Proudly serving New Bedford and the towns of the South Coast
The SouthCoast Chamber is dedicated to serving, promoting and advocating for businesses to improve quality of life and prosperity in the South Coast. The SouthCoast Chamber is here to help your business – with trusted resources, a strong business network and a support system to keep your business moving forward. The Chamber helps members advance their company and promotes a healthier business and economic climate for all of us in the region. Membership in the Chamber is a great way to become involved with the business community, support the South Coast region and help your organization grow and save money. The Chamber proudly supports and promotes nearly 1,000 member businesses of all sizes and industries through leadership in public advocacy, education, community development, information, discount programs and networking opportunities.
BENEFITS COMMUNITY The SouthCoast Chamber proudly serves ten communities in the South Coast of Massachusetts, and is dedicated to serving, promoting and advocating for businesses to improve quality of life and prosperity in the South Coast. The SouthCoast Chamber is proud to support the community in a number of ways.
NETWORKING & EVENTS SouthCoast Chamber events are designed to meet the needs of all our members. Throughout the year, SouthCoast Chamber events will attract nearly 10,000 attendees. • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Annual Meeting APEX Awards Business After Hours Business Builder Breakfast Chamber Invitational Golf Tournament Connecting Activities Partnership Good Morning SouthCoast! Legislative Luncheon New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival SouthCoast Education & Workforce Summit SouthCoast Job Fair SouthCoast Women’s Forum State of the City Luncheon Workshops and Seminars
ADVOCACY The Chamber will advocate for and support issues that improve the business climate and overall quality of life for the South Coast region, all while opposing legislation that will have an adverse effect on business and industry. • • • •
The Business Voice Government Affairs Committee Public Policy Agenda Southeastern Massachusetts Legislative Alliance
“Joining the Chamber has provided many
benefits to Tia’s.The organization has promoted our business locally and is always readily available to assist us anytime needed.”
-Jessica Coelho, Owner, Tia Maria’s European Cafe
BUSINESS GROWTH The Chamber aims to strengthen the business community in the South Coast and wants to help you grow your business through the following resources: • • • • • • • •
Access to Interns Education and Workforce Development Initiatives Export Services and Assistance Health Insurance and Dental Plans are available for members with under 50 employees. Human Resources Council Referrals Supported Employment Network SouthCoast Electric Power Group
PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS Your Chamber works hard at promoting your business through the following: • Listing in the Annual Membership Directory • Listing on the Chamber website in up to three categories • Member access area on the Chamber’s website • Opportunity for a member spotlight • Opportunity to participate in the member discount program • Opportunity to share news in enews email • Referrals to your business You can have a part in promoting your business with these opportunities: • Access to mailing labels • Opportunity for affordable print and digital advertising • Sponsorship opportunities for any size budget
PROGRAMS & EVENTS The Annual Meeting is an opportunity to join other business and community leaders and celebrate business people working together for the future of Greater New Bedford. The APEX Awards celebrates the accomplishments of local small businesses, large businesses, non-profits and educational institutions. Business After Hours events are designed to help you make valuable business contacts, entertain clients, reward employees, spend time with co‑workers and, most of all, enjoy doing it. Business Builders Breakfast networking events provide members an earlymorning opportunity to increase your access to leads and to encourage meaningful professional relationships. The Chamber Invitational Golf Tournament offers an exciting opportunity to network, promote your company through sponsorships and play a great course! The Connecting Activities Partnership is a collaborative program that connects area employers with local high school interns and initiates activities such as job shadowing, mentoring, internships, group tours and more. The Good Morning SouthCoast! breakfast series is a high‑profile, fast‑paced and educational program geared toward business professionals. Each of the programs has a business‑oriented focus and features a timely speaker.
“The SouthCoast Chamber has been a
huge contributor to growing my business in New Bedford and surrounding areas.Their events are always packed with like-minded professionals, who are also looking to grow their professional networks, and have fun doing it.
”
--Eric Miranda, First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union
At the Legislative Luncheon, the Chamber provides an opportunity for elected officials to connect with members. The New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival brings thousands of people to the State Pier in New Bedford to sample soup and chowder from local restaurants and caterers. Held annually, the SouthCoast Job Fair is the largest event in the community designed to connect job seekers with employers. The SouthCoast Women’s Forum features an educational luncheon with networking designed to promote businesses owned and operated by women. The State of the City Luncheon is an annual luncheon at which the Mayor of the City of New Bedford announces past accomplishments and future plans for the city. Workshops and Seminars are offered through the Chamber to provide professional development.
AFFILIATES & PARTNERS Downtown New Bedford, Inc. Export Services Greater New Bedford Connecting Activities Partnership Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board Leadership SouthCoast New Bedford Economic Development Council SouthCoast Electric Power Group SouthCoast Human Resources Council SouthCoast Young Professionals Network Seaport Cultural District Southern Massachusetts Visitors Bureau Supported Employment Network
COMMITTEES Ambassadors Council Government Affairs Committee Women’s Forum Planning Committee Golf Tournament Planning Committee
Acushnet • Dartmouth •Fairhaven • Freetown • Marion • Mattapoisett • New Bedford • Rochester • Wareham • Westport
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE? membership@southcoastchamber.com • www.southcoastchamber.com P: 508-999-5231 • F: 508-999-5237 794 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 02740