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The Metro SouthChamber ofCommerce andSovereign Bank arepleased to announcethat LorettaDeGrazia, Presidentand CEO of EastCoast Petroleum isthe 2006 Metro SouthATHENA AwardRecipient. TheATHENA Award waspresented to Ms.DeGrazia at the

Chamber’s Good Morning MetroSouth breakfast event on June 15,2006.

Ms. DeGrazia has grown herbusiness from a boot strap start upto a six million dollar enterprise.She serves on a number of Boardsincluding the National Associationof Female Executives, the Women'sBusiness Connection and the Ladiesof Charity at Carney Hospital. EastCoast Petroleum is also involvedwith many charities includingbeing the lead companyin sponsoring aChristmas Party for over200 foster children inMassachusetts who are affiliated

CHAMBER MISSIONTo serve the interests of member businesses while providing community leadership to ensure the economic advancement of the Metro South region.

www.metrosouthchamber.com

Join the Chamber of Commerce

NOW!Call

508.586.0500 x 225 or 229

CONTENTS

Calendar of Events 3

Good News 4

Renewing Members 9

Season Tickets 12

Teeka Isakson, page 5

Steve Hall, page 7

Avalon McLaren, page 6

reportJuly/August 2006

Abington • Avon • Bridgewater Brockton • Canton • East Bridgewater • Easton • Halifax • Hanover • Hanson • Holbrook • Norwell • Randolph • Rockland • Sharon • Stoughton • West Bridgewater •Whitman

with the United Homes for Children.

Ms. DeGrazia also hasendowed an annual scholarship atthe Quincy Public Schools Centerfor Technical Education for afemale entering a non-traditionalwork field. In 2003 she receivedrecognition from Bentley Collegeand the Commonwealth Instituteas one of the Top 100 WomenBusiness Leaders in Massachusetts.

The ATHENA Award is presented to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way,and has assisted women in reaching their full leadershippotential.

The Metro South Chamber ofCommerce believes in the valuesunderlying the ATHENAFoundation’s philosophy of incorporating the talents andexpertise of women into the leader-

ship of businesses, communities, and government. The spiritof the ATHENA

Sponsored by:

Loretta DeGrazia, 2006Metro South ATHENA

Award Recipient

Always about OPPORTUNITY DeGrazia Receives ATHENA Award

The Metro South Chamber ofCommerce would like to inviteyou to tour the South WeymouthNaval Base on Wednesday, July19, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. A guidedtour, transportation and lunchwill be provided. The cost is $39per person and all reservationsmust be made by July 12, 2006.For further information or to reg-ister for this event, please contactKerrie Blake at 508.586.0500 ext231 or email her, [email protected].

South WeymouthNaval Base TourJuly 19, 2006

Computer rendition of the South Weymouth Naval Base inits completed state by LNR Property Corporation,

the master developer.

Article continued to page 7

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce

93rd Annual Meeting & Expo November 15, 2006

Massasoit Conference Center10:30 am - 3:30 pm

Save the Date!

Travel Channel Features Brockton, Norwell

Mayor James Harrington; Chamber Chairman, Stephen Hall of National Grid and Jim Gilson, President of F.B. Washburn Candy Corporation

FB Washburn Candy Corporation, established inthe city of Brockton in 1856, is the nation's oldestfamily owned candy business in America. The company is best known for the miles of ribboncandy it makes and sells each year to people acrossthe country.

The Travel Channel will tape a segment aboutthe Washburn Candy Company the first week ofJuly. The cable television show is called, Made inAmerica. John Ratzenberger, aka Cliff Clavin of“Cheers” fame, is the celebrity host. Made inAmerica will also feature a segment on ZildjianCymbals of Norwell.

July/August ActionReport2006 7/10/06 10:39 AM

2 ACTION Report July/August 2006 www.metrosouthchamber.com

P

Workforce Development and Community Education Certificate Training Programs are Enrolling Now for Fall!

Brockton Campus Human Resources Event Planning Starting a New Business Workplace Communication

Canton Campus Interior Design and Decoration QuickBooks Pro I & II ACT! Contact Management Supervisory Training I & II

Call 508-588-9100 x 1509 for more information! Or visit us at www.massasoit.mass.edu

Also coming this fall~ Massasoit Motivations

Breakfast Training Series Provided by the Professional Development Center

on our Canton Campus Call 508-588-9100 x2013 for details

Excellence in Training

Call: 508.586.0500 or access www.metrosouthchamber.com

Be a part of the

Metro South Chamber of CommerceLeading Businesses. Leading Communities.

TM

Impact.

It takes the right tools to start - or grow - a business. And it takes customers to keep business growing.

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce builds strong businesses and communities byconnecting you to new customers and suppliers, as well as to those who influence thelocal economy and quality of life. You’ll get the tools and resources you need to grow andmake a positive impact.

Access to the right tools. One more way the Chamber makes an impact.

Free Business Listings for MembersChamber members should have

received their annual verificationform in the mail over the past fewweeks. Have you seen yours?

This form will be used for yourfree listing in the next Metro SouthBook for Business. The MetroSouth Book for Business is a member directory and guide distributed to over 5,000 business

leaders. This form will also beused for telephone referrals madeby the Chamber.

Please verify the information,mark any corrections and/or omis-sions and return it. If you haveany questions please contact SarahDeBettencourt at 508.586.0500 ext 222.

