Sept./Oct. Focus Newsletter by SouthCoast Chamber

The SouthCoast

Inside September - October 2017

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

Business News for and about Members of the SouthCoast Chamber

Join us for the New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival! - October 8th and Carmines Italian Ristorante to name a few. The impressive list of contenders is growing daily, guaranteeing an enthusiastic friendly competition. Engage in the exciting competition by voting for your favorite chowders, soups and quahogs from several local establishments!

Don’t miss all of the excitement at the New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival on Sunday, October 8th under the tent on City Pier 3 in the historic Port of New Bedford. Roughly, twenty local food establishments will be serving up delicious samples of their signature chowders, soups and quahogs. Amongst last year’s participants returning to defend their prestigious “Chowderfest Titles” are: The Black Whale, Freestone’s, Cove Surf & Turf, Brazilian Grill, Mike’s Restaurant and Tia Maria’s European Cafe. These distinguished competitors will be up against new comers SouthCoast Behavioral Health, The Moby Dick Brewery,

• Read the latest update from the Chamber's government affair committee on page 14. • October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, learn more on page 8. • New member? Learn about all the benefits of membership on page 14. • Check out photos from recent events on page 11.

After the voting ends, the fun continues with antique fire truck rides, children's face painting, exciting lobster races, gift certificate raffles, live music from local band "Business Time", beer, wine, cocktails and a variety of desserts. Tickets are $15 prior to the event and $18 the day of. Tickets are available online by visiting www.southcoastchamber.com/chowderfest. They can also be purchased at a variety of locations that can be found on the Chamber website. For more information on attending or participating in the New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival, call the SouthCoast Chamber at 508-9995231. Come and enjoy this highly anticipated community event with your friends and family!

September - October 2017

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

October Good Morning SouthCoast! "Immigration in the SouthCoast: Where Are We?"

This edition of Good Morning SouthCoast is dedicated to the state of Immigration and how it affects the South Coast as a whole. Immigration is a complex subject that is particularly relevant to our community and local eco-

nomic climate. The event will feature two keynote speakers. Bristol County Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson will offer his insight and knowledge on the direction of immigration within the region. continued on page 3

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 Robitaille- Ext. 26

Chamber Update A Message from the President & CEO Let the Crazy Season Begin!

Our Good Morning, SouthCoast educational and inforThe SouthCoast Chamber is mational series will also take place in October, this time emerging from a busy summer tackling the thorny issue of into the beginnings of the crazy immigration and how that imseason! All chambers have busier and lighter times, and for portant topic affects the people us the summer is a bit lighter, of New Bedford and the South Rick Kidder, Coast region. Immigration but once Labor Day happens all you-know-what breaks loose – President & CEO touches all of us, and, indeed, nearly all of us are descendants and we love every minute of it! of individuals who came here It is such a privilege to serve the busi- from somewhere else. The challenges ness community of this region and to of dealing with individuals and families be such an integral part of the excite- not here legally or those who came here ment that is happening in New Bedford without documentation but brought and the towns of the South Coast. The young children with them is hard to adChamber has forged new relationships, dress simply, and the challenges to the has been working to enhance value business community who knowingly or for our members and begun our re- unknowingly employ individuals not branding in earnest which is breathing here under the appropriate documentanew life into an organization that has tion can be crippling. labored to support business since 1885. The SouthCoast Chamber has joined Our annual golf tournament, held on forces with the Bristol County ChamSeptember 5th, the day after Labor Day ber in Fall River and the Cape Cod to help ease folks back into the work of Canal Region Chamber to form the the fall and winter, is revamped to rec- Southeastern Massachusetts Chamber ognize an individual and company that Alliance in an effort to have the unified adds to the greatness of our region. This voices of the business community heard year, the committee has decided to hon- on Beacon Hill. Too often legislators or Anne Broholm, CEO of AHEAD, a fail to heed the voices of the individual company that works on the apparel and chambers when considering legislaperipherals side of the golf industry, tion, but with the combined strength but also is a major New Bedford em- of more than 2,000 businesses in our ployer with an enviable commitment to chambers, our collective voice can be strong and our voice hard to ignore. its workforce and the community. We will weigh in together as one voice Everyone in the region we hope is on issues of agreement and annually thrilled to hear that the Chamber publish a scorecard of the legislators in has embarked on the execution of a our service areas on where they voted time-honored event in New Bedford, on issues of importance to the business the New Bedford Seaport Chowder community. Festival. The event, held annually at Pier 3 near the Black Whale, will take With all that, we can say without hyperplace on Sunday, October 8th from bole that the crazy season has begun. 12:00 to 5:00 P.M. Football fans (and The strong support of the business comwho isn’t) will be pleased to know that munity is how we get things done, and ChowderFest will not compete with the our promise to our members remains Pats who play the Thursday before that unchanged. We will always work toward week, leaving folks ample time to sam- the betterment of the business commuple chowder, kale soup, quahogs and nity, work to bring jobs and businesses other delights and then vote on what to our region and work to make each they consider the best. Tickets will be and every member prosper. available on the Chamber website and throughout discerning businesses in Downtown and, of course, at the gate.

