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The 2nd Annual Taste of MetroWest
One of the highlights of 2011 was the creation of a “signature event” for the Chamber. Our First Annual Taste of MetroWest, held on March 15th was successful beyond our imagining! Designed to showcase the region’s wonderful restaurants, caterers, food and beverage purveyors, this event drew a huge crowd. Sponsored by MetroWest Medical Center, the event attracted over 40 vendors and nearly a thousand people who sampled tantalizing dishes and delectable treats from throughout MetroWest. The festive atmosphere at the Sheraton Framingham was the perfect backdrop as attendees caught up with neighbors, friends and business associates, who strolled from booth to booth to explore the culinary delights. With assistance from Symbiosis Sustainability, we were able to make this an eco-friendly event, minimizing event-related waste and carbon emissions through a variety of measures. Our energetic committee, Amanda Parker, Beth Reynolds, Bill McGinley, Bob Fields, Karen Decina, Carolyn Van Cott, Donna Kelleher, Helen Lemoine, John Swisher, Tony Nasch, Kathy Garrahan, Stephanie Guidetti, John Lawrence, Louise Rijk, Lisa Shapiro and Bryan Sheehan who were the chief architects of the evening’s success. We also had tremendous support from our sponsors:
“Taste” Media Sponsor: Gatehouse Media New England, “Taste” Supporting Sponsors: Carmel Terrace/ Unidine, Genzyme, “Taste” Community Partner Sponsor, Middlesex Savings Bank, “Taste” Partners, St. Mary’s Credit Union, Bowditch & Dewey, Fletcher Tilton PC, Staples, Mirick O’Connell, “Taste” Patrons: MetroWest Coffee News, Lonergan Construction, Inc., Windjammer Promotions, Fair & Yeager Insurance Agency, Metro Credit Union, United Way of Tri County, Purple Ink Insurance, MathWorks, Marlborough Hospital, Riemer & Braunstein LLP, Eastern Bank and “Taste” Public Relations Sponsor CommCreative. All of these businesses helped underwrite the triumph of the evening. Attendees voted on the People’s Choice Awards, handing out kudos to The Sherborn Inn for Best Entrée and Best Presentation, Wachusett Brewing Co. for Best Beverage, Peppers Catering for Best Appetizer, Pejamjo Café for Best Dessert and Boloco for the “Health for Life Award.” For a complete list of participating restaurants, check out our Taste website at www.tasteofmetrowest.org. In addition to the wonderful smorgasbord, folks were introduced to an array of cultural, non-profit and civic booths that highlighted some of the fun and informative opportunities that exist throughout the region. As you can see, the Taste truly is a not-to-be-missed evening. So mark your calendars now for the 2nd Annual Taste of MetroWest on March 13, 2012 from 5:00 -8:00 pm and don’t forget to bring your appetite!
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2011...Year-in-Review IssueWhere we were and where we are going...
1671 Worcester Rd., Suite 301 tel: 508.879-5600 web: www.metrowest.orgFramingham, MA 01701 fax: 508-875-9325 email: [email protected]
In September the Chamber held its first Jump Start Java, New Member Orientation at the Chamber Office. Designed to Jump Start our new member’s Chamber experience, this brief orientation provides an overview of the numerous benefits and services available to our members
We encourage both new and long-term members to take advantage of this opportunity. Come and meet Chamber President & CEO, Bonnie Biocchi, the rest of the Chamber staff, our Ambassador Chair, and other Chamber members. What better way for us to get to know you and your business so that we can better promote you!. Jump Start Java is held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, 8-9 am at the Chamber Office.
In this issue…From the President’s Office...p. 2
From the Outgoing & Incoming Chair......................................p. 2
Award Recipients...................p.3
2012 Chamber Leadership and Board of Directors................p. 3
Outgoing Board Members.....p.3
The Year-In-Review...p. 4, 5 & 11
Who’s Been Where ~ Familiar Faces from Our Events .........p. 6
Veterans Initiative ..................p. 8
College Initiative..................p. 8
New Members.................p. 9-10
Message from our Premier Sponsor.................................p.11
Corporate Sponsors.............p.12
Upcoming Events.................p.12
The MetroWest Chamber of Commerce serves the towns
of
Ashland Framingham
Holliston Hopkinton
Natick Sherborn
Southborough Sudbury Wayland
Westborough
...and beyond
Jump Start Java New Member Orientation
to local students, assisted the Patrick Administration in the creation of a strategic economic development plan and watched attendance grow at every one of the 30+ events we held this year. How did we do this despite the slowly recovering economy and the many challenges that faced the MetroWest business community?
Success is created by developing a vision and then rolling up your sleeves to implement that vision. By adhering to our core mission of providing the power of connection to our businesses and by broadening our outreach to the communities we serve, the MetroWest Chamber promoted, supported and assisted the business community across the region. We worked to increase visibility for our businesses within the region and through-out the Commonwealth and advocated at the local, state and national level in an effort to address the challenges our busi-nesses face. This is the value proposition we strive to achieve each and every day.