The Chamber will be holding key planning sessions this summer inorder to establish priorities for various member programs. InterestedChamber members are encouraged to attend. Your participation is helpfulin providing the best possible programming for the Government Affairs,Good Morning Metro South and Human Resources ManagementCouncil meetings coming up this fall. Please note the date of the meetingyou would like to attend and give Kerrie Blake a call to confirm your attendance at 508.586.0500 x231.

The following planning sessions will take place at the Chamber:*Good Morning Metro South - August 9 at 8:30 am*Human Resource Management Council - August 11 at 12:00 pm*Government Affairs - August 25 at 8:30 am

Chamber Programs Taking Shape

Ambassador Team/MembershipThe Ambassador Team meets on a monthly basis to

serve fellow members by providing information,resources, and member-to-member support, increasingawareness and promoting active participation in Chamber programs and services. Presently, there are over twenty business professionals on the Ambassador Team.

Government Affairs CommitteeGovernment affects your life every day.

Legislative actions at municipal offices, on Beacon Hill,and in Washington D.C. affect your organization’s con-tinued ability to prosper. With widespread concernover the status of the national economy, now morethan ever is the time to speak out and be heard ontaxes, regulations, and other issues that affect your bot-tom line. The Government Affairs Committee meetsevery month to discuss issues of concern to MetroSouth businesses.

Human Resource Management CouncilThe Human Resource Management Council

(HRMC) supports and provides continuing educationand consulting to professionals in the ever-changingworld of human resources. Regardless of the size ofyour business, human resource issues directly affectyou, and the resources of the Council can be your linkto vital information.

The Chamber provides manyopportunities

to expand your business contacts.

For a complete list of all Chamber

committees, please visit

www.metrosouthchamber.com

or call 508-586-0500

x221.

Opportunities for Customers & Contacts


www.metrosouthchamber.com ACTION Report July/August 2006 3

JULY Calendar13 Summer Concert Series (through August 10, Thursdays only) 6:00 pm

Heights Crossing, 35 Christy’s Drive, Brockton

18 Business Assistance Center Luncheon 12:00 pm

19 South Weymouth Naval Base Tour 11:00 am - 2:00 pm223 Shea Memorial Drive, South Weymouth

30 Cape Verdean Festival 12:00 - 7:00 pmPlease call 508.559.0056 for more information

Note: All meetings are held at the Metro South Chamber Office or Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC) unless otherwise indicated.

Coming up

August8 Nominating Committee Meeting 3:00 pm

8 Executive Committee 4:00 pm

9 Good Morning Metro South Planning Session 8:30 am

11 Human Resource Council Planning Session 12:00 pm

13 Mayor’s Picnic: Summer Sunday in the Park 11:00 amD.W. Field Park, Oak Street, BrocktonPlease contact the Mayor’s Office at 508.580.7123 for further information

25 Government Affairs Planning Session 8:30 am

30 Board Meeting 12:00/Noon

Save the date

September6 Ambassador Meeting 8:00 am

8 Government Affairs Meeting 7:45 am

14 Human Resource Council Meeting 7:45 amHoliday Inn - Brockton, 195 Westgate Drive, Brockton

21 Good Morning Metro South Breakfast 7:30 amHoliday Inn - Brockton, 195 Westgate Drive, Brockton

28 Business After Hours 5:30 pm

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Chair of the BoardStephen HallNational Grid

President and CEOChristopher CooneyMetro South Chamber of Commerce

Chair-ElectReinald G. Ledoux, Jr.Brockton Area Transit Authority

TreasurerGary R. OmanGary R. Oman, P.C.

Vice Chair Community AffairsChristine KaravitesProteas Customized Consulting

Vice Chair Economic DevelopmentRobert KenworthyBank of America

Vice Chair Government AffairsH. Scott SanbornSovereign Bank

Vice Chair Membership DevelopmentDaniel TroutThe Community Bank

Immediate Past ChairJames BlakeHarborOne Credit Union

CHAMBER STAFF

508-586-0500 Front Desk x 221

Kerrie BlakeProgram Director x 231

Christopher CooneyPresident and CEO x 223

Sarah DeBettencourtCommunications Coordinator x 222

John DudleyMembership and Public Relations x 225

Frank GilloolyMembership Sales x 229

Ann Marrese & Kerry SullivanFinance x 230

ACTION Report(USPS-410630) is published monthly except for combinedJuly/August for $5.00 per year by the Metro South Chamber ofCommerce, Sixty School Street, Brockton, MA 02301-4087.Periodical Postage Paid at Brockton, MA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Action Report, Sixty School Street, Brockton, MA 02301-4087

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce is solely responsiblefor the editorial content of this publication.

The Chamber wishes to assure our members of our intentionto provide physically challenged participants equal access toall programs. If you or your employees have special needsin this area, please let us know by calling the Chamber at508-586-0500 at least 48 hours in advance.

Metro South Chamber of Commerce Sixty School Street, Brockton, MA 02301-4087 tel: 508 586-0500/fax: 508 587-1340 [email protected] www.metrosouthchamber.com

CHAMBER MISSION: To serve the interestsof member businesses while providing communityleadership to ensure the economic advancementof the Metro South region.

ACCREDITEDCHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Networking at Events is one of the most effective ways to grow your business!

