Jan./Feb. 2017 Focus Newsletter by SouthCoast Chamber

The New Bedford Area

Chamber Focus Business News for and about Members of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce

Inside January - February 2017 Chamber Update ....................................2 Connecting Activities ..............................3 Member Spotlight Article .....................5 Good News ..............................................6 Welcome New Members......................10 Featured Member Discount ...............13 Member 101 ...........................................14

January - February 2016

Rebranding the Greater New Bedford Home Show

The Greater New Bedford Home Show has evolved into one of the SouthCoast’s largest and most popular trade shows. This special event has allowed businesses to interact with thousands of local residents for nearly three decades. Each year, the Chamber staff works together to find innovative ways to keep the Home Show relevant and exciting for both exhibitors and attendees. After conducting research and receiving feedback from Chamber members, past exhibitors and attendees, we are implementing changes, adding exciting new components and rebranding the Greater New Bedford Home Show. • The Jan. Good Morning SouthCoast will feature a cooking demo from a local best-selling author, read more on page 3. • Read the latest member spotlight article on page 5. • The Feb. Good Morning SouthCoast will feature the topic of Off Shore Wind, read more on page 8. • Membership 101 - read the latest article on page 14.

The 1st Annual Greater New Bedford Home, Health and Wellness Show will combine home improvement with health and wellness, offering local residents answers to all their household and lifestyle needs at one event, under one roof, on one day. This unique event will be held in late Spring, on May 20, 2017 at the Greater New Bedford Voc Tech High School and will feature a diverse ensemble of businesses, and organizations promoting both home improvements and healthy living.

Don’t miss the opportunity to place your products and services in front of thousands of potential customers at the 1st Annual Greater New Bedford Home, Health and Wellness Show. Companies specializing in or involved with household improvements, as well as businesses within the health & wellness industry are highly encouraged to exhibit at the newly revamped event. Space will also be available for local restaurants and caterers to sell and showcase their signature recipes. The Greater New Bedford Home, Health and Wellness Show will also provide ho-

meowners, residents, and families an exclusive chance to interact with companies face to face, and discover solutions to all their household needs while learning more about healthy lifestyles options. Several Sponsorships opportunities are available and are an excellent way to maximize your companies’ exposure through the promotion of this highly marketed event! For more information regarding the Show contact Deven Tillman at, (508) 999-5231 ext 26 or visit our website at www.newbedfordchamber.com.

The New Bedford Area Chamber Focus is the ofﬁcial news publication of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce 794 Purchase Street • New Bedford, MA 02740 508-999-5231 • fax 508-999-5237 • focus@newbedfordchamber.com Editor: Rebecca Laliberte • Photographer: Rebecca Laliberte & Sergio Dabdoub Board of Directors Chair of the Board Joseph Michaud, Law Offices of Joseph Michaud Chair-Elect Kim Perry, Waring-Sullivan Funeral Home Treasurer Carl Taber, BayCoast Bank Vice Chair of Government Affairs Ron Ellis, Edward Jones Vice Chair of Community Affairs Daniel Waltz, Southern Mass Credit Union Vice Chair of Economic Affairs Beth Sylvia Caldwell, Sylvia Group Vice Chair of Membership Jeff Pagliuca, Webster Bank Immediate Past Chair Dave Maher, Lockheed Martin Directors Nathan Araujo, R4L Management Henry Arruda, WJFD-FM Stephen Canessa, Southcoast Health Systems Hank Conaty, Acushnet Company Stephen W. Connulty, Paul & Dixon Insurance Gail Fortes, YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts Jeffrey Glassman, Darn It, Inc. Ellen Gitlin, Diversified Marketing Group Jen Hartley, Hampton Inn Chris Howard, First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union Gerry Kavanaugh, UMASS-Dartmouth Chuck Lord, AHEAD Lynne Mastera, Precix Lynn Motta, BankFive Caroline Paradis Douglas Rodrigues, D. E. Rodrigues & Co. Derek Santos, New Bedford Economic Development Council Dr. John Sbrega, Bristol Community College A. Jack Silva, Bristol County Savings Bank Robert Unger, Unger LeBlanc Nate Weare, Fairfield Inn & Suites Director Emeritus Joel E. Burns Your Chamber Staff 508-999-5231 President & CEO, Rick Kidder - Ext. 25 Director of Operations & Finance, Dorothy Botelho, IOM - Ext. 20 Manager of Workforce & Business Development, Ian Abreu, IOM - Ext. 24 Supported Employment Network Coordinator, Joanne Rego - Ext. 28 Communications Manager, Rebecca Laliberte, IOM - Ext. 27 Programs & Events Manager - Deven Tillman - Ext. 26 Tourism & Marketing Coordinator - Kelli Munroe - Ext. 22 Brenna Souza - Youth Services Coordinator - Ext. 29

