The New Bedford Area
Chamber Focus Business News for and about Members of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce
Inside March - April 2015
Message from the Chair .........................2 Connecting Activities ..............................3 Small Business Award Nominations......4 SouthCoast Jobs Fair...............................5 Good News ..............................................6 Welcome New Members ......................10 Featured Member Discounts ...............13 March - April 2015 Tourism & Travel Update .....................14
State of the City Luncheon Scheduled for March 26th Mayor Jon Mitchell will deliver his State of the City Address over lunch on Thursday, March 26th at Greater New Bedford Regional Voc Tech High School, located at 1121 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. Each year, the Mayor delivers the “State of the City” address detailing past accomplishments, goals, planned policies and objectives for the largest city in the region for the coming year. Nearly 500 business, community, media and political leaders are expected to attend this luncheon program. Since taking office in January of 2012, Mayor Jon Mitchell has sought to re-establish New Bedford as one of the leading cities in the Northeast. He has moved aggressively to reform the City’s school system, to modernize the Port of New Bedford, to solidify the Downtown’s status as the cultural and economic center of Southeastern
Check out the latest member spotlight article on page 14.
Massachusetts and to raise the quality of life of every neighborhood. Under the mayor’s leadership, New Bedford has emerged as one of the greenest cities in the United States. According to the Wall Street Journal, New Bedford is second only to Honolulu in solar
The Chamber is seeking nominations for the 2015 Small Business of the Year Award. Turn to page 4 for more details.
The Chamber has hired a search firm to find new CEO. Turn to page 3 for details.
energy production per capita and is poised to become the birthplace of the American offshore wind industry. Meanwhile, Mayor Mitchell has made municipal government more efficient though effective management and has secured the highest bond rating in the city’s history. The City also has modernized its trash recycling system, retrofitted nearly 10,000 street lights with LED bulbs and reigned in health care costs, saving millions in taxpayer dollars. Prior to his election, the mayor served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Boston, a position in which he prosecuted numerous cases of national significance. Born in New Bedford, with roots deeply embedded in the City, Mayor Mitchell attended local public schools, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and a law degree from the George Washington University Law School. He lives in the City’s West End with his wife Ann Partridge, a leading breast oncologist at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and their three daughters, who attend New Bedford Public Schools.
The cost, which includes a catered lunch, is $50 per person, $500 per table of ten. Sponsorships are still available. Reservations are required by Friday, March 13th. For more information or to reserve your seat or table, visit www. newbedfordchamber.com or call the Chamber office at 508-999-5231. Corporate Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
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 • Printer: The Standard-Times • Photographer: Rebecca Laliberte & Crystal Stone Board of Directors Chair of the Board David Maher, Lockheed Martin Chair Elect Joseph Michaud, Law Office of Joseph L. Michaud Vice Chair of Government Affairs Kim Perry, Waring Sullivan Homes of Memorial Tribute/SCI Vice Chair of Economic Affairs Beth Sylvia Caldwell, Sylvia Group Vice Chair of Membership Advancement Jeffrey P. Pagliuca, Webster Bank Vice Chair of Community Affairs Daniel E. Waltz, Southern Mass Credit Union Treasurer Carl W. Taber, BayCoast Bank Immediate Past Chair Mary Harrington, South Coast Consulting LLC Directors Nathan Araujo, R4L Management Henry Arruda, WJFD-FM Stephen Canessa, Southcoast Health Systems Hank Conaty, Acushnet Company Stephen W. Connulty, Paul & Dixon Insurance Wendy Cullum, Michel Cullum Associates Ron Ellis, Edward Jones Gail Fortes, YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts Jeffrey Glassman, Darn It, Inc. Ellen Gitlin, Diversified Marketing Group Jen Hartley, Hampton Inn Bob Jackson, Fairfield Inn & Suites/Waypoint Event Center Chuck Lord, AHEAD Lynne Mastera, Precix Lynn Motta, BankFive Peter J. Muise, First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union Jim Pratt, Hodgson Pratt Pratt & Saunders, PC John Sbrega, Bristol Community College John Silva, Santander Bank A. Jack Silva, Bristol County Savings Bank Martha Worley, Worley Beds Factory Outlet Director Emeritus Joel E. Burns Your Chamber Staff 508-999-5231 Director of Operations & Finance, Dorothy Botelho, IOM - Ext. 20 Manager of Workforce & Business Development, Ian Abreu - Ext. 24 Supported Employment Network Coordinator, Joanne Rego - Ext. 28 Programs & Events Manager, Caitlin Joseph - Ext. 26 Communications Manager, Rebecca Laliberte - Ext. 27 Tourism Marketing Coordinator, Ellie Fragata - Ext. 29 Membership & Communications Coordinator - Crystal Stone - Ext. 22
Message from the Chair of the Board Well, I think we have made it through the snow and winter ice dams….. Although we can all remember the April Fools storm of 1997! Let’s not wish for a repeat.
