![]() The South Shore Chamber gathered to recognize and thank their Partners and leaders who drive the Chamber’s mission for a better South Shore. The Chamber is no different from any other NPO. We rely on our Partners, Leaders, and member support to survive. We are grateful for a robust and committed team. Partnership Circle and South Shore 2030 Funders: A.W. Perry, Eastern Bank, South Shore Bank, Rockland Trust Bank, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of MA, Mass General Brigham, The Patriot Ledger, South Shore Health, Abington Bank, Atlantic Mechanical Contractors, Bank of America, BID Milton, Cambridge Savings Bank, Cape Cod 5, Citrin Cooperman, CLA, Coastal Heritage Bank, Curry College, EMD Serono, Foxrock, Lyft, Massasoit Community College, MountainOne Bank, Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane, Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston, Quincy Mutual Group, South Shore YMCA, Sullivan Tire, TD Bank, Unicorn Realty, 95.9 WATD, Welch Senior Living, Bay Copy, Campanelli, CLA, Drohan, Tocchio & Morgan, Electro Switch, Ellis Realty Advisors, George Washington Toma & Appliance, Jack Conway & Company, John M. Corcoran & Company, National Fire Protection Association, National Grid, NVNA and Hospice, O'Connor & Drew, P.C., Ruberto, Israel & Weiner, Stop & Shop, Unicorn Realty, Cape Cod Lumber, Fireking Baking Company, Jack Conway, Mass Housing Partnership, P&B Bus, Weathervane Companies Special thanks to our outgoing 2022 Chair, Deirdre Savage, and incoming 2023 Chair, Rich Fernandez.
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![]() Members of the Town Council, As Chairman of the Weymouth Chamber of Commerce I want to state the Chamber’s strong opposition to the 18-month building moratorium that is before the Council. Our Chamber will continue to support the Mayor’s and other elected official’s ongoing efforts to better understand the town’s water usage through water audits, the DPW’s monitoring and repairing damaged infrastructure, the installation of modern, accurate water metering devices, and the eventual replacement of aging infrastructure. The Chamber also supports efforts to explore any reasonable avenues to identify and potentially acquire water from other resources. The Chamber supports those measures because the Chamber recognizes the importance of water supply and quality to the town. Water is critical not just for residents, but for the many businesses that contribute significantly to the tax revenue collected by the town. This tax revenue is crucial to maintaining our police, fire, schools, parks, playing fields, libraries, and roads and sidewalks. The building moratorium will effectively shut down new growth as a critical revenue source. Investment momentum is not a light switch. Although you can shut off investments with a moratorium it will not simply snap back on when (or if) the moratorium is lifted. Stopping meaningful economic investment into Weymouth does not stop investors from investing elsewhere, as they surely will. As word spreads that Weymouth is “closed” it could take years to regain the momentum that will be lost. Our concern is the impact this will have on future budgets and needed projects. The Weymouth Chamber of Commerce respectfully urges the Town Council to oppose this seemingly draconian measure and allow the town’s elected leaders and Boards to continue weighing the merits of each project on a case-by-case basis. Sincerely, George Berg, Chair, Weymouth Chamber How and when did the company get started?
Valanzola Law Group opened its doors in 2015 with an office in Mansfield and has since expanded to Boston and Hingham. What products or services do you offer? We specialize in residential and commercial real estate conveyancing, lender representation, leasing, condominium law, zoning and land use and development, business law, probate and estate planning. What’s the one thing your business is known for, over your competitors and why? We consider our firm to be "boutique", in that we provide direct communication and support to our clients throughout any given transaction. It is common for firms to shift responsibility from one lawyer or paralegal to the next. A client may hire one attorney but end up communicating primarily with a paralegal at the firm. At Valanzola Law Group, the attorney you hire is the attorney you will work with until your matter is completed. We pride ourselves on this streamline approach which enables us to effectively meet the demands of any real estate transaction. Tell us an interesting and fun tidbit about your business. Attorney Matthew A. Valanzola is the managing attorney of Valanzola Law Group. He has over 15 years of residential and commercial real estate experience, 8 years of which he worked as Owners’ Representative for the largest commercial real estate development company in the Country. His extensive experience in real estate managing all phases of the development process affords him a unique opportunity to understand clients’ goals and needs. Why did you decide to become involved with the Chamber? The firm opened an office in Hingham in 2021 after Matthew Valanzola and his wife, Sarah Belanger (also an attorney at the firm) relocated from Boston to the South Shore. They now reside in beautiful Scituate, MA with their 3-year old son, Theo. 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 |