This year, we plan to unveil a new program called Municipal Magnet which will
Dear Members,
“The secret of success is constancy to purpose.” These words spoken by the British author and statesman Benjamin Disraeli, perfectly describe the stratagem of the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce. Our chamber experienced great success this past year. With your help, and with the exceptional support of our Board of Directors, 2011 was a year of remarkable growth. We expanded our membership base, celebrated record member retention, welcomed new Corporate Sponsors, created a wildly successful Taste of MetroWest, encouraged the development of the MetroWest Tourism and Visitors Bureau, grew our College Initiative, strengthened our alliances with BNI, the Veterans Initiative and the MetroWest Women’s Alliance, augmented our Educational Foundation through our tremendously fruitful Golf Tournament, awarded the most-ever scholarship money
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provide tools for our municipalities to become even more business friendly. We will introduce a new initiative aimed at addressing the gap in middle-skills workers, helping to match workers to our businesses in need. We are feverishly working on an even bigger and better Taste of MetroWest.
As you can see, 2012 promises to be another exciting year at the MetroWest Chamber. Thank you for all you have done to make this a strong and vibrant chamber. We look forward to working with you in 2012 to further enhance the business community in MetroWest and beyond.
Wishing you health and prosperity, Bonnie
From the President
Thank you Chamber members for our successful year. Yes, you as members and spokespersons for us, have helped the staff and board to achieve an unbelievably productive year. I have been honored to serve as your Chair for this past year and I am looking forward to working with you as past chair to continue this success. Donna
From our Outgoing Chair of the Board
Dear Members,
I’m extremely excited and optimistic about the coming year. The current status of our Chamber is a testament to the efforts of my predecessor Chairs, the Board of Directors, Bonnie and her tireless staff and, of course, you our Members. I’m very lucky to be inheriting such a committed organization and membership which is recognized and held in such high regard locally and across the state by our peers, the current administration and the legislature. This is why it is incumbent upon us to work even harder to maintain our long standing commitment to the business community, the institutions and the communities we serve. With our very vibrant, engaged and committed Board of Directors and membership I know we will maintain the resolve and dedication needed to continue our journey as a premier advocate for business growth and development within the region and the Commonwealth. I am looking forward to the year ahead and very much appreciate the hard work and dedication of Donna and the retiring members of the Board of Directors and look forward to their continued support. “ Happy New Year to all!” Do not, however be surprised if you hear from us in the very near future to assist in continuing our power of connection for 2012. Bill
From our Incoming Chair of the Board
William PezzoniDay Pitney
Donna KellerherNext Generation Children’s Centers
Bonnie BiocchiMWCoC President & CEO
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Martin Cohen, MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation Fran Colantonio, Colantonio, Inc. Robert Fields, CommCreative Jim Giammarinaro, Freedom Prinitng Lois Horenstein, Verizon
2012 MetroWest Chamber Leadership Chair of the Board: William Pezzoni, Day Pitney
Chair Elect: Maria Babb, Middlesex Savings Bank
Immediate Past Chair Donna Kelleher, Next Generation Children’s Centers
Treasurer Katherine Wellington, Investment Property Specialists, Inc.
Vice-Chair - Affiliations Lisa Cremonini, Capitol Financial Advisors
Vice-Chair - Membership Development JoAnne O’Leary NSTAR Electric & Gas Corporation
Co-Vice-Chairs - Economic Development & Public Policy Paul Bauer, Bowditch & Dewey Craig Johnston, R.W. Holmes Realty Co., Inc.
Vice-Chair - Community Outreach Betsy Pielocik, Bose Corporation
Co-Vice-Chairs - Promotions & Events Donna Kelleher, Next Generation Children’s Centers Kevin Foley, The TJX Companies, Inc.
ex officio
Peter Barbieri Chamber Corporate Counsel, Fletcher, Tilton, P.C.
Bonnie P. Biocchi Chamber President & CEO
Board of DirectorsRick Colon, Verizon
Kenneth Der, FAS Corporation
Faith Easter, Fletcher, Tilton, P.C.
Arthur Fair, Fair & Yeager Insurance
Ann Fitzpatrick, Boston Scientific Corporation
Stephanie Guidetti, MetroWest Medical Center
Marc Jacobs, Jewish Family Services
Chris Kostiw, Rockland Bank and Trust
John Lynch, Staples, Inc.
Pablo Maia, Pablo Maia Realty Group
Anne Marie Magerman, Gatehouse Media New England
Gwene McBride, MetroWest Alliance for Workforce Diversity
William McGinley,, Whitney Place at Natick
MetroWest Chamber of Commerce 2011-2012
Tom McKenney, Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center
Paul Mina, United Way of Tri County
Fran Mueller, CitiBank
Edward Nunes, TD Bank
John O’Donnell, MassBay Community College
Jeanne O’Keefe, MathWorks, Inc.
Louise Rijk, Thoughtwire Media
Bonnie Sullivan, MassDevelopment Finance Agency
Marc Terry, Mirick O’Connell
Dr. Linda Vaden-Goad, Framingham State University
Chamber StaffPatty Danos, Director of Marketing & Events Deb Seeley, Director of Membership and Retention Phyllis O’Hare, Office Manager
Affiliate Organizations StaffHelen Lemoine, Executive Director, Leadership MetroWest Stephanie Hirshon, Director, MetroWest/495 TMA
2011 Award Recipients
BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEARJohn Strickland
Bose Corporation
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Purple Ink InsuranceNadine Heaps
ATHENA AWARDSenator Karen Spilka
AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR Gene Tarsky
Left to right: Helen Lemoine, Patty Danos, Stephanie Hirshon, Bonnie Biocchi, Phyllis O’Hare, Deb Seeley
Lindsey Morris, LJM Insurance Agency Jim Patterson, CPA Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Sanjeev Sharma, MD, P.C. Timothy Brooks, The Cumberland Gulf Group Ann Stanesa, Genzyme Dave Souers, CCR, LLP
A Special Thank You to...
