Your Business Connection
January, 2013
 
Happy New Year!
  

In This Issue
New Members
From the President
From the Outgoing Chairman
New Director of Membership Development, Julie Lagadimas
Meet the Board - Nancy Levine
Join us for a Night of Stars
NEW! Member Video Spotlight - Summer Shack
Using Mobile Technology to Grow Your Business
Cristoff Shay Named Vice President of Programs & Communications
Programs
Flavors of The Neponset Valley
 
New Members
 
  
 
  

 

 

 

  

 

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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Chambermail

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Find us on Facebook

 

View our profile on LinkedIn

 

Follow us on Twitter

 

View our videos on YouTube

 

Find us on Google+

  

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. 

 

Board of Directors

 

Chairman of the Board
*Sabina T. Herlihy, Esq.
Law Office of Sabina T. Herlihy

 

Past Chairman of the Board
*Kevin Hallinan

WINNING, Inc.

  

Treasurer

*Mike Cecere, CPA
Gray, Gray & Gray, LLP

 

 Chair-elect
*Mike Moran
Dedham Savings Institute

 

Previous Past Chairman

*Anthony Caruso

Bank of Canton

  

General Counsel

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

 

President/CEO
*Thomas O'Rourke

Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce

 
*Dana Bottorff

G. T. Reilly & Company 

 

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

 

Chris Herlihy

Shotgunflat 

 

Brian Johnson

Doc Shredding Corp.

 

Willard Krasnow, Esq.

Constangy, Brooks & Smith, LLP

 

Nancy Levine

MSA Mortgage

 

Bob Mannering

Mercer

 

*Peter McFarland

The Allied Group

 

Cindy Peterson

Brigham and Women's/Mass General Health Care Center

 

*Mary Raczka (Long)

HESSCO Elder Services

 

Peter Rice

Eastern Bank

 

Rebecca Schofield

Needham Bank

 

Cindy Thorpe

NXT Events

 

*Monty Vaughn
Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane, LLP
 

 

 

*Member of the Executive Committee

 

 

 

 

From The President

 

Welcome to 2013!

I hope you all had a happy and restful holiday season.  We at the Chamber are very excited by the possibilities ahead of us in the New Year.  Today we welcomed our new Director of Membership Development, Julie Lagadimas.  Julie has several years of experience in sales and marketing and is eager to help us grow the Chamber in numbers this year.  I hope that you will all assist her with referrals of your business associates who are not yet members of the NVCC. 

We are also pleased to announce that Cristoff Shay is taking on an expanded role at the Chamber as Vice President of Programs and Communications (see story below).

We are very grateful for the support of our Chairman's Circle Sponsors for 2013.  Without their support we could not offer you such quality programming at an affordable price.  The Bank of Canton and Blue Hills Bank are our Gold Sponsors and Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane are our Silver Sponsors.  Chambers of Commerce simply cannot rely on membership dues alone these days and so we are extremely grateful for the support of our annual partners. 

Our Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner is just a week away and we expect it to be a terrific evening.  Guest speaker, Michelle McPhee is sure to be entertaining and informative and Showcase Live is always a unique and fun venue. We will be honoring 4 individuals and businesses have for their contributions to the Neponset Valley region as well as other members for their years of service to the Chamber.  The Business Person of the Year is Norwood Town Manager, John Carroll, who has done so much to create a business-friendly environment in Norwood and has worked with many local businesses to assist those in need.  Central Motors is the Large Business of the Year.  They have recently upgraded all of their dealerships and even added a caf� to one of them in addition to the dozens of local charities they support through the Christopher Catanese Children's Foundation.  The Small Business of the Year is Doc Shredding who is being recognized for their support of local organizations, assisting in community shredding events and outstanding support of the Chamber.  Becky Schofield is our Volunteer of the Year and if you participate in the Chamber you know why.  She does it all as a volunteer and she does it with a smile and contagious personality. 

We will also welcome new Board Chair, Sabina Herlihy at the Annual Meeting.  As an attorney in Walpole, Sabina has been an active member for years and I'm looking forward to working with her in 2013.  We will also take a moment to thank Kevin Hallinan who will complete his term as Chair.  It was a pleasure to work with him this past year.  His leadership and counsel were invaluable and much appreciated.

I do hope that you will join us on Thursday, January 10th as we recognize those who make our Chamber and our region so strong. Register Here

Best wishes for a prosperous New Year!

 

From Outgoing Chairman, Kevin Hallinan WINNING, Inc.                           

