Chamber News

The One SouthCoast Chamber and Portuguese Consulate are pleased to recognize our Portuguese-American businesses in New Bedford and the South Coast. The following companies have been nominated to for the coveted PABRA and will be honored at our “Good Morning, SouthCoast Breakfast” on October 19^th at the Waypoint Event Center, 185 MacArthur Dr., New Bedford, MA.

2018 Nominees:

Antonio’s Restaurant

Azores Airlines/SATA

Castelo Group

Club Madeirense S.S.Sacramento

DeMello International Center

DeMello’s Furniture

Fernandes Masonry

Hair In Motion

Horacios, Inc.

Luso-American Financial

Luzo Auto

No Problemo

Places to Go Transportation

Sagres Vacations

WJFD 97.3

Join us as we pay tribute their years of hard work, success and civic contributions.

The prestigious PABRA is an accolade reflecting on the nominee’s achievements, growth and devotion to the betterment of our community.  Portuguese Consul, Shelley Pires and local elected officials have been invited to help present the esteemed PABRAs and recognize all nominees.

Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) will host a special seminar immediately following the Award Ceremony.   This educational and informative seminar will focus the social and economic development of Portugal and the local economy through cooperation and partnerships with our business community and the United States.  The Let’s Talk About Business Program is aimed at entrepreneurs looking to develop business ideas or existing businesses, as well as to all managers and executives interested in exploring new opportunities and creating innovative projects. This event is a unique opportunity to hear from experts and professionals that work directly with Portugal’s Business Community and within our local economy.

The award ceremony and breakfast will begin at 7:30 AM until 9 AM. From 9AM to noon the Luso-American Development Foundation’s special seminar will occur. Tickets for breakfast and awards are $30 each for memebrs, for non-members $45 each. A table of ten is $300 for members, and $350 for non-members. The seminar at 9AM is free but registration is required.

REGISTER ONLINE HERE

Any questions? Contact Deven Robitaille at deven@southcoastchamber.com.

By Nick Frederick, Intern

The One SouthCoast Chamber is beginning a new membership campaign reaching out to hundreds of businesses in the Greater New Bedford area. This membership campaign will be centered on personal phone calls from local business leaders, with the additional ability for new members to join online.

“If you are a business owner you owe it to yourself, your employees, your customers and your bottom line to seriously consider joining The One SouthCoast Chamber,” said Chris Johnson, the chair of the Membership Drive and the Marketing Manager for SERVPRO^Ⓡ of Dartmouth/New Bedford and SERVPRO^Ⓡ of Marion/Middleboro.

Becoming a member of The One SouthCoast Chamber comes with many benefits, with additional value for those who sign up between now and September 21st. Businesses can benefit from incentives totaling up to over $5,000 dollars by signing up during this time period. These benefits include bonus media packages, social media promotions, group training seminars and free ad space and design. Alongside these perks, businesses who sign up will have all of the benefits of being a member of The One SouthCoast Chamber, which comes with monthly networking events, an electricity discount program, professional development opportunities and much more.

The core of the campaign will be a two-day, four-session phone-a-thon at the Chamber’s offices in Downtown New Bedford on September 11th and 12th. Volunteers will be competing for bragging rights as the top recruiter alongside prizes such as overnight trips, restaurant gift cards, and plenty more. The strength of this campaign is that these volunteers are members of the Chamber, and will be giving first person accounts as to what makes The One SouthCoast Chamber a great decision for any business.

“The chamber has helped me grow my business, by constantly offering fun local events that allow me to connect with other chamber members, who I usually end up doing business with. The One SouthCoast Chamber has been integral to my success, and I highly recommend that any local business should join the chamber.” said Eric Miranda, the Retail Development Officer of First Citizen’s Federal Credit Union.

To join The One SouthCoast Chamber or learn more about the benefits of joining, click here or call Ian Abreu at (508) – 999 – 5231 ext. 105.

