April 2016 - Fall River Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS NEWS
The Official Publication of the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc.
APRIL 2016 EDITION
A City On the Move
2016 Co-Title Sponsors
2016 Silver Sponsors
2016 Gold Sponsors
2016 Media Sponsors
IN THIS ISSUE
2016 OFFICERS & EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
Chair of the Board: Carl Garcia, Carl’s Collision Center, Inc.
Chair Elect: Brian LeComte, Gold Medal Bakery
First Vice Chair: Curtis Nelson, Nelson Insurance & Financial Services
Second Vice Chair: Bill Perkins, People Incorporated
Treasurer: Roger Cabral, Bristol County Savings Bank
Clerk: Monte Ferris, Quality Inn Somerset & Venus de Milo
Immediate Past Chair: Craig A. Jesiolowski, St. Anne’s Hospital
President and CEO & General Counsel: Robert A. Mellion, Esq.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Term Ending in 2016
Steve Canessa, Southcoast Health Systems
Catherine Dillon, BankFive
Charlie Fellows, Lafrance Hospitality Company
Scott O’Brien, O’Brien’s Plumbing & Heating Inc.
Doug Rodrigues, CPA, DE Rodrigues & Company
Matthew Schondek, Fall River Municipal Credit Union
Matt Zenni, Liberty Utilities
Term Ending in 2017
Jo Ann Bentley, Jo Ann Bentley - Architect
LoriAnn Taylor Branco, Center for Sight
Nick Christ, BayCoast Bank
Rebecca Collins, Collins Construction
Dr. Angappa Gunasekaran, Ph.D., Charlton College of Business at UMASS Dartmouth
Michael Lund, Borden Light Marina
Carl Sawejko, Sawejko Communications
Term Ending in 2018
Carmen Aguilar, Bristol Community College
Linda Baker, Baker Sign Works
Dan Balboni, Complete Recycling Solutions, LLC
Rick Medeiros, Pawtucket Red Sox
Anthony Medeiros, Mechanics Cooperative Bank
Marty Montleon, Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School
Jason Rua, RDA Insurance
Corner Office............................................................................3
Chamber Business Calendar...................................................4
Welcome New Members.........................................................7
Upcoming Seminars...............................................................16
Business After Hours............................................................17
Member-To-Member.............................................................19
Business News
PUBLISHER:
ROBERT A. MELLION, ESQ.
MANAGING EDITOR:
CRYSTAL STONE
Scan to view the
Chamber’s website
ADVERTISING EDITOR:
KIMBERLY COROA MONIZ
The "Business News" is published monthly by the Fall River
Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The opinions featured
in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Chamber staff nor of members of the Chamber Board ofDirectors.
This newspaper is printed at the Standard Times. All letters to
the editorial page must be signed and include a phone number.
All submissions are welcome and should be sent via
e-mail to communications@fallriverchamber.com.
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS:
Frank Marchione, President, FROED
Kenneth Fiola Jr., Esq., Executive Vice President, FROED
CHAMBER STAFF:
Robert A. Mellion, Esq., President, CEO, & General Counsel
Kimberly Coroa Moniz, Vice President
Courtney Krystman, Manager of Operations & Finance
Crystal Stone, Communications Manager
Liz Swider, Manager of Business Development
Melinda Ailes,
Senior Business Advisor
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry is to be the
primary business and community information source for its members and the public; to
provide networking opportunities for its members; and serve as an advocate,
on behalf of its members, at the local, state and federal government levels.
Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc.
200 Pocasset Street | Fall River, MA 02721 | Phone: 508 676 8226 | Fax: 508 675 5932
www.fallriverchamber.com, www.facebook.com/frchamber
Page 2
The Massachusetts Small Business Development
Center (MSBDC) Network provides one-to-one free
comprehensive and confidential services focusing on,
business growth and strategies, financing and loan assistance as well as strategic, marketing and operational
analysis. In addition, low cost educational training
programs are offered across the state targeted to the
needs of small business.
Clifford Robbins,
Senior Business Advisor
Daniel Lilly,
Government Sales Advisor
Anne Fenton,
Client Services Coordinator
Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network
200 Pocasset Street | Fall River, MA 02721 |
Phone: 508 673 9783 | Fax: 508 674 1929
www.msbdc.org, www.facebook.com/msbdc
Alison Moriarty,
Administrative Assistant
Jill Beresford,
Senior Business Advisor
Nancy Lowd,
Senior Business Advisor
Corner Office
by Rob Mellion, Esq., President & CEO of the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc.
purpose of implementing its core
program of work. All of the
Chamber’s operating revenues are
generated through membership
dues, sponsorships and fundraising
events that are held throughout the
year.
business retention and economic
development.
Respectfully,
Unlike chambers, OEDs are frequently created by local municipali- Robert A. Mellion, Esq.
ties for the purpose of providing
Presiden and CEO
financial and technical assistance in Fall River Area Chamber of
order to develop and implement
Commerce & Industry
their own economic development
and community revitalization
strategies. OEDs frequently receive
government funds to fulfill their
DEFINING
mission. The most notable finan- Mission Statement
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
cial support comes in the form of
community development money
The mission of the Fall River Area Chamber
When it comes to the term “cham- via the federal government.
