Chamber Focus July/August 2017 by SouthCoast Chamber

The SouthCoast

Inside July- August 2017

Chamber Focus Proudly Serving New Bedford and the Towns of the South Coast

Business News for and about Members of the SouthCoast Chamber

New Name for Your Chamber!

July - August 2017

Chamber Update ....................................2 Connecting Activities ..............................3 Good News ..............................................6 Golf Tournament....................................8 Welcome New Members......................10 Featured Member Discount ...............13 Government Affairs Update................14

Chowderfest Returning this October - Calling All Restaurants!

Following a lengthy deliberative process, the Board of Directors of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce voted at its May 25th meeting to re-brand the organization and do business as the SouthCoast Chamber. The Chamber currently boasts membership from throughout the region with the heaviest concentration from its primary catchment area which includes Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Rochester, Wareham and Westport. Over the next weeks and months, the SouthCoast Chamber will work with designers on a new logo design, signage and marketing materials. We appreciate your patience and support while we undergo the process of re-branding. We have created a list of frequently asked questions for your convenience, which you can view on our website here: southcoastchamber.com/re-brandingfaq/

• The Chamber is hosting its annual membership campaign read more on page 3. • The 2017-2018 Membership Director y is now available, read more on page 5. • Learn about developing a more effective and competitive recruiting strategy on page 10. • Check out photos from recent events on page 11.

Planning has begun for the 12th Annual New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival and we are inviting restaurants throughout the SouthCoast to join us on Sunday, October 8th at City Pier 3 to showcase their signature dishes from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. There will be chances to receive trophies, plaques and cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and This year “ChowderFest” award categories 3rd place in two separate contests, “Judgwill include Clam and Seafood Chowder, es Choice” and “People’s Choice”. The Kale Soup, Signature Soup, Stuffed Qua- tasting wraps up by 3p.m. and the votes hog, and Best Table Presentation. Com- are tallied by our team of volunteers. The peting restaurants will serve up sample- fun continues with children’s activities, live sized portions of their most popular music, beer, wine, cocktails, cold drinks, dishes and will be featured in an intense and desserts until the awards are prepromotional advertising program leading sented at 4:30p.m. up to the event!

Don’t miss out on all the excitement happening at Chowderfest and the opportunity to serve your delicious signature dishes to over 3000 attendees. Sponsorship opportunities are also available on all levels making it possible for organizations of any size to get involved and gain exposure. For more information contact Deven Robitaille, Programs and Events Manger at 508 999-5231, ext. 26.

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 Economic Affairs Beth Sylvia Caldwell, Sylvia Group 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 Chuck Lord, AHEAD Lynne Mastera, Precix Benjamin Middleton, Santander Lynn Motta, BankFive Caroline Paradis Douglas Rodrigues, D. E. Rodrigues & Co. Derek Santos, New Bedford Economic Development Council Robert Unger, Unger LeBlanc 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 Business Development & Public Policy, Ian Abreu, IOM - Ext. 24 Supported Employment Network Coordinator, Joanne Rego - Ext. 28 Communications Manager, Rebecca Laliberte, IOM - Ext. 27 Programs & Events Manager - Deven Tillman - Ext. 26 Brenna Souza - Youth Services Coordinator - Ext. 29

Chamber Update A Message from the President & CEO After more than 130 years er note of our needs and chalof continuous operation, the lenges when we speak together New Bedford Area Chamber rather than separately. Someof Commerce has a new name times it is more important to and a focused mission to serve challenge poor legislation than the business community of the to proffer new initiatives, but it South Coast. The re-brand, will be our goal to do both. begun with a Board discussion in September which prompted A second and equally important Rick Kidder, the formation of a re-branding President & CEO initiative is our new partnercommittee, was finalized in a full ship with the Cape Cod Canal Board vote in May. Region Chamber, led for many years by the intrepid and committed The legal name of the Chamber re- Marie Oliva. The SouthCoast Chammains unchanged, but the Chamber will ber and the Cape Cod Canal Region begin a slow transition to a new d/b/a Chamber share the goal of supporting as SouthCoast Chamber. The web site the growing business base in the Town and email addresses already reflect the of Wareham and have ventured into an change, and the organization filed the agreement that reflects our greater ded/b/a with the City of New Bedford sire to address needs of the business in late May, reflecting the June 1 initial community in that community through transformational work. a joint membership program – unheard of in the chamber world. The “join one, For many years, the Chamber has served get two” program allows businesses to businesses in New Bedford and in nine avail themselves of membership optowns in the South Coast from Westport portunities for two chambers at one low to Wareham. Our new tagline is “Proud- price and through one billing annually. ly Serving New Bedford and the Towns Our recent morning membership drive of the South Coast.” Even in the midst attracted 15 businesses that want to be a of change, it is vital that the organiza- part of both, and we know this number tion acknowledge the great small city we will grow. will continue to serve for the next 130 years and beyond, while also recogniz- Whatever we are called, the Chamber is ing that the Chamber has a reach that here to support your business through extends well beyond municipal bound- programs and services that help a busiaries. ness grow, provide discounts that help on the bottom line and that offer new With this change come other exciting skills to the business community. We are benefits to our members. The South- about jobs, business growth and buildCoast Chamber has formed an alliance ing stronger communities. Your memwith the Bristol County Chamber (for- bership supports the rising tide that lifts merly Fall River Chamber) on common all boats, and the SouthCoast Chamber legislative issues that affect business in is always here to help make your busiour region. With that alliance the cham- ness stronger. bers can speak with one voice, representing far more businesses and adding In the next few weeks, look for a new considerable clout to our voice on Bea- logo, a new sign in front of the building con Hill. As we foresee the future, we and the same quality programs and serlook to recruit other chambers in our re- vices that engendered your faith in the gion to join the alliance and to broaden Chamber in the first place. Welcome to that voice on behalf of our members. the SouthCoast Chamber! Legislators in our region will take great-

