Jan./Feb. 2018 Focus Newsletter by SouthCoast Chamber

The SouthCoast

Inside January - February 2018

Chamber Focus

Proudly Serving New Bedford and the Towns of the South Coast Business News for and about Members of the SouthCoast Chamber

January - February 2018

Chamber Update ................................2 Connecting Activities..........................3 Good News .........................................6 Welcome New Members....................10 Featured Member Discount ..............13 SouthCoast Young Professionals.......13 Government Affairs Update..............14

January Good Morning SouthCoast: The Workplace in the Age of #METOO The January Good Morning SouthCoast will be held, Weds. Jan. 24th from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Wamsutta Club located at 427 County Street, New Bedford, MA. Good Morning SouthCoast is a special breakfast program we have designed to be high-profile, fast-paced and educational. Good Morning SouthCoast! is one of the Chamber’s most anticipated events due to the diverse topics and the vital information discussed. The work atmosphere today is a melting pot of diverse cultures, races and lifestyles. Everyone deserves a healthy and safe work environment, and employers and employees need knowledge in protecting their rights for a cohesive, ethical and comfortable work setting. The January edition of Good Morning SouthCoast! will focus on the dynamics within the workplace and how it is disrupted by inappropriate conduct and discrimination of any kind. The Workplace in the Age of #METOO

• The Chamber presented awards at its 131st Annual Meeting. Read more on page 5. • Chamber CEO named “Chamber Executive Of The Year”. Read more on page 8. • The Chamber is launching a new breakfast networking program. Read more on page 8.

will feature a panel of professionals offering their expertise on this growing concern and how we can educate the future workforce to alleviate the issue. Panelists include: Juli Parker, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of Students/Director, UMass Dartmouth Dr. Parker has been Assistant Dean of Students since 2013. Since 1995, Juli Parker has been the Director of the Women's Resource Center, now the Center for Women, Gender & Sexuality. She has a B.A. in Theatre/ Dance from the University of Maine and an M.A. in Women's Studies from the University of Alabama. She received her Ph.D in Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences with a focus in Theatre and Women's Studies from the Union Institute & University in 2006. She is the recipient

of the 2012 - 2014 UMASS President's Office Roy J. Zuckerberg $100,000 Leadership Prize and 2012 YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts Women of Distinction Award. She writes a blog called The Feminist Critic (thefeministcritic.com). She lives in Swansea, MA with her two dogs and two cats and her husband of 21 years. In her free time she likes to act and direct at local theatres and re-hab vintage trailers. Michael A. Gamboli, Partner, Partridge Snow & Hahn Michael’s employment practice focuses on risk management and litigation. He devotes a significant portion of his practice to minimizing the risks arising out of human resource decisions and conflicts, and consults with clients on a daily basis

on wage and hour, employee discipline, leaves of absence, termination and general employment disputes. In addition to having over 20 years’ experience litigating general business disputes, Michael has extensive employment litigation experience. He has defended numerous wage and hour overtime and misclassification claims and has guided many clients on Department of Labor and Attorney General audits. Michael has extensive experience in the negotiation, drafting and implementation of employment contracts, executive compensation agreements, non-competition agreements, employment policies and handbooks, voluntary separation programs, and separation agreements. He also has acted as a mediator on a variety of employment related disputes. The cost to attend, which includes a buffet breakfast is $30 for members and $45 for non-members. Registration is required online at www.southcoastchamber.com or by calling 508-999-5231.

The SouthCoast Chamber Focus is the official news publication of the SouthCoast Chamber 794 Purchase Street • New Bedford, MA 02740 508-999-5231 • fax 508-999-5237 • info@southcoastchamber.com Editor: Rebecca Laliberte • Photographer: Rebecca Laliberte & Sergio Dabdoub Board of Directors Chair of the Board Joseph Michaud, Law Offices of Joseph Michaud Chair-Elect Kim Perry, Waring-Sullivan Funeral Home Treasurer Carl Taber, BayCoast Bank Vice Chair of Government Affairs Ron Ellis, Edward Jones Vice Chair of Community Affairs Chris Howard, First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union Vice Chair of Economic Affairs Jen Hartley, Hampton Inn Fairhaven/New Bedford Vice Chair of Membership Jeff Pagliuca, Bristol County Savings Bank Immediate Past Chair Dave Maher, Lockheed Martin Directors Nathan Araujo, R4L Management Henry Arruda, WJFD-FM William Burns, Southcoast Health Systems Kevin Carando, Acushnet Company Stephen W. Connulty, Paul & Dixon Insurance Gail Fortes, YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts Jeffrey Glassman, Darn It, Inc. Ellen Gitlin, Diversified Marketing Group Jen Hartley, Hampton Inn Chris Howard, First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union Gerry Kavanaugh, UMASS-Dartmouth Rose Lopes, Sylvia Group Chuck Lord, AHEAD Lynne Mastera, Precix Lynn Motta, BankFive Douglas Rodrigues, D. E. Rodrigues & Co. Kristy Roussel, Lafrance Hospitality Derek Santos, New Bedford Economic Development Council Carmen Sylvester, Southern Mass Credit Union Robert Unger, Unger LeBlanc Director Emeritus Joel E. Burns Your Chamber Staff 508-999-5231 President & CEO, Rick Kidder - Ext. 100 Director of Operations & Finance, Dorothy Botelho, IOM - Ext. 101 Manager of Business Development & Public Policy, Ian Abreu, IOM - Ext. 105 Supported Employment Network Coordinator, Joanne Rego Communications Manager, Rebecca Laliberte, IOM - Ext. 102 Programs & Events Manager, Deven Robitaille- Ext. 103 Youth Services Coordinator/Tourism Marketing Coordinator, Brianna Alves - Ext. 104

