Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Massachusetts 250 Initiative to Celebrate the Anniversary of America’s Independence

/in /by

Statewide Initiative will Commemorate Massachusetts’ Pivotal Role in America’s Founding; Launch Included Announcement of $1.5 Million in Grants for Revolutionary War Cultural Programming

Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll joined Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, state officials, legislators, and representatives from the Massachusetts arts, culture, and tourism industry at the State House to launch Massachusetts 250, a statewide initiative to celebrate 250 years of America’s independence and Massachusetts’ revolutionary legacy. The initiative will highlight the state’s rich history and amplify untold stories of the Revolution through hundreds of cultural and community events over the next two years.

Today’s event included a grand display with reenactors, dignitaries, and historic militia personnel joining the celebration on the steps of the State House. During the event, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll also announced $1.5 million in grants to 37 organizations through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) to support the development of projects that promote Massachusetts’ Revolutionary War history.

“Massachusetts is where the Revolution began and where the Revolution continues. We are first in freedom, first in education, first in health care and first in innovation. And with Massachusetts 250, we’re leading commemorations of the Revolutionary War for the next two years,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Massachusetts 250 is a statewide, ongoing celebration of our history and everything that makes our state special. We’re excited to launch this campaign which will draw visitors, drive local economies, and share the whole story of Massachusetts and our nation through the voices of every community.”

“Massachusetts 250 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate Massachusetts’ history and showcase the state as a top destination for visitors from across the country and worldwide,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Statewide partnerships and events will commemorate our revolutionary spirit, highlighting the far-reaching impacts of Massachusetts in revolutionary history and the many other firsts that originated here, creating a powerful celebration of our civic pride.”

The Massachusetts 250 Grant Program, administered by MOTT within the Executive Office of Economic Development, will fund projects that highlight historic themes of revolution and independence, celebrate significant “firsts” in Massachusetts history, and take a creative or innovative approach to commemorating the state’s past 250 years. A full list of grant recipients is available online.

“The Semiquincentennial is a tremendous economic opportunity for Massachusetts businesses and cultural institutions that will offer world-class experiences to visitors eager to participate in these historic occasions,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “We’re excited to see the creative campaign drive economic activity within our local and regional economies and thrilled to see grant recipients showcase the iconic stories of Massachusetts’ revolutionary past.”

“This campaign captures the significance of Massachusetts as a force for innovation, a cultural cornerstone, and a foundation of our nation,” said MOTT Executive Director Kate Fox. “Massachusetts 250 is an incredible opportunity to elevate the contributions and assets of our state, allowing visitors to experience how Massachusetts has played a pivotal role in America’s independence while engaging with all of our natural beauty and historical and cultural institutions. We look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate this national milestone here in Massachusetts.”

The Massachusetts 250 creative campaign will collaborate with municipalities, community groups, businesses, and local organizations to commemorate the state’s revolutionary history over the next two years. Statewide partnerships and programs will engage locals and visitors in experiences that narrate iconic historical moments like the Shot Heard Around the World, Battle of Bunker Hill, Boston Tea Party, and Paul Revere’s Ride. Library programs, Revolutionary Weekends, and signature events will highlight the untold stories of Native Americans, women, and people of color who played crucial roles in shaping America and Massachusetts. The creative campaign, spearheaded by the Boston-based creative marketing firm Proverb, will include billboards in Times Square in New York City and other out-of-state markets, as well as digital and social media ads.

“Massachusetts 250 builds on the work that has been done by the Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and historic organizations throughout the Commonwealth to launch Massachusetts forward as we highlight our contributions to the founding of the United States over the next two years,” said Senator Paul Mark, Co-Chair of the Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. “The grants being awarded today will help support the collaborative efforts that will ensure that Massachusetts successfully showcases our amazing history and attractions while also demonstrating our leadership and potential for the future.”

“This Massachusetts250 campaign will help to highlight Massachusetts’ pivotal role as the birthplace of the American Revolution and showcase the Commonwealth’s legacy of courage, independence and leadership,” said Representative Mindy Domb (D-Amherst), Co-Chair of the Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and House Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. “This campaign has an opportunity to highlight how Massachusetts continues to embrace revolution, change and our commitment to create a more equitable and just commonwealth and country. I’m looking forward to the cross-commonwealth celebration and eager to learn the untold stories of those whose struggles and resilience continue to shape and strengthen our commonwealth and nation.”

