Chamber News Archives » Page 22 of 104 » North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

Government Affairs Update

Posted on September 11th/in Chamber News /by northcentralmass

Federal Affairs: We are currently monitoring the bipartisan Building Chips in America Act of 2023 which aims to enhance the CHIPS Act passed in 2022 and increase efforts to bring microchip manufacturing back to the U.S. The Chamber is also working to engage our Washington D.C. representation on a pair of bills, H.R. 2673 American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act of 2023 and its Senate counterpart, S.866 American Innovation and Jobs Act. This pair of bills aims to course correct a provision in the 2017 Tax Cuts and jobs Act that set a sunset date of 2022 for a provision in the Tax Code that allowed firms to recognize all Research and Development (R&D) expenditures in the year that they were incurred. Members of our Washington D.C. fly-in had the opportunity to discuss the impact of this legislation on their business and this continues to be a concern.

We are proud to announce that our Annual Congressional Luncheon is scheduled for November 1, 2023. Congressman Jim McGovern and Congresswoman Lori Trahan are confirmed again to participate in this popular forum for members to connect with our Congressional delegation and get insight into priorities on Capitol Hill. We would like to thank Fitchburg State University for their continued sponsorship of the luncheon program.

State Affairs: The Executive Office of Economic Development continued their series of listening sessions across the state over the Summer as part of their economic development planning process. As reported in our last issue, members of the Chamber team and our various partners in the region attended a listening session held at WPI. Since then, we also had the opportunity to provide input at sessions held at Framingham State University, the Fitchburg Legislative Building and online. We provided input across a number of areas that align with our public policy agenda including small business supports, economic development, workforce development, and transportation.

Governor Healey signed the FY2024 State Budget on August 9. The $56 billion budget sees an increase of approximately 6.2% compared to the fiscal year 2023 budget. The Chamber was pleased to see continued funding in the budget for several regional economic development priorities. On the tourism front, the budget included an additional $1 million for the Tourism Trust Fund and an additional $3 million for the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) for tourism and hospitality recovery. The additional investments in tourism were supported by the Chamber as we believe they are crucial for the continued promotion of the state and the North Central Massachusetts region. We were also pleased to see that funding for early college saw a $9 million increase over last year’s budget and funding for innovation pathways saw a $1 million increase. A new line item also allocates $5 million for equitable scaling of pathway programs. The Student Opportunity Act is once again fully funded and the State will launch its MassReconnect to support getting residents 25 or older into community college programs.

The Chamber participated in a virtual discussion with MassDOT officials and stakeholders from across the Commonwealth as they discussed their plans for potential rail expansion along the Northern Tier corridor. Not only would this investment bring more visitor dollars to the area, but it has potential to greatly help with workforce challenges involving transportation.

Elections: In local affairs, two of the region’s three mayors face contested elections later this fall. A number of City Council seats across the three cities will also see contested races. On the State level, the seat left vacant by former Senator Anne Gobi when she joined Economic Secretary Yvonne Hao’s team is up for grabs with multiple candidates vying for the seat including two current state representatives. Once again, we will be gathering our current elected officials and candidates together for our Legislative and Candidates Reception. This is one of our most exciting events of the year and provides members of the community with the opportunity to engage our elected officials and those looking to hold office. This year’s event is sponsored by Mount Wachusett Community College and will be held at the Chocksett Inn in Sterling on Thursday, September 21 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund Distributes First Round of Funds for Flood-Impacted Massachusetts Farmers

The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the United Way of Central Massachusetts (UWCM) celebrated the distribution of the first round of checks through the Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund to flood impacted farmers in Massachusetts. Launched in July, the fund is a partnership between philanthropic organizations and private foundations intended to support farms in Central and Western Mass impacted by recent flooding and strengthen farm resiliency in the long term. The fund has so far received more than $3 million in donations from over 657 different people and businesses since it was announced, and will finance two rounds of checks for eligible farmers.

Distribution of funds will be a two-phased rapid release process to ensure farmers can begin recovery as quickly as possible. Phase one, which began last week, awarded funds to 214 applicants that met a minimum threshold of loss, and each recipient received equal amount of funds. Phase two will be based on overall needs of each farm and will be decided later in the fall.

“The Lieutenant Governor and I have spent the last month traveling around the state and hearing directly from farmers about the devastation these rains have had on their livelihoods,” said Governor Healey. “This fund will provide tremendous relief – both emotional and financial – to those farmers as they try to revitalize their crops and get their operations back on track. We are grateful to all the donors who have contributed to the fund and are proud of Team Massachusetts for coming together to help one another quickly and compassionately. We encourage any farmer who has experienced loss due to recent severe weather to apply for relief.”