STEM EMPLOYERS STEP UP TO “HIRE A YOUTH” By: Brenna Souza

The Greater New Bedford Connecting Activities Partnership relies heavily on our involvement with area employers in order to be successful and to ensure that we make the most out of all high school interns’ experiences. The focus this year at the state level for Connecting Activities is to recruit and partner with more employers within the STEM field who are looking to “hire a youth.” STEM is based on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and students are being educated within all four disciplines. Work in the STEM field is growing rapidly and statistics have shown that the need for STEM related jobs will rise drastically by 2018.

The GNBCAP was extremely lucky this year to get the chance to partner with Tegra Medical, LLC. Tegra Medical stepped up and sponsored three students through the Connecting Activities internship program, who have worked in Engineering and Manufacturing while at the facility. Tegra Medical is a STEM employer who focuses on precision machining and contract manufacturing, which services the medical device industry. Kenneth Campanale the Director of Regulatory and Quality at Tegra Medical, spoke with the GNCAP on the benefits he feels his organization received from hosting student interns. Mr. Campanale stated, “We have received more than what we have given to these students. The students are well prepared to work in a new environment and have a great work ethic. They have been an excellent resource to our team. Once they are trained on a task, they need little su-

pervision with completing the task. We look forward to the summer months because we will have these resources to help support our team.” Employers who choose to host these student interns are given the chance to someday offer the students an opportunity to be employed closer to home and bring work back to the South Coast area. While hosting a student intern, an employer is giving the students the power and tools needed in order to be successful in the future. The objective for the GNBCAP is to provide a work experience that gives students the opportunity to expand knowledge gained in the classroom by applying it in a work setting.

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, New Bedford High School, Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School and Old Rochester Regional High School. More information about the partnership is available at www.southcoastchamber.com or by calling (508) 999-5231.

If you are interested in hosting a student intern or would like more information, please contact Brenna Souza (508)9995231 ext. 29 or bsouza@southcoastchamber.com

Call for Membership Drive Volunteers & Prize Donations -We Need Your Support!

The SouthCoast Chamber will be holding a Membership Campaign on Tuesday, September 12th and Wednesday, September 13th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please consider giving three and a half hours of your time with fellow business leaders, all while sharing the value you derive from being a member. The day will include a complimentary lunch. In addition, valuable prizes will be awarded to top recruiters!

The Chamber provides numerous services for its members, including networking and professional development, export services, an electricity discount program, free and low cost marketing, school-tocareer initiatives, trade shows, as well as government affairs programs and advocacy to encourage a positive business climate for the New Bedford Area.

Last year’s prize sponsors were: AAA of Southern New England,Back Nine Club, Cotali Mar Restaurant, Country Club of New Bedford , Dunkin Donuts, Fran’s Travel, Hampton Inn of Fairhaven/ New Bedford, Clifton Larson Allen, LaFrance Hospitality, Luzo Auto Body, Mirasol’s Café, Moore & Isherwood, Not Your Average Joe’s, The Pasta House, Rose Alley Ale House, PawtuckIn addition, the Chamber’s New Member et Red Sox, Residence Inn by Marriott, Campaign will also feature several The Steamship Authority, The Whaling "join now" incentives for businesses Museum and YMCA Southcoast. and organizations that enroll with the Chamber, including free advertising, If you are interested in volunteering for web site listings, admission to Chamber the drive or, are interested in becoming a prize sponsor, please contact Ian networking programs and more. Abreu, Manager of Business DevelopIf you are unable to volunteer your ment & Public Policy at the SouthCoast time, please consider donating a prize Chamber at: (508) 999-5231, ext.24, or, or gift certificate for those who will via email at iabreu@southcoastchamber. be participating in the campaign. Your com support will help make this Membership Campaign a great success! 3

2017-2018 Membership Directory Now Available Currently being mailed to our members is the 2017-2018 edition of our Annual Membership Directory & Community Resource Guide. This guide provides a valuable resource to members of our community, businesses, those looking to visit or relocate to the area and more.

Annual SouthCoast Women's Forum Continues to Inspire

2017 – 2018 Annual Membership Directory & Community Resource Guide

SOUTHCOAST CHAMBER Proudly Serving New Bedford and the Towns of the South Coast

If you have not yet received your copy, would like additional copies or have any questions regarding the publication, please contact Rebecca Laliberte at 508-999-5231, ext. 27 or email rlaliberte@southcoastchamber.com. www.southcoastchamber.com

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This year’s SouthCoast Women’s Forum was held on May 3rd at Rachel’s Lakeside and was another great success! The event focused on women who have been trendsetters and trailblazers in both their professional and personal lives. Our dynamic panel featured Anastassia Gonye, Creator and Owner of Tuff Kookooshka, Sheri Weintraub Director and Chief Physicist Radiation Oncology, Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care, and Lauren Lemieux certified Life Coach and founder of Coaching to Fulfill Dreams. The panelists did an amazing job interacting with over 100 attendees as New Bedford’s own Ashley Bendiksen moderated the event.

