Economic Development

The UMass Dartmouth Career Expo 2013 is next Wednesday, April 17. The expo is open to all UMass Dartmouth students and alumni. This is UMass Dartmouth’s biggest career event of the year. Recruiters from diverse industries will offer full-time professional opportunities, internships and part-time jobs. Students and alumni from all colleges and all majors are encouraged to attend. Please join the staff of the Career Development Center at the Tripp Athletic Center from 10 AM-3 PM. Bring plenty of resumes, dress professionally, and be prepared for an on-the-spot interview! For a list of participating recruiters, please see our website: http://www.umassd.edu/career/newsevents/ For further information, please contact David LePage, Assistant Director at 508.999.8629 or dlepage1@umassd.edu.

NEW BEDFORD Alphagraphics New Bedford will present “The Sweet Success of Marketing,” a lunch and learn seminar on Tuesday, April 23 at the Hawthorne Country Club in Dartmouth. This is a unique learning opportunity will focus on new marketing technologies, and help you understand how incorporating them into your sales and marketing efforts will help grow your business. A limited number of seats are available for this free seminar which will run from 11 AM to 1:00 PM. For more information and to register, go to: http://sweetsuccessevent.com/rsvp or call Alphagraphics at 508-689-4007

Christopher J. O’Neil, Vice President of Tomlinson & O’Neil Insurance Agency of New Bedford, MA is pleased to announce that the agency has signed an agreement to represent The Norfolk & Dedham Group.  The Norfolk & Dedham Group has been serving insurance policyholders since 1825 and includes The Norfolk & Dedham Mutual Fire Insurance Company and the Fitchburg and Dorchester Mutual Insurance Companies. 

O’Neil states “N&D consists of financially strong A Rated carriers that we have added to our agency in order to write quality personal and commercial lines business. They put our agency in a very competitive position going forward. N&D is proving to be a very significant appointment for our agency.”

Tomlinson & O’Neil Insurance Agency Inc. is a progressive agency serving the needs of thousands of individuals and businesses throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island since 1956.  For more information please visit their website at www.toinsurance.com or call 508-994-5678. 

Mark and Christopher J. O’Neil of the Tomlinson & O’Neil Insurance Agency are pleased to announce that Thomas E. Bosworth, CIC  has joined the agency as an Account Executive.  Tom brings over 27 years of sales and service experience to the firm.  He will continue a focus on personal and commercial business development including marine and yacht product lines throughout New England.

Prior to joining Tomlinson & O’Neil, Tom served hundreds of families and businesses throughout the Southcoast with their insurance protection needs.  Bosworth graduated from Roanoke College with a Bachelor of Business Administration and is a licensed insurance broker.  He has held the designation of Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) for 19 years and has served on the Boards of The Lloyd Center and The New Bedford Yacht Club. Tom is currently a Dartmouth Youth Lacrosse coach and lives in South Dartmouth with his wife Julie and children Logan and Hadley.

Tom can be reached at 508-994-5678 or at tbosworth@toinsurance.com.  Tomlinson & O’Neil Insurance Agency is a progressive agency serving the needs of thousands of individuals and businesses throughout New England.  For more information please visit www.toinsurance.com.

Mark A. O’Neil, President of Tomlinson & O’Neil Insurance Agency, Inc. is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of Kiley Insurance in Holliston, Ma. “Since 1984, Mary and Jerry Kiley have operated a first rate insurance agency,’ O’Neil states,  “everyone at Tomlinson & O'Neil are thrilled to welcome the Kiley staff and clients to our family. We will continue business as usual at 838 Washington Street in Holliston and are very pleased to continue in the Kiley tradition of offering an array of great products and services.”  Clients at Kiley Insurance will soon enjoy the addition of several new and competitive products and companies along with a new interactive website and Facebook page.

Tomlinson & O’Neil Insurance Agency, Inc. is a progressive agency serving the needs of thousands of families and businesses throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island since 1956.  The agency is located at 271 Union Street, New Bedford, Ma 02740. They can be reached in New Bedford at 508-994-5678 or at Kiley Insurance, 838 Washington Street, Holliston, MA 01746 at 508-429-8411. 

At a meeting today in Newport, Rhode Island, the New England Fisheries Management Council voted twice to accept its Scientific and Statistical Committee’s (SSC) recommendation that the total Georges Bank yellowtail flounder quota for the 2013 fishing year be set at 1,150 metric tons, with the removal of a directed fishery.

