Navigator February 2022

Charting Success for Deja Vu, All Over Again?

Rick Kidder Mike O'Sullivan Co-CEO Co-CEO

SouthCoast Business

As the New Year has unfolded, all of us had high hopes for an end to pan demic and a 2022 where we could gather comfortably, easily and safely. Instead, in many ways, it feels like 2021 all over again. Few of us have been left untouched by the challenges of COVID, but we charge forward, secure in the knowledge that the resilience and energy we have all shone to get through this virus will continue to see us through. We have not spoken to a soul who isn’t flat out tired of COVID, masks and the economic fallout that has accompanied it, but we do as we must to keep our economy firing on all Yourcylinders.chamber has never missed a beat in its support for the business community. Through programs and services, designed to assist small business, we have con tinued to innovate and pivot throughout the pandemic, and many of the things we learned during the height of the chal lenges inform us today as we embrace the workforce challenges of region. The pandemic has brought about a phenomenon known as “the Great Res ignation,” where large numbers of early retirements have altered the workforce landscape permanently. In addition, wom en have not returned to the workforce at the same rate as men, in part due to the challenges of attaining quality childcare and early education. These are signifi cant business issues, especially during a period where business is looking to ramp back up. Even as we see unemployment numbers improving, the state’s workforce participation rate continues to fall. Cur rently 65.4% of Massachusetts residents are in the workforce. Demand for the trades remains high, and gone are the days where plumbing, elec trical work and auto repair were poor pay ing jobs. Wages are rising in all areas, but we continue to hear from our members in the trades that their labor shortage is acute. Manufacturers and other industries all are searching for qualified job ap plicants as well. The Chamber is hosting a Job Fair on March 4, our second in sixth months, to try to help our employers find good workers. The list of participating companies crosses all business sectors, and we are hopeful to match our success ful job fair in September. Please check the Chamber web site for more information.

On March 3, the Chamber will have its first in-person signature event of the year, the annual State of Business presentation from the Honorable Paul Coogan, Mayor of Fall River. This breakfast event, to be held at McGovern’s, will feature the newly re-elected mayor laying out his agenda for business growth and the use of federal dollars designed to help cities bounce back from the pandemic.

Soon our popular Business After Hours programs will resume, as will all of our traditional in-person events. We have learned that Zoom and YouTube are valu able tools to allow us to reach business people, either from where they work or at a time that is convenient to them, and we are likely to keep the Zoom option alive even when no longer needed, since it provides wonderful economies of time and flexibility for our members.

Thank you, as always for your member ship and support!

So, no, while much is the same from the early days of COVID, this is not déjà vu all over again. Your Chamber is refining it programs, representing the business community before government in ways that support small business and continu ally looking for new and exciting ways to create value.

Friday, February 11, 2022 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM OSC Fall River Office A Small Business Seminar with The Basics Southcoast

Tuesday, February 15, 2022 9:00 AM Via 7:30Thursday,StateMayorZOOMCooganofBusiness2022March3,2022AM:Registration/Breakfast8:00AM:ProgrambeginsMcGovern's,FallRiverOneSouthCoastJobFairFriday,March4,202210:00AM-3:00PMWhite'sofWestport

One SouthCoast Business News for and about Members of the One SouthCoast Chamber February 2022 Fall River State of Business......................................3 Good News...............................................................6 Youth Team Brings in Motivational Speaker............8 Recent MemberWelcomeApprenticeshipEvents............................................................9ProgramExpands..........................12NewMembers.........................................13Discounts..................................................18 Inside February 2022

"New Member Orientation"

• Vice Chair-Government Affairs: William Burns, Southcoast Health System

• Michael Tavares, Horacio’s, Inc.

• William Perkins, People, Incorporated

• Cheryl Bartlett, New Bedford Community Health Center

• Paul Chasse, REALTOR® Association of Southeastern Massachusetts

• Derek Santos, New Bedford Economic Development Council

Chamber Staff: Co-CEO, Rick Kidder Co-CEO, Michael O’Sullivan Vice President of Finance & Operations, Dorothy Botelho, IOM Vice President of Corporate Member Engagement & Sponsorships, Kimberly Coroa Moniz

• Bob Unger, Unger LeBlanc Strategic Communications Terms to Expire in December 2023:

• Vice Chair-Education, Vice Chair - One Southcoast Chamber Foundation: Nicholas Christ, BayCoast Bank

• Charlie Fellows, Lafrance Hospitality

• Melody Lavoie, Medeiros, Lavoie & Wilson, Inc.

• Lynne Mastera, Precix

• Douglas Rodrigues, D. E. Rodrigues & Company, Inc.

• Dr. Laura Douglas, Bristol Community College

• Curtis Nelson, Nelson Insurance & Financial Services

• At Large: Rose Lopes, Sylvia Group

• Immediate Past Chair: Kim Perry, Waring-Sullivan Funeral Home

• Catherine Dillon, BankFive

• Eileen Danahey, Saint Anne’s Credit Union

• Anthony Medeiros, Mechanics Cooperative Bank

• Mike Bushell, St. Anne’s Hospital

• Kevin Carando, Acushnet Company

New Bedford Office: 227 Union Street, Mezzanine 2 New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 999.5231 • fax (508) 999.5237 Fall River Office: 200 Pocasset Street Fall River, MA 02721 (508) 676.8226 • fax (508) 675.5932 General inquiries: info@onesouthcoast.com

• William Burns, Southcoast Health System

• Jeff Pagliuca, Bristol County Savings Bank

• Nicholas Christ, BayCoast Bank • Barbara Casagrande, AHEAD • Ronald Ellis, Edward Jones • Rose Lopes, Sylvia Group • Rick Manuels, Spindle City Auto Glass

• William Rocha, Gold Medal Bakery

• At Large: William Perkins, People, Incorporated

• Matt Zenni, Liberty Utilities Terms to Expire in December 2024:

One SouthCoast Navigator is the official news publication of One SouthCoast Chamber

• Gary P. Howayeck, Esq.

