2024 Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism

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Join us for a full day of industry networking and learning, featuring remarks from Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll.

The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) presents the 2024 Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism, an all-day gathering to bring together industry experts, government officials, and hospitality professionals. Join us in person on April 2, 2024, at 9:00 AM for dynamic and relevant panels, networking opportunities, and a chance to dive into the latest topics impacting travel and tourism in Massachusetts.

Highlights will include remarks from Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll, the presentation of the Massachusetts Tourism Awards, and announcements regarding Massachusetts 250th and the upcoming Massachusetts domestic marketing campaign. Continental breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided. Join Team Massachusetts for the first Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism in nearly a decade. If you’re in the industry, you won’t want to miss this event!

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend MOTT events. If you require an accommodation(s) to fully participate in this event, please share your requirements in the registration form. For additional support, please contact . Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Parking

There is covered parking on-site for $55 (daily rate). Valet parking costs $61.

Public Transit

A covered walkway directly connects the hotel to Boston Logan Airport terminals A and E, and the free 24-hour shuttle covers all terminals, the Silver Line, water taxi, and car rentals.

Room Block

We have a room block reserved at Hilton Boston Logan Airport for April 1, 2024 through April 2, 2024. Click this link to book your room.

Register Now

 

Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | Visit North Central Massachusetts | Visit North Central Local Tourism | Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center | Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) | 2024 Governor’s Conference

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce appoints Katie White to Manager of Talent and Education Initiatives

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Katie White as Manager of Talent and Education Initiatives. In this position, she will be responsible for working with employers, regional partners, and education leaders on developing strategies and programs to build and strengthen the region’s current and future workforce.

Most recently, White worked at the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster and Gardner, where she assisted in the planning, organization and implementation of services and activities for the Club’s members. She previously worked for the James Monroe Wire and Cable Company, the Career Center of Lowell, and LUK, Inc.

A resident of the North Central region, White holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Keene State College.

“Katie’s background and leadership will serve the Chamber and our members well as we work to enhance the business climate and advance the economy in the region,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Her experience provides us with a unique perspective on how to actively engage and excite our region’s youth on job opportunities now and in the future.”

“I am looking forward to seeing where my professional experiences and passion for systemic change in education and the workforce will guide me on this new endeavor at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce,” said White.

She can be reached at 978.353.7600 ext. 244, or via email at .

 

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Chamber of the Year Trophy Tour Information and Guidelines

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Help us celebrate this collective national honor! The Chamber is launching a new campaign to take our collective “Chamber of the Year Award” on tour to some of our member’s locations. Our members are key contributors to the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. This “trophy tour” is a way to acknowledge our members contributions to our success and share in this prestigious national honor as well as build community spirit.

Here’s how it would work:

1. If you would like to participate, then contact Maureen Babcock on the Chamber team at and schedule a convenient date and time. Someone from the Chamber will bring the Chamber of the Year trophy to your workplace and stay with it during the visit. You will have approximately thirty minutes with the trophy;

2. Snap a photo of the Chamber of the Year trophy at your workplace. It can be a traditional photo of you with the trophy at your business or it can be a fun photo with the trophy incorporated into your day to day activities. We encourage you to be creative and to highlight your business and community;

3. Share the photo on social media using the suggested hashtags of #chamberoftheyear, #trophytour and #northcentralma, and please make sure to tag the Chamber;

4. Enjoy watching the Chamber of the Year trophy journey throughout the region!

Guidelines:

Photo Guide: We encourage creativity and showcasing your business with the photo! The Chamber of the Year Trophy can be photographed with products your business manufactures, at a meeting of your staff, at a project site, sitting at the reception desk, or even at an office lunch. Traditional photos are fine too, such as taking a photo of the trophy in front of your company sign or taking a group photo with the trophy. If you don’t have an office, then feel free to take the photo at the Chamber office or out in the community;

Safety: The trophy is made of crystal, so please make sure to be careful when handling the trophy to avoid damage or harm to any individuals. You should treat the trophy like you would any other valuable heirloom. A member of the Chamber staff will accompany the trophy during the visit to assist, and will sanitize the trophy between visits;

Duration: We anticipate that each visit will be about 30 minutes. If you think you will need additional time then please let us know in advance

 

Any Questions: Please feel free to reach out to Maureen Babcock at or by phone at 978.353.7600 ext. 222 with any questions or if you would like to schedule a visit.