The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network (MSBDC) is very pleased to announce that the prestigious law firm of Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP has generously offered to hold free legal clinics for small businesses in our office and outreach sites. On the second Friday afternoon of each month, beginning November 9, 2012 you can meet with one of Partridge Snow & Hahn’s attorneys to discuss general legal questions such as corporate structure, leases, contracts, insurance, employment, franchising, etc.

Mark O’Neil, President of Tomlinson & O’Neil Insurance Agency, Inc of New Bedford is pleased to acknowledge the 25th anniversary of the agency’s relationship with The Commerce Insurance Company.

In a brief ceremony following the Commerce annual golf outing, agency principals Mark and Christopher O’Neil were both honored with a crystal award presented by Patrick McDonald and Gregory Leonard of the MAPFRE/ Commerce Insurance Company in recognition of their 25th year together.

Mark O’Neil stated” We are extremely thankful to our clients and Mapfre/Commerce Insurance for so many wonderful years of friendship and loyalty. Our entire staff looks forward to many more!”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released its annual summary report on recreational and commercial fishery landings in the United States and, for the 12th consecutive year, the Port of New Bedford landed the highest-valued catch in the nation.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said, “New Bedford fishermen are some of the most talented, determined, and courageous fishermen in the world and today’s report is simply confirmation of their remarkable ability to harvest the sea. New Bedford’s owes its dominance within the fishing industry to the worldwide recognition of the freshness and quality of its products including the finest groundfish and scallop fisheries anywhere.”

First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce the recipients of its 20th Annual Academic Scholarship Program. A $1,000 scholarship was awarded to twelve local high school students from its branch communities across the Southcoast and Cape Cod.

Mayor Jon Mitchell today praised Governor Deval Patrick, Senator Mark C.W. Montigny, Representative Antonio F.D. Cabral and the New Bedford legislative delegation for their efforts to enact into law Senate 2367 which was filed by Senator Montigny on July 20, 2012 and signed into law yesterday by Governor Patrick. The Governor’s signing advances New Bedford’s South Terminal project by establishing a critical swap of City and State properties that will allow the project to comply with federal environmental permitting and industry requirements.

The New Bedford Economic Development Council (NBEDC) has launched a new program to harness the talent and energy of established executives to support the City of New Bedford’s economic development agenda.

The New Bedford Economic Development Council (NBEDC) has just reached a major milestone by being certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as a Community Advantage 7(a) lender. This designation from the SBA will expand capital into the NBEDC Lending Program vital to the growth of New Bedford businesses.

Today the Mayor of the Port of New Bedford signed an International Sister Port agreement with the Port of Tuxpan, in Veracruz, Mexico. This is a first for the Port of New Bedford and marks the beginning of a public/private partnership that will position the Port of New Bedford as a significant import/export hub. Officials from the United States and Mexico spoke about the expectations of this joint port collaboration.

Braza Rotisserie has been open just a month and is already receiving rave reviews. The Portuguese style Rotisserie, incorporates local cuisine with a new modern twist. Please join in the celebration and ribbon cutting on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. at 566 Pleasant St. New Bedford, MA. They will be open all evening for AHA celebrations and offering special activities between 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union recently announced the appointment of Herbert Johnson, to the position of Mortgage Originator for the Taunton and Raynham communities. Johnson will concentrate on developing relationships with current and prospective homeowners. He is available to provide convenient mortgage appointments for applicants in North Bristol and Plymouth counties interested in a range of products - from First Time Homebuyer programs, purchasing, refinancing or constructing a home to Home Equity Lines of Credit.

The New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding its next Business After Hours on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at BayCoast Bank located at 95 William St., New Bedford. BayCoast Bank, formerly known as Citizens-Union Bank is rebranding and reshaping its presence in the South Coast community. Bank CEO Nicholas Christ tells us that the new name is conveying the message “Joining together to create the bank that’s just right for you.”

The New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce will bring Beacon Hill to the Greater New Bedford Area when it hosts Treasurer Steven Grossman as the keynote speaker at its 2012 SouthCoast Legislative Luncheon at the Century House, 107 South Main St., Acushnet, on Thursday, April 12, 2012. The event is sponsored by Southern Mass Credit Union and Southcoast Hospital Group and Southcoast Media Group.

First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union is proud to announce that the U.S. Small Business Administration has officially granted the credit union approval as an authorized SBA Lender to underwrite commercial loan products utilizing the SBAExpress and SBA Patriot Express Loan Programs.