• Vice Chair-Governance Committee: Ronald Ellis, Edward Jones

• Bernadette Souza, Youth Opportunites Unlimited

• Arthur Pacheco, New York Life

• Vice Chair-Small Business: Curtis Nelson, Nelson Insurance & Financial Ser vices

OFFICERS & EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Executive Committee: • Chair: Eileen Danahey, Saint Anne’s Credit Union

• Doug Glassman, SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford & Marion / Middle boro

• Kim Perry, Waring-Sullivan Funeral Home

• Carl Sawejko, Sawejko Communications

Members of the Board of Directors: Terms to Expire in December 2022:

• Matthew Schondek, Fall River Municipal Credit Union

• Jeffrey Glassman, Darn It, Inc.

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• Clerk/Secretary-Education Committee: Christopher Howard, First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union

• Stephen W. Connulty, Paul & Dixon Insurance

• Christopher Howard, First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union

Director of Business Development & Small Business Engagement, Ian Abreu, IOM Director of Events & Programs, Katie Greene Director of Marketing & Communications, Jennifer Lourenco

Patti Rego, District Director, Viva Fall River Photographer, Sergio Dabdoub, BadMonkeyPics 2022

• Vice Chair-Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Gail Fortes

• Nathan Araujo, Advance Career Services

• Monte Ferris, RDA Insurance • Gail Fortes, YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts

• John Williams, UMASS-Dartmouth The Massachusetts Small Business Center (MSBDC) Network provides one-to-one free comprehensive and confidential services focusing on, business growth and strategies, financing and loan assistance as well as strategic, marketing and operational analysis. In addition, low cost educational training programs are offered across the state targeted to the needs of small business. Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network 200 Pocasset Street, Fall River, MA 02721 Phone: (508) 673.9783 Fax: (508) 674.1929 www.msbdc.org www.facebook.com/msbdc

• Treasurer: Matthew Schondek, Fall River Municipal Credit Union

3 Corporate Sponsors: Supporting Sponsor:

Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan State of Business

Each

7:30 am: Registration/Breakfast 8:00 am: Program begins

Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan will deliver his State of Business on Thursday, March 3, 2022 over breakfast at McGovern's Family Restaurant. year, the Mayor delivers the State of Business detailing past accomplishments, goals, planned policies and objectives for the city of Fall River and its developing business community.

2022

Mallard 4

5 Job Fair Friday, March 4, 2022 10am 3pm White’s of Westport 66 State Rd. Westport, MA 02790 For additional information please contact: Ian Abreu, TablesAdmissionDirectorofBusinessDevelopment&SmallBusinessEngagementiabreu@onesouthcoast.comorcall(508)999.5231FEES/ADMISSIONisFREEforjobseekerswitharesume!arestillavailableforemployers,call(508)999.5231formoreinformationDresstoimpressandtakeadvantageoftheopportunitytohaveaprofessionalheadshottakenbyCindyIrvingPhotography.Thankyoutooursponsors: Job Fair

Queen Elizabeth II Awards Order of the British Empire to Dr. Alan Lowdon, Director of Strategic Development, NOWI, Bristol Community College

Over the last 10 years, Alan has also convened significant U.K.- U.S. aca demic engagement in offshore wind. In addition, he has worked for several progressive international organiza tions, such as NEI/Rolls Royce, British Gas, Suez Lyonnaise, Shell, ITI Energy, Mott MacDonald, Technology Strategy Board and Jacobs. Bristol’s NOWI will provide the offshore wind industry with required training, certifications and custom ized programs including Global Wind Organisation (GWO) Basic Safety and Technical Training, customized training for the industry, professional development, Virtual Training and a soon-to-be developed Innovation & Entrepreneurship program. For more information about Bristol Community College’s National Off shore Wind Institute (NOWI), please visit www.nowi.org.

Dr. Alan Lowdon, Director of Strategic Development, National Offshore Wind Institute (NOWI), Bristol Community College and Professor in Practice, Dur ham University Energy Institute, U.K., was recently awarded the prestigious Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on January 1, 2022. Dr. Lowdon’s candidature of this important honor was proposed by the U.K. Consulate in Cambridge, Mass., and highlights Alan’s innovations and dedicated service to U.K. - U.S. Offshore Wind AsCollaboration.Directorof Strategic Development for the National Offshore Wind Insti tute (NOWI), Alan supports the stateof-the-art training institute focused on workforce development initiatives that are demonstrably relevant to career pathways and that accelerate the de velopment of a national offshore wind industry in the United States.

Dr. Lowdon comes to Bristol with more than 20 years of experience in the offshore wind industry. Alan was instrumental in the Green Port Hull initiative in the United Kingdom, where he served as Research, Develop ment and Innovation Director, helping to establish the Project Aura offshore wind initiative. Alan was formerly Di rector of Technology & Innovation at the U.K. New and Renewable Energy Center (NaREC), where he oversaw partnership development with the National Renewable Energy Labora tory (NREL) and the Wind Technology Testing Center (WTTC).

