Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce
Your Business Connection
May, 2012
 
In This Issue
New Members
Member News
From the President - The Sound of Silence
Fashion Envy
Upcoming Events
MACCE Washington DC Fly-In
Ambassador of the Quarter
I'm a New Member-Now What?
Member Spotlight
Annual Membership Drive
Save Money on Electricity for Your Business and Home
27th Annual Golf Tournament to benefit in part the Norfolk Advocates for Children
Discover Cuba
Put Your Clothes to Work
 
 
New Members
 

Aylaco, Inc. - Walpole

 

Jim's Automotive Center - Norwood

 

Norwood Chiropractic - Norwood  

 

Pruell & Brady, LLP - Norwood 

 

V. E. D. Design - Norwood   

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

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. 

 

 

 

afordable

 

Chambermail

 

UPS

 


 
   

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

Board of Directors

 

 

Chairman of the Board
*Kevin Hallinan
WINNING, Inc.
  

 

 Past Chairman of the Board
*Anthony F. Caruso

Bank of Canton

 

Treasurer

*Mike Moran
Dedham Institution for Savings

 

General Counsel & Chair-elect
*Sabina T. Herlihy, Esq.
Law Offices of Sabina T. Herlihy

 

Previous Past Chairman

*Steve Fradkin

The Wizard of Adz

 

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

 

Rob Ferrini

The Murphy Insurance Group 

  

Debbie Ellis

QRGA, LLP

 

Thomas Flaherty

Bacon Flaherty, LLC

 

Lori Forcucci

Law Office of Lori Forcucci

 

Pierce Haley, Esq.
Serlin|Haley LLP

 

Jackie Halfond

Christina's Fireside Grille

 

Chris Herlihy

Shotgunflat

 

John Holiver
Norwood Hospital

 

Brian Johnson

Doc Shredding Corp.

 

Willard Krasnow, Esq.

Constangy, Brooks & Smith, LLP

 

Nancy Levine

American Bank

 

Bob Mannering

Mercer

 

*Peter McFarland

The Allied Group

 

*Mary Raczka

HESSCO Elder Services

 

Peter Rice

Eastern Bank 

 

Rebecca Schofield

Needham Bank

 

*Katherine Touafek

School to Careers Partnership

 

Monty Vaughn
Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane, LLP
 

 

*David P. Wolicki, Esq.
 
Law Offices of David P. Wolicki  

 

 

 

 

*Member of the Executive Committee 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Did you know that the Chamber offers FREE business counseling services at our offices?  

 

MSBDC
  
The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) Network (MSBDC) provides free and confidential business advisory services.  For more information on the MSBDC or to make an appointment to meet with a counselor at the NVCC Office, visit their website or call (508) 673-9783.
score 

NVCC offers free SCORE COUNSELING at the NVCC office on Thursdays, by appointment. 

 

To register call (781) 769-1126. 

Find us on Facebook

 

View our profile on LinkedIn

 

Follow us on Twitter

 

View our videos on YouTube

 

Find us on Google+

Member News

Needham Bank, with five branches throughout the greater Boston area announces that Mark R. Whalen of Dedham has been promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer.

 

In this new role, Mr. Whalen, who formerly held the title of Chief Operating Officer, is responsible for the overall implementation and management of the Bank's objectives, policies and strategic plans in addition to oversight of the Bank's financial position.

 

He will work in conjunction with Jack W. McGeorge, who remains as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Needham Bank.

 

Mr. Whalen has more than 30 years of experience in the banking industry and is the former President/CEO of the Dedham Cooperative Bank. He joined Needham Bank in March of 2007 when the two institutions merged.

 

Mr. Whalen received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Stonehill College in Easton and has attended numerous executive course programs throughout his career in finance, including The Graduate School of Community Bank Management at the University of Texas in Austin.

 

Mr. Whalen sits on the Board of Directors of the Dedham Historical Society and is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Southwest Affordable Housing Partnership. He is a former Dedham Town meeting member.

 

He makes his home in Dedham with his wife and their two daughters.