Chamber Update A Message from the President & CEO his responsibilities by growing If you run a chamber of comour membership, Ian Abreu has merce, one of your most imbeen tasked with tracking the portant assets is optimism. And bills at the capitol to make ceras a new year unfolds, we are tain that we are able to add our all beginning the adjustment to voice to those who seek a more what 2017 will bring. We will business-friendly environment. have a new President with a new Rick Kidder, The Chamber has recently agenda for our country. We will have returning leadership in our President & CEO concluded months of work in our Government Affairs Comstate with an interest in econommittee to finalize a Legislative ic growth and prosperity. And you will have a chamber that is poised Agenda for 2017 which will be placed on to grow and support our members and our website before the end of January. increase our influence locally and at the In it are clear statements about where the Chamber stands, and all members State House. are welcome to join this important comThe New Bedford Area Chamber has mittee as it reviews proposed legislation served its members for 130 years, and and regulation on a monthly basis. like all organizations with a long and storied past, we are always looking to This spring we look to launch a new find ways to serve our city and our re- “key card” program offering discounts gion better. We are not an association for all Chamber members and their emthat has to exist. Rather, we are an or- ployees at the businesses of other memganization that must continually look bers. The card will be offered at a small to re-invent itself, to add member val- cost for purchase at the Chamber and ue and to advance the interests of our through the web site in support of our business-to-consumer members. The members. one-year card will allow for discounts We are excited to have used the gen- and deals for anyone who carries it at erally quiet time around the holidays what we hope will be hundreds of memto launch the new Chamber website. bers throughout the South Coast area. Newbedfordchamber.com is all new and the benefits to members and more im- Lastly, we are taking a very deliberate portantly the thousands who go to the and thoughtful look at our corporate site to search for our members are great. identity. The Chamber serves members Our members now have the capability from throughout the region, and it is of significantly improving their online important for businesses to know that presence within our member search area the Chamber is there for all businesses by adding logos, a better map feature, in the area who can take advantage of contact presentations, etc. Our member- what we have to offer. ship directory alone is worth the annual dues, and we urge you to go online to Yes, I am optimistic about the future for the back end of your listing and make it the business community throughout the South Coast. And one day, we may even the way YOU want it. have a train to ride to Boston! Most of our small business members lack a voice at the State House, but the Chamber, representing nearly 1,000 businesses, has that voice. In addition to

New Bedford High School Career Fair- A Great Success For Students By: Brenna Souza On December 12, 2016 about 350 ninth grade New Bedford High school students made their way down to the Blue House cafeteria to attend the 2nd Annual 9th grade Exploratory Career Fair. The Greater New Bedford Connecting Activities Partnership and Junior Achievement helped to co-sponsor the annual “Career Academy Fair” which was a huge success. Students were engaged at the fair and had many wonderful businesses to choose from to speak careers that they could potentially want with as they walked about the cafeteria. inform students about career pursuits and guide students toward choosing an to pursue later in life.” We were lucky enough to have over 60 Academy that they will follow for the The Academy of Engineering was also individuals at the Career Fair represent- next three years! well represented, with many businesses ing businesses from all different career eager to engage the students with interRepresentatives from the Children’s Adpathways! Student had the chance to active materials and exhibits that were vocacy Center of Bristol County who complete an assignment for class credit brought along with them. When asked represented the Academy of Arts and and spoke with employers about their about how he felt the Career Fair went, Humanities were amazed at the engagepast educational experience, their workKen Campanale from Tegra Medical ment of the students. Andrea Souza, a force skills and their outlook on that LLC stated, “I feel the fair was a sucForensic Interviewer at the CAC stated, particular field. The Greater New Bedcess. The students were well behaved “I wish I had an event like this back when ford Connecting Activities Partnership and well prepared. They followed the I was in high school. The Career Fair is would like to thank each and every inquestions on the assignment booklet an awesome opportunity for these kids dividual who attended the Career Fair. and asked follow up questions. Some of Your participation and effort helped to get informed and learn more about

the students who had a strong interest in the company were very conversational!” The Greater New Bedford Connecting Activities Partnership would also like to mention that we will begin placing students in internships for the Spring semester! If any business is looking to host a high school intern or would like to just learn more information about the program, please reach out to Brenna Souza, at 508-999-5231 x29 or bsouza@ newbedfordchamber.com. About the Connecting Activities Partnership The Greater New Bedford Connecting Activities Partnership, a collaboration of the City of New Bedford Office of the Mayor, the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board and Youth Council, Bristol Community College and the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, promotes the connecting of academic and workplace learning through Connecting Activities workplace internships. Area employers assist High School seniors to make more informed decisions about their future education and career choices. Currently, we service students at Dartmouth High School, Fairhaven High School, New Bedford High School, Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School and Old Rochester Regional High School. More information about the partnership is available at www.newbedfordchamber.com or by calling (508) 999-5231.

