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The South Shore Chamber of Commerce is proud to publish a new regional economic report developed in partnership with the UMass Amherst Donahue Institute’s Economic & Public Policy Research Group. This comprehensive study offers a retrospective look at the past decade, detailing the current conditions shaping the South Shore’s economy and community.
While the report reflects on where we’ve been, it also sets the stage for where we’re going. Serving as a critical foundation, the findings will inform the Chamber’s next phase of strategic planning—focused on driving regional growth in a post-pandemic environment. As we face the realities of an aging labor force and the lasting shift toward remote and hybrid work, our future efforts will center on crafting forward-thinking policy recommendations. From attracting younger talent to enhancing housing, transportation, and community amenities, we’re preparing the South Shore to thrive in a new economic landscape. Explore the report—and join us as we build what’s next.
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April was buzzing with connection, celebration, and community impact! Here's what the Chamber and our incredible members were up to this month: ☕ Coffee Connections at Harbor Media, Hingham We kicked off the month with great coffee and even better conversations. A huge thank you to our LEAD Sponsor: Road to Responsibility, and our event supporters Action Medicine, Davio’s, Marshfield Community Media, Mayflower HR Junction, The South Shore Magazine, and South Shore Stars for making this networking morning such a success! 👩💼 Women in Local Leadership We were honored to hear from Julie Ellis of The Chef’s Table, with a thoughtful discussion moderated by Jessica Keefe, Board Member of the South Shore Young Professionals. Thanks to the South Shore YMCA & Laura’s Center for the Arts for hosting this empowering event! LEAD Sponsor: MountainOne Bank Event Supporters: Cardinal Cushing Centers, Crystal Moon Holistic Healing, Friendship Home, George Washington Toma TV & Appliance, Phifer Pinkham, South Shore YMCA, SteinbergHR, Tiny & Sons Auto Glass, Unique Stairways, and The Wellspring Group. One of the best parts of my role as President of the South Shore Chamber is getting to spend time with the people and organizations that make our region so dynamic. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting several key players in Plymouth—each one offering a unique and exciting glimpse into why this town is such a vibrant place to live and to do business. The Pinehills: Building Community with Vision I started my day with Tony Green at The Pinehills. Tony was a gracious host, giving me a tour of a truly remarkable development. The Pinehills isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a carefully designed community that embodies thoughtful growth, environmental stewardship, and strong local partnerships. With over 3,000 homes, thriving retail spaces, and preserved open land, it’s a shining example of sustainable planning and smart development. Thank you, Tony, for the warm welcome and the opportunity to learn more about your vision. I look forward to continuing the conversation. Holtec: Powering Our Future with Innovation Next, I visited Holtec and met with Patrick O’Brien to learn more about the decommissioning of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station. What could have been a dry technical briefing turned into a fascinating conversation about energy, environmental responsibility, and economic opportunity. Holtec is not only committed to safely managing the site but is also exploring ways to redevelop it for future use—an exciting prospect for the region. Patrick, thank you for the educational deep dive. I look forward to finding ways to keep Holtec engaged in our Chamber network. Beth Israel Deaconess – Plymouth: Reimagining Regional Healthcare Kevin Coughlin, President, and Robert Johnson, Director of Development of BID Plymouth offered a tour and an inspiring conversation about the hospital’s future plans. Their vision for a new emergency center is ambitious, timely, and vital to meeting the growing healthcare needs of the South Shore. With a strong commitment to innovation and patient care, BID Plymouth is clearly positioning itself as a healthcare leader in our region. Thank you both for your time and dedication—we are eager to support your efforts however we can. The Plymouth Foundation: Driving Community and Economic Vitality Finally, I wrapped up the day with Stephen Cole at The Plymouth Foundation. Our conversation - joined by Peter Brown of Tiny & Sons and South Shore Chamber Executive Board Member - was a great way to cap things off. Stephen shared how the Foundation drives economic development, supports small businesses, and enhances quality of life for all who live and work in Plymouth. Their collaborative spirit and forward-thinking projects are exactly what we need to keep our region thriving. Stephen, thank you for your hospitality and for the work you do every day. It’s days like these that remind me why I love what I do. Plymouth has long been a cornerstone of the South Shore, and thanks to leaders like these, its future looks brighter than ever. Whether it’s through healthcare, energy, community building, or economic development, each of these organizations plays a vital role in shaping our region’s success. We at the South Shore Chamber are excited to deepen our partnerships and support the continued growth and