The New Bedford Area
Chamber Focus Business News for and about Members of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce
Inside September - October 2015 Message from the CEO ..........................2 Connecting Activities ..............................3 Good News ..............................................6 Earned Sick Time Workshop.................8 Welcome New Members ......................10 Featured Member Discounts ...............13 CEO Unplugged ..................................13
September - October 2015
2015 SouthCoast Business Expo
It’s football season and you can be a part of the “Superbowl” of Business Expos!
Join the Business Expo, inflate your sales and score a business touchdown! With nearly 100 exhibitors from a wide variety of industries and professions, the Expo will give you the opportunity to make valuable business connections. This year’s football theme will give exhibitors the opportunity to show off their favorite team by decorating their booth and wearing their team gear. Prizes will be given to the top voted booths!
exhibitors and attendees coming back year after year. Join fellow business owners and professionals to see what is new and exciting in our area!
The Expo provides a venue for growth in your business, which keeps our
The Expo will be held on October 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at
The SCYPN will be hosting their next Off the clock in Oct., featuring a panel of business leaders. Find out more on page 4.
The Chamber’s Annual Meeting will be held in November, get details about sponsorship opportunities and more on page 5.
The Chamber’s Supported Employment Network has been in place for thirty years. Find out about the history of this program on page 3.
New Bedford Area Chamber, Programs & Events Manager Deven Tillman states “I am thrilled to be a part of the SouthCoast Business Expo this year and believe the football theme will add a fun and unique aspect to the already exiting event. ”
Whites of Westport. This event is co-hosted with the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsors include, CleanRight Cleaning Solutions, SouthCoast Media Group and WBSM. For more information on the Expo or to sign up as an exhibitor, please contact the New Bedford Area Chamber at (508) 999-5231 or events@newbedfordchamber.com. Attendance to the event is free with a business card.
Sponsors:
The New Bedford Area Chamber Focus is the official news publication of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce 794 Purchase Street • New Bedford, MA 02740 508-999-5231 • fax 508-999-5237 • focus@newbedfordchamber.com Editor: Rebecca Laliberte • Photographer: Rebecca Laliberte & Crystal Stone Board of Directors Chair of the Board David Maher, Lockheed Martin Chair Elect Joseph Michaud, Law Office of Joseph L. Michaud Vice Chair of Government Affairs Kim Perry, Waring Sullivan Homes of Memorial Tribute/SCI Vice Chair of Economic Affairs Beth Sylvia Caldwell, Sylvia Group Vice Chair of Membership Advancement Jeffrey P. Pagliuca, Webster Bank Vice Chair of Community Affairs Daniel E. Waltz, Southern Mass Credit Union Treasurer Carl W. Taber, BayCoast Bank Immediate Past Chair Mary Harrington, South Coast Consulting LLC Directors Nathan Araujo, R4L Management Henry Arruda, WJFD-FM Stephen Canessa, Southcoast Health Systems Hank Conaty, Acushnet Company Stephen W. Connulty, Paul & Dixon Insurance Wendy Cullum, Michel Cullum Associates Ron Ellis, Edward Jones Gail Fortes, YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts Jeffrey Glassman, Darn It, Inc. Ellen Gitlin, Diversified Marketing Group Jen Hartley, Hampton Inn Bob Jackson, Courtyard by Marriott Chuck Lord, AHEAD Lynne Mastera, Precix Lynn Motta, BankFive Peter J. Muise, First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union John Sbrega, Bristol Community College John Silva, Santander Bank A. Jack Silva, Bristol County Savings Bank Martha Worley, Worley Beds Factory Outlet Director Emeritus Joel E. Burns Your Chamber Staff 508-999-5231 President & CEO, Rick Kidder - Ext. 25 Director of Operations & Finance, Dorothy Botelho, IOM - Ext. 20 Manager of Workforce & Business Development, Ian Abreu - Ext. 24 Supported Employment Network Coordinator, Joanne Rego - Ext. 28 Communications Manager, Rebecca Laliberte - Ext. 27 Programs & Membership Coordinator - Crystal Stone - Ext. 22 Programs & Events Manager - Deven Tillman - Ext. 26
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Chamber Update A brief report on Chamber Activities from the President/CEO Dear Members of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce Community: Let me offer my thanks to the Board of Directors for allowing me the pleasure to serve the business community of New Bedford region as the President/CEO of the Chamber. After too many years away from the ocean breezes, it is an honor to call New Bedford home and to come back to my roots as a New Englander. The Chamber team has done phenomenal work addressing the needs of the business community, and members of the Executive Committee and the Search Committee – all volunteers – have stepped up to make certain that this great organization could continue its excellent mission as the business voice of the area and the best possible connector and facilitator of business growth in the region. The SouthCoast is special. It is resilient, energetic and rife with incredible opportunities as a place to live, work, learn and play. With a remarkable place in the history of this great nation, the area is ever mindful of its storied past even as it looks forward to an even greater future.
be a primary stakeholder in the hard work of building a brighter future for all who call this place home. Through the Chamber, the business community must work with elected officials, collaborative partners and other stakeholders as a leader in ensuring that this region become the strongest and most vibrant in our great Commonwealth and that the tools for doing so be readily available to bring jobs, innovation and prosperity. At its essence, the Chamber is about supporting business. Whether through networking, educational opportunities or advocacy, the Chamber’s primary role is to serve our membership well and to help each business leader build a business and thrive in the short and long term. Membership in the Chamber is about business success, and that success is most easily assured through active membership. Committee service, event attendance, involvement in leadership positions are readily available, and it is through these venues that businesses become known, trusted and referred. Our team is committed to your success and committed to a vibrant and healthy community and region. We cannot accomplish any of our goals without you, and we will never take your membership for granted!
