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Emerging Leaders Graduate from Community Leadership Institute

Posted on August 22nd/in Chamber News /by northcentralmass

Nineteen of the region’s up-and-coming leaders recognized for community service, engagement

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce recognized the Community Leadership Institute (CLI) Class of 2023 at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting held on June 15 at Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg.

Nineteen graduates, who were identified as up-and-coming leaders in the region, completed the nine-month program which is focused on providing participants with individual leadership skills, a stronger understanding of the region, and 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 community 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 chairman of the CLI Steering Committee, was impressed by the caliber of this year’s class. “Each year, I continue to be amazed with the dedication, creativity and motivation of our participants,” said Dr. Greenwood. “Programs like CLI are important to our community in an effort to ensure a continuity of leadership, community engagement and service as our region’s current leaders look forward to retirement.”

The nine-month CLI program traditionally runs from October to June and includes an orientation and eight day-long sessions on various topic areas, including Personal Leadership; Non-Profit Governance/Volunteerism; History of the Region; Media & Crisis Communications; Healthcare; Law & Justice; Legislation/Public Policy; Arts & Culture; and Economic Development. In addition, the CLI participants complete a community project through the course of the nine-month program. Participants select a project, or break into smaller groups of similar interest, with a goal to positively affect the community while also managing and executing the project before the end of the program year. The program culminates with a commencement ceremony at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting where the class and their service projects are recognized.

“The service project aspect of the curriculum is my favorite part of the CLI program,” said Kat Deal, programs & events manager, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “I am always inspired and amazed by the incredible projects that come out of each CLI class. Past CLI projects have included the creation of a new non-profit organization to help with holiday gifts for families dealing with cancer to a project designed to help improve the appearance of a downtown business district in order to support future business development and community inclusion.”

This year’s class worked on two service projects, including the establishment of a “Wash it Forward” program and a non-traditional scholarship program for students.

Wash it Forward provided an opportunity for the homeless individuals in the region to wash and dry their laundry for free at area laundromats with detergent and dryer sheets provided by the generosity of CLI participants. Wash and Fold in Leominster hosted an event, with pizza donated by Papou’s Pizza, while Laundry World in Fitchburg also hosted a Wash it Forward event that also provided access to a food pantry led by the owner of Laundry World.

“Wash it Forward was a fantastic success that helped many people,” said Ryan May, head teller at Avidia Bank and 2023 CLI graduate. “I hope this inspires people to continue to do this, even if it isn’t for an event, but just to help someone who needs a hand.”

Patrick Ellis, senior branch manager, vice president, Enterprise Bank & Trust and 2023 CLI graduate said, “We were looking for a grassroots project that would have a real impact on real people. And everyone has to do laundry!”

This year’s class also developed a non-traditional scholarship program which provided seven individuals with a $2,000 scholarship each to help bridge the financial gap to attend programs in cosmetology, electrical engineering, licensed practical nursing, human services, or toward tuition to attend a community college or four-year university. The CLI Class partnered with My Turn to deliver the scholarships. My Turn is an organization that helps people develop their skills, goals and self-confidence through alternative education, post-secondary planning, career exploration and employment training. As an outgrowth of the CLI project, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation hopes to continue to provide non-traditional scholarships to students who may not qualify for traditional scholarships or other funding opportunities.

Graduates of the Community Leadership Institute Class of 2023 are as follows:

Becky Beaton, North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation
Jeanice Bulnes, AIS, Inc.
Wiley Cordone, Bemis Associates
Sabine Dupoux, Mount Wachusett Community College
Patrick Ellis, Enterprise Bank
Christian Estrella, Fitchburg State University
Rachel Graddy, Fitchburg State University
Nicole Kalloch, Rollstone Bank & Trust
Matthew Kilcoyne, IC Credit Union
Jacob Lippman, Leominster Credit Union
Ryan May, Avidia Bank
Shane McCormack, Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts
Stephen Oldfield, Montachusett Regional Transit Authority
Natalia Oliveria, City of Fitchburg
Jennifer Phelps, Fidelity Bank
William Spencer, sponsored by Fidelity Bank
Sarah Stebulis, Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority
Alexandra Welch, Making Opportunities Count
Terry Young, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

Applications for the Community Leadership Institute Class of 2024 are currently being accepted.