vitality of Plymouth—and we can’t wait to return. Tim Cahill President, South Shore Chamber of Commerce ☕ March Coffee Connections at Road to Responsibility Nothing brings people together like coffee and good conversation! We kicked off the month with a warm welcome from our hosts at Road to Responsibility, who not only served up great coffee but also showcased their incredible work supporting individuals with disabilities. It was the perfect reminder of the power of purpose-driven work. LEAD Sponsor: Road to Responsibility Event Supporters: Action Medicine, Davio’s, Marshfield Community Media, Mayflower HR Junction, The South Shore Magazine, and South Shore Stars 👥 HR Group Open Meeting Our HR professionals gathered for an open meeting filled with insight, resources, and real talk about navigating today’s workplace. From DEI to employee engagement, the conversation was honest and helpful. HRG Underwriters: New England Village and The Wellspring Group 💼 Women in Local Leadership with Nicole Craven of Sing Explore Create Nicole Craven inspired us all with her story of building Sing Explore Create into a beloved, impactful local business. This Women in Local Leadership session was part pep talk, part masterclass—and 100% empowering. Thank you, Nicole, for sharing your journey and passion for supporting mental health through music and creativity. LEAD Sponsor: MountainOne Bank Event Supporters: Cardinal Cushing Centers, Crystal Moon Holistic Healing, Friendship Home, George Washington Toma TV & Appliance, Phifer Pinkham, South Shore YMCA, SteinbergHR, Tiny & Sons Auto Glass, Unique Stairways, and The Wellspring Group. Women in Local Leadership Kick Off We launched February with the first Women in Local Leadership Speaker Series of the year, featuring Susan Davis of SHD Marketing, and facilitated by Lauren Del’Ollio from South Shore YMCA. Susan shared her inspiring journey as a business owner leading a team of creative women dedicated to supporting local businesses with strategic marketing. Listen to previous WiLL sessions here. LEAD Sponsor: MountainOne Bank Event Supporters: Cardinal Cushing Centers, Crystal Moon Holisitic Healing, Friendship Home, George Washington Toma TV & Appliance, Phifer Pinkham, South Shore YMCA, SteinbergHR, Tiny & Sons Auto Glass, Unique Stairways, and The Wellspring Group. Our Chamber Recognized with MOBD REDO Grant The South Shore Chamber is honored to be one of only 12 organizations in Massachusetts selected as a Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO) awardee. This designation comes with a $130,000 grant to reinvest in our community, supporting local organizations, non-profits, and fellow chambers. Learn about REDO here. Navigating the Chamber: More Sessions! Due to overwhelming interest, we hosted two Navigating the Chamber member orientation sessions this quarter instead of our usual one. Looking to maximize your membership benefits and learn how to use the Members Only Area? Join us for the next session on April 9 at 9:00 AM at the Chamber! Register here.  The South Shore Chamber of Commerce, the region’s largest chamber, today announced that Tim Cahill has been selected to serve as the next president and CEO, effective January 1, 2025.
The South Shore Chamber Board of Directors voted to approve the hiring of Cahill earlier today; Cahill will replace Peter Forman, who is leaving the chamber after 20 years of service on December 31, 2024. Cahill, a resident of Quincy, served as treasurer of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2011. His lengthy political career also includes a six-year tenure as Norfolk County Treasurer and as a 16-year member of the Quincy City Council. Prior to his appointment as president and CEO of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, Cahill served as president and executive director of the Quincy Chamber of Commerce. “I am deeply honored to be appointed as the president and CEO of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce,” said Cahill. “I am committed to fostering a vibrant business community, driving economic growth, and working collaboratively with our members to create a prosperous future for all. Together, we will build on our strengths and seize new opportunities to ensure that our region continues to thrive.” Joe Gratta, CEO of Atlantic Mechanical and chair of the South Shore Chamber Board of Directors, added, “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Tim Cahill as the new president and CEO of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. His extensive experience and dedication to fostering community and business growth make Tim the perfect choice to lead our chamber into an exciting new era. We are confident that under his leadership, our organization will continue to thrive and deliver exceptional value to our members and the community at large.” The South Shore Chamber of Commerce has experienced significant growth over the past 20 years, serving more than 1,100 members over 25 communities in the South Shore region. The Chamber has also achieved multiple years of Five-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a distinction granted to only the top 1% of chambers in the country, and most recently re-earned earlier this year. The chamber’s South Shore Economic Development Corporation (SSEDC) has received the Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO) designation from the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, is well-known for its community engagement, and is nationally recognized for its