Great things do not happen in communities by accident. Great things come about as the result of hard Thank you, work, compromise, strong vision and measurable outcomes , and the business Rick Kidder community, united through the ChamPresident/CEO ber and its countless volunteers, must
About the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce With approximately 1,000 member businesses, the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing opportunities for members to advance their business and promoting a healthier business and economic climate for the region. The Chamber is here to help members – with trusted resources, a strong business network
and a support system to keep your business moving forward. Our mission is to serve the interests of member businesses while advocating business advancement, economic growth and job creation for the benefit of New Bedford and the SouthCoast region of Massachusetts.
Connecting businesses on the SouthCoast from Wareham to Westport
ENTERPRISING MINDS by Joanne Rego, Supported Employment Network Coordinator
New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce’s Supported Employment Network Program Reflects on Three Decades of Services As the American with Disabilities Act Celebrates its 25th Anniversary, the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce’s Supported Employment Program reflects on over 30 years of service to both the Chamber’s membership and the Greater New Bedford community. The Chamber of Commerce’s Supported Employment Network is a unique and successful program. Over the past three decades, it has received international, national and statewide recognition. Since its inception, the Chamber’s Supported Employment Network program has been a valuable tool that assists the Chamber’s membership with meeting their employment and staffing needs by offering a connection to a pool of skilled job seekers. Some of the
Chamber’s Supported Employment Network Program’s most impressive accomplishments have been: the development of a video highlighting successful job placements called “Supported Employment: Make it Work for You and the 2000 Outstanding Program Award at the ADA 10th Anniversary Celebration at the Bayside Exposition and Conference Center in Boston. At this weekend long event, the New Bedford Chamber of Commerce also gave one of the seminars with a panel presentation which included a viewing of the Network’s Supported Employment video. The Supported Employment Network Program was visited and reviewed by the NTAR study committee out of the State University of New Jersey. Consequently
the Chamber’s Network Program was listed as the “STAR” program in the U.S. Department of Labor’s booklet on employees with disabilities. The Network was also highlighted in an issue of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s newsletter and a collage of photos in the New Bedford Chamber of Commerce’s Focus newsletter highlighted 46 employees with disabilities that had been employed for five years or more. The Supported Employment Network Program also participated in a survey that was conducted by students from the UMass Center for Marketing Research. One of the most memorable accomplishments was giving a presentation to Rotary members who were visiting New Bedford from Russia. The visiting Rotarians were so impressed with the
Supported Employment: Make it Work for You video that they insisted on taking a copy home to Russia with them so that they could show it at seminars in big arenas in the larger cities in Russia including Moscow, St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk. The Chamber of Commerce’s Supported Employment Network Program was initiated in the mid-1980s by the late Phil Tully Area Director of the Department of Developmental Services. Tully approached then Chamber president Jim Mathes with the idea of forging a partnership that would inspire the Chamber’s membership and the business community to reach out and give individuals with disabilities the opportunity to be employed. continued on page 15
Greater New Bedford Connecting Activities Partnership work-based learning experiences to help students make the connection between classroom learning and actual workplace experience. Two financial institutions, Southern Mass Credit Union in Fairhaven, and BankFive in Fall River, hired two Preparing our region’s youth to be both students each, allowing these students college and career ready has, and will to explore the wide range of services continue to be, the upmost goal of within each branch, assist with various the Greater New Bedford Connecting projects, while making valuable Activities Partnership (GNBCAP). connections with department managers Through work-based learning and staff. The students at these two opportunities, job shadows, career fairs sites excelled during their six-week and workshops, New Bedford Area experiences, paving the way for future students are provided with the tools and internship opportunities for youth at knowledge necessary to assist in making these particular sites. important choices regarding continuing education and workforce development. Through grants received by New This past school year, the GNBCAP partnered with New Bedford High School staff to assist in coordinating paid summer internships for rising seniors, Class of 2016. The object of the program was to provide structured
Bedford Public Schools, an additional 9 students were placed in various departments within the City of New Bedford, including Finance, Management Information Systems, Fire, Police, Emergency Medical Services, Council on Aging and
Buttonwood Park Zoo. Exploring careers ranging from public service to animal husbandry, these students were given the opportunity to receive handson experience relevant to their interests. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center also provided paid internships for 16 students, under the supervision of a NBHS engineering teacher, to learn and develop undersea technology. The Massachusetts Work-Based Learning Plan, an evaluation and goal-setting tool, aids in structuring and individualizing each work and learning experience, and provides the opportunity for employers to evaluate student progress and offer encouragement and positive feedback. “In meeting with both the employers and students over the course of the summer, the value of these experiences was solidified; the level of skill attainment and growth of each student far surpassed all expectations,” said Bristol Community College/Greater
New Bedford Connecting Activities Partnership’s Internship Coordinator, Kristin Almeida. There is growing need for area employers to mentor students through both paid and unpaid internships, job shadows and other work readiness initiatives. To get involved and assist the GNBCAP in providing these opportunities for our youth, please contact us at 508-999-5231x5. About the Connecting Activities Partnership
The Greater New Bedford Connecting Activities Partnership, a collaboration of the City of New Bedford Office of the Mayor, the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board and Youth Council, Bristol Community College and the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, promotes the connecting of academic and workplace learning through Connecting Activities workplace internships. Area employers assist High School seniors to make more informed decisions about their future education and career choices. Currently we service students at Dartmouth High School, Fairhaven High School, Global Learning Charter Public School, New Bedford High School, and Old Rochester Regional High School. More information about the partnership is available at www.newbedfordchamber.com or by calling (508) 999-5231.