Outgoing Board Members
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One of the benefits of becoming a new chamber member is that we offer assistance with ribbon cuttings and grand openings. This year, we held
ribbon cuttings at Verizon Wireless, Leslie Pools, DPS Biometics, CJ’s Northside Grill, Jack’s Abby Brewing, Harbor Freight Tools, Harvey Building Products and Floor Coverings International of MetroWest. And if you like to network in a less structured and informal manner, you were probably at one of our highly successful business after hours. Attendance has soared at our Business After Hours and is what we consider our sweet spot for networking, food and fun.
Over 100 people turned out on a chilly January evening to check out, in advance of their grand opening, the new Salvation Army Thrift store on Route 9. In February, Planet Fitness was bursting at
the seams with another huge crowd. Also In February, we kicked off the Stractics “Ask the Expert’s Series. ” Stractics, the brainchild of Bob Fiege, Gene Tarsky and Ed Zanchi provides practical answers to any number of business challenges. Sponsored by Clark University Graduate School of Management, panelists Joe Bartolis from Fletcher Tilton, P.C., Sheldon Prenovitz and Alex Stone from Administrative Business Resources and John Dudley from United Home Experts provided informational answers to human resource management questions.
We held our third Chamber/BNI Alliance MegaMixer. This Alliance is comprised of 13 MetroWest Chapters of BNI, the Marlborough Chamber and of course our Chamber. Sponsored by Verizon, the event attracted about 130 networking experts who practiced the art of giver’s gain. In a formalized setting, dozens of new contacts were made, helping to drive business throughout the region. Additional MegaMixers in June and October brought the total number of attendees to these events
of Governor Patrick who invited the College initiative team into the State House to learn more about how the students benefit from their Chamber association. This year, the Chamber expanded the College Initiative to include 5 students from the Clark University Graduate School of Management and we are preparing for additional students from MassBay Community College to come on board next year.
Outgoing Board member Jim Giammarinaro put in a tremendous amount of effort and energy to get the College Initiative off the ground. Jim developed the framework for the program and his continual commitment over the last year helped the Chamber to steadily increase the program’s success. FSU Career Services leaders Dawn Ross and Rich Davino were instrumental in connecting us to the appropriate students as were Lisa Radomsky and Laura Burgess from Clark.
A special thanks goes out to the generous benefactors who sponsored and coached our students. Two of the highlights of the year were when the students participated in career days at Bose and CommCreative. – Thank you Bob Fields and Betsy Pielocik for opening your facilities to us! The students really enjoyed learning more about these companies and how they might put their educations to good use.
Much of the work that the Chamber does includes networking events, educational forums or advocacy opportunities. We try to live up to our tag line – providing the Power of Connection every day.
In January, IPS sponsored the Good Morning MetroWest networking breakfast at the Crowne Plaza showcasing Shepherd and Goldstein’s tax minimization strategies. We also assisted with FAS Corporations’ financial awareness series and hosted Sandler Sales to learn more about business development techniques. Also in January we joined forces with United Way to kick off the newly created Women’s Alliance - a Partnership between the United Way and the Chamber that empowers women of all ages to be the best they can be. In September, the Women’s Alliance held the First Annual Ruby Slippers Gala proving that you don’t have to go searching for your heart’s desire because everything you need to be successful is right here in your own back yard.
2011 has been an exciting and busy year ! Last year we initiated our Corporate Sponsorship Program and we are happy to report that during the course of the past year, we have grown from three Corporate Sponsors to nine. Joining Metro West Medical Center (the Chamber’s Premier Sponsor), Genzyme (Gold Sponsor)and Cumberland Gulf Group (our first Community Builder Sponsor) were Boston Scientific - our first Platinum Sponsor and Bose Corporation and Staples Corporation as our newest Gold Sponsors. In addition, Mathworks has signed on as our first Bronze Sponsor , Investment Property Specialists (IPS) as our newest Community Builder Sponsor and MetroWest Daily News has become the Chamber’s Media Sponsor.
2011 was a tremendously successful year at the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce as we continued to provide the Power of Connection every day. Without our volunteers however, we would never be able to accomplish all that we do! Our Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Ambassador Committee, Public Policy Committee, Marketing Committee and Connections Council all worked hard to keep our Chamber members informed and connected to each other and the community . There are many, many people involved in making the chamber the robust and thriving organization that it is.
Shortly after our 2010 annual meeting, the Chamber moved its offices - just one floor up in the same building that has been home for nearly 20 years. This new space allowed for an expansion of services and in January, we held an open house putting our new conference room to good use as we welcomed our
College Initiative Students into the Chamber. The College Initiative offered 15 Framingham State students an opportunity to become chamber members through sponsorship. Members provided funding and coaching to help students develop the soft skills they will need in the marketplace and will help make introductions to the business community at large. This innovative program, drew the attention
MetroWest Chamber Year-In-Review
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This fall TD Bank stepped up to the plate as our Breakfast Series Sponsor. About 75 people ventured to the Courtyard by Marriot to kick-off the series where Consumer Advocate and Undersecretary of Consumer Affairs Barbara Anthony offered tips on consumer fraud, business regulatory procedures and health care reform.
This year, the Chamber attended the New England Expo for business, where Director of Membership Deb Seeley arranged for free coverage on 96.9 FM talk radio 75 times in the month of August! The office received many calls excited about hearing their Chamber on the air.
