New Bedford Area Chamber Announces Optimum Labs, Inc. as 2014 New Bedford Area Small Business of the Year

NEW BEDFORD, MA – The New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce and BankFive are pleased to recognize the significant contributions and achievements of the region’s small businesses with the presentation of the 2014 New Bedford Area Small Business of the Year Award. The award was presented on June 19, 2014 at a special edition of the Chamber’s Good Morning SouthCoast! business series.

During the breakfast event, Roy Nascimento, Chamber President and CEO stated, “Our small businesses represent the true vibrancy of our region’s economy with the jobs they create and their contributions to the community, economic climate and quality of life. The Chamber created this award as a way to recognize the vital contributions made by these businesses.”

This year’s Small Business of the Year Award was presented to Optimum Labs, Inc. of New Bedford. Optimum Labs, Inc. is a full service independent clinical laboratory with two sites in New Bedford. The laboratory is located at Welby Park, and the administrative office is located on County Street. Owned by New Bedford Residents, they employ residents within the communities they serve and they are currently expanding throughout the states of Massachusetts, Maryland, and New Jersey.

Optimum Labs has recognized the need for toxicology services and has grown due to its vision, offering a fast turn around, and providing exceptional service and a solid commitment to the highest level of integrity. Their employees have over 30 years of combined experience, in the field of toxicology.

The other 4 businesses nominated for this year’s award were: BRW Property Services; Seastreak, LLC; Thompson Farland, Inc.; and Tomlinson & O’Neil Insurance Agency.

Nominations were solicited from the community and reviewed by a selection committee comprised of members. The selection committee looked for companies who have balanced success with a strong commitment to the community. Each nominee was rated based on five criteria: number of employees, staying power, growth, social responsibility and innovation. To meet just a few of these goals is a significant accomplishment.

The New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce extends its appreciation to BankFive for being a partner in this important program. Eight years ago BankFive joined forces with the Chamber to develop this recognition program and has been the sponsor of the awards program ever since.  Their commitment as the founding sponsor of the Small Business of the Year Awards program reflects their dedication to our community and their commitment to providing services to small businesses. The Chamber would also like to thank those individuals who submitted nominations for the awards.

Many of the Chamber’s programs and services are geared towards the needs of smaller businesses. We recognize the important role that small to medium sized businesses play in our economy. The New Bedford Area Chamber will continue to offer services to meet their needs.

The New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit business association based in the City of New Bedford, MA. Chartered in 1885, the Chamber serves nearly 1,000 member businesses of all sizes from virtually all industries in the ten communities of New Bedford, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Mattapoisett, Marion, Rochester, Wareham, and Westport. The Chamber supports and promotes the local business community through leadership in public advocacy, education, networking, information and community development.

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