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Previously, James worked at the Wash ington, D.C.-based Data Quality Cam paign, a leading national voice on edu cation data policy and use, where he advocated for improvements to federal education data policies and highlighted the importance of student data privacy and Beforesecurity.that, James was a Legislative Aide for United States Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut where he helped student veterans get a high-quali ty postsecondary education, ensured that student borrowers had access to reason able repayment options, and established protections around the use of student Asdata.the need for a postsecondary creden tial to secure a good job that offers op portunity for upward economic mobility continues to escalate, traditional barriers between high school and college must be removed to provide ALL students path ways to opportunity. James’s experience will support MBAE’s growing focus on breaking down those barriers and con tinuing all of the work that we do to en sure equity, opportunity, and improved outcomes at all levels of our education system. We look forward to arranging a meeting of our affiliates soon to give you all a chance to meet James and to learn more about our proposed 2022 agenda while helping to shape and inform that agenda to achieve our shared goal of ensuring an opportunity for a high-quality education for all of the Commonwealth’s students.

Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation Grants $25,000 to American Consumer Credit Counseling Inc.

The HEART program will model and promote practical financial skills, positive behaviors, and best practices through this framework. Within many of ACCC’s partnerships and finan cial literacy programs, the ACCC has discovered that there are systemic in frastructure deficiencies among these populations. The HEART program will help participants discover how to take measures from simply observing a bud get to preparing a budget, discerning credit scores to increasing scores, and fearing debt to eliminating debt. The ex pectations of ACCC’s HEART program mirror the best practices advocated by the CFPB (Consumer Financial Protec tion Bureau). This model meets ACCC’s mission and many of the community partners they work with, like Rockland Trust, by empowering consumers to de velop financial independence, financial stability, and self-sufficiency.

“ACCC is thankful for the support from the Rockland Trust Foundation so that we can expand within Massachusetts communities that have experienced fi nancial challenges and insecurities. This award will allow us to provide impact ful hands on coaching and money man agement skills that aim to improve the financial independence and stability of consumers,” said Katie Ross, Executive Vice President, of American Consumer Credit Counseling.

HFHGP is regularly engaged with evalu ating potential sites for building afford able homes in the area and these funds will assist with moving projects forward through the pipeline. “We are very grate ful to St. Anne’s Credit Union for their generous support,” said Jim Middleton, Executive Director of HFHGP. “With the real estate market as high as it’s been in recent years, the void of affordable hous ing in our area is stark. These funds will be put to use as we work toward building much-needed affordable homes in our “St.communities.”Anne’sisalways looking for ways to help our local communities prosper, and we are so proud to announce that our or ganization is granting $2,500 to the Hab itat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth to assist them in funding active affordable home projects for our new neighbors in Plymouth and its surrounding towns. With the significant lack of affordable housing available in this region, their efforts will provide low- to moderate-in come families with stable housing with out the burden of unaffordable costs, and we are honored to support their worth while cause,” said Eileen M. Danahey, St. Anne’s President and CEO. “Since our inception in 1936, we have prided ourselves on being a pillar of the areas we serve and in recognition of St. Anne’s newest location, The Lending Center opening in Plymouth, we thought it was a timely opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the HFHGP who is doing an admirable job of improving and sup porting our shared community.”

ACCC works with community part ners in Middlesex, Suffolk, and Bristol Counties who provide financial literacy, educational workshops, coaching, and counseling. The HEART program will include three eight-week sessions serv ing 60 consumers over a six-month time period which began in January 2022.

Humanity of Greater Plym outh (HFHGP) is pleased to announce that St. Anne’s Credit Union has award ed the organization with a $2,500 grant to support pre-development costs at multiple prospective sites in the organi zation’s service area. The funds will be allocated to early-stage costs including engineering, surveying and architectural needs in order to build affordable homes for low- to moderate-income families in need of adequate shelter in the towns of

Plymouth, Carver, Kingston, Middle boro, Lakeville and Plympton.

MBAE is pleased to announce that James Mikolowsky has joined us as our new Director of Policy. James comes to us with diverse experience in federal and state education policy and government. Most recently, James served as Director of Higher Education at The Hunt Insti tute in North Carolina where he part nered with a wide variety of stakeholders across the country to develop education policy strategies that are focused on eq uity and supported by evidence.

MBAE Welcomes New Policy Director

The Rockland Trust Charitable Founda tion awarded $25,000 to American Con sumer Credit Counseling Inc., (ACCC) for its Help, Education, Action, Remind ers and Target (HEART) program which provides weekly coaching and counsel ing to improve the financial well-being of community members. ACCC’s overall mission is to help clients regain control of their finances and plan for a debt-free “Thefuture.Rockland Trust Charitable Founda tion has been proud to provide continu ous support to ACCC for over a decade,” said Edward H. Seksay, President and Chair of the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation. “Our partnership with ACCC makes financial education ac cessible to vulnerable populations and strengthens the neighborhoods in which we work and live.” Since 2010, the Rockland Trust Chari table Foundation has provided nearly $160,000 in grants to ACCC, in its longstanding commitment to empower com munities through financial literacy.