To apply, or to obtain additional information about the nomination process, please visit www.northcentralmass.com/CLI. Accepted applicants will be notified by September 25, 2023. Please contact Kat Deal at 978.353.7600 x 235 or for more information.

About Community Leadership Institute
The Community Leadership Institute began in 1988, known then as Leadership North Central. Over the last 25 years, more than 250 participants have graduated from the Institute and become leaders in their communities, with over 100 in the last five years. Participants for the Institute are sponsored by their business and are seen as leaders or potential leaders within that company. Applications for each class are available in July & August of each year, sessions held once per month from October to June.

Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Community Leadership Institute | Community Leadership Institute Class of 2023

Mass. Home Sales Down, Prices Up In High-Rate Environment

Posted on August 15th/in Chamber News /by northcentralmass

Source: State House News Service
Author: Colin A. Young

Sellers Fetching High Prices Despite Surging Borrowing Costs

Mortgage interest rates are almost double what they were a year ago, but the prices of single-family homes and condominiums in Massachusetts continued to set new records and erode paths to homeownership in July, real estate market analysts said.

The Warren Group’s report on July sales activity showed that sales of both single-family homes and condominiums declined year-over-year last month, down more than 23 percent and more than 14 percent, respectively. But with intense competition for the relatively scarce inventory of homes and condos for sale, median sale prices reached new all-time highs for July last month.

“Demand is obviously still strong among prospective buyers, but inventory can’t keep up,” Cassidy Norton, associate publisher and media relations director at the real estate data firm The Warren Group, said.

There were 4,085 single-family homes sold in Massachusetts in July, down 23.1 percent from July 2022’s 5,314 transactions. The median sale price of a single-family home climbed 4.3 percent from last July to the new monthly record high of $610,000, The Warren Group said.

Through the first seven months of 2023, there have been 22,657 single-family home sales across Massachusetts, a drop of 24.6 percent compared to the first seven months of 2022. And the year-to-date median sale price of a single-family home has increased 2.3 percent compared to the same period in 2022 to $565,000, The Warren Group said.

As of Monday, the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 7.247 percent APR, according to Zillow data compiled by NerdWallet. A year ago, the average interest rate was 5.267 percent, NerdWallet said.

Theresa Hatton, CEO of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR), said summers generally bring “a hot real estate market,” but that the state’s chronic lack of inventory is holding the Bay State market back from achieving year-over-year growth.

“With the competitive buying market, we are seeing, many potential sellers are refraining from listing their homes due to the attractive existing mortgage rates they have combined with the stress of entering the buyers’ market after their current home sells,” Hatton said in a statement.

MAR said that new listings in July decreased by 26.7 percent for single-family homes and by 17.6 percent for condominiums, year-over-year. Year-to-date, new listings compared to 2022 are down 25.1 percent for single-family houses and down 20.6 percent for condos, MAR said.

The competitive market and scarcity of homes for sale has been a boon to sellers. MAR said the single-family homes that sold in July went for an average of 102.9 percent of their original list price.

Condo sales activity and prices largely mirrored the single-family home market in July, The Warren Group said. The month’s 1,886 condominium sales marked a 14.3 percent decrease from the 2,201 condo sales in July 2022, but the median sale price increased 6.5 percent year-over-year to a new all-time July high of $555,000. So far in 2023 there have been 11,270 condo sales in Massachusetts, a 22.2 percent decrease compared to the first seven months of 2022, and the median sale price has climbed 4 percent to $519,900.