January Good Morning SouthCoast Features a Cooking Demo from Local Best-Selling Author Start your day off with a business focused, fast paced educational program. The next edition of the Chamber’s popular Good Morning SouthCoast!, sponsored by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, will be held on January 19th from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Wamsutta Club located at 427 County Street, New Bedford. Enjoy a buffet breakfast while staying ahead on topics that matter to businesses in our region. As a resource for our members, the Chamber presents programs with high-profile speakers that relate to our businesses and community. The January edition of Good Morning SouthCoast will be a fun upbeat edition with a cooking demo and sample for all attendees! We are pleased to announce the featured speaker for this event is local best-selling author of “Azorean Cooking, From my family table to yours”, Maria Lawton.

on the first floor she could be sure to go upstairs and find her grandmother baking something on the second floor. The enchanting smells of the traditional dishes enticed Maria to frequently travel up and down the stairs tasting from their pans. Despite her Mother’s apprehensions of people watching her cook, Maria regularly looked over her Grandmother’s shoulder as she prepared recipes and baked in the kitchen.

tropical island of Sao Miguel in the village called Rosario de Lagoa. When she was six her family moved permanently to the United States and settled in southeastern Massachusetts.

Growing up in a three-family house in the city of New Bedford, Maria loved watching her Mother and Grandmother Maria Lawton was born on the semi- create amazing traditional Azorean dishes. If her Mother wasn’t cooking

table to yours” has become a best-seller in both the United States and Canada and is available both on Amazon Kindle and hard copy. Maria takes pride in the fact that her book celebrates Azorean Heritage, Tradition, and family and is now be shared all over the world!

The cost to attend, which includes a buffet breakfast, is $27.50 for members, $45 for non-members and tables of ten are also available. PreAs Maria’s own family began to grow registration is required. To reserve a she wanted to capture the recipes of seat, please contact Deven Q. Tillman her childhood and share this rich culture at 508-999-5231, ext 26 or dtillman@ with children. She traveled back Sao newbedfordchamber.com Miguel where she learned from her Aunt and cousins how to prepare and master the traditional recipes she grew up relishing. sponsored by: In 2014, Maria Lawton released her debut book, “Azorean Cooking, From my family table to yours”. Since then, “Azorean Cooking, from my family 3

Chamber Celebrates 130th Annual Meeting and Present Awards to Local Businesses The New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize organizations for their significant investment and contribution to the economic development, educational leadership and outstanding service of the region with the presentation of the 2016 Greater New Bedford Economic Impact Awards, Educational Leadership Award, and the Outstanding Service Award. The awards were presented on November 10, 2016 at the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 130th Annual Meeting & Business Luncheon at the Century House in Acushnet. These businesses, through their investment, have generated economic growth, helped positively impact schools and provided outstanding service throughout the Greater New Bedford Area. Economic Impact Awards where presented by the Chamber and Baycoast Bank to Boutique Fitness, Greasy Luck Brewery, AHEAD and Sid Wainer & Son. Boutique Fitness Boutique Fitness first opened its doors in January 2012 in the heart of downtown, New Bedford specializing in one on one and small group training while helping people achieve optimal health through fitness and nutrition. Over the past four years, Boutique Fitness has continuously expanded their operations opening a second location in Mattapoisett in the fall of 2015, and a third located in Westport this past October. Boutique Fitness is true example of how a small business can leave a large impression on the local economy and community! The Greasy Luck Brewery Greasy Luck Brewery was started in Downtown New Bedford by three partners, all of whom are local residents and business professionals. The Greasy Luck Brewery will aid in job creation by producing 30 plus local job opportunities. From the design and permitting stages and throughout all construction the Management team has made it a point to utilize contractors from the area, strengthening our local economy. An impressive list of over 14 local companies where hired in the development of The Greasy Luck Brewery. This type of 4

engagement and local use of resources stimulate the local economy. AHEAD Founded 21 years ago AHEAD is a leading provider of custom decorated caps, apparel, and accessories. During the past 4 years, AHEAD has experienced steady growth of just under 18%. Long a market leader in the golf industry, AHEAD has expanded its reach over the past several years to include launches into the new markets of corporate and collegiate in order to position the company for future growth. As one of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s larg- The 130th Annual Meeting featured a presentation from keynote speaker, Henry B. Wainer, est employers, AHEAD employs over President of Sin Wainer & Son. 250 people at its headquarters in the New Bedford Industrial Park. Sid Wainer and Son Sid Wainer & Son was founded in 1914 on the historic cobblestone streets of New Bedford. The company has developed a unique and unparalleled ability to deliver high yielding fresh fruits and vegetables and has become the most prominent importer and distributor of specialty produce in the country. For over a decade, Sid Wainer and Son has also owned and operated Jansel Valley Farms which consist of over 45 acres of farm land in Dartmouth. In the heart of New Bedford, in one of the first inner city farms in the Northeast, The Wainer Family Farm Greenhouse grows highly perishable products that would otherwise be flown in from California. Growing these products locally, extends shelf-life, supports the local economy, and decreases the carbon footprint. The Educational Leadership Award was presented by the Chamber & Bristol Community College to Tegra Medial.

Boutique Fitness was presented with an Economic Impact Award at the 130th Annual Meeting

The Greasy Luck Brewery was presented with an Economic Impact Award at the 130th Annual Meeting

Tegra Medical has a passion for education. Their Dartmouth facility, specializing in the manufacturing of medical devices, has gone above and beyond since joining the Chamber less than six months ago, to put this passion to practice! In partnership with the Greater New Bedford Connecting Activities Program, comprised of Bristol Community AHEAD was presented with an Economic College, the Chamber, and the Greater Impact Award at the 130th Annual Meeting continued on page 5

The gavel was passed to represent a change in the Chamber leadership in the board of Directors.