Massachusetts 250 Grant Awardees:

  • 1Berkshire, Pittsfield
  •  Boston 4 Foundation, Boston
  •  Carlisle Historical Society< Carlisle
  •  Charlestown Historical Society, Boston
  •  City of Cambridge, Cambridge
  •  City of Chelsea, Chelsea
  •  City of Fall River, Fall River
  •  City of Salem, Salem
  •  Congregational Library & Archives, Boston
  •  Essex National Heritage, Inc., Salem
  •  Explore New Bedford, New Bedford
  •  Framingham History Center, Framingham
  •  Freedom Trail Foundation, Boston
  •  Freedom’s Way Heritage Association, Devens
  •  Friends of Doherty Park, Boston
  •  Hingham Historical Society, Hingham
  •  Historic New England, Haverhill
  •  Lexington Historical Society, Lexington
  •  Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston
  •  Museum of African American History, Boston and Nantucket
  •  Museum of Old Newbury, Newburyport
  •  North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Salisbury
  •  Plimoth Patuxet Museums, Plymouth
  •  Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum, Hadley
  •  Somerville Museum, Somerville
  •  Springfield Preservation Trust, Springfield
  •  The Concord Museum, Concord
  •  The Innovation Trail of Greater Boston, Boston
  •  The Museum of Printing, Haverhill
  •  Town of Arlington, Arlington
  •  Town of Concord, Concord
  •  Town of Visitors Center, Lexington
  •  Town of Weymouth, Weymouth
  •  USS Constitution Museum, Boston
  •  Visit North Central Massachusetts, Fitchburg
  •  WBUR, Boston
  •  White Snake Projects, Brookline

Visit massachusetts250.org for more information and follow the campaign on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads.

North Central Massachusetts | Central Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Chamber of Commerce | Economic Development | Massachusetts Business | Rural Economy

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce leads effort to install welcome signage in Lunenburg

/in /by

Sign provides recognition of civic pride for residents and visitors alike

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce today announced it has sponsored the construction of a new welcome sign for the Town of Lunenburg located on Lancaster Avenue near Stillman Farm.

The new sign is part of a project to construct welcome signs at key gateways in communities to boost civic pride and serve as a positive first impression for visitors. The project was partially funded by a grant secured by the Chamber.

“One of the goals of our regional economic development plan, One North Central, was to capitalize on our region’s unique locations,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Each community brings a distinctive experience to the region and with this project, those entering Lunenburg will receive a warm, New England welcome with Blue Knight pride as residents return home and visitors experience the history, businesses and farms that Lunenburg offers.”

“As Lunenburg is located at the crossroads of two major arteries in North Central Massachusetts, we are grateful for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce to provide us with these welcome signs as a way for motorists to recognize they are entering into our vibrant community,” said Carter Terenzini, interim town manager, Town of Lunenburg. “From our Village Center District to our many farms, businesses and community events, Lunenburg provides that quaint New England feeling and these signs are a way for us to welcome residents home and encourage visitors to explore all that we have to offer.”

The signs were designed and produced by Add-A-Sign in Leominster and represent the region’s traditional New England style. The Lunenburg welcome sign includes a carving of the Town of Lunenburg seal and is painted in the town’s proud color of green.

In addition to Lunenburg, similar welcome signs have been installed at key gateways in Fitchburg, Gardner, Hubbardston, Leominster, Pepperell, Sterling and Westminster. Additional signs will be constructed for other communities in North Central Massachusetts as funding becomes available.

North Central Massachusetts | Central Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Chamber of Commerce near me | Economic Development | Small Town Economy | Rural Economy

Chamber Hosting Office Hours with State Economic Development Officials

/in /by

In a partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), MassDevelopment, Mass Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC), and MassHire, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will be hosting state economic development officials for one-on-one appointments with local developers, manufacturers, and business owners. The meetings are an opportunity to discuss any specific matters related to their business or the expansion of their business, as well as to review state resources available to support business growth and expansion.

Kevin Kuros, Central Massachusetts Director for MOBD; Rob Anderson, Vice President of MassDevelopment; Chuck Merrill, Senior Loan Officer for MGCC; and Scott Percifull, Program Coordinator for MassHire; will be available at the Chamber office by appointment on Monday, September 23 between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. The appointments are in thirty-minute increments and are first come, first serve. The meetings are free and confidential, available on a non-discriminatory basis, and are handicapped accessible.

MOBD helps businesses relocating to Massachusetts and businesses wishing to expand their current operations here. MOBD is responsible for managing the state’s Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) which provides tax credits for qualifying business expansion projects. In addition, they provide information on other state economic development programs, including the state’s R&D tax credit, the Mass Life Science Center tax incentives, the Workforce Training Fund grant program, the STEP grant offered through the Mass Office of International Trade and Investment, and other state resources. MOBD also oversees the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO) which is focused on supporting businesses considering converting to an employee ownership structure.

MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency, and land bank, works with businesses, nonprofits, banks, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2023, MassDevelopment financed or managed 545 projects generating investment of more than $2 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 10,522 jobs and build or preserve 1,583 housing units.

