News from our members

Solvus Global Invites Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem to Central Massachusetts

Cold spray and large-scale additive manufacturing experts come together for discussion on the advances of the technologies at the 2023 Action Team event earlier this summer.

Solvus Global, an organization which aims to create a positive impact on the world through the innovation, incubation, and transition of advanced manufacturing technology, hosted nearly 400 attendees in-house at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA on June 20-22 for the annual 2023 Action Team Event. The three-day hybrid conference comprised of both the Cold Spray Action Team (CSAT) and Large Scale Additive Action Team (LSAAT) meetings.

With global attendance from more than 10 countries, participants included a wide range of universities and government institutions with focuses on cold spray and additive manufacturing research and development (R&D).

Lecture-style presentations provided insight into a variety of cold-spray-related topics spanning from advancements in equipment, quality assurance, powder materials to aerospace/ aviation, power & energy, and other applications as part of CSAT 2023. LSAAT 2023 brought forth a heavy focus on large format advanced manufacturing technologies, namely Friction Stir Additive Manufacturing (FSAM), Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), Laser Bed Fusion, Electron Beam (EB), etc.

50+ speakers took to the stage to highlight new developments in technology, research, project pathways, and more. The first-ever LSAAT expert panel touched on the impact of workforce development on advanced manufacturing sector as “hurdles on the path to efficiency.”

The exhibitor concourse was full of productive conversations and intimate networking that spurred collaboration and partnerships following the event. VRC Metal Systems, Titomic, SPEE3D, and ADDiTEC represented some of the leading industry original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) amongst 25 sponsors of the 2023 Action Team Event.

Student researchers and post-doctoral fellows presented a record-high of 32 posters on display at the event. The CSAT and LSAAT Organizing Committee received substantial submissions from Northeastern University, Florida International University, Rowan University, and University of Massachusetts Amherst in addition to many other accredited schools.

The conference crowd stopped by the Worcester Red Sox baseball game to continue networking and to unwind with America’s favorite pastime, where the WooSox took home a victory against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

To conclude the 2023 Action Team Event, a reception was held at the Solvus Global Center for Scaled Innovations in Manufacturing (cSIM) facility with the debut of their latest WAAM system, the ABB Fronius for robotic welding, alongside demonstrations of the WarpSPEE3D and the Bond Technologies GL7 friction stir welding system.

Learn more on the Cold Spray Action Team and Large Scale Additive Action Team by visiting the respective websites for information regarding events, free webinars, and sponsorship opportunities. Contact the organizing committee directly via email: support@coldsprayteam.com

About Cold Spray Action Team

Founded by Dr. Victor K. Champagne Jr. more than 10 years ago, the Cold Spray Action Team originated in Worcester, MA to introduce cold spray technology to the engineering community and further cold spray efforts toward commercialization. Today, CSAT is a hub for connecting all members of the cold spray ecosystem from researchers to equipment manufacturers to powder suppliers.

About Large Scale Additive Action Team

Spearheaded by Dr. Aaron Birt, the inaugural Large Scale Additive Action Team meeting was hosted in 2022. LSAAT is on a mission toward creating a community platform for those of advanced manufacturing technology to educate, network, and collaborate amongst other members within government, academia, and industry.


About Solvus Global

Founded in 2017, Solvus Global is a technology-solution provider for materials and manufacturing, specializing in the areas of additive manufacturing, machine learning, and sustainable materials processing. Headquartered in Worcester, Solvus Global operates out of three locations across Massachusetts: research and manufacturing facilities in both Leominster and Worcester, and a collaborative center in Webster.

Hungry for Financial Knowledge?

Financial Literacy at Legends Grille & Sports BarJoin Workers Credit Union For A Free Financial Literary Event on Thursday, October 19th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Legends Bar & Grille in Fitchburg.

The Workers Way™ is personalized, one-on-one financial coaching that helps you achieve your goals at any life stage. At this free event, we will walk you through our 6 Financial Pillars (Savings, Budgeting, Credit, Debt Repayment, Risk, and Retirement*) and introduce you to strategies to help you manage your money effectively.

This free event includes complimentary light appetizers

Presented by: Paul Chlebecek, Financial Advisor, CUSO Financial Services, Workers Credit Union Retirement Planning & Investment Center, and Workers Credit Union Financial Wellness Coaches

Own Your Story Workshop

Own Your StoryDate: December 7, 2023
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: LaCava Center, 175 Forest St, Waltham, MA 02452

Own Your Story – The most powerful things we have are the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, what that means, and what we’re capable and deserving of. That story informs all of our decisions, our actions, our interactions, and our relationships. In this talk Maria shares relatable pieces of her own story to connect to attendees and she shares relevant tools to help others shift their stories to align with a more positive mindset that will create healthier dynamics within themselves first. When we are able to do that, we cultivate healthier dynamics within every area of our lives- personal, business, and otherwise.

