Workers Credit Union has named Jay Champion as its CEO and President. He brings over 35 years of experience developing high performing and engaged teams at financial institutions. Since July of 2023, Champion has served as the credit union’s Interim CEO and President after the retirement of Doug Petersen, who was with the credit union for 27 years.

“Jay is a seasoned financial leader and has the skills needed to maintain our team’s delivery of top-notch member service,” says Nilesh Gunda, Board Chair of Workers Credit Union. “In less than a year, Jay has made a positive impact on Workers Credit Union and our mission to empower our members to achieve financial wellness. We’re confident in Jay’s ability to continue advancing our goals while being an innovative leader to help the credit union continue to thrive.”

Since joining Workers Credit Union, Champion has established a vision for financial growth and stability that focuses on member choice and innovation, empowering his team to think creatively about the future while honoring the past.

“Workers Credit Union is an institution that has made an indelible impact on North Central Massachusetts since its founding 110 years ago by helping people and businesses save, spend, invest, borrow, and plan. Our team is passionate about being the community economic engine that people and businesses in our markets can count on.” says Champion. “I am honored to lead our team in our mission to continue improving the daily lives of our members.”

Champion most recently served as President and CEO of Westerra Credit Union in Denver, Colorado. Prior to that, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Elevations Credit Union in Boulder, Colorado. Throughout his experience serving in multiple C-suite roles for various financial institutions over the past 30+ years, Champion has become highly skilled in building healthy and engaged team cultures, enhancing business process management, and driving organizational performance.

Champion obtained his Master of Business Administration with Finance and Management concentrations from Texas A&M University – Commerce and his Bachelor of Science in Economics from East Texas State University. He is also a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.

About Workers Credit Union
Workers Credit Union, a member-owned and member-focused $2.4 billion credit union, is building the financial wellness of its nearly 122,000 members through coaching, products and support that empowers them to build a better life for themselves and their families. Headquartered in Littleton, MA, Workers Credit Union has been serving communities in Massachusetts for more than 110 years. Workers Credit Union is a Community Development Financial Institution and Low-Income Designated Credit Union.

Members of Beers For Good present a $1,000 donation to Mayor Sam Squailia and Fitchburg Civic Days on behalf of the Nashua River Brewers Festival. Beers For Good has donated more than $85,000 in proceeds from the annual festival to local charities since 2008. Tickets are now on sale for the 14th Nashua River Brewers Festival – featuring 30+ brewers, live music, food and fun – on June 29 at Fitchburg’s Riverfront Park.

Friday, June 14th – 9 AM – 12 PM
Location – MWCC – Leominster
Cost – FREE but requires registration.

Entrepreneurship 101: Presentation Agenda

Part 1: Introduction to Entrepreneurship – Dr. Mike Greenwood
Overview: Discuss the entrepreneurial mindset and key characteristics of successful entrepreneurs.
Opportunity Identification: Briefly cover methods to identify and assess business opportunities.

Part 2: Developing the Business Idea – Dr. Mike Greenwood
Idea Generation: Share techniques for brainstorming and creative thinking.
Validation: Introduce basic validation tools like market feasibility and the Lean Startup approach.

Part 3: Essentials of Business Planning – John Lohmann
Business Plan Components: Outline the structure of a simple business plan.
Goal Setting and Financial Basics: Highlight how to set realistic goals and basic financial projections.

Part 4: Marketing and Sales Overview – John Lohmann
Marketing Basics: Brief discussion on creating a marketing strategy and understanding the target market.
Sales Fundamentals: Introduce basic sales techniques and the importance of customer relationships.

Part 5: Funding and Legal Considerations – Sandie Cataldo
Financing Options: Overview of different funding avenues like bootstrapping, loans, and investors.
Legal Basics: Discuss the importance of choosing the right business structure and understanding regulatory requirements.

Register Now

Prepare for an exceptional takeover of Fitchburg City Hall this Juneteenth. CoFF33 Corp is thrilled to announce the inaugural Buy Black Market Juneteenth Celebration, scheduled for Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This festival-like event will utilize every corner of the historic venue for activities that entertain, educate, and empower.

This vibrant event will combine the communal spirit of a neighborhood cookout with the entrepreneurial energy of Black Wall Street, creating an exhilarating environment where education meets jubilation. With a dynamic lineup of local entrepreneurs, artists, and thinkers, the celebration is set to be a focal point of culture and community connection.

Event Details:

Location: Fitchburg City Hall, 718 Main St, Fitchburg, MA

Date & Time: June 19th, 2024, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Event Highlights:

• Marketplace Vibes on the First Floor: Stroll through a bustling market featuring local Black-owned businesses showcasing everything from artisan crafts to tech innovations.
• Musical Soul on the Second Floor: Let loose with performances from DJ Renzo, Provenance, Nasih, and J. Jordan of JoE GriZzLy, alongside an array of spoken word artists who embody the rhythmic heart of African American culture.
• Engaging Minds on the Third Floor: Engage with speakers like Demetrice Phillips, Rev. Annie Belmer, and other luminaries who will delve into topics from Fitchburg’s role in the abolitionist movement to the ongoing influence of Black-owned enterprises.

The Buy Black Market Juneteenth Celebration is more than just a gathering; it’s a platform for honoring the roots of Juneteenth, celebrating today’s achievements of the Black community, and fostering the growth of tomorrow’s leaders. The event is open to all and welcomes the public with suggested donations at the entrance to support local Black-owned businesses and community empowerment initiatives.

This program is supported by the Fitchburg Creative City Partnership, funded by MassDevelopment/TDI and the Barr Foundation as part of the larger Creative Cities initiative. This support underscores the event’s significance in fostering community engagement and economic development.

Come be part of something historic — celebrate, learn, and connect at the heart of Fitchburg!

For more details or to get involved as a vendor or performer, please visit our website at https://www.coff33corp.org/buyblackmarket or contact us at .