New Season Means New Opportunities to Partner with Connecting Activities By: Brenna Souza

The Greater New Bedford Connecting Activities (GNBCAP) team is excited about the opportunities that we have available in this new school year! This Fall we are looking to partner with even more employers and businesses to ensure that we are giving the students we service the best possible experience. The GNBCAP creates programs and activities that enrich the lives of students within the Greater New Bedford Region.

periences. Internship opportunities are vital for high school students, opening their eyes to various careers and pathways. Internships can last a semester or for a full year. They are also flexible in time, mostly occurring during the morning and afternoon hours. We are currently seeking employers to provide both paid and non-paid internships for the Fall. Please consider taking on a high school intern and giving these students an experience that will last a lifetime!

Some employers may feel that their businesses are unable to take on an intern for a full semester or year. In this case, the GNBCAP is also looking for employers to sign up to host a “job shadow” tours for a high school students. A job shadow is an opportunity for a As always, we will continue our work student to go to the worksite to spend with internship programs that place a half or full day observing. These stuhigh school students from the Greater dents will get the chance to shadow emNew Bedford region into workplace ex-

ployees in the workplace and see what Connecting Activities programming is a day-in-the-life of an employee at your an activity of The Youth Council of the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investfacility looks like! ment Board, Inc. The GNBCAP is also looking for employers to participate in our upcoming About the Connecting Activities Career Fairs. We will be coordinating Partnership Career Fairs this year at several different The Greater New Bedford Connecting Activities schools throughout the region. Career Partnership, a collaboration of the City of New Fairs give employers the opportunity Bedford Office of the Mayor, the Greater New to meet the students and learn what Bedford Workforce Investment Board and Youth Council, Bristol Community College and the they have to offer the future workforce. SouthCoast Chamber, promotes the connecting of These fairs also give employers the academic and workplace learning through Conchance to advertise their businesses and necting Activities workplace internships. Area bring hand-outs or giveaways for the employers assist high school seniors to make more students! Dates for these Career Fairs informed decisions about their future education will be announced in the upcoming and career choices. Currently, we service students at Dartmouth High School, Fairhaven High months. If your business is looking to participate in any of these upcoming events/ programs, please reach out to the Connecting Activities Partnership at 508-999-5231.

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.

Good Morning SouthCoast! (continued from front cover)

Helena Hughes, Executive Director of the Immigrants’ Assistance Center will share her expertise on immigration, the intricacy of the process, and the stigmas attached. Learn from those who work directly with immigrants daily during and after the immigration process as they elaborate on this topic. Thomas M. Hodgson, a law enforcement and corrections professional with extensive management, marketing and business experience was appointed Sheriff of Bristol County, May 21, 1997 by Gov. William F. Weld and was sworn in officially June 2, 1997 by then Lt. Gov. Argeo Paul Cellucci. In 1994, Sheriff Hodgson, a former Maryland Police Lieutenant for Special Operations, joined the staff of the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office and served as Deputy Superintendent of Investigations. He also served five years as a

Councilor-at-Large on the New Bedford Ms. Hughes has a Bachelor of Science City Council. in Business Administration and a minor in Paralegal Studies from Newbury Upon assuming the role of High Sheriff College, and she a Leadership Southof Bristol County, Sheriff Hodgson im- Coast Graduate. She is committed to mediately set out to implement his goals researching immigrants’ needs and defor corrections reform, public safety veloping programs to enhance the comand raising the standards for the Bristol munity potential. Her solid marketing County Sheriff’s Office to enhance the background and program development primary mission of care and custody of experience have been invaluable to help inmates. He instituted structured dis- her meet these goals. cipline for the inmate population and expanded the Work Release programs Ms. Hughes developed a number of to include graffiti removal. programs to assist immigrants in the community. The information exchange Helena DaSilva Hughes became Execu- for Portuguese citizens (and later intive Director of the Immigrant’s Assis- cluding Cape Verde) regarded legal, tance Center (IAC) in 1996, after over permanent residents that where being 32 years of experience working with the deported due to laws enacted in 1996. Immigrants’ Assistance Center and the The AMIGOS project was developed immigrant community. Born in Por- to address the dropout rate of students tugal, she immigrated to the United who did not speak English as their first States with her family at the age of ten. language. Ms. Hughes has spoken about

issues pertaining to the immigrant population at numerous events and locations including Congress, universities and conferences in Washing D.C., Azores and Lisbon. Ms. Hughes is active in the local community and involved in a number of boards. She has also been the recipient of various prestigious awards both locally and internationally. Join us for this extremely informative Good Morning SouthCoast Breakfast Program on October 19, 2017 at the Wamsutta Club at 7:30 am. A full breakfast buffet will be served. Tickets are $27.50 for members, $45 non-members and $250 for a table of ten. Sponsorships are also available on all levels and a great way to gain exposure for your organization. For more information, contact Deven Q. Robitaille at 508 999 5231 ext 26. 3

How employment affects Social Security, Several Exciting Upcoming Business SSI, SSDI, Mass Health, Ticket to Work After Hours Benefits Do you or a member of your family have questions or concerns about social security disability insurance benefits? Do you have questions or concerns about how working could affect those social security disability insurance benefits?