New Year Brings New Chamber Value! A Message from the President & CEO occurs, we will ask the birthday On December 14, the Board boy or girl to designate one of Directors of the SouthCoast of our non-profit members to Chamber approved a budget receive a check for $25 from for the 2018 year, and with that the Chamber and promote it approval comes new programon Facebook for others of our ming and greater member valmembers to join in. It is a great ue for every Chamber member. way to support those who are Along with the budget comes a Rick Kidder, doing so much good in our plan of work that includes new networking opportunities, a President & CEO community, recognize a birthday and not gain weight! Every“birthday bucks” challenge for one wins! our member businesses and an education and workforce summit that addresses the crucial need for increas- The SouthCoast Chamber has a traing our regional educational attain- dition and a responsibility to address ment levels and preparation for the issues important to the business community, and there is no issue more imworld of work. portant than education – the primary The Chamber has for many years spon- source for preparing and retaining talsored Business After Hours, a freeform ent in our region. This year we will networking program held throughout sponsor a first annual Education and the region in the evening. Events like Workforce Summit, designed to address those have great value, build a sense the important issues of preparing young of community among businesses and people for the world of work and for provide for opportunities for promot- forging better and stronger meaningful ing one’s business in a casual setting. connection between the business comEvents like these are crucial, but they munity and education professionals are not for everyone. Some people from throughout the area. prefer a more structured networking opportunity or find freeform events in- We will also be bringing an event to timidating, and the Chamber has devel- the region featuring Charlie Baker, Governor of Massachusetts, to address oped an answer. key issues affecting our region like Eight times per year, the Chamber will South Coast Rail, the opioid epidemic, now host a new program, in partner- healthcare, ballot initiatives and much ship with Southeastern Massachusetts more. Our Southeastern Massachusetts Business Network, the SouthCoast Legislative Alliance is growing, and you Business Builders Breakfast, a morning will soon see more from the Chamber structured networking event held at res- through our email the Business Voice taurants around our region. Each event and through a new lobbying tool called will have a different format, specifically Voter Voice wherein our members can designed to create new networking op- weigh in with our legislators on issues portunities for our members. Our res- that affect their business lives. We will taurant members can show off their soon be releasing statements on ballot skills as hosts, and our members can initiatives and hope that your voice can build their books of business in an early be added to our own as we address immorning setting that is focused and pro- portant policy issues with our members. ductive. Your Chamber is committed to your We are adding a fun Facebook promo- business success, and we will never take tion that also benefits our non-profit your membership for granted! members. With the Chamber staff tak ing the lead, we will be encouraging our members to follow us in a Birthday Bucks promotion. Rather than have a party at the office each time a birthday

New Bedford High School Career Fair Bridges Gap between Students and Workforce By: Brianna Alves

On Thursday, December 14, 2017, Greater New Bedford Connecting Activities Partnership, and Junior Achievement co-sponsored the annual 9thgrade Career Fair at New Bedford High School. The purpose of the event is to inform students about the various career pathways available within in the South Coast region and to educate the students on the numerous fields they can pursue in the future. The Career Fair offers students the opportunity to make informed decisions regarding career pursuits and college studies. The Career Fair is also geared toward helping the students choose an Academy at the