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Chamber Welcomes New Programs & Events Manager
Good Morning SouthCoast! to Feature MassDOT Secretary & CEO
The Chamber has named Deven Tillman the new Programs & Events Manager. Deven will be responsible for managing the Chamber’s exciting schedule of programs and events including but not limited to, the Chamber’s Business After Hours and Good Morning SouthCoast series, SouthCoast Business Expo, SouthCoast Women’s Forum and the Greater New Bedford Home Show. Prior to joining the Chamber she served as a member of the United States Army and has over five years professional experience in event planning and marketing.
“The entire team is pleased to have Deven on board. Every aspect of her life, most especially her military service, has prepared her to be both a leader and a team player in this key role for the Chamber,” said Rick Kidder, President & CEO.
Start your day off with a business focused, fast paced educational program. The next edition of the Chamber’s popular Good Morning SouthCoast!, sponsored by BayCoast Bank, will be held on September 10th from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Wamsutta Club, 427 County Street, New Bedford, MA. Enjoy a buffet breakfast while staying ahead on topics that matter to businesses in our region.
Deven received her Bachelors Degree from UMass Dartmouth and holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the American Military University. She is a native of Acushnet, Ma where she currently resides. She can be contacted at the Chamber office by phone at 508-999-5231 ext. 26 or email at dtillman@newbedfordchamber.com.
We are pleased to announce the featured speaker for this event is Stephanie Pollack, MassDOT Secretary and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining MassDOT, Secretary Pollack worked for and contributed to Northeastern University, as both a professor and as Associate Director of Research for the Kitty & Michael Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy. Before coming to Northeastern, Secretary
Pollack served as a senior executive and attorney at the Conservation Law Foundation, New England’s leading environmental advocacy organization. Under Secretary Pollack’s leadership, MassDOT will continue to research and adopt new ways to further the Commonwealth’s transportation needs. Secretary Pollock will be charged with revitalizing the MBTA, the highways and bridges and all other vital Massachusetts transportation including the SouthCoast Rail. The cost, which includes a buffet breakfast, is $25 for members, $45 for non-members and $200 for a member table of ten. Pre-registration is required. To reserve a seat for the Good Morning SouthCoast, please contact the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce at 508-999-5231, ext 26 or events@ newbedfordchamber.com.
SouthCoast Young Professionals Network “Off the Clock” Features a Panel of Local Business Leaders The SouthCoast Young Professionals Network (SCYPN) will host the next edition of their “Off the Clock” event series on Thursday, October 1st from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Buttonwood Park Zoo located at 425 Hawthorn St., New Bedford. “Off the Clock” is not your typical networking event. Off the Clock blends educational opportunities with peer to peer networking among young professionals in the SouthCoast. The event will feature four panelists who are local business leaders; Christian Farland, president of Thompson Farland; Lara Harrington, co-owner of Boutique Fitness; Doug Glassman, owner of ServPro and Karen Lamy, DeSousa co-owner of Advance Air & Heat. Panelists will be asked a variety of questions relating to their experiences running their businesses and time will be allotted for audience questions.
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Karen Lamy DeSousa is the second generation co-owner of Advance Air & Heat, a full-service Karen Lamy DeSousa co-owner familyowned of Advance Air & Heat HVAC, Refrigeration and Building Automation contractor serving Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod & RI since 1986. Advance Air specializes in finding environmentally friendly, economical and tailored solutions to meet their customers’ individual business needs. Karen enjoys writing a weekly blog about HVAC, life as a woman in a man’s field, and other humorous tales and musings. She is also active in several non-profit organizations focused on the economic empowerment of women and girls,
community development and supporting women in business, including serving as a member of the New Bedford Chamber’s Annual Women’s Forum planning committee. Christian Farland serves as Principal Engineer and President of TFI. Since acquiring Thompson Christian Farland serves Engineering as Principal Engineer and in 2008 he President of TFI has grown the company to be one of the most successful engineering and land surveying firms in southeastern Massachusetts. During his career, he has been responsible for the preparation of numerous residential subdivisions, commercial and industrial
site planning projects and public and private road design projects throughout Massachusetts. He is responsible for project design and management and directing Senior Project Managers and design teams comprised of architects, site/civil engineers, geotechnical, environmental, traffic engineers, land surveyors and technicians. Farland also owns and operates FC. He started this site construction company in 2012, which specializes in residential and commercial site development for the private and public sector. Douglas Glassman obtained his undergraduate degree in business management from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, followed by 10 years of working for a Fortune 500 company in the Boston area while focusing on business operations and logistics. During this time, he also obtained an M.B.A in Business Management from Nichols continued on page 14
129th Annual Meeting & Business Luncheon
Save the Date: November 12, 2015
The Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Business Luncheon is an opportunity to join other business and community leaders and celebrate business people working together for the future of Greater New Bedford. Held annually in November, the luncheon’s keynote speaker presents an interesting and inspiring presentation focused around business growth. The program also includes the election
of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, recognition of outgoing board members and the presentation of several Chamber and community awards. Sponsorship opportunities are currently available and include recognition at the event with a signed table of ten, your logo on the printed and electronic invitations and much more. For more information call 508-999-5231 or email events@newbedfordchamber.com.