Tune
Inis for
of Commerce
and Industry
to be the primary
ber of commerce,” confusion and
business
and
community
information source for
Voice
of
Business
erroneous assumptions are inConfusion between the roles and
evitable. The lack of understanding responsibilities of both entities oc- its members and the public; to provide networkon 1480
WSAR
for its members;
and serve as
is in large part self-inflicted becurs because chambers and OEDs ing opportunities
cause chambers in various towns,
generally fall under a large, general an advocate, on behalf of its members, at the
cities, regions, states and even naumbrella of working with local
local,
state official
and federal
government
“The
radio
showlevels.
for the
tions operate in many different
businesses and industries for the
Fall River Area Chamber of
ways. That is why describing the
purpose of promoting the local
distinctions between a chamber of and regional economy. Their operCommerce & Industry, Inc.”
commerce and an office of ecoations and purpose can be very
.
nomic development (“OED”) may similar, but how and why they
Airing
every
Wednesday,
from
be helpful.
conduct business is subtly differ1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
ent. The Fall River Area Chamber
The first way to explain the disof Commerce fulfills its mission
Sponsored by:
tinctions between chambers and
by providing business services to
OEDs is that one entity often reits members in terms of offering
ceives public money to organize
referrals, business expos, cost savand produce its primary programings programs, networking opporming while the other typically is
tunities, marketing support,
privately funded. The Fall River
information resources, workforce
World of Business
Area Chamber of Commerce &
education, business trainings and
Airing every Thursday,
Industry is a not-for-profit organi- advocacy for the collective memfrom
zation created by local businesses
bership. The chamber also profor the purpose of representing the vides numerous venues for
4:00 - 5:00p.m.
collective interests of its membercorporate charitable giving.
ship. The Chamber is composed
of business and professionals
Because the Chamber does not reWorkforce
working together to promote local ceive tax dollars, it can and does
Connection
and regional economic developadvocate to federal, state and local
ment, business retention and com- government officials about the
FRCM Channel 95 every Friday
munity improvement through civic needs of its members and the
at 5:30 p.m.
responsibility.
community. In some cases OEDs
and Chambers have merged into
Furthermore, the Chamber of
one entity, but in Fall River and
Commerce is not directly or indithroughout Massachusetts, they
rectly a part of local, state or fedexist separately. While the Chameral government. The Chamber
ber and FROED do remain indestaff are not paid by taxpayers; and pendent of one another, they
no public money is provided to the share many common interests in
Chamber of Commerce for the
the form of vision and mission for
Chamber Media
Outreach
Business News
monthly newspaper publication
reaches 4,000+ per month
Business Connection
monthly Herald News Publication
reaches 45,000+ per month
Voice of Business
weekly radio show
Wednesdays 1-2 PM
reaches 25,000+ per month
World of Business
weekly radio show
Thursdays 4-5 PM
WHTB 1400
Workforce Connection
Chamber’s Official TV show
in partnership with
Bristol Community College
Aired monthly on
FRC Media, Channel 95
Fridays at 5:30 PM
Chamber Website
www.fallriverchamber.com
over 4,000 hits per month
Chamber Social Media
www.facebook.com/frchamber
www.twitter.com/fallriverchamber
www.linkedin.com/company/561650
Tourism & Visitor
Information Center
sponsored by:
Page 3
Business News
FALL RIVER: A CITY ON THE MOVE
APRIL 2016 BUSINESS CALENDAR
(All meetings take place at the Chamber unless otherwise noted)
4/7, THUR...............................................................Education Committee
11:30am
4/13, WED.............................................................Ambassadors
Noon Location: TBD
4/14, THUR..........................................................Events Committee
8:30am
4/15, FRI..............................................................Government Affairs
8:00am
4/19, TUES..........................................................Membership Committee
3:00pm
4/25, MON..........................................................Finance Committee
11:30am
4/25, MON..........................................................Executive Committee
12:00pm
4/27, WED..........................................................Board Meeting
11:45am
4/27, WED............................................................Business After Hours
5-7pm Somerset/Berkley
High School
Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry
200 Pocasset Street | Fall River, MA 02721 | Phone: 508 676 8226 | Fax: 508 675 5932
www.fallriverchamber.com, www.facebook.com/frchamber
195 Broadway, Fall River, MA
508-675-7433
Open Wednesday evenings until 8:00 pm
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Wed. until 8:00 pm, Sat. 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
www.bathsplashshowroom.com
Locations: Fall Riverr, MA • Plainville, MA • Hyannis, MA • Cranston, RI HVVAC
A Locations: Woburn, MA • Avvon, MA • East Hartford, CT
Page 4
On March 24, with the permission of
Mayor Jasiel Correia II, the Fall River
Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry previewed a sneak peek of the video
promoting Fall River, MA at its “Business
After Hours” event.
The video was designed to act as a marketing tool, to be used for years to come.
Those involved in the creation of the
video point out that this is “not politically
motivated”. “There’s no mention of
me…you don’t see my face…in the
video,” says Mayor Correia.
Since the preview, the video has launched
and created a positive buzz in the commu- To date, the video has done what its crenity.
ators have set out to do. A day after the
press conference announcing the video,
The six minute video is a collaborative ef- the New York Times printed a full page
fort between the Fall River Area Chamber article, highlighting commerce and growth
of Commerce, the Fall River Office of
in Fall River. The video was re-tweeted by
Economic Development, the City of Fall prominent political figures, such as Joe
River, FRG TV and FRED TV. It is a part Kennedy III and has over 1,200 views on
of a “larger marketing strategy,” for the
Vimeo. Community members are exciting
city of Fall River, says Mayor Correia.
about the video, and comment that Fall
River is “such a beautiful place”.