MGCC helps small businesses create and preserve jobs by providing access to working capital, loan guarantees, business resources, and targeted managerial assistance that solves specific financial and operational problems. MGCC works with traditional financial institutions to turn “un-bankable” businesses bankable, Community Development Centers and non-profits to provide financing for job-producing projects, and directly with businesses to find the growth capital they require.

MassHire Bizworks/Rapid Response coordinates state and federal resources for businesses, offering a single point of contact to multiple programs. The MassHire Rapid Response team provides layoff prevention, early intervention re-employment, layoff management, and outplacement services to companies and their employees. Additionally, we offer employment and training resources, including assistance with recruitment, hiring, and tax credit programs.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Sandie Cataldo, Senior Economic Development Manager at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 978.353.7600 ext. 232 or via email at .

North Central Massachusetts | Chamber of Commerce | Chamber of Commerce near me | Economic Development | Business Development | Business Loans | Business Technical Assistance | Small Business Loans | Small Business Technical Assistance | Business Development Corporation | Business Resources | Microloan Lender | Massachusetts Business |Expand Business | Supporting Businesses

Fall 2024 Goverment Affairs Update

/in /by

Federal Affairs:

Goverment Affairs Update - Fall

In May, the Chamber participated in Small Business Day on Beacon Hill, meeting with a number of our region’s delegation about our legislative priorities and small business concerns. Pictured left to right: State Representative Meg Kilcoyne; State Representative Natalie Higgins; Chamber President & CEO, Roy Nascimento; Chamber member and owner of ECi Stores, Neil Abramson; and State Representative Mike Kushmerek.

As we approach the fall, attention is focused on Washington D.C. ahead of the November election. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Jim McGovern and Congresswoman Lori Trahan are running unopposed. For the Senate, incumbent Senator Elizabeth Warren will face a Republican challenger, to be determined by the Republican primary in early September. We will closely monitor the policies of the winning Presidential administration to assess their potential impact on the business community when they take office in January.

We’re pleased to announce our annual Congressional Luncheon event on Thursday, October 17th at 11:30 am at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Leominster. Both Congressman McGovern and Congresswoman Trahan will be in attendance. We extend our gratitude to our premier sponsor, Fitchburg State University, and supporting sponsor, Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc., for their generous support.

State Affairs:

Budget: Following tradition, Beacon Hill agreed on a $57.8 billion budget after the start of the new Fiscal Year, with Governor Healey signing it in late July. The Governor’s $317 million veto overrides remained in place as formal sessions concluded.

Economic Development: At the time of this writing, lawmakers are expected to return to Beacon Hill to address the proposed economic development bond bill which did not pass during formal session. The House and Senate have released separate versions of the proposed bill which, depending on a compromise, would include billions of dollars in bond authorizations and tax credits along with the reauthorization of the state’s life sciences initiative, hundreds of millions in MassWorks public infrastructure grants, $99 million for advanced manufacturing, and a potential reintroduction of Happy Hour.

Education: The budget continues to fund the Student Opportunity Act with $6.86 billion, a 4% increase over FY24. Fair Share funds will be used to make community college free for all. Investments continue in programs helping high school students earn industry-recognized credentials and in pathways and early college initiatives.

Housing: A housing bond bill was passed to address the Commonwealth’s housing crisis. Secretary Ed Augustus estimates this legislation will lead to the creation of over 45,000 new units and the preservation of 27,000 housing units. The $5.15 billion bonding bill offers new tax credits for companies converting unused commercial buildings, doubles the tax credit for rehabilitating historic buildings, and allows accessory dwelling units by-right.

Wage Equity: New legislation (H. 4890) requires employers with 25 or more employees to disclose pay ranges in job postings and provide pay range information for promotions, transfers, and upon request. The Attorney General’s Office will conduct a public awareness campaign and has enforcement authority, including the ability to impose fines for violations.

Election Season: In addition to the Presidential election, State Representative and State Senator positions will be on the November ballot, with several regional delegation members facing contested elections.

We invite you to our Legislative and Candidates Reception, one of our most exciting annual events. It provides community members the opportunity to engage with current elected officials and candidates. The event, supported by premier sponsor Mount Wachusett Community College and supporting sponsor Open Sky Community Services, will be held at the Chocksett Inn in Sterling on Thursday, September 26th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Ballot Questions: The Chamber is particularly concerned about Ballot Questions 2 and 5:

  • Question 2 would remove the statewide high school graduation requirement to pass the 10th grade MCAS standardized test without offering a uniform alternative standard. We believe this could lower education standards at a critical time.
  • Question 5 proposes eliminating the tip credit. We have serious concerns about its potential impact on tipped employees and restaurants, key drivers of our local economy. Currently, all workers in Massachusetts, including tipped employees, are guaranteed to earn at least the $15 minimum wage. A recent survey showed that 86% of tipped employees prefer the current system, and a coalition of tipped employees has endorsed a NO vote on this question.