Forum and highlighted their products and services while networking with other exhibitors and attendees. Rachel’s Lakeside served a fantastic lunch as the panelists shared their stories, experiences and answered questions from the audience. The SouthCoast Women’s Forum is a special and intimate event that is highly anticipated every year. The planning committee works hard to come up with new ideas, themes, and activities to make each SouthCoast Women’s forum even more amazing than the year prior. “This is one of my favorite events to plan at the Chamber. The Women’s Forum has such a great vibe and it is so motivating to see women working together to inspire one another” said Deven Robitaille, Programs and Events Manager, SouthCoast Chamber.

If you are interested in participating in the 2018 SouthCoast Women’s Forum as an exhibitor, sponsor, or serving on the planning committee contact Deven Robitaille at the SouthCoast Chamber. More than twenty organizations and We always love to hear our member’s businesses were present at the Women’s thoughts and suggestions.

2017 "SouthCoast Job Fair": An Overwhelming Success By: Ian Abreu

The third annual "SouthCoast Job Fair" took place on Thursday, April 20, 2017 on the campus of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. "Representing Fine Companies Such as"

Fall River Office 155 North Main Street Phone: 508-673-5808

Taunton Office 53 County Street Phone: 508-823-0073

New Bedford Office 949 Ashley Blvd. Phone: 508-998-2101

jobs for those with a GED or high school diploma-equivalence, and those requiring as much as a doctorate. Some of the employers on the wide spectrum included: Acushnet Company, New Bedford Public Schools, the City of New Bedford, DATTCO, Ocean Spray Cranberries and First Citizens' Federal Credit Union.

The "SouthCoast Job Fair," a regional partnership between the Chamber, the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board and the Greater New Bedford Career Center, helped connect over 120 local, regional and national em- "What helped make our event so sucployers with over 500 local area job seek- cessful was the fact that we welcomed a wide-range of different employers offerers and students. ing different career opportunities," said Employers offered internships, entry level, part-time, seasonal and full-time continued on page 8 5

Good News! Lafrance Hospitality Wins Award from Marriott International

Lafrance Hospitality recently received an award from Marriott International for the successful opening of their Courtyard Marriott hotel in Littleton, Massachusetts. Marriott International awarded Lafrance Hospitality a “Best Opening” Award, honoring the company at Marriott International’s best Courtyard hotel opening company-wide since January 2016. Marriott International sets strict standards for opening a hotel, encompassing factors related to construction, staffing, pre-sales, and operational procedures. The Best Opening award encompasses the hotel’s pre-and postopening successes including pre-bookings and guest service scores, among other fiscal measurements and property goals. Lafrance Hospitality is proud to accept this award from Marriott International as the company achieved and exceeded all goals set by Marriott International, and exceeded the results of other similar hotel operators who have opened Courtyard hotels since late 2015. The “Best Opening” award is awarded to hotel operators who have set a precedence of meeting goals, and setting an example of successful hotel operations. Lafrance Hospitality President and CEO, Richard Lafrance, and Vice President Hotels, Timothy Burkhardt, accepted the award at the 2017 Marriott International Owners conference at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, on May 1. The international event, held every eighteen months, brings owners and hotel professionals together to discuss the brand’s initiatives, goals, and new product offerings for the next operating cycle. This is the second time Lafrance Hospitality has been honored with a Best Opening award. They received a similar award for the successful opening of their TownePlace Suites 6

hotel in Wareham, Massachusetts at Marriott International’s last conference in 2015. “We are honored to be recognized again by Marriott as having the best Courtyard opening company -wide,” said Richard Lafrance. “This is the second time we have won this award, and we couldn’t have done it without the hard work from our hotel team. They met all project deadlines, exceeded sales goals, and ensured the hotel was ready to serve our guests from the moment it opened.” Tomlinson & O’Neil Insurance Donation to the New Bedford Salvation Army Food Pantry Christopher J. O’Neil, Vice President of the Tomlinson & O’Neil Insurance Agency, is pleased to announce a donation in the amount of $1500.00 to the New Bedford Salvation Army Food Pantry. O’Neil states, “T&O has once again partnered with the Arbella Insurance Company and has taken advantage of Arbella’s “Let’s Drive Out Hunger” Campaign, which matches partner agency donations to local food pantries. Over the past nine years, hundreds of donations from independent agents have helped Arbella’s Foundation raise nearly $940,944 for local food pantries, soup kitchens and food programs across more than 100 New England communities. O’Neil states” The work that Major Parkhurst and his team do for our community must continue to be supported in every way possible. Our entire staff is happy to help in this small way.” Tomlinson & O’Neil Insurance is a local Trusted Choice® agency representing fine companies such as The Arbella Insurance Group. T&O offers a variety of coverage choices for thousands of families and businesses throughout New England and can customize an insurance plan to meet your specialized needs. You can visit Tom-