“Historically, condos have been a more affordable alternative to single-family homes, but with the median price hovering above $500,000 for the last three months, prospective buyers will be hard-pressed to find an easy route to homeownership,” Norton said.

The unaffordability of housing in Massachusetts accelerated as the pandemic hit in 2020 and has led to housing insecurity for many Bay Staters at the same time that the state is seeing a hard-to-manage surge of immigrant families coming to Massachusetts in search of shelter and work.

When Gov. Maura Healey rang alarm bells about the shrinking capacity of the state’s emergency shelter system and declared an emergency, she said that one of the reasons that “we find ourselves in this situation” is the state’s “long-standing shortage of affordable housing.”

The high cost of living in Massachusetts also puts a damper on the state’s efforts to compete against lower-cost spots like Florida, Texas and North Carolina for increasingly mobile residents and workers. Healey took office in January promising to tackle the “barriers that are holding back our people and our state,” like the “out of control” cost of housing.

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Honored as 2023 Chamber of the Year

Posted on August 9th/in Chamber News /by northcentralmass

First chamber of commerce in Massachusetts and New England to be recognized with this prestigious national honor

Salt Lake City, Utah — The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) has recognized the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce as 2023 Chamber of the Year. The award was announced during the ACCE’s annual convention held on August 1, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and positions the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce as the first chamber of commerce in Massachusetts and New England to receive the prestigious award.

“The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is honored and humbled to be named the 2023 Chamber of the Year,” said Roy Nascimento, president & CEO of the chamber. “We are very proud to bring this award home to our region and to the Commonwealth. This recognition exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and collective action that lives within North Central Massachusetts and the dedication of our hard-working staff, our engaged board of directors, our community partners and the many diverse businesses that make up our membership.”

Chamber of the Year is the most prestigious and competitive award in the chamber industry and recognizes chambers that demonstrate excellence in operations, member services and community leadership. Based in Alexandria, Va., ACCE has more than 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry.

“Chambers of commerce play an increasingly vital role in promoting regional prosperity,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “Earning this pinnacle achievement reflects their commitment and drive to ensure the vibrancy of their communities and organizational success. Congratulations on the North Central Massachusetts Chamber’s outstanding leadership, dedication to its community and serving as a role model for the chamber profession.”

“This award is a testament to not only the quality of the Chamber’s programs and initiatives, but its impact on our region as well,” said James Vander Hooven, president, Mount Wachusett Community College and chair of the Chamber’s board of directors. “I’ve witnessed the impact the Chamber provides firsthand from my time on the board and as a leader of a member organization. From helping support entrepreneurs with loans and technical assistance to marketing the region as a destination for visitors and groups to championing important public investments, the Chamber’s efforts benefit everyone who calls North Central Massachusetts home.”

ACCE previously named the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce as a finalist for Chamber of the Year recognition in 2017 and 2021. For the 2023 award, the Chamber presented a number of innovative programs for consideration, including its efforts to engage and support Latinx small businesses, partnerships built to support talent and workforce development in the region, as well as the Chamber’s efforts to update and transform the Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center from a highway rest stop into a unique and inclusive anchor destination showcasing the region and helping advance the economy. The recognition also comes just a few months after the North Central Massachusetts Chamber was awarded five-star accreditation by the Accrediting Board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for its operations and initiatives.

The Chamber of the Year award’s multi-stage selection process starts with an initial operations benchmark, where chambers must meet minimum thresholds in key performance areas. Qualifying chambers are then invited to submit a written application addressing all aspects of organizational operations and programmatic work. Finalists are invited to interview before a panel of experienced chamber professionals.

“Our city and region are truly grateful for the economic partnership that brings business and tourist dollars to our area,” said Mayor Stephen DiNatale of Fitchburg. “The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is deserving of this prestigious honor and the City of Fitchburg offers a resounding congratulations for this accomplishment.”