For questions or concerns regarding the Chamber’s public policy efforts, please contact Travis Condon, our public affairs manager, at 978.353.7600, ext. 224, or via email at .

North Central Massachusetts | Chamber of Commerce | Chamber of Commerce near me | Legislative Issues | Elected Officials | Government Affairs | Community Support | Business Development | Workforce Development | Massachusetts Industry

Fall 2024 Tourism Update

/in , /by

As we conclude the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, the Chamber is pleased to share this update of our tourism affiliate Visit North Central Massachusetts (VNCM). This report highlights our marketing efforts, achievements, and future plans to promote our region as a premier destination.

Branding & Advertising

Our advertising strategy combined print and digital media across target markets, with messaging such as “Everything You Love About New England… A Lot Closer to Home.” and “Drive to, not through, North Central MA” through various channels, including:

  • Paid social media campaigns via MassLive
  • Search Engine Marketing through Local IQ
  • Print/digital campaigns in Boston Magazine
  • Digital and email campaign with AAA
  • Digital bundle campaign with Yankee Publishing

These efforts showcased our region’s diverse attractions and increased web traffic, aiming to captivate potential visitors and encourage exploration of North Central Massachusetts.

Visitor Guide

We also published the Fall/Winter edition of the Guide to North Central Massachusetts, a popular glossy, full-color magazine aimed at informing and inspiring readers. It showcases the region as a unique destination for living, working, and visiting. We printed 40,000 copies per edition and distributed them to 350 high-traffic locations throughout New England through AAA and CTM Media Group. A digital version is also shared on our website, social media, via email, and shared with the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) to maximize its reach and engagement.

FAM Trips & Travel Shows

We actively participated in Familiarization Trips & Travel Shows. We also continued our “Super Region” collaboration with two other Central Massachusetts Regional Tourism Councils (Discover Central MA and MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau), implementing an off-season marketing campaign. We hosted two regional travel writer press trips in January and March to assist us with generating more interest in the region among the travel media and other travel influencers. We have several advertising campaigns underway and are working with CM Communications, a Boston-based PR Agency that specializes in destination marketing. Our participation in the Dream Destination Travel Show in October also further promoted our region as a desirable travel destination.

Social Media

We maintained a strong presence on social media throughout the year. From January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, our Visit North Central Massachusetts Facebook page had a total reach of 500,291, a 21% decrease over the previous six months, but a 17% increase over the same timeframe the previous year. Our Facebook channel also attracted 4,068 new followers, an 11.66% increase over the previous six months. In addition, the page also had 7,400 content interactions and 12,600 link clicks during the same timeframe. Paid reach was 250,017 and 1,395,876 paid impressions. On Instagram, the page achieved a reach of 43,700, a 33.9% decrease over the previous six months, but a 250% increase over the same timeframe the previous year. We gained 419 new followers, had 2,300 content interactions and 1,200 link clicks during the same timeframe.

Website

Our tourism website, Visitnorthcentral.com, has experienced growth in traffic for FY24. Google Analytics indicates that our website experienced a 44.5% increase in pageviews; a 51.1% increase in sessions; and a 48.1% increase in unique users from January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, when compared to the same timeframe in 2023. During the same time period, we also had over 1,587,649 Google impressions. Additionally, we are actively aligning the content of Visit North Central’s seasonal landing pages with our SEO strategy to maintain consistency with our SEM campaign efforts.

Lodging & Other Data

STR data through June indicates that YTD hotel occupancy was 73.6%, a 2.6% increase over the previous year; ADR was $187.81, which is a 1.8% decrease; RevPar was $138.21, a 0.8% increase over the previous year; total room revenue was down 3.8%; and rooms sold was down 2.1%. AirDNA data indicates that short-term rentals in the region have continued to trend upwards, growing from 4.4% of total lodging revenue in the region in FY23 to 5.7% in FY24. Research from Datafy indicates that the region had 4,428,731 trips in FY24 and 8,346,506 visitor days. Average length of stay in the region was 1.9 days and our top four origin markets were Boston; Hartford/New Haven; New York; and Providence-New Bedford.

Email Newsletter

We launched a quarterly Visit North Central Massachusetts (VNCM) subscription-based email newsletter to help promote the region to visitors. Our VNCM email list already has 3,117 subscribers and has an average open rate of 46% and click-through rate of 9%.

