Our work with Chambers of Commerce

 

In the last academic year two dozen faculty, staff and students participated in numerous events and activities on six area chambers. Our chamber memberships allow us to promote our students, courses and alumni to the region; learn about the workforce education needs of our neighbors, and learn about people and opportunities that can enhance the education of our students. This year we worked to get the word out about the transformation of BSC into BSU, and our Chamber partnerships were a particularly strong vehicle for carrying this message.

 

The relationship between BSU and Chambers is a reciprocal one. For example, all of our chamber partners participated in the Business Expo for Entrepreneurs held at BSU in November 2010. Throughout the year chamber staff joined us in advisory capacities, began to mentor students, or worked with BSU on joint initiatives like the Old Colony Crossroads Collaborative.

 

BSU has very strong ties with the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. President Dana Mohler-Faria is a past Board member for Metro South; this year, Vice President Edward Minnock joined the Board. BSU staff member Sasha Link is a Metro South Ambassador and active in the Legislative Affairs group. The Chamber, headed by President Chris Cooney, serves 18 towns including Brockton and Bridgewater, and approximately 1000 members. It is a key player in all aspects of economic development for the region.

 

We were very active in this Chamber during FY11. At the 2010 Annual Meeting, Dana Mohler-Faria accepted an “Economic Impact” award honoring the University.  At the Good Morning Metro South (GMMS) breakfast on December 16, 2010, Mohler-Faria gave a well-received, comprehensive overview of the University’s accomplishments and goals. BSU went on to sponsor a GMMS on January 20, 2011, at which Dean Art Goldstein talked with the audience about science education at BSU, including the new building. BSU was a sponsor for the “Taste of Metro South” and the Legislative Luncheon and turned out in force at several regular chamber events such as Breakfasts and the Athena celebration. We also advertised in the 2011 Business Book. On behalf of BSU Jennings submitted a nomination of Bridgewater’s “Cake in a Box” for consideration at the May Metro South Small Business Awards luncheon. We went on to nominate Sheila Sullivan-Jardim for the Metro South Athena Award.

 

Chamber staff member John Nesti visited with BSU students to talk about chamber membership; Chamber President Cooney has participated in the formation of the Old Colony Crossroads Collaborative. Darren MacDonald has indicated that through chamber events he has found new customers for some of our off-campus programming, especially noting a connection forged with the Southeastern Regional School District.

 

 

 

The Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce, headed by BSU alumna Kerrie Blake Babin, serves Taunton, Raynham, Dighton and Berkeley and boasts 450 member organizations. Kerrie is a member of the Advisory Board for the Center for Entrepreneurship Studies.

 

 In addition to participating in after-hours events for this chamber, BSU participates in the chamber’s Legislative Breakfast and annual Teacher Appreciation event, and in 2010 was a sponsor of the Annual Businesswoman’s Celebration. At the 2011 Teacher appreciation event, honorees included BSU alumni Diana Cabesaz, Nancy LeClair, Matthew Murray, Zachary Waddicor, and incoming BSU student Cori Woffe.

 

 

 

The Cranberry Country Chamber of Commerce serves nine towns including Bridgewater and Middleboro. This year a new and dynamic executive director, Valerie Glynn, was put in place. Valerie is now a member of the Advisory Board for the Center for Entrepreneurship Studies. In addition to participating in the Chamber’s Annual Meeting, Jennings presented on “Entrepreneurial Thinking” at the Cranberry Country Chamber’s Elements for Excellence, which was attended by women from all over the region including a contingent of BSU staff. The Chamber’s Legislative Luncheon this year featured Senator Scott Brown.

 

Serving 750 members in 9 towns, the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce is rapidly growing in impact and influence. Chamber President Denis Hanks has worked with BSU in developing the Old Colony Crossroads Collaborative; PACC hosts the OCCC website. We attend their Annual Meeting and contemplate a greater role; this year CES Entrepreneur in Residence Vicki Donlan presented an entrepreneurship keynote for a chamber event.

 

 

BSU participates in the Annual meeting and after-hours events for the United Regional Chamber of Commerce, which serves seventeen towns and approximately 800 member businesses. In this FY Jennings met with Chamber President Jack Lank to discuss ways that the University and this Chamber could build their partnership. BSU also co-sponsored a collaborative Chamber Expo put together by this Chamber, the Taunton Area Chamber, Cranberry Country, and the Cape Cod Canal Chamber of Commerce.

 

 

The South Shore Chamber of Commerce, headed by President Peter Forman, boasts of 1,500 members from twelve towns. In addition to attending an after-hours event or two, BSU community members attended a legislative outlook luncheon featuring Governor Patrick.