Seafood Buyers Visit, the Mayor’s State of the City Luncheon on March 26th at New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, the Southcoast Jobs Fair to be held at UMass With 2014 in our rear view Dartmouth, Tripp Athletic mirror we are now focused Dave Maher Center on April 8th, and Chair of the Board on a busy 2015 for the finally the SouthCoast Chamber. With the blizzards keeping Women’s Forum on May 7th at our recruiting firm from attending Hawthorne Country Club. an early January meeting, we finally held the face-to-face meeting in late We also are in the final stages of February. Our position profile for the producing our Annual Membership CEO/President role is now posted Directory which will be mailed to on our website with information members this spring and available on how to apply. There has been online. strong interest and we plan to begin interviewing in the April/May On the advocacy front, the Chamber timeframe once our recruitment firm held a meeting with the Government has arrived at our candidate slate. Affairs Committee, Jean Fox, Director of Mass DOT and Steve Smith of Several key events have already taken the Southeastern Regional Planning & place this year, and topping that list Economic District (SRPEDD). They was a very successful Greater New briefed us on the current status of the Bedford Home Show which was held Southcoast Rail project (of course prior March 7th and 8th at New Bedford to all the issues surrounding the MBTA Regional Vocational Technical High brought to recent media attention). We School. The event had nearly 100 will follow this very closely over the attending businesses, agencies, service upcoming months. firms and great food purveyors. The foot traffic was excellent as it was While we are in the transition of our our first “normal”, almost springnew CEO/President position, we like, weekend of weather. See there remain to provide our outstanding may actually be a spring after all! Our community services and benefits the Chamber staff was on their game New Bedford Area Chamber has grown again and did an excellent job at to do. In closing, I would like to thank supporting this event to assure it was all of our members and supporting both coordinated well and worked for staff for your continued support and the sponsors to get their value from involvement with our Chamber! See it. I think on all accords they did it! you at an upcoming event. Key events ahead on our calendar we have the Annual International
Respectfully, Dave Maher Chair of the Board
About the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce With approximately 1,000 member businesses, the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing opportunities for members to advance their business and promoting a healthier business and economic climate for the region. The Chamber is here to help members – with trusted resources, a strong business network
and a support system to keep your business moving forward.
Our mission is to serve the interests of member businesses while advocating business advancement, economic growth and job creation for the benefit of New Bedford and the SouthCoast region of Massachusetts.
Connecting businesses on the SouthCoast from Wareham to Westport
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New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce Engages Search Firm to Find New President & Chief Executive Officer The Board of Directors of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce has begun the search for the Chamber’s next President & Chief Executive Officer, retaining Waverly Partners, LLC as its executive search firm. Board Chair Dave Maher will lead a 9-member search committee that will work with Waverly Partners to identify qualified local, regional and national candidates. “Our committee has developed a profile that describes the experience and leadership characteristics of our preferred candidate,” Maher said. “We are open to executives with backgrounds in chambers of commerce, business associations, other kinds of nonprofits, private sector or related experience with a commitment to our
Update from Rail to Boston Coalition Written by: Paul Chasse Chairman-Rail to Boston Coalition CEO-Southeastern Mass Association of REALTORS®
mission of business advocacy in this region.”
The glare from this winter of our discontent is illuminating the considerable issues of our state’s transportaThe position profile is available on the tion infrastructure. As the weatherChamber’s website: related emergency situation focuses on www.newbedfordchamber.com/jobs Boston’s failing public transportation system and commuter rail lines, there’s Roy Nascimento, the Chamber’s no better time than now, while pubprevious President, left the organization lic transit is in the spotlight, to look in January to serve as CEO of the beyond the immediate problems and North Central Massachusetts Chamber toward other critical transportation of Commerce in Fitchburg. issues in the Commonwealth that also demand our attention. For more information about the search, contact Waverly Partners consultant The Rail to Boston Coalition, a busiEric Peterson via email at ness-led and private sector collaborative NewBedford@Waverly-Partners.com; formed in 2014, is calling for the state all inquiries will be held in confidence. to continue to advance South Coast Rail in the mix of planning that will ensue as Governor Baker’s Transportation Task Force examines the MBTA.
We are pleased that the Governor has recently reaffirmed his commitment to moving the project ahead and that the Legislature has already approved a Transportation Bond Bill that includes $2.3 billion for South Coast Rail. The cities of New Bedford, Fall River and Taunton are the only communities within 50 miles of Boston without the rail option to Boston. South Coast Rail has advanced to the design and construction phase with the award of a 10-year, $210 million design and build contract by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation in 2014. The contract builds on numerous prior investments supporting the project, continued on page 10
Connecting Activities and College and Career Readiness for All: Bringing Key Stakeholders to the Table on May 19th The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) is committed to ensuring that all students are college and career ready (CCR) when they graduate from high school. On the career side of the CCR equation, a consensus has emerged in the Commonwealth that students need As most of us already know, Connecting Activities (CA) is the state’s a progression of increasingly more intensive and targeted experiences, system for brokering connections moving them from career awareness to with businesses to sponsor Career career exploration to career immersion Development Education (CDE) activities, especially work-based learning in order to help them be ready for success after high school. opportunities, through partnering efforts with the sixteen Workforce It is well known that classroom teachers Investment Boards (WIB’s) and some cannot accomplish this kind of Career local chamber’s of commerce (New Development Education progression Bedford Area being one). using classroom instruction alone. On Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at the Dou- Students need to learn from business people with careers in a wide array of bleTree Hotel in Leominster, Ma, CA industries and occupations. is bringing key stakeholders together, including engaged business leaders, for an action-oriented dialogue about scal- They are experts in their fields, best ing up the state’s efforts to offer Career equipped to tell students about the Development Education to all students. skills, responsibilities, work culture and
earning potential of their jobs as well as the post-secondary education needed to be successful in them. Business people are also needed to offer powerful career immersion experiences to students; experiences that can only occur outside the classroom.
of Commerce Workforce & Business Development Manager Ian Abreu at: (508) 999-5231, ext. 24, or via email at iabreu@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 If you are interested in attending, please calling (508) 999-5231.