This year was the 25th anniversary of Leadership MetroWest and the Chamber received an award as a founding member. And we are delighted to be an on-going support for MERC, the MetroWest Economic Research Center, celebrating its 20th anniversary in December.
To help our new members get better acquainted with all the resources the Chamber offers, we started a new orientation program this September: Jump Start Java. It’s a great opportunity to make connections right away and is good as a refresher course as well!
As part of our on-going advocacy, we participate in the State’s small business roundtable, testify at public hearings to support our members and work at the local level to ensure the business community is well represented.
Part of our mission includes fundraising efforts to support our scholarship programs. In May, we handed out over $11,000 dollars in Lemieux and STEM Scholarships at the Scholarship Breakfast, sponsored by Eastern bank and hosted at Keefe Tech. Every year a portion of the money we raise at the annual Golf Tournament is directed toward funding scholarships for the regions’ high school students. This year we moved the tournament to the Framingham Country Club. And, again this year
Fran Colantonio chaired the committee and like ......................................................Continued on page 11
In May, our membership was treated to wonderful food, conversation and connections at a joint Business After Hours with United Way and Mark’s Moving and Storage.
We teamed up with Weston Solutions to bring you Undersecretary of Energy and Environment, David Cash for the June Good Morning MetroWest Breakfast. He unveiled the Administration’s plans to grow the clean energy economy.
Our largest BAH of the year also took place in June when we visited Colantonio Inc. on the hottest night of the year. Fran pulled out all the stops with a delectable spread, prizes galore and wonderful music. Over 150 people, including Congressman Jim McGovern, braved the heat which hovered around 100 degrees,.
We networked at Compass at Golden Pond, the Residence Inn by Marriott which was co-sponsored by Verizon Wireless, and new member Harvey Building Products. And in September, we tried
something different: a Progressive Business After Hours. It was a huge hit. We started at Genzyme with scrumptious cocktails and appetizers then proceeded up the mountain to Bose where we closed the evening with an unbelievable assortment of dessert crepes and other treats. And many took advantage of the gracious discount offered by Bose on a host of their products.
In October, we visited MetroWest Medical Center where they put new meaning to hospital food. As an added benefit, we teamed up with the Women’s Alliance to bring a “Holiday Head Start” to those in attendance. Artisans from throughout the region were on hand to showcase their wares and many attendees took home some early holiday presents. And on December 14th, over 175 people turned out for the annual Middlesex Savings Bank “Holiday” Business After Hours at TCAN in Natick. As always, it was a tremendous success!
well over 500 for the year. Again, a huge thank you to Jim Giammarinaro for playing point on this tremendous member benefit.
We kicked off March with a bang when HelioSage sponsored our second breakfast and introduced solar power as an option for MetroWest businesses.
And for anyone who ever wanted to ride a Harley, you had your chance at our Paramount Harley Davidson Business After Hours.
The biggest event of the season and what will surely become the Chamber’s signature event was the first annual Taste of MetroWest (see front page article.)
In April, the Chamber inaugurated the Exec-Connect Luncheon Series, a new opportunity to provide a conduit for ideas to be exchanged between C-level Execs, municipal officials and a variety of regional stakeholders. Sponsored by MassDevelopment, the program featured
Congressman Ed Markey who updated us on Federal initiatives to increase prosperity within the MetroWest region,
focusing on the high tech and bio-tech industries as key drivers for our economy.
Also in April, Bonnie was appointed by Governor Patrick to serve on the State’s newly formed Economic Development Planning Council headed up by Secretary of Economic Development Greg Bialecki, and was later asked to chair the sub-committee charged with finding ways to increase the ease of doing business in the Commonwealth. This was a significant opportunity for our Chamber to play an important role in drafting a long-term strategic plan to better support business.
In October, the Assistant Secretary of Economic Development, April Lamoureaux unveiled the details of the plan to another packed house for our second Exec-Connect, this time sponsored by Verizon and Partridge Snow and Hahn. Municipal officials mingled with corporate leaders encouraging a new culture of collaboration.
MetroWest Chamber Year-In-Review
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Who’s Been Where this Year ...
Good Morning MetroWest Breakfasts/TD Bank Breakfast
Series
Business after Hours
MetroWest Women’s Alliance
Salvation Army
Colantonio Inc.
Paramount Harley Davidson
Middlesex Savings Bank @ TCAN
MetroWest Medical Center
Residence Inn/Verizon Wireless
Genzyme/ Bose Progressive
Mark’s Moving/United Way
Compass at Hopkinton
Holiday Head Start
Scholarship Breakfast
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....Events and Faces of MetroWest
Stractics
116th Annual Meeting
Exec-Connect Luncheon Series
5th Annual Educational Foundation Golf Tournament
Jump Start Java
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The BNI/Chamber Alliance was formed in May of 2010 to promote business growth through networking and visibility. Jim Giammarinaro (Freedom Printing) Bonnie Biocchi (MetroWest Chamber), Sandi Barrett (BNI Mass), and Susan Moreale Leeber (Marlborough Regional Chamber) worked together to create a networking alliance between the area’s 13 BNI Chapters and the MetroWest and Marlborough Chambers. The goals of the Alliance are to: 1) provide visibility for planned events for the BNI Chapters (stack days and visitor days) and the two Chambers (networking breakfasts or Business after Hours.) through the Alliance newsletter with events listed in the Calendar section.
