What's New With the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce?

From the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce

Today the stock market hit 14,000 again. But that was only the second most exciting economy-related event recently. That's because at lunchtime, the Tri-Town Chamber introduced our very talented 2013 leadership team. I am looking forward to my third term as president of the board, particularly when supported by such a strong group and at a time at which member businesses are starting to be positively impacted by the recovery.

Executive Director Kara Griffin did a terrific job today summing up Chamber's achievements for 2012 and providing an overview of our plans for the upcoming year. Thanks to Invensys for sponsoring the event once again; as always, John Eva represented his company's commitment to the community and reinforced succinctly and effectively the need for chambers and member companies to help each other create an environment in which we can all succeed.

Kara and Office Manager Ruthie Briggs set the stage nicely with a top flight venue, streamlined agenda and dynamic guest speaker. The Renaissance Boston Patriot Place in Foxboro provided a terrific meal and responsive service throughout the proceedings. Buzz following the event was profound as Grace Andrews of Ignite hit a chord with the group on the importance of effective communications in the workplace. A little lighthearted ribbing of yours truly was appreciated by all.

Awards are always the highlight of this annual event. This year's recipients were: Joan Gagnon from Gagnon Wealth Management (Business Person of the Year), Rich Brady of Deutsche Bank Championship (Good Neighbor Award), Foley and Foley (Business of the Year), Ingrid Williams of Sharon Credit Union (Ambassador of the Year), Pam Goodman from Andeva Wellness (President's Award), and David Kantellis from Officeland (Executive Director's Award).

After the awards, we announced our plan for 2013: to focus on finding ways that members can directly partner with other members to benefit each other and the local business environment as a whole.

For example, Community Relations Committee Chair Cindy Peterson from Brigham and Women's Mass General in Foxboro will be hosting a joint strategy meeting with member companies interested in community support. Invensys and Covidien are both global leaders in this regard and are contributing their expertise toward what we are sure will be a superior team effort.

Incoming Economic Development Chair Tim Kenneally from Foley and Foley has launched his agenda in record time. Tri-Town has already hosted the first of a series of meetings on a proposed new sewer system that would connect our three towns. Mansfield Town Manager William Ross, Foxborough Town Manager Kevin Paicos and Norton Town Manager Michael Yunits where among the participants.

The Events Committee has a new Chair. Ingrid Williams, a Norton resident and Branch Manager of Sharon Credit Union in Foxboro, has just agreed to take over the reins. Ingrid's first major project will be to support Kara with our Annual Monte Carlo and Silent Auction Night. This extravaganza will be held at the Mansfield/Foxboro Holiday Inn on May 10th. Check the Chamber website for details as we get closer.

Last, but certainly not least, Membership Committee Chair Greg DeSimone of Focal Point Coaching has introduced several new Ambassadors to a core of existing veterans. Ambassadors are more or less the public relations team for the chamber. They conduct outreach and mentor new or prospective members who may be uneasy at events. This is just another example of members helping members.

The Chamber's ever-popular Women's Link series will continue on March 8th from 7:30 to 9:30am at the Mansfield Music & Arts Society. Donna Mac of DMAC Voice Productions will present "Fear of Speaking"  in the theater . Cost is $25 for members and $35 for non members. Thanks to Gagnon Wealth Management for sponsoring and Brigham and Women's/Mass General Health Care Center for underwriting.

Our Business After Hours this month will on February 27th and will be held at the Communication Arts Group in Mansfield from 5 to 7 PM. Attendance is free to members and $10 to Non Members. Contact the Chamber at 508 339 5655 or by email to sign up.

The Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce is conveniently located near the intersection of Routes 95 and 495 for those who would love to stop by to say hi to Kara and Ruthie.

As President of the Board for the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce, I invite residents and local businesses reading this article to come to visit us during a chamber event or charity function. If you can’t make it in person, please join our groups on LinkedIn and on Facebook. We want to hear what you have to say!

John Bates is the President of the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce and operates Job-Guy, a career coaching practice in Mansfield. Since joining the Chamber in 2005, John has also helped out as an Ambassador and as Vice President for Membership Development.