The video was free to produce and “acted
as a learning tool for many B.M.C. Durfee “Fall River is a city on the move,” says Mr.
High School seniors,” says Fall River Area Mellion. “A city on the move…in the
Chamber of Commerce President and
right direction”.
CEO, Robert Mellion.
Already, there are talks of new phases in
the campaign, which seeks to attract revenue from outside of the SouthCoast.
Chamber News
WOMEN IN CHAMBER LEADERSHIP ARE “MAKING HISTORY”
During Women’s History month, the Fall River Herald News recognized local women
making strong differences in the SouthCoast. Four of these distinguished women who
were profiled have leadership roles in the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce &
Industry organization: Kimberly Coroa Moniz, Chamber Vice President, along with
Board of Directors Carmen Aguilar, Jo Ann Bentley and Rebecca Collins
.
“It is a testament to the Chamber Board of Directors that four of the recently named ‘Women Making History’ are directly connected with the
leadership of the organization. Kimberly, Carmen, Jo Ann and Rebecca are
each exceptional community leaders and advocates,” says Robert Mellion,
Fall River Area Chamber President &CEO. “The Fall River area is very
lucky to have them working every day to improve our business climate and
quality life. They are each role models to be emulated.”
Carl Garcia, Chairman of the board agrees, stating “at the chamber, we are
fortunate enough to reap the benefits of their hard work and dedication to
the organization. It’s great to see these talented women spotlighted in the
community.”
CHAMBER SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR
JOHN S. BRAYTON COMMUNITY AWARD
The Fall River Area Chamber
of Commerce is currently seeking nominations for its John S.
Brayton, Jr. Memorial Outstanding Recognition Community Service Award.
All nominations should be
mailed to:
Fall River Area Chamber of
Commerce & Industry
Attn: Kimberly Coroa Moniz
200 Pocasset Street
Ideal candidates volunteer serv- Fall River, MA 02721
ices of an extraordinary measNominations must be received
ure in one of the following
areas of the community: educa- by April 29, 2016. Nominees
will be determined by the
tion, youth outreach, public
Award Selection Committee.
safety, eco-friendly initiatives,
health care and/or the religious
sectors.
To nominate an ideal candidate,
please submit a written summary of your reasons for the
nomination with a list of the
candidate’s qualifications.
Mr. Hanratty
Page 5
Welcome New Members
Aquabotix Technology Corp.
www.aquabotix.com
Join Date: 03/14/2016
Coastal Career Academy
www.coastalcareeracademy.com
Join Date: 3/22/2016
East Coast Benefit Plans, Inc.
www.ecbp.cpm
Join Date: 04/04/2016
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA
www.bcbsma.com
Join Date: 01/29/2016
Secured Staffing
www.secured-staffing.com
Join Date: 03/24/2016
Carroll Signs
www.carrollsign.com
Join Date: 03/09/2016
Altered Reality
www.alteredrealityentertainment.com
Join Date: 03/28/2016
If you have joined the chamber in the past 60 days,
and are interested in a membership spotlight in the
Business News, please submit a brief description of
your organization, with up to two photographs to
communications@fallriverchamber.com
D & D Overhead Garage Doors
www.dnd-garagedoors.com
Join Date: 03/10/2016
Member Spotlight
ServePro of Dartmouth/New Bedford
www.servepronewbedford.com
Join Date: 02/09/2016
Owens Corning
www.ocboston.com
Join Date: 02/22/2016
SECURED STAFFING
After years of working in the staffing industry, and working as a temporary employee, George
Melo decided to open his own agency. His goal was to “revolutionize the concept of temporary
agencies;” and bridge the gap between employers and employees in the South Coast.
Since their opening, last July, the team at Secured Staffing has used its combined fifteen years of
sales and recruiting experience to build strong relationships with their clients and temporary associates.
Their focus is to “secure the right talent, with the right organization, to enhance the growth of
individuals and companies alike”
Secured Staffing is located at 942 South Main Street, Fall River, MA. To learn more about Secured Staffing, please visit their website: www.secured-staffing.com.
______________________________________________________________________
First Ford
ww.firstfordma.com
Join Date: 02/26/2016
Ricoh USA
www.ricoh-usa.com
Join Date: 03/10/2016
Leadership SouthCoast
www.leadershipsouthcoast.org
Join Date: 03/15/2016
Page 7
Business News
YMCA SOUTHCOAST NAMES JAMES SCHERER NEW PRESIDENT & CEO
meet the needs of our community for over 150 years. The Y
engages people of all ages – regardless of income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide
opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Everyone
is welcome at the Y and financial assistance is available. For
more information about YMCA SOUTHCOAST or to donate, visit one of the branches in Dartmouth, Fall River, Mat“We are privileged to welcome James Scherer to YMCA
Southcoast,” said Mr. Bullard, Chair of the YMCA Southcoast tapoisett, New Bedford, Swansea and Wareham or online at
Board of Directors. “Jim is an energetic leader with an unpar- ymcasouthcoast.org.
alleled commitment to community and development. We are
confident that Jim will provide the leadership to guide the Y as
it continues its mission of ensuring that all members of the
south coast community will have the opportunity to live, grow,
and thrive.”