Join us Tuesday, September 19, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Wilks Library-City of New Bedford, 1911 Acushnet Avenue at Covell Street, New Bedford, MA. The event is hosted by the Supported Employment Network Committee, Supported Employment Network Members: Better Community Living, Inc.; LifeStream, Inc.; M.O. LIFE, Inc., the Department of Developmental Services and the SouthCoast Chamber.

The SouthCoast Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Supported Employment Network Committee invites you to attend an informative discussion with Kim Melo, Benefits Specialist, for an explanation of how employment affects Social Security, SSI, SSDI, Mass Health, Ticket to Work Call Joanne Rego, Supported benefits. Employment Network Coordinator at the Southcoast Chamber at 508-9995231 ext. 28 for more information.

As one of our most popular events, the Chamber's Business After Hours provides an opportunity for members and non-members to mingle and build business relationships in an informal, relaxed business setting. The next couple of months will be no exception and will deliver exciting and different Business After Hours events. On September 14th, Jardim & Marotta will be hosting a Business After Hours at the DeMello International Center in the heart of downtown New Bedford. Check out the building while learning about the local businesses and organizations who call the DeMello International Center home. The event will also feature a school supply drive in partnership with the United Way. Attendees are encouraged to bring school supplies to the event to provide local students with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom.

in New Bedford. This event is always particularly creative and innovative and several local artists showcase their art pieces in a Gallery located on the second floor. The Hatch Street Studios Business After Hours is a visually stimulating environment where business relationships form and flourish! Toyota of Dartmouth and Check Collision will be hosting a Business After Hours at their location on Boat Rock Road in Mattapoisett in October. Last year, over 120 people attended their event and enjoyed delicious samples from 15 different local restaurants. The food is always plentiful and the door prize is always something well sought after. Last year the lucky winner scored two tickets to a Patriots game!

Business After Hours have consistently been growing in size and the sponsors are always bringing something new and imaginative to their event! Join us at all One of the most anticipated Business the Chamber Business After Hours for After Hours of the Year will be held on a truly unique networking opportunity! September 28th at Hatch Street Studios

"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

Visit www.southcoastchamber.com for our full list of events and to register online.

Good News! Anne Whiting Real Estate is Proud to St. Anne’s Credit Union Donates $2,500 of banking executive Carmen F. Sylvester Announce the Addition of Two New YMCA SouthCoast, Dartmouth Branch to the position of President and CEO. Associates: Ms. Sylvester ofMichelle Saltficially takes the marsh, a Top Prohelm on August ducer, brings to 14th. The CEO real estate her 25 position opened years of customer up with the deparservice along with ture of Dan Waltz her accreditation in May of this as both a Buyers’ year. Agent and Sellers’ St. Anne’s Credit Union recently doAgent. Michelle is also a Senior Real nated $2,500 to the Dartmouth Branch Ms. Sylvester comes to SMCU from the Estate Specialist and is bilingual. She is of YMCA SouthCoast. This donation Centreville Bank in West Warwick, RI, very passionate about her career as a pre- was in conjunction with the Grand Re- where she served as Vice President of mier real estate expert. Michelle prides opening of St. Anne’s newly relocated Finance for five years. Her professional herself on providing her clients with all Dartmouth Branch at 585 State Road. career spans over 25 years in the financial of the resources and information they A Facebook campaign was announced, services industry, including senior manwill need and stays current with the most and the Credit Union donated $1 for agement positions for the Advanced progressive buying and selling techniques. every “like” and “share” the post received. Engineering Group, P.C. in East ProviCheck out her website, www.Michelledence, RI, People’s Credit Union in CardosoSaltmarsh.com to see a few of St. Anne’s is proud to collaborate with Middletown, RI and Fleet National Bank the tools she has to offer. You can reach this local Y and help them fulfill their in Providence, RI. Michelle at 774-929-0442 or email her at mission of youth development and social michelle@annewhitingrealestate.com. responsibility in the SouthCoast com- “We are delighted to welcome Ms. Sylmunity. In addition to this donation, St. vester to the Southern Mass Credit Sherrie L. Nobre was born and raised in Anne’s also supports several other Y en- Union,” said Board of Directors ChairNew Bedford and currently resides in deavors including capital campaigns for man David S. Darmofal. “After an extenFreetown. She the Stoico/FIRSTFED YMCA in Swan- sive search, we have found the right perhas worked in sea and the Fall River YMCA - to serve son to lead us into the future and concounty & state the interests of the local community. tinue our proud tradition of providing government for exceptional service to our members and 22 years. Sherrie Eileen M. Danahey, St. Anne’s President our community.” is a former mem& CEO, is “pleased that this donation ber of The Board will assist the Dartmouth Y’s Sharing the A resident of Swansea, MA, Ms. Sylvester of Directors for Harvest Community Farm in donating earned a Bachelor of Science degree in United Way of fresh produce to those in need, aligning Finance from Bryant University, SmithGreater New with our mission of making a difference field, RI , and holds Human Resources Bedford and is the current co-chair of the in the community that our members and Certification, including designations as Leadership Council for the Women’s employees are a part of.” Professional Human Resources (PHR) Fund of Southeastern Massachusetts. and Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). Her enjoyment of working with people Shown in the above picture left to right She also studied at the Financial Manageand her attention to detail are an asset are James F. Scherer, President & CEO ment School at the University of Coloto her customer relationships. Sherrie’s of YMCA SouthCoast, Eileen M. Dana- rado and at Rockhurst University Napersonal and professional background is hey, President & CEO of St. Anne’s tional Seminars. a natural match for those looking to sell Credit Union, an Joe Marciszyn, Execuor buy. She is committed to streamlining tive Director of the Dartmouth YMCA. Established in 1922, SMCU is celebrating the buying and selling process and servicninety-five years of service excellence and ing her clients’ needs. Sherrie is also financially sound operations. The credit experienced in Kitchen & Interior Design Southern Mass Credit Union Names union has assets totaling $205.42 million & Staging. Contact Sherrie at 508-858- Carmen F. Sylvester New President And and provides banking services to more 1466 or sherrie@annewhitingrealestate. CEO than 15,000 members. The main office com. is in Fairhaven with a branch office in Southern Mass Credit Union (SMCU) Fall River and New Bedford. To learn is pleased to announce the appointment more, visit www.southernmass.com.