2) host Mega Mixers three times per year to provide a forum for the Alliance members and the general public where they can practice their networking skills, expand their contact spheres and develop new business relationships using both open and structured speed networking.If meeting new people is important for your business growth and development, mark your calendar to attend the “LEAP YEAR” Mega Mixer scheduled for Wednesday, February 29th. You will have the opportunity to participate in both open and three rounds of speed networking with other business professionals and potential clients. You can register at www.bnimass.com.
______________________________
January 20, 2011 was the date of the Launch Event for the MetroWest Women’s Alliance, a collabora-tion between the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Tri-County. This unique initiative was designed to benefit women and girls of various backgrounds in the MetroWest community. The initiative’s mission is to foster leadership and philanthropic efforts by engaging, educating and providing the resources for empowerment. The Women’s Alliance followed their succesful launch with the Ruby Slippers
Gala in September and the “Holiday Head Start” in October, held in conjunction with the MetroWest Chamber’s Business after Hours hosted by our premier Sponsor, MetroWest Medical Center.
If you would like to find out how you can support the MetroWest Women’s Alliance, then you will not want to miss the 2012 Jump Start Breakfast, set for January 26th at Nouvelle at Natick (adjacent to the Natick Collection) 8:30-10:00 am. Heather Jack, will speak on “Active Philanthropy” and grant winners of the MWA’s Mini-Grant Program will be announced. Registration at www.uwotc.org/mwa.
The MetroWest Chamber of Commerce started the Veteran’s Initiative in 2007. Not only did we want to support Veterans coming home from Afghanistan and Iraq, but also Veterans from previous conflicts who are still in need of support. Today, it is even more critical that we as members of the Chamber support this initiative. Veterans are coming back from overseas, looking for work and are experi-encing great difficulty finding jobs. Although the unemployment rates overall are starting to even out, the unemployment of Veterans remains high – 16% from documented reports, but if you include Vets no longer looking for work, homeless and those who accepted part-time positions, it is in the 30% range. With more Veterans expected home in the coming months, that rate will likely go even higher.
In 2011, as the need became greater for our Veteran Community, we diversi-fied our efforts and ran a donation drive to benefit homeless Veterans and those who are in danger of becoming homeless. We collected clothing, toilet-ries, household necessi-ties, children’s items, non-perishables and gift cards which were given to Veteran’s Inc. to be distributed to Veterans in need. We had three drop off loca-tions in our area – a special thanks to Metro Credit Union and TCG Network Services for allowing drop off locations in their office space. At our 2011 Annual Meeting we held a special raffle to raise
money for Veterans. Bose, Staples, BJ’s and Veteran’s Corp. generously donated items for the raffle and as a result $3,000 was raised and given to Veteran’s Inc.
As members of the Chamber, it is essential that we
continue to support our Veterans. There are many ways we can to provide support:
• Hire a Veteran – if you are looking to hire, contact John Stone (see below for contact information) – he will forward the job description to agencies that service and prequalify Veterans. Or if you review a Veteran’s resume, give it a second read – remembering what training that veteran has successfully completed• If you know of an unemployed Veteran – please connect them with John, or forward John’s information to the Veteran – this will include them on a daily email blast that include job openings offering Veteran preference• Provide internships for returning Veterans• Mentor a Veteran who is looking to start their own business• Help Veterans with resume writing and mock job interviews• Open up employee training to include Veterans• Remember Veterans when planning your yearly donations whether it is a monetary donation or gently used clothing
A message from John Stone:“My main focus currently is forwarding job openings and relevant information to State Agencies, Federal Agencies, Chamber members, Non-Profits providing services to our deserving Veteran’s community, and to
veterans directly. By using on line services (LinkedIn) and email, we have created a two way street for: 1. job opportunities offering preferential treatment and 2. dissemination of valuable information to Veterans and the agencies serving them. There are at least 5 Veterans now employed due to our efforts and we have assisted hundreds of Veterans and families of Veterans at risk. I am proud of our Chamber’s efforts and the tenacity to keep this effort ongoing.”
John A. StoneTCG Network ServicesPhone: 508-650-9917 x 314 | fax: [email protected] | www.tcgns.com
You can also contact the Chamber directly to help support our Initiative or with any questions.
Veterans have bravely served our country and have proven that they are reliable, diligent and always ready to get the job done. A little help goes a long way .so let’s give back to those who have given so much!
Veterans Initiative...Helping to give our hero’s a bright new start!