Chris Johnson was presented with the Outstanding Service Award at the 130th Annual Meeting

Tegra Medical was presented with the Education Leadership Award at the 130th Annual Meeting

Chamber Celebrates 130th Annual Meeting and Present Awards to Local Businesses

Member Spotlight: All Friends Smokehouse By Brianna Alves, Intern

continued from page 4

New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Tegra has offered and continues to offer valuable work and learning opportunities for our area youth. They provided a paid summer internship and is currently hosting two paid interns from Dartmouth High School. These aspiring engineers are gaining invaluable experience through both observations and hands-on learning in Tegra’s stateof-the-art facility.

Chris was born and raised in Fall River, MA and was a Diman Vocational Culinary Arts graduate. Chris has consistently been a strong advocate and supporter of the local community. He is currently an ambassador with the Fall River Area Chamber and has been an ambassador here with the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce for the past 5 years. He continues to use his strong ties in the business community to help promote, grow and improve the Chamber.

The outstanding service award was presented by the Chamber to Chris Johnson, SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford.

"Representing Fine Companies Such as"

Look no further for Texas Bar-B-Que! All Friends Smokehouse located on 549 American Legion Hwy Westport, MA is your place for everything barbeque. The restaurant opened in October of 2014, making it 2 years that it’s been serving up the SouthCoast area with awardwinning, homemade, fresh, and high quality foods. The full service restaurant offers a good mixture of Texas style BBQ and American cuisine. The beer and wine are from local venders around the SouthCoast. They offer full catering services for any type of event you may have. All Friend Smokehouse uses produce from local farms; the meats are smoked fresh on site and the sauces and dressings are made by the employees. All Friends Smokehouse believes in giving back to the community and has donated to non-profits such Club Madeirense S.S. Sacramento, Inc., and the Tiverton Library. They have also participated in Downtown New Bedford Inc.’s “Taste of SouthCoast” and “Chowderfest”. The owner Jonathan Abreu, a life-long New Bedford resident, has always been involved in community organizations and activities. Mr. Abreu is looking forward to meeting and working with other business in the area. He says “It is important to be involved in the local community to meet current and future customers as well as meeting fellow

business men and women who have gone through similar work experiences.” All Friends Smokehouse won several awards such as 3rd place for People Choice at the Taste of SouthCoast, 2nd place for the Judges and People Choice for Quahog at the Chowerfest, and 3rd place for the Signature Soup. In April 2016, All Friends Smokehouse was voted the number four BBQ restaurant in the SouthCoast by East Bay Magazine.

Good News! BankFive Expands Lending Team’s is involved with the Sons of Italy. Experience With the Hiring of Four Professionals Peter J. Murray has joined BankFive as BankFive has further strengthened the Vice President of depth and breadth of its lending team Commercial Lending. with the hiring of four professionals who He is responsible for bring with them more than 85 years of creating and maintainlending experience. ing quality and profitable loan, deposit and Patrick Deady has joined service-oriented relationships with smallBankFive as Senior Vice to middle-market organizations and indiPresident and Director viduals. His office is located in Cranston, of Residential and Con- R.I. Prior to joining BankFive, Murray sumer Lending. With a was Business and Residential Lending lending background that Manager at People’s Credit Union. He has exceeds 22 years, Deady 25 years of banking experience. A resident is responsible for over- of Narragansett, R.I., he received an asseeing the Residential and Consumer sociate’s degree in Business Management Lending departments at BankFive. His from Johnson & Wales University. He is office is located at BankFive’s headquar- a member of the Rhode Island Commerters at 79 N. Main St. in Fall River, Mass. cial and Appraisal Board of Realtors as Prior to joining BankFive, Deady was Se- well as the Narragansett Lions Club. nior Vice President and Director of Mortgage Lending at Admirals Bank in ProvJoy Aguayo has been idence. A resident of North Kingstown, hired as a Mortgage R.I., he earned a bachelor of arts degree Originator, serving from the University of Rhode Island. customers in the Deady is an active member of the Rhode SouthCoast region and Island Mortgage Bankers Association, of all of Rhode Island. which he is Treasurer and First Vice Working out of the President. He also volunteers as a coach BankFive lending ofat local athletic fields and helps with his fice in Cranston, she son’s Boy Scout troop. assists homebuyers and homeowners with financing. Aguayo brings with her 24 years Christopher P. Lee has of experience in the field of mortgage been hired as Vice origination, having most recently worked President, Residential for Home Loan Investment Bank. Prior Lending Manager. He to entering the field of mortgage lending, is responsible for the she was employed by the U.S. Small Busioverall management ness Administration. Aguayo, who resides of Residential Lending in Warwick, R.I., studied accounting at Operations, including Community College of Rhode Island. Processing, Underwriting, Closing and Secondary Marketing. His office is lo- Fall River Municipal Credit Union, cated in Fall River. A resident of West Announces the Following Promotions: Warwick, R.I., he has 15 years of banking experience. He previously worked as Sec- Steven Haight, the former Vice President ondary Marketing Manager at Home Loan of Finance, has been promoted to ExInvestment Bank F.S.B., Warwick, R.I. He ecutive Vice President and Chief Finanearned a bachelor’s degree in Business cial Officer. Mr. Haight, a Dighton resiManagement Operations from Rhode dent, is responsible for the Credit Union’s Island College, and has achieved FHA accounting, auditing, investments and fisDirect Endorsed Underwriter designation. cal reporting. With 35 years of banking Lee is a member of the Rhode Island experience, he has been with FRMCU Mortgage Bankers Association and Mort- since 2011. gage Bankers Association of America, and 6