New Bedford to Host a Paper Shredding Day for Area Residents and Businesses New Bedford, Massachusetts – Area residents can participate in a paper shredding day in downtown New Bedford sponsored by New Bedford’s Department of Community Services, the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District, and Shred It. The event will take place on Saturday, September 16, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Shredding confidential documents helps to prevent identify theft, protect personal information, and prevent valuable resources from being sent to the landfill. “Identity theft is a growing concern. Everyone must be vigilant in protecting personal information. Shredding your documents is an excellent way to protect yourself and your family,” said John Lobo, Neighborhood Liaison, Department of Community Services. Businesses and residents of New Bedford, Dartmouth, and all communities are welcome. The paper shredding charge is $5 per box. Cash or check only. Each box should weigh no more than 30 to 40 pounds. The shredding event will be held at the parking lot across from City Hall on the corner of William Street and North 6th Street (enter on William Street). Participants are welcome to watch the destruction of up to two of their boxes of paper. For more than two boxes, shredding may occur off-site. Certificates of destruction are available, if needed. Paper clips and staples do not need to be removed, but please remove paper from folders and binders. Shredded paper will be recycled into new products such as paper towels. In addition, Shred It will destroy computer hard drives for a fee of $5. For questions about the event please call the Department of Community Services at (508) 979-1692 or the Refuse District Recycling Office at (508) 979-1493.

Good News! Excel Recycling Moves Headquarters To APC Auto Body Earns Official CertifiNew Facility In Freetown cation and Prestigious Top Automaker Recognition Excel Recycling, LLC is setting up a new home base in the company’s recently completed $15 million state-of-theart processing plant for scrap metals located in the Freetown Industrial Park. APC Auto Body has been officially Cer“This cutting-edge facility is a high point tified by Assured Performance, a nonin our history that brings us in line with profit consumer advocacy organization the largest scrap handlers in New Eng- for maintaining the right tools, equipland,” said Excel President Marty Costa, ment, training, and facility necessary to who founded the company in 2003. repair the participating Automaker brand vehicles according to the manufacturer's “As we work aggressively to expand our specifications. In achieving their Certificustomer base, we now have the oppor- cation, APC Auto Body is now an integral tunity to centralize our operations here part of the most advanced repair capable and take the next step forward in growing and efficient auto body repair network our business.” in the world. Adding to their credentials, APC Auto Body is officially recognized The leadership team includes Vice Pres- by Assured Performance, FCA, GM, Nisident Jonathan Costa, the founder’s son. san, Infiniti, Hyundai, and Ford. President Costa continued, “We are proud to be part of the Freetown community and want to be a good corporate neighbor.” The company did not request a TIF from the town and contributes $22,128 in property taxes for fiscal year 2018. Noting that Excel generates 150-200 jobs for local families and spin-off businesses in the region, he said, “A lot of families are depending on us for their livelihood. We derive a great deal of satisfaction from being a positive force in their lives and are looking forward to a successful future in which we will be able to continue to build our workforce.”

To become Certified and officially recognized by the various Automakers, APC Auto Body passed the rigorous Certification process essential to help ensure a proper and safe repair of the new generation of advanced vehicles. Less than 5 percent of body shops across the nation are able to meet the stringent requirements to become officially Certified and recognized. The Certified network is made up exclusively of best-in-class collision repair businesses that have met or exceeded the stringent requirements of the Certification program.

durability, value and safety following an accident. As new model vehicles are being introduced that use light weight high strength materials and advanced technology, a proper repair according to manufacturer specification is even more important than ever to ensure the passenger safety and proper performance of the vehicle. Auto manufacturers want to ensure that consumers have the option of Certified Collision Repair wherever they live, work, or travel.

In addition to being a fun-filled day, the YMCA SOUTHCOAST Charity Golf Tournament is a great opportunity to experience one of "The Best Golf Courses in Massachusetts" (Golf Digest, June 7, 2017) while also supporting a most worthy cause.