 

Fitchburg | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Chamber of the Year Trophy Tour

First Entrepreneur Awards Reception and Resource Showcase to connect and support entrepreneurs as they elevate their business

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and its economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), announced it will be hosting an inaugural Entrepreneur Awards Reception and Resource Showcase. The event is intended to help connect entrepreneurs and recognize them for their success and community impact.

The Entrepreneur Awards Reception and Resource Showcase will be held on Thursday, March 28, 5 to 7 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 99 Erdman Way in Leominster, and is open to all Chamber members, NCMDC clients, potential entrepreneurs, and the local business community. Appetizers and refreshments will be provided. The event will also feature a table-top expo with NCMDC clients, as well as resource and banking partners who can assist existing small businesses or those looking to start a business.

In addition to the resource showcase, the event will also feature an awards program to recognize small businesses that have worked with the NCMDC and experienced success in starting or growing their business. Of the awards, recognition will include a business owner who works with underserved communities or populations, a business that provides needed services for the communities, and a business that has shown growth over the past year resulting in quality jobs and increased revenue.

“Our entrepreneurs pursued their dreams, and by doing so, offer new innovation and opportunity for our region that results in overall job and economic growth,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We hope this event will provide our entrepreneurs the opportunity to not only connect with key resources to help them elevate their business, but also to network with other entrepreneurs to develop camaraderie as they continue toward successful business growth. It also provides us with the opportunity to recognize their hard work and dedication to our community.”

Cost for members is $15 and non-members is $25. Registration is available online at www.northcentralmass.com. A limited number of sponsorships are available. Please contact Valerie Bruno at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or for more details or to reserve a showcase table.

Register Now

 

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North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce announces Manufacturing Council of North Central Massachusetts

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce today announced the launch of the Manufacturing Council of North Central Massachusetts to enhance the Chamber’s support of the manufacturing industry and the regional economy.

The Council, which is open to Chamber members and non-members working or interested in learning more about the manufacturing industry, will provide knowledge, resources, and support to create a stronger and prosperous manufacturing sector in North Central Massachusetts.

“The Chamber has always been a strong champion of local manufacturing, advocating and supporting the industry in multiple ways,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “I believe that our strong advocacy and support of the manufacturing industry is one of the things that helps set our Chamber apart. From hosting manufacturing tours to publishing a manufacturing directory and supporting workforce efforts for the industry, the Council is a natural extension of our work and reflects our commitment to supporting and growing this important sector of our economy.”

While the economy in North Central Massachusetts is diverse, the region has a rich and proud manufacturing history, and continues to play an integral role in the regional economy. Manufacturing is the third largest industry in North Central Massachusetts, with more than 400 manufacturers in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and electronics. It also accounts for 15 percent of the region’s total employment and one-third of all private wages paid in the region. North Central Massachusetts is unique in that manufacturing in the region is twice as concentrated when compared to the U.S. average.

Council members will have the opportunity to network with peers, participate in tours of manufacturing facilities to learn best practices, attend quarterly meetings featuring experts in the industry, gain exclusive access to policy leaders, and collectively advocate for the industry. Additionally, connections to workforce and talent leaders, as well as the eligibility to participate in the Chamber’s CEO Manufacturers’ Roundtable Program, will be offered.

There is no fee to join the Council for Chamber members, however fees related to meetings or programming may apply, depending on the program.

The first meeting of the Manufacturing Council of North Central Massachusetts is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. at Burkart-Phelan, Inc, located at 2 Shaker Road, #D107

Shirley, MA. Christine Nolan, director, Massachusetts Center for Advanced Manufacturing, and acting hub program director, Northeast for the Microelectronics Coalition, will be the featured speaker at the March meeting. In addition, Lillian Burkart, founder and president, Burkart-Phelan, Inc., will provide an overview of the company and a tour for attendees.

Coffee and continental breakfast will be provided. There is no cost for Chamber members to participate. Non-members are welcome to attend for a $35 registration fee.

To register, please visit www.northcentralmass.com or call 978.353.7600 ext. 235. Pre-registration is required, space is limited.

For more information about the Council, contact Roy Nascimento at 978.353.7600, ext. 225.

 

Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | North Central Massachusetts Economic Development | Manufacturing Council of North Central Massachusetts | Massachusetts Innovation

Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans Available

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“We are continuing to wait for a FEMA declaration for Leominster for the September flood.  Due to a separate declaration in the State of Rhode Island, Leominster businesses are eligible for Small Business Association (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

Please visit SBA.gov/disaster for more information. Questions can be directed to the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email .

As soon as we have a decision on the Leominster FEMA declaration, we will share that information accordingly.”

 

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