Submitted by Allison Nuovo, Senior Business Consultant, Stryde-GMG Savings

As a commercial property owner you need to be aware that tax code changes have left you with a very small window of time over the next two weeks to get a property benefit. A cost segregation filed with your 2017 taxes is worth 40% more than one filed next year. The value of your depreciation as a whole just took a huge hit with this tax change, and this is the last year you’re allowed to do a “catch up” and reclaim all that money. Most buildings were done during years where tax rates were at their highest, and depreciated things under the assumption that you’d get those deductions “over time”. Now, due to the tax changes you still get some of your money, but it’s at 21% instead of 35% (therefore, your overall deduction is worth 40% less next year than it is this year). You still have time to get your benefit however, you need to act fast. In order to meet this timeline demand we’ve created an online solution for you to check and initiate your pending benefit.

CALCULATE YOUR TAX BENEFIT NOW –

FindMyTaxCredits.com

Allison Nuovo is a Senior Business Consultant with Stryde-GMG Savings. Stryde-GMG Savings is the nation’s leading full-service stimulus consulting firm specializing in local, state and federal incentives. She can be reached at 781-820-5396 or email ANuovo@GMGSavings.com

The MA DOR has released the following “Draft Emergency Regulation 830 CMR 64H.1.8: 2018 Sales Tax Holiday” in advance of the Sales Tax Holiday this weekend, August 11^th and 12^th.  We have been working with the Governor’s office and the DOR to put something official like this out to give members as much advance notice as possible, knowing that the Governor has said he will sign the holiday into law, expected later this week.

The guidance is similar to previous years, but members are encouraged to closely review the entire draft regulation, and urged to take specific note of the following section:

(5) Transactions Occurring Prior to or After the Sales Tax Holiday
(a) Prior Sales and Orders. A vendor may not void or otherwise rewrite or re-book, either manually or by use of software, a sale that has taken place before August 11, 2018 for the purpose of bringing the transaction under the sales tax holiday rules.  Any transaction where a purchaser places an order and makes a deposit, prepayment or binding promise to pay for an item of tangible personal property prior to August 11, 2018 does not qualify for the sales tax holiday.

Information provided by Retailers Association of Massachusetts

By Joanne Rego, Supported Employment Coordinator

As M.O.L.I.F.E., Inc. celebrates its 23rd anniversary, the agency is also celebrating the successful job placements of over 40 people with disabilities in their program who are proudly working for wages in our Greater New Bedford community.

These successful job placements are often the result of M.O.L.I.F.E., Inc.’s ability to job match their job seekers with the job seeker’s employment desires and skills when approaching job development goals. Most recently, M.O.L.I.F.E., Inc. has been able to match more employees with the ideal employers.

Joseph Abboud has hired three individuals who have both the skills and enthusiasm to work at their business. Jorge and Johnathan are working on the factory floor doing maintenance and cleaning up machines. Alex has cooking skills so his duties at Joseph Abboud revolve around food prep in the cafeteria.

Seastreak Ferry Service recently hired two employees. Ernie has maintenance skills, which have carried over nicely with his new employer. Patricia has skills as a telephone operator that were acquired while working for a previous employer. She was hired to work at the call center by Seastreak Ferry Service to do their bookings and reservations.

Big Lots in Fairhaven also hired two new employees. Both Johnathan and Austyn are both happy to be part of the crew at the new Big Lots.

Texas Road House hired Ron who is the perfect match for the restaurant establishment. Ron loves music and loves to dance. Anyone who has been to Texas Road House knows that there is plenty of country music and dancing to go along with your meal.

M.O.L.I.F.E., Inc. is very pleased with the partnerships that they have formed with the local business that have hired individuals with disabilities from their program. The recent group of businesses that they work with have quickly jumped on board to welcome their new employees by offering outstanding supports, understanding and accommodations to the new members of their workforce.

It should be noted, however, that there are still job seekers at M.O.L.I.F.E., Inc. who are looking for employment or additional employment. Recently Steven Doyle was laid off from his job at a car dealership after over 16 years of employment. Steven’s responsibilities at the car dealership included car detailing and parking lot maintenance. In addition to his job responsibilities, Steven was an excellent sales advocate for the company and encouraged many customers and friends to purchase a new car from his employer. Often times Steven’s sales recommendations earned him a well-deserved bonus in his pay check. In a Chamber Focus article highlighting Mr. Doyle in 2010, a former supervisor had nothing but praise for Doyle’s job performance saying that Doyle follows directions and does a great job. He added that Steven also got along well with his coworkers. Based on Steven’s 16 years of experience and his employment desires, the ideal job match for Mr. Doyle would be at another car dealership or a similar type of setting.