“The North Central Massachusetts Chamber has been a great resource to us in the Chair City,” said Mayor Michael Nicholson of Gardner. “From partnering with us on the new Business Development Fund, marketing initiatives for the region, and more, the Chamber does tremendous work and I’m looking forward to that work continuing in the future. Congratulations from all of us in Gardner!”

“The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is a strong partner that regularly collaborates with the city in multiple ways to advance our economy,” said Mayor Dean Mazzarella of Leominster. “I am so glad others have finally recognized what we already knew—that we have the best chamber of commerce in the country!”

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce develops and delivers a wide variety of programs and services designed to bolster the local economy and support businesses of all shapes and sizes, from large corporations to small startups. The Chamber views itself as a connector, facilitator, advocate, thought leader and partner to businesses, organizations and communities in the region. In addition to providing services and programs for its member organizations, the Chamber also leads regional economic development and tourism efforts through its affiliate organizations the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and Visit North Central Massachusetts along with its education and workforce efforts through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation.

“At the North Central Massachusetts Chamber, we strongly believe in continuous improvement, and the Chamber of the Year nomination process is a great opportunity for introspection and evaluation of our operations and the work we are doing. While we are thrilled to be recognized and celebrated nationally by our peers, the real value results in making us a better chamber and propels us to move forward,” said Nascimento. “This award also reflects the Chamber and business community’s commitment to improving the quality of life in North Central Massachusetts. Our work is a collaborative effort not possible by any single entity, and we are very thankful for our many partnerships with businesses, government, non-profits, educational institutions and many more.”

The origins of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce can be traced back to the early 1900s with the formation of chambers of commerce in Leominster and Fitchburg. In 1984, the boards of directors of both organizations, along with several smaller business groups, voted to regionalize and merged to form the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. The chamber has since evolved into the region’s leading economic development and business advocacy organization. Today, the Chamber serves nearly 700 leading businesses and organizations that employ over 25,000 people in the twenty-seven communities that comprise North Central Massachusetts.

Sales Tax Holiday Weekend Set For August 13-14

Posted on August 9th/in Chamber News /by northcentralmass

This weekend marks the return of the annual Sales Tax Holiday here in Massachusetts. On Saturday, August 12 and Sunday, August 13, most retail items of up to $2,500, purchased in Massachusetts for personal use, will be exempt from sales tax. However, purchases by corporations or other businesses along with purchases by individuals for business use are not exempt.

While the bulk of retail items qualify for the exemption, there are some items that are still taxable and do not qualify for the exemption this weekend including: alcoholic beverages, electricity, gas, marijuana or marijuana products, motor vehicles and motorboats, telecommunications services, tobacco products, and any single item whose price tag is more than $2,500.

With the rise in internet commerce, an item will qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption if you order and pay for an eligible item over the internet on the sales tax holiday during Eastern Daylight Time.

For retailers, you must take part in this weekend’s sales tax holiday if your business normally makes taxable sales of tangible property in Massachusetts or to purchasers in Massachusetts and is open for business on August 12 and 13. If a purchaser needs to return or exchange an item once the sales tax has ended, they will not be subject to the tax retroactively. Any sales or use tax erroneously collected on the sales tax holiday weekend must be remitted to DOR. If a customer seeks a refund of tax collected in error from you, you must refund the tax to the customer. If you have already remitted the tax to DOR, you may file an amended return to recover amounts refunded to customers. To report exempt sales, on your August Sales and Use Tax Return, you will report the amount of tax not charged on items during the Sales Tax Holiday as “Exempt Sales” [Line 2].

As mentioned, the sales tax holiday exemption is limited to eligible sales of items costing $2,500 or less. If you spend more than $2,500 on an item, the entire amount paid for the item is subject to sales tax, not just the amount that exceeds that threshold. For those planning to purchase multiple items at the same time, if the price of each individual item is $2,500 or less, you can combine as many items as you want, tax-free, even if the combined items cost more than $2,500.