The South Shore Chamber of Commerce has released a new report which identifies current and future regional infrastructure priorities that promote economic growth for the South Shore. The infrastructure report lays out the next steps for the chamber to focus on for its South Shore 2030 regional economic development project. The report identifies water resources and wastewater capacity as the most pressing concern – both for sustainable economic growth and to protect our natural resources. The chamber has long advocated for improving commuting in and out of Boston and the report also prioritizes intra-regional transportation to the agenda. This includes reverse commuting of workers to jobs on the South Shore as important to future job creation and business expansion on the South Shore. To drive some infrastructure efficiencies and cost controls the report recommends focusing efforts on new infrastructure around targeted development areas on the South Shore. Examples include the Kingston/North Plymouth; the Route 3A corridor from Quincy to Hingham; the corridors of Route 3 between Hanover and Weymouth (including the Rte. 53 & Rte.18 arteries) and potential development from the new MBTA Communities Housing law, which is requiring communities to think about development in a more targeted, concentrated way. The chamber’s report was influenced by its work over the past four years promoting housing and some projections and assumptions about how the pandemic might shape future growth. “We were beginning to see younger people move out of Boston to the suburbs before COVID and expect that to continue at a higher rate the next few years,” said chamber president and CEO Peter Forman. “We are seeing a lot of local business growth and entrepreneurship spreading throughout the region, but we do not expect a significant shift of Boston-based office space into the suburbs following the pandemic. Our future job growth will come from new businesses starting here, growth in businesses that serve residents, and businesses moving here because of the workforce talent.” Forman said the group’s goal is to “identify transportation priorities that are most closely tied to the region’s economic future. Their recommendations will become a blueprint for the Chamber’s Transportation work and political advocacy for the next few years.” The report also warned about future pressure on the MBTA and threat of service changes, most of that coming out of the pandemic and reduced numbers of workers commuting to Boston offices. Former Braintree mayor and board member of the state Department of Transportation Joseph Sullivan and Janice Bergeron, a transportation consultant who lives on the South Shore, co-chaired the chamber’s Transportation Advisory group, a contributing group of experts for the report. The Advisory Group is part of South Shore 2030, a comprehensive economic and community development plan. Visit the website at (www.SouthShore2030.com) to learn more. “Serious commitments, including investments to infrastructure and transportation are a centerpiece of economic development for the South Shore,” said Sullivan. “Without it we lose our vibrancy and undermine our future quality of life.” |
The South Shore Chamber of Commerce opposes the ballot question.
This new tax would push the state closer to the class of states considered high tax states –company we do not want to keep. It risks accelerated wealth flight - wealthier individuals moving out of high tax states to lower tax states. Evidence indicates that wealth flight is already occurring in Massachusetts, partly because of the state’s highly unfavorable estate tax (the tax when a person dies). That exodus is potentially accelerating because of the new-found acceptance of remote work. It may also discourage younger people from starting businesses here. They may not be high earners but hope to be or to build successful businesses choosing to avoid high tax states.
If entrepreneurs leave the state or are discouraged from coming here, that will hurt overall economic activity and job creation. Wealth flight also harms our non-profits, one of the largest sources of employment in the state. Their missions and services are an important part of the region’s quality of life. Most of these organizations depend on the generosity of a relatively small number of wealthy people for a large part of their annual charitable giving. A loss of donor/local philanthropists will reduce support for our non-profit’s missions and the related jobs.
Th Chamber is not persuaded by proponents on the need for this large tax increase. They argue:
- The tax revenue will be earmarked only for education and transportation. The amendment makes clear that any funds are controlled by future legislators. Even if political pressure makes good on the promise there is nothing that prevents the legislature from simply re-allocating existing budget funding for education and transportation to other priorities.
- There is social equity in taxing wealthier residents at a higher tax rate rather than everyone paying the same 5% rate. This is the long-held argument for a graduated income tax. The state’s flat tax rate of 5% on all income is not really that flat and higher earners effectively pay higher rates. State tax rates are set at a percentage of federal taxable income. The federal tax code is heavily graduated with higher income people paying higher rates as income rises. Second, there is nothing in the amendment or from supporters arguing to lower taxes for lower income earners. This is not a shift in who pays how much in taxes but merely a proposal to raise and spend more money. It simply sounds more appealing to say “only the rich will pay.”
- Four percent is only a small amount, and it only applies on every dollar of income over $1 million. It is not just 4%. It is 4% more. It is on top of all other state and local taxes. And it is not just “the rich” who will feel this. It is the homeowner whose largest asset is their home. It is the small business owner who works years or decades to build a successful business. Most small business owners do not earn $1 million in annual income. Many owners see that income once—when they sell their business, or the real estate associated with it. These are not the rich leisure class. They are the risk takers and entrepreneurs creating jobs and supporting our communities every year working to that eventual high-income year when they sell.
Housing values are now so high that most people living in homes worth $1 million are not earning close to that much in annual income. When the owners finally downsize, they will have to turn over another 4% to the state.
The Chamber is concerned about locking in a mistake. An amendment to the Constitution takes a minimum of 30 months (often many years) , two votes of the state legislatures, with one election between the two votes, and approval by the voters. If adopted any change or repeal would take the same effort, although likely many years longer because of the political difficulty in repealing something that is already law. That means even if this proves to be hurting the state economy it will be years before it can be corrected.