Photography by Eagle Photography Website Design by www.mc-internet.com

DIRECTORS

James Burns - Shaw’s SupermarketsPasquale Ciaramella - Old Colony Planning CouncilRick Colon - VerizonJack Conway -Jack Conway & Company, Inc.John Costa - B C Tent & Awning CompanyJeffrey Dukess - Frenette & Dukess, PCKirk Davis - The EnterpriseLinda Faria Braun - Adult Learning CenterBeth Gleim -

Holiday Inn Boston-BrocktonJohn Hopkins - Brockton Plastics, Inc.Susan Joss -

Brockton Neighborhood Health CenterKelly Carney Kelly - Raynham Taunton Greyhound ParkStephen McDuffy - Holmes-McDuffy FloristsDana Mohler-Faria - Bridgewater State CollegeGerard Nadeau - Rockland Trust CompanyDavid Orloff - Sharkansky & Co., LLP, CPA’s

Andrea Papadopoulos - Arista Associates, Inc.Lester Schindel -

New England Sinai HospitalCarmel Shields - Shields Health Care Group, Inc.Larry Siskind -

Siskind and Siskind Attorneys at LawJohn Vlaco - Brophy & Phillips Co., Inc.Charles Wall - Massasoit Community College

Photo and print production by Mark Mahoney, The Enterprise



GOODNewsHere is What a Standing Ovation Looks Like on Paper!

BrocktonHospital todayannouncedthat it is arecipient of theFirst AnnualPartnershipAward for

efforts to improve local heartattack care. The award, sponsoredby the Partnership for a HeartHealthy and Stroke FreeMassachusetts, was presented toBrockton Hospital, Caritas GoodSamaritan Hospital, and AmericanMedical Response for collaborativeefforts to improve the quality ofcare for heart attack patients in apre-hospital setting. The Awardwas presented at a June confer-ence in Worcester.

Brockton Hospital, CaritasGood Samaritan Medical Center,and American Medical Response(AMR) under the direction of localco-Principal Investigators, Dr.Herman and Dr. Assad Sayah ofGood Samaritan, are participatingin the nationwide IMMEDIATE(Immediate Myocardial MetabolicEnhancement During InitialAssessment and Treatment inEmergency care) Trial in associa-tion with Tufts-New EnglandMedical Center (Tufts-NEMC) andthe National Institutes of Health(NIH).

The 2-year trial will determine

if an intravenous “GIK” solution ofGlucose (sugar), Insulin, and potas-sium (represented as “K” chemical-ly) can reduce the likelihood ofdeath from a heart attack. TheIMMEDIATE Trial will test whetherGIK can prevent life-threateningheart attacks from occurring, andfor heart attacks already underway,whether GIK can decrease seriouscomplications and death. Thestudy will include patients whenthey first present symptoms of aheart attack in the ambulance.

Planningfor the 4thannual golfclassic is wellunderway.Join OldColonyHospice, a non-

profit organization based inRandolph, on Thursday, August17, 2006 at the Easton CountryClub. The funds raised from thisevent will benefit Old ColonyHospice's services, as well as their bereavement, spiritual and volunteer programs.

Registration opens at 11:30 a.m.at the Easton Country Club inEaston, MA. The tournament willbe an 18-hole scramble format witha shotgun start at 1:00 pm. Therewill be a putting contest, as well aslongest drive and closest-to-the-pin

contests. There will also be a liveauction and a raffle with manypremium prizes ~ tickets to theAnthony Spinazzola Gala, theDeutsche Bank Championship,autographed sports memorabiliaand much more.

The entry fee is $135 for a sin-gle golfer or $475 for a foursome.The fee includes greens fee, cart,golfers goodie bag, and a deliciousdinner. Individual and team prizeswill be awarded at the lunch to beheld at the Clubhouse after thetournament.

Funds raised from specialevents help the hospice bridge thegap between Medicare/ Insurancereimbursement, and the actualcosts to help care for patients. Avariety of high-visibility sponsor-ships and sponsor/player packagesare available. Donations for theraffle are also welcome. Last year'sevent was a sell-out - so reserveyour spots early. Call El Mulliganat OCH to register, or to partici-pate on the planning committee at781-341-4145, Ext. 204, or [email protected]

Rockland Trust announced that ithas awarded more than $25,000 in

scholarships from the RocklandTrust Charitable Foundation to theClass of 2006. The scholarshipswere distributed among 52 highschools in SoutheasternMassachusetts and Cape Cod andwere announced at each school'sgraduation/awards ceremonies.

Scholarship recipients wereselected by each school's scholar-ship committee based on severalcriteria. Among these, recipientsmust plan to continue their educa-tion in accounting, business, eco-nomics or finance at a four-yearcollege, and must fall within thetop 50 percent of their graduatingclass.

OnThursday,August 3rd,The UnitedWay ofGreaterPlymouth

County will be holding a fundraising event at the BrocktonRox game as the Rox take on theQuebec Capitales in CampanelliStadium in Brockton. Doors willopen at 6:00 pm, and the gamewill start at 7:05 pm. Each $10.00reserved ticket purchased throughthe United Way will provide a$5.00 donation to the UWGPCthat they will use to fund vital

Good News continued to page 5

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This combination of products, people and specialized knowledge provides an unbeatablepackage of services to businesses.

See how the Webster business banking team can find a way for you and your business.For commercial banking, contact Robert Twomey at (508) 235-1301 or [email protected] and for small business banking, contact Ana Dyer at (508) 235-1744 or [email protected].

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social programs in various commu-nity agencies in Brockton andthroughout Plymouth County.

Please join them for a fun nightout with family and friends whilesupporting your community. Toorder tickets, contact Jeff Nelson atthe United Way of GreaterPlymouth County at 508-583-6306ext. 102

“Good News!” Media Conceptshas expanded & moved to a largeroffice space! Media Concepts wasonce located at the Metro SouthChamber of Commerce EdisonBusiness Center and is now at 79South Ave., Rt. 27, Whitman. Youcan reach Media Concepts at (781) 447-1540 or visit them onlineatVideographybyMediaConcepts.comCome on by!