Kimberly Trahan has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Human Resources. Ms. Trahan is responsible for all Human Resource, Employee and Facilities Management for FRMCU. Ms. Trahan has been with FRMCU since 2000 and resides in Fairhaven with her husband, daughter and son. Donna Correia has been promoted to Vice President of Lending. Ms. Correia has been with FRMCU for 5 years and has extensive lending experience in processing, underwriting and compliance. Her responsibilities include managing the Credit Union’s real estate lending portfolio, underwriting and reviewing real estate mortgage applications. She resides in Somerset with her husband, daughter and son. Stephanie Medeiros has been promoted to Assistant Vice President of Operations. Ms. Medeiros, the former Operations Manager, is responsible for all daily back Credit Union office operations. Ms. Medeiros resides in New Bedford with her husband and son. Cherie Ashton has been promoted to Branch Administrator. Ashton has been with FRMCU since 2005. Ashton joined FRMCU as an Assistant Branch Manager and was promoted to the position of Branch Manager in 2009 and Senior Branch Manager in 2013. She will oversee the daily operations of all the branch locations and business development. Ms. Ashton, who resides in Somerset with her husband, has two children and five grandchildren Kevin A. Nery Attends 2016 M & A Source Fall Conference for Professional Development in Tempe, AZ

Mr. Nery is a Certified Business Broker (CBB), Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) and an M&A Master Intermediary (M&AMI). The M & A Source was established in 1992 to promote ‘Professional Development’ and maximizes public awareness of services performed by Intermediaries who facilitate solutions for lower middle market merger and acquisition transactions. The Nery Corporation divisions are Coastal Business Brokers, Coastal Machinery and Equipment Appraisers, Coastal Commercial Real Estate Sales and Leasing, and Coastal Realty. The firm is located at 700 Pleasant Street, Suite 330 in downtown New Bedford. Hawthorn Medical Associates Awards $20,000 In Grants To Programs For Women & Families The Hawthorn Medical Associates Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Mass. has awarded $20,000 in grants to four local programs focused on women and children in need. “Hawthorn’s focus this year was on supporting organizations that recognize the enormous impact that education and knowledge can have on the quality of life for women and children in need, “ said James Gularek, CEO of Hawthorn Medical Associates. “We are proud to partner with Hawthorn Medical in support of women and children in our region,” said Community Foundation President John Vasconcellos. “These grants, which help organizations run programs for child abuse prevention and treatment, economic self-sufficiency, and teaching life skills to youth, are in perfect alignment with our efforts to improve the quality of life in Southeastern Massachusetts.”

The Nery Corporation is pleased to announce that Kevin A. Nery, CBB, CBI, M&AMI, President has attended the 2016 M & A Source Fall Educational Conference in Tempe, Arizona. Each of the following organizations was awarded a $5,000 grant for programming In addition to attending the conference, related to women’s and family issues: exhibits and private equity meetings, Kevin also attended two Mergers & Ac- • Boys and Girls Club of Greater New quisitions educational courses along with Bedford, to support the addition of youth informative workshops. programming within the New Bedford

Good News! Wellness Initiative, specifically, teaching life skills through basketball. The New Bedford Wellness Initiative consists of weekly programming with classes focused on diet, exercise, stress management, and smoking cessation. • Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County (CAC), for Protecting Our Children from Sexual Abuse: Advice for a Sex Offender Treatment Provider. This program will offer a series of three workshops that will educate child-serving professionals as well as parents and the general community about pedophile and sex offender behavior and techniques, with the goals of improving investigative and prosecutorial child welfare and youth service efforts, and providing a better understanding of who pedophiles are and how they think.

provide a high level of care for patients in Southeastern Massachusetts while bringing physician specialists and services to the community that were not available at the time. To learn more about A class list is available at www.leadershipHawthorn Medical, visit www.haw- southcoast.org/2017-2/. thornmed.com.

