In November, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce hosted its 112th Annual Meeting & Expo, marking over a century of promoting economic growth and fostering collaboration among businesses to shape the future of the Metro South region.
More than 400 business professionals and over 25 exhibitors came together to network, reconnect, and gain insights from Dr. Erik Noyes, Babson College, and a panel of his students from Babson’s “The Generator” AI Interdisciplinary Lab. The event also celebrated outstanding contributions to the region, all while attendees enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Adult & Teen Challenge of Brockton’s in-house catering program.
We are thankful to have the opportunity to partner with premier sponsor North Easton Savings Bank, supporting sponsor UMass Donahue Institute, and expo sponsor Bridgewater State University; Career Readiness Sponsors: U.S. Chamber of Commerce / College Board; contributing sponsors OCES – Old Colony Elder Services, Eastern Bank, JM Pet Resort; and our media sponsor The Enterprise Newspaper.
We partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and College Board to help address the readiness gap – preparing students for today’s workforce with essential knowledge from new AP courses: AP Business with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity. Learn more at https://www.uschamber.com/workforce/education/us-chamber-college-board-partnership-a-new-generation-of-business-savvy-students.
At the event, Suzanne Fernandes was honored with the Charles A. Fuller Memorial Chamber Service Award for her decades of leadership in community banking and dedicated service to the Metro South region.
The Chamber also welcomed new Board members Maria Celli (Brockton Neighborhood Health Center) and Jeni Mather (JM Pet Resort), while recognizing outgoing member Albert Senesie (Victory Human Services) for his years of service.
Finally, thank you to our partners at Adult & Teen Challenge, Brewster Ambulance, Brockton Area Transit, Brockton Community Access, Concord Foods, Hutcheon’s Florist & Holmes-McDuffy Florists, Mi Nina Tortilla, Rich Morgan Photography, Babson College, and the Cardinal Spellman Choir.
Scroll down to view profiles of each of our Economic Impact Award recipients!
Photos courtesy of Rich Morgan Photography – visit us on flickr to view the full photo album. Missed the event? Don’t worry, we recorded it for you – thanks BCA! (check back later for video link)
2025 Economic Impact Award Recipients
The Metro South Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to honor eleven local businesses whose economic contributions have significantly benefitted the region. These businesses have impacted Metro South by creating jobs and adding to the rich business culture by providing valuable products, resources, and services to help our region thrive. Whether small entrepreneurs or large institutions, the following businesses are recognized for their investments and contributions to the economic development of the Metro South region.
1. AFC Urgent Care Brockton
500 Westgate Drive, Brockton, MA 02301 | (508) 916-2888
Launched in 2025, AFC Urgent Care Brockton opened a 4,000 sq ft modern healthcare facility at Westgate Mall, providing the city with a cutting-edge urgent care center offering walk-in medical care, X-ray, and lab services without long waits. The center invested $1.1 million in advanced diagnostic technology and highly trained staff, improving access to care for families, seniors, and employers across the Metro South region. Designed to ease the burden on emergency departments, the facility offers affordable, same-day care for non-life-threatening conditions and has created 15 new jobs, supporting the local economy. Part of American Family Care, AFC Urgent Care Brockton is locally owned and physician-led and actively engages with schools, businesses, and community events to promote wellness and preventive care.
2. City of Brockton Public Safety Building
175 Warren Avenue, Brockton, MA 02301 | (508) 580-7123
Brockton’s new $150 million Public Safety Building on Warren Avenue unites the Police, Fire, Emergency Management, and IT departments under one state-of-the-art facility, replacing aging, separate stations with a collaborative, efficient hub. Designed with advanced technology, shared dispatch and administrative spaces, and energy-efficient features, the building allows for faster, more coordinated emergency response while streamlining operations. Its phased move-in minimizes service disruption, while freeing older sites for future development and neighborhood improvement. The facility demonstrates Brocktonís commitment to public safety, resilience, and community engagement, enhancing both first responder capabilities and the cityís long-term growth.
3. Egan Development – “Hanson Crossing” Phase II
965 Main Street, Hanson, MA 02341 | (781) 799-4142
Hanson Crossing is a two-building mixed-use project situated on 3.5 acres and within walking distance of the Hanson MBTA Commuter Rail Station on the Kingston Line. In accordance with the Commonwealth’s new Chapter 40R Mixed-Use Overlay District Zoning requirements, Hanson Station consists of two buildings with a total of 5 ground-level retail stores and 49 one- and two-bedroom apartments. The first building, 999 Main Street, is 32,110 sq ft and fully occupied as of July 2024! Part two, 965 Main Street, is 36,000 sq ft, completed in the spring of 2025. With a total investment of $12M, these two buildings combined bring 40-50 jobs to the site, 49 units of housing, 5 commercial spaces, and 100 construction jobs for the duration of the project. Egan Development and its founders have been developing “for sale and rental real estate” projects in the Metro South area for the last three decades. Stephen Egan and his brother Todd were both raised in Whitman and have focused their efforts in the Metro South and South Shore areas.