Come & joinTeeka Lynne’sSalon & DaySpa in theGrand OpeningCelebration!Located off Rt106 in Halifax(350 IndustrialDrive).

Be there onSunday, July

16, 2006 from 3:00 PM-7:00PM andenjoy the sounds and music ofAfrican drumming, while you meettheir team of professionals and mingle with friends. Bring yourchildren to meet Taylor Garron formerly on the PBS show Zoomand presently on the kids’ TV showFetch.

Enter to win a free gift certificates, make-overs, facials,massages and much more. Receive

MediaConcepts new store front located at 79 South Avenue, Whitman

Teeka Isakson, Owner & Stylist,

Teeka Lynne’s Salon & Day Spa

a $10 gift certificate when youdonate $10 or more to help a dearfriend, Sarah DeBettencourt reachher goal for the Susan G. Comen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk.For further information call Teeka at781. 294.7911.

HeightsCrossing isproud to host“Tisket aTasket ComeBuy a Basket”on Thursday,October 26,

2006 beginning at 6:00 pm. Therewill be complimentary wine andcheese, coffee and pastry, musicand visiting authors. All proceedsfrom the basket auction will go tothe Brockton Library Foundation.Anyone interested in donating abasket can contact Anne at508.584.6919.

TheSchool ofBusiness atBridgewaterState Collegeinvites you toattend Dr.Stanley Ross's

“Plan For Success: How to Develop aBusiness Plan” workshop Thursday,August 10, 2006 from 8:30 AM to 3PM at the college's Maxwell LibraryHeritage Room. Dr. Ross, a fulltime faculty member who special-izes in strategic management, per-sonal development, quality man-agement and human resource man-agement has designed a one dayworkshop to learn how to write abusiness plan that will enhanceyour likelihood for success. Thecost for attendance is free but seat-ing is limited. Online registration isavailable athttp://www.bridgew.edu/externalAffairs/calendar.cfm. For further infor-mation please contact 508.531.2725.Registration deadline is August 7,2006.

Good News continued from page 4 Sponsorship Opportunities AvailableSponsorship of a Chamber event offers

your company exposure to the local business community and an opportunityto network with business leaders in thearea. Not only does it create an awarenessfor your products and services, it allowsyou to target your marketing efforts tobusiness professionals and potential customers in the Metro South Region.

Sponsorships still available for the 2006/2007 season are:Business After Hours (Attendance: 75-100) January Only!

Good Morning Metro South (Attendance: 150-200) January Only!Legislative Reception (Attendance: 100-125) OctoberA Taste of Metro South (Attendance: 700-750) March

Small Business & Entrepreneur Awards Program (Attendance: 150-175) MayATHENA Program (Attendance: 150-175) June

Book for Business (Over 5000 copies distributed) AugustBusiness 1st EXPO (Over 50 exhibitors) May

New Member Orientation (Attendance: 30-50) Spring & FallBoard Retreat 2007 (30 Board Members) October

Please contact Kerrie Blake at 508.586.0500 ext 231 or [email protected] for more information.



NEWInvestorsMaking an Investment in our Community! In 1996, Congress established

the SBA Office of the NationalOmbudsman to assist small entities when they experienceexcessive federal regulatoryenforcement actions, such as repetitive audits or investigations,excessive fines, penalties, threats,retaliation or other unfair enforcement action by a federalagency.

The National Ombudsmanreceives testimony and commentfrom small businesses, small government entities and non-prof-it organizations regarding unfairtreatment by federal agencies. Inaddition, the ombudsman requestsa high-level review of substantiated claims, rates federalagency treatment of small entities,

A+ TutoringMs. Barbara O'Loughlin40 Fieldcrest DriveEast Bridgewater, MA 02333p: (508) 345-4373

Brockton Area Private Industry Council, Inc.

Mr. Kevin O'Rourke4 Main StreetBrockton, MA 02301p: (508) 584-1888 Ext:13f: (508) 587-1944Agencies/Association

ChriMark Financial ServicesMr. Sophocles Liapopoulos632 Belmont StreetBrockton, MA 02301p: (508) 583-3033f: (508) 436-7485

Concord Square Development Co., Inc.

Mr. Ted Carman294 Washington StreetBoston MA 02108p: (617) 482-1997f: (617) 482-0997

Hancock Survey Associates, Inc.Mr. Dan Bremser4 Freetown StreetLakeville, MA 02347p: (508) 923-1002f: (508) 923-0022www.hancockassociates.com

Langley Plumbing & HeatingMr. Patrick Langley79 Bonney StreetBrockton, MA 02302p: (508) 326-6149

Makeovers Salon & SpaMs. Sandra Morris574 Washington StreetSouth Easton, MA 02444p: (508) 238-1211

Nover-Armstrong AssociatesMs. Marylou Armstrong124 Main Street, Unit 266Carver, MA 02330phone: (508) 866-8383Environmental

SuperStar PhotographyMr. Rich Moore53 Carrlyn RoadBrockton, MA 02301p: (617) 291-2974

TD BanknorthMr. Richard Schanck95 Washington StreetCanton, MA 02021p: (781) 830-5610f: (781) 830-5615www.tdbanknorth.comBanks/Financial

Teeka Lynn Salon & Day SpaMs. Teeka Lynn Isakson350 Industrial DriveHalifax, MA 02338phone: (781) 294-7911Beauty Salons/ Suppliers

To Join the Chamber CallJohn Dudley x 225Frank Gillooly x 229 508.586.0500

Small Businesses Urged to Speak UpJuly 14, 2006 - The O'Neill Federal Building Auditorium

and files an annual report withCongress.

