One SouthCoast Navigator is the official news publication of One SouthCoast Chamber
New Bedford Office:
25 Elm Street, Suite 101
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
Chamber Staff:
CEO, Michael O’Sullivan
Vice President of Finance & Operations, Dorothy Botelho, IOM
Vice President of Corporate Member Engagement & Sponsorships, Kimberly Coroa Moniz
Vice President of Marketing & Events, Katie Greene
Vice President of Public Policy, Ian Trombly
Director of Membership & Retention, Clifford Athouriste
Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Hunter Tackett
Executive Director, Southeastern Massachusetts Visitors Bureau, Chrisane Tyrell
Executive Director, Viva Fall River, Patti Rego
Executive Director, Fall River Arts and Culture Coalition (FRACC), Tracy Silva Barbosa
2025 OFFICERS & EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Executive Committee:
• Chair: Rose Lopes, Sylvia Group
• Immediate Past Chair: Eileen Migliozzi, St. Anne's Credit Union
• Treasurer: Matthew Schondek, Fall River Municipal Credit Union
• Vice Chair-Government Affairs: Paul Chasse, REALTOR® Association of Southeastern Massachusetts
• Vice Chair-Small Business: Curtis Nelson, Nelson Insurance & Financial Services
• Vice Chair-Governance Committee: Doug Glassman, SERVPRO
• Vice Chair-One SouthCoast Chamber Foundation: Carl Sawejko, Sawejko Communications
• Vice Chair-Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Gail Fortes
• At Large: William Burns, Southcoast Health System
• At Large: Kim Perry, Waring-Sullivan Funeral Home Members of the Board of Directors:
• Eileen Migliozzi, St. Anne’s Credit Union
• Monte Ferris, Venus de Milo
• Gail Fortes, YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts
• Doug Glassman, SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford & Marion / Middleboro
• Gary P. Howayeck, Law Office of Gary Howayeck, PC
• Anthony Medeiros, Mechanics Cooperative Bank
• Curtis Nelson, Nelson Insurance & Financial Services
• Arti Pacheco, New York Life
• Kim Perry, Waring-Sullivan Funeral Home
Terms to Expire in December 2026:
• William Burns, Southcoast Health System
• Mike Bushell, St. Anne’s Hospital
• Stephen W. Connulty, Paul & Dixon Insurance
• Catherine Dillon, BankFive
• Charlie Fellows, Lafrance Hospitality
• Jeffrey Glassman, Darn It, Inc.
• Jeff Pagliuca, Bristol County Savings Bank
• Marie Pellegrino, BayCoast Bank
• Derek Santos, New Bedford Economic Development Council
• Matt Zenni, Liberty Utilities
Terms to Expire in December 2028:
• Nathan Araujo, Advance Career Services
• Kevin Carando, Acushnet Company
• Barbara Casagrande, AHEAD
• Dr. Mark Fuller, UMass Dartmouth
• Cindy Ko, Cindy Ko Photography
• Rose Lopes, Sylvia Group
• Lynne Mastera, Precix
• Douglas Rodrigues, D. E. Rodrigues & Company, Inc.
• Carl Sawejko, Sawejko Communications
• Matthew Schondek, Fall River Municipal Credit Union
• Bernadette Souza, Youth Opportunites Unlimited
Terms to Expire in December 2025:
• Dugan Becker, SouthCoast Wind
• Paul Chasse, REALTOR® Association of Southeastern Massachusetts
• Peter Daley, People Incorporated
The Massachusetts Small Business Center (MSBDC) Network provides one-toone 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
July remains one of our quieter months as people across the South Coast take well-deserved breaks, enjoy time with family, and head to our beautiful beaches and vacation spots. For the Chamber team July is prime planning season for what’s shaping up to be an incredibly active late summer and fall.
On the policy front, navigating the political landscape in Washington has only grown more complicated in recent months, with divided government and intense debates over federal budgets, policy, and economic strategy. We have invitations out to both of our U.S. Congressmen Jake Auchincloss and Bill Keating — to address the Chamber. They will share insights into how they are advocating for our region’s interests and working to secure resources and opportunities in a turbulent environment.
The labor market continues to be one of the biggest hurdles for local employers. While unemployment has remained low, businesses of all sizes are still competing to attract and retain qualified workers in a landscape reshaped by remote work preferences, rising wage pressures, and skills gaps. Our Fall Job Fair, happening September 18 at Venus de Milo, will once again connect
employers with job seekers, with support from our local workforce boards to help steer new talent into South Coast companies.
In addition, while serious work is always part of our mission, we believe in the importance of taking time to relax and connect socially. You are invited our Business After Hours at the New Bedford Whaling Museum which is August 7. The ever-popular Servpro End of Summer Bash is set for August 28, offering a great opportunity for casual networking and summer celebration. Then on September 25, the annual Hatch Street Studios Business After Hours invites Chamber members to meet and mingle with the region’s talented artists, makers, and entrepreneurs in one of New Bedford’s most creative and inspiring spaces.
And of course — the crown jewel of our fall social calendar
— Blount Fine Foods New Bedford ChowderFest returns to City Pier 3 on Saturday, October 11! Expect live music, more than 20 restaurants serving up chowders, soups, and stuffed quahogs, along with craft beer, cocktails, and a VIP experience presented in partnership with The Black Whale. ChowderFest is an unbeatable family-friendly event — a perfect outing for your team or clients. Mark your calendars now, come hungry, and dress for casual fun by the water!
For details and ticket information on all of our upcoming programs and events, visit onesouthcoast. com. While no one loves saying goodbye to summer, the Chamber makes the transition a little easier with events that help you grow your business, expand your network, and enjoy some well-earned downtime.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
Mike O'Sullivan CEO