"Consumers need the confidence and peace of mind to know their vehicle is repaired by a shop that has what it takes to ensure the vehicle safety. APC Auto Body is officially a Collision Care Provider™," said Scott Biggs, CEO of Assured Performance Collision Care™. "They represent the standard by which all other body shops are measured."

100% of the proceeds from this tournament will benefit the Y’s 2017 Annual Campaign which directly helps children and families participate in life-changing Y programs, camps and memberships. At the Y, families become closer, children grow with caring and confidence, seniors discover new energy, and those with disabilities find new abilities and new hope. About Assured Performance Collision Simply put, your support will change Care™: Assured Performance Collision lives! Care™ is a non-profit consumer advocacy organization specializing in the au- To register or for more information on tomotive collision repair market segment. sponsorship benefits, please contact SuAssured Performance works with the top san Piacenti at 508.996.9622 x120 or automakers to identify, audit and pro- spiacenti@ymcasouthcoast.org mote collision repair providers that meet best-in-class business standards and the To learn more about how this tournament manufacturer's requirements. Consumers supports our Southcoast community, can go to: www.assuredperformance.net please visit ymcasouthcoast.org or www.autobodylocator.com to find a list of Collision Repair Providers. YMCA SOUTHCOAST’s 23rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, October 16, 2017 at The Kittansett Club, in beautiful Marion, MA

According to APC Auto Body President and Owner, Alvaro P. Correia, "This certification supports our reputation for superior customer service serving our community. We are your neighbors and friends, so it is important to provide our customers with the peace of mind that their vehicles are being repaired correctly by highly trained professionals that Golfer registrations are limited but sponsorship opportunities are still available. care about them." Our sponsorships provide excellent exThe Certification criteria is based upon posure and recognition for individuals, To learn more, visit www.excelrecycle. auto manufacturer requirements. These businesses and organizations while also com. are critical to ensure the vehicle fit, finish, supporting a GREAT CAUSE! Excel is recognized as a leader in the New England scrap industry serving eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. With full-service facilities in Westport and Charlton, Massachusetts, an export facility in the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal and the new metals shredding location in Freetown, the business has global access to domestic and international markets.

About the Tournament Format: Best Two Balls of a Foursome 11 am: Registration and Lunch 12 noon: Shot Gun Start 5:30 pm: Dinner & Awards

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.

ENTERPRISING MINDS Submitted by Joanne Rego, Supported Employment Network Coordinator

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

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.

508.990.1583 CHRISHODGSON@FINANCIALGUIDE.COM

62 State Road Dartmouth, MA 02747

CFS-MA.COM

CRN201712-197836

October is National Disability all efforts will play an important part in Employment Awareness month. fostering a more inclusive workforce, one where every person is recognized for The National Disability Employment his or her abilities. All members of the Awareness Month is led by the SouthCoast Chamber are encouraged U.S. Department of Labor’s Office to participate. The purpose of National of Disability Employment Policy. Disability Employment Awareness National Disability Employment Month is to educate about disability Awareness Month has had its origins employment issues and celebrate the since 1945. In 1988 President Regan many and varied contributions of issued Executive Order 12640 which America’s workers with disabilities. renamed the effort to “President’s Committee on Employment of People If you have any questions about the with Disabilities”. Employers of all sizes SouthCoast Chamber Supported and in all industries are encouraged Employment Network or you are to participate in National Disability interested in hiring a person with Employment Awareness Month. disabilities, please call Joanne Rego at the SouthCoast Chamber at 508-999Our SouthCoast Chamber members 5231 extension 28. You can also call can support National Disability one of our Supported Employment Employment Awareness Month, Network member’s job developer by visiting the Office of Disability directly by calling Mark Jardin at Employment Policy website at www. LifeStream, Inc. at 508-991-4840, dol.gov/odep/. They offer many Cynthia Rapoza at M.O.Life, Inc. at simple suggestions such as putting up 508-742-8986 or Maurice Charbonneau a poster to more intricate ideas such at Better Community Living, Inc. at as implementing a disability education 508-999-4300. program within your company. Any and

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS.

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Welcome New Members Advanced Marine Technologies 33 Cape Street New Bedford, MA 02740 Phone: (508) 991-5225 Alzheimer's Association 309 Waverley Oaks Rd. Waltham, MA 02452 Phone: 617-868-6718 Amaral & Associates Real Estate, Inc. 657 Quarry Street Fall River, MA 02723 Phone: (508) 674-4972 Bay State Wind 1 International Pl., #2610 Boston, MA 02110 Primary Phone: (774) 451-2410 Calise Table and Chair Rentals 118 Fairhaven Road Mattapoisett, MA 02739 Phone: (508) 789-4165 Clark's Cove Leasing & Storage 95-127 West Rodney French Blvd. New Bedford, MA 02744 Phone: (508) 990-3500

Coastal Career Academy Inc. 288 Plymouth Ave. Unit #2 Fall River, MA 02721 Phone: (508) 536-5366

Hallmark Nursing & Rehabilitation Hallmark 1123 Rockdale Avenue New Bedford, MA 02740-2998 Phone: (508) 997-7448