“We’re looking forward to working with Bristol County Savings Bank Appoints our incoming class members” says JenCabral Branch Manager For nifer Downing, Leadership SouthCoast’s Southcoast Region executive director. “They’re a diverse mix of talent in terms of personal, profesBristol County Sav- sional, and community experience and are ings Bank (BCSB), employed at area nonprofit, public, and headquartered in private organizations.” Taunton, Massachusetts, announces the The group will convene for a two-day appointment of Nan- kick-off retreat in January and will then cy Cabral to the posi- meet one day a month through September tion of Branch Man- to explore topics of regional importance ager, Southcoast Region. In this capacity, including economic development, educashe will support the Bank’s business de- tion, public health, environmental sustain• The Women’s Fund of Southeastern velopment efforts in the New Bedford, ability, government, and criminal justice. Mass. was awarded a grant for its LifeWork Massachusetts market. Cabral resides in Topical information is presented by local Project to provide financial incentives and Dartmouth, Massachusetts. leaders and experts in their fields, providmatching funds for women participating ing participants direct exposure and powin the five-year program. The LifeWork Prior to joining Bristol County Savings erful connections. Project guides women - mostly single Bank, Cabral held several positions at women heads of households - on a path Santander and its predecessor banks for “Part of what makes the Leadership to economic independence, primarily more than 30 years. Most recently, she SouthCoast experience so valuable is the through coaching on establishing and ac- served as Vice President, Branch Man- learning that takes place among class cumulating savings while earning a job ager at Santander’s Union Street location members combined with the rich experiin New Bedford. Fluent in Portuguese, ences shared by the community leaders with a living wage. Cabral also held various management who contribute to the program, “ adds • The YWCA of Southeastern Mass. was positions at Compass Bank in the South- Downing. awarded a grant for its Financial Literacy coast. for Women program. The program will While deepening their understanding of serve 100 low-income women in Greater Cabral is active in the local community, the region, participants will work on teamNew Bedford, including non-English serving as a Board Member for Down- based community action projects to assist speakers, and focus on their reaching fi- town New Bedford, Inc. and as an Advi- local nonprofit and public organizations nancial self-sufficiency and stability by sory Board Member for New Bedford in developing new, or in implementing increasing their personal financial knowl- High School’s Academy of Finance. She existing, initiatives to address commuedge and understanding through work- is also a volunteer for Junior Achievement nity challenges. Class members will also shops and training focused on budgeting, of Southern Massachusetts. learn more about their unique talents by planning, and debt reduction. The protaking a Gallup Strengths Finder assessgram is operated by two bi-lingual pro- Cabral can be contacted at the Bank by ment and will further develop their leadgram facilitators, in cooperation with calling 508-324-3653 or at nancy.cabral@ ership skills using Positive Leadership, a local banks, investment consultants, finan- bcsbmail.com. thought-provoking curriculum based on cial planners, housing developments, the principles of positive psychology and schools, churches, councils on aging, and Leadership SouthCoast Announces used by community leadership programs women’s centers. Class of 2017 across the country. The availability of these grants is the result of the creation of a $500,000 endowment by Hawthorn Medical Associates at the Community Foundation. Hawthorn Medical Associates was founded in 1970 to

Leadership SouthCoast, Southeastern Massachusetts’ community leadership development program, has selected 37 participants for its class of 2017– the largest in the organization’s 12-year history.

Thank you to this year’s tuition assistance sponsors including Bristol County Savings Bank, the Island Foundation, RDA Financial, RDA Insurance, and Southcoast Health.

Steward Health Care and Saint Anne’s Hospital announce appointment of new system-wide Chief Medical Ofﬁcer Dr. Joseph Weinstein

Steward Health Care System and Saint Anne’s Hospital today announced Dr. Joseph Weinstein as Steward’s new systemwide Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Weinstein, a cardiologist, has been a practicing physician for nearly three decades. Steward’s first Chief Medical Officer Justine Carr recently retired, leaving a legacy of improvements at Saint Anne’s Hospital that have benefitted Fall River area families. Dr. Weinstein expressed his commitment to continuing this progress. “During her tenure, Dr. Carr helped Saint Anne’s Hospital achieve the highest caliber of health care and I am honored to follow in her footsteps by continuing this work for the community,” said Dr. Weinstein. As the chief medical officer overseeing all medical practices, Dr. Weinstein will be focused on ensuring best-in-class outcomes and experiences for patients, improving behavioral health access and quality, and leveraging technology to better serve patients and the community. Previously, Dr. Weinstein served as the chairman of internal medicine and vice president of medical affairs at Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton. He was the vice president of medical affairs at Carney Hospital in Dorchester in 2015 and 2016.

Do you have good news to share? Please send your press releases with photos to focus@newbedfordchamber.com Due to space limitations, we can not guarantee each article will be printed. We do try our best to fit as much member news in as possible.

February Good Morning SouthCoast! Features a Panel of Off Shore Wind Experts

C OA STA L F I NA NCI A L IS A PR E MIER PROV IDER

It is part of the Chamber’s responsibility to inform business leaders, decision makers and residents of relevant issues and developments that will effect both the business community and general public throughout the area. Off Shore Wind is an innovative new source of energy that is quickly coming to the SouthCoast and will have an economic impact on the operations of local businesses and community as a whole.

