JEFF ARDIS SELECTED FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT POSITION

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Jeff Ardis photo

(North Central, MA) – The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of Jeff Ardis to its professional staff as Membership Services & Business Development Manager.

In this position, Mr. Ardis will be responsible for managing the Chamber’s membership services.  His mission will be to raise the Chamber’s visibility and educate businesses in the region about the Chamber’s service offerings, promoting the benefits of membership and ensuring that current members enjoy maximum value for their investment.

“We are excited to have Jeff join our team and help lead our member relations efforts,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO. “His experience will be a tremendous resource for our members and a great help in our work to advance the North Central Massachusetts economy.”

Ardis brings to the Chamber a broad background in sales, marketing, and business development from his time with the LEGO Company, the government trade agencies of Australia and Northern Ireland, the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and most recently the global logistics firm DHL Express. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from American University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Georgia State University.

His early goals will be to continue the success of the October campaign that welcomed more than 100 new members; build relationships with key players in the business community and local government; and find the best ways to help members grow their businesses through the Chamber’s resources. He will also help coordinate the Chamber’s insurance services.

Existing members or businesses interested in learning more about the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce can reach Ardis at (978) 353-7600 ext. 234 or via email at .

Chamber submits testimony on economic development bill

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Approving a comprehensive economic development plan is vital to our state and region’s economy

Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO and Patrick Lawlor, Public Affairs Manager for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce attended the four hour hearing on April 5, 2016 of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies to submit testimony on the state’s new economic development bill.

In his testimony, Nascimento stressed the importance of passing a final bill that emphasizes regional equity and greater investment in other parts of the state outside of Greater Boston. He called the Baker administration’s proposal a robust economic development bill, noting that the Chamber supports many of the items in the bill, especially the heavy emphasis on manufacturing – an industry that accounts for one in four jobs in North Central Massachusetts. However, he highlighted the need for more economic development resources devoted to the central and western part of the state so that these regions can achieve their true potential and share in the economic growth of Greater Boston. The testimony also highlighted the need for more support for small businesses and the need for more investment and support of the tourism industry, the third largest industry in the state. Nascimento also advocated for greater investments in high speed connectivity for residents and businesses in North Central Massachusetts.

Passing a comprehensive, economic development bill that supports the advancement of North Central Massachusetts is a top priority for the Chamber this legislative session. Click here to read the testimony. For more information about the Chamber’s advocacy on this issue, please contact Patrick Lawlor, Public Affairs Manager at .

Chamber Leading Tour of Manufacturers for School Leaders

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WHEN: Tuesday, April 26, 2016, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

WHAT: The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation will be coordinating a tour of local manufacturers. The tour is aimed at connecting school superintendents and educators with advanced manufacturing as part of the Chamber’s effort to break down stigmas of careers in manufacturing. The goal of the tour will be to promote careers in manufacturing and provide insight for those leading educational programs and advising students on career decisions.

WHERE: Bus departs Chamber of Commerce, 860 South Street, Fitchburg, MA, 01420 at 8:00 AM.

Rocheleau Tool & Die, 117 Industrial Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420 at 8:30 AM

Burkhart-Phelan, Inc., 2 Shaker Road, Shirley, MA, 01464, at 10:00 AM

NYPRO, 112 Barnum Rd. Devens, MA 01434 at 11:15 AM

Mount Wachusett Community College, Devens Manufacturing Center, 1 Jackson Road, Devens, MA, 12:30 AM

WHO: Superintendents of Schools in North Central Massachusetts; Legislative Delegation of North Central Massachusetts; Economic Development and Business Leaders; Chamber of Commerce staff

All-Day Workshops Scheduled for Entrepreneurs in Athol, Ma

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and North Quabbin Community Coalition are holding two business workshops on May 10, 2016 aimed at assisting potential and existing entrepreneurs.

The free workshops are being held in cooperation with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC), SCORE, Town of  Athol and NewVue Communities (formally Twin Cities CDC).