linson & O’Neil Insurance online at ventative care services, rather than seeking www.toinsurance.com or call 508-994- treatment when symptoms become acute. 5678. “We understand that many of our patients Southcoast Health cuts ribbon on new face significant cultural, educational and Rapid Assessment Zone in emergen- socio-economic barriers. At Southcoast cy department at St. Luke’s Hospital Health, we strive to be a resource for those in New Bedford individuals and their communities – to embrace them in our mission to provide quality healthcare to all,” said Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Health. Adam Bradshaw Recognized with Prestigious Outstanding Producer The $3.8 million project will help emer- Award from the IBBA gency department staff to provide more timely and effective care to all patients Adam Bradshaw – from infants and young children to the of The Nery Corcritically injured and those suffering beporation is the havioral health problems. recipient of the Outstanding Pro“The goal of the RAZ is to improve evducer Award ery patient’s emergency department exgiven out by the perience though the provision of more International timely assessment and increased privacy. Business Brokers Not every patient will be seen in this new Association treatment area. The patients who require (IBBA) during its more in-depth critical resources will still annual conferbe seen in the main emergency depart- ence on May 6, 2017, in Dallas, Texas. ment, while the new RAZ will focus on The Outstanding Producer Award is those patients with less complex and im- awarded to applicants who closed one or mediate healthcare needs. All of these more business deals amounting to at least components will come together to ensure $1 million in total purchase price during that patients across the region receive the the 2016 calendar year. best and most efficient care possible in their time of need,” said Dr. Jennifer “Adam has established himself as an exPope, Chair of Emergency Medicine at perienced, knowledgeable professional in St. Luke’s Hospital. a complex business arena,” said Lou Vescio, IBBA Board Chair. “As the only The new area will be approximately 7,500 international association for business brosquare feet, with an 18 bed capacity, and kers, it’s important for the IBBA to recwill provide comprehensive critical care ognize individuals like Adam who are resources by combining the historical worldwide leaders in this industry and who concepts of Express Care and triage into display the high standards of skill and one new rapid treatment model. excellence that the IBBA promotes.” The IBBA is the world’s premier organiSt. Luke’s Hospital has the third busiest zation operating exclusively for profesemergency department in the entire Com- sionals and firms engaged in business monwealth with over 90,000 visits annu- brokerage. The Member Excellence ally. Much of this has to do with the health Awards Gala, put on by the IBBA during and socioeconomic disparities that exist their annual conference, gives winners the in the region. For example, over 11 per- recognition they deserve for their achievecent of New Bedford residents are unin- ments, while also giving their IBBA colsured compared to less than 4 percent leagues the opportunity to engage with statewide. Those who are uninsured are them and learn from their experience. far less likely to take advantage of pre- Adam J. Bradshaw (A.Bradshaw@nery-

Good News! nounce that Kathy Bergeron has com- Community Foundation Appoints pleted the QuickBooks Online re-certifi- Director of Development cation. Certification demonstrates both skill and proficiency in the use of QuickJohn VasconcelBooks Online. This certification is prelos, president of sented by Intuit, the maker of Quickthe Community Books. Intuit is a leader in cloud-based Foundation of accounting software that allows small Southeastern business owners and their accountants to Massachusetts, have access to real-time financial data to announced the better manage their business. recent appointment of Dartmouth resident Ethan KeJohn T. Lally CPA, PC provides book- hoe as the Foundation’s first director of keeping, accounting, tax and business development. advisory services to small businesses and individuals in the SouthCoast region and “The Foundation is so pleased to have can be reached by calling 508-992-6500. Ethan on board as we build upon our The firm is conveniently located at the efforts to become an exceptional philanFairhaven Center for Business, 69 Alden thropic resource for our partners who BankFive Earmarks $30,000 Donation Road, Fairhaven, MA, with curbside park- serve the needs in our community,” statFor Lloyd Center For The Environment ing and easy highway access. ed Vasconcellos. corp.com) has over 17 years of experience in Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing and Information Technology. Mr. Bradshaw is a Graduate of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in Marketing and Entrepreneurial Management. Previously Mr. Bradshaw worked in the golf industry with international manufacturers and distribution companies responsible for corporate management, sales, and marketing. He is a member of the New England Business Brokers Association (NEBBA), Business Brokers Affiliates of New England (BBANE), and the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA).

BankFive announced today that it has Community Connections Welcomes earmarked $30,000 for the Lloyd Center New Board Member for the Environment for its facilities Community renovation/expansion campaign. The C o n n e c t i o n s, Lloyd Center for the Environment has Inc. (CCI) is been providing highly regarded researchpleased to anbased environmental education programs nounce that Alfor students and residents of the Greater lison MacEachFall River/Greater New Bedford region ern has joined its and beyond for more than 30 years. Board of Directors. Allison is The Lloyd Center recently launched its Senior Vice Presfirst-ever capital campaign, entitled ident of Human Resources at Rogers & “Transforming A Legacy,” in order to raise Gray Insurance, where she has worked $3 million for upgrading buildings and for 17 years. Allison lives in South Yargrounds and for program support and mouth and is active in the Society for endowment. Projects being pursued in- Human Resource Management. With her clude a new Welcome Center, expansion strong expertise in Human Resources and of the Exploration Center, and a new in building relationships within the comTeaching Pavilion. munity, CCI is confident that Allison will contribute to the organization’s growth “The Lloyd Center for the Environment and success. truly is a legacy in our community, and we at BankFive are glad to lend our finan- Community Connections has provided cial support to keep this legacy alive and life-enriching services that promote opgrowing,” said William R. “Bill” Eccles, timal independence for people with disPresident and CEO of BankFive. “We abilities for over 30 years. The organizawish the Lloyd Center the best in meeting tion provides day habilitation programs, and hopefully exceeding its campaign life skills, and employment services for goal.” over 725 individuals from Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod. Cape Cod John T. Lally CPA, PC Employee locations include Mashpee and South Completes QuickBooks Online re- Yarmouth. For more information about certification Community Connections, Inc. visit John T. Lally CPA, PC is pleased to an- www.communityconnectionsinc.org.

Jean Correia Recognized as Five Star Mortgage Professional Jean Correia, Mortgage Originator at St. Anne’s Credit Union is a Five Star Mortgage Professional winner for the second year in a row. Jean was nominated for her commitment to professional excellence and overall client satisfaction. The award is based on research with significant focus on customer feedback and providing quality services. For this research, customers are contacted to rate their mortgage professional on criteria including customer service, integrity, communication and overall satisfaction. Jean was awarded for continuing to provide exceptional client satisfaction and service.