For complete information on the sales tax holiday head to: Mass.Gov Sales Tax Holiday Page.

Massachusetts Day at The Big E

Posted on July 14th/in Chamber News /by northcentralmass

Overview

The Eastern States Exposition (“Big E”) is an annual 17-day event held in West Springfield, Massachusetts. The Big E is the fourth largest fair in the United States, attracting over 1.6 million attendees in 2022. This year’s Big E will be held from September 15 through October 1, 2023. The Massachusetts Building, located on the Avenue of States, is one of the Big E’s premier attractions and provides Commonwealth businesses, non-profits, and other entities an opportunity to showcase their products and services.

Massachusetts Day (“Event”): Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

The focus of this day is to provide a family-friendly, fun environment with games, giveaways and entertainment that showcases the very best of Massachusetts culture, agriculture, and tourism. Different from previous years, we will not be accepting exhibitors that are selling food items, goods and merchandise. We are looking for tourist attractions, agricultural commodity groups, non-profit and other organizations that would showcase Massachusetts culture, agriculture, and tourism and that will set up a booth to engage attendees with games, giveaways, and entertainment. The sale of merchandise and goods will not be permitted. If you have any questions, please reach out to Katie Rozenas-Hanson, at .

Apply Now

Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Commonwealth Businesses

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce staff members recognized by the Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

Posted on July 13th/in Chamber News /by northcentralmass

Three staff members of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce were recently recognized for their years of service by the Massachusetts Association of Chamber Executives (MACCE). Diane Burnette, manager of the Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center, and Roy Nascimento, president and CEO were both recognized for twenty-five years of service within the chamber of commerce industry. Kat Deal, programs and events manager, was recognized for five years of service.

The 2023 Service Awards were awarded during the MACCE Annual Meeting held on April 13, 2023 in Northampton, Mass. MACCE Service Awards recognize and promote chamber professionals in Massachusetts who have achieved significant years of service in the chamber industry.

Deal joined the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce in 2018 and is responsible for planning and executing the many events and programs of the Chamber and its affiliate organizations.

Nascimento started his chamber career in 1998 at the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, before leading the Attleboro and New Bedford Chambers. He was selected to lead the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce in 2015.

A lifelong resident of Fitchburg, Burnette began her career with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce in 1998 as an administrative assistant and was promoted to manager of the Johnny Appleseed Visitors’ Center in 2008. She is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and overseeing staff at the visitor center on Route 2 in Lancaster, Mass.

“Diane, Kat and Roy are important contributors to the success of the Chamber,” said Jim Vander Hooven, president of Mount Wachusett Community College and Chair of the board of directors for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This recognition is well-deserved and a testament to their professionalism and dedication to our members and communities in North Central Massachusetts.”

Beth Hodge named North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce 2023 Ambassador of the Year

Posted on July 13th/in Chamber News /by northcentralmass

Hodge recognized by fellow ambassadors for outreach, engagement efforts with chamber members in the North Central region

Beth Hodge, associate director of resource development at the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, has been named the 2023 Ambassador of Year by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. The announcement was made during the chamber’s Annual Meeting on June 15, 2023.

Chamber Ambassadors are valued volunteers to the Chamber who serve as the face of the organization in the community. They assist the Chamber with communications to new and existing members, participate in ribbon cuttings and help connect members at various Chamber events. Hodge was voted Ambassador of the Year by her fellow Chamber Ambassadors at their May meeting.

“We are grateful to Beth for her dedication and support of our Chamber as we work to advance our goals throughout the 27 communities that comprise our region,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Beth has been an active member of the chamber not only in her capacity as an ambassador but as a champion of our events and many initiatives.”

In her role at the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Hodge is responsible for engaging with business and community leaders throughout the region. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human services from Fitchburg State University and is active in the community, including volunteering at Loaves and Fishes, a food pantry in Devens, and at the No Fame Games, a division of the Highland Games Heavy Athletics.

