May 2026 Navigator

NAVIGATOR MAY 2026

SPARK: WOMEN’S FORUM

IGNITING WOMEN IN BUSINESS

LEGISLATIVE LUNCHEON MEET YOUR LEGISLATORS

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

SPARK: A Framework for Women’s Leadership and Growth SPARK is more than a theme— it is a call to action. Representing Strength, Purpose, Ambition, Resilience, and Knowledge, SPARK captures the qualities that continue to define and elevate women in business, leadership, and community life. At the One SouthCoast Chamber Women’s Forum on June 18, 2026, SPARK serves as a reminder that meaningful progress begins when women recognize their own power and use it to inspire purpose help shape stronger others. workplaces and stronger communities.

Strength is often viewed as perseverance during difficult times, Ambition is the spark that but true strength also includes transforms ideas into action. confidence, compassion, and For generations, women have the courage to lead authentically. challenged expectations and reWomen today balance careers, defined leadership through amfamilies, businesses, and com- bition and determination. Ammunity responsibilities while bition should never be viewed continuing to break barriers in as something to limit or requires industries once closed to them. apology, instead, it should be Strength is found not only in celebrated as the motivation to major achievements, but also in grow, achieve, and lead boldly. everyday determination—the Women’s ambition creates ecoability to keep moving forward, nomic growth, inspires innovasupport others, and stand firm tion, and opens doors for future in values and vision. leaders. When women support one another’s ambitions, entire Purpose gives direction to that communities benefit from greastrength. When women lead ter collaboration, creativity, and with purpose, they create im- opportunity. pact that extends far beyond individual success. Purpose Resilience is often developed fuels innovation, community through challenge. Every woengagement, and mentorship. man has faced moments of It encourages women to pursue uncertainty, setbacks, or obscareers and opportunities that tacles that tested her confidence align with their passions whi- and resolve. Yet resilience is le contributing to something what allows growth through greater than they do. Whether adversity. It is the ability to adalaunching a business, leading pt, learn, and continue forward an organization, mentoring the with determination. Resilient next generation, or advocating women not only overcome diffor change, women driven by ficulties—they use those expe4

riences to become stronger leaders, mentors, and advocates for others facing similar struggles. Resilience teaches that setbacks do not define success; persistence does.

Knowledge is the foundation that empowers every other part of SPARK. Learning, professional development, mentorship, and shared experiences equip women with the tools to lead effectively and confidently.

Knowledge creates opportunity and fosters innovation. It also reminds us that leadership is never static; growth comes from remaining curious, open-minded, and willing to learn from others. Forums like this one are important because they create spaces where women can exchange ideas, build connections, and inspire one another through shared wisdom.

Together, Strength, Purpose, Ambition, Resilience, and Knowledge create SPARK—a powerful reflection of women’s leadership and influence. As we gather at the One SouthCoast Chamber Women’s Forum, may this SPARK continue to ignite confidence, connection, and opportunity for every woman in attendance and for the communities served.

Sincerely,

Mike O'Sullivan

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

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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

2026 Co-Title Sponsors

2026 Gold Sponsors

2026 Silver Sponsors

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2026 Platinum Sponsors

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