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Good News! New Bedford Art Museum/ ArtWorks! Welcomes New Exhibition Manager
New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks! is excited to welcome Jamie Uretsky as Exhibition Manager, directing and overseeing the Museum’s exhibitions and related programming. Uretsky, an established artist in Providence, is associated with the RISD Museum and a number of galleries in RI and CT. “Jamie brings a fresh and innovative perspective that will continue to move us forward. She has great personal connections to makers in Providence and Boston. Combined with her teaching experience, we believe she will help us grow and deepen the experiences we offer our visitors,” states Executive Director Noelle Foye. Uretsky holds an MFA in Video/ Sculpture from the University of Connecticut. Her undergraduate degree is a BFA in Interdisciplinary Studio Art from Biola University, Los Angeles, CA. She is also an adjunct professor and has taught at UConn, Roger Williams University, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts among other places. She has been a guest speaker and lecturer for a number of institutions including the De Cordova Museum, UMass Boston, Brown University and the Museum School of Fine Arts. Rotary Club of New Bedford Welcomes New Members Rotary Club of New Bedford inducted 8 new members this past year. New members most recently inducted are: Dori Rubicco Legge, and John Remedis of New Bedford, MA and Attorney Joseph Michaud of Dartmouth, MA. The New Bedford Rotary Club is comprised of local business and community professionals 6
who care about our area and strive to make a difference. The club’s main objective is to serve the greater New Bedford community. This is done by participating in local service projects, and by raising money that is donated to those in need. The Rotary Club of New Bedford is one of more than 34,000 Rotary International Clubs in over 200 countries, serving the community of greater New Bedford and the world at large. The club’s core guiding philosophy is “Service Beyond Self.” Bridgewater Savings Bank Charitable Foundation Donates $2,500 To Pro-Home, Inc.
Bridgewater Savings Bank announced that its Charitable Foundation has made a donation of $2,500 to Pro-Home, Inc. Pro-Home, Inc. has been helping thousands of families by offering down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers, pre and post foreclosure services, credit and debt counseling, and FDIC-based Money Smart seminars. “We recognize the valuable work Pro-Home does every day for our communities,” said James C. Lively, Bridgewater Savings President and CEO. “We are happy to do our part in helping families realize the dream of home ownership.” The Bridgewater Savings Charitable Foundation was established in 2003. Please visit bridgewatersavings.com or call 508-884-3300 for additional information. Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP Congratulates Howard Merten for being Re-elected Senior Director of the FDCC Howard Merten was re-elected Senior Director and appointed to
the Executive Committee of The Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC) at its annual meeting last month, which took place during the Annual Convention. Howard was Chair of the Convention held in Banff, Canada from July 25 - August 1, 2015. The meeting was attended by more than 750 participants. The FDCC is an organization comprised of preeminent leaders in the insurance and corporate defense bar. FDCC Membership is selective and by invitation to those who have been judged by their peers to have achieved professional distinction. Howard, a partner at Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP in the Litigation Group, as well as a member of the Firm’s executive committee, has been actively involved with the FDCC for many years. Happy 100th, NBSO!
On September 19, 2015, the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 100th birthday festivities with the party of the century at 5:30pm at the Star Store. The event features music, food, and a cash bar. Event tickets are $25 per person and are available through the NBSO office at 508-999-6276. The Star Store is located at 715 Purchase Street, New Bedford (across the street from the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center). At 6:45pm, the community is invited to join the NBSO for free birthday cake in front of The Z. 100th Birthday Supporters are First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union and Cleengineering. At 7:30pm, the action moves inside the theatre for the first of this season’s blockbuster concerts. The opening night performance of Berlioz, Sibelius & Dvořák features violinist Martin Chalifour, in a return visit to the NBSO, performing the Sibelius Violin Concerto. Concert sponsor is Robert B. Feingold & Associates, P.C. Individual concert tickets are $25–$60, with $10
student tickets. Tickets go on sale August 14 through the Z box office, 508-994-2900, or online. (Student tickets not available online.) Discounted season tickets are available now by subscribing to three or more concerts; call the NBSO at 508-999-6276 for more information. Free and convenient concert parking is available in The Z garage. Visit www.nbsymphony.org for more information. Peter Paull, has been selected as The 2015 Southeastern Massachusetts Veterans of the Year The Board of Directors of the Southeastern Massachusetts Veterans Housing Program, Inc., better known locally as the Veterans Transition House (VTH), is pleased to announce the selection of United States Navy Commander Peter L. Paull, Jr. (ret), as the 2015 Southeastern Massachusetts Veteran of the Year. Mr. Paull is the 20th recipient of this award. Commissioned as a Lieutenant (JG) December 15, 1967. Commander Paull served as a junior officer aboard the USS Richard Byrd on active duty until 1969. After his honorable discharge from active duty, he served in the United States Naval Reserve where he advanced through the ranks to the final grade of Commander/O5 when he retired from service in 1989 completing 21 years of honorable service to his country. He was recognized in a citation from President George H. W. Bush upon his retirement. After retiring Commander Paull did not cast aside his obligations to his fellow service men and women. For over 30 years he has continued to assist his fellow veterans by serving as an appointed federal fiduciary/guardian to over 30 disabled veterans. In this role he ensured that the veterans were properly cared for, had their finances capably managed so that they could receive the care and benefits they deserve. Commander Paull also is the past President and current member of the Board of Directors of the suicide
Good News! prevention organization Samaritans of Fall River – New Bedford. He has been a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association Fee Arbitration Board for over twenty-five years, former member of the New Bedford Redevelopment Authority, and an Eagle Scout. Peter Paull will receive the 2015 Southeastern Massachusetts Veteran of the Year Award at a special dinner presentation to be held at Cotali Mar, at 6:00 p.m., on November 6, 2015. Bankfive Promotion
BankFive one of the New England’s top community banks, today announced it has promoted Priscilla A. Beaulieu to Banking Officer, Benefits Coordinator. Her responsibilities include administering and coordinating employee benefits, coordinating BankFive’s Wellness Program, and coordinating the employment process. Priscilla began her career with BankFive as an intern, 16 years ago. Other positions have included, Human Resources Assistant and Benefits Coordinator. She received an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts from Bristol Community College. She also attended the New England School for Financial Studies and is currently attending New England College of Business for her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Priscilla resides in Swansea with her husband and two children. Afc/Doctors Express Urgent Care Announces New Bedford Medical Team
AFC/Doctors Express is pleased to
introduce the strong staff of medical professionals delivering urgent care services at its 119 Coggeshall Street, New Bedford location in the Market Basket Plaza. Leading the medical team is Alan Steinbach, MD, who was an ER doctor for 20 years before moving into urgent care. A retired clinical professor at the University of California at Berkeley, Dr. Steinbach received his medical degree from the University of Miami. He brings national renown as a family medicine specialist and educator to the New Bedford site. Additionally, Dr. Steinbach offers Spanish-speaking patients a fluency in their native tongue.
assistant and phlebotomist after graduating from Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational-Technical High School. She received certification as a nursing assistant and home health aide from the Coastal Career Academy and her EMT license from Southcoast Training. Medical Receptionist Tammy Roy is an alumna of Endicott College who holds certification in medical billing and coding and registration in nursing. She lives in Fall River. Taunton resident Patricia Carlson is the new Center Administrator.