Looking Ahead

As we enter the Fall season, our focus remains on showcasing North Central Massachusetts as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking authentic New England experiences. Our strategic approach includes:

  • Enhancing our digital marketing presence
  • Developing exciting seasonal itineraries
  • Targeting the Route 2 corridor with geofenced ads
  • Refreshing our website homepage for improved user experience
  • Continuing to highlight outdoor attractions and traditional New England experiences

We’re implementing a comprehensive digital marketing strategy, including paid search, social media advertising, targeted YouTube ads, and organic engagement. By combining these strategies, we aim to engage a broader audience and demonstrate the unique benefits of visiting North Central Massachusetts.

We invite you to join us in promoting our region’s unique attractions and experiences. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved!

North Central Massachusetts | Chamber of Commerce | Massachusetts | Chamber of Commerce near me | Travel | Tourism | Community Development | Historic New England | Quality of Life | Historic New England | Marketing

Massachusetts 250 Commemoration: Inventory of Revolutionary Artifacts and Exhibits

/in /by

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism is currently compiling a comprehensive inventory of museums and historical sites across the state as part of the Massachusetts 250 commemoration of the American Revolution.

We are reaching out to gather information about any artifacts, paintings, murals, or upcoming exhibits your museum possesses that highlight the Revolutionary War period. This information will be used to create a comprehensive list of historical assets, including your museum, which may potentially be incorporated into a digital map to enhance visitor experiences throughout the Massachusetts 250th anniversary celebration in 2025 and 2026.

By showcasing the breadth and depth of Massachusetts’ historical treasures, we aim to inspire visitors to explore the state’s rich revolutionary heritage. Your participation in this initiative is crucial to the success of the Massachusetts 250 commemoration.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could respond with a list of relevant artifacts, exhibits, or programs. To ensure maximum visibility during this anniversary, please consider uploading information about any Massachusetts 250-related events directly to their website.

Please feel free to contact Sheila Green at with any questions or to provide additional information.

Chamber of Commerce | Massachusetts 250 | American Revolution | Massachusetts | Massachusetts Business | New England Town | Historic New England, | Worcester County | Rural Economy | Chamber of Commerce near me | Historic Artifacts | Historical Treasures | Massachusetts History | Massachusetts 250 Anniversary

Emerging Leaders Graduate from Community Leadership Institute

/in /by

Nineteen of the area’s brightest, up-and-coming leaders were honored by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce for completing the Chamber’s annual Community Leadership Institute (CLI) program. The Class of 2024 were recognized during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting held on June 20 at Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg.

CLI is a nine-month program focused on providing local, high-potential professionals who are nominated for participation to enhance individual leadership skills, obtain a stronger understanding of the region, and grow deeper connections to business and community leaders.

“The Chamber developed CLI to inspire a new generation of community leaders to enthusiastically assume important roles in their communities while motivating participants from diverse backgrounds to be influential in our region’s future,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.

Mike Greenwood, Ph.D., professor of business at Fitchburg State University and chairperson of the CLI Steering Committee, was impressed by the caliber of this year’s class. “I am amazed with the dedication, creativity and motivation of our participants,” said Dr. Greenwood. “Programs like CLI are important to our community and help ensure a continuity of leadership, engagement and service as our region’s current leaders pass the baton to the next generation”

The program runs from October through June and includes an orientation and eight, day-long sessions on various topic areas, including Personal Leadership; Non-Profit Governance/Volunteerism; Media and Crisis Communications; Healthcare; Law and Justice; Arts and Culture; Legislation/Public Policy; Manufacturing; and Economic Development.

In addition, participants complete a community project with a goal of positively impacting the community while managing and executing the project before the end of the program year. This year’s class worked on five service projects to help teens, veterans, and immigrants.

One of the projects, “Tech for Teens,” consisted of a holiday gift drive for teens who are sometimes overlooked during holiday toy drives. The drive resulted in well over a hundred gifts to local teens, including computers, speakers, headphones, tablets, and hair tools. “Skillful Teens Building Strong Communities” was a three-part program hosted in collaboration with Mount Wachusett Community College. A group of teens received valuable training in life skills that are critical to future independence and success – including lessons on around-the-home maintenance, financial education and more.

A survey of the Class of 2024 revealed the program was a high value experience. When asked about their favorite part of the program, program participants indicated that site visits, community connections, leadership lessons, forming relationships with fellow classmates, learning more about the local community, and working on community projects were all highly valued components.