“Adding someone with Ethan’s depth of experience in philanthropy, together with his outstanding track record of successful Seastreak Ferry Service In Full Swing fundraising and nonprofit leadership po- To Martha’s Vineyard And Nantucket sitions, will allow the Foundation to focus From New Bedford on growth and creating local impact.” The magical islands of Martha’s Vineyard Vasconcellos noted that Mr. Kehoe was and Nantucket are as close as a deluxe chosen from a pool of more than 30 Seastreak ferry that departs from New highly qualified applicants, and he ad- Bedford and skips Cape traffic. vanced to the post through a comprehensive, multi-stage interview process involv- The New Bedford to Martha’s Vineyard ing Foundation staff and members of its one-hour express runs from May 15 to October 9, 2017 with a minimum of two Board of Directors. daily trips plus additional special availIn joining the staff of the Community ability trips at various times throughout Foundation, Kehoe completes a full circle the season. The New Bedford to Nanin his career as he began working in the tucket route runs from May 24 to Sepnonprofit community as youth and com- tember 4, 2017. Two weekday trips and munity director for the New Bedford three weekend trips take riders to NanYMCA in the late-90s. Most recently, tucket in under two hours. Kehoe was director of development at Saint Patrick Academy in Providence, as The full schedule and fares can be found well as a capital campaign consultant at on www.seastreak.com. Nativity Preparatory School of New Bedford. Do you have good news to share? Prior to that, he spent a decade in chief development officer posts for the Hockomock Area YMCA and then at the YMCA of Greater Providence, where he led successful $1 million annual fund campaigns and completed two capital campaigns totaling $5 million.

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.

Annual Golf Tournament - New Time & Location for 2017

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 BE N E F I T S; C OM MI T T ED T O OU R CL IE N T S ’ SUC CE S S SI NCE 1999.

The SouthCoast Chamber’s Invitational Golf Tournament is scheduled for Tuesday, September 5th at the Acushnet River Valley Golf Course. This year’s tournament provides an exciting opportunity to network and promote your company while enjoying 18 holes of golf on a beautiful course. Registration begins at 9:00 am followed by a shotgun start at 10:00 am. The tournament will be a scramble format and includes a boxed breakfast, award ceremony, Hors d’oeuvres, cocktail hour, raffles, dinner and golfer’s gift bag. Come and take part in some friendly competition while

enjoying delicious food with us on the golf course for this much anticipated and unique signature Chamber Event! This event is a great way to gain exposure for your organization even if you are not a golfer. Sponsorship opportunities are available on all levels and companies who donate raffle prizes are recognized throughout the event and in the Golfer’s Guide. For more information on registering, sponsorships or donating a raffle prize, contact Deven Robitaille, Programs and Events Manager at (508) 999-5231 ext 26.

SouthCoast Job Fair (continued from page 5)

508.990.1583 CHRISHODGSON@FINANCIALGUIDE.COM

62 State Road Dartmouth, MA 02747

CFS-MA.COM

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Ian Abreu, Manager of Business Development & Public Policy at the SouthCoast Chamber. "It didn't matter if you had a GED-level education, or a PHD in a specific field, we had employment opportunities for everyone. We strategically set this event up in such a manner." According to statistics courtesy of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, only about 42% of chambers of commerce are actively engaged in economic and workforce development.

“As we continue to shape our chamber and organization in the 21st century, we need to find new, innovative ways to keep our chamber relevant amongst our constituency and community,” explained Abreu. “Less than 1-out-of-2 chambers across the country are actively involved in employment matters, and we’re one of them. As the person who oversees that area of our operations, I am very proud of the work we’re doing and will continue to do in the months and years ahead.”

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS.

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Welcome New Members Aflac Insurance 97 Cottonwood Road Harwich, MA 02645 Phone: (774) 212-5230 Agritec Americas Corp 252 Elm Street S. Dartmouth, MA 02748 Phone: (508) 999-1338 Anytime Fitness - Freetown, MA 1 Chase Road Freetown, MA 02717 Phone: (774) 400-4128

Dartmouth Residential Energy Consulting, LLC 317 Slocum Rd. North Dartmouth, MA 02747 Phone: (508) 817-5130 Fun With Clothespins PO Box 51403 New Bedford, MA 02745 Phone: (781) 424-7959

Primerica 905 South Main St. Mansfield, MA 02048 Phone: (774) 930-9726 ProGroup Contracting 1193 Ashley Blvd. New Bedford, Massachusetts 02745 Phone: (888) 393-2992

Kaplansky Insurance 696 Ashley Blvd. New Bedford , MA 02745 Phone: (508) 995-8351

Royal Taber Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 19 Taber Street New Bedford, MA 02740 Phone: (508) 997-0791

Keystone Place at Buzzards Bay 218 Main Street Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 Phone: (774) 302-4539

Sparkle Clean Maids 367 New Bedford Rd Rochester, MA 02770 Phone: (774) 269-0337

Margaret J. Grassi Insurance 1188 Main Street West Wareham, MA 02576 Phone: (508) 295-2007

The Gateway Printing Co. 174 Main Street Wareham, MA 02571 Phone: (508) 295-0505

Buyer's Professional Real Estate Services, Inc. 149 Brandt Island Rd. Mattapoisett, MA 02739 Phone: (508) 954-3982

New Bedford Homeless Advocates, Inc. PO Box 2023 New Bedford, MA 02741 Phone: (508) 991-0875

Torrey Enterprises, LLC 25 Diane Drive Coventry, RI 02816 Phone: (401) 603-8876

Cape Cod 5 Cents Savings Bank 10 Rosebrook Place Wareham, MA 02571 Phone: (508) 247-1858