Physicians at AFC/Doctors Express have a full lab, provide Occupational Health Services and treat Workers Comp injuries. The state-of-the-art center is open 7 days a week: MondayFriday, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM and SaturdaySunday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. The Medical Assistant Stephanie Jorge holds average wait time to see a physician is certifications from the Salter School 15-20 minutes. No appointment or as a professional Medical Assistant referral is needed, and most insurance and Phlebotomist Technician and is coverage is accepted. also CPR and drug screen-certified. A resident of New Bedford, Stephanie is Special Volunteers Honored At Your fluent in Spanish. Theatre Your Theatre, Inc. held its annual In the healthcare field for seven years, volunteer appreciation event Sunday at Medical Assistant Gloria Raposa Brew Fish Bar and Eatery, located at received certification from Healthcare 210 Spring St in Marion. The theatre Training Services in Fall River. Gloria honored two volunteers of the year. is fluent in Portuguese and also speaks Spanish. She lives in Somerset. Attended by forty plus theatre devotees who enjoyed a delicious thank you Debi Steele, MA, CPBT (ASCPE), PhT, luncheon, the Volunteer of the Year graduated from New England Tech gold stars went to Jane Zimmermann with an Associate of Science Degree of Dartmouth and Dennis Smith of in Administrative Medical Assisting. Tiverton, RI. An ASCP Certified Phlebotomist and Pharmacy Technician, she resides in YTI offers opportunities for volunteers Somerset. to participate in such areas as set construction, lighting/sound, publicity Medical Receptionist Kassidy Golson and many more. Also offered, from is a graduate of Greater New Bedford time to time, are workshops on Regional Vocational-Technical High technical sound, lighting, acting, School. The New Bedford resident is makeup and more. attending Bristol Community College. Your Theatre, Inc. opens its 69th Medical Receptionist and New Bedford season of continuous quality resident Morgan Kuliga attended the community theatre on September 10, Salter School to become a medical 2015 with the thrillling fantasy drama Luis D. Ayala, Jr. is a Medical Assistant with 15 years of combined experience as a paramedic and EMS. A resident of Fairhaven, he graduated from the Educational Resource Group in 2010.
Horrors Of Doctor Moreau based on H. G. Well’ novel and adapted for screen by Joel Stone. Your Theatre, Inc. is most grateful for the continuing season sponsorship by Bank5. Anyone wishing further information about becoming a volunteer should call the theatre at 508 993 0772 or e-mail info@yourtheatre. org. Information and volunteer application forms are also available at www.yourtheatre.org . Junior Achievement Welcomes A New Program Coordinator Junior Achievement of Southern Massachusetts (JA), has recently hired a new Program Coordinator. Elaine Meredith joined the JA staff as the new Program Coordinator on August 25th, replacing Corrie Martin. Ms. Meredith will be responsible for handling the organization’s program logistics, such as volunteer recruitment, placement and training, as well as program expansion in schools and after-school programs within Bristol and Plymouth counties. Ms. Meredith is a longtime Junior Achievement program volunteer and served on the Board of Directors several years ago. In addition to her employment at Junior Achievement, Ms. Meredith also serves on several community boards and committees, most notably as the incoming President for the Tobey Hospital Guild and a member of the Polaroid Fund Allocation Committee. To learn more about JA or how you can get involved, visit www.jasouthernma. org or contact Caroline Paradis at caroline.paradis@ja.org or by calling 508-997-6536.
Do you have good news to share? Please send your press releases with photos to focus@newbedfordchamber.com
Due to space limitations, we can not guarantee each article will be printed. We do try our best to fit as much member news in as possible.
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Earned Sick Time Workshop - Sept. 23rd The New Bedford Area Chamber invites you to attend the Earned Sick Time Workshop on Weds., Sept. 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Chamber office, 794 Purchase St., New Bedford, presented by the Attorney General’s Office. The Attorney General’s Office is hosting an information sessions to educate employers and employees about the Earned Sick Time Law, which went into effect July 1, 2015. These sessions, offered statewide and online, will provide guidance on implementation, explain employers’ and employees’ rights and responsibilities and provide opportunities to get specific questions answered. The Earned Sick Time law was approved by the voters on November 4, 2014 and entitles employees in Massachusetts to earn and use up to 40 hours of sick time under certain conditions. The Attorney General enforces
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this law and also wrote and published final regulations to clarify practices and policies in its administration. Each information session is expected to last 2 hours, including time for questions and answers. For more information on earned sick time visit: http://www.mass.gov/ago/doing-business-in-massachusetts/labor-laws-andpublic-construction/earned-sick-time/ For more information or to register for this event please visit www.newbedfordchamber.com or call 508-999-5231.