Cross Insurance 401 Edgewater Place Suite #220 Wakefield , MA 01880 Phone: (781) 224-5771

Inn on Onset Bay 181 Onset Ave. Onset, MA 02558 Phone: (508) 295-1126

District 33S Lions Club 1188 Main Street West Wareham, MA 02576 Phone: (508) 287-1946

Jack Conway & Company, Inc. 6 County Road P. O. Box 1008 Mattapoisett , MA 02739 Phone: (508) 295-6560

Excel Recycling, LLC 15 Ridge Hill Rd. Assonet, MA 02720 Phone: (508) 636-2780

Nativity Preparatory School New Bedford 66 Spring Street New Bedford, MA 02740 Phone: (508) 994-3800

Growing In Health PO Box 51074 New Bedford, MA 02745 Phone: (508) 465-6500

Schooley Mitchell 3 Upland Way Marion, MA 02738 Phone: (508) 538-6740

Seakers 111 Main Street Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 Phone: (774) 302-4559 Track + Channel 12 North 6th Street New Bedford, MA 02740 Phone: (774) 202-6936 Waterfront Grille 36 Homers Wharf New Bedford, MA 02740 Phone: (508) 997-7010 White Cloud Galleries 246 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 Phone: (617) 230-5555 Zechariah Stockbarger - Amaral & Associates Real Estate Inc. 1145 Tobey St. New Bedford, MA 02745 Phone: (774) 634-7237

Google for Jobs - a Recruiting Game Changer submitted by Ken Graves, TalentValue Google for Jobs aims to make job searching less of a hassle for candidates but more technical for employers, impacting Employers’ Job Advertising practices. Google's mission is to steer people to the information they need in their daily lives. One crucial area the Internet giant says could use some help is Jobs. Consequently, Google has recently launched a new initiative, “Google for Jobs”. Their impact - a search feature that collects and organizes millions of job postings from all over the web making the process easier for job seekers. “Google is determined to crack the code on matching available jobs with the right candidates,” CEO Sundar Pichai said during his keynote address at Google's annual I/O conference for software developers. "The challenge of connecting job seekers to better information on job availability is like many search challenges we’ve solved in the past," he said. Pichai says he 10

hopes Google's new job search function will surface new opportunities for job seekers who often don't know there's a job opening "right next door." Anytime an 800-pound gorilla like Google enters a market, it sends shudders through the established players in the targeted industry. Google's leap into travel search was a game changer for the travel booking industry.

challenge for employers is to adapt a job advertising strategy that meets the stringent rules Google employs in their sophisticated algorithms.

Without getting too technical, it’s important for employers to adapt to the practices that Google requires by posting jobs using compatible job advertising technology that meets all the Google for Jobs SEO criteria. It is also important to Google for Jobs is a Huge Technical have a career page on your website that Impact on Employers Job Board is job search engine optimized. Your Recruiting Practices job ads and job descriptions need to be compliant and work to promote your Here is how Job Board Search Engine jobs in Google for Job’s world. Optimization Works on Google. com. Google scours the web, pulling For instance, Google uses a technology from a broad cross-section of job that involves what is referred to as listings, including from Monster, “crawl rate”. Crawl-rate means how CareerBuilder, Glassdoor, Facebook, many requests per second Googlebot LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter and about makes to your site when it is crawling 40,000 other job boards including on your site. Google’s sophisticated state and employers career pages. algorithms determine the optimal crawl Their aim is to increase the efficiency speed for a site. Their goal is to crawl of job matching for candidates. The as many pages from your site as they

can on each visit without overwhelming your server's bandwidth. There is a way to limit your website’s crawl rate but not recommended unless you are seeing server load problems caused by Googlebot hitting your server too hard. You cannot change how often Google crawls your site; but if you want Google to crawl new or updated content on your site, you need to use “Fetch as Google” -another technical process. Learn how to adapt to this new Google Job Search Optimization Strategy and reduce the cost of recruiting and find pre-qualified candidates faster contact: Ken Graves 401-463-0200 x2 ken@ talentvalue.com Learn more: https:// talentvalue.com/select-system

Recent Events

1. Guests at the July Business After Hours at the new First Citizens' Federal Credit Union branch in downtown New Bedford.* 2. The SouthCoast Young Professionals Network hosted the recent "Off the Clock" sponsored by Sylvia Group at Moby Dick Brewing Co..

4. 8.

Business After Hours Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at

Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at

Hatch Street Studios 88 Hatch Street New Bedford, MA

Check Collision 7 Boat Rock Rd. Mattapoisett, MA

Sponsored by:

3. The SCYPN "Off the Clock" offered the attendees a chance to tour the brewery. 4. The SouthCoast Young Professionals Network volunteered at the YMCA's Sharing the Harvest community farm. 5. Guests at the August Business After Hours at My Brothers Keeper. 6. Attendees at the Business After Hours at My Brothers Keeper. 7. Attendees at the Business After Hours hosted by First Citizens' Federal Credit Union.*

8. Attendees at the SouthCoast Young Professionals Network "Off the Clock". 9. Chamber board member, Chris Howard of First Citizen's Federal Credit Union, welcomed the guests at the Business After Hours hosted by the credit union.* (*photos by Sergio: badmonkeypics@outlook.com)

Finding an office printer that’s out of paper is easy.