The invited business leaders attending the May 19th CA conference will come from all 16 workforce regions statewide. They have been asked to lend their perspective during the morning’s strategic planning session, during which teams of local partners will assess the extent of CDE in their local communities and identify ways to increase the quantity and quality of CDE experiences available for students. The conversation will include both concrete planning for next steps and time for open-ended strategizing about the big picture. contact New Bedford Area Chamber
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2015 SouthCoast Women’s Forum to feature “Success in the SouthCoast” interested in exhibiting are encouraged to reserve their tables early to ensure a spot. This event has multiple sponsorship opportunities to showcase your busiThis year’s SouthCoast Women’s Forum ness. Sponsorship opportunities include exhibitor space at the event, recognition will be held on Thursday, May 7th at Hawthorne Country Club. The program in marketing materials and more. From will feature a panel of women business small businesses to non-profits, this well attended event has something for leaders and entrepreneurs discussing everyone. Contact the Chamber today the challenges and opportunities with to find a sponsorship opportunity that running their business. This interactive works for you. event will encourage audience participation and provide a relaxed Be sure to visit the Chamber’s website environment for networking. (www.newbedfordchamber.com)for more information as updates on the In addition to the speaking program, event and event speakers will soon be the Women’s Forum will feature an announced. interactive exhibitor showcase for women-owned or women managed businesses to profile their services and products. Because space is limited, registrations for exhibitor spaces are on a first come, first served basis. Members
For more information on registration, exhibitor space or sponsorships, please contact Caitlin Joseph at 508-999-5231 ext. 26 or visit www.newbedfordchamber.com.
Nominations Sought for 2015 Small Business of the year Award The Chamber recognizes the contributions smaller businesses make to the creation of new jobs and economic opportunities in the SouthCoast region. We would like to commend small businesses for their valuable contributions to our communities by awarding the 2015 Small Business of the Year Award. Nominees do not need to be members of the Chamber, but must be a forprofit business. Businesses must also have 50 or less full-time equivalent employees (two part-time employees equals one full-time employee) and have been in business more than three consecutive years under the current ownership. You may nominate your own business or any other business that has exhibited growth and social responsibility in your community. Submit a summary of your reasons for the nomination, based on employment/staying power, growth, 4
2014 Small Business of the Year Award Winner, Optimum Labs innovation and social responsibility along with a completed nomination form. Call the Chamber office for nomination forms at 508-999-5231 or email cjoseph@newbedfordchamber.com. Winners will be selected by the Chamber’s Award Selection Committee and will be announced at the June Good Morning SouthCoast! Nominations are due by April 3rd.
Over 100 guests attended the 2014 SouthCoast Women’s Forum which featured three dynamic panelist who spoke on the topic of branding.
Highlights from the 27th Annual Greater New Bedford Home Show 1.
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1. Jack Conway Realtors was one of the nearly 100 exhibitors at the 2015 Home Show. 2. Doctors Express of New Bedford provided health screening at this year’s Home Show. 3. Sagres Vacations gave attendees the chance to enter to win a New York City getaway. 4. Marion Antiques provided appraisals to Home Show attendees. 5. Official Clean Up Sponsor, Clean Right Cleaning Solutions provided staff and volunteer t-shirts and offered attendees the chance to win a Cork gift card.
New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce and Umass Dartmouth Presents “SouthCoast Jobs Fair” One of our largest events of the year, the “SouthCoast Jobs Fair” will provide your business with an opportunity to interact one on one with a large group of talented job seekers. Our goal is to help you make connections to meet the workforce needs of your business.
Is your company hiring? Are you looking for a “rock-star” to take your business to the next level? If so, then the “SouthCoast Jobs Fair” is the place you need to be! The New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce and UMass Dartmouth are co-hosting a “SouthCoast Jobs Fair” on Wednesday, April 8, 2015, from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM, at the Tripp Athletic Center on the main campus of UMass Dartmouth, 285 Old Westport Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747.
Workforce Investment Board, will be open to the general public from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The first hour of this event from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. will be open exclusively to all veterans as well as current Umass Dartmouth students and alumni.
Admission to this event is free for all Table Rate: $295 job seekers. All job seekers are also encouraged to take part in our compliRegistration fee includes all expenses mentary LinkedIn photo booth display for up to two representatives including: where you will receive your very own professional head shot and profile • One 8-foot table and two chairs setup. • Table signage • Refreshments If you or your business is interested in • Parking & Shuttle participating in the “SouthCoast Jobs • Advertising Fair,” please contact New Bedford • Area media outlets Area Chamber of Commerce Workforce & Business Development ManRegistrations will be accepted until ager Ian Abreu at (508) 999-5231, ext. Friday, March 27, 2015, or until capac- 24, or, via email at iabreu@newbedity is reached. Late registrations will be fordchamber.com. subject to a $50.00 late registration fee. This event, which is also being cosponsored by New Directions Southcoast and the Greater New Bedford
2015 Job Fair Partners:
Media Sponsors:
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Good News! her large base of repeat and referral clients. Her artistic flair The City of New Bedford can now add The City of New Bedford’s website can and her fluency award-winning to its online presence be found at www.newbedford-ma.gov. in Portuguese thanks to two Marion-based creative add to the companies, Design Principles, Inc. and CliftonLarsonAllen Announces Staff exceptional Michel Cullum Associates, Inc. Promotions in New Bedford Office service she provides. Fatima The Massachusetts Municipal can be reached at 508-287-0003 or Association (MMA) presented the fatima@annewhitingrealestate.com. City of New Bedford with the 2015 Municipal Website Award at their CliftonLarsonAllen is pleased to annual meeting in January. announce career milestones for four of their professionals in the New Bedford Junior Achievement Announces Bristol County Savings Bank The MMA provides the annual award to office. The following individuals have Title Sponsor Of 2015 Titan recognize localities that have developed been promoted and have new titles. Business Challenge websites that display excellence Jessica R. Sawyer has been promoted in customer service, functionality, to Director, Commercial Services; convenience and government Nicholas S. Pawlowski has been transparency. promoted to Manager, Commercial Services; Christopher M. Jacobsen “This award confirms what we believe has been promoted to Manager, Junior Achievement of Southern and practice: great design has the ability Manufacturing and Jessica R. Platt Massachusetts (JA) announces that to transform organizations, businesses, has