MadRag, a leading on-trend, value priced junior womens clothing retailer, is expanding and re-opening its’ premier New England location in New Bedford, MA, located at 1050 Kings Highway.

The New Bedford store will be expanding from 3,000 square feet to over 12,000 square feet as well as increasing the product and style selection available to customers in store. MadRag, the brand with “the hottest fashions at the lowest prices” will celebrate its new location with a weekend of community events and grand opening celebrations beginning on Friday, March 23rd with the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. “We have been an active member in the New Bedford area since 2005. Our over arching goal in a floundering economy is to create additional jobs and opportunities for the community. We have an excellent, loyal customer base who believes in our prices and our product. We look forward to continued growth and making invaluable contributions in this market,”says Nathan Hoffman, MadRag’s EVP.

The 24th Annual Greater New Bedford Home Show is being held at the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, 1121 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford on Saturday, March 3rd and Sunday, March 4th from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Admission to the show is just $5.00 and children under 12 are free.

The 24th Annual Greater New Bedford Home Show is being held at the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, 1121 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford on Saturday, March 3rd and Sunday, March 4th from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Admission to the show is just $5.00 and children under 12 are free.

The New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce will welcome Robert L. Caret, President of University of Massachusetts, as the featured speaker at its Good Morning SouthCoast! breakfast program at The Century House, 107 South Main Street, Acushnet, on Wednesday, February 15, 2012. This event is sponsored by Lockheed Martin.

The City of New Bedford and the New Bedford Economic Development Council, today announced plans to host an open house to update the public on the results of the first phase of the Acushnet Avenue International Marketplace project. The Acushnet Avenue International Marketplace project is an initiative to redesign a section of Acushnet Avenue from Coggeshall Street to Sawyer Street in Phase 1, in a way that enhances the vibrancy of this key business district.

New Bedford, MA – The Greater New Bedford Home Show is being held at the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, 1121 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford on Saturday, March 3rd and Sunday, March 4th from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Admission to the show is just $5.00 and children under 12 are free.

Christopher J. O’Neil, Vice President of Tomlinson & O’Neil Insurance Agency of New Bedford, MA is pleased to announce that the agency has signed an agreement to represent The Main Street America Group. MSA offers property and casualty insurance in 27 states, surety bonds in 44 states and annually writes nearly $900 million in premium.

O’Neil states “MSA is a financially strong A Rated carrier that we have added to our agency in order to aggressively write quality commercial lines business. They put forward a great combination of coverage that other carriers cannot or will not and that puts T&O in a very competitive position going forward. MSA is proving to be a very significant appointment for our agency.”

Tomlinson & O’Neil Insurance Agency Inc. is a progressive agency serving the needs of thousands of individuals and businesses throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island since 1956. For more information please visit their website at www.toinsurance.com or call 508-994-5678.

For immediate release: Christopher J. O’Neil, Vice President of Tomlinson & O’Neil Insurance Agency of New Bedford, MA is pleased to announce that the agency has signed an agreement to represent The United Property and Casualty Insurance Company, a Florida domiciled company. UPC has contracted with the agency to provide another alternative to the high rates and inadequate coverage currently offered to coastal property owners. Tomlinson and O’Neil is now writing home and dwelling fire insurance products along with flood insurance through UPC.

O’Neil states “We are excited to partner with yet another carrier that understands how to underwrite coastal property and has weathered some of the worst hurricane seasons in a State like Florida.”

Tomlinson & O’Neil Insurance Agency Inc. is a progressive agency serving the needs of thousands of individuals and businesses throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island since 1956. For more information please visit their website at www.toinsurance.com or call 508-994-5678.

It is with mixed feelings that I announce my official retirement as owner of Elaine’s T-shirts and the Black Whale Trademark, after thirty years of happy and productive years. I plan to officially retire, as of the end of December of this year.

First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union announced the release of Mobile Banking, its latest service for member convenience in the Southcoast and Cape Cod Region. This new service strengthens First Citizens’ strategic approach of introducing innovative and convenient solutions for all its members.

Have you considered marketing research to make your business more competitive? Interested in the satisfaction level of your customers and/or clients? Thinking about the possibility of a new location? Get the information you need from a source you can trust! Why not go through a local provider? The Umass Dartmouth Center for Marketing Research (CMR) is currently accepting requests from area businesses and other organizations to perform marketing research for the spring semester, beginning in January 2012.