• Matthew Morrissey, Massachusetts vice president for Deepwater Wind, one of three developers looking to build wind farms south of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

T O OU R CL IE N T S ’

The February edition of Good Morning SouthCoast! will feature an experienced panel of experts and professionals who will discuss Off Shore Wind, answer questions, and share vital information from all perspectives on this new form of renewable energy. The discussion will feature a panel including:

Join us on February 9th 2017 at the Waypoint Event Center from 7:30 am to 9:00 am to learn more about the development of Off Shore Wind locally and how it will influence the future of the SouthCoast economically and socially. Registration for the event is now available online at www.newbedfordchamber.com or for more information contact Deven Tillman, Programs and Events Manage at (508) 999 5231 ext 26.

SUC CE S S SI NCE 1999.

• Paul Vigeant, managing director of the New Bedford Wind Energy Center;

sponsored by:

“Membership 101” Benefits of Chamber Membership By: Ian Abreu

No matter which type of business or industry you represent, the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce will develop a specific plan with your company to insure that you receive the optimum value for your membership investment.

Networking Need additional business contacts? The Chamber holds monthly networking events so members can meet and exchange ideas, develop business relationships and increase their professional network.

To better inform the local business community (both members and nonmembers) of all the benefits they receive (or would receive) by being a member of the Chamber, we have launched a new awareness campaign.

Energy-Saving Programs Interested in saving on your power bill? Chamber members in our energy co-op program save about 10-20%* on their electric bill when compared to nonmembers. The SouthCoast Electric Power Group is your answer to saving more and spending less on your energy costs if you are a high-energy user. If you own a small-to-medium-sized business, you can also save significant money on your monthly electric bill if you partake in the Ambit Energy Discount Program (please inquire with the Chamber for further information).

A series of short emails are being sent to Chamber members over a six-month period. Each email will list a direct benefit of being a member of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce. Be on the lookout for these emails and learn about everything your Chamber membership has to offer. Additionally, we will also be reaching out to non-Chamber member businesses as well over this up-coming year to hear their concerns, feedback, and how we can continue to grow and help service them and meet their needs.

Member Discounts/Business-toConsumer Market Looking to increase your sales? Chamber members can take advantage of our Member Discount program that offers exclusive discounts to the thousands of employees of our 900-member businesses. Did you know the New Bedford Area Learn more about how to offer a discount Chamber provides services in many ways. to Chamber members and drive business to your company.

It should also be noted that the Chamber is also in the process of developing a community-wide “Keytag” discounted service program at many local retailers, restaurants, shops and all other servicerelated industries. More details will be released in 2017 regarding its implementation, launch, etc.

e-newsletter, website and bimonthly publication can position your business as a proactive business and community leader. Research shows that 44%* of consumers are more likely to think favorably of Chamber involved small businesses and 63% are more likely to purchase goods or utilize services from the company in the future. Learn more about connecting with Hiring/Expanding the thousands of employees of our 900 Are you growing? The New Bedford Area member businesses. Chamber of Commerce, Lifestream, the Greater New Bedford Career Center, Referrals Greater New Bedford Workforce Looking for potential customers and Investment Board and Bristol Community leads? The Chamber can help. Each day College will host the “SouthCoast Job the Chamber receives phone calls and Fair” on Thursday, April 20, 2017, from emails from potential customers looking 10:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m., at Greater New for businesses that can help them with Bedford Regional Vocational Technical specific goods or services. We can only High School, located at 1121 Ashley Blvd., recommend Chamber member businesses New Bedford, Ma 02745. when we receive a referral request. In addition to the thousand+ telephone calls Our largest career event of the year, the and walk-in inquiries, this year our online “SouthCoast Job Fair” will provide your business directory will receive over 54,000 business with an opportunity to interact “hits.” Let us send customers who are one on one with a large group of talented ready to buy to your business. job seekers. Our goal is to help you make connections to meet the workforce needs Export Services of your businesses. Are you a local exporter? Whether you are just starting to export your products or Marketing and Advertising Need to connect with potential customers? Our marketing options such as our monthly continued on page 15

Local Businesses Provide STEM Internship Opportunities submitted by the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board On December 19, the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board hosted a Roundtable Discussion with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Secretary of Education James Peyser, local area employers and members of the education community. The intent of the Roundtable was to discuss and develop paid summer internships that connect high school students to career opportunities requiring applications in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) . The visit concluded with an announcement by the Baker-Polito administration that five new Southcoast companies -- Southcoast Health System, Siemens, Lockheed Martin, HTP Inc., and Five Star Companies -- have signed on to participate in MA STEM@ Work, an expanded initiative of the Governor’s STEM Council. 14

The MA STEM@Work initiative addresses the area’s STEM skills gap and is designed to build a deeper pipeline of talent for the New Bedford area workforce. The STEM Advisory Council is working with the Massachusetts School to Career Connecting Activities system to identify and develop STEM internship opportunities. The GNBWIB will continue this work locally. The GNBWIB, in collaboration with New Bedford High School, the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, Bristol Community College and its employer partners, will bring additional STEM employers into the STEM@Work program to address the need for paid summer internships for the summer of 2017. Workforce partners will continue to reach out to local area businesses to be part of this exciting opportunity to

support students with internships while developing our future local workforce. More than 50 companies across the Southcoast are currently providing internship opportunities in STEM fields to high school students, including City of New Bedford-Management Information Systems Department, Tegra Medical, City of New Bedford Emergency Medical Services, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Southcoast Hospitals Group Brain and Spine Center, Marine Safety Consultants, Sea Lab, UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science & Technology (SMAST) - Center for Marine Science Technology, Alden Court Nursing Care and Rehabilitation Center, and Nye Lubricants Inc. “The New Bedford region has the chance to grow and provide more op-

portunities to our young people,” said Anthony R. Sapienza, Chair of the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board and President and COO of Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corporation. “That’s why the MA STEM@ WORK initiative is so important. We’re pleased to see that so many Southcoast companies are interested in working with the region’s high school students to promote STEM careers.”