Graduates of the CLI Class of 2024 and their sponsors are as follows:

Jennifer Armentrout, Rollstone Bank & Trust
Maureen Babcock, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
Lindsay Carpenter Connors, Fitchburg State University
Erin Carr, AIS, Inc.
Aimee Cotnoir, Fitchburg Art Museum
Sonia Demelo, Bemis Associates
Jessica DeRoy, City of Gardner
Joeci Gilchrest, You Name It Creatives
Taylor Healey, Foster-Healey Real Estate
Ralph Hogan, Mount Wachusett Community College
Bob Jumper, Leominster Credit Union
Autumn Kelly, Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School
Ethan Lin-Schwartz, Burkart-Phelan, Inc.
Kat McLellan, Fitchburg State University
Patrick O’Connell, Enterprise Bank and Trust Company
Rosa Rivera, Workers’ Credit Union/UMass Memorial
Nathalie Rivera-Castro, Workers’ Credit Union
Gissaury Rodriquez, IC Federal Credit Union
Shawn Tolf, Fidelity Bank

To learn more about the Community Leadership Institute, please visit www.northcentralmass.com/CLI or contact Maureen Babcock at 978.353.7600, ext. 222 or for more information.

Fitchburg | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts| Chamber of Commerce near me | Community Support | Community Leadership | Chamber of Commerce Member Benefits |Business Resources | Community Development | Personal Leadership

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for Butler Machine and Prototype in Gardner

/in , /by

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved $70,000 in financing to Butler Machine and Prototype, located at 400 Matthews Street in Gardner. The funding will support the purchase of various pieces of equipment, tooling and working capital while also creating one job with two additional jobs planned within the next year. NewVue Communities of Fitchburg assisted with the development of the company’s business plan.

Founded by David Butler, Butler Machine and Prototype is a custom machine shop for small lots and prototype design for machine shops. A graduate of Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School, Butler earned a two-year apprenticeship certificate and has worked at various machine shops gaining professional and leadership experience over the past 30 years. Most recently, he worked for a machine company prototyping and fixturing for medical devices.

“With over 30 years of experience as a Class A Machinist and more than 15 years of experience as a tool and die maker in metal stamping and cold metal framing, I am excited to bring my years of knowledge and experience to my customers,” said Butler. “With the collaboration of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and NewVue Communities, I am able to do what I love to do while achieving the dream of entrepreneurship.”

As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.

Gardner | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts| Chamber of Commerce near me | Economic Development | Community Support | Business Development | Community Support | Business Development | Business Loans | Business Technical Assistance | Small Business Loans | Small Business Technical Assistance | Business Development Corporation | Business Resources | Microloan Lender

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation provides $12,000 grant for Fitchburg Sign Program

/in , /by

Grant supports opportunity for business and property owners to obtain, improve signage

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, today announced it has granted $12,000 to the City of Fitchburg in support of the city’s sign program.

Since 2022, the NCMDC has contributed a total of $57,000 towards the program, which provides an opportunity for downtown and gateway property owners and businesses to obtain or improve their business signage. The grants help the city retain and attract businesses, strengthen the downtown area, increase utilization of existing business, and enhance property values.

“Part of our Urban Revitalization Plan focuses on supporting a diverse mix of downtown businesses and the facilitation of the redevelopment for significant vacant or underutilized properties,” said Mayor Sam Squailia, City of Fitchburg. “This sign program contributes to our revitalization plan as it affords our city the opportunity to help our downtown business owners make meaningful improvements to their storefronts while also giving our downtown an enhanced opportunity to attract businesses and visitors alike.”

“With the momentum we’re building in downtown Fitchburg, these funds could not have come at a better time,” said Liz Murphy, executive director, Office of Community Development and Planning, City of Fitchburg. “It is our hope that these grants will encourage our new and current businesses to create or upgrade to high quality, attractive signage while also incentivizing commercial occupancy in redeveloped storefronts, many of which have been vacant for a long time.”

“Our One North Central Regional Economic Development Plan identified one of the critical factors for our region’s growth as focusing on our downtown areas,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “With this grant, the city will be able to improve and enhance the exterior of its many historic buildings while positively impacting the downtown’s revitalization.”

The funding is part of a competitive economic development grant secured by the NCMDC from the Executive Office of Economic Development.

Property or business owners interested in applying for a sign program grant should contact the City of Fitchburg Community Development Office to discuss the potential project prior to applying.

Fitchburg | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation | Economic Development | Manufacturing Support | Small Business Support | Small Business Loans | Start Up Business Loan | City of Fitchburg Business Loan | Downtown Fitchburg Revitalization

Massachusetts Named 2024 Best State to Live In

/in /by

Latest National Ranking Gives Massachusetts Top Marks in Health Care, Education; Places Above Larger, Competitor States to Win Number One Placement

The Healey-Driscoll Administration celebrated a recent national ranking of Massachusetts as the best state to live in for 2024, beating out larger states like Florida and California and neighboring states like New Hampshire.