Export Classification,Valuation and Documentation Seminar by Mass Export Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2017 Time: Registration 9:00 a.m. Program 9:30a.m. – 3:30 PM Price: $95.00 Includes continental breakfast, light lunch and seminar materials. Location: UMass Dartmouth Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 151 Martine Street Fall River MA 02723 Have you ever been unsure about how to classify your exports or what value to declare in AES or on your commercial invoice? Are you sometimes uncertain when completing export documentation? Are you unclear on how to value and document export shipments for repairs, returns or warranties? Even for experienced exporters, documentary requirements for international 12

trade can be a confusing and ever-changing tangle of papers, forms and regulations. Join us for this hands-on, practical program which will walk participants through the process of completing major export documents, such as the AES, Certificates of Origin, Commercial Invoices and others. The seminar will also focus on correctly classifying and documenting the value of export shipments, including special cases such as warranty or repair shipments. Finally, the seminar will provide guidance on proper usage of Incoterms. Participants are encouraged to bring realworld examples and plenty of questions. Register Online at www.mass.gov/export For further information, call the Massachusetts Export Center at 508-999-1388

It’s just as easy to find ways to cut energy costs for your business at MassSave.com.

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YOUR BUSINESS IS UNIQUE. YOUR BANKING SHOULD BE TOO. For more information, lance@calisetablechairrental.com ph: (508) 789-4165 www.calisetablechairrental.com

The Chamber Member Discount Program is sponsored by Cox Media

 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

Upcoming Friday Forums Friday Forums are a great way to take advantage of experts in their field who share their knowledge with Chamber members at no cost. These educational and informative seminars are great opportunities to learn of new ways to grow your business. Cinematic Storytelling On September 29th, Kevin Luiz of Capion Studio will be discussing the importance of video and how to create stories that are at the root of companies' mission!

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.

major tool within their marketing and spark annual growth. Employee Benefits On Friday, October 27th join us at 9:00 am at the Chamber Office to learn about the Private Exchange Model from the experts from Cross Insurance. This multifaceted and thought-provoking seminar will teach businesses how to offer benefits to their employees by introducing them to the Private Exchange. This is a topic the professionals at Cross Insurance are highly educated in and want to share their knowledge to help fellow businesses better understand the complexity in employee benefits.

 Term Loans  Lines of Credit  Equipment Financing  SBA Loan Programs

Talk to our Lending experts to get started today!

He will break down samples of work, talk about story telling arcs, and focus on the importance of shooting / editing "cinematically" as opposed to creating something with a cell phone. Friday Forums are free but registration is Kevin will share his expertise and required online at southcoastchamber. show the benefits businesses receive by com or by calling 508-999-5231. capitalizing on professional videos as a

SouthCoast Chamber Government Affairs Committee Update By: Ian Abreu

Inaugural "Southeastern Massachusetts Legislative Alliance" Meeting: A Great Success On Friday, July 21, 2017, the "Southeastern Massachusetts Legislative Alliance," which consists of: the SouthCoast Chamber, Bristol County Chamber and Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber, held its first joint meeting in which regional legislative issues on both the federal and state level were discussed. The gathering, which consisted of over 30 local business leaders and elected Left to right: Rob Mellion CEO, Bristol County officials throughout the SouthCoast Chamber; Congressman William Keating; Marie region, discussed issues surrounding Oliva, CEO, Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber; Rick Kidder, CEO, SouthCoast Chamber. (Photo the Commonwealth's FY 18' budget, the credit: William Keating's Office) newly passed recreational cannabis law and the status of healthcare throughout "This is a new beginning for our region," the state. said SouthCoast Chamber President & CEO, Rick Kidder. "To have three chambers come together to represent

the business community as a unified voice is the first step in Beacon Hill understanding the need to represent private sector job growth and policies that help businesses grow and thrive." The special guest speaker of the morning was 9th Congressional Representative William Keating. Congressman Keating answered questions from the group, in which topics such as to what the "repeal and replace" of "Obamacare" would mean for his district, "Community Development Block Grant Funding," in addition to other various bi-partisan national security issues facing the nation.

If you would like to join this committee, or would like more information, please contact Ian Abreu, Manager of Business Development & Public Policy at: (508) 999-5231 ext.24, or via email at iabreu@ southcoastchamber.com . State Ends Fiscal 2017 with $431 Million Budget Gap Massachusetts ended its FY 17' budget year with a revenue gap of $431 million. The state collected $431 million less than it had anticipated in tax revenue last fiscal year, falling 1.7 percent below the yearly benchmark for the budget year that ended June 30, the Department of Revenue announced last week.

The "Southeastern Massachusetts Legislative Alliance" joint meetings will be held quarterly, and the SouthCoast Chamber in New Bedford will host the next gathering. Time and date is still TBD.