St. Anne's Credit Union Awards $2,500 Grant to Habitat for Humanity of Greater HabitatPlymouthfor

HFHGP most recently completed two homes in Plymouth in early 2021, and the two Veteran families are now cel ebrating their first holiday season in their own homes. In the tradition of Habitat, construction labor is provided by volun teers and selected partner homeowners help to build their own homes as well. Habitat homeowners also pay an afford able mortgage; the homes are not gifted. “Through the Habitat model, we build strength, stability and self-reliance for those who face the burden of unafford able or unsafe housing. Our work chang es lives for generations, and we are so glad to have St. Anne’s Credit Union as a new partner in that effort,” said Middle ton.

More information on Habitat for Hu manity of Greater Plymouth’s applica tion process, volunteer programs, and ways to donate to the organization can be found at www.hfhplymouth.org.

Mass Cultural Council’s YouthReach initiative is the longest continually run ning support program for Creative Youth Development (CYD) work in the United States. With this latest round of funding, YouthReach has invested more than $15 million into more than 100 Massachu setts organizations in its 27-year history.

MassLOAN.Cultural

“The importance of Creative Youth De velopment programming at this time in history cannot be overstated,” said Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. “These programs not only foster creativity in young peo ple, but they also provide supports – for mental health, promoting racial justice, and food insecurity. As a child, I found solace and comfort in the arts when stress, struggle, and anger surfaced in my life. I am pleased Mass Cultural Council is able to continue to invest in these im portant programs at a time when young people need them the most.” Creative Youth Development programs foster creative expression while sup porting core social and emotional skills, engaging young people of all ages as empowered agents in their own lives. As a practice, Creative Youth Development draws from a belief that culture plays a major role in the growth of creative, pro ductive, and independent-minded citi zens and thriving communities.

Council Awards more than $1.5M to Programs Serving Mas sachusetts Youth Mass Cultural Council recently an nounces that grants totaling $1,584,000 have been awarded to 72 programs in communities across the Commonwealth that focus on infusing youth develop ment with creative experiences in the arts, humanities, and sciences.

For information on St. Anne’s newest location in Plymouth, including limitedtime specials, visit The Lending Center at 55 Long Pond Road in Plymouth, stannes.com/Plymouth or call 508.730.

Each of the 72 grantees will receive $22,000 in this round to support their work, including: • New Bedford Whaling Museum, New Bedford - to provide 18 lowincome, academically motivated high school students with resources and experiences to deepen commu nity engagement, promote personal and professional development, and cultivate college and career readi ness.

A complete funding list and project de scriptions for the FY22 YouthReach grantees is available online.

A key pillar of the Agency’s Strategic Plan is Empowering a Creative Gen eration. YouthReach accomplishes this goal by providing targeted resources and training to increase the depth and quality of creative learning for young people and advancing the Agency’s national leader ship role in Creative Youth Development through advocacy, field building, and

Prior to joining Bristol County Savings Bank, Le held several positions over more than 25 years at Citizens Bank in Providence, Rhode Island, most recently serving as Senior Vice President – Re lationship Manager, Business Banking. Previously a member of the Board of Directors for the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island. Le resides in Cumber land, Rhode Island. Before his promotion, Omer held the position of Portfolio Manager at Bristol County Savings Bank. Prior to his ten ure at the Bank, he served as Portfolio Manager and Credit Analyst at Freedom National Bank in Greenville, Rhode Is land. Omer earned his master’s in Fi nance with a concentration in Leadership from New England College of Business, Boston, Massachusetts and his bache lor’s degree in Finance from Bryant Uni versity, Smithfield, Rhode Island. He also has received several certifications from the Risk Management Association, Massachusetts Bankers Association and BancAlliance. Omer resides in West Warwick, Rhode Island. Do you have good news? Please email information info@onesouthcoast.comto:

Bristolpartnerships.County Savings Bank Appoints Le to VP/Commercial Loan Officer and Promotes Omer to Commercial Loan Of ficer Bristol County Savings Bank (BCSB), headquartered in Taunton, Massachu setts, announces the appointment of An Le to the position of Vice President/ Senior Commercial Loan Officer/Com mercial Lending and the promotion of Andrew J. Omer to the position of Com mercial Loan Officer. In this capacity, Le develops and manages client relation ships in the greater Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts areas by provid ing commercial loan and commercial real estate loan solutions along with a comprehensive range of other financial products. In Omer’s new position, he is responsible for the development and management of commercial lending and deposit relationships in the greater Rhode Island area. Both Le and Omer are based at the Bank’s Warwick office located at 300 Jefferson Boulevard.

Good News! NEW BEDFORD,508-993-1085MADAVIDLEBEAUPresident• Indoor/Outdoor • Weddings • Festivals • Corporate Events • Theatrewww.lightworksproductions.netdave@lightworksproductions.net 7

Jeremy has shared his insp rational story with over 1 mi lion students n and outside of the US He encourages students to ook in the mirror and find their passion and purpose in life His message resonates as he assures all in attendance that they are destined for greatness f they work to achieve it!