school which they will follow for the participated included: Advanced Heating & Hot Water Systems, BankFive, next 3 years. Big Ocean, Bristol Community ColPrior to the event, dozens of Junior lege, Bristol County Distinct Attorney’s Achievement community volunteers vis- Office, Children’s Advocacy Center of ited each of the ninth grade students in Bristol County, Child and Family Serthe classroom. The volunteers prepared vices, Inc., City of New Bedford, Justice the students for this fair by educating Resource Institute, Little People’s Colthem on career clusters, job interview- lege, Lockheed Martin, Massachusetts State Police, Domino’s Pizza, Siemens, ing and resume writing skills. SouthCoast Behavioral, SouthCoast “I learned so much from these students Health, Southern Mass Credit Union, over at New Bedford High School. I St. Anne’s Credit Union, FUN107, and enjoyed their ability to think critically UMass Dartmouth. about their future. They are far beyond their years, ready for the workforce and The Greater New Bedford Connecting they have the skills to be successful pro- Activities Partnership has an exciting fessionals in their desired fields” says opportunity made available through Brianna Alves, Youth Service Coordi- the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center nator for the SouthCoast Chamber and (MLSC) for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) employers Junior Achievement volunteer. to host PAID internships for students On behalf of Greater New Bedford in the South Coast region. By providConnecting Activities Partnership, we ing, a valuable work and learning expewant to thank the employers who sup- rience for an intern, which allows your ported this effort. Local employers who business to better, prepare the interns

who want to grow and innovative the STEM economy. Employers will be eligible for a reimbursement by MLSC of up to $2,880 for internships completed during July and August 2018. For a full program overview, and how to apply for this investment in our students, please visit www.masslifesciences.com or please contact the Greater New Bedford Connecting Activities Partnership. If you would like more information about volunteering as a future Career Fair employer, or want to host an intern, please contact Brianna Alves, Youth Service Coordinator for the SouthCoast Chamber at (508) 9995231 ext. 104 or via email at balves@ southcoastchamber.com.

Why do good people under perform as employees? by Ken Graves, TalentValue Every manager has been in this situation. After you conducted a long search, an extensive series of interviews, you find an individual who appears to have all the right credentials. She said all the right things and presented herself well and so you hired her. Three months later you are questioning your decision. Things are not getting done the way you expect and there is something about her approach and behavior that is causing the rest of your team to be upset. You realize there is a mismatch that must be addressed. You ask yourself: Do I really have to do this all over again? What went wrong? How can I avoid making another hiring mistake? What are the root causes why employees don’t get the job done? It is usually one or a combination of these 4 deficits.

1. Skill Deficit – They don’t know how to accountabilities are unclear, balls get dropped, turf wars rage, confusion do the job. reigns, and productivity plummets. a. Do they have the skills to do the job? Skills training takes time and money, c. Did you talk to the employee to be but if someone needs special technical sure your communication was clear? It capabilities, it is critical that you quickly is important that you meet to review address the situation. They may not their progress regularly so you know know how to take the knowledge and what is happening on the ground. Daily experience they have from previous for the first week. Once a week for the positions and add the skills they need rest of the first month. Once a month for the next 6 months. At least once to do the new job properly. a quarter after that. You shouldn’t be b. Did you set the performance a micro-manager, but you must keep expectations and standards? There everyone on the right track and making needs to be clearly defined criteria course corrections as soon as they are that delineates what success looks like. necessary. “How do I know it when I see it?” This comes from measurable indicators of 2. Resource Deficit – Can anyone really performance so that the person can do the job? make their own adjustments as they progress. Do they know what you really a. Does the pace make people boneexpect of them or have you assumed weary? Is there just too much work they can pick it up on their own? When coming their way too fast? Goals

and standards should provide a little stretch to be sure that people are challenged. The “art” of management is knowing when the stretch becomes an insurmountable chasm that discourages people from trying. b. Is the employee managing their time, resources and priorities effectively? What additional resources or training can you give the employee to handle the volume of work? The resources you should consider adding might be people, time to do the job, money, equipment, technology, and other logistical support. The systems don’t have to be the most up-to-date, but if they keep crashing then even the best performer gets frustrated and unproductive.