New England small businessowners, community leaders andrepresentatives of trade associations concerned aboutexcessive enforcement of federalrules can voice their complaints ata U.S. Small BusinessAdministration RegulatoryFairness Board Hearing in Bostonon July 14, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. tonoon at the O'Neill FederalBuilding Auditorium, 10Causeway Street, Boston.

The Boston hearing is open tothe public. Those wishing to testify should contact Joan Trudellat 617-565-5572 or by email [email protected] before thehearing.

GRO-N-THINGS, INC.

SERVING AREA BUSINESS SINCE 1975

P.O. Box 1246Middleboro, MA 02346508.947.8433 (p)781.767.2244 (f)

Shelley TierneyOWNER

Chamber Welcomes New Members

Cheryl Buteau of Tele-Dynamics and David Savage ofGlobal Data Systems

Avalon McLaren of West Insurance Agency, Inc. and Steven Salisbury of EM-Rick Concrete Forms

A Chamber member orientation program was recentley held to provide prospective, new, and existing Chamber members an opportunity to network and explore the many programs and servicesavailable to members of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce.

IKEA in the Community

IKEA General Manager Frank Briel met with Chamber President Christopher Cooney to discuss

regional retail and transportation issues. The IKEA storelocated in Stoughton is among the very best performingstores nationally. IKEA’s employees are very active within

the community and are currently working with theChamber on some community betterment projects.


www.metrosouthchamber.com ACTION Report July/August 2006 7m

Program is captured in a quotationfrom Plato: “What is honored in acountry will be cultivated there.”By honoring exceptional leaders,others will be encouraged to excel.

The event, sponsored bySovereign Bank, also featuredguest speaker Judge SuzanneDelVecchio, of the BrocktonSuperior Court.

Stephen Hall of National Grid, Judge Suzanne DelVecchio,Friend Weiler of Sovereign Bank and Christopher Cooney, of

the Metro South Chamber of Commerce

Christine Karavites of PROTEAS Customized Consulting, Loretta DeGrazia of East Coast Petroleum and Shailah Stewart of the Brockton Public Schools

ATHENA continued from page 1

ATHENA honorees: Catherine Holbrook, Patricia Williams,Loretta DeGrazia and Wendy Haynes

ATHENA Award - The Metro South Chamber of

Commerce and Sovereign Bankpresented the ATHENA Award onThursday, June 15, 2006, at theHoliday Inn. The following peoplewere honorede at the 2006ATHENA Awards program:

LorettaDeGrazia is thePresident & CEOof East CoastPetroleum. Shewas nominatedby Bernice

Mader of RedTape Limited. Ms.

DeGrazia has grown her businessfrom a boot strap start up to a sixmillion dollar enterprise. Sheserves on a number of Boardsincluding the National Associationof Female Executives, the Women'sBusiness Connection and theLadies of Charity at CarneyHospital. East Coast Petroleum isalso involved with many charitiesincluding being the lead companyin sponsoring a Christmas Party(with transportation, food andgifts) for over 200 foster childrenin Massachusetts who are affiliat-ed with the United Homes forchildren. Ms. DeGrazia also hasendowed an annual scholarship atthe Quincy Public Schools Centerfor Technical Education for afemale entering a non-traditionalwork field. In 2003 she receivedrecognition from Bentley Collegeand the Commonwealth Instituteas one of the Top 100 WomenBusiness Leaders inMassachusetts.

BarbaraFinkelstein is theVice President ofFaculty andInstruction atMassasoitCommunity

College. She wasnominated by Christine Karavitesfrom PROTEAS CustomizedConsulting. Prior to her currentposition she was Dean for 19 yearsat Massasoit Community College.Ms. Finkelstein serves on the selec-tion committee for the BrocktonWoman of the Year award and onthe selection committee for theJewish War Veteran “ClassmatesToday/Neighbors Tomorrow”Scholarship. Ms. Finkelstein alsoserved as Chair in 2004 of theMassachusetts CommunityColleges Chief Academic officers.Ms. Finkelstein works with manywomen faculty and administratorsat Massasoit Community College tosupport women in higher educa-tion. In 2001, Ms. Finkelsteinreceived the OutstandingPerformance Award from MassasoitCommunity College. She is current-ly enrolled in a doctoral program,“Leadership in Higher Ed,”through Capella University.

Dr. WendyHaynes is anAssociateProfessor atBridgewater StateCollege. She was

nominated byBruce Hughes

from Old Colony Planning Council.In addition to Bridgewater StateCollege, Dr. Haynes is also the prin-cipal of Haynes & Associates ofBoston, where she acts as an inde-pendent management consultantfor independent housing authoritiesin New England. She is also a seniorassociate at BC Steward &Associates in Boston where she isdeveloping a regional approach toaffordable housing in Rhode Islandfor 11 towns in Washington Countyand Kent County. Dr. Haynes wasrecently elected as president of theAmerican Society for PublicAdministration and just publishedher first book, “Outstanding Womenin Public Administration”. She alsohas numerous articles and confer-ence papers to her credit, including“Transportation at the Millennium:In Search of a Megaproject Lens”published in the Review of PolicyResearch. As the Coordinator for theMaster of Public AdministrationProgram at Bridgewater StateCollege, Dr. Haynes has preparedmany women for business and pro-fessional careers.

