2023 Annual Meeting, Brayton and Apex Awards
Ambassador of the Year
ALBERT MUI
Albert Mui is a financial advisor with Edward Jones. He has spent over 30 years in the financial industry, much of it in Boston, before deciding to launch his own firm. Albert’s goal was to serve and add value to small business owners and individuals in a much different way compared to the traditional financial services industry.
In addition to being an Ambassador for the Chamber, Albert has also previously served as President of the Middleboro Rotary Club.
When he’s not working with clients, Albert loves to spend time with his wife and two boys. He also has a passion for cooking and loves sharing his food experiences with everyone.
Brayton Recipients
JIM OLIVEIRA
Jim Oliveira has led a local career path primarily steeped in workforce and economic development since 1975. His earlier years serving in the U.S. Navy set the stage while he served in 2 commands’ as their Education Training Officer. Upon his return to New Bedford, Jim was actively recruited over the years, accepting positions with the North End Business Association; Shawmut Bank; the City of New Bedford (Economic Development Director) and Cognosco (now LifeStream) and eventually the MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board over the past 6 years prior to retirement. Effectively, Jim has been involved in Workforce Development since 1975 either through direct efforts or serving on local boards. Mr. Oliveira served 6 years on the New Bedford City Council; Treasurer of the Massachusetts Workforce Association; former President of Exchange and Rotary Clubs of New Bedford; and several years on the Boys and Girls Club and Y.M.C.A.
ELIZABETH CARPENTER
Elizabeth Carpenter, the fourth-generation family owner of Faneek’s, has left an indelible mark
on her community. Elizabeth actively engages with the local schools, organizing events like the
Fall River History Essay Contest and a socially distanced Halloween event known as Race Track
or Treat during the pandemic. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management,
Elizabeth has transformed Faneek’s into an indispensable community hub. She has introduced
initiatives like the Pay It Forward Meal program, offering meals to those in need, and has
organized clothing and supply drives for various organizations. As a member of Hope & Main,
Elizabeth tirelessly works towards getting Faneek’s Coney Sauce Mix into retail stores, currently
available in 49 retailers across five states. By partnering with Child & Family Services, Holy
Trinity School, and the newly established Greater Fall River Foster’s Closet, Elizabeth continues
to honor her family legacy while expanding its reach. Through hosting Angel Trees, Christmas Concerts, and providing Emergency Care Packages, Elizabeth’s involvement in these organizations showcases her dedication to making a difference in her community. The
unstoppable force that she has become proves that Elizabeth Carpenter is not only continuing her family’s legacy, but elevating it to new heights.
JOE NAUMAN
Joseph Nauman retired in 2018 as the Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer for Acushnet Holdings Corp, but is currently acting as a consultant to the company. Mr. Nauman has practiced law since 1987, initially with the New York law firm of Chadbourne & Parke, subsequently with Fortune Brands, Inc. and then with Acushnet. He has broad experience in all aspects of counseling corporations, with particular emphasis on governance, dispute resolution, regulatory compliance, intellectual property and securities law matters. Mr. Nauman also had responsibility for the Investor Relations, Corporate Communications and Corporate Compliance functions at Acushnet. Mr. Nauman is admitted to legal practice in New York. He received a Juris Doctor from New York University in 1987 and a Bachelor of Science in business from Columbia College in Columbia, MO in 1983. Mr. Nauman has two grown children and is very active in his community, currently serving on a variety of boards.
SHARON MACINNES
Sharon Macinnes is on her 20th year of service with BankFive and is currently the Vice President, Community Reinvestment Act Officer for the Bank. Living and working in Fall River her entire life, she is a long-time supporter of the community and has dedicated her time to many organizations in the area. In addition to sitting on BankFive’s Charitable Giving Committee, she is closely involved with Junior Achievement of Southern Massachusetts serving as the Bank’s liaison to the organization. Sharon has participated in various United Way programs through both the UW of Greater Fall River and the UW of Greater New Bedford. Such programs include the Loaned Executive Program, Mobile Market, and Day of Caring. Other community efforts have been made with organizations such as Coastline Elderly, My Brother’s Keeper, and various soup kitchens and food pantries in the area.