continued on page 10 3

Awards Presented at SouthCoast Chamber’s 131st Annual Meeting The SouthCoast Chamber is pleased to Economic Impact Awards Presented By recognize organizations for their signifi- SouthCoast Chamber And Sylvia Group cant investment and contribution to the to EforAll economic development, educational leadership and outstanding service of the region. The awards were presented on November 16, 2017 at the Chamber’s 131st Annual Meeting at White’s of Westport. These businesses, through their investment, have generated economic growth, helped positively impact schools and provided outstanding service throughout the South Coast. EforAll receiving an Economic Impact Award Economic Impact Awards Presented By SouthCoast Chamber And Sylvia Group to Milhench Founded in 2010, EforAll has evolved into a multifaceted program, rebranded itself and provided entrepreneurs with resources to follow their dreams. EforAll has expanded throughout Massachusetts with Business Accelerator programs in Lawrence, Lowell and Lynn. In 2015, through a strategic partnership with the Mass Technology Collaborative, EforAll South Coast was created. With programs in Fall River and New Bedford EforAll South Coast has had a major impact on our local economy. In 2 years, EforAll South Coast has put 47 businesses Milhench Supply Co. Receiving an Economic through the Accelerator Programs. Those ventures have created over 150 jobs and Impact Award generated 1.7 million dollars in revenue, Established in 1932 in the heart of New raising 1.1 million in capital. EforAll has Bedford, Milhench Supply Company also given opportunities to over 100 enhas evolved into one of the area’s lead- trepreneurs through their pitch contests ing supply companies. Headquartered exposure, feedback and cash prizes. Toin the New Bedford Industrial Park day, EforAll has enabled hundreds of with a second location in Medford, entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams, Milhench has the ability to distribute open businesses, effectively retained local janitorial, washroom and packaging talent, aided in job creation and bettered supplies throughout all of Massachu- the overall economic climate of the South setts and Rhode Island. For three Coast. generations the Milhench Family and their employees have provided a high level of customer service with an added Educational Leadership Awards Prepersonal touch. Milhench’s strong and sented By SouthCoast Chamber & dedicated workforce of forty personnel Bristol Community College to Five Star are deeply committed to the organiza- Companies tion and many employees have been Five Star Companies, Inc., located in part of the company for over twenty and New Bedford Industrial Park, has gone thirty years. Today, Milhench is a certi- above and beyond to support career defied Women Business Enterprise and velopment education in our region! In majority women owned by President partnership with the Greater New BedHeike Milhench. Their ability to adapt ford Connecting Activities Program, to economic changes and enter into comprised of the SouthCoast Chamnew evolving industries while reaming ber, Bristol Community College, and true to their core mission and values is a the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Five Star has offered, major component to their success.

Five Star Companies receiving the Educational Pete Wilde, Simply Sierra Jewelry receiving the Outstanding Service Award Leadership Awards and continues to offer, valuable work and learning opportunities for our area youth. This past summer, they provided two New Bedford High School students with 120-hour paid internships as part of the high school’s National Academy Foundation curriculum model. In addition, Five Star has hosted several unpaid interns over the years from Dartmouth High’s School-to-Career Program. Aspiring engineering students from both schools have gained invaluable career immersion experience through both observations and hands-on learning in Five Star’s state-of-the-art facility. Outstanding Service Award Presented By SouthCoast Chamber to Pete Wilde, Simply Sierra Jewelry Born and raised in New Bedford, Pete Wilde has been a constant advocate for local businesses while remaining actively involved in the community. Pete attended New Bedford High School and received multiple Master Degrees in both Marketing and Business. As a disabled

Army Veteran, he is a boisterous activist for local veterans and supports several programs for the needy and homeless. Pete retired from the Marriott as a Marketing Officer and today owns Simply Sierra Jewelry with his wife of 10 years Donna Wilde. He has served on various non-profits boards and is an active Chamber member and Ambassador. Pete has is a leading example of how one can promote local businesses and become civically engagement for the overall betterment of our community! The corporate sponsors for the SouthCoast Chamber’s 131st Annual Meeting were Southcoast Health System and BayCoast Bank. Supporting sponsors included Bristol County Savings Bank, Bristol Community College, BayCoast Bank, Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce St. Anne’s Credit Union, Sylvia Group, Waring-Sullivan and Rock Funeral Homes - Dignity Memorial.

Good News! Fourth Generation Joins Sylvia Group partnership represents in terms of the Andrew Armstrong Is Business history, the stability and the future of a Insurance Account Executive business that has served this region for almost 70 years.” As an account executive in Sylvia Group's Commercial Lines division, Andrew Armstrong specializes in providing insurance solutions to members of the medical device manufacturing industry and in serving food, beverage and hospitality businesses through the agency's Farm-toTable/Grain-to-Glass insurance and riskAfter several years of working in various mitigation program. capacities as an employee in the food services industry, Andrew Armstrong is "Having grown up observing how my now serving restaurants and other busi- parents and grandfather served their Sylnesses while employing others as an ac- via Group clients and the community as count executive and co-owner of Sylvia a whole, I consider it an honor to carry Group. on the legacy my great-grandfather began," Andrew said. "That I get to focus A graduate of Boston College and Dart- on two areas of business where I have a mouth's Bishop Stang High School, Arm- great deal of passion makes my work all strong earlier this year became the first the more rewarding." fourth-generation member of his family to attain ownership of the Dartmouth- A Dartmouth native, Armstrong recentbased insurance, employee benefits and ly moved from Brookline, MA, to New financial services agency. Bedford. The son of Sylvia Group President/CEO Our Sisters’ School Celebrates 10th AnMaureen Sylvia Armstrong and Vice niversary Transforming Lives in Our President Ray Armstrong, Andrew, 27, Community is the great-grandson of agency founder Louis Sylvia and grandson of Past PresiOur Sisters’ dent/Owner Vincent Sylvia Sr., MauSchool opened reen's father. in 2008 with the mission of Maureen's sister Beth Sylvia Caldwell also fostering the was a co-owner until January of this year, intellectual, sowhen she sold her share of the agency cial, emotional and Andrew, Executive Vice President and physical John Beauregard and Vice President-Fidevelopment of nancial Services and Benefits Rosemarie girls from underserved families in the S. Lopes joined Maureen as partners. Greater New Bedford area. Today, OSS offers an extraordinary education and Andrew's younger brother, Charlie Arm- continues to nurture the full potential strong, a cadet in the Army R.O.T.C. of its students’ characters in a smallprogram at Drexel University in Philadel- school setting with an almost 11-hour phia, previously worked at Sylvia Group daily program. Bernadette Souza, Foundas a business intern. ing Trustee and Executive Director of Youth Opportunities Unlimited, recent“As a mother, naturally I’m very proud ly said “Everything I’ve imagined that the of both my sons, and I’m thrilled to have School could do for the many girls and Andrew working beside me at Sylvia their families in this community has come Group,” Maureen Armstrong said. “As true.” an agency president and owner, I’m especially appreciative of what Andrew’s 6

