highlighted in the NVCC Business Connection.
Noon Networking at Buca di Beppo | |
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Ribbion Cutting at Music Schools International 10/28/2011
Pictured: Board of Director Member, Peter McFarland, Music Schools International Directors, Bryan and Jayme Washington, NVCC President, Tom O'Rourke, students and staff.
The NVCC was on hand to celebrate the grand opening of Music Schools International in Hyde Park on Friday, October 28.
Music Schools International provides music courses for students from 2 years of age to adults. They also provide private lessons of all instruments.
All the courses are structured to give the maximum benefit to each student, developing all technical and musical components.
Music Schools International, also known as MSI, believe that what you hear, you will sing; what you sing, you will play; what you play, you will read; what you read, you will write.
Please stop by and wish them the very best!
Music Schools International
1 Westinghouse Plaza, Building D, Second Floor
Hyde Park, MA 02136
617-364-5600
www.msimass.com
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