New York Life (Veronica Gomes & Carlos Batista) 1167 Ashley Blvd. New Bedford, MA 02745 Phone: (508) 287-3086

AT&T Wireless Entertainment Group 606 Tarkiln Hill Rd. New Bedford, MA 02745 Phone: (508) 364-6692 Behavioral Development & Educational Services 5 Dover St., Unit #105 New Bedford, MA 02740 Phone: (508) 990-9875

Capion Studio Dartmouth, MA 02747 Phone: (774) 264-3999

Your Feng Shui Guru 65 Chestnut Street South Dartmouth, MA 02748 Phone: (508) 263-0897 Vineyard Wind 700 Pleasant Street, Suite 510 New Bedford , MA 02740 Phone: (508) 717-8964

The War For Talent Is Heating Up! The New Art of Developing a More Effective and Competitive Recruiting Strategy Written by Ken Graves, CEO TalentValue International, Inc. As all employers quickly learn, there's a big difference between a worker who's correctly matched to a job, and one who is not. Hiring the wrong employee is expensive, costly to your work environment, and time consuming. Hiring the right employee, on the other hand, pays you back in employee productivity, a successful employment relationship, and a positive impact on your total work environment. But how do you find and match the right people to the right jobs? 1. Start by developing accurate job descriptions In addition to creating accurate job descriptions, it's important to develop a "success portrait" of the ideal employee for positions in your company. To accomplish that goal, you need to 10

for you to know an individual's strengths and weaknesses, not just as a hire/don't hire test, but as a coaching tool to help you determine training needs and the best approach to maximize the person's productivity? The success portrait you create for each position will help you determine which behavioral traits are important for your hiring position. Online testing and submission of results can help you determine whether the ap2. Assess your potential candidates for plicant should be invited for a personal their skills and attributes using a prov- interview. en assessment tool. In addition, decide whether you're going to conduct pre- 3. Focus on behavioral traits because employment testing. The most important â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Tend to Hire for Skills and Fire for reason to prescreen candidates when hir- Behaviorsâ&#x20AC;?. Although the right skill set ing an employee is to save interviewing and selecting time. How much is it worth continued on page 12 identify key skills and attributes that are common to the successful employee(s) but missing from the other employees. Using this information, you'll be able to develop a description to help you select the candidates most likely to succeed in that position. Remember, you can't tell if you've found a match if you're not matching candidates against a specific job description.

Recent Events

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1. 1. The Annual SouthCoast Legislative luncheon featured a panel of our local senatorial and legislative delegation.* 2. The SouthCoast Job Fair featured over 100 employers with several job opportunities available.* 3. Chamber board members Ron Ellis and Kim Perry at the SouthCoast Legislative Lunch.* 4. Ribbon cutting at First Citizens' Federal Credit Union's newest brand in downtown New Bedford.* 5. Ribbon cutting at the new Anytime Fitness located in Freetown, MA.* 6. Guests at the May Business After Hours at BayCoast Banks' new branch in downtown New Bedford.

Business After Hours Wednesday, July 19, 2017 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at

Thursday, August 17, 2017 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at

First Citizens' Federal Credit Union (Downtown Branch) 468 County Street New Bedford, MA 02740.

My Brothers Keeper 1015 Reed Road North Dartmouth, MA

Sponsored by:

7. The Chamber participated in the SouthCoast Emerging Leader Awards hosted by SouthCoast Media.* 8. Chamber CEO and Dave Cheatham from Chambers For Innovation and Clean Energy at the State House. 9. Guests at the June Business After Hours sponsored by BankFive.* 10. The SouthCoast Chamber partnered with the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber to invite Wareham businesses to join during a special membership Campaign. 11. The Chamber hosted the Home, Health & Wellness Show at Greater New Bedford Voc Tech. (*photos by Sergio: sergio.az@hotmail.com)

Developing A More Effective And Competitive Recruiting Strategy (continued from page 10)

may seem like the most important factor in whether an applicant is a good fit for your job, the truth is that skills can be acquired, but personalities cannot. Consider soft skills — like interpersonal skills, communication skills, thought processes and emotional intelligence — because they matter. Social intelligence — being able to navigate social situations and work well with others — is very important. Fit the personality to the job. 4. Develop a series of pre-qualifying screening questions to save administrative time. Use a consistent set of 10 or 12 questions to maintain a structured process and offer a sound basis for comparing applicants. Ask the right kinds of questions. This is because the job interview process generally focuses on making sure new hires are technically competent, but other factors are just as important to employee success, maybe more so — like coachability, emotional intelligence, temperament and motivation — and are too often overlooked. A common sourcing and selecting mistake - “Managers hire for skill, but fire for behavior.”

Calendar of Chamber Committee Meetings

5. Improve your job postings. The way your job posting is written can stop

great candidates from applying. A Wall Street Journal study found that job ads emphasizing the “needs-supplies approach” (what the company can do for the applicant) versus the “demands-abilities approach”, created a much higher percentage of applicants responding to the needs-supplies approach. The more successful postings included statements such as "We seek to provide employees with constructive feedback to foster their career growth," and "You will have many opportunities to collaborate with talented people." Your opportunity? Put more focus on what your company can do for potential employees, and you'll attract candidates who better fit your needs and perform up to your expectations. 6. Let candidates interview you, too. Allowing prospective employees to interview you gives you a chance to see what's important to them, you have an opportunity to get an insight into their thinking process and discover what motivates them. CONTACT: Ken Graves 508-468-0233 ken@talentvalue.com

Contact the Chamber office for more information on any of these committees.