 

"It is with honor that I assume my new responsibilities as both President and COO of Needham Bank," said Mr. Whalen. "It is my goal and mission to provide the guidance and direction necessary to make certain that Needham Bank maintains its standing as a recognized leader in community banking."

 

"It gives us great pleasure to announce Mark's promotion to President and Chief Operating Officer," said Mr. McGeorge. "His vast industry experience, operational knowledge and devotion to community banking are certain to ensure the long-term success of our fine organization."

 

 

 

Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce Elder Care Alliance Presents: 

Technology Road Show

 

 

Please join us for an enjoyable and educational hands-on experience with the mysteries of the technology world. If you received a new IPhone, IPad, Droid, Laptop or any new electronic device from your children, grandchildren or even yourself and just don't know where to begin, stop by for some help!

 

We will have a group of Neponset Valley Chamber volunteers from the "Eldercare Alliance" here to help you get started.

 

Refreshments will be served.

 

Right at Home

101 Lincoln Road

Foxboro, MA

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

5:00-7:00pm

 

 

Please R.S.V.P. to 508-762-1949,

or email us at jellegrine@rahbostonsw.com

 

 

 

 

More Member news and events

  

  

Items of Interest

  

is hosting.....

 

Summers in the Air

Opportunities are in Bloom

Job Fair

WhereCrowne Plaza Hotel, Natick

WhenThursday, June 7, 2012

 

 

There is no cost to participate in this event!

 

We have room for up to 70 employers.

 

Click on the link below for detailed information about the event and to access the Registration Form.  Registration deadline is May 4th.

 

http://www.etrcc.com/jobfair-employer-info.php

 

Do not delay.  Reserve your space now!

 

 

 From The President

 

 

The Sound of Silence

Perhaps the single most common remark I hear from state and local leaders is that they do not hear from "the business community." Unfortunately, I generally have to agree with them. Each year our elected officials are inundated with new laws, statutes, budget requests and other forms of mischief. Each Tom. New piccause or issue has its own particular set of activists working at the grassroots level to make sure that their voice is heard in the hopes of influencing legislation in their favor. Far too often, decisions are made that impact the business community (a community that can be different depending on the issue), and the business community is not there to take a stand.

Certainly, there are many chambers of commerce that at times are active advocates for their communities, but for many reasons chambers are most effective at the local rather than the state level. Occasionally chambers across the state will unite on a key issue and make a strong impact - unemployment insurance, for example. We also have a strong ally in Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) who, in my opinion, is the closest thing we have to a statewide voice of business. Likewise, the Boston Business Journal does a great job of framing issues that impact business. However, at the end of the day we have a void when it comes to individual business owners sharing their thoughts, experiences and expertise with decision makers on Beacon Hill.

I believe this is mainly because business owners are too busy running their shop to get involved politically. However, it's also a matter of understanding the issues and the process. This is where the Chamber can be helpful. We know the players; we know the process, and we have access to information on the issues. In June, we are offering two unique events that will bring you face to face with decision makers at the local, state and federal level. This is your opportunity to meet our elected and appointed leaders and speak to them directly about the issues that impact your business. And by the way, this doesn't mean just impediments to business growth; it's also a chance to say thank you for the good things that have occurred - streamlined permitting, reduced worker's comp. and unemployment rates, etc.

You can read below about our 2nd Annual Legislative Reception at the Endicott Estate in Dedham where you can interact with members of the state legislature as well as town officials in a cocktail reception type setting. Additionally, we are pleased to announce our first-ever Washington DC fly-in conjunction with the Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE). If only a couple of members from each chamber in the state were to attend we could have upwards of 100 business people arriving in the nation's capital to talk business with members of our state delegation, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a couple of other key national leaders. Details on time, cost, etc. are below.

From pending issues like paid sick leave and increasing the minimum wage, to health care reform and energy costs-there is no shortage of topics to be addressed at all levels of government. I encourage you as business people to become involved by getting to know the issues, contacting your representatives and attending our upcoming legislative events.