“We’re incredibly grateful that the Mass Farm Resiliency Fund has seen so many donations in such a short amount of time and is now in a place where we can start delivering relief to farmers who have been struggling in the aftermath of the floods,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “The entire state relies on the work of these dedicated farmers and this fund will serve as a lifeline for them to bounce back. We’re inspired by the resiliency and strength they’ve shown over the last couple of months and are proud to support them in any way we can.”

“The devastating floods that impacted our farms this year were heartbreaking—but I’m so proud and grateful to see people from across the Commonwealth coming together to help our farmers recover in the wake of this climate-change fueled disaster,” said Congressman James P. McGovern. “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, the Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund will provide the help farmers need to recoup their losses, get back on their feet, and continue to serve as the backbone of our local food system.”

As of August, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources estimates at least 148 farms have been impacted by flooding, with over 2,700 acres in crop losses at a minimum value of $15 million and continuing to increase as they receive more reports.

“As heartbreaking as it was to see our farmers experience such devastating losses, it’s also been incredibly wonderful to see so many individuals and organizations come together to ensure that our farming community receives the help that it needs to recover and rebuild from this recent disaster,” said Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle. “Thank you to the United Way of Central Massachusetts for stepping up to assist our hardworking Massachusetts farmers and to Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll for their continued support of our agricultural sector.”

“Our goal with the Fund is to support farmers and communities by raising and distributing funds with urgency, as they are facing challenges right now,” said Tim Garvin, President and CEO of United Way of Central Massachusetts. “We are so grateful to the many donors from all over the Commonwealth who have stepped up and joined us to address the losses for farms, food pantries and the rural communities who rely on a vibrant agricultural economy.”

“Local farms are on the front lines of climate change impacts, and they are working hard to adapt so they can continue to feed our communities,” said Executive Director at CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture) Philip Korman. “They – along with all of us who rely on them – need a robust emergency response system that can react quickly when crisis hits. The new Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund is a vital piece of that puzzle, providing quick-turnaround grants that can help our local farmers manage the losses to their crops, infrastructure, and land. We’re proud to be part of the statewide team that created it, and beyond grateful to the donors that have made it a reality.”

“As the community foundation serving western Massachusetts, we are dedicated to ensuring that the Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund provides immediate relief in a way that works for farmers of our region,” said CFWM President and CEO Megan Burke. “We are deeply grateful to generous donors from throughout Massachusetts and beyond who are helping to make this possible.”

“We are deeply saddened by the impact of recent flooding on the local farming community and recognize the scale of this event extends well beyond us here today,” said Liberty Mutual Foundation President Melissa MacDonnell. “Liberty Mutual, at its core, has always been about being there for people when they need us most. Through this Fund, we are proud to support the community in its recovery, restoration and to prepare for the increased risks of tomorrow.”

“We recognize the significant impact this summer’s flooding had on the livelihoods of local farmers and the domino effect it has had on the local economy as well as organizations supporting food security in the region,” said Dennis Duquette, head of Community Responsibility at MassMutual and president of the MassMutual Foundation. “We applaud the relief efforts of the United Way of Central Massachusetts working in concert with the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and are grateful to Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll for their leadership and rapid response to organize this critical, cross-collaborative initiative to which we’re proud to provide support for these vital farms across western and central Massachusetts.”

“Our roots at Granite run deep throughout Massachusetts, and these important connections include not just the thousands of businesses we proudly serve, but also the Western Massachusetts community where I was born and raised,” said Granite CEO and Founder Rob Hale. “When the needs arose due to the historic flooding and harsh impact on Massachusetts farming communities, Granite was proud to step up for our communities and provide assistance.”

More information about the fund can be found here and at unitedwaycm.org/farmfund.

Governor Healey Launches Free Community College for Massachusetts Residents 25+, Delivers $100,000 to Each Community College for Implementation

Posted on August 25th/in Chamber News, State House News /by northcentralmass

MassReconnect Will Help Meet Workforce Needs, Address Economic Skills Gap, and Offer Transformative Chance at Degree for Massachusetts Adults

Governor Maura T. Healey today launched MassReconnect, her administration’s new program establishing free community college for Massachusetts residents aged 25 and older, and awarded $100,000 to each of Massachusetts’ 15 community colleges to support the quick implementation of the program this fall. Governor Healey was joined by Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Senate President Karen Spilka, Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega, and the community college presidents today at MassBay Community College’s Wellesley Campus. During the event, the Healey-Driscoll Administration highlighted the first MassReconnect students at MassBay, celebrating the impact the program is expected to have for students across the state.

“MassReconnect will be transformative for thousands of students, for our amazing community colleges, and for our economy,” said Governor Healey. “It will bolster the role of community colleges as economic drivers in our state and help us better meet the needs of businesses to find qualified, well-trained workers. We can also make progress in breaking cycles of intergenerational poverty by helping residents complete their higher education credentials so they can attain good jobs and build a career path. Our administration is grateful for the partnership of the Legislature to move forward on this critical program that will make our state more affordable, competitive and equitable.”