“The MassHire GNB Youth Team believes in the power of resilience and representation. It can simply take encountering someone on a similar path with a promising ending to shift the minds of our young people. Our Youth Team trusts that Jeremy Anderson will bring this vigor to the SouthCoast.” -Jamilyn Gordon, Youth Program Coinformation please visit: tional-speaker-jeremy-anderson/masshiregreaternewbedford.com/event/motivahttps:// information: Deven@mhgnb com / +505 979 1504 x115

SCAN FOR VIDEOS & TESTIMON ALS ON JEREMY ANDERSON COMING MARCH 30TH 2022 T O P M O T I V A T I O N A L S P E A K E R A V R T U A L D I S C U S S I O N & I N S G H T O N G E T T I N G T O T H E N E X T L E V E L O F L I V I N G A S S E E N O N

This is an opportunity you don't want to Formiss!more information or to register your school/classroom, please contact Deven Robataille @ deven@mhgnb. com or (508) 979-1504 x115

SouthCoast Human Resources Council Sponsored by:

8 Friday, February 18th Panel Discussion: 'LGBTQ Welcoming & Knowledgeable in the Workplace' Featuring Artie Pacheco, Dr. Tiffany Jadotte, & Barbara Schmidt Location: TBD The council is open to all Chamber members with an interest in human resources. For additional information please visit https://southcoasthrc.com

The Youth Team at MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board are excited to have you join us virtually on March 30th as we engage and empower the lives of our region's high school students with a powerful message from international top motivational speaker, Jeremy Anderson. During his inspiring presentation Jeremy shares what changed his world view, who embraced him on his journey and what altered his life choices. From failing classes and substance abuse to obtaining a Masters degree and owning several successful business, Jeremy's passion and life's work has contributed to helping hundreds of thousands of students and teachers around the world take their lives to the next level of liv ing.

ForDirectoradditional

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Youth Team Aims to Inspire Area Youth with Renowned Motivational Speaker

KEY NOTE SPEAKER Next Leve Liv ng JEREMY ANDERSON

153 9 Recent Events 1) Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting, Santiago Professional Services, New Bedford, 2)MAGrand Opening/Ribbon Cutting, Alma Del Mar Charter School, Frederick Douglass Campus, New Bedford, MA 3) #ThankYouThursday, New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, New Bedford, MA 4) #LeapOfKindnessDay, Soutcoast Health & Steward Health Care 5) #ThankYouThursday, Greenpoint Plumbing & Heating, Somerset, MA 6) #ThankYouThursday, Cafe Arpeggio New Bedford, New Bedford, MA 264

Encouraging Economic Growth and HouseDevelopment2continues the Baker-Polito Administration’s focus on promoting eco nomic growth, opportunity, and equity for communities across the Commonwealth.

House 2 proposes $7.5 million for the Community Empowerment and Reinvest ment Grant program.

The Baker-Polito Administration recently filed its Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget proposal, a $48.5 billion plan that contin ues to support economic growth across Massachusetts and sustains efforts to ad dress the COVID-19 pandemic, while fully funds the Student Opportunity Act, and making key investments in other critical areas, including housing and health care.

build on the Admin istration’s work through the COVID-19 pandemic to support more than 15,400 businesses across the Commonwealth with over $700 million in relief. This program – the largest per capita state-sponsored business relief program in the nation – pri oritized aid for specific economic sectors and demographics known to be the most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and worked with a wide range of partners to ensure businesses that needed it most ap plied to the program.

• Double the estate tax threshold and eliminate the current “cliff effect” that taxes the full amount below the threshold

The proposal includes $4 million for the Small Business Technical Assistance Grant Program to support an estimated 1,500-2,000 entrepreneurs and small busi nesses, especially those owned by women, immigrants, veterans, and people of color.

Baker-Polito Administration Files Fiscal Year 2023 Budget and Tax Relief Proposals

The plan proposes to:

“Our Fiscal Year 2023 budget will help position Massachusetts strongly for the future by making key investments to support economic growth, sustain our nation-leading educational system, and support the health and wellbeing of our residents,” said Governor Charlie Baker.

• Increase the Massachusetts adjusted gross income (AGI) thresholds for “no tax status” to $12,400 for single filers, $24,800 for joint filers, and $18,650 for head of households, which will provide direct relief to more than 234,000 low-income filers

In the House 2 budget, an increase of $591.4 million is recommended to fully fund the Student Opportunity Act, includ ing $485 million in Chapter 70 funding, with a focus on school districts serving low-income students, for a total of $5.989 billion. The FY23 proposal also includes a $41 million increase over FY22 for special education circuit breaker reimbursement for cities and towns, and a $64.8 million increase in charter school reimbursement Housefunding.2 recommends $31.1 million to scale up college and career pathway programs for high school students with a focus on equity and recruitment of highneed student populations. This funding will allow over 17,100 students, representing 6% of all Massachusetts high schoolers, to enroll in these programs.

• Change the short-term capital gains

tax rate to 5% to align the Common wealth with most other states House 2 Fiscal Overview

This budget maintains support for the Career Technical Initiative, providing $17.9 million in total funding across the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and DESE. The initiative is designed to address the worker shortage and skills gap in the trades and technical fields, including plumbing, HVAC, manufacturing, and robotics, and it offers industry-recognized credentialing and career pathways with training aligned to apprenticeships and post-secondary Thesedegrees.investments

Tax Relief Proposal

• Double the dependent care credit to $480 for one qualifying indi vidual and $960 for two or more, and double the household dependent care credit rate to $360 for one qualifying individual and $720 for two or more to benefit more than 700,000 families

• Increase the rental deduction cap from $3,000 to $5,000, allowing ap proximately 881,000 Massachusetts renters to keep approximately $77 million more annually

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The proposed changes would allow nearly $700 million to remain in the hands of taxpayers on an annual basis starting im mediately in tax year 2022.