 

 As I consider my term as Chairman of the Board of Directors, several thoughts come to mind. I think of how tumultuous 2012 turned out to be. I realize how many changes have taken place in my life both personally and professionally, and how quickly time goes by.

2012 was no ordinary year. From the Patriots losing the Super Bowl to the Giants for the second time, to flooding, hurricanes and tornados, the death of Bin Laden, a continuing tough business environment; from my children's college and career choices to contentious and polarizing elections to the latest school shooting tragedy and the spectre of the  fiscal cliff, there is a lot for me to be concerned about. However, in the midst of all the negative news and heavy hearts I, and we, have a great deal to be thankful for.

 

I have presided over what I believe has been a strong and successful chamber year. While new memberships have been down somewhat, we are trending up and the next few months look promising. Renewals continue to be on pace for our goal, and we're looking at ways to increase that number as well. Tom O'Rourke and his staff continue to do an outstanding job, and our board and committee members remain committed to the future of the Chamber.

 

I have enjoyed tremendous support during my tenure. Staff has been great, as has been the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. My professional travel schedule was especially taxing this year, of course adding to my work load, yet I was completely confident that during my absence, everything was in good hands.

 

Having chaired almost a year's worth of Executive Committee and Board of Directors meetings at this writing, I can report that we have some of the best volunteers (and members) around. Our events continue to be very effective and enjoyable, our direction for the future solid, our reputation and influence continue to grow, and the value of membership continues to increase. Additionally, our committees and alliances are healthy and growing, and we have seen an increase in non-dues revenues.

 

I would like to offer specific thanks to Tony Caruso for his hard work resulting in an easier job for me, and to Sabina Herlihy for her continued support, and I wish her great success as she embarks on her fast-moving year as Chair. Special thanks to Tom O'Rourke, Cristoff Shay and Denise Flynne for their untiring efforts and thanks to our members who continue to make the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce the best in the region. It has been an honor, and more than my pleasure to have served.

 

To a healthy, safe and prosperous 2013,

 

 

Kevin J. Hallinan

Chairman of the Board

 NVCC Welcomes New Director of Membership Development
 
 
  
The NVCC is pleased to announce Julie Lagadimas has been named the Director of Membership Development.
  
Julie comes to the chamber after three years with the Secretary of State's Corporate Division with strong sales skills and a commitment to business and community.
  

"My objective is to help our current members utilize all of the benefits of membership. I am also looking forward to developing new relationships with businesses in the community, and speaking with them about how the NVCC can help them succeed in their current business goals."

 

"We are looking forward to having Julie join our team.  Her knowledge of the area and her passion for supporting local businesses will help her succeed in her role.  She is eager to meet our members, learn what they value about the Chamber and use that to recruit new members." Tom O'Rourke, President.

 

Meet The Board

Nancy Levine, MSA Mortgage

   

 

Nancy began her mortgage career in 1992. She has worked in a variety of operational roles. In 2002, she joined the sales side of the business, doing what she does best: helping clients in a positive, caring way to achieve their dream of home ownership. Nancy joined the MSA Mortgage team in March of 2012. Nancy looks forward to each new day as she is passionate about helping people. She is also dedicated to creating lasting relationships with her clients. Nancy is known as a team player and motivator. In today's world of mortgage financing, clients respond to Nancy's exceptional customer service which reflects her old fashioned values.

 

Nancy has been an active member of the NVCC since December of 2002. She has volunteered at many of the networking events and functions. She is also past President of Ren 3. Nancy has been serving on the board for the past few years and is always willing to lend a helping hand.   

 

 

 


 

Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner
 

  

Join us for a Night of Stars, a celebration of you, our Members at the 119th Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner at Showcase Live with special guest speaker, Investigative Reporter and Author, Michele McPhee.

 

A night of good food and friends awaits you as we honor the very best of 2012.

 

This is YOUR night to shine, so get your tickets early!

*All tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets will NOT be available at the door.

 

Showcase Live

Patriot Place

Foxboro, MA

Thursday, January 10

5:30-8:30pm

$50 Members, Member table of four, $175 (limited tables available), Member table of six, $275. Member table of ten $475 (limited tables available)

$75 General admission

Tickets

 

Congratulations to this year's honorees:

 

Paul Smith Volunteer of the Year: Rebecca Schofield, Needham Bank

 

Small Business of the Year: Doc Shredding Corporation

 

Large Business of the Year: Central Motors

 

Business Person of the Year: John Carroll, Norwood Town Manager

 

 

 

Premier Sponsor

Needham Bank 

 

Sponsors

bank of canton logo
 

 

In-kind Sponsors

       

 

Member Video Spotlight

Jasper White's Summer Shack

NVCC Member Spotlight: Vincent Lombardi, Summer Shack Dedham
NVCC Member Spotlight: Vincent Lombardi, Summer Shack Dedham

 

Want the "Spotlight" on your business?  Join us for the "Using Mobil Technology to Market Your Business Seminar" at the Dedham Hilton on Tuesday, January 15 for a chance to win. Easy registration

 

 

Using Mobile Technology and Social Media to Grow Your Business Part 1 - Mobil Technologies

  

 

  

 

Are you aware over 110 million Americans have smart phones with that number to increase by another 30% by the end of next year? Did you also know a small business using mobile technologies for business can save an average 5.6 hours per week and an average of $14,000 a year?