“Being a member of the chamber and a part of the chamber ambassador program has helped me to grow not only professionally, but personally as well,” said Hodge. “Connecting with others and breaking out of my shell has significantly impacted the way I am able to interact with the North Central community, and it is an incredible feeling to be a part of something that is doing so much good for so many individuals, businesses, and other entities here.”

North Central Massachusetts Chamber Of Commerce Finalist for National Chamber of the Year Award

Posted on July 5th/in Chamber News /by northcentralmass

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce was named a finalist for the prestigious 2023 Chamber of the Year award, presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is one of three finalists in its category, which also includes the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development in Mansfield, Ohio, and the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce in Winter Park, Florida.

The award, sponsored by Personify, is the most prestigious and competitive recognition presented annually by ACCE. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, ACCE has more than 1,600 chambers of commerce, and related business and economic development organizations, as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry.

The Chamber of the Year award recognizes the leadership role chambers have in their communities. Those honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have demonstrated organizational strength and made an impact on key community priorities, such as education, transportation, economic prosperity and quality of life.

“This year’s finalists truly represent excellence in the chamber industry,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “Through their roles as community partners, thought leaders and innovative problem solvers, each has demonstrated what it means to be a catalyst for growth and regional prosperity. We congratulate them on this achievement.”

“This recognition as one of the top chambers in the country is a collective achievement and a tribute to the innovation and passion of our members and the many business leaders who support our mission to build a stronger economy and quality of life in our communities here in North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president & CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “I want to thank our staff, board leaders and all of our members for their support and commitment to the important work we do to advance the region.”

Chambers of commerce interested in vying for the award first must qualify by participating in a vigorous multi-stage process, which includes submitting a written application addressing all aspects of the organization’s operations and programmatic work. Eligibility for Chamber of the Year also includes meeting minimum thresholds around membership performance and financial management, including meeting key performance criteria on the ACCE Annual Operations Survey. Applications are scored by peer chamber executives to determine finalists. Winners are selected from among finalists based on an interview before a panel of experienced chamber professionals. To ensure the fairest competition, applicants are grouped into four categories based on annual revenue, membership, area population and other factors.

The winner of 2023 Chamber of the Year will be made on Tuesday, August 1.

Ron Ansin • 1934 – 2023

Posted on July 5th/in Chamber News /by northcentralmass

The Chamber was saddened to hear of the passing of local business and community leader Ron Ansin. Mr. Ansin was a past Chair of the Board of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and was very active in the Chamber and community. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of business and philanthropic leadership, helping to make North Central Massachusetts a better and more vibrant place. He was instrumental in the Chamber’s economic development programs, contributing towards important initiatives that helped to advance our regional economy and are still playing a role today. He was the first to recognize the positive impact that tourism could have locally and encouraged the development of the Chamber’s tourism efforts in North Central Massachusetts. He was also influential in the construction of the Chamber building, which opened in 2006, and numerous local students have received a helping hand with continuing their education through his commitment to the Chamber’s Annual Scholarship Program. In addition to the Chamber, Mr. Ansin also supported many local institutions ranging from the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Applewild School, Fitchburg State University, Mount Wachusett Community College, the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts and UMass Health Alliance Hospital to name just a few. He also played a pivotal role in establishing Enterprise Bank. He touched many people’s lives in countless ways. Our deepest sympathy is with the Ansin family, and with all of those who were personally touched by his legacy.

Ron Ansin Obituaries

Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | Ron Ansin • 1934 – 2023

Dr. James L. Vander Hooven To Chair North Central Massachusetts Chamber Of Commerce Board Of Directors

Posted on June 27th/in Chamber News /by northcentralmass

James L. Vander Hooven, Ed.D., President, Mount Wachusett Community College has been elected Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors for 2023-2024. The announcement was made at the chamber’s Annual Meeting on June 15, 2023.