Record Investments in Mas sachusetts Students

The proposed FY23 budget is based on the $36.915 billion consensus tax revenue estimate, which anticipates a 2.7% growth in total collections over revised FY22 tax estimates. House 2 recommends a total of $48.5 billion in authorized spending and transfers, excluding the Medical Assistance Trust Fund transfer, which is approximate ly 0.5% above Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22). Through fiscally responsible policies and in close collaboration with the Legisla ture, the Baker-Polito Administration has brought the budget into structural balance and built up financial reserves to historic high levels. With a current balance of $4.64 billion, the Stabilization Fund is al ready more than four times greater than its balance at the start of the Administration.

The comprehensive tax relief plan filed today alongside the FY23 budget includes proposals that will provide $700 million in tax relief to low-income families and residents and maintain Massachusetts’ competitiveness. With a strong revenue picture and the budget projecting a signifi cant deposit in to the Stabilization Fund, the Commonwealth can afford to provide this relief for working families and seniors.

“At the same time, we are able to grow our reserves to historic levels and offer a tax relief proposal that will provide substantial relief for low-income seniors and working families. We look forward to working with our legislative colleagues to adopt a spend ing plan for FY23 that supports a strong and equitable economic recovery across the skillsandviolence,addiction,treatmenttinuesnitystrongPolito.munities,”andinvestmentsrevenueincreasesupportmaintains“TheCommonwealth.”FY23budgetrecommendationourAdministration’sstrongforcitiesandtownswithanotherinlocalaidconsistentwithtaxgrowthalongsideothersubstantialtohelptheeconomicgrowthdevelopmentofMassachusettscomsaidLieutenantGovernorKaryn“Thisplantakesadvantageofourfiscalpositiontoincreaseopportuforindividualsandfamiliesandconourworkinpriorityareasincludingandpreventionofsubstancesexualassaultanddomesticpromotingequalityanddiversity,increasingaccesstoeducation,jobtraining,andhigh-valuecareers.”

• Double the maximum Senior Circuit Breaker Credit to lower the overall tax burden for more than 100,000 lower-income homeowners aged 65+

“The Baker-Polito Administration is proud to submit an FY23 budget that is fiscally responsible, brings the Rainy Day Fund to record levels, and makes significant invest ments to support those who need it most, all while affording tax cuts that will help hundreds of thousands of taxpayers across the Commonwealth,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Hef fernan. “We look forward to collaborating with the Legislature in the coming months to finalize a spending plan that continues to support growth, opportunity, and recov ery across the state while limiting future budgetary risk.”

The House 2 budget includes a $749 million increase to the Stabilization Fund, which, in combination with projected FY22 transfers, will grow the fund to an all-time high of $6.64 billion by the end of ProvidingFY23.

Alongside this fiscally responsible and bal anced budget proposal, submitted as House 2, the Baker-Polito Administration is filing a comprehensive tax proposal to provide relief for housing and childcare costs, eliminate the income tax for hundreds of thousands of low-income taxpayers, and maintain Massachusetts’ competitiveness.

The FY23 budget proposal also includes a $1.45 billion investment for college readi ness, affordability, and degree completion. This funding includes more than $155 million in financial aid grants, including $18 million to support an expansion of the MASSGrant Plus program that will enable all low-income, in-state undergraduate students to attend public higher educa tion without incurring debt for mandatory tuition and mandatory fees – the largest in crease in financial aid in over two decades.

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Never has a Human Resource Manager’s hiring challenges been more difficult in these unusual employment conditions where a growing economy encounters a labor shortage.

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Gone are the days when companies could simply post jobs to meet hiring needs.

Growing Your Workforce with Apprentice

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GNB Workforce Board Sponsors Appren ticeships Regionally To accommodate a growing interest across the Southeast MA Region, MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board recently expanded its Apprenticeship Team which now includes Sponsorship services. Under this arrangement, companies receive all-inclusive assistance… from customized training plans to a hassle-free state applica tion processing and program monitoring which ensures skill attainment. Financial incentives may also be available for quali fying occupations and industry sectors. Apprenticeships… Employment Competi tive CompaniesAdvantageexperienced in apprenticeships have smartly come to know the employ ment advantage of using the program to at tract Career Seekers interested in long-term pathway opportunities-- not a job! Learning highly-skilled occupations that earn a nationally-recognized certification makes all the difference. If your firm is ready to workforce innovate and foster loyalty by offering a Registered Apprenticeship Program, contact Rick Marshall, Apprenticeship Integration Man ager at 774-425-4092 or by email: ApprenticeshipTheMassHireGreaterNewBedford.com.Rick@talentisoutthere…bringtheminwithTraining! 195 Broadway, Fall River, MA 508-675-7433

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Nowadays, employment opportunity signage is everywhere including “STILL HIRING” reminder updates while some desperate firms are turning to expensive television spots to attract candidates. Un fortunately, such tactics rarely work.

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Given current circumstances, investments in apprenticeship training are now being adopted by companies of every kind as they seek alternate solutions to cultivate their Theworkforce.Department of Labor lists over 1,200 established occupations within their Regis tered Apprenticeship Program so the possi bilities are extensive whatever the industry sector. Most important to companies, the program also boasts an employee retention rate of 94% following completion. That’s why over 11,400 apprentices were regis tered in Massachusetts alone during 2020 and the number is growing exponentially!

ship DevelopingTraininghighly-skilled workers through apprenticeships has been a proven, main stay strategy in the trades for generations.