July Executive Committee Meeting - Thursday, July 13th - 8:00 a.m. Government Affairs Committee Meeting - Friday, July 14th - 8:30 a.m. August Government Affairs Committee Meeting - Friday, August 11th - 8:30 a.m. September Executive Committee Meeting - Thursday, September 14th - 8:00 a.m. Board of Directors - Thursday, September 28th - 8:30 a.m.

SERVPRO to Host End of Summer Bash SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford and Marion/Middleboro will be hosting an exciting End of Summer Bash and invite you to join us! This special edition of the Chamber's popular Business After Hours is Thursday, August 31st from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. There will be complimentary drinks, hors d'oeuvres as well as plenty of time to network. Business After Hours are a great way to build professional relationships and this special edition is no exception.

Find out what SERVPRO has to offer while building professional relationships and networking! This event is free for members but registration is required online at www. southcoastchamber.com or by calling 508-999-5231.

July - August Featured Member Discount Clarity Wellness

R & W Rope

15% off a reiki session at Clarity Wellness

10% off in-store sales only (39 Tarkiln Place, New Bedford location)

For more information: caroline@claritysouthcoast.com ph: 508-525-6750 www.claritysouthcoast.com

For more information: phone: 1-800-260-8599 email: ed@rwrope.com website: https://rwrope.com

The Chamber Member Discount Program is sponsored by Cox Media

Whether your business is large, small or just starting out, our broad range of products and services are designed with you in mind. Let our unique expertise and knowledge work for you.  Free Business Checking  Commercial Real Estate

To set up your discount or to view a complete list of discounts currently available to Chamber members, please visit www.southcoastchamber.com or call 508-999-5231

June Good Morning SouthCoast Featured a Panel of Local Educators On Thursday, June 22nd over 100 people gathered at the Wamsutta Club to hear how our local school systems are preparing students to enter a competitive workforce. The Chamber’s Good Morning SouthCoast Breakfast Program sponsored by BayCoast Bank featured a panel of local Superintendents working directly in our school systems. The panel interacted with attendees by taking questions and providing insight on ways the business community, residents, parents, and educators can collaborate and help students reach their full potential. The well-informed panel effectively brought attention to the opportunities and challenges encountered when preparing students K – 12 to enter our workforce. They shed light on the connection between education, our cur-

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Talk to our Lending experts to get started today! rent economic state and the effects they have on the future of our local economy. BayCoast Bank and EdUp highlighted their “Get on the Bus Program” at the event with their Big Blue Bus and invited attendees to share stories on how education influenced their lives and communities. The event was a success and we would like to thank everyone involved who helped bring awareness to such an important topic within our community. 13

SouthCoast Chamber Government Affairs Committee Update By: Ian Abreu

In May, the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee sponsored our first ever Washington, DC Fly-In, as we met with members of our federal elected delegation, and discussed issues which are relevant to the business community on the South Coast.

The Fly-In included exclusive meetings with 9th Congressional District Representative William Keating, United States Senator Edward Markey, and United States Senator Elizabeth Warren. We discussed local, regional and statewide issues which impact the Greater South

Coast service area such as: healthcare, well as hear from members of legislative infrastructure, transportation, education, leadership on the priorities of Beacon energy, economic development and Hill. regulatory reform. This year, members of our local Additionally, we also received a briefing Legislative and Senatorial Delegation from US Chamber of Commerce took part in a panel discussion and officials. answered questions about statewide matters, which are relevant to the Overall, the trip was hailed as a success, economic vitality of our region. and we look forward to building off of this momentum for future Fly-Ins. We would like to thank our distinguished panelists who took time out of their SouthCoast Legislative Luncheon: busy schedules to partake in the event: Connecting Beacon Hill to the First Bristol & Plymouth State Senator South Coast Michael Roderigues, 13th Bristol Representative Antonio F.D. Cabral, 10th On Friday, June 2, 2017, the SouthCoast Bristol Representative William Straus, Chamber hosted its annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Legislative 11th Bristol Representative Robert Koczera and 9th Bristol Representative Luncheonâ&#x20AC;? at Cotali Mar Restaurant. Christopher Markey. The Legislative Luncheon is a high profile annual event that provides Local popular WBSM radio personality business leaders with an opportunity to Phil Paleologos, who did a fabulous job, have face time with regional legislators as moderated the event. continued on page 15

Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board Held Annual Meeting in June submitted by the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board The Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc. held its Annual Meeting on June 21, 2017 at the Waypoint Conference Center in New Bedford. The WIB is the local workforce system facilitator and a business-led, policysetting board that oversees workforce development initiatives in the tencommunity region stretching from Dartmouth to Wareham, MA. The WIB is one of 16 similar Boards in Massachusetts. Workforce Investment Boards direct federal, state and private funding for educational and occupational skills programs and oversee the local career centers, such as the Greater New Bedford Career Center. The WIB also collaborates as a region with the Bristol, Brockton Area and South Shore workforce investment boards.

and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA), Boards have been called upon to play a major role in a variety of key state initiatives, and to define their vision, mission, and goals based on local community needs. The WIB partners with local agencies, such as PACE, the Department of Unemployment Assistance, Massachusetts Rehabilitation, Commission, Groundwork Southcoast, and local K-12 and higher education school systems to provide training and education programs as a path to gainful employment on the South Coast.