BNI/Chamber Alliance MetroWest Women’s Alliance
Color Guard @ Annual MeetingJohn Stone addresses attendees at Annual Meeting
BNI/ Chamber Alliance Mega Mixer
MetroWest Womens Alliance Ruby Slippers Galafeatured guest speaker, Mina Samuels
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Century Health Systems, Natick Visiting Nurse Association, New Century Homecare Services209 West Central StreetNatick, MA 01760(508) 653-3081Judi BoykoHEALTH CARE
CEO First Focus, LLC46 Cartwright RoadWellesley, MA 02482(617) 304-8059Robert FeigeMANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS
Charter Business95 Higgins StreetWorcester, MA 01606(508) 584-5006Kelly MarcimoTELECOMMUNICATIONS
Che’s Beer & Wine300 Eliot StreetAshland, MA 01721-2380(774) 279-1342Chetak PatelCONVENIENCE STORE
Citibank, N.A.800 Boylston Street, 24th FloorBoston, MA 02199(617) 378-7569Fran MuellerBANK
CJ’s NorthSide Grill911 Edgell RdFramingham, MA 01701(508) 877-5900Chris GagenRESTAURANTS
Claudio AsangongFramingham State University
Community Connection591 North AvenueWakefield, MA 01880(781) 910-0294Steve LubinskiADVERTISING
Danielle TerrasiFramingham State Universit
Daron CarlsonFramingham State University
David Y Rhee & Company20 Main Street, Suite 301Natick, MA 01760(508) 655-1185David RheeFINANCIAL SERVICES
DPS Biometics Inc.959 Concord Street, Suite 302Framingham, MA 01701(508) 532-6760Mark AdamskyBIOTECH PHARMACEUTICAL
Duane Morris LLP470 Atlantic Ave., #500Boston, MA 02210(857) 488-4200Darlene MoreauLAWYERS
Elizabeth MariniFramingham State University
Ellen Kay, Psychologist8 Woodstock DriveFramingham, MA 01701(508) 877-4997Ellen KayPSYCHOLOGIST
Emily CormackFramingham State University
Erin SmithClark University
Erin SullivanFramingham State University
Feng Shui Restaurant801 Worcester StreetNatick, MA 01760(508) 651-1234Frank ZhangRESTAURANTS
First Stop Program Management17 Hutchins StreetShrewsbury, MA 01545(978) 317-4000Henry FitzgeraldCONSULTANT
Floor Coverings International of MetroWest99 West Street, Unit JMedfield, MA 02052(978) 807-0257Ed FureyFLOORING
Framingham Patch124 Fay RoadFramingham, MA 01702(617) 653-1233Susan PetroniNEWSLETTERS
Gold’s Gym Natick, Millis, Ashland321 Speen StreetNatick, MA 01760(508) 545-2340Mike EisenstadtHEALTH FITNESS CENTERS
Harbor Freight Tools321 Speen St Natick, MA 01760(818) 836-5492Ted DavidsonRETAIL
Harvey Building Products1 Willow StreetSouthborough, MA 01772(508) 683-1620Dave DevueveBUILDING PRODUCTS
Abbey Medical Associates P.C.139 Lincoln StreetFramingham, MA 01702(508) 202-9683Robert AchindibaPHYSICIANS & SURGEONS
Advanced Chiropractic Center220 North Main St. Suite 204Natick, MA 01760(508) 907-6006Dr. Edward BeckCHIROPRACTORS
AFLACP.O. Box 43Hopkinton, MA 01748(508) 395-7429Norm RobinsonEMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Alan GomesFramingham State University
Alexander LepageFramingham State University Alyssa PuzzoFramingham State University
Amanda LukowskiFramingham State University
American Laser Centers483 Worcester Road, Suite 102-AFramingham, MA 01701(508) 663-2271Mollie GroperLASER HAIR REMOVAL
American TicketingP.O. Box 12Southborough, MA 01772(508) 709-9020American TicketingTICKET AGENCY
Analise HendersonFramingham State University
Anisa ToroziFramingham State University
Bay State Sound1 Watson Place, Building 3Framingham, MA 01701(508) 641-3283David NickersonEVENTS PRODUCTION
Britlin ChapmanFramingham State University
Buffy CopeFramingham State University
Carmel Terrace933 Central StreetFramingham, MA 01701(508) 788-8000Sister Jeanette LindsayASSISTED LIVING
New Members for 2011
Helder RosaFramingham State University
HelioSage117 4th Street SE, Suite BCharlottesville, VA 22902(434) 293-7589Foukal AndrewSOLAR ENERGY SERVICES
Himal JayasekaraClark University
Hometown Couture/K Dichter Designs23 South Main StreetNatick, MA 01760(508) 315-3119Kathy BurgRETAIL
Ideal Health and Weight Loss Center118 Washington Street, Suite 1Holliston, MA 01746(508) 479-5740James MaloneyHEALTH & WEIGHT LOSS
InLineAdz, Inc.41 Oak Street, Suite 101Westport, CT 06880(203) 557-3670Joe GrushkinMARKETING
Jack’s Abby Brewing, LLC81 Morton StFramingham, MA 01702(508) 872-0900Jack HendlerBREWERY
Jennifer TierneyFramingham State University
Johnny Appleseed Models372 Berlin RoadMarlborough, MA 01752(508) 481-4491Charles LarkinMANUFACTURERS/RETAIL
Kado DamballClark University
Kelsey & Trask, P.C.160 Speen Street, Suite 202Framingham, MA 01701(508) 655-5980Jonathan EatonLAWYERS
Laura DouilletteFramingham State University
Leslies Pool Supplies760 Worcester roadFramingham, MA 01701(508) 628-3200Nick FandaconeRETAIL
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Navigator PublishingP.O. Box 208Whitinsville, MA 01588(508) 476-5208David WhitePRINTERS
Nelon, Davis & Associates3 Greenwood StreetSherborn, MA 01770-1260(508) 647-0852James NelonINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANTS
New England Cleaning Services34 Marien LaneMarlborough, MA 01752(508) 545-0425Tony CerqueiraCLEANING SERVICES- COMMERCIAL
New England Expansion Strategies17 Piccadilly WayWestborough, MA 01581(508) 366-4859Rod Jané PROJECT CONSULTING