YMCA SouthCoast Board Chair, Peter
C. Bullard, has announced the appointment of James Scherer as new President/CEO effective April 11, 2016.
Scherer is replacing Gary R Schuyler
who is retiring after 28 years.
A passionate career senior professional with 33 years experience in the Y movement, Jim has served in four different
YMCA associations in key leadership positions. During his
four year tenure as CEO for the Wallingford, CT YMCA, he
strategically positioned the Y into a strong financial performance the first year and maintained a quality financial foundation when he left in 2006. As Chief Operating Officer for the
Greater Hartford YMCA from 2007-2015, Jim supervised the
Association’s 12 branches with a combined revenue of $29M
and 160 full time and 1000 part-time employees. As COO he
led many Association-wide initiatives and was responsible for
overseeing the development and construction of several new
branches and renovations as well as improving the association’s success in Annual and Capital contributed support. Jim
also served as the lead staff working with the Corporate
Board on Strategic Planning and their work as a Trendsetter Y
for Living Our Cause.
“The Y makes a tremendous impact in the lives of our neighbors every day, and it is an honor for me to be a part of that. I
plan to continue to help make a difference promoting the Y
mission,” Jim stated. “I’m truly excited and looking forward to
the opportunity to enhance our presence and partnerships in
the south coast community.”
Jim and his wife Gina, of 28 years, are blessed with five boys
and two girls. With great anticipation, Jim and his family are
eager to join the YMCA Southcoast community!
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening
communities through youth development, healthy living and
social responsibility. With six branch sites serving more than
37,000 people, YMCA SOUTHCOAST has been working to
Page 8
Educational News
LEMONADE DAY
Saturday May 7, 2016 is the Greater Fall River Area’s 2nd Annual
Lemonade Day. For many students in the Fall River area this is
the first step towards entrepreneurship.
Sponsored by Fun 107, Lemonade Day is “a community wide
educational program that uses the lemonade stand model of
business to teach kids everything from start-up and business
loans to stand presentation and customer service.”
Youth are taught lessons from entrpreneurial workbooks and at
the conclusion of the lessons they are well prepared to open
their own business: a lemonade stand.
The event is free for students to participate in, and members of
the business community are encouraged to participate.
To learn more about how you can help make Lemonade Day a
success, visit Fun 107 on the web, at:
www.fun107.com/events-new-bedfordfall-river/lemonade-day/
DIMAN RECOGNIZED AS MASSBIO ED
INNOVATIVE SCHOOL OF THE YEAR
Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School (Diman) in
Fall River, Massachusetts has been named as this year’s Joshua
Boger Innovative School of the Year by the MassBioEd Foundation for its commitment to engaging students at all levels in
hands-on biotechnology experiences.
Diman was selected as a MassBioEd Foundation BioTeach
School in 2014. Over the past two years, Diman has built a dedicated biotechnology lab space and enhanced its life sciences curricula with biotechnology activities that span the academic year.
Not only has Diman enriched its curriculum, it has developed
new biotechnology programs to engage students outside of the
classroom including the establishment of a biotechnology science club and the Diman Genes in Space team. These changes at
Diman have sparked student interest in life sciences and inspired
them to request the addition of an Advanced Placement Biology
course. Recently, Diman students submitted an experiment to the
Genes in Space national competition where they were awarded
an Honorable Mention.
“Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School has gone
above and beyond to foster an enthusiasm for life sciences and
help encourage students to pursue careers in biotechnology as
they look toward their futures,” said Peter Abair, Executive Director of the MassBioEd Foundation.
(continued on page 10)
Page 9
(continued from page 9)
“Diman has demonstrated commitment to enhancing its science program
by developing cutting-edge curricula and programs both in and out of the
classroom. The judging panel was particularly impressed with the new
found passion students have demonstrated for biotechnology and their request for additional opportunities to learn and engage.”
“Diman is honored to be the recipient of the Joshua Boger Innovative
School of the Year Award for 2016,” said Kyle Alves, Principal of Diman.
“With highly motivated and dedicated science teachers like Mrs. Liss O’Connell, Diman is on the cutting edge of infusing project-based biotechnology instruction into grade nine and ten biology curriculum. Through
projects such as extracting DNA, Diman students are building their foundational knowledge of life sciences while fostering their analytical, critical,
and problem-solving skills in burgeoning field of biotechnology. Within
the next few months, Diman will be investing over $350,000 to provide our
students with a state-of-the-art biotechnology lab and classroom that will
further enhance our ability to prepare students to be well-versed in
biotechnology, inspire them to pursue life science courses in college, and
make them knowledgeable about related careers.”
The Joshua Boger Innovative School of the Year Award was established by
the MassBioEd Foundation to honor a Massachusetts school that has distinguished itself through exemplary progressive biotechnology educational
programming.
Diman is well-deserving of the prestigious award for its dedication to ensuring its students have the opportunity to explore the life sciences. The
award will help Diman grow their curricula and expand their biotechnology
programs.
The award will be presented at a luncheon ceremony at the MassBio Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 31 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, 40 Edwin
Land Blvd, Cambridge, MA. Diman will be represented by Kyle Alves,
Principal, and by 10th grade students Dylan Barcelos, Kylie Cooper, and
Aaron Gouveia.