Both workshops will each run approximately two and a half hours and will be held at the North Quabbin Community Coalition, 251 Exchange St., Athol, MA, on Tuesday, May 10.

Session I: Fundamentals in Planning, Preparing, and Financing Your Business will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and will focus on evaluating and understanding the fundamentals of owning one’s own business.  Information on how to get started, where and how to get financing and the loan application process will be presented.  Registration begins at 8:00. Continental breakfast will be provided for all participants.  Presented by Roland Nutter, AdviCoach

Session II: Understanding the Purpose of Financial Statements and How They Can Help Determine the Health of Your Business will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will focus on understanding a balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement.  The workshop will also explain how a small business owner can anticipate financial needs in order to operate his/her business more efficiently.  Registration begins at 11:00. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Presented by Robert C. Alario, CPA

To register, please contact Sandie Cataldo at 978-353-7607 ext. 232 or or register online at northcentralmass.com.

 The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts. NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance.  Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4,200,000 in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.

 For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978-353-7607.

Chamber’s young professionals program to feature world renowned North Central business, Burkart-Phelan.

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the next edition of the “CEO Unplugged” series will feature Lillian Burkart, president of Burkart-Phelan, Inc on March 30, 2016. HYPE! (Helping Young Professional Emerge) was introduced in 2012 to support the growing young professionals’ community by connecting members socially and through personal and professional development programs, with the CEO Unplugged introduced in 2015.

The CEO Unplugged series gives young professionals access to local leaders for a chance to connect and learn about their journey to success. Attendees will have a chance to meet with a local CEO in their workplace to discuss professional development such as leadership values, entrepreneurship, investment in community and career paths. The program will run from 7:30 am to 9 am bi-monthly. Attendance is open to any young professionals within the Chamber membership. But, seats will be limited to no more than 20 people. The program is free, but pre-registration is required.

Burkart-Phelan, Inc. is a world renowned flute and piccolo manufacturer with more than 30 years of experience. Each instrument is handcrafted and available in 35 countries and 6 continents.  Lillian Burkart, president of the company, will discuss her niche brand as well as provide a tour of the workshop.

For more information or to register, please contact the Chamber at 978-353-7600 ext. 235 or visit www.northcentralmass.com.

Johnny Appleseed Trail Association to offer region’s first Tourism Update Breakfast

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Johnny Appleseed Trail Association to offer region’s first Tourism Update Breakfast

Forum to bring together tourism related businesses and organizations in the region

The Johnny Appleseed Trail Association (JATA) and the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the first Tourism Update Breakfast being held on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Road, Princeton, MA. This exciting and fast paced breakfast event features industry experts who will share their professional insights on marketing North Central Massachusetts.

Mark PrestonMark Preston, of TripAdvisor, will discuss reputation branding and utilizing resources afforded online.  While serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in a small community in the Andes Mountains in Ecuador 15 years ago, Mark learned the true power and influence travel and tourism can have on a local economy.   Since that time, Mark has leveraged those learnings across his career.  As an 8-year veteran of TripAdvisor Media Group, Mark has helped strategically plan and customize online campaigns for partners worldwide; ranging from well-known airlines such as United, Continental and American Airlines to Online Travel Agencies like Hotwire, Booking.com, and Agoda.

jeff CrowleyNorth Central’s own Jeff Crowley, President of Wachusett Mountain Ski Area will provide an industry update and highlight the ski area’s marketing efforts.  Wachusett Mountain Ski Area is a leader in winter sports in New England with more than 50 years in the ski industry.  The Ski Area has grown exponentially since its inception in the 1970’s with the addition of trails, faster lifts and changes to the rental shop.  As one of three second-generation owners, Jeff will also discuss the Mountain’s impact and partnerships which support tourism growth throughout North Central Massachusetts.