About Maria Milagros

Maria Milagros (Vazquez) is an award winning keynote speaker, award nominated author, 2x TEDx speaker, storyteller, personal growth & development expert, empowerment life coach, and love activist. Whether sharing her life experiences and knowledge through impactful talks, workshops, leadership training, life coaching or videos, Maria uses stories to bring encouragement, education, and love to empower others to get out of their way and break free from hindering thoughts or beliefs, so that they can live amazing lives and leave their unique and positive mark on the world. She is passionate about living with intention, creating spaces of love, joy and fun, connecting with others, overall health, and empowerment.

A survivor of abuse, depression, and a childhood accident that should’ve left her immobile, Maria embraces her past to create a present of health, happiness, fun, love, and abundance. She believes that she is able to thrive in life not in spite of, but because of, every aspect of her story. She knows that no matter where you come from, what you’ve been through, or what you have done, a healthy mindset shift, rooting into love, and taking personal responsibility, can change every area of your life, as it has for her.

With over 15 years of leadership and personal development education in her pocket, Maria leaves audiences with relevant tools and shifted mindsets that last well after she steps off the stage. Her authentic congruence, infectious energy, and ability to teach from a relatable and positive perspective leave attendees feeling like they had a fun and deep conversation with a trusted friend.

When not speaking or coaching, Maria can usually be found making memories with her incredible daughter, meditating, dancing in public places, leading group fitness classes, reading, or watching a Marvel movie.

To inquire about her speaking availability, one-on-one coaching, or book “Super Sparkly Everything”, or to sign up to get the free weekly email, please visit her website at www.mariamilagros.net.

Local Food Works Annual Partnership Meeting

A “Let’s Be The Region That Food Built” Event
Friday, October 20, 2023, 9 – 11:30 a.m.
Perry Auditorium – 95 Pleasant Street, Gardner, MA

Parking is in the back of City Hall

Agenda

8:30 AM  |  Registration

9:05 AM  |  State of the State, Ayn Yeagle, LFW Steering Committee Member & Executive Director, Growing Places, Leominster

9:20 AM  |  Local Food System Panel
Focus: The importance of agriculture and local food in North Central MAvand how each sector contributes to the local economy

Featuring:

Mike Pineo, Farmer, Pineo Family Farms, Sterling
Erica Bosse, Farmer, Flicker Hill Homestead, Gardner
Roy Nascimento, President & CEO, North Central MA Chamber of Commerce, Fitchburg
Steve Adams, President & CEO, Community Foundation of North Central MA, Fitchburg
Chris Hendry, President & CEO, IC Federal Credit Union, Fitchburg

10:10 AM  |  Anchor Institution Local Purchasing, Ruben Dario Taborda, CEO, Automation & Validation Solutions, Pennsylvania
Focus: Why and how to break down barriers to local procurement

10:40 AM  |  Group Activity: Building Bridges by Breaking Barriers

11:10 AM  |  Food System Affinity Tables and Tangible Asks

11:30 AM  |  Closing Remarks by, Ayn Yeagle, LFW Steering Committee Member & Executive Director, Growing Places, Leominster

This event is hosted by Local Food Works, a network of farmers, nonprofits, businesses, and residents seeking to build a more equitable, sustainable, and accessible local food system in North Central MA. We’re working to make healthy, local food accessible to all by providing training and support to help local farms scale up; creating a food hub to aggregate, store, and distribute food in the region; and strengthening coordination and communications among all sectors of the NCMA food system.

Fitchburg to hold Community Health Resource Fair

The City of Fitchburg Health Department invites the public to attend the annual Community Health Resource to be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 4pm – 7pm in O’Neill Hall at the Fitchburg Senior Center, 14 Wallace Ave, Fitchburg.

According to Sue Christensen, Outreach & Prevention Coordinator, “In recognizing the social determinates of health, the annual Resource Fair is an opportunity for residents to visit over 70 different information tables representing a wide variety of local services.” The topics include housing, shelter, elder services, medical care, youth services, mental health, substance use disorder, veterans as well as cultural offerings. Many city departments will be participating including Health, Parks & Recreation, Police, Library, Schools, and others. Fitchburg Commissions representing include Disability and Human Rights. Representatives from the offices of State Senator John Cronin, State Representative Michael Kushmerek and District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. will also be on hand to meet with residents.

Director of Public Health Stephen D. Curry is looking forward to the event, stating that the annual Community Resource Fair “provides an opportunity for members of the community to learn about a variety of local services available – all in one place.”

The Fitchburg Health Department will be offering free flu shots and blood pressure readings. As an affiliate of the Commonwealth Naloxone Purchasing Program, the Health Department will provide Narcan training and distribution.

A free raffle will be held at the event, with many participating organizations donating items. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner welcomes Barbara Mahoney as New Chair

 Barbara MahoneyThe Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner is thrilled to announce the appointment of Barbara Mahoney, the esteemed President & CEO of Leominster Credit Union, as the new Chair of its Board of Directors.

As President & CEO of Leominster Credit Union, Ms. Mahoney has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community growth and development. Her vast experience in leadership roles, coupled with her passion for supporting local causes, positions her perfectly for this new responsibility.