4. Father Bill’s & MainSpring
124 Manley Street, Brockton, MA 02301 | (508) 427-6448
Father Bill’s & MainSpring invested $20 million to build a 31,500 sq. ft. multi-use campus on federal surplus land, the former U.S. Army Reserve Center adjacent to the Brockton VA Medical Center. The campus includes the 16,500 sq. ft. Smith Family Housing Resource Center (HRC), featuring a day center, health clinic, shelter, commercial kitchen and dining space, and access to showers, laundry, and technology, alongside Yawkey Hall, a 15,000 sq. ft. building with 32 housing units. In May 2025, the organization relocated its Brockton shelter from 54 N. Main St. to this site, retaining 20 employees and creating 24 new jobs. Father Bill’s & MainSpring, serving over 6,000 people annually, strengthens the community by preventing and ending homelessness while enhancing services, housing, and support in the Metro South region.
5. MBTA South Coast Rail
The MBTA’s South Coast Rail expansion, a $2.3 billion investment, reconnects Brockton to Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, and Boston via direct commuter rail service, strengthening the city’s role as a regional transportation hub. While the project supports an estimated 3,800 construction and related jobs across the corridor, Brockton benefits from increased commuters, visitors, and business activity flowing through the city, enhancing workforce mobility and attracting new investment. Improved transit makes it easier for Metro South residents to reach jobs and educational opportunities while boosting regional commerce. This infrastructure positions Brockton as a key driver of economic growth and reinforces the city’s long-term role in Metro South’s development and connectivity.
6. Nath Academy Learning Center
210 Quincy Avenue, Brockton, MA 02302 | (508) 857-4065
Nath Academy Learning Center LLC invested $500,000 to renovate a 6,109 sq. ft. former medical building, expanding its school to better serve families in a safe, child-friendly environment. The project included seven new classrooms, fire sprinklers, and upgrades to meet licensing and educational standards, allowing Nath Academy to care for up to 65 children. The expansion retained 18 employees and created 8 new jobs, supporting the local economy. Open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., the center provides high-quality early education in a nurturing, engaging environment. Through its expanded services, Nath Academy strengthens the Brockton community by supporting working families and fostering long-term educational growth.
7. Sharon Orthodontics
374 S Main Street, Sharon, MA 02067 | (781) 784-7391
Sharon Orthodontics invested $250,000 to renovate its 2,000 sq. ft. office, bringing new technology, expanded services, and a reimagined patient experience to the Sharon community. Purchased last November by first-time owner Dr. Sahar, the practice retained two employees and created two new jobs while preserving its role as a cornerstone of local orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults. The renovation incorporated local designers and artwork, and the practice actively supports schools, community events, and oral health education. Sharon Orthodontics demonstrates a commitment to the Metro South region through investment, job creation, and community engagement, ensuring lasting economic and social impact.
8. Tru by Hilton Brockton
245 Westgate Drive, Brockton, MA 02301 | (774) 480-5107
Tru by Hilton’s new 78-room, four-story hotel at Brocktonís Westgate Drive represents an $11 million investment in the city’s hospitality infrastructure. The development created approximately 7-8 full‑time jobs and up to 20 total positions, bolstering local employment. With its bright, modern design, free hot breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness center, and welcoming lobby “command center,” the hotel is built to serve both business and leisure travelers. Its location near major roads and Westgate Mall enhances Brockton’s appeal as a regional destination. This project underscores Brockton’s growth as a transportation and commercial hub, demonstrating how strategic investment in hospitality can drive economic development, support local jobs, and elevate the city’s long-term vibrancy.
9. Urban Air Adventure Park
435 Westgate Drive, Brockton, MA 02301 | (508) 443-4229
Urban Air’s 52,900 sq ft Adventure Park at Brockton’s Westgate Drive represents a major investment in family entertainment, bringing a high‑energy indoor destination to Metro South. The park features trampolines, climbing walls, zip lines, obstacle courses, go-karts, laser tag, and more, offering something for every age and thrill level. Open seven days a week, it provides a fun, active gathering spot for families, while also driving foot traffic to surrounding businesses. The opening underscores Brockton’s growing appeal as a destination for recreation and innovation, supports local employment, and reflects a strong commitment to long-term economic vitality and community development in the region.
10. Vineyard Farm
175 East Center Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379 | (508) 857-0657
Vineyard Farm invested $2.4 million to construct a 11,760 sq. ft. multi-use agricultural facility in West Bridgewater, expanding production, retail, and agritourism operations. The project includes a commercial kitchen, improved cold storage and root cellar capacity, food safety infrastructure, expanded retail space, and ADA-accessible customer facilities. Site utilities, fire and hood systems, and secured meter installation support year-round operations and value-added product creation. The expansion retained 12 employees and created 6 new jobs, strengthening the local food supply and enhancing visitor experiences through farm events and educational programming. Vineyard Farm, a family-operated business offering fresh produce, bakery items, and seasonal agritourism, continues to invest in staff, food safety, and community engagement, reinforcing West Bridgewater’s role in building a resilient regional food system.
11. Xfinity Store by Comcast
200 Westgate Drive, Brockton, MA 02301 | (800) 266-2278
Xfinity invested in a full remodel of its Brockton store, creating an interactive, modern 5,178 sq ft space that showcases the full suite of Xfinity products and services, including high-speed internet, mobile, and business solutions. The upgrade improves customer experience, supports the local sales team, and reflects Comcast’s long-term commitment to the Metro South region. By enhancing the store’s role as a hub for digital technology and connectivity, the remodel strengthens Brockton’s position as a regional center for commerce and innovation, supports local employment, and demonstrates how corporate investment can drive economic growth and community engagement in the city.