Page 10
Chamber News
FALL RIVER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE APP
The Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has developed an
app.
The Fall River Area Chamber app is a multifunctional tool designed to give
users instant access to membership and events related information.
The app features a sleek blue and gray design and nine main icons. Users can
view past and upcoming events, listen to “Voice of Business” podcasts, view
the membership directory, obtain directions to the chamber, call the chamber,
learn more about “Fall River Wear” and view members that participate in the
member-to-member discount program.
The app is generously sponsored by Gold Medal Bakery; and will be available
for download in the Apple app store and Google Play stores in mid- April.
For more information about the app, and other technological advances at the
Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry, please contact a chamber
staff member at (508) 676-8226 or communications@fallriverchamber.com
CHANGES TO THE CHAMBER’S WEBSITE
In mid-April, The Fall River Area Chamber of Commece and Industry’s website will feature a new blog section.
The blog, written by Crystal Stone, Communications Manager at the chamber,
will feature a wealth of information regarding seminars, ribbon cuttings and
events.
In addition to event infomation, photos from past events will be displayed here.
View the blog on the web at : http://fallriverchamber.com/blog/
Page 11
Chamber News
BUSINESSES NEEDED FOR SPRING JOB FAIR
Together with The Fall River Career Center and Mayor Jasiel Correia II, The Fall
RIver Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry is hosting a Spring Job Fair.
The event will take place on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00
p.m at Fall River City Hall, 1 Government Center, Fall RIver, MA 002720.Priority
Admission will be granted to veterans and graduates from 9:00 a.m.to 10:00 a.m.
This event will feature one of the largest employment opportunities in the area
and bring in hundreds of job candidates with general, advanced, and profes
sional skills and experience across several industries!
Employers can expect maximum results while condensing recruiting resources,
meet face to face with job candidate, gain exposure and visibility for new and expanding businesses and to network with local employers and businesses.
There is no cost to your business for this event but tables are limited, and
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. To register, complete our easy online registration form at: http://tinyurl.com/http-jobfairreg-com!
Registration will end at noon, Friday, May 6, 2016. Your table (approximately 6
feet with a white plastic table cloth) will be ready for you upon arrival and all advertising of the event is at no cost to your business.
2016 Spring Job Fair is Sponsored by:
Multi-Cultural News
MULTI CULTURAL STUDENT CENTER,
GEARS UP TO CELEBRATE “50 YEARS OF THE SOUTHCOAST”
The Multicultural Student Center at
Bristol Community College is a safe
haven for diversity, acceptance, and
student engagement.
50th anniversary of the college, as well
as the people and cultures that encompass the Southeastern Massachusetts
local community. The day will feature
our area’s local talents in art, music,
The MSC welcomes all students, but
and dance (featuring New Bedford nafocuses especially on students of color, tive Samantha Johnson) who was a fiLGBTQ+ communities, and those
nalist on the hit show “America’s Got
from many other underrepresented
Talent”. Food trucks from around the
groups. The center’s main focus is rearea will be present displaying their
tention, for many, the MSC becomes a delicacy (food truck items are at a
“home” on campus, providing stucost), children activities like face paintdents with a comfortable venue to seek ing inflatable obstacle courses, school
comradery. The Multicultural Student tours and much more.
Center at BCC will help students connect the dots of education within a so- This event is free to the public.
cial learning environment.
To learn more about the Multi-Cultural
On June 5, 2016, from 12:00 - 5:00
Student Center and view upcoming
p.m. the organization holds their event events, please visit them on Facbook
titled “BCC Celebrates 50 Years of the or visit the Fall River Area Chamber of
Southcoast”.
Commerce Events Calendar at
www.fallriverchamber.com/calendar
The event’s purpose is to celebrate the
Page 12
MultiCultural News
DEFINICIÓN DE "LA CÁMARA DE COMERCIO"
Translated by Carmen Aguilar, Dean of Workforce & Community Education at Bristol Community College
Cuando nos referimos a la expresión "cámara de comercio," la confusión y suposiciones erróneas son inevitables. La falta de comprensión se debe en gran parte a que las cámaras de comercio operan de
manera diferente en cada pueblo, ciudad, región, estado e incluso son
diferentes en cada país. Es por eso que aclarar las diferencias entre lo
que es una cámara de comercio y lo que es una Oficina de Desarrollo
Económico ("OED") puede ser útil.
Una manera de explicar las diferencias entre cámaras y OEDs es que
una entidad recibe a menudo dinero público para organizar y producir
su programación y servicios, mientras que la otra por lo general se financia de forma privada. La Camara de Comercio e Industria del área
de Fall River es una organización sin fines de lucro creada por negocios y empresas locales con el fin de representar los intereses colectivos de sus miembros. La Cámara se compone de negocios y
profesionales que trabajan en conjunto para promover el desarrollo
económico local y regional, la retención de negocios y la mejora de la
comunidad a través de la responsabilidad ciudadana.
tiva.
Debido a que la Cámara no recibe dinero de los impuestos de los contribuyentes, la cámara trabaja con diferentes niveles de gobierno y defiende abogando por leyes federales, estatales y locales que ayuden a
las necesidades de sus miembros y de la comunidad donde labora.