If you are interested in meeting Mr. Doyle to discuss an employment opportunity or to set up a job interview, please contact Robert Cardoza at M.O.L.I.F.E., Inc. at 508-992-5978.

If you have any questions about the Supported Employment Network or are interested in hiring a person with disabilities, please call Joanne Rego at The One SouthCoast Chamber at 508-999-5231.

The One SouthCoast Chamber’s Invitational Golf Tournament is scheduled for Tuesday, September 4th at LeBaron Hills Country Club. This year’s tournament provides an exciting opportunity to network 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 lunch, award ceremony, cocktail hour, raffles, dinner and golfer’s gift bag. Come and take part in the friendly competition while enjoying delicious food for this much anticipated and unique signature Chamber event!

At the event, The One SouthCoast Chamber will honor Tony Sapienza, former CEO and President of Joseph Abboud Manufacturing and Chairman of the Economic Development Council and Joseph Nauman Executive Vice President, Chief Legal & Administrative Officer and Secretary of Acushnet Company for their dedication to the South Coast community and influence on the local economy. Join us as we pay tribute to these successful business leaders, their professional achievements, and commitment to a better South Coast!

The One SouthCoast Chamber Golf Tournament is a great way to gain exposure at an exclusive event with over 100 professionals looking for new business ventures, partnerships and concepts. Sponsorship opportunities are available on all levels allowing organizations of any size to become involved. For more information on registering, sponsorships or donating a raffle prize contact Deven Robitaille, Programs and Events Manager at 508 999 5231 ext103. Register online here.

By Ashley Wojtunik, Member Relations Coordinator

Joanne and her husband E. Michael Bobola have been in the restaurant business for many years. Their first business was the Huttleston House which opened its doors in 1975. The restaurant was a successful Fairhaven dining spot and was in business for 35 years.

Mikey B’s has been in operation since 2009 and has a very diverse menu which includes seafood, lobster cooked five different ways, burger, steaks, and chicken. There are vegan options and Mikey B’s does catering for whatever size get-together. They offer a five star take-out, delivery service and only buy fresh, local seafood. With summer around the corner, their clam boils and catering are perfect for beach and backyard cookouts.

The successful business has also had much success with community involvement over the years. They have supported many causes including the Rotary club, Lions club, Kennedy Donovan Center, many local schools, the Neediest Families fundraiser and Walk For Life. The Bobola’s feel the benefit of being engaged in the community is “to up the involvement to the community and it’s better to give than take.” One of their favorite quotes is by Jackie Robinson, “A life is not important enough except in the impact it has on others’ lives” and the Bobola’s community involvement reflects that.

They feel it is important for their restaurant to be a member of The One SouthCoast Chamber to get involved with networking, change, and to get more hands on involvement. Mikey B’s looks for employees who are honest, polite, kind and can get along with other employees. Mikey B’s is open seven days a week and is located at 989 Victoria St., New Bedford, MA.

Visit their website for more information: http://www.mikeybs.com/

The One SouthCoast Chamber, Presenting Sponsor BankFive, Small Business Award Sponsor Rockland Trust, and Supporting Sponsor Bristol County Savings Bank are pleased to recognize the significant contributions and achievements of our region’s businesses with the presentation of the 2018 APEX Awards in the categories of Small Business, Large Business, Non-Profit and Educational Institution. Although this recognition ceremony has been around for quite some time, this past Wednesday was the event’s debut as an evening cocktail occasion held at the Greasy Luck.

With over 25 nominees this year, the painstaking task of narrowing down one of the largest turnouts to date was no easy one. Each nominee has played a unique role within the community and contributed to the economic development of the SouthCoast.

Presented with the Large Business of the Year award was BayCoast Bank.

With a workforce of over 300 hundred, BayCoast Bank has maintained the ability to provide consumers, organizations, and municipalities with superior customer service and solutions for more than a century.  Their full range of financial services are available at 18 branches throughout our region.