Tony DAgostinoTony D’Agostino, has been with the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism for more than ten years as the Director of Research. In that time, Tony’s main projects have been related to studying the volume of tourists, visitors and the economic impact of tourism spending in Massachusetts. These reports support the marketing initiatives and activities of the sixteen regional tourism councils across the Commonwealth.  Tony’s presentation will highlight visitor trends, top visitor markets and the impact of tourism for the state and region.

“Tourism is important to the future of North Central Massachusetts and plays an increasingly important role in our local economy” said Roy Nascimento, president of the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association. “We are hosting this Tourism Update Breakfast as a way to bring tourism related stakeholders in the region together to share best practices, learn new trends in the industry and to take advantage of new opportunities to better market local businesses and the region to visitors.”

The Tourism Update Breakfast is open to all community members and will run from 7:30 am to 9:30 am. The cost is just $20 for JATA and North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce members/$30 for non-members and includes a breakfast buffet. Registration can be done online at www.northcentralmass.com. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact the Chamber at 978-353-7600 ext. 235 or visit www.northcentralmass.com

Chamber of Commerce Calls for Greater Access to High Speed Internet in Position Statement

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recently adopted a policy position statement on high speed internet infrastructure. The position statement calls for greater investments in high speed internet and cooperation between service providers, the business community, and government in order to bring North Central Massachusetts’ broadband infrastructure to be on par with the rest of the state.

“In this information age, this is a vital and basic resource for businesses and schools,” said Doug Peterson, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Anything less than the highest available speed is putting us at a serious disadvantage.”

“The current internet capacity in our part of the state would not be acceptable in Metro West and Greater Boston area,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “In order for our children and future generations to have a competitive edge, we need to take a serious approach at bridging this gap.”

Many parts of North Central Massachusetts including major urban areas and major industrial and commercial spaces are lacking cable infrastructure that provides access to high speed internet.

The position statement calls for cable and broadband infrastructure to be deemed a critical infrastructure, allowing upgrades to be subsidized by state infrastructure dollars and economic development grants. The statement also calls for loosening of roadblocks or other barriers to competition so that companies can more easily provide service to communities with sub-par internet capacity. Current market models for internet service providers limit customer choice; the Chamber’s statement hopes that greater competition in the market would drive better access to underserved areas.

Wireline availability in Massachusetts varies depending on internet service provider and available pole and underground infrastructure. Costs for improving infrastructure typically require investments from service providers and communities depending on cost of construction or improvements.

For more information on policy position statements visit the Chamber’s website, www.northcentralmass.com or contact Patrick Lawlor, public affairs manager at (978) 353-7600 ext. 224.

Chamber Unveils Social Media Campaign to Promote Manufacturing Careers

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and its economic development affiliate the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation are pleased to announce the launch of a targeted social media campaign to promote careers in manufacturing to young people and their parents.  This new campaign is designed to reach audiences that are not typically associated with careers in manufacturing and aims to target a new audience for a potential future workforce.

The awareness campaign, part of the Chamber’s “Amp It Up!” initiative, highlights the exciting, technology-driven, well-paying career options in manufacturing, dispels common myths about the industry, and bolsters the prospective employee base for these quality jobs with North Central Massachusetts companies.  The campaign includes short videos, infographics and news reports highlighting manufacturing careers and posted on popular social media channels including Facebook, YouTube and twitter.  The campaign is expected to run from late February through the end of May and is directed towards millennials and their parents.

North Central Massachusetts boasts the largest concentration of manufacturing in the state.  Fully one-third of all private wages paid in the region are from manufacturing jobs.  Companies range from the world class plastics industry cluster of more than 140 companies to pharmaceuticals to photonics and paper, as well as biomedical devices.

Manufacturers today are some of the most well-paid, highly trained and in demand employees in the workforce, working on advanced equipment and technology.  However, many manufacturers have been challenged recruiting the workers they need.  Despite the high wage potential and increasing employer demand, there is both a need for more young workers and a skills gap among an existing and a transitioning workforce.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation remain committed to supporting and growing this critical sector of the region’s economy.