CatherineHolbrook isAssociate VicePresident forStudent Affairs atBridgewater StateCollege. She was

nominated byDavid Ostrath from

Bridgewater State College. Ms.Holbrook has been very active insupport of K-12 education in

Brockton, serving on the NorthJunior High School ImprovementCouncil and Parent AdvisoryCouncil, and on the AngeloElementary School ParentAdvisory Council. She is veryactive in youth sports and hasbeen a volunteer officer and coachin the Brookfield Little League.Ms. Holbrook is a graduate of theHERS Summer Institute forWomen in Higher EducationAdministration at Bryn MawrCollege, and has supported anumber of women in attendingHERS programs over more thanten years. She is also a member ofthe Massachusetts Association ofWomen in Education and servedas its Nominations Chair from1992-1994. She supervises a num-ber of women administrators atBridgewater State College, and sheactively promotes their develop-ment, education, and advance-ment in their careers.

PatriciaWilliams is theSenior VicePresident ofHuman Resourcesat HarborOneCredit Union. Shewas nominated bySalvador Pina of

the Brockton Area WorkforceInvestment Board. Ms. Williams isresponsible for the design andimplementation of humanresource programs and policies in

Article continued to page 8

Loretta DeGrazia

Barbara Finkelstein

Wendy Haynes

Catherine Holbrook

Patricia Williams



Supporting Member Businesses - Welcome New Members!

support of the organization's over-all strategic direction. Ms. Williamshas memberships in the NortheastHuman Resources Association andthe Society for Human ResourcesManagement. She participates ona number of Boards including theBrockton Area WorkforceInvestment Board, the

Massachusetts State WorkforceBoard and the MassachusettsWorkforce Board Association. Ms.Williams has participated in thefundraising efforts for the OldColony Hospice and the UnitedWay Corporate Campaign. She alsofacilitates group and individualcounseling on career paths for the75% female employee populationat HarborOne Credit Union.

Article continued from page 7

BUSINESS After Hours

Join us for a evening of foodand fun while meeting and greeting fellow business professionals. OnThursday, September 28, 2006 from5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Sign Designlocated at 170 Liberty Street in

Brockton will host the next BusinessAfter Hours.

Sign Design, Inc. is a full-servicecustom sign company offering allaspects of sign project managementincluding consultation, design, fabrication, installation and servicefor over 15 years. With over 30skilled employees operating in a30,000 square foot state-of-the-artfacility, Sign Design manufactures90% of their products in-house.

Signage is one of your bestopportunities to communicate withexisting and potential customers. Itis always on the job for you - adver-

Sign Design, September 28, 2006

tising your business and projecting your brand image tothe community all day, every day.

This is a great way to makebusiness contacts in a casual setting. Exposure for your busi-ness is your competitive edge, sobring plenty of business cards.The event is $5 for members and$10 for non-members. To register, please call the MetroSouth Chamber of Commerce at508.586.0500 ext. 221.

Mike McGowan of Sign Design and Eve Meglio of Federal Telephone and Communications at the June Business

After Hours at The Community Bank, Brockton.

The Community Bank recentlyhosted a Chamber Business AfterHours on June 22 to welcome new

Professionals Gather at BusinessAfter Hours

members of the Metro SouthChamber of Commerce.

The event drew over seventy-five members and volunteers from the 2006Membership Drive. Volunteerswere honored for their efforts withseveral prizes donated by Chambermember businesses. Business AfterHours is a great opportunity tomeet potential clients, customers,and other local business people.

For further information onhosting a Businesses After Hours,please contact Kerrie Blake at508.586.0500 ext 231.

Dyan Salemi of Brockton Adult Medical Day Care Centerand Pat Ciaramella of Old Colony Planning Council


www.metrosouthchamber.com ACTION Report July/August 2006 9m

RENEWINGMembersThank You !

To Join the Chamber CallJohn Dudley x 225Frank Gillooly x 229 508.586.0500

Small Business Assistance (SBA)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 - 3:30 pm on Wednesday,August 16, 2006. Contact CareerWorks at508.513.3400 for further workshop information.

The Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC), a partnershipof over twenty organizations, is a high-tech, one-stop businessresource center that offers counseling, technical assistance, andfinancing to potential, existing and expanding businesses.

FREE services offered • Business Related Software • Access to Computers & Online Resources• Comprehensive Reference Library • Informational & Instructional Videos• Professional Counseling (by appt.) • Workshops & Seminars (fees may apply)

Need help starting your business?Searching for money to start your business?

The Metro South Business Assistance Center can help!

Research, Consultation, Education, and AdvocacyPREMIER SPONSOR

6 Foot 3 DesignACS Services, Inc.American Business ConnectionArista Associates, Inc.B C Tent & Awning Company, Inc.Baird DesignBay State CoolingBeltone New EnglandBerry Real EstateBob's Ski-Doo, Inc.Bridgewater FloristBrockton FairBrockton Furnace & DuctBrockton VA Medical Center, CWTCampanelli CompaniesCardinal Spellman High SchoolCareerWorksCopley at Stoughton

Nursing Care CenterCromwell Consulting, Inc.CWB Contractors, Inc.David F. Russell Funeral HomeEJP Training DynamicsEllen Moore DesignEM-Rick and Sons Concrete FormsEmmanuel House ResidenceErnie's Construction, Inc./AsphaltPaving & ExcavationExodus Medical TransportationGazelle Solutions, LLCHarmony Two LiquorsJack Conway & Company, Inc.JLS Mailing ServicesJohn DeCosta Jr., Inc.