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Welcome New Members Arlington Tax Group, Inc. 2051 Acushnet Ave. New Bedford, MA 02745 Phone: (508) 985-0045
Forever Paws Animal Shelter 300 Lynwood St. Fall River, MA 02721 Phone: (508) 677-9154
Partners In Housing, LLC 2 Anderson Way Dartmouth, MA 02747 Phone: (508) 994-1424
Awesome Fit, LLC 360 Faunce Corner Rd. Dartmouth, MA 02747 Phone: (508) 991-8400
Green Seal Environmental, Inc. 114 State Rd # B Sagamore Beach, MA 02562 Phone: (508) 888-6034
Big Wheel Truck Sales, Inc. 42 Quanapoag Rd East Freetown, MA 02717 Phone: (508) 763-5927
Gonsalves Tae Kwon Do School 132 South Main St Acushnet, MA 02743 Phone: 508-995-6702
Speech and Language Therapy Services Inc. 49 State Road Wattuppa Building, Suite 104-105 Dartmouth, MA 02747 Phone: (508) 985-1996
Brazilian Grill 464 State Road N. Dartmouth, MA 02747 Phone: (774) 202-4220
IFBB Pro Bonnie Switzer 10 Blue Meadow Ct. Bourne, MA 02532 Phone: (508) 930-5403
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 150 Front St. Marion, MA 02738 Phone: (508) 748-3044
INI Screen Printing 2812 Acushnet Ave. New Bedford, MA 02745 Phone: (774) 206-1341
Cyclone Cleaning Services 1172 Old Plainville Rd. New Bedford, MA 02745 Phone: (508) 995-8816 dNB Craft Burgers 22 Elm St. New Bedford, MA 02740 Phone: (774) 202-0118
KO Gym 50 Conduit St. 2nd Floor New Bedford, MA 02745 Phone: (508) 264-4098
Elite Auto Sales, Inc. 868 State Road Dartmouth, MA 02747 Phone: (508) 999-4441
Little Harbor Country Club 9 Little Harbor Rd. Wareham, MA 02571 Phone: (508) 295-2617
Entrepreneurship For All 175 Cabot St. Suite 100 Lowell, MA 01854 Phone: (978) 934-6518
LPS Enterprises, LLC P.O. Box 67 East Freetown, MA 02717 Phone: (508) 763-3830
F.D. Jones Electric, Inc. 11 Industrial Dr. Mattapoisett, MA 02739 Phone: (508) 758-6505 Fernandes & Sons Construction, Inc. 31 Stowell St. New Bedford, MA 02740 Phone: (774) 930-4436
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Kerry Horan Real Estate, Inc. 6 Courtlyn Way Fairhaven, MA 02719 Phone: (508) 989-6721
McKay Insurance, LLC. 3393 Acushnet Ave. New Bedford, MA 02745 Phone: (508) 998-0002 New York Life-Neil P. Wagner 1 Lakeshore Center Suite #202-204 Bridgewater, MA 02324 Phone: (508) 279-4412
Steppingstone Incorporated 522 North Main St. Fall River, MA 02720 Phone: (508) 674-2788 Sunrise Bakery & Coffee Shop 506 Bolton St. New Bedford, MA 02740 Phone: (508) 997-6570 Seaport Inn & Marina 110 Middle St. Fairhaven, MA 02719 Phone: (508) 997-1281 SO D. Jewelry 641 Dartmouth St. South Dartmouth, MA 02748 Phone: (508) 994-2914 Summit Property Group P.O. Box 151 North Easton, MA 02356 Phone: (508) 275-9505 Southcoast Chiropractic 651 Orchard St., Suite 201 B Howland Place New Bedford, MA 02744 Phone: (508) 991-8400 Top Shelf Bar & Grill 1825 Acushnet Ave. New Bedford, MA 02746 Phone: (774) 202-2071 Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE) 128 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 Phone: (508) 997-1776
Recent Events 2.
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1. Guests at the July Business after Hours 2. The Rail to Boston Coalition met with at Fort Taber-Fort Rodman Historical Massachusetts DOT Transportation Association & Military Museum and Secretary, Stephanie Pollack co-sponsored by Office Technology Group.
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Business After Hours Wednesday, September 16, 2015 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at
Thursday, October 22, 2015 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at
The Zeiterion Theatre 684 Purchase St. New Bedford, MA
Toyota of Dartmouth 100 Faunce Corner Road North Dartmouth, MA 02747
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:
Register online for upcoming Business After Hours by visiting www.newbedfordchamber.com or calling (508) 999-5231.
3. The Chamber’s Ambassadors Council lunch meeting held at Ming Sushi & Steakhouse 4. Attendees on the Sunset Cruise hosted by the SouthCoast Young Professionals Network and AHA! 5. Guests at the August Business After Hours at First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union in Mattapoisett.* 6. New members were welcomed at an orientation at the Low Tide Yacht Club. 7. Guests at the July Business After Hours. 8-9. Guests at the August Business After Hours.* *Photo credit Sergio: sergio.az@hotmail.com 11
Calendar of Chamber Committee Meetings Contact the Chamber office for more information on any of these committees. September Government Affairs Committee Meeting - Friday, Sept. 11th - 8:30 a.m. SouthCoast Electric Power Group Member Meeting - Weds., Sept. 23rd - 9:00 a.m. Board of Directors Meeting - Thursday, Sept. 24th - 8:30 a.m. October Executive Committee - Thursday, Oct. 8th - 8:30 a.m. Government Affairs Committee Meeting - Friday, Oct. 9th - 8:30 a.m. November Executive Committee - Thursday, Nov. 5th - 8:30 a.m. Government Affairs Committee Meeting - Friday, Nov. 13th - 8:30 a.m.
Affordable advertising in the Chamber Focus Call the Chamber today to find out more at 508-999-5231 or visit www.newbedfordchamber.com
800.310.9111
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800.310.9111
One free session worth $50.00 one hour with IFBB Pro Bonnie Switzer
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Personal Training
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Business Plan
Discounted Business portrait session for Chamber Members. Imagemakers is offering members a business portrait session for $89 (regular price $125).