regional marketing campaigns and positive press coverage for local development efforts. “As I step down from my role as president and CEO, I am filled with confidence and optimism for the future of the chamber,” said Forman, who has spearheaded several initiatives over his two decades of work with the chamber, most notably South Shore 2030, a comprehensive roadmap designed to promote long-term economic growth and sustainability in southeastern Massachusetts. “Tim has been a steadfast advocate for our business community and brings a wealth of experience and vision to the role. I have no doubt that under his leadership, the chamber will continue to grow and thrive, promoting economic development and supporting our members in new and innovative ways. I look forward to seeing the incredible achievements that Tim, the board of directors, and our chamber members will accomplish together.” South Shore Chamber of Commerce Launches Search to Find New President & Chief Executive Officer10/29/2024 Rockland, MA (October 30, 2024) – The Board of Directors of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce has begun the search for the organization’s next President & Chief Executive Officer, retaining Waverly Partners as its executive search firm. Waverly Partners serves chambers and economic development organizations throughout the country and is the preferred provider of executive search services of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
Peter Forman, the Chamber’s current CEO is completing his 20th year and the Chamber and plans to leave at the end of the year. The Board is now embarking on a search to identify a new CEO who can lead the Chamber into the future. As the Chamber embarks on this exciting new chapter, the Board has established a search committee led by Joe Gatta, current Chamber Board Chair, along with Jacqueline Collins, Jim Dunphy, Dave Ellis, Renee McInnes, Jenifer Pinkham and Bonnie Simmons. The Committee will work with Waverly Partners to identify qualified local, regional, and national candidates. “Our committee, along with input from Peter and our staff team, has thoughtfully developed a Position Profile with the experience and leadership characteristics of our preferred candidate,” said Gatta. “We are open to executives with backgrounds in chambers of commerce, economic development, business associations, other kinds of nonprofits, private sector or related experience with a commitment to working with our affiliates and partners to advocate for a vibrant business climate and help the South Shore communities thrive.” A Summary of the CEO position is available here. For more information about the search, or to express interest in the position or make a recommendation, please contact Waverly Partners consultant Eric Peterson at [email protected]; all inquiries will be held in confidence. The South Shore Chamber is the South Shore’s largest business association and the third largest chamber in the state. A five-star accredited Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber has been known for its regional advocacy and economic development efforts along with serving small businesses. For more information contact Heather McCall, Marketing & Communications Lead South Shore Chamber of Commerce; Phone: 781.421.3914; E-mail: [email protected]  If you live, work or play in Southeastern Massachusetts, you know our region offers something wonderful for everyone. In a changing world, we must keep our economy strong to ensure our people and places are here for decades to come. That's why the Chamber's South Shore 2030 plan was created. South Shore 2030: Choosing our Future is our constantly evolving roadmap that guides smart, informed planning decisions. A local team of large and small business leaders, nonprofit leaders, elected officials, and policy experts are building and implementing a plan to promote our region's economic future. Our mission is to create the right environment and balance for our current and future businesses and resident workforce to thrive. Key Accomplishments
2022 HighlightsLearn more about how we drove economic development in the region. Release of South Shore 2030 Infrastructure Priorities Report
South Shore Chamber Board members  South Shore Economic Development Board members  ROCKLAND, MA AND ALEXANDRIA, VA, ISSUED AUGUST 31, 2022… The South Shore Chamber of Commerce has been named one of three Communications Excellence Best In Show winners by ACCE, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. ACCE is the leading national association for chambers of commerce and economic development organizations representing over 1,600 members, and more than 9,000 industry professionals. The South Shore Chamber of Commerce initially won the 2022 Award for Communication Excellence for “Overall Best Campaign” for their Hello! South Shore campaign. Hello! South Shore is a regional destination marketing campaign that was created and designed to assist the regional recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19. After receiving a Regional Pilot Project Grant through the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, the Chamber partnered with local towns, businesses, and organizations to create a series of excursions that ran throughout the summer. The excursions were designed to spotlight arts, culture, history, outdoors, food, shops, recreation, holiday events, farmers’ markets, and neighborhoods across the South Shore. The campaign was the first to formally promote the South Shore region. It’s companion