Finally, the NVCC does have a Legislative Committee, which has been just moderately active lately. If you would like to become more knowledgeable on issues and have a say in Chamber policy making, please consider joining the Committee. It's time for business to speak up.

Tom O'Rourke

President & CEO                                                                                                                     

 

 

 

 

 

Join the Chamber for the first ever, Fashion Envy-Fashion Extravaganza, with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit Birthday Wishes of Foxboro.


An exciting evening of fashion, food, drink, and friends awaits you at the Blue Hill Country Club in Canton on Thursday, May 10 from 5:30-8:30pm.

 

Check out all the latest in men's and women's fashion from Lord & Taylor, Jos. A. Banks, New Balance and other top designers. Plus, gain important insight on what to wear (and what not to wear) during business meetings and social gatherings in the work place!

 

Adele Scala, Miss New York International 2012, and a former New England Patriots Cheerleader will be a special guest model!

 

Don't miss out on all the excitement and fun!

 

Blue Hill Country Club

Thursday, May 10

5:30-8:30pm

23 Pecunit Street

Canton, MA 02021

$35 Early Bird /10 for $330

Easy registration

 


 

Thank you to our sponsors


 

 

 Needham Bank     

 

 

   
 


 
        

 

 

 

 

       

 

Upcoming  May Programs 

 


 
 

 

 
 

 

 

 

May 7

I'm a New Member - Now What? New Member Orientation

NVCC Office

190 Vanderbilt Avenue

Norwood, MA

8:00-9:00am

 

May 10

Fashion Envy

Blue Hill Country Club

25 Pecunit Rd

Canton, MA

5:30-8:30pm  

 

May 15

How to Network with Kevin Hallinan of WINNING, Inc.

Hilton Boston/Dedham

25 Allied Drive

Dedham, MA

10:30-11:45am

 

May 15

Noon Networking with Speed Format

Hilton Boston/Dedham

25 Allied Drive

Dedham, MA

12:00-1:30pm 

 

May 15

Elder Care Alliance Presents: Technology Road Show

101 Lincoln Road

Foxboro, MA

5:00-7:00pm

 

May 30

Social Media Marketing Series Part 4

Gray, Gray & Gray

34 Southwest Park

Westwood, MA

12:00-1:30pm

 

Here before you know it:

  

June 21: Legislative Reception and Business After Hours at the Endicott Estate

 

 

August 6: 27th Annual Golf Tournament at the Easton Country Club benefiting, in part, the Norfolk Advocates for Children

 

October 25: 2012 Mega Business Expo with the Tri Town and Milford Area Chambers at Christina's

 

Play golf, or reserve your spot for THE premier business expo in the area today!

 

 

 Easy registration  and more information for these beneficial programs

 
MACCE Washington DC Fly-In

 

Join fellow business leaders and Chamber members on our first-ever DC fly-in!

 

The Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE) has announced plans for its first-ever Massachusetts fly-in to our nation's capital. The Washington DC fly-in is scheduled for June 19 & 20.  Chambers of Commerce from across the Commonwealth will attend with staff and members of their local business community.

 

This is a great opportunity to meet with leaders in Washington as well as to network with like-minded business people from other parts of the state.

 

The program will include briefings with issue experts from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups. Meetings will be scheduled with Senate and House members from Massachusetts and their staffs.

 

Meetings will be scheduled starting at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 19, include a group dinner Tuesday evening, and will conclude late afternoon on Wednesday, June 20. Dinner is sponsored by Serlin Haley.

 

Participants will make their own arrangements for travelling to and from Washington. (Washington is served by three airports; Reagan National Airport - DCA - is by far the most convenient.)

 

A block of hotel rooms has been reserved for the night of June 19 at the Phoenix Park Hotel, 520 North Capitol St NW. The hotel is located close to the Capitol and the Senate office buildings. All meetings will be within either walking distance or a short cab ride. Rooms are $319/night (+ tax).