DAVID & KIM BERUBE
David and Kim Berube have always believed in giving back to their community and have volunteered for many years to Fall River Celebrates America. David has donated his DJ services to many organizations and schools in the local area. Known as phantom snow plowers, they were known as to plow people’s driveways with out the owners knowing it.
David and Kim have been involved with the Spirit of Somerset, a celebration of history and culture for the town, since 2001. They have also served as board members since it was incorporated as a non profit in 2018.
Kim is the owner of Smith School of Dance and for the past 8 years has choreographed dance routines for autistic adults. and many times would give students in need free dance classes and costumes.
David and Kim also volunteer with the seniors at the Council On Aging by providing food and entertainment.
APEX AWARDS
SMALL BUSINESS
Tropical Smoothie Cafe as a brand truly believes to inspire better! The team they have has made everything they have done, and continue to do in our community possible. Tropical Smoothie Cafe partners with the Friends of Jack Foundation, a local non profit, participating in all their activities. They are also a donor with the United Way during the holiday season helping families in need. Tropical Smoothie Cafe believes that children deserve to participate in school activities such as sporting events, prom, and any event that they are having a hard time reaching their goal. We are currently participating in No Kid Hungry, a campaign which supplies meals to children. They also support local law enforcement departments as well as Mission 22.
LARGE BUSINESS
Bristol Community College advances a vibrant, diverse community through education, learner by learner. Located in Attleboro, Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton and online, the college offers a rich variety of career and transfer programs that lead to an associate degree as well as certificates of accomplishment or achievement. The college is where people from diverse backgrounds turn to earn an affordable degree, access career training and expand their intellectual and cultural horizons. Students can also earn their high school equivalency or learn English as a Second Language. More than 68% of new students graduate without debt and Massachusetts residents aged 25 or older can now attend? the community college for free through MassReconnect.
As a leading resource for education and workforce development in southeastern Massachusetts, Bristol develops partnerships with businesses and industry, PreK-12, colleges and universities and social service agencies. President Laura L. Douglas, Ph.D., is committed to fostering a college-going culture that contributes to the economic revitalization of the region.
The college’s Business Solutions & Partnership supports our regional workforce with access to upskilling, credentialing and professional development programs. This Fall, Bristol launched the National Offshore Wind Institute (NOWI), a state-of-the-art training facility, offering globally recognized training and certifications for the emerging offshore wind industry. The NOWI provides a critical part of the offshore wind sector’s infrastructure, working to improve the community and provide sustainable, high-paying jobs in the region. Bristol Community College is helping to ensure Massachusetts will be competitive and thriving in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
NON-PROFIT
For more than 70 years, United Way of Greater New Bedford has worked to address the pressing needs of our community. We envision a region where all people have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
United Way of Greater New Bedford fights for the health, education, financial stability, and basic needs of every person in the nine communities we serve. United Way is committed to making an impact by providing important services to the community through the Family Resource & Development Center, Hunger Commission, and New Bedford Community Connections Coalition. Additionally, United Way provides funding to local organizations to support residents through an array of programming and services. It also matches volunteers with local opportunities through Volunteer SouthCoast.
EDUCATION
Diman High School was founded by Fr. Hugh Diman in 1912 who gave money to the city of Fall River to start a training facility for boys to learn the correct care and use of tools. He chose Fall River for this educational experiment donating $2500 in support of the venture. It opened in December 1912 in the basement of a room of the John J. McDonough School with twelve “drop-outs” who began courses in mechanical drawing and wood-working. Today’s Diman got its official start in 1963 when John Harrington petitioned the state to open a regional school in Fall River to serve the city, along with Somerset, Swansea and Westport. It was built in 1968 and Harrington became its first superintendent-director.The Diman of today places great emphasis on doing work for the four communities. A housebuilding program, along with the students working on external projects have showcased the talent and skills of the students. Projects have been completed for all four communities ranging from taking in residents cars in Auto Collision and Automotive Technology to participating in Rosemary’s WishKids by building a playhouse for a young girl stricken with a severe illness. Diman continuously strives to help the communities and its residents to live up to its mission of being a community based school with the ability to train students to be life-long learners and skilled tradespersons.