In Fiscal Year 2017, the local workforce system through the Career Center served 5,358 individuals, with 798 individuals gaining employment after training. Many individuals are still in training or education programs through the Career Center. An estimated $26 million personal aggregate income was generated as the result of this In addition to responsibilities mandated employment. During FY17, the local under the federal Workforce Innovation unemployment rate hovered around 14

For private businesses, the WIB also facilitated an Advanced Manufacturing Forum with SMAMC, assisted with Workforce Training Fund program applications of nearly $300,000 to train incumbent workers, and partnered with the SouthCoast Chamber on programs The WIB also facilitated several trainings such as Connecting Activities. with partners throughout the year, such as the Massachusetts Manufacturing The WIB also partnered and led nearly Extension Partnership (Mass MEP). Of $1 million in youth programs for in the 261 individuals who participated in and out school resulting in 826 youth the trainings, 135 have so far gained their receiving career related services. The WIB also partnered with the Matt credentials and attained a job. Light Foundation Leadership program During FY17, the WIB received more to enable four area students to excel than $2.2 million in grants including in academics and receive mentoring AmpItUP!, a youth program, integrated throughout the year. education training grants to provide Adult Basic Education programs The WIB is chaired by Anthony through UMass Dartmouth, and helped Sapienza, CEO of Joseph Abboud, and facilitated two vocational high school its Executive Director is James Oliveira. capital skills grants for Old Colony and For more information on the WIB, Greater New Bedford Vocational High please visit their website at gnbwib.org. School. 5%, with areas such as New Bedford experiencing unprecedented low rates, such as 4.1% at the end of 2016. The WIB tracks local labor market information, which can be viewed on their website under Performance Dashboards.

Government Affairs Update (continued from page 14)

Chambers Agree to Establish a Legislative Alliance The SouthCoast Chamber and the Bristol County Chamber of Commerce recently agreed to form the “Southeastern Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Alliance” (SMCCA). The purpose behind the two regional chambers collaborating on government affairs is to address regional challenges and opportunities in current and future legislation at the State House in Boston and Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Friday Forum:

ENTERPRISING MINDS

Join us August 18th, 9:00 AM at the Chamber office, 794 Purchase Street, New Bedford for our next Friday Forum. This Friday Forum will feature Kevin Thompson of BBM Pros who will be sharing innovative techniques that aim to help business owners build their businesses in a proactive manner using social media.

Love What You Do-Young Man Seeks Job Opportunity

Capitalize on Social Media and Promote Your Business and Services

This unique and interactive Friday Forum will feature the opportunity to learn hands on as Kevin will help produce a short video for all attendees showcasing their products and services free of charge! The video can then If you would like more information, be used on your own social media to or, would like to become a member of promote your organization! the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee, please contact Ian Abreu, Friday Forums are a great way to take Business Development and Public advantage of experts in their field who Policy Manager at: (508) 999-5231, ext. are willing to share their knowledge with Chamber Members at no cost. 24, or, via email at Registration is required online at iabreu@southcoastchamber.com. southcoastchamber.com.

Submitted by Joanne Rego, Supported Employment Network Coordinator

Christopher Mercer loves his job providing maintenance services one day a week at an office in Fall River. Mercer loves what he does so much that he is seeking an additional position in the Greater New Bedford area where he can provide maintenance services to another company. Mercer has over two years of experience providing maintenance including emptying trash, dusting, vacuuming, sweeping mopping, cleaning tables and shredding papers. Mercer is hoping to find a part time position doing maintenance at a local business so that he can earn addition money to do activities that he enjoys during his time off.

Christopher’s current supervisor says that Mercer is a dependable and reliable worker who is very sociable. Mercer adds that he is also trustworthy and honest and is willing to do whatever task his employer needs him to do.

If you are interested in meeting Mr. Mercer to discuss an employment When Christopher is not working, he opportunity or to set up an interview, enjoys spending his time watching his please contact Mark Jardin at Lifestream, New England sports teams and following Inc. at 508-991-4840 ext. 1033. their statistics on line. Mercer is a sports enthusiast who has an abundance of If you have any questions about the knowledge about his favorite teams Supported Employment Network or and favorite players. Mercer says he are interested in hiring a person with especially enjoys playing sports video disabilities, please call Joanne Rego at games where he can be the player on the the SouthCoast Chamber at 508-999screen. Mercer has also had interest in 5231 ext. 28. helicopters starting at a very young age. His knowledge of helicopters surpasses the average enthusiast.

The SouthCoast HR Council meets monthly September through May. The council is open to all Chamber members with an interest in human resources. For more information or to register, contact Dorothy Botelho at dbotelho@newbedfordchamber.com or 508-999-5231 ext. 20.

www.southcoasthrcouncil.com

SouthCoast Chamber ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Save the Date

Tuesday, September 5, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ Acushnet River Valley Golf Course

SouthCoast Chamber Calendar - Upcoming Events July Business After Hours

August Business After Hours

Weds., July 19, 2017 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 17, 2017 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.

First Citizens' Federal Credit Union (Downtown Branch) 468 County St New Bedford, MA 02740.

My Brothers Keeper 1015 Reed Road North Dartmouth, MA 02747

Free for members pre-registered $20 at the door $25 non members

Friday Forum: Capitalize on Social Media and Promote Your Business and Services Friday, August 18 2017 9:00 a.m. Chamber Office 794 Purchase Street New Bedford, MA 02740 Free

End of Summer Bash Thursday, August 31, 2017 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Servpro of Dartmouth/ New Bedford and Servpro of Marion/Middleboro 1476 Purchase St. New Bedford, MA 02740 Free for members pre-registered $20 at the door $25 non members

SOUTHCOAST CHAMBER To register for any event or to view a calendar of upcoming Chamber events, visit www.southcoastchamber.com www.facebook.com/ southcoastchamber twitter.com/newbedfordarea www.linkedin.com/company/ new-bedford-area-chamberof-commerce