“Membership 101”

(continued from page 14)

ENTERPRISING MINDS Submitted by Joanne Rego, Supported Employment Network Coordinator

have been in the game for some time, our in-house specialist from the Massachusetts Export Center can help you open markets and navigate a profitable course of action. Get connected with the state’s leading provider of export development services. Sponsorship Opportunities Need to engage a new target market? This year Chamber events will attract more than 7,000 attendees and more hundreds of business people will read each edition of the Chamber newsletter. Chamber members maintain top-of-mind awareness for their products and services by sponsoring one of our highly promoted business events.

Greater New Bedford Connecting Activities Partnership Do you need qualified interns for temporary or seasonal positions and projects? Our Connecting Activities Partnership gives Chamber members access to a cost-effective workforce and the opportunity to enhance your community image by contributing your expertise to the educational enterprise. Find out how you can provide meaningful internships to local high school students.

Committees & Taskforces Looking to position your company as a business leader? How about heightening awareness of your business and enhancing your public profile? Chamber members Support Employment Network can get involved with our committees to Looking for dependable employees build connections, raise their professional who are committed to getting the job profile and affect community change. done? Chamber members can access the Supported Employment Network, If you would like more information about a program that provides work search how you can become a member of the New assistance and support to people with Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, disabilities. Find out how to hire employees please contact Ian Abreu, Manager of with strong work ethics and unbounded Business Development & Public Policy enthusiasm for the job they perform. at: (508) 999-5231, ext. 24, or, via email at iabreu@newbedfordchamber.com.

Experienced Young Man Eager to Work for your Business Jeffrey DeAlmeida loves to work because he enjoys earning a paycheck. Mr. DeAlmeida is currently employed part time providing maintenance at a very busy local restaurant. DeAlmeida says he would like to find an additional part time job at a similar atmosphere because enjoys his job. DeAlmeida has been employed at TGIFridays for many years and is very skilled at his work responsibilities. His duties at TGIFridays are sweeping, mopping, washing windows, emptying the garbage bins, cleaning the restrooms and cleaning the parking lot. DeAlmeida says he would like another part time job because he enjoys going out to eat, meeting friends at Dunkin Donuts and buying himself nice clothes.

DeAlmeida also enjoys hanging out with his friend Pedro. He also enjoys spending time with his family, especially his mother and his sister. If you are interested in meeting Mr. DeAlmeida for an employment interview please contact Maurice Charbonneau at Better Community Living, Inc. 508-9994300.

DeAlmeida also volunteers at Gifts to Give when he is not at work. If you have any questions about the Supported Employment Network or When Jeffrey is not working he likes to are interested in hiring a person with play basketball, football and hockey. His disabilities, please call Joanne Rego at favorite teams are the Celtics, Patriots the New Bedford Area Chamber of and the Bruins. Commerce at 508-999-5231 ext. 28. Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2017 Time: 12:00 PM Location: Blount Fine Foods, 630 Current Road, Fall River, MA Program: Opioid/Substance Abuse Speaker: Roni King Date: Wednesday, March 15, 2017 Time: 12:00 PM Location: Bank Five Program: Social Security/401k For more information or to register, contact Dorothy Botelho at dbotelho@newbedfordchamber.com or 508-999-5231 ext. 20.

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New Bedford Area Chamber Calendar - Upcoming Events Good Morning SouthCoast! Thursday, January 19, 2017 7:30-9 a.m. Wamsutta Club 427 County Street New Bedford, MA 02740 $27.50 Members $45 Non-Members $250 Table of Ten (Members)

Jan. 2017 Business After Hours Thursday, January 26, 2017 5 p.m. -7 p.m. Howland Place 651 Orchard Street Rm 300 New Bedford, MA Free for members $25 non members

Good Morning SouthCoast! February 9, 2017 7:30-9 a.m. Way Point Event Center 185 MacArthur Dr. New Bedford, MA 02740 $27.50 Members $45 Non-Members $250 Table of Ten (Members)

Feb. 2017 Business After Hours Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017 5 p.m. -7 p.m. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (Main Campus) 285 Old Westport Road, North Dartmouth Free for members $25 non members

SouthCoast Job Fair Thursday, April 20, 2017 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

To register for any event or to view a calendar of upcoming Chamber events, visit www.newbedfordchamber.com

Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School 1121 Ashley Blvd. New Bedford, Ma 02745. Booth Pricing 6-foot table (no electricity) $350 8-foot table (with electricity) $400 Free for job seekers.

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