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Wondering how you can take your business to the next level? We can get you there.
To set up your discount or to view a complete list of discounts currently available to Chamber members, please visit www.newbedfordchamber.com or call 508-999-5231
SCYPN CEO Unplugged: Rick Kidder New Bedford Area Chamber CEO The SouthCoast Young Professionals Network will host their next installment of the CEO Unplugged series on October 30, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. The event will take place at the Chamber Office, 794 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA. The SCYPN’s CEO Unplugged series is a quarterly event, which provides young professionals with an opportunity to connect with and learn from successful local CEOs. Aimed to be a source of inspiration and a wealth of knowledge, the CEOs share their personal experiences and journey to success with the participants in an informal, small group setting. Past CEOs that have participated include Anthony Sapienza, CEO of Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corp. , David Slutz, CEO of Precix, Inc, and Scott Martin, CEO of Brahmin Leather Works. Seats are limited to 20-25 members of the SCYPN. The event is free for members of the SouthCoast Young
Whether you’re looking to manage day-to-day operations with a simple line of credit or looking to expand your business, our lenders will help you succeed. • Commercial Real Estate • Term Loans • Lines of Credit • Equipment Financing • SBA loan programs
Professionals Network; but preregistration is required online at www. newbedfordchamber.com or by calling (508) 999-5231. Registrations are on a first come, first served basis. If you would like to receive more information about the SouthCoast Young Professionals Network, please contact Rebecca Laliberte at 508-999-5231 or email rlaliberte@newbedfordchamber. com.
Call me today to discuss getting your business growth on the right path to success! John P. Santos, III
VP Commercial Lending Officer Southcoast & Surrounding Communities
(774)-628-7845
John.Santos@firstcitizens.org
www.firstcitizens.org 200 Mill Rd. Ste.100 Fairhaven, MA 02719
Federally Insured by NCUA Equal Housing Opportunity
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SouthCoast Young Professionals Network “Off the Clock” Features a Panel of Local Business Leaders (continued from page 4) College. The next chapter of his life brought him back to the SouthCoast area that he was originally from to follow his passion and fulfill Douglas Glassman, Owner a life-long of SERVPRO of dream of beDartmouth/New Bedford ing a business owner. To accomplish this, Glassman purchased two SERVPRO licenses that cover the SouthCoast. This life-changing move and investment in purchasing the business was a bold one, but he truly believed in what the company stood for as well as the SouthCoast community.
not only allowed Now approaching 3 years into owning her to be closer the local SERVPRO franchises, Glassto her family, it man has been successful in more than also gave her an doubling its business. “It’s exciting for opportunity to me to be a part of and make my own be a part of the contribution to aiding the continued change. Boutique development of the New Bedford Fitness opened area.” Along with growing and developits doors in 2012. ing his company, he makes it a point to Since then, they take part to improve the community as Lara Harrington, well and is actively involved with many Co-Owner of Boutique have doubled in space, hired 7 new non-profits. Fitness people, service up to 250 clients, and are opening a second Lara Harrington is Co-Owner of location in Mattapoisett in Oct, 2015. Boutique Fitness, Inc. along with Angela Corrieri-Johnson. Lara decided Prior to and following the panel to open up her own fitness studio in discussion, there will also be plenty New Bedford after managing one in of time for networking. Young Barrington, RI for 6 years. The decision was prompted by the birth of her professionals aged 21-39 who live, daughter and her connection to the work or play in the SouthCoast are people and the businesses in the city. invited to attend. The cost to attend which includes hors’ d’oeuvres and a Starting a business in New Bedford
cash bar is $15 per person. Advance reservations are required online at www. newbedfordchamber.com or by calling 508-999-5231. The event is sponsored by BankFive and Bristol County Savings Bank. If you would like to receive more information about the SouthCoast Young Professionals Network, please contact Rebecca Laliberte at 508-999-5231 or email rlaliberte@newbedfordchamber.com. sponsored by:
2 Year Consortium Manufacturing Grant in New Bedford Area a Success The Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board (WIB) partnered with Bristol Community College to successfully deliver significant training advances to employees at local manufacturing employers. The recently concluded $500,000 two year venture was funded through the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund that is administered by the Commonwealth Corporation. “Working together, the WIB, BCC, and six manufacturing firms in New Bedford and Dartmouth created 60 full time jobs, and $750,000 in pay increases to existing employees, other efficiencies reported were increases in customer promised on time deliveries by 24%, reducing manufacturing defects up to 74% (project specific), that resulted in over $220,000 in annual savings. Collectively the six companies estimated the generation of nearly $1,000,000 in increased sales and productivity 14
increases of 19%,” as reported by George Hempe, Executive Director of the WIB. Participating employers included Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corp., Five Star Manufacturing, Titleist/Acushnet Golf, Aerovox Corporation, Acushnet Rubber Company dba Precix, and Davico Corporation. The knowledge base of over 500 employees were upgraded ranging in the areas of communications, technical and management skills. The newly acquired competencies are transferable within the companies, the industries, and will prove to be highly marketable for future employment goals. Local employers who may be interested in accessing WTFP grants are encouraged to contact the GNBWIB at 508-979-1504. The WIB provides workforce development services to
its regional employers that include New Bedford, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Lakeville, Mattapoisett, Marion, Rochester and Wareham. This project was funded by a Workforce Training Fund grant through the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. The grant program is administered by the Commonwealth Corporation.