En algunos casos OEDs y las cámaras se han fusionado en una sola
entidad, pero en Fall River y todo Massachusetts, existen de forma
separada. En nuestra localidad, aunque que la Cámara de Comercio e
Industria de Fall River y FROED permanecen independientes entre sí,
comparten muchos intereses comunes, especialmente la visión y misión para la retención de negocios y el desarrollo económico de nuestra
región.
Respetuosamente,
Robert A. Mellion, Esq. President and CEO
Por otra parte, la Cámara de Comercio no pertenece directamente o
indirectamente al gobierno local, estatal o federal. Los empleados de la
Cámara no son pagados por los contribuyentes; y la Camara no recibe
dinero de fondos públicos para la implementación de su programa
básico de trabajo. Todos los ingresos y fondos monetarios de la Cámara se generan a través de las cuotas de afiliación por membresía, patrocinios y eventos de recaudación de fondos que se organizan y
celebran durante todo el año por parte de la misma cámara de comercio.
A diferencia de las cámaras, las Oficinas de Desarrollo Económico
(OEDs) son frecuentemente creados por los municipios locales con el
fin de proporcionar asistencia financiera y técnica para la generación e
implementación de estrategias de desarrollo económico y revitalización de la comunidad. OEDs con frecuencia reciben fondos del gobierno para cumplir su misión. El apoyo financiero más notable es el
dinero y fondos de desarrollo de la comunidad que OEDs reciben del
gobierno federal.
La confusión entre las funciones y responsabilidades de ambas entidades se debe a que las cámaras y OEDs generalmente trabajan junto
con las empresas e industrias locales a fin de promover la economía
local y regional. Sus operaciones y metas pueden ser muy similares,
pero las razones y el cómo operan y llevan a cabo sus negocios es sutilmente diferente. La Cámara de Comercio e Industria del área de Fall
River cumple su misión proporcionando servicios de negocio a sus
miembros ofreciendo oportunidades para relacionarse y hacer negocios por referencias entre miembros, ferias y exposiciones de negocios,
programas de ahorro y descuentos entre miembros, promoción y
apoyo a la comercialización, recursos de información para negocios,
educación y entrenamiento de fuerza de laboral, formación empresarial; promoción de sus miembros, y defiende los derechos abogando
por todos sus miembros. La cámara también ofrece y trabaja con
oportunidades de donaciones de caridad y responsabilidad corporaPage 13
Business Advice
RAISES NOT AN OPTION?
INCREASE EMPLOYEE BENEFITS INSTEAD.
Pictured: Brenda Arruda
Page 14
Business Advice
DIVIDEND-PAYING STOCKS: A STAPLE FOR YOUR PORTFOLIO
No matter your age or your approach to investing, there is one kind of in- “Many of the name-brand, dividend-paying corporations consistently provestment that may be considered for your portfolio: dividend-paying stocks. duce these kinds of goods,” notes Wren.
That’s the opinion of Scott Wren, Managing Director and Senior Global
Equity Strategist for Wells Fargo Investment Institute.
He cautions, however, that any investor needs to understand that when interest rates rise, the returns of dividend-paying stocks could take a hit. And
While hardly the sexiest of investment choices, Wren says dividend-paying when the market experiences a big boom, these types of stocks do not alstocks may offer a difficult-to-beat combination — good quality and a his- ways match the growth rate of other stock types. These are all reasons why
tory of typically lower volatility than the overall market. He likens this kind it’s important to maintain balance in your portfolio.
of investment to the slower competitor in the classic fable of the tortoise
and the hare. The tortoise is not flashy or speedy, but over the long haul, he Even if you’re aggressively seeking growth, it’s important to hold some asruns a steady and rewarding race. Wren cites an impressive number in this
sets that may provide the potential for consistency.
regard. “During the past 80 years, about half of the market’s growth, as
measured by the S&P 500®, has come from dividend-paying stocks.”
All investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal. There is
no assurance any investment strategy will be successful.
Some investors equate dividend-paying stocks with “blue-chip” stocks, but There is no guarantee that dividend-paying stocks will return more than the
Wren is quick to point out that these terms are not interchangeable. While overall stock market.
there are some longstanding, bellwether firms that pay dividends, such as
Dividends are not guaranteed and are subject to change or elimination.
AT&T and Johnson & Johnson, any number of large, high-profile social
media and tech companies pay no dividends. They might be regarded as
Generally, CDs may not be withdrawn prior to maturity. CDs are FDIC inblue chip based on performance and growth potential, but they are not div- sured up to $250,000 per depositor per insured depository institution for
idend-paying stocks.
each account ownership category. CDs may be issued by out of state institutions.
Wren likens the presence of these stocks in your portfolio to breakfast
U.S. based corporations that have significant exposure to foreign and
items in your pantry. In the morning, you see staples such as name-brand
emerging economies may have their earnings impacted by factors such as
coffee, cereals, and other breakfast foods, and you know the essentials are
currency fluctuation, political and economic instability, as well as different
there. The quality is what you depend on, and you never have to think
accounting rules for operations within those countries that other U.S. comtwice before starting your day right.
panies may not be subject to which can lead to additional price volatility.
