Bids Fond Farewell to Cruz and Goulet

The Chamber is pleased to announce the addition of Maureen Babcock to the professional staff in the role of Executive Assistant. She will be responsible for managing the Chamber’s database, providing administrative and operational support, and coordinating special projects. Maureen lives in Devens and has been very active in the community, including volunteering with the Boy Scouts and Harvard Parks & Recreation. She has also served as the Chair of the Educational Advisory Committee that advises MassDevelopment on education related matters in the Devens community. She holds a Bachelor degree in Political Science/Business from Mount Saint Mary’s College and is a Certified Financial Planner. Members can contact Maureen Babcock at 978.353.7600 ext. 222 or via email at .

“Maureen brings a wealth of skills and experience to this dynamic and essential role, including over a decade of experience in project management, registration and program coordination,” said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the Chamber. “We are excited to have her join our team and contribute towards our efforts to support our members and advance our communities.”

The Chamber also announces the recent departure of Maribel Cruz and Lauren Goulet. Cruz has served as Economic Development Manager for the Chamber for over two years and recently accepted the position of Housing and Community Development Director for the City of Fitchburg. Lauren Goulet worked for the Chamber for nearly fifteen years as Operations Manager and recently accepted a position with the Azzur Group, a life sciences company expanding in Devens.

“We are saddened to lose Maribel and Lauren, but also excited for them and these new opportunities,” said Nascimento. “They have been important and dedicated members of our team and contributors to our success. I want to thank them for their hard work and commitment to the Chamber and wish them well in their new positions.”

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a 5-star Accreditation as a result of its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community by the Accrediting Board of the United States Chamber of Commerce. The announcement was made to an audience of nearly 300 business and community leaders at the Chamber’s Annual Business Meeting earlier this month.

Accreditation is the only national program to recognize chambers of commerce for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to achieve this recognition, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, communications and technology. This comprehensive self-review was conducted over a four-month period and required preparation of an extensive application, including compilation and review of volumes of materials required by the Accrediting Board, and demonstration of competency in nine core areas ranging from finance to facilities.

Of the approximately 7,000 chambers in the U.S., there are currently only 140 5-Star rated chambers, which represent the top three percent of all chambers in the country. In Massachusetts, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber is one of only two chambers with this prestigious accreditation.

“When chambers of commerce earn the distinction of becoming accredited, it is a mark of excellence for the organization, its staff, and its leadership” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber vice president, Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “This rigorous review includes all aspects of a chamber’s policies, operations, and programming. Accredited chambers are recognized for their continued advocacy of free enterprise, and for their commitment to serving members and their local business communities. Congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment.”

“We are incredibly honored to receive this national designation which places us among the best chambers of commerce in the country,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president & CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We challenged ourselves to improve our Chamber for the betterment of our members and our region. Receiving this accreditation only motivates us to continue to remain engaged, active and innovative on behalf of our members and communities in North Central Massachusetts.”

Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. State chambers are recognized as either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board.

The accreditation report noted the North Central Massachusetts Chamber has demonstrated an excellent track record of operating a successful chamber and achieving desirable results for its members. Several of the Chamber’s programs, events and initiatives were highlighted for special recognition, including its leadership role in helping members and the community navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Chamber’s leadership in talent and workforce development. The Chamber also received special recognition for its thoughtful and impactful efforts around government affairs and volunteer recognition, and for investments it has made in technology.

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Students were recognized during a luncheon at the Mount Wachusett Community College Leominster Campus on May 24

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Institute (CLI) Class of 2023 recognized the first recipients of the CLI annual scholarship program on May 24 at the Mount Wachusett Community College Leominster Campus.

Seven individuals who are enrolled with MY TURN, an organization that helps people develop their skills, goals and self-confidence through alternative education, post-secondary planning, career exploration and employment training, each received a $2,000 scholarship. The recipients will use the funding 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.

“It was an amazing experience working with the CLI members throughout our program year,” said Nicole Conroy, executive director, MY TURN. “The investment in our youth has been priceless and has led to a partnership that will continue into the future, and our students who received the scholarships said they have continued motivation to work hard to reach their goals.”

The event featured remarks from Conroy and Terry Young, manager of talent and education initiatives, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. Maria Milagros, an award-winning speaker, award nominated author, TEDx speaker, storyteller and empowerment life coach, provided the keynote address.

The non-traditional scholarships were an outgrowth of a community project undertaken by the CLI Class of 2023. Funding was provided by local companies and individuals as a result of outreach by the CLI Class. The CLI Scholarship Committee, comprised of eight CLI class members, selected the recipients from applications submitted by individuals participating in the MY TURN, Inc. program who did not qualify for traditional scholarships or other funding opportunities.

The Chamber developed the CLI program in 1988 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 the region’s future. CLI is dedicated to providing participants with individual leadership skills and a deep understanding of the region. Participants are sponsored for the nine-month program by their business and are seen as leaders or potential leaders within their company and community. In addition to the monthly day-long sessions, participants are required to work in teams on different community projects that can have an impact in the region. Previous CLI projects included the creation of a new non-profit organization to help with holiday gifts for families dealing with a loved one’s cancer diagnosis to a project designed to improve the appearance of vacant business windows in a downtown business district to create interest in future business development and community inclusion.

For more information on the Community Leadership Institute, through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Commerce, please visit northcentralmass.com or call 978.353.7600, ext. 222. The Chamber is now accepting applications for the Community Leadership Institute Class of 2024.

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The 39th Annual Meeting and Business Luncheon for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Thursday, June 15, 2023, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg.

This annual event celebrates business people working together to ensure a bright future for North Central Massachusetts and presents an opportunity for the region’s business and community leaders to build camaraderie among peers. In addition to the Chamber’s annual recognition awards and commencement for the Community Leadership Institute Class of 2023, a tabletop Business Expo will also be offered to showcase local businesses. The expo provides an opportunity for exhibitors to reach hundreds of business and community leaders from throughout North Central Massachusetts. The Business Expo will begin at 10:30 a.m.; the Annual Meeting and Luncheon will run from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; and the Business Expo will close out the day from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m.

The event is funded by the generous support of various businesses and organizations, including Premier Sponsor: Fidelity Bank; Business Expo Sponsors: MassHire North Central Workforce Board and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation; and Supporting Sponsors: AIS, Inc.; Enterprise Bank; Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority; Fitchburg State University; Great Wolf Lodge; IC Credit Union; and Rollstone Bank & Trust.

This year’s keynote speaker is Steve Gross, Founder and Chief Playmaker of the Life is Good Kids Foundation, a non-profit that spreads the power of optimism to kids who need it most. Steve’s signature approach has been widely adapted across the country and throughout the world in response to the social and emotional needs of children who are deeply impacted by poverty, violence and illness. In addition to his work in the social sector, Steve has worked with many corporations, such as Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Million Dollar Roundtable Club, and IBM, to demonstrate how optimistic leaders can inspire people and organizations through times of change.

Registrations for the Annual Business Meeting and Luncheon are being accepted through June 12 by contacting the Chamber at 978.353.7600, ext. 222 or ext. 235, or via email at . Registration is also available online at northcentralmass.com. The cost is just $55 per person for members and $70 per person for non-members and includes lunch. Reservations are required. Supporting sponsorships, expo tables and tables of ten are also available.

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