been promoted to Principal, Bristol County Savings Bank will act as and in this case, our beloved city,” Commercial Services. the Title Sponsor for the 2015 Junior said Karen Alves, president of Design Achievement Titan Business Challenge, Principles, Inc. CliftonLarsonAllen is proud of their a business strategy competition in staff as they grow in their careers and Alves and her team worked with the serve their clients with more knowledge which high school students compete against one another in teams using an City’s department heads to make their and experience. online, interactive business simulation information accessible and intuitive for game. The event will take place at the community. Anne Whiting Real Estate is Proud UMass Dartmouth on Tuesday, March to Congratulate its Top Producers 17, 2015. “The redesign of the City of New for 2014 Bedford website was a large project and “We are proud and extremely grateful required tremendous teamwork to be Patti Conway has earned the honor of that Bristol County Savings Bank has successful. Design Principles, Inc. and Top Producer agreed to partner with us once again Michel Cullum Associates, Inc. worked for the 12th for this event,” said Caroline Paradis, closely with our MIS department to consecutive JA President. “By all accounts, whether develop a clean, crisp, navigable site year. Her stellar from students, sponsors, educators that more than thirty City departments reputation for or volunteer business mentors, our utilize to communicate important hard work and inaugural Titan Challenge was a great information to the public. It is essential dedication is success last year and we couldn’t that our City’s online presence reflect unsurpassed. have done if without the support and the best of New Bedford and I am Patti’s high participation of the Bank.” pleased that we have an award-winning standards and website that is as vibrant and appealing strong work ethic are well known to as our city,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. both her Buyers and Sellers. Put Patti’s The event’s top teams will win scholarships to the colleges or dedication and willingness to “go the The completion of the city website extra mile” to work for you today! Patti universities that they choose to attend. These scholarships will be presented by and its subsequent award is personal can be reached at 508-944-7548 or their corporate sponsors. to the Marion-based creative agencies. patti@annewhitingrealestate.com. “To be part of the renaissance of the City where we’ve lived and worked is an Since joining Anne Whiting Real Estate During the event, sophomores, juniors and seniors will compete for honor,” said Michael Cronin, partner mid-year, Fatima Simas has already and Director of Internet Technologies achieved Top Producer status. Fatima’s scholarships while gaining essential knowledge about the world of business, at Design Principles, Inc. “But to be standards of integrity, professionalism at no cost to the students or their high recognized for improving the way and client satisfaction account for Local Creative Firms Behind Award- people access information in this City is Winning City Website truly a privilege.”
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schools. In addition to developing budgets and interpreting financial reports, students can expect to increase their knowledge of pricing, production, capital investments, R&D, marketing and charitable giving. Many sponsorship opportunities are still available for interested local businesses and organizations, as well as opportunities for individuals to serve as volunteer Business Mentors who will assist students during the event. For more information, please contact Caroline Paradis at caroline.paradis@ ja.org or call the JA office at 508-9976536. First Citizens’ Announces Promotions and New Hires
First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union announced a series of appointments and promotions. The management changes reflect the continued growth of First Citizens’ and will materially add to its capacities in retail, human resources, loan servicing as well as systems and data administration. Nina DeSousa joined First Citizens’ in November of 2014 as the Assistant Branch Manager in the Raynham Branch. Nina comes with 17 years of banking experience. She is focused in assisting customers selecting the right services and products to meet their financial needs. Nina speaks fluently in Portuguese and is highly dedicated to customer service. She has volunteered with Mercy Meals, MDA and some of her hobbies include: running, listening to music and dancing! Ms. DeSousa is a resident of New Bedford, MA with her husband and children. Mary Penkala has joined First Citizens’ as Vice President of Human Resources. Ms. Penkala is responsible for overseeing, directing and leading the Human Resources functions for the credit union including: training, labor relations, compensation, AA/EEO compliance, organization development, health benefits, employee relations, succession planning and staffing.
Good News! She brings over 18 years of human resources experience and has held positions as Training & Development Manager, Human Resources Manager, Senior Manger of Diversity & Talent Management and Human Resources Director. Mary volunteers with Year Up in Providence and is also a guest speaker for the MBA leadership series at Johnson & Wales University. Mary currently resides in Swansea, MA with her husband and enjoys spending time with family. Geralyn Marcinko has been promoted to our Vice President of Loan Servicing. She joined First Citizens’ in 2012 as Assistant Vice President of Managed Assets. She has been in the banking industry for 30 years. Prior to working at First Citizens’ she worked for Citizens Bank as AVP/ Manager of Collections. Geralyn lives in West Warwick, RI with her husband. She has volunteered with Sharing the Harvest and the Fairhaven Animal Shelter. Geralyn has one daughter and enjoys traveling, the beach and spending time with her family and friends. Maureen Sylvia has been promoted to Vice President of Systems and Data Administration. She has been with First Citizens’ since 2005 and has held positions as the Operations Manager, Assistant Treasurer of Loan Operations and Support Services, and most recently as Assistant Vice President of Systems and Data Administration. In her new role, Ms. Sylvia will be responsible for developing and executing the strategic plan for the Systems and Data department going forward including the development and preparation of new and existing technologies. Ms. Sylvia is a native of Tiverton, RI and is currently residing there. Maureen was an avid softball player, now during her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends. Cheri A. Moorhouse Joins Doctors Express As Business Development Manager For New Bedford Location Doctors Express, the largest independent urgent care provider in the Commonwealth, is pleased to announce that Cheri A. Moorhouse has joined
the staff of the new Doctors Express site on Coggeshall Street in the Market Basket Plaza. As Business Development Manager, Ms. Moorhouse will serve as the local liaison for Doctors Express in the community. She will help introduce the Doctors Express brand to local companies and work with area businesses in need of affordable and efficient occupational services for their employees.
Ms. Winterson has been an employee here for the past 4 Years. She has played key roles in the Leadership of YMCA Camp Massasoit and has previously been an Afterschool site director at both the Mattapoisett Location as well as Rochester Memorial School.
Tom represents the interests of various commercial entities and individuals before state and federal courts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He concentrates his practice on banking litigation, land use and zoning, and municipal law. Tom resides in our Providence office.