 

Start taking advantage of the trends in technology to improve your business' productivity and efficiency with the Chambers "Using Mobile Technology and Social Media to Increase Your Business," a four-part series designed to help you navigate the Cloud, mobile apps, mobile marketing, new social media platforms and more!

 

Join MSBDC Counselor, Trish White for part 1 - "Using Mobile Technologies for Your Business," as she explores text-message marketing, Cloud based software and QR Codes and how they can be utilized for maximum return.

 

Space is limited, so sign up early.

 

Lunch is included.

 

Hilton - Dedham

25 Allied Drive

Dedham MA

Tuesday, January 15

12:00-1:30pm

Easy registration


Thank you to our partners for 2013 
  
 
Cristoff Shay named Vice President of Programs and Communications
  
Cristoff Shay 
  
The NVCC is pleased to announce Director of Programs and Communications, Cristoff Shay has been promoted to Vice President of Programs and Communications.
  

"In just two years, Cristoff had made himself an invaluable resource to our staff and to our members.  He has learned a great deal about the Chamber industry by networking with his peers at Chambers around the country.  As Vice President of Programs and Communications he will be able to have even greater impact on moving our Chamber forward." Tom O'Rourke, President.

 

"I am excited and honored to serve the Chamber and its members in this capacity. I have a strong desire to move our organization to the next level by providing top-notch programming and communications to benefit Neponset Valley businesses and by furthering our commitment to giving back to the communities we serve." Cristoff Shay.

  
  
 

Upcoming Programs

 

 

  

January 10

Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner

Showcase Live

Patriot Place

Foxboro, MA

5:30-8:00pm

 

January 14

Ribbon Cutting

Visions Health Care

910 Washington Street

Dedham, MA

10:00-11:00am

 

January 15

Using Mobile Technology & Social Media to Grow Your Business

Hilton

25 Allied Road

Dedham, MA

12:00-1:30pm

 

January 24

Financial Alliance - "I'm Self-Employed, Now What?"

NVCC Office

190 Vanderbilt Avenue

Norwood, MA

5:30-7:30pm

 

 

Easy registration for these programs

 

 

 

 Flavors Logo  

 
NVCC invites you to experience food, fun and friends at the 14th Annual Flavors of the Neponset Valley tasting event at Showcase Live in Patriot place.

  

Taste the impressive culinary and local flavors of over 50 food and beverage vendors while enjoying smooth jazz in the hip and exciting atmosphere of Showcase Live. Plus, take a chance to win big in the popular silent auction.

  

Tickets make great gifts for family, friends, employees...everyone!

Tickets are $40 each, 6 for $175, or 10 for $375 Early Bird until 2/20/2013 after tickets are $55 each, or 10 for $525.00. 

 

Get your tickets early for THE event of the season. 

 

Showcase Live

Patriot Place

Foxboro, Ma

Wednesday, March 20

5:30-9:00pm

Tickets

 

*Tickets will be sent via USPS

 

Thank you to our Sponsors,

(Want to see your company name in lights? Contact Cristoff at [email protected] for great sponsorship opportunities.)

 

bank of canton logo    
  MHTL logo   

 

 Advertise with the Chamber

 

 

Click here for rates

  

Chamber of commerce websites are frequently sought out when potential customers are looking for products and services in a local area. In fact, a 2007 study (by the Schapiro group) showed that when potential customers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 44% more likely to think favorably of it, and 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future. Chamber credibility is important and it positively enhances click through rates.

 

For the past four years, online local ad sales had a compound growth rate of 48 percent and are projected to reach $13.9 Billion in 2009 (+7.5%). At the same time, other forms of advertising are projected to decline 1.4%. Advertising continues to shift away from other media and more toward online opportunities because it is cost effective, measurable, flexible, targeted, and most importantly - it works!

 

Don't delay, contact Cristoff more more information and affordable rates to fit any budget at [email protected], or 781-769-1126.