(continued from cover) 2017, the Baker Administration rewarded these efforts by filing a Notice of Project Change (NPC) with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). The NPC restructured the project into phases that will leverage the existing Middleboro/Lakeville rail line to provide early action service (Phase 1) by 2022. Phase 1 of the project was funded in 2017 with $1.1 Billion within the MassDOT Capital Improvement Plan. Work to secure the Wetlands Permits also began in 2017. The construction of Phase 1 is set to begin in 2019, with a start of service date scheduled in 2022. This achievement cannot be overstated. Needless to say, 2017 was a very busy year for the Chamber. Participation in government and economic development by the private sector through its Chamber helps government officials understand and appreciate how legislation, ordinances and decisions impact local commerce and industry. Therefore, it should be no surprise that the Bristol County Chamber of Commerce will be hard at work in 2018. In the meantime, the Board of Directors and staff of the Bristol County Chamber of Commerce extends to the chamber membership, stakeholders, and partners, our very sincere wishes for great success, health and happiness in the year ahead. Please make shopping locally one of your New Year’s resolutions, and thank you for helping to make our region outstanding.
JANUARY 2018 CALENDAR All meetings are held at the Chamber unless otherwise noted
1/12 FRI..................................................................Education Committee Meeting 11:30 a.m.
1/19 FRI......................................................................Government Affairs Meeting 8:00 a.m.
1/29 MON..................................................................Finance Committee Meeting 11:30 a.m.
1/29 MON...............................................................Executive Committee Meeting 12 p.m.
1/24 WED...............................................................................Business After Hours Bristol County Chamber of Commerce 200 Pocasset Street Fall River, MA 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 1/31 WED.........................................................................................Board Meeting 11:45 a.m.
Respectfully,
Robert A. Mellion, Esq. Chief Executive Officer/ President
IN THIS EDITION Corner Office............................................
Page(s) Cover & 3
Business News..........................................
Page(s) 4, 6, 7, 12, 13, 15 & 17
Education News........................................
Page(s) 8
Chamber in the Community...................
Page(s) 10 & 11
Member Discounts...................................
Page(s) 18 & 19
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