The purpose of the “AMP it up!” initiative is to leverage new and existing resources to continue ongoing efforts to reach career counselors, community organizations, youth-serving organizations, teachers, and most importantly students throughout North Central Massachusetts.  The Chamber’s “Amp It Up!” initiative is funded in part through a matching grant from MassDevelopment.  Other partners include Fitchburg State University, Mt. Wachusett Community College and school systems throughout the region.  Ongoing efforts to promote manufacturing careers have also included engaging the schools and offering career exploration activities to students such as manufacturing tours and participating in career day activities in the schools.

For more information on the social media awareness campaign or the “Amp It Up!” Initiative, please contact the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at (978) 353-7600.

North Central Mass Chamber to Join Members of Congress in D.C.

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TsongasTrip will connect business and community leaders to federal officials, issues

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with U.S. Representative Niki Tsongas will travel to Washington D.C. this April to meet with federal officials and attend briefings on high-profile policy issues. The “D.C. Fly-in” will connect business and community leaders from the region to elected officials and policy shapers in order to deepen their understanding of national policy issues as well as advocate for advancement of the North Central Massachusetts region. The trip is scheduled for April 13-14.

“This is a great way for our members to grow their understanding of complex issues and hear from those with the experience and influence over the challenges businesses face on a daily basis,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We are very grateful to Congresswoman Tsongas for her commitment to her district and helping us plan this great opportunity.”

“Third District Day is a unique opportunity for residents to interact with lawmakers, public officials, media personalities, business leaders and more, as well as provide a firsthand look at how the Capitol works,” said Congresswoman Tsongas. “This is a great tradition, which was started almost two decades ago to engage interested citizens. It reflects the spirit of community involvement running throughout the Third District.”

The fly-in will include policy briefings at the United States Chamber of Commerce, meetings with Congressman James McGovern, Congresswoman Tsongas, and a panel of speakers. Past speakers have included members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, legislative leadership, nationally renowned journalists, business leaders, and thought leaders and experts on high profile topics like consumer finance and national security.

The two-day, high impact schedule will take Chamber members throughout the nation’s capital focusing on a variety of issues like workforce development, health care and energy. The D.C fly-in is part of the chamber’s efforts to increase advocacy and government relations at all levels of government.

 For more information or to register for the Chamber’s D.C. Fly-In, please fill out the REGISTRATION FORM or contact the Chamber at 978-353-7600 ext. 224.

March Good Morning North Central features CEO of Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and Worcester County Sheriff

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The next edition of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber’s popular Good Morning North Central breakfast series is scheduled for Friday, March 11, 2016 from 6:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Doubletree by Hilton, 99 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA.  The March edition is sponsored by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts.

Travis McCreadyFeatured speakers for the March breakfast are Travis McCready, CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis.  McCready joined the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center as the organization’s second President & CEO in October 2015. In this position, Mr. McCready is responsible for leading the ongoing implementation of the $1 billion Massachusetts Life Sciences Initiative, a public-private partnership that has contributed to Massachusetts’ emergence as the global leader in life sciences.  McCready directs and oversees the Center’s investment strategy, along with the agency’s operations, programs and partnerships.

Sheriff Evangelidis was elected Worcester County Sheriff on November 2, 2010, after having served eight years Sherriff Evangelidisas a state representative. In his role as sheriff, he serves as the highest law enforcement official for the largest county in Massachusetts with 60 towns and over 800,000 residents.  Since taking office, he has focused his efforts on improving the professionalism of the department and implementing education and drug prevention initiatives as ways to keep youth out of the jails.

The Good Morning North Central series is a high-profile, fast-paced and educational program geared towards executives, senior managers, professionals and small business owners.  Each of the programs has a business-oriented focus and features popular speakers to present on topics of interest to local business and community leaders.

Don’t miss the region’s best morning gathering.  The cost is just $25 for Chamber members/$40 non-members and includes a breakfast buffet.  Season Tickets are also available for purchase.  Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact the Chamber at 978-353-7600 ext. 235 or visit www.northcentralmass.com