website www.hellosouthshore.com encouraged 600,000+ residents to think of “local” as more than their own neighborhood or town and promoted broader exploration. This was accomplished through an exciting and robust marketing campaign—launched in less than six weeks— spotlighting discovery and the many excursions across the 25 cities and towns the chamber represents. The Chamber enlisted local business members for campaign creation including logo and creative development as well as media placement. The campaign launch spanned three months during the summer of 2021 with 125 unique communications produced and delivered through email, radio, social media, billboard, magazine, and other forms of media. The website, www.hellowsouthshore.com, is still very much the hub for all the excursions and places to visit in the region. As a result of this groundbreaking campaign for the South Shore Chamber, Hello! South Shore reached nearly a million impressions in just 13 weeks. The project also provided countless local businesses, organizations, and events the much-needed support they deserve as they recover from operational losses due to the pandemic. The Best In Show Award was announced live at the ACCE Annual Convention held July 27 in Indianapolis. The Hello! South Shore campaign competed against major metro chambers and regional chambers in 3 other award categories including Digital Media, Website, Print & Electronic Publications. “Effective communications and storytelling are crucial to supporting a chamber’s mission and showcasing its impact,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “The South Shore Chamber of Commerce’s innovative efforts to help drive engagement and make a difference in the region it serves are inspiring and very deserving of this recognition.” “Looking ahead and beyond recovery, the Hello! South Shore project is directly linked to our larger economic and community development goals as part of the South Shore 2030 Plan,” explained Peter Forman, president & CEO of the 121-year-old chamber. “If you’re thinking about a campaign to brand your region, think local. Marketing the assets of your community to outsiders falls flat if the local businesses and residents don’t recognize and value those assets first.” A panel of communications and marketing professionals from ten U.S.-based chambers of commerce evaluated entries submitted for this year’s competition. Entries were organized by category — based on the chamber’s annual revenue. Judges presented 13 Awards of Excellence and three Best in Show awards. About the South Shore Chamber of Commerce The South Shore Chamber of Commerce is the largest, not-for-profit business organization in the region and holds a 5-Star Accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Funded by members and partner businesses for over 120 years, our mission is to cultivate a stronger South Shore economy by encouraging a robust and diverse business climate; and by supporting the local members and communities we represent. We know when businesses succeed, our communities succeed. To learn more, please visit www.southshorechamber.org or call 781-421-3900. About the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) is the professional society supporting the people who lead local, regional, statewide, and international chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations. Our membership includes more than 1,600 business/civic organizations worldwide. We provide our members with information resources, thought leadership, education programs, original research, benchmarking, retirement security, and access to a network of peers. For information, visit www.acce.org. Special thanks to all the local businesses and organizations that participated in |
| Abby Park Alba Quincy Alba on 53 Alma Nove Anna's Harborside The Artisan Pig Barrel House Z bia bistro Black Tie Barber Shop Board 143 Braintree 4th of July Committee Burke's Alewerks Burton's Grill Buttonwood Books Caffe Tosca Carmela's Captain John Boats Clandestine Kitchen College Hype The Company Theatre Cushing Café Derby Street Shops East Coast Printing edible South Shore Epicurean Kitchen Gerard's Turkey Farm Glow Beauty Boutique Greenside Grille Hawk Visuals Hemlock Ink Hollywood Agency Hotel 1620 Hull Lifesaving Museum Idle Hour Inn at Scituate Harbor Island Creek Oysters Jac's Café Joye Lenny's Hideaway Leone Marketing Solutions Levitate Liv Creative Cuisine Locally Yours Lucca South Shore Lucky Finn Main Street Media Group Mamma Mia's Marshfield Community Media Mill Wharf Mono Mono Boutique | Moonrise Cinemas Nantasket Flatts Novara Restaurant Nona's Homemade North South River Watershed Association Off the Wall Kidz Olde Salt House PaddleSurf MA The Parrot Peace N Quiet Sailing Charters Players Sports Bar & Grill Plimouth Patuxent Plymouth County Development Council The Quarry Quincy Farmers Market The Red Lion Tavern Salty Harbor / 3 N 3 Salty Whale Cohasset Sand & Water Sandpaper Factory Goods The Sandpiper Company Sarcastic Swine BBQ Second Wind Brewing Slacktide Coffee Roasters South Shore Arts Center South Shore Conservatory South Shore Home Life Style South Shore Music Circus South Shore Pottery Shop Spin 350 Stars on Hingham Harbor Starland Sportsplex & Fun Park Stellwagen Brewing Company Three Buoys & a Mermaid The Tinker's Son Three V Trident Tosca Untold Brewing Uva Wine Bar Vela Juice Bar Wahlburger's The Weathervane Golf Club Tavern Welch Company Wildlands Trust YupSup Zef Cicchetti |
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