Lock & Security

Julius Tofias & Company, LLC.Kevin W. O'Neill PlumbingLambert Auto RepairMade-to-Match, LLC.Magic Touch Nursery Pre-SchoolOld Colony Planning CouncilPaychexProspect Hill CompanyPyramid FlooringSafeguardSharkansky & Company

LLP, CPA'sSiskind & SiskindSoutheastern Oral &

Maxillofacial SurgeonsStonebridge Mortgage CompanyStoughton MotelTextile PlusTinker Bell Kindergarten, Inc.Trader$ MartTurner Brothers, LLCVermont Pure SpringsVKO, Inc. DBA Arley CorporationWainwright & WainwrightWal-Mart - AbingtonWarren JewelersWestside Behavioral Health, LLCWm. J. Wolffe Electric, Inc.

Do You Have a HR Question?Try the Human Resource Hotline

Sponsored by:

Does your business have Human Resource questions?Do you know where to turn for the answers?

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce has developed a hotline for your business to receive professional advice from experts in the HR field.

Simply e-mail your questions to the HR hotline at [email protected] or log onto www.metrosouthchamber.com. For more information contact Kerrie Blake at 508.586.0500 ext. 231.s

BAWIB, Verizon Commit ESL Funds

As a follow-up to the recently held English for All Workers Summit, BAWIB Chairman Ray Ledoux and Sal PIna ExecutiveDirector present check for $10,000. to Chamber Chairman Stephen Hall and Chamber President Christopher Cooney to help

reduce ESL waiting list. Rick Colon of Verizon has pledged to match these funds.Pictured: Rick Colon of Verizon, Sal Pina of the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board,

Ray Ledoux of the Brockton Area Transit Authority, Stephen Hall of National Grid andChristopher Cooney, President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce.


10 ACTION Report July/August 2006 www.metrosouthchamber.com Community Focus

Winning with a Great Team

Success comes easily when you have the resources of a great team

working on your behalf. The Metro South Chamber of Commerce helps

local businesses succeed by staying focused and involved in the top

community priorities. Focus.

One more way everyone wins with the Metro South Chamber.

Be a part of a winning team...Join the Chamber & become an Ambassador!

Next meeting: September 6, 2006 from 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Call: 508.586.0500 or access www.metrosouthchamber.com

Be a part of the

Metro South Chamber of CommerceLeading Businesses. Leading Communities.

TM

Address: Administrative offices at756 Orchard Street, Raynham, MA02767

Telephone: (508) 884-3300 or(800) 356-8622

Website: www.bridgewatersavings.com

Number of bank employees: 102

Market area: Our defined marketarea includes the cities and townslocated within the geographicboundaries of the Commonwealthof Massachusetts.

Year Established: Establishedunder state charter as a mutualsavings bank in 1872 by a group ofBridgewater citizens, the Bankbecame a subsidiary of the newlyformed Bridgewater FinancialMHC (Mutual Holding Company)in 2003.

Products/Services: BridgewaterSavings offers not only traditionalretail and commercial deposit andloan products but, through itsStonebridge Investments subsidiary, also serves as aresource for professional investment management, alternative investments such asmutual funds, annuities, life insurance, estate planning, andtrust services. In 2004, the Bankexpanded its presence in the residential mortgage market withthe formation of Stonebridge

MEMBERProfileBridgewater Savings Bank

Mortgage Company, LLC, a full-service residential lendingcompany. Stonebridge Mortgagenow has offices in Raynham,Auburn, East Falmouth, and FallRiver.

In keeping with its determinationto consistently meet the needs ofits marketplace, BridgewaterSavings makes the most of today'stechnology in developing customer-centric products andservices including the latest e-banking products and services.The Bank maintains a web presence at www.bridgewatersavings.com.

What is unique or special aboutBridgewater Savings Bank? Whilemany other area banks continueto merge or be acquired,Bridgewater Savings hasremained independent and successful, experiencing steadyasset growth currently exceeding$360 million. Sound management,innovative services, and conservative operating practiceshave made the Bank an exceptional institution.

What is your main business objec-tive? The goal of BridgewaterSavings is to serve as a reputable,reliable, and total financialresource for local individuals, families and businesses, able tomeet every need from basic checking and savings accounts toproviding professional insurance,investment and trust services forcustomers. Its mission is to be recognized as a sound, progressive, independent community bank providing for,and responsive to, the financialneeds of its customers and itscommunities.

Carla Oliveira

The Chamber features a Member Profile

in each issue of the Action Report.

Members are selected randomly from

those in attendance at the Good Morning

Metro South (GMMS) breakfasts.

For many budding entrepreneurs a franchise mayseem like the way to go. Yes, itcan be. But it can also be fraughtwith danger. All so-called “fran-chises” are not what they seem.Some, in fact, are little more thanscams.

So how do you determinewhich ones are good, and whicharen't? One thing is certain, however; the major, well knownfranchise can virtually guaranteesuccess. But the catch is, they costhuge bucks to buy. Far too muchfor most people.

