The One SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize organizations for their significant investment and contribution to the economic development, educational leadership and outstanding service of the region with the presentation of the 2016 Greater New Bedford Economic Impact Awards, Educational Leadership Award, and the Outstanding Service Award. The awards were presented on November 10, 2016 at the Chamber’s 130th Annual Meeting & Business Luncheon at the Century House in Acushnet. These businesses, through their investment, have generated economic growth, helped positively impact schools and provided outstanding service throughout the Greater New Bedford Area.
ECONOMIC IMPACT AWARDS PRESENTED BY NEW BEDFORD AREA CHAMBER AND BAYCOAST BANK
Boutique Fitness, Greasy Luck Brewery, AHEAD and Sid Wainer & Son
Boutique Fitness
Boutique Fitness first opened its doors in January 2012 in the heart of downtown, New Bedford specializing in one on one and small group training while helping people achieve optimal health through fitness and nutrition. Over the past four years, Boutique Fitness has continuously expanded their operations opening a second location in Mattapoisett in the fall of 2015, and a third located in Westport this past October. Boutique Fitness is true example of how a small business can leave a large impression on the local economy and community!
The Greasy Luck Brewery
Greasy Luck Brewery was started in Downtown New Bedford by three partners, all of whom are local residents and business professionals. The Greasy Luck Brewery will aid in job creation by producing 30 plus local job opportunities. From the design and permitting stages and throughout all construction the Management team has made it a point to utilize contractors from the area, strengthening our local economy. An impressive list of over 14 local companies where hired in the development of The Greasy Luck Brewery. This type of engagement and local use of resources stimulate the local economy.
AHEAD
Founded 21 years ago AHEAD is a leading provider of custom decorated caps, apparel, and accessories. During the past 4 years, AHEAD has experienced steady growth of just under 18%. Long a market leader in the golf industry, AHEAD has expanded its reach over the past several years to include launches into the new markets of corporate and collegiate in order to position the company for future growth. As one of the region’s largest employers, AHEAD employs over 250 people at its headquarters in the New Bedford Industrial Park.
Sid Wainer and Son
Sid Wainer & Son was founded in 1914 on the historic cobblestone streets of New Bedford. The company has developed a unique and unparalleled ability to deliver high yielding fresh fruits and vegetables and has become the most prominent importer and distributor of specialty produce in the country. For over a decade, Sid Wainer and Son has also owned and operated Jansel Valley Farms which consist of over 45 acres of farm land in Dartmouth. In the heart of New Bedford, in one of the first inner city farms in the Northeast, The Wainer Family Farm Greenhouse grows highly perishable products that would otherwise be flown in from California. Growing these products locally, extends shelf-life, supports the local economy, and decreases the carbon footprint.
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARDS PRESENTED BY NEW BEDFORD AREA CHAMBER & BRISTOL COMMUNTIY COLLEGE
Tegra Medial
Tegra Medical
Tegra Medical has a passion for education. Their Dartmouth facility, specializing in the manufacturing of medical devices, has gone above and beyond since joining the Chamber less than six months ago, to put this passion to practice! In partnership with the Greater New Bedford Connecting Activities Program, comprised of Bristol Community College, the Chamber, and the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Tegra has offered and continues to offer valuable work and learning opportunities for our area youth. They provided a paid summer internship and is currently hosting two paid interns from Dartmouth High School. These aspiring engineers are gaining invaluable experience through both observations and hands-on learning in Tegra’s state-of-the-art facility.
OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD PRESENTED BY NEW BEDFORD AREA CHAMBER
Chris Johnson, SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford
Chris Johnson
Chris was born and raised in Fall River, MA and was a Diman Vocational Culinary Arts graduate. Chris has consistently been a strong advocate and supporter of the local community. He is currently an ambassador with the Fall River Area Chamber and has been an ambassador here with The One SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce for the past 5 years. He continues to use his strong ties in the business community to help promote, grow and improve the Chamber.