Apprenticeship Program Expands to Meet Employer Needs

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Ronald Gagnon Property Management

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New Members

47 Maryland Street

New Bedford, MA 02745 (617)

BusinessOnehttps://just-peachy-wax-center.NewJustwww.rocksanddots.com640-7453PeachyWaxCenter/NotoriousLash651OrchardSt.Suite202AUnit3Bedford,MA02744(508)971-7645square.site/LawOfficesofMichaelJ.Harrington190WilliamSt.NewBedford,MA02740(508)994-5900ForadditionalinformationaboutbecomingamemberofSouthCoast,pleasecontactIanAbreu,DirectorofDevelopment&SmallBusinessEngagementat(508)999.5231orviaemailatiabreu@onesouthcoast.com

139 Armsby St.

New Bedford, MA 02745

(774)

Rocks & Dots - Hand Painted

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UrgentCare EmergencyRoom

When you’re injured or in pain, it can sometimes be hard to know if your medical needs can be met at an urgent care center or they necessitate a trip to the ER. Choosing the right medical setting can leave you with lower costs and decreased wait times. COLD & FLU CONDITIONSSKIN BURNS ANIMALBITES CUTS CONTUSIONS BROKENBONES ALLERGIES CHEST PAIN DIFFICULTYBREATHING HEART ATTACK HEAD TRAUMA LOSS CONSCIOUSNESSOF BLEEDINGSEVERE STROKE LOSS OF VISION OR BLURRED VISION Southcoast Health Urgent Care is open to the public, and you do not need to have a Southcoast Physicians Group doctor to visit our urgent care clinics. Visit southcoast.org/urgentcare to check wait times at each of our 7 convenient locations and reserve your spot online!

The RJD is located at 396 County Street, New Bedford. It is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from Memorial Day through Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Advance booking is encouraged, and masks are required inside the House. Admission is $8 for adults; $6 for AAA members, seniors and students; and $3 for children (age 7–17). The Museum is free for RJD members and EBT card-holders. The RJD gardens are free and avail able to visit from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. Visitors are urged to visit www.rjdmuseum.org to book their Museum visit and to review the most current information on Museum hours and COVID-related policies.

The historic house, now the site of The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum, was built in 1834 for whaling merchant William Rotch Jr. The Greek Revival mansion, located on a full city block of formal gardens, is a National Historic Landmark, one of only 2,500 in the nation. The period rooms of the house chronicle 150 years of the economic and social evolution of the City of New Bed ford, as reflected in the residencies of the Rotch, Jones, and Duff families and their domestic staff.

Residents may sign up as an “Individual,” as a two-person household (“Dual”), or as a “Family.” Family memberships are designed to be flexible so that two adults may come with children under 18 throughout the year.

Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum Introduces New Bedford Resident Memberships

New Bedford, MA – The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum (RJD) has always welcomed local residents to the historic gardens and mansion at 396 County Street. Beginning March 1, 2022, the Museum hopes to entice more New Bedford residents to visit with the introduction of new discounted rates of member ship for City residents. The Museum is offering the special rate as a way of giving back to the local community and reinforcing its long-standing ties to the City. New Bedford residents who join the RJD will enjoy free admission to the House and grounds, store discounts, invitations to semi-annual membership receptions, reduced admission for educational programs, and the Museum’s newsletter. Mu seum memberships also help to support the preservation of the mansion and gar dens as well as educational programming for area students and the general public.

New Bedford residents interested in a Museum membership may sign up on the Museum’s website: https://rjdmuseum.org/membership/ or call Hillary Fortin in the Membership Office at (508) 997-1401.

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• Elevate LGBTQ+ Youth • United$5,000Way of Greater New Bedford

The Jake Fabian Memorial Fund was established by Jake’s parents Jeanne and John Fabian to honor their son whose life ended too soon. In memory of a life well-lived, funds are awarded to programs that offer physical and emotional wellness to young people who may not have access to these services due to circumstances beyond their control, including safety and security, food, shelter, and tools that build Jakeself-esteem.Fabian Memorial Grant Recipients Recipient,Included: Program, Grant ConfiKids, Inc. • Program Support – Building Confi dence • $5,000 Fall River Deaconess Home • Broadening Horizons at Fall River Deaconess Home • “TheTOTAL$5,000$10,000FallRiverDeaconess

Enhancing the Quality of Life for Southeastern Massachusetts Residents is Focus of Year-End Grantmaking from the SouthCoast Community Foundation.

Food Access Expansion Project • $10,000 New Bedford Historical Society • Abolition Row Park • $40,000 Old Bedford Village Development, Inc • The Russell Street Peace Gar den • •Serve$10,000HomeInc.NeglectedParcels Initiative • •Trustees$10,000ofReservationsAllenC.HaskellPublic Gar dens • “WeTOTAL$40,000$150,000aredeeplyappreciative of this grant,” commented Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens Horticulturalist, Kristin McCullin.

Home is be yond grateful to have been selected for the Jake Fabian Memorial Fund grant award,” stated Executive Director Maureen K. Philbin. “These funds will provide scholar ships to youth in the Deaconess Home’s Community-Based Support & Stabiliza tion program, enabling participation in activities in which they otherwise would not have the means to do. These ac tivities include driver’s education classes, vocational coursework-related needs, and sporting/recreational equipment needed for safety and participation on a team. With the help of the Jake Fabian Memorial Fund, together we can provide opportuni ties and support our youth in their efforts to achieve success.”