Ten years ago, a like-minded group of educators, community members and philanthropists worked together to launch the tuition-free, independent, non-sectarian middle school for economically disadvantaged young girls. As a single-sex school, OSS is not eligible for state funding, however, a remarkable collaboration of donors, volunteers, families and the community has resulted in the School’s exceptional achievements. To honor New Bedford’s storied past, the School is named after the courageous “sister sailors” who joined the long whaling expeditions in the 1800s. Our support springs deep from the heart and history of New Bedford. As OSS celebrates its milestone 10th anniversary, the School continues to solidify its reputation as a forward-thinking educational institution with an innovative curriculum. Sarah Herman became Head of School in 2013 and leads a fulltime staff of 13, including AmeriCorps volunteer teachers, to support 67 students in grades 5-8.

Brownell Avenue, New Bedford, across from Buttonwood Park and behind Tifereth Israel Synagogue. OSS has an opendoor policy, please come for a visit and student tour, and experience the School’s joyous and positive learning environment. www.oursistersschool.org; 508.994.1255; info@oursistersschool.org. Southcoast Health Provides Funding For New Pace Head Start Program Thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Southcoast Health, People Acting in Community Endeavors (PACE) is launching a new program to help preschool children and their parents get ready for the transition to school prior to the first day.

The POP, or Playing On Purpose, program is a series of four interactive parentchild play sessions developed by Kelly Rodriguez, MSW, LCSW, CCLS, of Early Childhood Consultation, to assist PACE staff in helping families become familiar with the schedule and routine of the preschool classroom. The POP sessions provide an opportunity for parents to learn more about their child’s social OSS graduates are thriving both in pub- and emotional development, as well as lic schools and independent schools. gain strategies to enhance the child’s Thirty of the 91 alumnae garner a total learning at home. of $3.5 million in scholarships from secondary schools such as Phillips Andover, “Young children learn best through play,” Milton Academy, Tabor Academy, Loo- said Ms. Rodriguez. “The POP program mis Chaffee and St. George’s School. Ms. was designed to help parents learn how Herman proudly states “Our school main- to use play to best support their child’s tains a 100% high school graduation rate. social and emotional development. ChilThese graduates are earning acceptances dren who have a strong foundation in and scholarships to colleges ranging from social and emotional skills are most Amherst College and University of South- likely to have a successful transition to ern California (USC), to UMass Dart- the preschool classroom.” mouth.” OSS is flourishing under Ms. Herman’s creative leadership. She says Ten children in seven families attended “It has been a lot of hard work, and the the four morning sessions held at two School has great momentum right now PACE locations in August. Monthly ses– and that energy helps maintain and sions will be planned for the school year. achieve powerful outcomes.” “We appreciate Southcoast Health’s genThe School’s success emerges from the erosity in providing funding for this opskill and passion of all those involved. portunity to improve programming for The faculty and staff strive to create a our New Bedford Head Start families,” student-centered and rigorous educa- said PACE Head Start Director Jill Fox. tional program encouraging deep learn- “POP groups teach children the social ing; the students embrace the core values skills necessary for a successful adjustof the School – Excellence, Community, ment to school and teach parents the skills necessary to support the child’s Our Sisters’ School is located at 145 learning and school readiness.”