New Enterprise Factory243 Soule RoadWilbraham, MA 01095(330) 864-1518Stephen BrandCONSULTANT
Oasis Outsourcing275 Grove Street, Suite 2-400Newton, MA 02466(617) 663-5714Erik ArthurHUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTANTS
Perugi Design1 Randy RoadFramingham, MA 01701(508) 879-7347Deborah PerugiWEB SITE DEVELOPMENT/DESIGN
Play it Again Sports271 Worcester RdFramingham, MA 01701(508) 309-6623Adam ShapiroRETAIL
PNC Mortgage, a division of PNC Bank N.A.7 New England Executive ParkBurlington, MA 01803(781) 221-1500Kate WingetMORTGAGES
Poultry One, Inc, dba The Chicken Bone358 Waverly StreetFramingham, MA 01701(508) 429-9553William RodenhiserRESTAURANTS
Prime Time Promotions80 Babcock StreetBrookline, MA 02446(617) 566-7771Jeff HattemPROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS
Rashell WilsonFramingham State University
Red Wing Shoes #266931 Worcester RoadNatick, MA 01760(508) 653-2620Tim BradburyRETAIL
Robert O’DohertyFramingham State University
Samantha BrackettFramingham State University
Sarah FischerClark University
Sarah HoweFramingham State Univerity
Senior Whole Health58 Charles StreetCambridge, MA 02141(508) 320-3694Edwin CancelHEALTH INSURANCE
Seniors Helping Seniors114 Fisher RoadSouthborough, MA 01772(508) 808-1090Douglas PeckHOME HEALTH CARE
ServiceMaster by Gilmore350 Union AvenueFramingham, MA 01702(508) 620-0552Jeff KlineDISASTER CLEAN UP
Shields MRI14 Cochituate RoadFramingham, MA 01701(508) 208-2964Roger PaquetteHEALTH CARE
Spyglass Printing84 E. Bluff RoadAshland, MA 01721(508) 881-2733Scott ChalmersPRINTERS
Steve MuddFramingham State University
Stratus Networks88 A Elm StHopkinton, MA 01748(508) 435-8611Nicholas CarrazzaCOMPUTER NETWORKING
Longfellow’s Wayside Properties72 Wayside Inn RoadSudbury, MA 01776(978) 443-1776Kathy QuintonINNS
Luis MurriloFramingham State University
Lupus Foundation New England40 Speen Street,Suite 205Framingham, MA 01701(508) 872-5200Joel WeissNON-PROFIT
Marie DunhamFramingham State University
McCormick Financial20 Main Street, Suite 301Natick, MA 01760(508) 720-0123Myles McCormickFINANCIAL SERVICES
Megan PelletierFramingham State University
Merchant Owned Payment AllianceP.O. Box 208Whitinsville, MA 01588(508) 476-5208Dave WhiteCREDIT CARD SERVICES
Metrowest Coffee News1257 Worcester Road, Suite 291Framingham, MA 01701(978) 400-7999Mary WhiteADVERTISING
MetroWest Tourism & Visitors Bureau1671 Worcester Road, Suite 301Framingham, MA 01701(508) 879-5600Susan NichollNON-PROFIT
Najeeba GrantFramingham State University
Natural Health Care & Family Chiropractic12 Pond StreetNatick, MA 01760(508) 650-0200Dr. Bonnie WilensHEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
New Members for 2011 (continued...)
Tanya ButlerFramingham State University
Ten-Ichi Dynamic Kitchen & Bar1400 Worcester St.Natick, MA 01760(508) 875-1888Henry WongRESTAURANTS
The Frugal Flower, Inc.736 Boston Post RoadSudbury, MA 01776(978) 443-0030Craig WamboltFLORISTS-RETAIL
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society9 Erie DriveNatick, MA 01760(508) 810-1310Maggie KoehlerNON-PROFIT
Toll Brothers15 Gleason StreetWestborough, MA 01581(508) 366-8655Pauline EnterkinREAL ESTATE-RESIDENTIAL
TransAction Associates, Inc.5 Wheeling Avenue, Unit BWoburn, MA 01801(781) 895-1100Cindy FreneTRANSPORTATION
Trinity Advisory Group22 Union Ave. Suite 8Sudbury, MA 01776(978) 261-5419Richard CunninghamFINANCIAL PLANNING CONSULTANTS
Weston Solutions, Inc.124 Hebron Ave Suite 3BGlastonbury, CT 06033(860) 368-3213Valarie FerroENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING
Yasmin BilimoriaFramingham State University
Yourowncomputerconsultant184A North Main StreetNatick, MA 01760(781) 330-9782Dennis BaylorCOMPUTER CONSULTANTS
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the Department of Public Health in Boston. Commissioner John Auerbach presented the award to the MetroWest Team. This ongoing “Transitions in Care” project focuses on the transition of care of a patient between providers of care and care settings, with a focus on reducing preventable readmissions. Also, our cardiac catheterization team’s best “door to balloon” time is 11 minutes! The national and state average is 60 minutes – when “time is muscle,” MetroWest is the best choice. 2011 also saw the opening of the new Joint Replacement Center at the Leonard Morse Campus, which offers complete care including pre-and post surgery.
MetroWest Medical Center is also at the forefront in healthcare in Massachusetts when it comes to consumer-friendly technology. In partnership with Tufts Medical Center, we were the first to use QR (Quick Reader) codes in Massachusetts. We also were the first to create a mobile app just for moms: MetroWest Moms! It is a free app for iphone and android that helps newly pregnant women find an obstetrician in their area and also provides free health tips throughout pregnancy and for the first year of baby’s life. Go to theperfectpartnership.org for more information.
Also, look for us at www.mwmc.com and on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and more!