In 2017, the company provided over $1 billon in financing to local consumers, entrepreneurs and businesses providing capital for both personal and business ventures.

With an annual loan growth rate of 12.6% over the last three years, they have been a key factor in the economic viability and development of the SouthCoast.

They see education has a powerful economic tool and is major component in their corporate culture.  Education is highly encouraged within their workforce and the offer employees a variety of professional development opportunities and generous education assistant programs. They also collaborated with “EDup” to create and implement the “Get on the Bus Program” which advocates the importance of education at all levels throughout the entire community.

They continuously make generous donations and contributions to local businesses and non-profit organizations, volunteer at countless community events and fundraisers and support a range of social initiatives encouraging the enhancement of the SouthCoast Region.

Their consistent growth rate over the last three years is a result of the hard work and determination they employed in successfully meeting the deposit and lending needs of the entire SouthCoast market.

Since 1851, BayCoast Bank has been providing exceptional service and solutions to customers allowing business owners, entrepreneurs and consumers the ability to finance ventures and invest in our local economy.

The nominees for this year’s Large Business of the Year award included Taunton Federal Credit Union; All American Assisted Living at Wareham; Cape Cod Five Cent Savings Bank and finalists Brahmin Leatherworks and Tegra Medical.

Presented with the Small Business of the Year award was Acorn, Inc.

For more than 70 years, this family owned and operated business has been an example of forward thinking, hard work and philanthropy.  As a driving force behind the city’s economic development, Acorn, Inc. has remained prominent within the community ultimately leading to the advancement of our region as a whole.

After recognizing New Bedford’s potential, they decided to invest in the city, redevelop local mill structures, and preserve its historic character.  They have staked substantial assets in the local economy by successfully developing and managing the Lofts at Wamsutta Place, Victoria Riverside Lofts, and the Riverbank Lofts. With nearly 500 units across 1 million square feet, maintaining above 98% occupancy rate, these buildings represent $100 million in private investment funds to the local economy. Today, these properties proudly contribute over $800,000 to the city annually, created multiple job opportunities, and generate business for local vendors.

With strong beliefs in fostering a positive environment for residents, staff and the city as a whole, they developed events and programs encouraging residents to get involved, interact with each other and form a strong sense of community.  A civic-minded organization, they give back by participating in several food, clothing, and toy drives. Volunteering with local organizations such as Operation Clean Sweep, Mercy Meals and More.  Their commitment to sustainable and renewable energy is an example of their forward thinking. They currently have 2 megawatts of solar panels across the roofs of all properties.

Now, under the fourth-generation of family leadership, this dynamic company is investing in the long term and poised for a bright future in the City of New Bedford.

The nominees for year’s Small Business of the Year award included Churrascaria Novo Mundo; Simply Sierra Jewelry; Gateway Printing; Waring-Sullivan & Rock Funeral Homes and finalists Servpro of New Bedford and Dartmouth and Servpro of Marion and Middleboro and Days’ Sports.

Presented with the Non-Profit of the Year award was New Bedford Symphony Orchestra

As driving force in tourism, New Bedford Symphony Orchestra has been attracting visitors to our community while simultaneously evolving into an internationally esteemed organization.

By focusing on their core mission of providing exceptional classical musical performances and innovative educational programs they have advanced the quality of life within the region and had significant impacts on our the overall economic climate.

They work diligently every season to create a diverse concert series and innovative educational curriculum. With a dedicated staff of only eight personnel, they recently expanded the reach of their Learning in Concert Program to over 50 schools and 200 classrooms, embarked on a successful endowment campaign, increased the number of concerts due to popular demand and celebrated their 100th anniversary.

This hard work and dedication have sustained a vibrant performing arts culture within the SouthCoast and ultimately encouraged countless numbers of tourists to visit our area and invest in the local economy.

Over the years, they provided several generous scholarships to local high schools and colleges allowing students to develop their talents and gain extensive knowledge.  They have organize free concerts at the Zeiterion Theatre, and in 2017 donated over 350 tickets to local families and organizations allowing the opportunity for as many SouthCoast residents to experience the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra as possible.