Good News! Bristol County Savings Bank’s Michele Roberts Receives Distinguished Leadership Award From New England Women In Banking

years, meeting with organizations to discuss funding and then helping to launch approved initiatives. The Foundation has distributed more the $18 million to hundreds of non-profit organizations since Bristol County Savings Bank (BCSB), its inception in 1996. Roberts resides in h e a d q u a r - Bridgewater, Massachusetts. t e re d in T a u n t o n , “For decades now, Michele’s leadership M a s s a c h u - and dedication has been a key component setts, an- to helping the Bank make a positive imnounces that pact within the communities we serve Michele Rob- through the partnerships we form, the erts, Execu- volunteerism of our employees and the tive Vice investments we make,” said Patrick MurPresident & ray, President & CEO, Bristol County Community Savings Bank. “The work she has done Affairs Officer at the Bank, received the on behalf of our Foundation has truly Sandra J. Pattie Distinguished Leadership made a difference to hundreds of nonAward at the sixth annual New England profit organizations and those they serve Women in Banking Conference held and we continue to donate more grant recently at the Gurney Resort & Marina money each year, with over $1.7 million in Newport, Rhode Island. The Confer- being awarded in 2016 alone.” ence’s focus is on providing women in the banking and credit union professions Roberts has immersed herself in the local with a leadership forum. Roberts received community throughout her career. Her the award in recognition of her role as a current involvement includes: Board business leader and community advocate, Member & Governance Committee fostering Bristol County Savings Bank’s Member for the Boys & Girls Club of strong support of non-profit organizations Pawtucket, Pawtucket, Rhode Island; Vice within the neighborhoods the Bank Chair & Executive Committee and Marserves and its engagement of the com- keting Committee Member with the munities’ engines of economic growth. Pawtucket Foundation, Pawtucket, Rhode Island; Board Member & Development “Every year we look across the region’s Committee Co-Chair for Meeting Street/ financial landscape to honor women Schwartz Center for Children, Proviwho’ve made an extraordinary contribu- dence, Rhode Island and New Bedford, tion,” said Vincent M. Valvo, CEO, the Massachusetts; Board Member for the New England Women in Banking Confer- Leduc Center for Civic Engagement at ence. “This year we were delighted to UMass Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, choose Michele Roberts for the Sandra Massachusetts; and a member of the J. Pattie Distinguished Leadership Award. Greater New Bedford Funders Group and She is someone who has been a role the Women’s Fund of Southeastern Masmodel for women in finance not only sachusetts - Task Force on Pathways for because of her career success at Bristol Women to a Living Wage. County Savings Bank but also due to her consistent efforts to give back to the com- Roberts attended Memorial University munity and to help others succeed in in Newfoundland, Canada. She also their careers.” graduated with high honors from the New England School for Financial StudA 25-year veteran of the banking industry, ies at Babson College, Wellesley, MasRoberts has excelled at numerous posi- sachusetts and the National School of tions at the Bank and is currently a valued Banking at Fairfield University, Fairfield, member of the Executive Team. She has Connecticut. also served as the Clerk and the real face of the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation (BCSCF) for the past 20

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opment of both personal and business clients. Mr. Guilbeault is a graduate of the University of MA-Dartmouth with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and the National School of Banking from Fairfield University. He has over 25 years of banking experience.

For more than 70 years, BIC has provided millions of promotional giveaway pens for trade shows, general promotions, thank you gifts, and employee motivation giveaways. BICPENS.com offers free, 24hour production on most of its pens, notepads and magnets, as well as calendars, tote bags, mugs and other general promotional giveaways.

Commenting on Mr. Guilbeault, Rosemary Neto Hazzard, President of Neto Insurance Agency, stated that “ We are delighted to have such a proven professional as Andrew. He shares our common goals and values and his experience and expertise will help us achieve our goal of remaining a premier community insurance agency on the South Coast.”

BIC Pens Joins SouthCoast Chamber “My family is from New Bedford, going back to my grandparents. This is our heritage,” beams Arthur Mickelson, as he brings his international BICpens.com to the SouthCoast Chamber. “We still have family here and we’re proud to be back.”

Mr. Guilbeault currently serves as a Dartmouth Rotarian and as an advisory board member for the Center of Marketing Research at the University of Massachusetts –Dartmouth. He has served on many boards in the local community and has been a volunteer coach for many athletic associations. He, along with his wife, Polly and their three children reside in And BICPENS.com can help you moti- Dartmouth, MA. vate and reward your employees with BIC® pens, magnets or stress toys, and Neto Insurance Agency has 2 offices lomore. BICPENS.com guarantees the cated at 96 Rockdale Avenue in New highest quality and the best service for Bedford & at 1470 Pleasant Street in Fall every one of its clients, no matter how River. They have been serving the community since 1973 and have made a combig or small their order may be. mitment to provide both individuals and Arthur Mickelson has brought a media businesses with outstanding products and career to BICpens.com, to lead a team services to meet their insurance needs. of 125 employees. Together, they give you Neto Insurance can be found on the web a full-service promotional products agen- at www.netoinsurance.com. BIC® pens are used as a constant reminder of your business, to promote your business. For example, the BIC® Grip Roller and smooth flowing, gel rollerball makes excellent, giveaway executive gifts. You can also promote your business at trade shows with giveaways as well as on sales calls.