Fire Systems Inc., Receives 2014 “I am pleased to have promoted Stephanie as the new Program Director Multi-Million Award at the Mattapoisett YMCA. She is a breath of fresh air. She has great energy and leadership, along with dedication to the Y and the children and families in our programs. These are only some of the attributes that made Stephanie the ideal candidate for this position, states “Doctors Express is delighted to Joseph Marciszyn, Executive Director welcome Cheri to our team,” said of the Mattapoisett YMCA a Division President Rick Crews, AFC/Doctors of YMCA SOUTHCOAST. Fire Systems Inc., a fire alarm Express New England. “She brings Engineered Systems Distributor, was a passionate interest in health and In her new role as Program Director, presented with the 2014 Multi-Million wellness and a strong background Ms. Winterson will be responsible for Award for having had more than a in helping companies to grow their leading and managing the day to day businesses to her new position.” operations of the School Age programs million dollars in system equipment sales. Notifier, a division of Honeywell, at the Mattapoisett YMCA and at Ms. Moorhouse’s professional Rochester Memorial School. Steph will the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial/industrial fire alarm career spans 10 years and includes be the Assistant Camp Director and management positions in the fields of work with our community to offer new systems, has presented Fire Systems human resources, sales and marketing programs and enrichment classes. “I am Inc. with annual awards for more than for a variety of businesses. Before quite lucky to be in this position as the 10 years due to high sales volume joining Doctors Express, she served Program Director at this beautiful place and exceptional service of Notifier products. as Front of the House Manager for that I have considered a second home Cork Wine & Tapas in New Bedford. for the past 4 years! Words cannot Fire Systems Inc., a life safety systems A graduate of Bryant University in properly express how excited I am to Smithfield, RI, with a degree in Human start my new journey here. “ states Ms. company celebrating its 30th year in business, has offices in Dartmouth, MA Resources, she is a Certified Holistic Winterson. She resides in Fairhaven and East Providence, RI and has been Health Coach and will complete ACE with her family and dog Bronx. the areas’ leading distributor of Notifier Personal Trainer Certification in 2015. products since 1987. Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP is A Dartmouth resident, Ms. Moorhouse Pleased to Announce that Thomas is a member and former president of Enright has been Elected Partner of the BNI Networking-Synergy Chapter, the Firm Hollywood, FL, and a member of Relay Partridge Snow for Life and the Meetup Group, South & Hahn LLP Florida Moms. She enjoys outdoor (PSH) is pleased activities, including running, swimming, to announce cooking, music and reading. that Thomas J. Enright has been YMCA SOUTHCOAST Announces elected Partner New Program Director of the Firm. Do you have good news to share? “Tom’s litigation Please send your press releases with photos YMCA SOUTHCOAST is proud and contract to focus@newbedfordchamber.com to announce Stephanie Winterson negotiation experience along with his Due to space limitations, we can not guarantee as the new Program Director of the commitment to excellence makes him each article will be printed. We do try our best to Mattapoisett YMCA located at 38 a valuable addition to the partnership,” fit as much member news in as possible. Reservation Road, Mattapoisett, MA. said David M. Gilden, Managing Partner. 7
Chamber Seeks Volunteers for Annual Membership Campaign The New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding a Membership Campaign on June 9th & 10th, 2015. This new member campaign will include reaching out to nearly 5,000 businesses in the Greater New Bedford Area that are not yet benefiting from Chamber membership. The campaign will include a mailed invitation and personal phone-calls from business leaders in the region encouraging them to join the Chamber. In addition, the Chamber’s New Member Campaign will feature several “join now” incentives for businesses and organizations that enroll with the Chamber, including free advertising, web site listings, admission to Chamber networking programs and more. Highlighting the campaign will be a two-day, four-session phone-a-thon at the Chamber’s offices on June 9th and 10th. Volunteers will be competing in June for bragging rights as the top
recruiter. Some of our great prizes will include: overnight trips, gift certificates to restaurants and stores and much more! A 5-night stay at the luxurious Divi Phoenix Beach Resort in Aruba has already been confirmed for this year’s grand prize! Businesses interested in joining the New Bedford Area Chamber or supporting the New Member Campaign should contact Ian Abreu, Manager of Workforce & Business Development, at: (508) 999-5231 ext. 24 or email iabreu@newbedfordchamber.com
Chamber Welcomes Intern from Bridgewater State University The New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Bridgewater State University student Connor Lacey as an intern for the Spring 2015 semester. Connor is currently a senior student majoring in Management and minoring in Public Relations. He will be assisting the chamber staff with many of its day-today operations throughout the spring 2015 semester. He comes with a diverse background in: advertising, marketing, communications, public relations, social media and strategic writing. Connor has been with the Chamber since February and has already gained hands on experience while assisting with the Greater New Bedford Home Show, SouthCoast Jobs Fair and more. Connor’s work experience includes; 8
Conference & Event Services Office at Bridgewater State (Undergraduate Operations Supervisor), Deutche Bank Championship (Corporate Event Host), ShowCamp,Co. (Marketing), Hawthorne Country Club (Customer Service).