The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra has built a respected international reputation by fostering an environment that is rich in education and culture.

Their success and achievements have transformed the SouthCoast into sought after destination for top artist to perform extraordinary musical concerts for our residents and visitors from across the globe.

The nominees for this year’s Non-Profit of the Year award included SouthCoast RAPPP (Responsible Attitudes toward Pregnancy, Parenting, and Prevention) Program; Better Community Living; Rise Up; New Bedford Homeless Advocates and finalists PAACA- Positive Action Against Chemical Addiction and YOU (Youth Opportunities Unlimited).

Presented with the Educational Institution of the Year award was Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech

While providing lifelong educational opportunities for our community this organization has continuously pursued bold methods to ensure a high-quality level of training and education that will prepare the future workforce to become contributing members of the SouthCoast community.

Servicing more than 2,000 students they have evolved into the second largest Career and Technical High School in Massachusetts.  Currently they exceed states averages with a daily attendance rate of 97% and yearly graduation rate of 90%.

Students unceasingly excel above their peers in state mandated testing and assessments, which proves testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of the 327, employed educational personal who work extensively with each student.

Aside from offering 30 different areas of study in 4 Career and Technical Academies, a variety of language courses and over 80 specialized licensed and non-licensed trade certificates, they have remained a prominent enthusiast behind the betterment of our region.

They regularly make the school’s facilities available to host non-profit organization’s events, summer youth camps, Boy Scout programs and a wide range fundraising events.

The Off Campus Construction Program they developed allows students to apply their knowledge and construction skills to a variety of community building projects greatly benefiting the business community, resident and the overall beautification of the SouthCoast.

Greater New Bedford Voc Tech High Sigh School has created and implemented countless programs, initiatives and opportunities to ensure students are aware of the importance of civic engagement and community service.

The unwavering devotion Greater New Bedford Voc Tech High School has to their core values of preparation, passion and perseverance has established a foundation for a unique educational experience.

The nominees for this year’s Educational Institution of the Year award included finalists

Lance Soares’ Family Martial Arts Center, Inc. and Our Sisters’ School.

As part of the Administration’s Housing Court expansion, Governor Charlie Baker recently nominated Joseph L. Michaud to the Metro South Division as one of five new Associate Justices to the Massachusetts Housing Court. Joseph L. Michaud has been a long time member of the Chamber as owner of the Law Offices of Joseph L. Michaud, and recently served as Chair of the Board of Directors. Attorney Michaud has been practicing law for 25 years, currently specializing in residential and commercial real estate transactions and landlord-tenant matters. Attorney Michaud is also a decorated member of the United States Army, having served on active duty intermittently for the last 30 years as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Judge Advocates General Corps. Attorney Michaud has also served as a Board Member of the Veterans’ Transition House. Attorney Michaud is a lifelong resident of Dartmouth, MA. In his spare time, you can find him playing bass guitar in a local band.

Due to his appointment as Associate Justice to the Massachusetts Housing Court, Joseph Michaud regretfully resigned as Chair of the Board at the Chamber’s May Board of Directors meeting. The Board unanimously voted for Kim Perry of Dignity Memorial to move from her position as Chair Elect to Chair of the Board. Kim Perry is a life-long resident of New Bedford.  A licensed funeral director in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, she has been in funeral service for over 32 years.  Kim has been a Board Member of The One SouthCoast Chamber for over 15 years.  Kim also serves as Treasurer of the Home of Aged, BankFive Incorporator and a Vestry Member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.  Kim is Past Chair of the Massachusetts Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers and Community Foundation member. Kim is marred to Arnold “Skip” Perry, and has a daughter Lauren Pineau.

In addition, William Burns of Southcoast Health has taken the position of Chair of Government Affairs and former Chair of Government Affairs, Ron Ellis of Edward Jones has taken the position of Chair Elect.

Rick Kidder, SouthCoast Chamber CEO, said, “The Board and membership at the Chamber are pleased and proud of Joe Michaud’s appointment as an Associate Justice, and our bylaws allow for such transitions. We are eternally grateful for Joe’s leadership here and throughout the region, and know that Kim Perry will be a wonderful and committed chair for the Chamber!”