cy experience of the highest quality, award-winning customer service and a promise of satisfaction. Neto Insurance Agency Welcomes Andrew T. Guilbeault Neto Insurance Agency Inc. is pleased to welcome Andrew T. Guilbeault to their team as a Sales Account Executive. He will be responsible for service and devel-

Do you have good news to share? Please send your press releases with photos to info@southcoastchamber.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.

Rick Kidder Named “Chamber Executive Of The Year”

C OA STA L F I NA NCI A L IS A PR E MIER PROV IDER OF PER SONA L F I NA NCI A L PL A N N I NG & E MPL OY E E

SouthCoast Chamber President & CEO, Rick Kidder, was selected by a committee of his peers from five states to be awarded the “Chamber Executive of the Year” for New England, 2017. Kidder has 17 years of experience in Chamber work. Kidder worked at the Scottsdale Chamber in Arizona for 15 years before joining the SouthCoast Chamber and relocating to his home state of Massachusetts. He is on his third year as President & CEO of the SouthCoast Chamber and has led the organization through a successful rebrand, created new membership benefits and initiatives, strengthened the Chamber’s advocacy efforts and more. In order to receive the New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Award, a candidate must show leadership in variety of areas including staff develop-

ment, collaboration in the community and ability to overcome organization challenges. Kidder was nominated for the award by the staff at the SouthCoast Chamber. They wrote the nomination and secured a letter of support from Chair Elect, Kim Perry of Waring-Sullivan Funeral Home. Kidder said, “The real honor was being nominated by my staff and Board, but to be recognized by one’s peers is extra special. The goal of any CEO of a Chamber is to serve the business community, become an integral part of the area he/she serves and elevate the profile of the Chamber to the benefit of all.” Kidder was honored at a dinner during the annual NEACCE Conference in Windsor, CT on November 13, 2017. Over 125 Chamber professionals from around New England were present.

BE N E F I T S; C OM MI T T ED T O OU R CL IE N T S ’

The SouthCoast Chamber To Unveil New Morning Networking Opportunity in 2018

SUC CE S S SI NCE 1999.

508.990.1583 CHRISHODGSON�FINANCIALGUIDE.COM

62 State Road Dartmouth, MA 02747

CFS-MA.COM

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“Ice-Breaker” challenges aimed to get you meeting new people. The SouthCoast Chamber and Southeastern Massachusetts Business Network are proud to present the brand new "SouthCoast Business Builders Breakfast" morning networking series. This event will provide our members, guests and friends an early-morning opportunity to increase your access to leads, build your book of business, and to encourage the meaningful professional relationships. These events will not only allow for networking at your own pace, but also additionally, will be chock-filled with plenty of fun and entertaining mixer challenges such as: “Business Card Bingo,” “Speed Networking,” “5 Word Introduction,” Photo Contests” and many other

The first installment of "SouthCoast Business Builders Breakfast" will be taking place on Thursday, January 18th from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at the Mystic Café, located at 398 Main St., Fairhaven. The cost to attend is $15 for Chamber Members, Guests and Friends (includes continental breakfast, coffee, tea and juice). If you would like more information about the "SouthCoast Business Builders Breakfast" program, or, would like to attend our first “kickoff” event on January 18th, please contact Ian Abreu, Manager of Business Development & Public Policy at: (508) 999-5231, ext. 105, or, via email at iabreu@southcoastchamber.com.

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS.

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Welcome New Members ADP 300 Jefferson Blvd. Warwick, RI 02888 Phone: (508) 496-3420

Captain Thomas J. Nicholas 180 Mendall Rd. Acushnet, Ma 02743 Phone: (508) 717-7161

Paw Place, LLC 416 Huttleston Ave. Fairhaven, MA 02719 Phone: (774) 328-8477

Southern Light Solar 287 Sawyer St., #1W New Bedford, MA 02746 Phone: (774) 473-9339

Appraisal Power 17 Huttleston Avenue Fairhaven, Massachusetts 02719 Phone: (774) 206-1699

Ivis Cleaning Inc. 209 Court St. New Bedford, MA 02742-8827 Phone: (508) 971-7123

