Main Street Formals named 2013 Greater New Bedford Small Business of the Year

ROBERT BRUNELLE, owner of Main Street Formals, accepts the 2013 small business of the year award from members of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce and BankFive. / COURTESY NEW BEDFORD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/DEBORAH L. HYNES
ROBERT BRUNELLE, owner of Main Street Formals, accepts the 2013 small business of the year award from members of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce and BankFive. / COURTESY NEW BEDFORD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/DEBORAH L. HYNES

NEW BEDFORD – Acushnet-based Main Street Formals was recognized by the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce as 2013 small business of the year on June 20th.

Robert Brunelle, owner of Main Street Formals since 2005, accepted the award at the June edition of Good Morning SouthCoast!

The annual recognition program is sponsored by BankFive, which has been in partnership with the Chamber producing the program for the past seven years.

The selection committee for the award focused on a nominee’s commitment to community as well as its success in business, evaluating candidates based on growth, number of employees, staying power, social responsibility and innovation.

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Main Street Formals fit the bill for the Chamber’s criteria, according to the release. Since its purchase by Brunelle, Main Street Formals has become a “niche fashion business” specializing in formal-wear, especially men’s suits.

Brunelle also benefitted local wedding enterprises, along with his own, by creating a website that advertises the various businesses of the South coast that comprise the area’s wedding industry. Brunelle’s leadership and innovation have resulted in the company experiencing a 31 percent increase in gross sales as well as a 42 percent increase in clients, over the past year.

“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.” Chamber President and CEO, Roy Nascimento, said in a statement.

The other nominees for the award were SouthCoast Kitchen Designs, What a Find! Consignment Furniture, Windward Power Systems Inc. The Back Nine Club, Barry’s Fine Wine & Spirits Inc. and Manypaws Pet Villa Inc.

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