 

Individual attendees must book their own rooms by calling the hotel at 1-800-824-5419 and identify themselves as part of the MACCE Washington Fly In group, or they may book online at www.phoenixparkhotel.com and entering the Group Code 16759. Hotel reservations are first come-first served, and must be made by Tuesday, May 29.

 

There will be a $50 registration fee per person, payable to MACCE. If you would like to attend or need more information, contact Tom O'Rourke at 781-769-1126 or tom@nvcc.com.

 

Dinner sponsored by

 

 

 

 

How to Network and Speed Networking at the Hilton

 

 

Join the Chamber for our next How to Network and Noon Networking programs at Hilton-Boston/Dedham on Tuesday, May 15.

This is a great opportunity to learn or brush up on your networking skills.

 

Get the most of your Chamber membership and join us for these beneficial programs.

 

Not sure what to do at a Noon Networking event? Then join Kevin Hallinan of WINNING, Inc. for an in depth "how to." Kevin can help you realize your goals and the most effective way of networking your business and services.

 

 

Lunch is included

 

 

Hilton- Boston Dedham

25 Allied Drive

Dedham, MA

Tuesday, May 15

10:30-11:45am How to Network -FREE for Members, $15 Non-members

12:00-1:30pm Noon Networking- $25 Members, $35 Non-members

How to Network Seminar

Noon Networking registration

 

 

 

 

 Ambassador of the Quarter

 

 

Sharon Fradkin

Congratulations to 2012 First Quarter Ambassador Award winner Sharon Fradkin.

 

Sharon is a principle for the Wizard of Adz, a full service marketing agency based in Canton. Sharon is also a long time member of the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce and a past Chairman of the Board.

 

 For her efforts, Sharon was presented with a $50 Chamber Dollars certificate.

 

 

 

 I'm a New Member-Now What? New Member Orientation

 

 

You've joined the Chamber, now what?  

Join us for an informative look at membership with the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The NVCC provides a voice for the business community, a bridge between government, small business, corporations, volunteers, community organizations, schools, and the general public.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attend this FREE, fast-paced introduction to the Chamber and you will:

  • Meet Chamber volunteer leaders and staff
  • Learn how to make the most of your member investment
  • Meet other new members
  • Have your questions answered

 

Light refreshments will be served.

  

NVCC
190 Vanderbilt Avenue
Norwood, MA
Monday, May 7
8:00-9:00am
FREE
 

 

 

Member Spotlight

  

Karen Lafond- New York Life Insurance Company

 

 

Karen Lafond is an agent for New York Life Insurance Company. She will work with you on both Personal Planning and Business Planning.

 

Since 1845, New York Life has served the insurance and financial needs of individuals, families, and businesses. As one of America's oldest insurance companies, New York Life has honored its commitment to its policy owners. Our conservative investment philosophy and prudent management principles have enabled the Company to help generations of Americans realize their financial objectives.

 

Karen is committed to providing individuals, families and businesses with life insurance and financial products and services that meet your needs. By keeping up with current insurance and financial product trends and offering outstanding service Karen has earned a reputation for integrity and for showing true concern for her clients.

 

Karen lives in Wrentham. She is also involved in the Power Lunch Reading at the Whittemore Elementary School in Waltham and also, dedicates time to non-profit organizations, which addresses ethical and social issues for the Filipino Community.

 

Karen can be reached at sadie1366@verizon.net, or 781-398-1379.

 

Want the "Spotlight" on your business? Attend our next Networking Event at the Hilton on May 15 from 12-1:30. Lunch Included. Easy registration

 


 

 

 

Annual Membership Drive a Success

 

The annual membership drive which recently concluded resulted in 29 new NVCC members. Thank you to all who took the time to pass on referrals as it played a huge part in our success.

 

Congratulations to member Lori Forcucci of the Law Office of Lori Forcucci who won the drawing for a pair of Red Sox tickets for her new member referral. Congratulations also to new member Charlotte Walsh of Charles River Running who won the drawing for 2 tickets to the Flavors of the Neponset Valley Gala for joining during one of the Get Acquainted Wednesday After Hours events associated with the membership drive.