Not long ago, however, these stocks drew little interest and almost no enthusiasm. “From 1995 to the early 2000s, they fell out of favor while the
focus was on the tech boom,” says Wren. After that boom went bust, many
investors were risk-averse. But with traditional conservative investment vehicles such as CDs (Time Accounts) yielding miniscule returns, investors
started looking again at dividend- paying stocks. Wren notes that 5% CD
yields are not likely coming back any time soon, so the trend is likely to
continue. It’s important to note that CDs may offer guarantees and insurance that are not available in stock investing. Investing in dividend-paying
stocks involves the possible risk of principal.
This article was written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy
of Nelson Dias, Financial Advisor in Providence, RI at 401-459-6872.
Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE.
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and
a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.©2016 Wells
Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.
0216-01512 (93585-v2)
03/16
While younger investors typically may be better served by looking for
greater growth at higher risk, Wren says, they also should consider having
some dividend-paying stocks in their portfolio. The steady growth may
have a payoff over time, especially if dividends are immediately reinvested
in additional shares. For those approaching or in retirement, the scenario is
a little different, and the importance of having this type of asset in your
portfolio may be greater.
There’s another quality, sometimes overlooked, of many dividend-paying
stocks. A large number of corporations that pay dividends have significant
interest and investment in emerging and global markets, which gives you
additional exposure to that potential growth as well as the risk of these
economies. Wren says that the populace’s aspirations to reach the middle
class in many countries translates to the production of commodities such
as better hygiene products, higher-quality food, more modern appliances,
and other goods that enable a healthier and more productive lifestyle.
Page 15
Business Seminar
SOCIAL MEDIA HAS TAKEN THE WORLD
BY STORM.
In our current business climate, social media is considered an
essential one-stop resource for making marketing dreams come.
We all know how powerful and effective social media can be —
and you don’t need a best-selling book, or expensive week-long
seminar to embrace its potential.
You need answers to your questions; and effective ways to incorporate social media into your organization’s success.
You need a little less stress and a lot more ideas. That’s where
this workshop comes in.
On Tuesday, May 3 Mike Silvia, President of The New Bedford
Guide will conduct a 90 minute highly informative seminar
where you learn strategies for planning, executing and measuring social media marketing.
This workshop takes the hard work off your hands with cuttingedge ideas and real-world solutions. You’ll learn the right way to
get your campaign up and running — without going through
expensive, time-consuming trial and error.
Page 16
The cost to attend is $40.00 for members and $50.00 for nonmembers.
To register, and for more information, please contact Crystal
Stone at Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, at
(508) 676-8226.
To register, or receive more information please contact a member of the chamber staff at (508) 676-8226
or email communications@fallriverchamber.com
* Applications for 2017 are available on November 1, 2016
Page17
Photos from March 2016 Business After Hours
Thank you to all who attended!
HIGH TEC
CH.
HIGH TOUC
U H.
H
(WE HAV
VE
E BOTH
H.)
Of course we have all the latest in banking technologyy, that allows
a
you to bank online
e from anywhere. We also
have Barbara, and 350 other employees, who allow you to ba
ank with people. Because
e you know
w, online bank
king
is great, but sometimes
s
you just want to bank with a friendlyy face. High tech or human touch. We’ve
e
got both.
High Tech: BankCoastBank.com
m
Friendly People: 508.678.7
7641
Member FDIC Member DIF
Page 18
Member to Member
Discount Program
RESTAURANT
Beacon Light Tavern
15% Off, Food Only
www.beaconlighttavern.com
(508) 675-5044
Blount Clam Shack & Company
Store
10% Off
774-888-0050
www.blountfinefoods.com
Jerry Remy’s Bar & Grill
10% Off, Food Only
(774) 365-6905
www.jerryremys.com/fallriver
Patti's Pierogies
10% Off, International Platter
(508) 679-4001
www.pattispierogis.com
Tipsy Toboggan
10% Discount
508-944-3728
RETAIL/SERVICES
3rd Eye Photography
10% OFF &
Free Initial
Consultation
(508)-212-9052
www.3rdeyephotography.net
Accurate Service, Inc
10% OFF storage
(508)674-5773
www.accurateservice.com
At Your Service
10% OFF
(508) 677-6700
To take advantage of the savings, present your Membership card and ask for the Chamber discount on your transaction with any participating merchant. All of the below listed
discounts are offered through the Member-to-Member Discount Program. For more information about the Member-to-Member Discount Program or Buy SouthCoast, contact
the Chamber at 508-676-8226.
Baker Sign Works
10% Off, $500+
508-674-6600
www.bakersignworks.com
Battleship Cove
20% Off
508-678-1100
www.battleshipcove.com
Commonwealth Firearms
& Training
20% Off Fishing Accessories/
LTC License
(774) 294-5445
Corporate Image Apparel Inc.
10% Off
(508) 676-3099
www.ciainc.com
Blast Off LLC
15% Off Residential Cleaning
20% Off Commercial Paint/Stain
Removal
(774) 218-0696
D.E. Rodrigues & Co., Inc.
