June 2026 Navigator

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

Terms to Expire in December 2027:

Fall River Office: 200 Pocasset Street Fall River, MA 02721 (508) 676.8226 • fax (508) 675.5932

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General inquiries: info@onesouthcoast.com

Terms to Expire in December 2028:

Chamber Staff:

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New Bedford Office: 25 Elm Street, Suite 101 New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 999.5231 • fax (508) 999.5237

CEO, Michael O’Sullivan 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 Business Office Manager, Nicole Morris Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Hunter Tackett Executive Director, Southeastern Massachusetts Visitors Bureau, Chrisanne Tyrrell Executive Director, Fall River Arts and Culture Coalition (FRACC), Tracy Silva Barbosa

2026 OFFICERS & EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Nathan Araujo, Advance Career Services Kevin Carando, Acushnet Company Barbara Casagrande, AHEAD 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 Dr. Mark Fuller, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Cindy Ko, Cindy Ko Photography

Peter Daley, People Incorporated Eileen Migliozzi, St. Anne’s Credit Union Dr. Sedgwick Harris, Bristol Community College Lucria Ortiz, YMCA Southcoast Chris Johnson, Isaksen Solar Jeff Davis, Waring-Sullivan Funeral Home Carole Billington, Saint Anne’s Hospital/Brown University Health

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.

Executive Committee: • • • • • • •

Chair: Catherine Dillon, BankFive Immediate Past Chair: Rose Lopes, Sylvia Group Treasurer: Matthew Schondek, Fall River Municipal Credit Union Vice Chair-Government Affairs: William Burns, Southcoast Health Vice Chair-Governance Committee: Eileen Migliozzi, St. Anne's Credit Union Vice Chair-One SouthCoast Chamber Foundation: Carl Sawejko, Sawejko Communications Vice Chair-Membership Committee: Nathan Araujo, Advance Career Services

Members of the Board of Directors: Terms to Expire in December 2026: • • • • • • • • •

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William Burns, Southcoast Health System Marie Pellegrino, BayCoast Bank Stephen W. Connulty, Paul & Dixon Insurance Catherine Dillon, BankFive Charlie Fellows, Lafrance Hospitality Jeffrey Glassman, Darn It, Inc. Jeff Pagliuca, Bristol County Savings Bank Derek Santos, New Bedford Economic Development Council Matt Zenni, Liberty Utilities

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

Rent Control Won’t Solve Massachusetts’ Housing Crisis As Massachusetts voters look ahead to the November 2026 ballot, we may be asked to weigh in on up to 11 statewide ballot questions.

Among the most consequential is a proposed rent control initiative that would fundamentally reshape housing policy across the Commonwealth.

Massachusetts has been here before. Prior to 1994, rent control existed in a few cities in and around Boston. In 1994, voters approved a statewide ballot question banning rent control across the Commonwealth. The measure reflected a recognition that while rent control may sound appealing, it ultimately failed to address the root causes of housing affordability and created unintended consequences for renters, property owners, and communities.

Today, there is no question that Massachusetts faces a housing affordability crisis. Housing costs have risen dramatically over the past two decades, placing enormous pressure on families, workers, employers, and entire communities. The challenge is especially acute on the South Coast, where businesses increasingly struggle to attract and retain workers because housing options are limited and costs continue to rise.

At One SouthCoast Chamber, we have consistently advocated for policies that increase housing production and expand housing opportunities. Last year, we partnered with the REALTOR® Association of Southeastern Massachusetts to establish the SouthCoast Workforce Housing Coalition. Together, we have worked with local and state leaders to identify barriers to housing development, support smart zoning reforms, and advance policies that 4

costs. Limiting their ability to respond to rising expenses could discourage investment and reduce the quality and availability of housing.

The economic consequences extend beyond the housing market.

Employers already face workforce shortages across many industries.

Policies that discourage housing investment make it harder to attract workers, grow businesses, and strengthen local economies. encourage housing construction Most importantly, rent control across a range of price points. does nothing to address the funThe simple reality is that Mas- damental issue: a shortage of housachusetts is not building enough sing supply. If Massachusetts is serious about affordability, we must housing to meet demand. focus on building more housing, If approved, this ballot initiati- not creating policies that discourave would establish statewide rent ge its development. control across the entire state of Massachusetts. There would be no Education will be critical over the local option to opt out, it would coming months. Every resident, cap the annual rent increases to business owner, landlord, renter, 5% or the Consumer Price In- and community leader has a role dex, whichever is lower, limit rent to play. Talk with your neighbors. increases even during tenant tur- Share accurate information. Ennover, and use January 31st, 2026, gage in the conversation. Housing affordability is one of the defining as the base rent. challenges of our time, but rent Supporters argue it will provide control is not the solution. relief to renters. However, evidence from both Massachusetts Together, we can advance policies and other states suggests it would that expand housing opportuniworsen our housing challenges ties, strengthen our communities, and ensure the South Coast remaiover time. ns a place where people can afford For renters, rent control can re- to live, work, and build their futuduce housing mobility, discou- re. rage property maintenance, and decrease investment in new units, We can defeat this proposal—but ultimately reducing the number only if we all do our part. of available rental units. For small landlords (65% of all landlords in Sincerely, MA), it would create additional financial and regulatory burdens.

Many landlords own only one or two rental properties and rely on rental income to cover mortgages, Mike O'Sullivan taxes, insurance, and maintenance

Here when you need us Urgent Care Locations: Our team of experienced clinicians provide a wide range of services including:

Dartmouth, MA

+ Camp and sports physicals

Fairhaven, MA

+ Laboratory services* + Imaging

+ Treatments for a range of everyday conditions + Urgent care laboratory services

*Lab-draw stations are available at our Lakeville and Taunton locations.

Compassionate care when you need it: + 7 convenient locations open 7 days a week + 8am-8pm Monday-Friday + 9am-5pm Weekends

+ Walk-ins are welcome (Having a Southcoast Health physician is not required.)

Visit southcoast.org/urgentcare to check wait times and save your spot online.

435 State Road

208 Mill Road Fall River, MA 450 William S Canning Blvd Lakeville, MA * 12 Main Street Seekonk, MA 39 Commerce Way Taunton, MA * 772 County Street Wareham, MA Wareham Crossing 2421 Cranberry Highway

Scan to check wait times and save your spot online.

GREATER NEW BEDFORD WORKFORCE BOARD & CAREER CENTER

Job Seeker Services Our team of experienced staff can assist you in all aspects of finding a job, getting the training you need, and pursuing your passions.

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Adults & Youths Career Counseling & Planning Job Search Guidance & Assistance Professional Development Workshops & Resume Writing X Resource Room, Internet & Office Equipment

Business Services

®

Kids get a debit card and mobile banking access.

Parents get complete control.

Designed for kids ages 6-17! baycoast.bank/rightstart

MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center provides local businesses the essential services to support their workforce needs, as well as a variety of related resources at no cost.

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State Website Job Postings Qualified Candidates Recruitment Activities Screenings & Assessments Job Fairs & Recruitments Labor Market Data Training Grant Info

A proud partner of

network

Services are provided at no-cost.

Call our Career Center at (774) 762-5081

www.masshiregreaternewbedford.com 508.678.7641 | baycoast.bank Member FDIC / Member DIF

MassHire Programs & Services are funded in part by US Department of Labor (USDOL) Employment and Training Administration grants as well as non-federal funded grants. (Additional details furnished upon request.)

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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 Katie Greene at kgreene@onesouthcoast.com for additional information and/or to post your special offer!

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

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