ENTERPRISING MINDS (continued from page 3) by Joanne Rego, Supported Employment Network Coordinator
New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce’s Supported Employment Network Program Reflects on Three Decades of Services Over the past thirty years, the Network committee worked together as a team to promote the employment of individuals with disabilities. It was not long before employers began to realize that hiring a person with disabilities is a smart business move. As a result, many employees who have achieved successful employment in the community have been highlighted along with their employer in the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce’s Focus newsletter. Tom Riley, the Executive Director of Better Community Living, Inc. and Mark Jardin, Employment Manager from Lifestream, Inc. have both seen many of the positive changes that have enhanced the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities through out the past three decades.
In the mid seventies, State institutions across Massachusetts began to close and individuals with disabilities moved into homes and apartments within communities throughout the state and by 1980 there were no further new admissions into the state institutions. It was immediately apparent that many of the individuals that were housed in the institutions possessed various job skills. Many individuals with disabilities had the abilities to be employed. Consequently, the Opportunity Center, Inc., a sheltered workshop opened and individuals who left the state institutions were now learning job skills and earning a weekly pay check. It wasn’t long before the Opportunity Center, Inc. was filled to capacity and a new job training workshop was needed. Soon Harbor, Inc. opened its doors and this program also began
Date: September 23, 2015 - 7:45am Location: White’s of Westport Topic: ACA Update
to teach employment skills to their clients. Mark Jardin has been employed at Lifestreams, Inc. (former Harbor, Inc.) since the agency was founded in 1976. Jardin has seen many progressive changes over the years. As time went by, clients from Opportunity Center, Inc (Work, Inc.) and Lifestreams, Inc. moved from employment within a sheltered workshop to employment in the community. There was such a need for day programs that offered successful supported employment services that new agencies were developed. Today the list of agencies has grown to not only include, Lifestream, Inc. and Work, Inc. but also Better Community Living, Inc. which was founded by Tom Riley and M.O.Life, Inc., which was founded by Charlie Murphy, Sr,. Other supported employment program in the Greater New Bedford Area included Nemasket Group, Inc., SAIL, Inc. and Community Connections. All these agencies have been able to encourage, educate and support the business community and the Chamber members who have wisely employed people with disabilities while also fostering a more inclusive workforce where each employee is recognized for his or her abilities.
Employment Network Program’s goals remain the same. In addition to assisting job seekers in finding employment opportunities, the Supported Employment Network continues to support and educate the business community on the benefits of hiring a person with disabilities. Agency job developers have found creative ways to assist businesses with filling their employment needs. The list is endless but over the past 30 years some of the most recognizable jobs that employees with disabilities have acquired are bagging groceries, answering telephones and filing, maintenance, dinning room attendant, serving Del’s lemonade, and rolling napkins and silverware. Many of the employees with disabilities have been employed at the same business for decades and have provided their employers with a hard working, skilled and dedicated employee. If you have any questions about the New Bedford Area Chamber Supported Employment Network Program or if you are interested in hiring a person with disabilities please call Joanne Rego at the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce at 508-999-5231 ext. 28.
Thirty years later, the New Bedford Chamber of Commerce’s Supported
Date: October 21, 2015 - 3:30pm Location: BCC Topic: Recruitment Refresher Date: November 18, 2015 - 7:45am Location: Hawthorn Medical Associates Topic: HR Forms and Handbook Review For more information or to register, contact Dorothy Botelho at dbotelho@newbedfordchamber.com or 508-999-5231 ext. 20.
www.southcoasthrcouncil.com Corporate Sponsor:
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500 Faunce Corner Road Building 100, Suite 120 Dartmouth, MA 02747 508-995-4553 800-466-5939
Rely on the experts you know for advice you can trust. What sets us apart? Our deep investment in our customers, our community, and our employees. And that’s only the beginning. Discover the value.
www.sylviagroup.com Sit down with the SouthCoast community and enjoy bottomless bowls of soup, bread & salad as we raise money for the
Location: Seaport Inn & Marina, 110 Middle St., Fairhaven, MA Time: 5:00-8:00 pm • Tickets: $50 ck
Ticket includes salad, bread, dessert, your choice of soup and a handmade ceramic bowl of your choice, crafted by Seth Rainville. Plus a raffle/silent auction with great prizes will be available. Donations are tax-deductible. All proceeds to benefit the NEEDIEST FAMILIES FUND. To purchase your tickets, call Michelle Couture at 508-979-4355 T or ore-mail: mcouture@s-t.com
NEEDIEST FAMILIES FUND
SouthCoas t Sou MEDIA MEDI
NB-SPAD0806094550
GROUP
BUSINESSES: If you’d like to be a
sponsor for this event or donate items for the raffle, please call Michelle.
SAVE THE DATE : SATURDAY NOVEMBE R7 5-8 PM
New Bedford Area Chamber Calendar - Upcoming Events Good Morning SouthCoast!
September Business SouthCoast After Hours Business Expo
Earned Sick Time Law Workshop
SCYPN Off the Clock
October Business After Hours
Thursday, Sept. 10th 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Weds., Sept. 16th 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Weds., Oct. 14th 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Weds. Sept. 23rd 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Thurs., October 1st 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thurs., October 22nd 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wamsutta Club 427 County Street New Bedford, MA
The Zeiterion Theatre 684 Purchase St. New Bedford, MA
Whites of Westport 66 State Road Westport, MA
Chamber Office 794 Purchase Street New Bedford, MA
Buttonwood Park Zoo 425 Hawthorn St. New Bedford, MA
Toyota of Dartmouth 100 Faunce Corner Road North Dartmouth, MA
$25 Members $45 Non-Members $200 Member table of ten
Members - Free Non-Members - $25
Free to attend with a business card
Free for Members $25 for non-members
$15 per person
Members - Free Non-Members - $25
To register for any event or to view a calendar of upcoming Chamber events, visit www.newbedfordchamber.com
www.facebook.com/ newbedfordareachamber twitter.com/newbedfordarea www.linkedin.com/company/ new-bedford-area-chamberof-commerce