Yes, every now and again anew franchise comes along andone can get in on the ground floorat something less than an astronomical cost, but it is rareindeed. For the purposes of thisshort column, we can only speakin generalities. Basically, if youhave seen an ad for a franchise, or

What About A Franchise?if you have gone to a franchise“show” and are interested in oneor more, you must insist on having the names, addresses andphone numbers of at least two ormore people who now operatethe franchise. Without that, walkaway. Don't assume that all thegood things being told to you aretrue.Remember, if they ARE true,the franchisor will have noqualms about you thoroughlyinvestigating the program.

And give some very carefulthought to the products you willbe dealing with, the hours ofdoing business and the kind ofmarket you will be selling to. Youdon't want to get into somethingthat is in any way distasteful toyou or your family.

SCORE Counseling is alwaysfree. Call the Metro SouthChamber of Commerce at (508) 587.2673 to set up your appointment today!

Article provided by: SCORE



You Never Know Who You’ll Meet at a Metro South Chamber Meeting

Look around and you’ll see that the most successful businesses in the community and the region are all members of the Metro South Chamber ofCommerce. The secret to their success? They understand the value of Chamber membership and its importance to the success of their business and thecommunity. Membership is a low cost solution to making new contacts and strengthening existing business relationships. Chamber membership providesbusinesses of all sizes with the opportunity to build their business network. Through membership, businesses can increases their visibility and demon-strate their professionalism and expertise to a wide audience.

If you want to compete and prosper in this growing economy, then consider joining the Chamber of Commerce and start building your business net-work. The Chamber is continually providing opportunity for members by organizing over 200 meetings, events and programs each year. If you would liketo join one of the most dynamic business organizations in Massachusetts give us a call at 508.586.0500 ext. 225 or 229.

Deval Patrick

Candidate for Governor

James Harrington

Brockton Mayor

Roger Berkowitz President and CEO

Legal Sea Foods Restaurant

Suzanne DelVecchio

Superior Court Judge

Kerry Healey

Lieutenant Governor

Good Morning Metro South Chamber Day at the Rox A Taste of Metro South SCORE & ITAC Workshops

Community Dedication Ribbon Cuttings Legislative Reception Membership Drive

Maria Carey-Lallemand of BAWIB and Mary Waldron of Brockton 21st Century Corp. / Jim Conlon, Rox Mascot, KO and Dave Lee of Ricoh / Students of the Southeastern Regional Vocational School / John Brooks of SCORE and Toby Stapleton of ITAC

DC2 (SW) Jesse Hermida and Staff Sergeant Torin Hammond / Gary Liberman and Michelle Castronovo of Brockton Adult Medical Day Care Center / Representative Teehan and Lees Yunits / John Mearls, Jane Barry and Ed Alfieri of HarborOne Credit Union


BUSINESS EVENTS PlannerIT’S EASY TO REGISTER!508-586-0500 x 221

508-587-1340

E-mail:[email protected]

Send reservation and payment to:

MSCCSixty School Street Brockton, MA 02301-4087

PREREGISTRATION IS NECESSARY. Individuals registering at the event will be charged a $5.00 late fee. For companies wishing to be billed there is a $3.00 billing charge.Cancellations for all events must be received 24 hours in advance of the event, otherwise the company will be charged regardless of attendance.

July 19S. Weymouth Naval Base Tour

11:00 am - 2:00 pmSouth Weymouth Naval Base223 Shea Memorial Drive, South Weymouth

This is a guided tour with lunch provided. Reservations are required.

Please RSVP by June 12 at 508.586.0500 ext. 231The cost is $39 per person.


August 25Gov. Affairs Planning Session

8:30 amThe Metro South Chamber of CommerceSixty School Street, Brockton

This meetings provides an opportunity for Chamber members to discuss issues and topics important to them and their elected officials.

Please RSVP by August 24 at 508.586.0500 ext 221.

August 9GMMS Planning Session

8:30 amThe Metro South Chamber of CommerceSixty School Street, Brockton

This is a great opportunity to meet with the Ambassadors of the Chamber and discuss upcoming speakers, themes and events at the Good Morning Metro South Breakfasts.

Please RSVP by August 8 at 508.586.0500 ext 221.

Names of Persons Attending:___________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

______________________________Event:_____________________________

Company:________________________________________________________

Phone:__________________________________________________________

REMINDER: We accept VISA, MasterCard and AMEX for dues and special events!

Become a Season Ticket holder for bothof Metro South’s most informative andinnovative breakfast programs... GoodMorning Metro South (GMMS) and theHuman Resource Management Council

(HRMC). With a Season Ticket you will automatically be registeredfor all Good Morning Metro South or HRMC programs and you willreceive significant savings!

An Opportunity Not To Be Missed!Become a Season Ticket holder!

Registering for events has never been easier.

Good Morning Metro South (GMMS)

Human Resource Management Council (HRMC)

Includes 8 breakfast programs and “A Taste of Metro South”

Includes 4 breakfast programs and one half-day seminar

Number of Tickets Regular Payments Season Tickets Savings

4 Seats $612 $540 $72

Individual $153 $135 $18

Number of Tickets Regular Payments Season Tickets Savings

Individual $149 $129 $20

Name: ___________________________________________________________ Preferred Name (for nametag) ________________________________________

Name: ___________________________________________________________ Preferred Name (for nametag) ________________________________________

Phone: ________________________ ___________Fax: _________________ ___________E-mail: ____________________________________________________

Number of GMMS Seats (unlimited)____________________________ x $135.00= _______________________________________________ (total amount)

Number of HRMC Seats (unlimited)____________________________ x $129.00= _______________________________________________ (total amount)

Company Name: _________________________________________________

Name: ___________________________________________________________Preferred Name (for nametag) ________________________________________


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