“Our administration and our community college partners are ready to hit the ground running with MassReconnect this fall semester. We encourage any eligible students who might have been holding off on taking that final step to enroll to do so now to begin this next stage of their education and career,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “We are also proud to be setting our community colleges up for success by providing them each with $100,000 for implementation of this lifechanging program.”

“In Massachusetts, we know that getting an education is a key to the middle class, supporting a family, building a life, and pursuing a brighter future. In this year’s state budget, we thrust open the doors to those opportunities and countless others, by making community college free for people 25 and over, making nursing programs at community colleges free for all individuals, and setting our state on a path to universal free community college in 2024,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “These proposals are a major step towards the Senate’s Student Opportunity Plan and are crucial to ensuring residents have the tools to build the futures they dream of—right here in Massachusetts. I am deeply grateful to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, Secretary Tutwiler, Commissioner Ortega, Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, Senate Higher Education Committee Co-chair Jo Comerford, and Speaker Mariano, for making education a priority in Massachusetts.”

“MassReconnect will create life-changing educational and career opportunities through free community college for qualifying residents at institutions such as Quincy College and at other community colleges across the Commonwealth, including for many residents from historically underserved communities. This program will also help to address key labor shortages, while ensuring that Massachusetts possesses a highly trained workforce that is prepared for the industries of the future,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank the Healey Administration, Chairman Michlewitz and my colleagues in the House, as well as Senate President Spilka and our partners in the Senate, for working to include this transformative program in the Commonwealth’s FY24 budget.”

Governor Healey invested $20 million in MassReconnect for the first year of implementation in her first budget that she signed earlier this month. This funding covers the full cost of tuition and fees and includes an allowance for books and supplies at each of Massachusetts’ 15 community colleges. Additionally, each community college will also receive $100,000 from this funding to support student and community program awareness, staffing, and program administration. Quincy College also received $1.5 million in the FY24 budget to operate a similar program.

There is still time to enroll in MassReconnect for this fall. The only steps necessary to sign up are to enroll in at least six credits per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate at one of the Commonwealth’s 15 community colleges and complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid). There is no deadline to sign up. The majority of community college programs begin the first week of September, but there are scattered start dates throughout the semester, so students can enroll at any time.

In order to qualify for MassReconnect, students must be 25 or older on the first day of their classes and be a permanent Massachusetts resident for at least one year at the start of the enrolled term. The program is limited to residents who have not previously earned a college degree (associates or bachelor’s) who enroll in at least six credits per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate at a community college.

“There’s no doubt that with MassReconnect we will be able to change the lives of each of the students who take advantage of this historic opportunity to achieve their degree,” said Secretary of Education Tutwiler. “But beyond our students, this program will also strengthen the Commonwealth’s economy and our public higher education system, By investing in our community college students, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is investing in the future of the Commonwealth.”

MassReconnect will likely support up to 6,500-8,000 community college students in the first year, which could grow to closer to 10,000 students by FY25, depending on how many students take advantage of the new opportunity. They could include current students, new students, or returning students who did not complete their degree. There are approximately 700,000 Massachusetts residents who have some college credit but no degree. MassReconnect will help bring back these students to finish their degrees, with the additional funding and support they may have been lacking the first time.

“With the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s record-breaking investment in higher education, including the highest levels of support for financial aid and scholarships the Commonwealth has ever seen, we will be able to expand access to higher learning more than ever before. MassReconnect is the centerpiece of that effort,” said Commissioner of the Department of Higher Education Ortega. “For all the Massachusetts adults out there who had to put their education on hold or didn’t have the opportunity to pursue it in the first place, now is your chance to pursue a degree or certificate to advance your career and transform your life and that of your family.”

The Commonwealth’s 15 community colleges are a ticket to economic mobility for many Massachusetts residents, and thus are key drivers of our business and our economic success. Nationally, employees who have earned their associate degree are paid 18 percent more than workers with only a high school diploma, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And these well-paying jobs are just waiting to be filled—in July 2023 there were more than 26,000 unique job postings in the Commonwealth that specifically required an associate degree. MassReconnect will harness the power of our community colleges by allowing workers to earn the training and education necessary for their career growth and reinforcing our pipeline of skilled industry professionals entering the workforce.

“For adults coming to one of the fifteen community colleges across the Commonwealth, MassReconnect removes one of the biggest barriers to attendance: cost,” said Jim Vander Hooven, president of Mount Wachusett Community College and chair of the Community College Council of Presidents. “By making community college completely free for any adult over 25 in Massachusetts without a degree, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is making an historic investment in our state’s workforce and providing hundreds of thousands of adults with a clear pathway to a career.”

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.”