Free Initial Consultation
508-679-6079
www.rodriguesandcompany.com
Book Outlet Store
Buy 4 Books, Get 5th Free
(508) 676-8700
www.amazingsalebooks.com
Dave’s Tire & Auto Service
10% Off parts with repairs
10% Off Tires
508-679-6482
www.davestireandauto.com
Busy Bee Jumpers & Tents
20% Off
(781) 447-8300
www.busybeejumpers.com
Camara's Heating &
Air Conditioning
10% Off
508-636-8325
www.camarasheatingandac.com
Cape Cod Dinner Train
$10 Off Elegant Dinner
(508) 771-3800
www.masscoastal.com
Children’s Museum of
Greater Fall River
10% Off Admisson
(508) 672-0033
www.cmgfr.com
Comfort Inn & Suites
10% Off Room Rates
508-672-001
www.comfortinnfallriver.com
Delken Dry Cleaning
10% OFF
(508) 679-0999
www.delken.com
East Commerce Solutions
10% OFF
(800) 527-5395
www.eastcommercesolutions.com
Empire Hyundai, Inc.
10% Off Parts & Labor
15% Off All Accessoreis Purchased at the Parts Counter or
Service Desk.
(508) 673-7646
Enterprise-Rent-A-Car
10% OFF Rental Vehicle
508-677-9000
www.enterprise.com
Use Code 49B7000
Fire Systems Inc.
10% Off Parts
508-999-4444
Gaspar’s Landscaping
10% Off
508-677-3502
www.gasparslandscaping.com
General Fitness
20% Off all memberships
508-677-4933
Gentlemen's Quarters
10% Off services or products with
initial visit only
508-617-8592
Health & Safety Solutions
10% Off
508-415-7127
www.health-safetysolutions.com
Interactive Palette
10% Off
781-930-3100
www.interactivepalette.com
iReverse Home Loans, LLC
$500 off Reverse Mortgage closing cost
Mike Kennedy 508-646-4351
Jay's Wine and Spirits
10% Off (sales items excluded, on
regular priced items, excludes beer
and tobacco)
www.jayswineandspirits.com
Labor Ready
$50 Off first order
508-672-6300
www.laborready.com
Lazer Gate
10% Off
508-730-1230
www.lazergate.com
Mallard Printing
Ask for Chamber Discount and
receive up to 10% off
508-675-5733
www.mallardprinting.com
Page 19
All listed discounts are included within the Member-To-Member discount program.
Meganet Communications
10% Off, 1 Month Free
508-646-0030
www.meganet.net
Somerset Decorating
10% Off
508-674-8596
www.SomersetDecorating.com
Minuteman Process Services
25% Off, All Services
508-491-1000
www.minutemanprocessservices.com
South End Sunoco
20% Off all labor work
Minimum $100 of work
2322 S. Main St Fall River, MA
O’Brien Plumbing & Heating Co.
10% Off
508-679-3368
www.obriensplumbingandheating.com
Pawtucket Red Sox
*Buy 25 Flex tickets, save $25
401-724-7300
www.pawsox.com
Payroll Express
We will beat our competitors pricing
Best Price Around
508-679-1858
Performance Auto Center
10% Off
508-675-4777
Precision Mechanical, Inc.
10% Off
774-930-1589
Radio Voz do Emigrante
15% Off
508-678-9727
www.radiovozdoemigrante.com
ReMax, Dawn Rusin
$500 Off $100k+ closing costs
508-677-3629
Saber TV
$50 Off any $499
or more furniture purchase
508-672-8603
www.sabertv.com
Somerset Chrysler Dodge Jeep
10% Off Parts & Labor
508-675-1106
www.somersetautogroup.com
Page 20
Strategic Insurance & Risk Solutions
Free Consultation
201.675.1141
Sullivan Tire & Auto
Full service regular oil change $19.95
508-674-4068
www.sullivantire.com
FUN107/WBSM
25% OFF advertising for new
clients, Townsquare Media
508-999-6690
HEALTH
Boys & Girls Club
15% OFF senior membership
508-672-6340
www.fallriverbgc.org
Center for Sight
*$50 OFF pair of eyeglasses
*$100 OFF Radiesse cosmetic
treatment
508-730-2020
www.center-for-sight.com
Spindle City Auto Glass
10% Off any services (Not included
with any other offer)
(508) 677-3063
www.spindlecityautoglass.com
Eye Health Vision Centers
$500 off regular and customary
price.
$100 offlowest discounted price
508-673-2020
www.eyehealthvision.com
ThinkTech Computer
FREE 27-Point Network Audit
508-992-2541
www.thinktechonline.com
Strive Gymnastics & Fitness, LLC
10% OFF*
508-567-3830
TNT Cleaning Services
Two free residential rooms carpet
cleaned/
10 % Off any cleaning services with a
contract
508-644-5010
www.tntcleaningma.com
Town Car Travel Limousine
10% Off
508-379-9088
www.towncartravel.com
TransAnalysis
First Month FREE
508-646-1000
www.transanalysis.com
Two Guys Barber Shop
Save $2.00 on a Haircut (Regular price
$14.00/Savings Price $12.00)
(508) 677-6717
For more information on
Chamber Membership or to include
your business in the
Chamber’s Member to Member
Discount Program, please contact a
chamber staff member at
508.676.8226
Page 21
To Register Contact a
Chamber Staff Member at
(508) 676-8226
Please RSVP
Thursday 5/26, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: 1591 Bay Street
Fall River, MA
Sponsored By: Carl’s Collision
Wednesday 4/27, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: 625 County Street
Somerset, MA
Sponsored By: Somerset/Berkley
Regional High School
Business After Hours
Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc.
200 Pocasset Street Fall River, MA 02721-1585
508-676-8226 www.fallriverchamber.com
Business News
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 46
Fall River, MA
Current Resident or