“We are proud to see Massachusetts recognized as the best state to live in the country,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Massachusetts’ greatest strength is our people. We are home to the best schools, the best healthcare, and the most innovative businesses – but this isn’t the time to rest on our laurels. Our administration is dedicated to building on this momentum by continuing to invest in our communities, make Massachusetts more affordable, and ensure that we remain the best place to live for future generations.”

“Massachusetts’ success is rooted in our vibrant cities and towns and in our commitment to fostering an environment where all residents can thrive,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This ranking is a reflection of the collective effort of our residents, community and business leaders, and state and local officials across the state who work tirelessly to ensure that Massachusetts is truly is the best place to live. We look forward to continuing the important work of advancing policies that enhance the quality of life for everyone who calls Massachusetts home.”

According to WalletHub, Massachusetts’ world-class health care system and high-quality education contribute to its ranking as the top state to live. Massachusetts has the highest share of residents with health insurance coverage at over 97 percent, the lowest premature death rate in the country and the lowest share of adults in fair or poor health. The state also ranks first for the quality of its school systems, with the fourth-best high school graduation rate in the country at over 90 percent. With the highest percentage of population aged 25 years and over with a bachelor’s degree or higher, Massachusetts is home to the most educated workforce in the country.

“This recognition affirms Massachusetts’ role as a leader in creating an environment where families and businesses alike can start, stay, and grow,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “Our state’s top-ranking status in health care and education underscores our commitment to building a thriving, inclusive, economy that attracts talent and investment from around the world. We shouldn’t take our foot off the gas; we will remain focused on ensuring that Massachusetts is not just the best place to live, but also the best place to do business.”

“Massachusetts has taken the lead in addressing rising housing costs that have impacted so much of the country,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. “With the passage of the Affordable Homes Act, implementation of the MBTA Communities Law and expanding housing tax credits, we’ve put some of the best ideas for increasing housing production to work toward making Massachusetts more affordable for everyone.”

“We know Massachusetts is a great place to live, but it didn’t happen by accident. Since taking office, the Healey-Driscoll administration has cut taxes for families, seniors and businesses and produced responsible budgets that have increased investments in our schools, child care, college accessibility and the environment,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “And we’re not done. We are focused on using the resources we have to create new and affordable housing, provide safe and reliable public transit, and grow emerging industries like climate technology to produce the jobs of the future. We will continue to look for ways to make Massachusetts more competitive, affordable and equitable for everyone who chooses to make our state their home.”

“Massachusetts is home to amazing talent, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to building a strong workforce today and for our future,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “We are also dedicated to supporting our workers by providing paid family medical leave, delivering on our new wage transparency law, and ensuring worker rights and protections are upheld. There’s always more work to do, and we value the incredible partnerships that will continue to foster a more competitive and equitable workforce and work environment across Massachusetts.”

“From day one, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has prioritized public safety, investing in vital programs that safeguard Massachusetts communities, advance meaningful reforms, and enhance community preparedness and resilience,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “Our dedicated team combined with strong federal, state and local partnerships is how we achieve our goals and build upon our successes. Massachusetts’ top ranking reflects the effectiveness of teamwork and highlights our shared commitment to ensuring the safety of all those who live, work and raise families in our communities across Massachusetts.”

“Few states can match Massachusetts’ unwavering commitment to veterans,” said Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration has transformed Veterans Services, increasing our operating budget by 11 percent and intensifying our efforts to honorably serve those who served us by launching innovative programs and services, prioritizing employment and education, committing to ending veteran homelessness, and enhancing our Veterans Homes with state-of-the-art long-term care and independent living facilities. Just last week, the Governor signed the historic HERO Act, the most comprehensive veterans’ benefits legislation in Massachusetts history, featuring over 30 provisions to expand benefits, modernize services, and promote inclusion.”

“In addition to being a great place to live and work, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to making the delivery of government services for Massachusetts residents the best in the nation,” said Technology Services and Security Secretary Jason Snyder. “And with the front door to government now digital, I’m excited to lead the Administration’s innovations in state government IT systems that meet residents where they are, with accessibility, equity, security and inclusivity front of mind.”

“We are honored to be recognized nationally for the many reasons why Massachusetts is a great place to live,” said Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Massachusetts is a place where everyone is welcome, where we lead in access to public transportation, high-quality health care and world-class educational opportunities. Our government leaders work tirelessly to advance diversity, equity, affordability and climate resiliency goals.”

“Here in Massachusetts, we view clean energy transition as a tremendous opportunity and we are seizing it,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Our residents reap the benefits of a thriving climatetech industry, new clean sources coming online and strong investments in infrastructure resilient to extreme weather. This means cleaner air, good-paying jobs, better energy efficiency and healthier communities for all. Not to mention, we are home to beautiful natural resources, from the Berkshires to the Cape Cod National Seashore. The Healey-Driscoll Administration is forging ahead with the clean energy transition and lengthening our lead in climate leadership.”