“We are immensely fortunate to have someone of Barbara’s stature and commitment to the community stepping into this vital role,” said Elizabeth Coveney, CEO of The Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner. “Her leadership at Leominster Credit Union and her dedication to enriching our community align perfectly with our mission. I am confident that under Barbara’s guidance, we will continue to empower our youth and further our impact in the region.”

Ms. Mahoney’s association with the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner is not new. Over the years, she has been actively involved in various capacities, contributing her time, insights, and resources to further the Club’s mission.

“I am honored to be elected Chair of an organization that provides high-quality services to youth and families in our communities.  I am excited to drive the mission of the club with an engaged board and staff to offer programs that address the needs of our diverse population,
stated Barbara Mahoney, President and CEO, Leominster Credit Union.”

The Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner has long played an essential role in the community by providing a safe space and constructive programs for young people. With Ms. Mahoney at the helm of the Board of Directors, the organization looks forward to strengthening its impact and reaching even greater heights.

For media inquiries, please contact:

David Ginisi
Sr. Director of Development
The Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner
dginisi@bgcfl.org

Partnership Chat Drop-In Session

FSU - Partnership ChatThe School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education in collaboration with Career Services is hosting a series of corporate, small business, non-profit and municipal-based drop-in chat sessions designed to answer regional partner questions about:

  • Internships
  • Job fairs and other on campus recruiting events
  • Professional development
  • Workforce development
  • Grant opportunities
  • Undergraduate degree completion for your staff
  • Graduate education opportunities (master’s and certificates)
  • Inviting faculty to speak to your staff
  • Inviting your staff to speak on university panels
  • Research collaborations
  • Participating in university academic advisory boards

It’s easy!

Drop-in anytime during our chat time 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. on the following Thursdays.

Register for drop-in chat

Once registered, a Zoom meeting link will be emailed to you.
Time: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Session I: October 12
Session II: November 9
Session III: December 7

You may “drop-in” virtually at any time during this open session. There is no formal format to this event- we’re here to help you! You can jump in quickly for a few minutes, get your question answered and be on your way or stop in for a longer visit and get general information about all the ways Fitchburg State can partner with your organization.

Questions? Email us at partnership@fitchburgstate.edu or call the Center for Professional Studies at (978) 665-3636.

Fidelity Bank announces Special Loan Program for individuals, businesses affected by the Leominster floods

Fidelity Bank today announced a Special Loan Program tailored for those impacted by the September 11 floods in the City of Leominster.

Personal and business loans are available through the program for individuals and business owners to utilize for recovery efforts. Both personal and business loans are available up to $10,000 with no interest and no payments for 90 days and no origination fees, and business loans do not require financials.

“In the wake of the recent flash floods that have deeply affected our beloved Leominster community, we want to extend our heartfelt support to you, our fellow businesses and our neighbors,” said Ed Manzi, Jr., chairman and CEO, Fidelity Bank. “While no words can replace what’s been lost, we are dedicated to being here during these tough times and provide assistance to our colleagues, clients and community—consistent with our mission and LifeDesign promise.”

For individuals and businesses affected by the recent floods, there may be additional support and assistance available through Fidelity Bank to help navigate what is needed to rebuild and recover.

The bank also today announced a $10,000 donation to the Leominster Flood Relief Fund. This donation will be included as part of the City of Leominster’s previously announced $50,000 match for all donations made to the fund by September 30.

For more information about the Special Loan Program for the Leominster floods, please visit www.fidelitybankonline.com/leominsterstrong, visit any of the banking centers, or call 1-800-581-5363.

Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study – Working Group Meeting #3

northern-tier-email-bannerThe third Working Group meeting of the Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. The meeting will be held virtually and is open to the public.

At this meeting, the study team will share an overview of the study’s background, review the public workshop, present the development and evaluation of the Phase 2 alternatives, and garner feedback.

Please note that this virtual public meeting will be recorded.

This meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. MassDOT provides reasonable accommodations and/or language assistance free of charge upon request (e.g interpreters in American Sign Language and languages other than English, live captioning, videos, assistive listening devices and alternate material formats), as available.

For accommodation or language assistance, please contact MassDOT’s Chief Diversity & Civil Rights Officer by phone at (857) 368-8580, TTD/TTY at (857) 266-0603, fax (857) 368-0602 or by email to MASSDOT.CivilRights@dot.state.ma.us. Requests should be made as soon as possible prior to the meeting, and for more difficult to arrange services including sign-language, CART or language translation or interpretation, requests should be made at least ten business days before the meeting.

Clash at the Club 4

Clash at the Club 4 Night of ChampionsGet ready for an epic showdown at the Clash at the Club 4! Join The Boys and Girls Club on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 365 Lindell Avenue, Leominster, MA 01453 for an unforgettable in-person event.

This is your chance to witness the ultimate clash of talents and skills in a thrilling atmosphere. From heart-pounding performances to jaw-dropping displays of talent, Clash at the Club 4 promises to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the evening.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a great time, this event is not to be missed. So mark your calendars and join us for an evening filled with excitement, entertainment, and camaraderie.

Don’t miss out on the action! Grab your friends and be part of the Clash at the Club 4. See you there!