On Tuesday, September 6, 2011 Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick visited MetroWest Medical Center for the official launch of “Early Sense,” new technology that was developed by a company in Israel and piloted at MetroWest Medical Center. It is a pad
that slips under the mattress and monitors movement, heart rate and respiratory rate without ever touching the patient. Subtle changes in vital signs and movement by patients at risk to fall are immediately transmitted to the nurse who then checks on the patient for further evaluation. Many of the features of the technology were modified based on feedback from MetroWest Medical Center nurses, doctors and patients to create the final product. MetroWest Medical Center has already seen several cases where this technology has assisted in earlier recognition of changes in vital signs indicating a change in condition.
Many local officials, board members, staff, physicians, employees of Early Sense and members of the community were present for the kick off, celebrating not just new technology that increases safety for the patient, but the arrival of a new business in Massachusetts: Early Sense will “put roots down” in Massachusetts and grow their business here contributing to a stronger economy in the state.
MetroWest Medical Center was honored to receive the 2010 Betsy Lehman Patient Safety Recognition Award for our work on Care Transitions. The Award ceremony was held on Wednesday February 9, 2011 at
MetroWest Medical Center is Redefining What a Great Community Hospital Can Do! Here are some highlights from our past year. In 2011, MetroWest Medical Center continued to expand its partnership with Tufts Medical Center to deliver seamless care to the communities we serve in several ways. First, Tufts Medical Center specialists are working side by side with MetroWest Medical
specialists in the community and in the hospital to bring academic medicine directly to you. Tufts Medical Center, as our partner, also provides seamless continuity of care should transfer to Boston become absolutely necessary. Boston medicine right in your back yard – that is rethinking how care is delivered to you and your family. To learn more, go to theperfectpartnership.org
MetroWest Medical Center was also proud to be the presenting sponsor for the first annual “Taste of MetroWest” held at the Sheraton on March 15, 2011.
Happy Holidays from our Premier Sponsor, MetroWest Medical Center!
Year -in-Review (Continued)
MetroWest Medical CenterFramingham Union Hospital
115 Lincoln St., Framingham, MA 01702 • 508.383.1000
Leonard Morse Hospital67 Union St., Natick, MA 01760 • 508-650-7000
everything Fran does, it was over the top! We also held our first Super Raffle and the $2500 grand prize went to none other than Meyer Levy of KLR with Artie Fair of Fair & Yeager taking home 2nd place for $1000. This year’s winning team was none other than Fran’s who happily accepted the honor. Fran has turned over the reins for next year’s tournament to Chris Kostiw of Rockland Trust.
Last August, the Metro West Tourism and Visitor’s Bureau (MWTVB) was officially designated by the legislature. The effort was led by Senator Spilka and
was strongly supported by the four chambers in our area. This year, we hired a new executive director, Susan Nicholl, who was a graduate of
Leadership MetroWest – another Chamber affiliation. The MWTVB now has a logo, thanks to chamber member Carolyn Van Cott and a new web-site thanks to Deb Perugi, also a chamber member. The MWTVB kicked off its membership campaign in December to a cross-section of business, municipal and non-profit leaders.
So what is ahead for the only 5 star Chamber west of Boston?
We received designation from the State to be a part of a Small Group Purchasing Collaborative and are working with MACCE to bring the lowest health insurance options to our members. We have also been designated as a regional economic development collaborative and will utilize grant monies to support municipalities who wish to become more business ready.
We plan to unveil our new website before the end of January in order to better serve our members. This website will allow you to post your own events and employment opportunities and offer hot deals to fellow chamber members and the public. We will also have a module called Chamber YOUniversity that will provide expert information on a host of topics.
As you can see, we have accomplished a great deal over the past year. And we look forward to 2012 to build upon our success. We hope you will continue to support this organization as we continue to provide the Power of Connection for your business.
1671 Worcester Rd., Suite 301 Framingham, MA 01701-5400
www.metrowest.org
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Corporate SponSorS
Upcoming Events…January 27, 2012 TD Bank Breakfast with Brig. Gen. John J. McGuiness of the Natick Soldier System Center @ Courtyard by Marriott, Natick 7:45 AM February 15 2012 Business after Hours @ the Crowne Plaza Natick 5:30 PM
February 21, 2012 Jump Start Java, Chamber Orientation 8:00 AM February 29, 2012, BNI/Chamber Alliance “LEAP YEAR” MegaMixer @ The Sheraton Framingham 5:00 PM
March 13, 2012 2nd Annual Taste of MetroWest @ the Sheraton Framingham 5:00 PM March 22, 2012 Legislative Breakfast TBA April 10, 2012 Business after Hours hosted by Framingham ESL@ the Fuller Middle School 5:30 PM
April 27, 2012: Scholarship Breakfast @ Keefe Tech TBA May 9, 2012 Business after Hours @ Clark University Southborough 5:30 PM
www.mwmc.com
premier SponSor
www.Boston Scientific.com
platinum Sponsor
www.cumberlandgulf.com
Community Builders
September 25, 2012: 6th Annual MetroWest Educational Foundation Golf Tournament @ Charter Oak Golf Club
FREE SMALL BUSINESS COUNSELING Tuesdays & Thursdays at the Chamber Call 508-879-5600 to schedule an appointment
www.ipsre.com
www.genzyme.com
www.bose.com
Gold Sponsors
www.staples.commedia Sponsor
www.metrowestdailynews.com
Bronze Sponsor
www.mathworks.com
If interested in increasing your visibilty in the MetroWest Region by becoming a Corporate
Sponsor or Community Builder please contact the Chamber at 508-879-5600