For more information on both sides of the proposal please see
https://noquestion1.com/ (opponent’s coalition group)
https://www.fairsharema.com (supporter’s coalition group)
The Proposed Amendment to the State Constitution
To provide the resources for quality public education and affordable public colleges and universities, and for the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and public transportation, all revenues received in accordance with this paragraph shall be expended, subject to appropriation, only for these purposes. In addition to the taxes on income otherwise authorized under this Article, there shall be an additional tax of 4 percent on that portion of annual taxable income in excess of $1,000,000 (one million dollars) reported on any return related to those taxes. To ensure that this additional tax continues to apply only to the commonwealth’s highest income taxpayers, this $1,000,000 (one million dollars) income level shall be adjusted annually to reflect any increases in the cost of living by the same method used for federal income tax brackets. This paragraph shall apply to all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2023.
A little perspective and insight from our featured WiLL speakers...
Deirdre Savage, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA
Michelle Markowitz, Cardinal Cushing Centers
"I think that stepping into these various roles as my career grew. I think that going from a peer to a supervisor definitely has its challenges but I think what's important as a leader is to always be your authentic self. If you are truly your authentic self and you lead with empathy, humility and respect you'll always be successful." |
Lily Hsu, Labouré College of Healthcare
“I’m a firm believer in partnerships. I don’t think anyone can do it on your own. I think the partnerships are the way in which we make our communities stronger and thereby make our own companies or institutions stronger as well. It’s one of the reasons I got interested in the Chamber – who else is involved and making contributions and being mutually supportive.” |
We're so proud of our over forty members who were selected by South Shore residents (and beyond) for South Shore Home, Life, & Style Best of the South Shore 2022! |
Winners & Runners-up:
Pinehills
South Shore Music Circus
The Trustees (World's End)
Starland Sportsplex & Fun Park
WATD 95.9
Stellwagen Beer Company
Alba on 53
The Tinker's Son
Lucca South Shore
Tosca
Previte's Marketplace
Mamma Mia's
Burtons Bar & Grille
Sarcastic Swine BBQ Restaurant & Catering
The Range Bar & Grill
The Parrot
Clandestine Kitchen
The Barker Tavern
The Fours
North River Family Chiropractic
A Healthy Balance
Hearing Healthcare Professionals
South Shore Hearing Center
NVNA and Hospice
South Shore YMCA Emilson
George Washington Toma TV & Appliance
The Rug Merchant
Seoane's Landscape and Design
Chapin Sheds
Granite City Electric Supply Co.
Hingham Lumber Company
Curry ACE Hardware
Dependable Cleaners
McNamara Financial
Rockland Trust
South Shore Bank
Jack Conway
Linden Ponds
The Village at Duxbury
Derby St. Shops
Fruit Center Marketplace
Miltons
Granite Links Golf Club
If you missed it, you’re in for a treat. We have a recap below AND a “must see” list of places to visit on the South Shore this summer, crafted by your fellow Chamber members! See below for list.
The Highlights

Side by Side is a personalized pet nutrition company that approaches pet health through the healing power of whole food. Side by Side was started in 2018 to deliver a portfolio of healthy diets. treats and supplements with options available for all health needs. Utilizing the time-tested science of Eastern Food Therapy (EFT) in the formulation of its foods,
What products or services do you offer?
Side by Side offers and assortment freeze dried dog food, tetra stews and treats in yummy recipes that your pup will love. We also offer supplements like Belly Balance , So Hip and Wag not Drag .
Side by Side created a technology enabled pet health assessment, available on our website, that allows you to customize the proper diet and nutrition for your pet.
All Side by Side products are made using human grade, whole food ingredients, veterinary and nutritionist formulated to meet the nutritional needs of your adult dog.
What’s the one thing your business is known for, over your competitors and why?
We know that real food can make a real difference in your pet’s life – that’s why every single one of our products has been carefully crafted & intentionally made.
We utilize Eastern Food Therapy, whole food ingredients & a gentle cooking process to bring you the absolute best food possible. This combination is how we help nourish healthy pets & heal sick ones.
Our online Pet Assessment easily identifies the proper diet and nutritional needs for each individual pet, allowing you to customize your pet's diet for optimal health.
Tell us an interesting and fun tidbit about your business.
The images that are on our newest product, Mini Meals and Bowl Boosters - just launched March 2022 are local south shore pups and their people! We are excited to be more involved in the South Shore. Just real food and Just Real People!
Why did you decide to become involved with the Chamber?
The South Shore Chamber of Commerce provides a unique opportunity to connect with businesses and the communities of the south shore. Side by Side is looking forward to providing opportunities to introduce the SSCC members to the benefits of freeze dried dog food and why Side by Side's wide array of freeze dried pet food, treats and supplements are the best products for their pet to live a longer healthier life side by side with them.
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