Membership 101 - Welcome New Members! By: Ian Abreu

Greetings, all new members of our owners network, grow and build its Chamber. “book of business.” No matter which market you are interested in entertainWe are fortunate to have you as a mem- ing, the SouthCoast Chamber can help ber of our esteemed organization and satisfy your appetite. look forward to helping you achieve additional success in your business! Do you have “business to business” needs? For those of you who just joined us (or who are considering joining us), you We can help! still may be asking yourself: "What is the chamber, and what do they do?," or, Every month, our Chamber hosts the "How can they help me?" very successful “Business After Hours” networking mixer at a local area ChamIf you're asking yourself those ques- ber member business. “Business After tions, don't worry, many other first-time Hours” facilitates the development of members have as well! personal relationships, which enables individuals to stand out and rise above I am more than happy to not only an- today’s multitude of advertising white swer those questions for you, but also, noise. Networking is one of the most further explain a little bit more about affordable means of marketing resultour mission. ing in invaluable personal referrals and word-of-mouth advertising. Our primary goal? To help business 14

Do you have “business to consumer” The Chamber, the Greater New Bedford Career Center, Greater New Bedford needs? Workforce Investment Board and Bristol Community College hosts its annual We can help! “SouthCoast Job Fair” every springtime. Every March, the Chamber hosts its Our largest career event of the year, the annual “Greater New Bedford Home, “SouthCoast Job Fair” event will proHealth and Wellness Show,” which is vide your business with an opportunione of the largest and most promoted ty to interact one on one with a large events of the year! This is an ideal way group of talented job seekers. Our goal for more than 2,000 area residents is to help you make connections to meet to learn about and connect with local the workforce needs of your businesses. home, health and wellness service and At the 2017 “SouthCoast Job Fair”, the product providers to discover solutions event helped connect over 100 local, reto all their home, health and wellness gional and national employers with over needs. Businesses are provided with 500 area residents and job seekers. multiple opportunities to promote their business and showcase their expertise. How about some free monthly professional development programming? GovIs your company expanding and are you ernment affairs advocacy on the local, state and federal level? Engaging young in the market to hire? professionals? Member-to-Member discounts? Chamber-sponsored internaWe can help! tional trips? continued on page 15

Membership 101

Health Care Consortium Planning Underway for $250K Training Grant

Yup—you guessed it. We can, and we If you are currently in business in the SouthCoast region (Wareham to will help! Westport) and are not a member of Whether it’s offering our free monthly the SouthCoast Chamber you should “Friday Forum” to our members and strongly consider it. their friends, connecting our members to all branches of government to make Being a member of the SouthCoast their voices heard, tailoring specific Chamber is important on so many events to engage young professionals levels. You are not only supporting your in our community, incentivizing community, but you are also promoting commerce amongst our members by economic growth in our region. offering exclusive “member-to-member” discounted deals, or locking in group For less than $1 a day in most cases, it’ll rates for international travel and be the most cost-effective and valued vacationing, the SouthCoast Chamber investment on your budget sheet. has been, and always will be, your “goWe guarantee it. to” source.

submitted by the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board

(continued from page 14)

What this article contains is just a very, very brief snapshot of what we do, and, quite frankly, with the services and value we provide to not only dues-paying members, but for the community atlarge, this piece would fill up this entire newsletter with relative ease.

If you would like more information about how you can become a member of the SouthCoast Chamber, please contact Ian Abreu, Manager of Business Development & Public Policy at: (508) 999-5231, ext. 24, or, via email at iabreu@southcoastchamber.com.

The SouthCoast HR Council meets monthly September through May. The council is open to all Chamber members with an interest in human resources.

The Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board (GNBWIB) in collaboration with the Bristol Community College workforce center is currently embarking on a Health Care Training Consortium for healthcare organizations on the South Coast. The consortium, headed up by Paula Shiner, CEO of Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. and Chair of the Community Cross Continuum Collaborative (4C) has a purpose of assessing the training needs of healthcare organizations in Southeastern Massachusetts. Healthcare organizations range from Long Term Care to Rehabilitation to Social Services facilities. 4C training is aimed to upskill healthcare workers to meet the demands of the many

changing forces within the healthcare industry. The end result is an anticipated funding grant from Commonwealth Corporation of up to $250,000 for training. Tax credits may also be available to qualifying businesses. Healthcare organizations with the need for employees training that will help make your organization run more efficiently or help you gain that competitive edge is encouraged to learn more and join the consortium. For more information or to join the Consortium and training grant, please contact Donna Ramos with GNBWIB at 508-979-1504 Ext 113 to learn more.

Calendar of Chamber Committee Meetings Contact the Chamber office for more information on any of these committees. September Executive Committee Meeting - Thursday, September 14th - 8:00 a.m. Board of Directors - Thursday, September 28th - 8:30 a.m. October Executive Committee Meeting - Thursday, October 12th - 8:00 a.m. Government Affairs - Friday, October 13th - 8:30 a.m. November Executive Committee Meeting - Thursday, November 9th - 8:00 a.m. Government Affairs - Friday, November 10th - 8:30 a.m.

For more information or to register, contact Dorothy Botelho at: dbotelho@southcoastchamber.com or 508-999-5231 ext. 20.

www.southcoasthrcouncil.com