BCB15_2021_ATM_9x10_25.pdf
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1/29/15
2:59 PM
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For more information, call 508-678-7641 or visit BayCoastBank.com
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Update from Rail to Boston Coalition (continued from page 3)
including: installation of approximately 42,000 rail ties and spikes beginning in 2013 along 33 miles of right-of-way leading to Fall River and New Bedford; the Commonwealth’s purchase of 30 miles of track, Taunton to Fall River and New Bedford, from CSX Transportation for $21 million; rebuilding of three New Bedford rail bridges funded by a $20 million federal TIGER grant; and hundreds of South Coast Rail Economic Development and Land Use Corridor Plan strategic investments assisting 31 Corridor communities in preparing for passenger rail through sustainable development and appropriate land use. The state has no more real estate for highways, and rail relieves the overburdened roadways with its ability to move trucks, cars and people from Point A to Point B. The” Stoughton Route,” confirmed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Commonwealth as having the few-
est environmental impacts while serving the greatest number of riders from the region, extends existing MBTA service that now terminates in Stoughton. The South Coast Rail trains would run on active freight lines or old rights-of-way that were active lines until 1958. Studies did not find any environmental impacts along this line that cannot be mitigated, and the route has many environmental benefits in the form of greenhouse gas reductions and reduced highway congestion. To the opponents of South Coast Rail who want to hold South Coast Rail to a different standard from other transportation projects, we say that all transportation projects require public support. Projected South Coast Rail operating costs are in line with all other commuter rail lines in the state, and the investment is not a one-way expenditure of funds. The project’s Corridor Plan estimates up to $487 million in annual
business output associated with the South Coast Rail. In addition to the economic impact, the rail will drastically reduce carbon emissions along the corridor and also allow the state to assist with social injustices such as additional access to educational opportunities and healthcare that are needed by many in the South Coast region. While the T’s maintenance issues require immediate attention, continued support of South Coast Rail is a necessary investment for the future economic growth of the entire Commonwealth. As we move forward from the current crisis, the Coalition will continue to fight for the restoration of rail service that the South Coast region needs and deserves.
Welcome New Members
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Acadia Healthcare 581 Faunce Corner Rd. Dartmouth, MA 02747 Phone: (615) 430-2963 www.acadiahealthcare.com
Dinner For Two, Inc. P.O. Box 79458 Dartmouth, MA 02747 Phone: (508) 999-9990 www.dinnerfortwobook.com
Clean Right Cleaning Solutions 248 Mill Road Fairhaven, MA 02719 Phone: (508) 994-2412 cleanrightsouthcoast.com
Father & Son Landscaping and Contracting 411 Cross Rd. N. Dartmouth, MA 02747 Phone: (508) 989-4980
Commercial Marine Expo State Pier New Bedford, MA 02740 Phone: 800-925-1994 www.comarexpo.com
Oxford Creamery 98 County Road Mattapoisett, MA 02739 Phone: (508) 758-3847 oxfordcreamery.com
Concord Wealth Management 230 Third Avenue, 6th Floor Waltham, MA 02451 www.cwmofnewengland.com
Paddys Hot Dogs 753 Purchase St. New Bedford, MA 02740 Phone: (508) 951-1629
Plainridge Park Casino 301 Washington Street Plainville, MA 02762 Phone: 508-643-2500 Pro Sound Entertainment 14 Heritage Dr. Berkley, MA 02779 Phone: (774) 263-4969 The Steve Clay Team Keller Williams Realty 580 N. Falmouth Highway Building B Phone: 508-241-4266 thesteveclayteam.com WPLM 99.1FM 17 Columbus Road Plymouth, MA 02360 Phone: (508) 746-1390 www.easy991.com
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1. Dr. Divina Grossman, Chancellor of Umass Dartmouth was the featured speaker at the January Good Morning SouthCoast! which was sponsored by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP.
3. Dartmouth Town Administrator David Cressman gave an update to the attendees at the Feb. Good Morning SouthCoast! which was sponsored by St. Anne’s Credit Union.
2. City of New Bedford Mayor, Jon Mitchell addressed over 100 attendees at the Jan. Good Morning SouthCoast! at the Whaling Museum.
4. An economic update was presented by Michael Goodman, Associate Professor of Public Policy and Executive Director of the Public Policy Center at UMass Dartmouth at the Feb. Good morning SouthCoast!
Business After Hours
Thursday, March 19, 2015 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at
Wednesday, April 15, 2015 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at
Hampton Inn Fairhaven One Hampton Way Fairhaven, MA 02719
Waypoint Event Center 185 MacArthur Drive New Bedford, MA
Sponsored by: Sponsored by:
Register online for upcoming Business After Hours by visiting www.newbedfordchamber.com or calling (508) 999-5231.
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5. Guests at the February Business After Hours sponsored by Umass Dartmouth Charlton College of Business. 6. CliftonLarsonAllen LLP presented a workshop on cyber security threats to help local businesses avoid potentially damaging attacks. 7. The SCYPN presented a Workplace Wellness event with Jason Colberg of PT Health & Safety Solutions. 8. Guests at the January Business After Hours sponsored by Emma Jean’s Cupcake Factory & Ice Cream Shoppe Candy House and EJ’s Restaurant & Deli. 9. Caroline Paradis, President of Junior Achievement was the featured speaker for the Feb. CEO Unplugged. 10. Guests at the Feb. Business After Hours sponsored by Umass Dartmouth Charlton College of Business. 11
Calendar of Chamber Committee Meetings Contact the Chamber office for more information on any of these committees. March Ambassador’s Council Meeting - Thursday, March 12th - 11:30 a.m. Government Affairs Committee Meeting - Friday, March 13th - 8:30 a.m. Board of Directors Meeting - Thursday, March 19th - 8:30 a.m. Young Professionals Leadership Team Meeting - Thursday, March 27th - 9:00 a.m. April SouthCoast CEO Roundtable - Tuesday, April 7th- 7:00 a.m. Executive Committee Meeting - Thursday, April 9th - 8:30 a.m. Ambassador’s Council Meeting - Thursday, April 9th - 11:30 a.m. Government Affairs Committee Meeting - Friday, April 10th - 8:30 a.m. Young Professionals Leadership Team Meeting - Friday, April 24th - 9:00 a.m. May SouthCoast CEO Roundtable - Tuesday, May 5th- 7:00 a.m. Ambassador’s Council Meeting - Thursday, May 7th - 11:30 a.m. Government Affairs Committee Meeting - Friday, May 8th - 8:30 a.m. Board of Directors Meeting - Thursday, May 21st - 8:30 a.m. Young Professionals Leadership Team Meeting - Friday, May 29th - 9:00 a.m.