 

 

  
 
Save $$$ on Electricity for Your Business and Home
 

Through an affinity program with First Point Power, NVCC members can save up to 15% on the supply portion of their electric bill.

 

With the deregulation of the electricity industry, you now have a choice of where you buy your electricity. Your local utility will continue to provide service, reliability, meter reading, and you still only get one bill from the utility company.

 

No fees, no deposit, no contract, and no service interruption. The only change is you save money and if for any reason you are not satisfied, just pick up the phone and call the utility and asked to be switched back. Since there is no contract, there is no penalty or termination charge.

 

This offer is for commercial accounts as well as residences. You can sign up your business and then offer it as a no-cost-to-you employee benefit to all your employees.  The only restriction is you must be an NSTAR or National Grid customer. If you are served by a municipal Power Company, you are precluded from taking advantage of this offer at this time.

 

Contact Brian at brian@nvcc.com, or 781-769-1126 for more information.

 

Summer Internships

 

MassItsAllHere.com is now accepting summer internship postings. To post a position, just go to http://www.massitsallhere.com/internships, sign in under "Employer" and post your internship(s). This is a free service sponsored by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Mass It's All Here and Experience, Inc.

This service is part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Talent Retention Initiative and is designed to bring students together with Massachusetts businesses, non-profits, and government agencies seeking interns. Many studies have indicated that increasing the retention rate of appropriately-skilled workers is critical to a region's economic growth and that internships provide an excellent vehicle for achieving this goal.

Mass It's All Here will be driving college career centers and students to this site to view and apply for the posted positions. Please post today and let Mass It's All Here help you broadcast your internship opportunities to students who are looking to work in Massachusetts this summer.

If you have questions, please contact:

 

Jane Corr

Commonwealth Marketing Office

itsallhere@massitsallhere.com

 

Join the NVCC for the 27th Annual Golf Tournament at the beautiful Easton Country Club for a day of amazing golf, fun, prizes and delicious food - all for a great cause!

  

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Norfolk Advocates for Children; an organization dedicated to helping children who are the victims of physical and sexual abuse.

  

Please be a part of this special event and show your support for Norfolk Advocates for Children.

  

Early Bird is only $125 per golfer, or $500 per foursome (if paid by 6/30/2012)

Don't play golf? Join us for the Cocktail Reception for only $20.

 

10:00-10:45am - Registration

11:00am - Shotgun start/lunch

4:00pm - Cocktail reception with open bar

 

Play golf

 

Thank you to our sponsors, (Interested in the benefits of sponsorship? Click here)

 

 

 bank of canton logo

 dedham savings MHTL logo  
 Needham Bank

 

 


 

Click here for more information

 

 
 
 
 

Charles River Duck Race  


  

Dear Chamber Member: 

On Saturday, June 16, 2012, the Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary Club
(NVSRC) will be holding its tenth annual Duck Race on the Charles River at
Riverdale Park in Dedham. The race provides the greater community a wonderful
family day with refreshments, moonwalks, pony rides, clowns and many more fun
activities all free of charge! 

Once again, we are asking the local business community for their support. In
appreciation, we will be sure your company's name is listed on our sponsor banner,
listed in our press releases as well as repeatedly mention during our public
announcement messages throughout the day of the event. 

All proceeds that are raised at the race help defray the costs of the event, and
the remaining is donated back to the many charities that the NVSRC sponsors such
as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, DOVE, the School
Dictionary program, Schools on Wheels and Blue Hills Regional High School
Scholarships to name just a few. Any contribution is greatly appreciated. 

If you need more information, please contact Kate Luna at 781-329-1046 or mail
your check directly to NVSRC, PO Box 4031, Dedham, MA 02027. We thank you for
your anticipated generosity and look forward to a fun race.
 
Sincerely,
 
The NVSRC's Annual Duck Committee
 

Reach thousands of business owners by advertising with the Chamber. 

 

Rates and information 

Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce

190 Vanderbilt Avenue

Norwood, MA 02062

(781) 769-1126

www.nvcc.com