Pub 6T5 LLC 736 Ashley Blvd. New Bedford, MA 02745 Phone: (508) 995-6065

Sugarman-Sinai Memorial Chapel 458 Hope Street Providence, RI 02906 Phone: (401) 331-8094

Black Pearl Productions, Inc. 226 Old Harbor Rd. Westport, MA 02790 Phone: (774) 264-9793

Lance Soares' Family Martial Arts Center 331 State Rd., Suite D Dartmouth, MA 02747 Phone: (774) 992-0797

Pioneer Financial Group - Andrew Sylvia 117 Metro Center Blvd. Suite #2008 Warwick, RI 02886 Phone: (774) 766-2205

Willow Tree Restaurant Inc. 12 Rockdale Ave. New Bedford, MA 02740 Phone: (508) 990-3631

Constellation Energy 116 Huntington Ave. ,Suite #700 Boston, MA 02116 Phone: (617) 772-7524

New York Life - Arthur Pacheco 55 Friendship St. Fall River, MA 02724 Phone: (774) 526-9137

Salt Marsh Foods LLC 135 Potter St. New Bedford, MA 02745 Phone: (774) 206-6615

Wood Cup Marketing 134 Hartley Rd. Rochester, MA 02770 Phone: (918) 809-1793

Why do good people under perform as employees? continued from page 3

3. Motivational Deficit – They don’t job. This is not a negative judgment about the person, but rather the seem to want to do the job. result of a poor behavioral fit between a. Does the job utilize their skills, the individual and the job behaviors values, and interest? Most people fall required. into the trap of choosing a profession or job that is a bad fit. Rather than b. Is there a lot of conflict and stress trying to understand ourselves and among the people with whom they choose the right calling that aligns with deal? An employee’s insensitive or our strengths and interests, we choose a aloof attitudes toward co-workers can job because of peer pressure or the first damage team environments and lead thing that comes along. The net result is to employment discrimination lawsuits. that most people are in a job they don't Managers should take immediate action like. Consequently, their motivations with any hostility. Conflict between deteriorate and fall into a pattern of interdependent groups can prevail acceptance because they don’t know because business objectives, deadlines and priorities are unclear. what to do next.

paper, the employee’s compatibility with the organization’s value and mode of operation can be inconsistent with your expectations. This is not inconsequential and can lead to devastating results. e. Do the behaviors required to do the job, fit with the manager’s style and approach? Every employee / manager relationship is unique and requires a different management approach. A decisive boss and a decisive direct report will be handled differently than a decisive boss with an indecisive employee. One size does not fit all situations. Both the manager and the employee need to learn how to adapt to each other’s’ style.

f. Have you coached the person in the behaviors that are necessary to perform well on the job? Have you given them training or mentoring to help them cope and handle the issues they face? One on one counseling can be critical to integrating the new employee into the organization and the job. You must set the proper expectations and priorities on each area to get the proper a. Managers will often hire people for d. Do the person’s behavioral traits fit performance from each person --- up to their skills, and then fire them for the with the company’s culture? While the their full capabilities. behaviors they actually exhibit on the person presented themselves well on

c. Do the behaviors required to do the job, match with the person’s core behavioral traits? The classic disaster occurs if the strongly independent salesman is promoted to a sales manager that requires patience and strong team building skills. Different behaviors and 4. Behavioral Deficit – They seem to be a skills sets may be required for these different jobs. “fish out of water.” b. Know the demands of the job. Know the type of person that will be successful on that job. Hire people who have the behavioral traits that fit that job. That is why the right behavioral assessments are important to use in the hiring process.

TalentValue HR Insight Advice Good people who are smart and have the experience, don’t always do the job well. Look beyond the obvious symptoms and examine some of the root causes of the problem. Sometimes the fault is with the person, but sometimes it is simply because you put a good person in the wrong spot in your organization. You can affect the culture and success of our organization three times in the life cycle of an employee. (1) When you hire them; (2) when they are on the team, and you can train and develop them; and (3) when you let them go. Have a focused plan in all three instances. Don’t “wing” it and hope it all works out. Hope is not a strategy. To learn how to avoid these management pitfalls, contact us to discuss how we help managers recruit, pre-qualify applicants quickly, interview for a good job fit, hire and retain the best candidates that have the potential to exceed your expectations and succeed with your company. Contact TalentValue or call Ken Graves 401-463-0200 ext. 2

Recent Events

1. Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito was the keynote speaker at the Chamber's 131st Annual Meeting at White's of Westport.* 2. Taunton Federal Credit Union celebrated the opening of their first New Bedford branch on Rockdale Ave.*

3. Chamber staff volunteered decorating the historic lamp posts in Downtown New Bedford for the holidays.

Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Pub 6T5 736 Ashley Blvd. New Bedford, MA

For the Business After Hours schedule and to register visit southcoastchamber.com.