Dr. Vander Hooven was named president of Mount Wachusett Community College in 2017. Headquartered in Gardner, Mount Wachusett Community College is a public, two-year college that was founded in 1963 to serve the people of North Central Massachusetts. The college is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and offers 70+ credit-bearing degree and certificate programs, non-credit, personal enrichment classes for lifelong learners, and workforce development that includes custom, on-site training.

Dr. Vander Hooven earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from The Ohio State University and his Master of Arts degree in American Studies from the University of Wyoming. In 2009, he was awarded his Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Maine, where he focused on student access.

In addition to his involvement with the chamber, Dr. Vander Hooven also serves on a number of boards and charitable organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg/Leominster, United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Wachusett Business Incubator and the GFA Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee.

He succeeds Christopher McCarthy, president of Fidelity Bank who now moves to the position of Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors.

“I am incredibly honored to have been elected Chair of this dynamic and respected organization that plays such a leadership role in advancing North Central Massachusetts,” expressed Dr. Vander Hooven, “I am excited to continue Chris McCarthy’s efforts and look forward to working alongside an incredible Board and staff to make sure the Chamber remains a strong resource for our business community.”

Vander Hooven was first elected to the Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2018 and has held several leadership positions including Vice Chair, Treasurer and has served on the Chamber’s Leadership Council, the One North Central leadership committee and the executive committee. As the Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Dr. Vander Hooven will work with the Board, Chamber staff, and membership to champion the Chamber in its mission to serve the region’s business community.

“Jim has served as an important member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee for several years and is a valued leader in the community,” noted Roy Nascimento, Chamber president & CEO. “We are fortunate to have his respected leadership as we continue to advance the interests of our members and work together to promote North Central Massachusetts.”

In the same election, Barbara Mahoney, president & CEO of Leominster Credit Union was elected Vice-Chair and Dr. Richard Lapidus, president of Fitchburg State University was elected to the position of Treasurer. Board members elected for new terms were Nick Haritos, president & CEO of AIS, Inc. in Leominster; John Heroux, president of Micro Machine & Electronics in Leominster; and Nicole Moorshead, general manager of the Chocksett Inn in Sterling and the Colonial Hotel in Gardner.

Continuing current terms on the Board of Directors are Allie Catlin, co-owner of Smith’s Country Cheese in Winchendon; Jackie Cullen, co-owner of River Styx Brewing in Fitchburg; Tony Fields, president and owner of Cleartech Group in Leominster; Matthew Fournier, president of Elite Construction & Design in Fitchburg; Melissa Glenny, president of Franklin Professional Associates in Leominster; Michael Johansen, president & CEO of Bemis Associates in Shirley; Rachel Lopez, president & CEO of Resource Management, Inc in Fitchburg; Lori Richardson, president of Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts in Leominster; and Rodrigo Souza, owner of Comeketo Brazilian Steakhouse in Leominster.

Fitchburg | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | Chamber Updates | Board of Directors | James L. Vander Hooven | Board of Directors | Barbara Mahoney, president & CEO of Leominster Credit Union | Dr. Richard Lapidus, President of Fitchburg State University | Nick Haritos, president & CEO of AIS, Inc. in Leominster | John Heroux, president of Micro Machine & Electronics in Leominster; and Nicole Moorshead, General manager of the Chocksett Inn | Allie Catlin, co-owner of Smith’s Country Cheese in Winchendon | Jackie Cullen, co-owner of River Styx Brewing in Fitchburg | Tony Fields, president and owner of Cleartech Group in Leominster | Matthew Fournier, president of Elite Construction & Design in Fitchburg | Melissa Glenny, president of Franklin Professional Associates in Leominster | Michael Johansen, president & CEO of Bemis Associates in Shirley | Rachel Lopez, president & CEO of Resource Management, Inc Fitchburg | Lori Richardson, President of Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts Leominster | Rodrigo Souza, owner of Comeketo Brazilian Steakhouse in Leominster.