Affordable advertising in the Chamber Focus Call the Chamber today to find out more at 508-999-5231 or visit www.newbedfordchamber.com
Nominations Sought for 2015 SouthCoast 5 Emerging Leader Awards bring to our community, to recognize their achievements and to inspire the leaders of tomorrow to follow in their footsteps.
The SouthCoast Young Professionals Network, SouthCoast Media Group, Charlton College of Business at UMass Dartmouth, Leadership SouthCoast and the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce invite you to join us for a cocktail reception to honor five young leaders at the first annual SouthCoast Emerging Leader Awards, better known as the SouthCoast 5. These awards are designed to bring attention to the passion, advocacy and commitment young professionals 12
Nomination for the 2015 SouthCoast 5 Emerging Leaders awards are now being accepting until April 1st or the first 50 nominations. A link to the nomination form is available at www. newbedfordchamber.com/southcoast5 The SouthCoast Emerging Leader Awards will be held, June 4th, at the New Bedford Whaling Museum located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford. We anticipate a special evening showcasing the talent and ability that is helping drive community and economic development in our beautiful region. Registration to attend the reception is required and available online at www.newbedfordchamber.com or by calling 508-999-5231.
Last year 19 nominations were received for the SouthCoast5. Pictured above is Heather Heffernan one of the 2014 nominees at the awards ceremony at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The awards ceremony had over 150 attendees and included the presentation of the 2014 Jacobs Leadership Award along with the SouthCoast 5 Awards.
March - April Featured Member Discounts Concord Wealth Management Free Financial Review For individuals: 1 free 45 minute financial review of your current situation, with goal and strategy review. For Small Businesses: 1 free 30 minute consultation to determine if business qualifies for our no cost Financial Literacy educational program. Sessions conducted for up to 25 employees at a time on relevant topics – no sales or product promotion. For more information:
phone: (781) 966-2987 email: bcorreia@htk.com website: www.cwmofnewengland.com
Tetrault Insurance Agency Complimentary insurance review, including group health insurance Call to schedule an appointment for a complimentary insurance review, including your group health insurance policy. Tetrault Insurance Agency is comprised of visionary business professionals who protect you like family. Our proactive and responsive approach means you get the very best insurance solutions for your personal and business needs.
For more information: phone: (508) 995-8365 email: info@tetraultinsurance.com website: www.tetraultinsurance.com
To set up your discount or to view a complete list of discounts currently available to Chamber members, please visit www.newbedfordchamber.com or call 508-999-5231
SouthCoast Young Professionals Network Sponsorship Opportunities
As a SCYPN sponsor, you help support programs and activities that allow for further growth and development of the organization. Your sponsorship supports future generations of leaders in the SouthCoast area. Premium Sponsor • Company name/logo displayed in all SCYPN electronic communications. • Company name announced at all SCYPN events. • Banner ad/logo on SCYPN website home page (www.southcoastYPnetwork.com) with link to sponsor website. • Quarter page black & white ad in the Membership Directory • Unlimited number of employees from your company may attend events at discounted rates • An online banner ad on the Chamber’s website (wwww.newbedfordchamber.com)
Events such as the CEO Unplugged connect SCYPN members with local business leaders.
Event Sponsor • Company name/logo displayed in all SCYPN electronic communications for the event • Company name announced at the event • Opportunity to speak at the event and place literature at the registration table • Two employees from your company may attend sponsored event free For more information about the SCYPN or to become a sponsor, email rlaliberte@newbedfordchamber.com or call 508-999-5231, ext. 27. Not a member of the SCYPN? Chamber members can join the SCYPN online for free at www.southcoastYPnetwork.com. 13
Chamber Member Spotlight: Union Auto NB community and want to give back,” said Galvan. “We believe in being a positive role model to those around us and we are looking forward to doing more outreach in the future.”
It’s not about how quick you get there. For the discriminating driver, the road tells a story unlike any other and Union Auto NB wrote the book. Union Auto NB is the parent company to two different service locations in the city of New Bedford. Located at 31 Rodney French Blvd. is Union Auto Repair for general mechanical needs. Located at 895 Mount Pleasant St., Union Auto Sales sells a wide variety of luxury vehicles from Audi to Mercedes.
“We are a family owned business,” said Union Auto owner Maximiliano Galvan, who runs the business with his father, Mario. “We do both domestic and foreign work and pride ourselves on constantly looking for ways to improve our skill set and knowledge.”
“We care about doing a great job and taking care of our clients. We go the extra mile and we want to keep our customers for life,” explained Galvan. “We pride ourselves in helping choose the best car fit for them.”
Are you in the market for a used car that will feel brand-new or looking to maintenance that pesky ‘Check Engine’ light?
The Galvan family believes that active involvement throughout the community along with workmanship and customer loyalty contributes to their increasingly steady year to year success.
The mechanics and sales team over at Union Auto wants to guide you down that road.