“Massachusetts is the birthplace of public education in the U.S., and home to world-renowned schools. In the past year and a half, we have made significant policy advances and financial investments to transform our state’s education system towards equity, access and affordability from early education and care through higher education,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “That includes being the only state in the country to continue child care stabilization grants at the same funding as the federal government and surpassing pre-pandemic child care capacity, making free school meals permanent, and launching a nation-leading early literacy strategy and the most comprehensive free community college program in the country. We have more work to do, but I am incredibly proud of all the progress we have made – it is nothing less than our students, educators and families deserve. Massachusetts continues to be the best place to go to school.”

“We truly value the quality of and equitable access to health care in Massachusetts, which allows us to attract talent and provide for the people who call this state home,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “While we can celebrate being at the top of this list today, what it really means is that we must continue to make Massachusetts an inclusive, healthy, and innovative place for people to come, stay, and make their own.”

Massachusetts continues to rank #1 for education, having the best schools and universities and leading the nation in student achievement. Education has been a priority focus for the Healey-Driscoll administration from early education and child care through higher education. When federal funding ended, Massachusetts continued child care stabilization grants at $475 million a year – being the only state in the nation to continue funding this vital program at the same level that the federal government did, now for two years in a row. While other states faced a child care cliff, Massachusetts’ surpassed pre-pandemic license capacity by 7,100 child care slots, adding more than 10,600 slots last year. The state’s fiscal year 2025 budget includes $20 million for Governor Healey’s Literacy Launch Initiative, a nation-leading strategy to expand access to evidence-based reading instruction for Massachusetts students. Massachusetts has continued universal free school meals when the federal funding ended, one of only eight states. This significantly increased participation, serving 21 million more meals than before the pandemic. Massachusetts has also made community college free for all students, building on the success of MassReconnect, Governor Healey’s initiative to make community college free for students aged 25 and older that drove a 45 percent increase in enrollment for this age group last year. The administration further invested significant funding to cover tuition, fees, books, and supply costs for Pell Grant-eligible students and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for middle-income students by up to half at public community colleges, state universities, and the University of Massachusetts.

Massachusetts is a hub for life science activity, with Greater Boston and Worcester ranking in the top 25 for life science talent and manufacturing, according to CBRE. Currently, 18 of the top 20 largest global life sciences companies are in Massachusetts, and the state continues to support life sciences companies seeking to relocate through the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and the Life Sciences Initiative, which Governor Healey proposed reauthorizing for another 10 years with an investment of over $1 billion in her economic development bill, the Mass Leads Act.

In June, Governor Healey hosted a celebration of the Massachusetts climatetech industry leaders that were named to TIME Magazine’s Top GreenTech Companies for 2024. All 28 companies, spanning across the state, were recognized with a Governor’s Citation for their contributions to Massachusetts’ economy and competitiveness. Governor Healey has aimed to make Massachusetts a global leader in climatetech through a $1 billion investment in the Mass Leads Act. A UMass Donahue Institute analysis found the proposal could generate $16.4 billion in economic activity, representing a 12-to-1 return on investment, and create 6,670 new jobs.

Earlier this year, WalletHub ranked Massachusetts as having the third-best state economy for 2024, highlighting its strong potential for innovation. The state noted for having the highest percentage of jobs in high-tech industries and the third-highest share of STEM professionals. WalletHub also ranked Massachusetts as the best state to raise a family in January of this year, as the state provides a good blend of economic opportunities and safe conditions for children.

Each year, Massachusetts is a national leader in research and development on a per capita basis across federal grant programs, such as NIH, Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. The state also leads the country in venture capital invested per capita. In 2023, Massachusetts ranked number one in US News & World Report’s state ranking of business environments, and the state ranked the strongest knowledge economy by the Milken Institute. Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the state has also ranked number two in GDP per capita, and Pitchbook ranks the city of Boston at number six as a top startup city in the world.

Massachusetts #1 Ranking | Best State to Live 2024 | Healey-Driscoll Administration | Top Health Care State | Leading Education State | Massachusetts Achievements | WalletHub Rankings | Massachusetts Economy | Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | Chamber of Commerce | Affordable Housing in Massachusetts | Massachusetts Innovation | Quality of Life Massachusetts | Massachusetts Public Safety | Massachusetts Veterans Services | Climate Leadership Massachusetts | Massachusetts Education Investments | Life Sciences Hub | Massachusetts Community Investments | Massachusetts Health Care System | Massachusetts Education System | Massachusetts Business Environment | Massachusetts ClimateTech Industry