“The Arboretum Grove will allow us to feature unique specimen shade trees under which our visitors can enjoy a respite in the summer, which is a wonderful way to continue honoring the legacy of Allen TheHaskell.”Hawthorn Medical Associates Chari table Fund supports organizations with programs that directly serve women and children and address child abuse preven tion and treatment; economic self-suffi ciency; and victims of domestic violence.

Brockton, Fall River, and New Bed ford based nonprofits receive a total of NEW$180,000BEDFORD, MA – There will be more opportunities to connect with nature in the heart of urban centers and neighbor hoods with support from an Open Spaces for People grant. Southeastern Massa chusetts families and youth can continue to receive much-needed resources and support from child abuse and domestic violence thanks to the Hawthorn Medical Associates Charitable Fund. And the gen erosity in spirit of the late Jake Fabian will ensure that underserved youth gain access to educational and recreational activities due to the generosity of his family and friends. The SouthCoast Community Foun dation finished up 2021 awarding a total of $180,000 to support these areas of focus. Grants were awarded to Brockton, Fall River, and New Bedford-based nonprofits that specialize in a breadth of services and programs that improve the lives of families and residents of Southeastern Massachu “Thesetts.

impetus behind the Open Spaces for People grant was to spark new relation ships or deepen existing connections that help communities grow to be sustain able and prosperous,” stated Community Foundation Director of Engagement, Sarah Rose. “What better way to finish up our year than to see this new grant open, join ing two other critical funds, although dif ferent, all focused on enhancing the quality of life for South Coast residents.” The newly offered Open Spaces for People grant focuses on improving the quality of open and green spaces and the lives of people in highly populated areas who live near them; to facilitate social interaction, spark public discourse, and create healthier and more vibrant communities.

• SouthCoast$5,000LGBTQ Network, Inc.

• Caring Network Program

• “WeTOTAL$5,000$20,000aregratefulto the Hawthorn Medical Associates Charitable Fund of the South Coast Community Foundation and its belief in supporting organizations that help children in the Greater New Bedford area,” stated Anne Sampaio, CEO. “Child & Family Services exists to serve our community and build a better tomorrow for those with mental health illnesses, the abused and neglected, and those living in poverty, and we cannot do these things without the support of local funders.”

• New Bedford Community Connec tions Coalition (NBCCC) Child Abuse Prevention Programming • YWCA$5,000ofSoutheastern MA

• •Groundwork$25,000SouthcoastResilienceDistrict

Open Spaces for People Recipients Recipient,Included: Program, Grant CEDC- Community Economic Develop ment Center of SE MA • Phillips Ave. Pocket Park Shade and Play Space • $15,000 Fall River Fabric Festival • Common Spaces for Fall River

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Hawthorn Medical Associates Charitable Grant Recipients Included: Recipient, Program, Grant Child & Family Services, Inc.

The SouthCoast Community Foundation is a nonprofit serving the communities of Southeastern Massachusetts through philanthropy. The Community Founda tion mission is to mobilize philanthropy by matching donors and resources with community needs for the benefit of our region. Since 1995, the organization has distributed over $50 million from more than 200 funds to humanitarian, educa tional, and cultural organizations in the region. For more information, visit www. southcoastcf.org.

We are more than just a lender, MORTGAGE COMPANYLLC ® BayCoast Mortgage Company is a full service lender providing industry best solutions in residential purchase, refinance, renovation, and construction loans. Member FDIC Member DIF BayCoastMortgage.com 877-466-2678 All loans subject to credit approval. NMLS # 1082048. Massachuse�s and Rhode Island licensed lender. Investment and Insurance Products: Not FDIC or DIF Insured, No Bank Guarantee, May Lose Value life

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Simply J Bookkeeping & Consulting Jillian Johnson, CPA & Owner One Hour Free Discovery Meeting (508) 245.6019

Ted MelhadoLPL Financial Advisor Complimentary financial advice and review of IRA, 401k and investment SPORTS10%15%BlountApplebee'sRESTAURANTS(303)accounts589.0523FallRiver10%Off,FoodOnly(508)675.1110ClamShack&CompanyStore10%Off(774)888.0050ChocoLatteCafeOffAnyPurchase(774)365.4920CoveSurf&Turf10%OffFoodOnly(774)202.2819Harry’sRestaurantOffEntirePurchase(508)672.9405&RECREATIONBattleshipCove20%Off(508)678.1100Boys&GirlsClub15%OffSeniorMembership(508)672.6340Children’sMuseumofGreaterFallRiver10%OffAdmission(508)672.0033 Rotch-Jones-Duff House $5 Off Individual/ $10 Off Family Membership (508) 997.1401 Solshine Yoga Studio Free 1 Week Unlimited Class Pass for members only. (508) 287.1056 19

The Member 2 Member Discount program will help you build business-to-business relationships with other companies and organizations by offering products and services at a discount to other One SouthCoast Chamber members and their employees. This program encourages members to buy from other members to save money, increase visibility and promote new business for their companies. This great marketing opportunity is free to you as a member of One SouthCoast Chamber. Email Jennifer Lourenco at jlourenco@onesouthcoast.com for additional information and/or to post your special offer!

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New Bedford Office: 227 Union Street, Mezzanine 2 New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 999.5231 • fax (508) 999.5237 Fall River Office: 200 Pocasset Street Fall River, MA 02721 (508) 676.8226 • fax (508) 675.5932 2022 Media Partners 2022 Co-Title Sponsors 2022 Gold Sponsors 2022 Silver Sponsors IN C