“We feel blessed to be a part of the
Galvan shares in the vision of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce and has become aware of the significant value members are presented with. “We joined The New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce looking to expand our reach and be part of a thriving organization,” he acknowledged. “Being a part of an organization that cares about the community is important to us.” If you would like more information about Union Auto Sales, please contact them at (774) 305-4662. For more information about Union Auto Repair, please contact them at (508) 994-3900, or feel free to log on to their website at www.unionautonb.com
Chamber Tourism & Travel Update Southeastern Massachusetts Visitors Bureau Update on Annual Meeting & Upcoming Co-op Advertising Opportunities
Looking ahead, the SMVB will be heading to the Discover New England (DNE) Travel Summit in Portland, ME from April 27 - 29. There, we will be representing the region to travel writers, tour operators and distributors. Some exciting updates came from Board President, Jen Hartley. Jen is The Discover New England Summit the SMVB’s Annual Meeting which the General Manager of Hampton offers an exclusive opportunity to get was held on January 31, 2015. The Inn New Bedford/Fairhaven and is direct business leads that will help meeting was sponsored by Battleship replacing James Russell of the New bring tour groups to your business. Cove and held at the Marine Museum Bedford Whaling Museum, who has This is a business to business travel at Fall River. President of Battleship moved to immediate past president. marketplace and representation Cove, Brad King gave some welcoming As Jen has moved up from her Vice opportunities are extremely limited. remarks and announced that Battleship President role, Rosemary Gill from If you’d like your hospitality business Cove is taking over the Marine the Zeiterion Theater has been added and/or attraction to be promoted at Museum, in an effort to help the on board as Co Vice President of the the DNE Summit please, contact Ellie Museum’s marketing efforts and to SMVB along with Brad King. Dagny Fragata at (508) 991-5231 or by email push promotion of the entire Fall Ashley, Tourism Director for the City River waterfront forward as a tourism of New Bedford has been added to the at efragata@visitsemass.com. destination. The SMVB would like to board in replace of Angela Johnson. Co-op Advertising Opportunity extend its congratulations to all parties On behalf of the SMVB, we’d like to with DreamPlanGo involved in this exciting new tourism thank every board member for your partnership. time and dedication to tourism and the Launching on June 1st, this advertising opportunity has three tiers of organization. advertising and packages available. The SMVB would also like to extend its congratulations to newly elected 14
Be featured on the Top 10 Listicle, much like a BuzzFeed Top 10 list, this top 10 slideshow list offers a 1 of 10 pages for each co-op participant. The list will have to be based around one recurring theme, like Top 10 Attractions in Bristol County or Top 10 Places to Visit in Southeastern MA. Images or key talking points must be submitted by May 1st the latest and content will be created by DreamPlanGo. Pricing: Non-Member - $350 In-Kind Member - $315 Premium Member - $280 Dedicated Facebook Post: Dream.Plan. Go.’s Facebook has 480,000 followers. (continued on page 15)
Chamber Tourism & Travel Update (continued from page 14)
The page’s reach is anywhere from 40,000 to 100,000 followers per post, and reaches 2 million followers per month.
e-newsletter goes out to 220,000 opt-in subscribers.
Creative for the e-newsletter will be written by the Dream.Plan.Go team, however, this spotlight will be an Creative for the dedicated Facebook post will be written by the Dream. itinerary-based, sweepstakes driven Plan.Go team, however, this post will newsletter spotlight that’s shared with 4 other co-ops. Vouchers, gift be an itinerary-based, sweepstakes driven post shared with 4 other co-ops. cards and any other donation must be submitted by May 1st. Vouchers, gift cards and any other donation must be submitted by May Pricing: 1st. Non-member - $300 In-kind - $270 Pricing: Premium - $240 Non-Member – $425 In-Kind Member – $385 Package pricing is also available to take Premium Member - $340 advantage of multiple opportunities. E-newsletter: The e-newsletter For more information on pricing and spotlight works in conjunction with availability, please contact Ellie Fragata the Facebook post. It will be offering at (508) 991-5231 or by email at the same sweepstakes incentive as efragata@visitsemass.com. the above mentioned Facebook post. There are package rates available but if you’d only like to buy into one, the
Wednesday, March 18, 2015 - 7:45 a.m. Location: Rachels Lakeside, 960 State Rd. Dartmouth, MA Topic: Social Security Benefits and Death Arrangement Planning Options for Employees Cost: $18
ENTERPRISING MINDS by Joanne Rego, Supported Employment Network Coordinator
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed March “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.” President Reagan’s proclamation called upon Americans to provide the “encouragement and opportunities” necessary for people with developmental disabilities to “achieve their full potential.” This proclamation of March as Disabilities Awareness month was officially declared by the United States Congress in 1988. Over the past twenty eight years, many advances have been made to enrich the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. As a result, there have been many significant social changes that have had a major impact on the lives of people with disabilities. Not only were significant changes made in special education, in addition, the creation of supported
employment opportunities emerged. This employment concept has helped many individuals with disabilities join the workforce as skilled effective employees who are productive members of society. A great deal of important progress has been made over the past quarter of a century but there is still a long road ahead to not only better the quality of life of people with disabilities but to also maintain the accomplishments and progress that has already been made. If you have any questions about the Supported Employment Network or are interested in hiring a person with disabilities, please call Joanne Rego at the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce at 508-999-5231 ext. 28.
Wednesday April 15, 2015 - 7:45 a.m. Location: Whites of Westport, 66 State Rd. Westport, MA Topic: Labor Law Update Presented by Mike Foley, Foley & Foley Law Official Sponsor Cost: TBD For more information or to register, contact Dorothy Botelho at dbotelho@newbedfordchamber.com or 508-999-5231 ext. 20. Corporate Sponsor:
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New Bedford Area Chamber Calendar - Upcoming Events March Business After Hours
State of the City Luncheon
Thursday, March 19th 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 26th 11:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Hampton Inn Fairhaven One Hampton Way Fairhaven, MA 02719
Greater New Bedford Regional Voc-Tech High School Field House 1121 Ashley Blvd. New Bedford, MA 02745
Members - Free Non-Members - $25
$50 per person
SouthCoast Jobs Fair April Business After Hours th Wednesday, April 8 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 15th 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
UMass Dartmouth Tripp Athletic Center BayCoast Bank 285 Old Westport Road 95 William St. North Dartmouth, MA 02747 New Bedford, MA 02740 Free for job seekers
Members - Free Non-Members - $25
SouthCoast Women’s Forum
May Business After Hours
Thursday, May 7th 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 14th 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Hawthorne Country Club 970 Tucker Road Dartmouth, MA 02740
Bristol Community College 800 Purchase St. Room 216 & 219 New Bedford, MA 02740
$40 Members $50 Non-Members
Members - Free Non-Members - $25
To register for any event or to view a calendar of upcoming Chamber events, visit www.newbedfordchamber.com
www.facebook.com/ newbedfordareachamber twitter.com/newbedfordarea www.linkedin.com/company/ new-bedford-area-chamberof-commerce