North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing to MK Dance Center

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Funding to support expansion of dance studio in Leominster

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $100,000 loan to MK Dance Center, Inc., located at Gateway Center, 435 Lancaster Street in Leominster.

The loan will be utilized to finance the build out and renovation costs at the dance studio’s new location to offer classes for dancers aged two through adult. The center employs two full-time employees and six part-time dance instructors.

Owners Kelly (Charpentier) Pelkey and Moriah Kelly-Hildreth opened MK Dance Center in 2013 and recently relocated to Gateway Center. The dance center offers Ballet, Tap, Jazz Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Break Dancing and more.

Pelkey and Kelly-Hildreth are childhood friends who met while dancing at a local studio. Pelkey studied ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop and contemporary, and has received national recognition as a soloist and group member. She began assisting with classes as a teenager and went on to lead ballet, top and jazz classes. Pelkey attended Fitchburg State University and graduated with a degree in Human Services. Prior to owning MK Dance Center, she worked as a Licensed Social Worker.  Kelly-Hildreth has been teaching dance for 20 years, focusing on ballet, tap and jazz. After leading the Dance Department at Riverside Theatre Works in Hyde Park, she choreographed for vocal groups and children’s theater, and taught musical theater classes during summers at The Boston Ballet School. A graduate of the Dance Teachers Club of Boston’s Teachers Training School, she completed four years of Dance Masters of America’s Teachers Training School and is currently an Associate of the program.

“We have both loved to dance from an early age, and this funding affords us the opportunity to bring our passion of dance to more youth and the young at heart in our community,” said Pelkey. Added Kelly-Hildreth, “With the support of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, we can build out our new space and create the dance studio of our dreams.”

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

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

 

Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | MK Dance Center, Inc. | Microloan Lender

Red Apple Farm provide an authentic, New England, family farm experience year-round

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When Al Rose speaks about Red Apple Farm it is easy to see his passion for his business, his family, his apples, his home and his life.  Rose’s enthusiasm is infectious and is easily translated to all aspects of Red Apple Farm’s operation.

Founded in 1912, Rose has carried on the multi-generational farm and converted it into one of North Central Massachusett’s best-known businesses and tourism attractions.  With more than 100 full and part-time employees, Red Apple has expanded from its family farm and farm store in Phillipston to Wachusett Mountain – where it operates the unique Bullock Lodge Cider House and The Core in the Main Base Lodge.  If that wasn’t enough, Rose has taken Red Apple Farm to Boston – where is operates the largest storefront in the popular Boston Public Market.

Rose’s business philosophy is simple.  “We provide an authentic, New England, family farm experience year-round,” he said when asked what separates Red Apple Farm from its competition.  It’s that authentic New England experience that Rose feels is most special about doing business in North Central Massachusetts.

“It reflects who and what we are and closely aligned to our mission,” he said.  “North Central Massachusetts is New England at its core, from the people who live and work here, to the communities and natural and historical landscapes.”

Rose has also perfected the art of collaboration, teaming with businesses like the Gardner Ale House and Wachusett Mountain Ski Area to expand his business.  With Gardner Ale House, he created his Brew Barn and Cidery at the Farm and started brewing his own hard cider.  With Wachusett Mountain, he helped reopen the historical Bullock Lodge where he serves fresh cider donuts and hot cider to hundreds of skiers and snowboarders each winter.

It’s that local collaboration which Rose credits in helping his business and others work through the COVID pandemic the past couple years.

“Intrinsically people value local and keeping it local,” he said. “We are fortunate to be in area that is considered by many folks, whether they live in Central Mass or in Boston, to be there backyard! Those are connections that seemed to strengthen during the pandemic and moments of economic uncertainty.”

Rose says his customers’ “ever-changing needs and wants” are Red Apple Farm’s strongest influence.  He has learned how to adapt along the way, noting that “particularly the intangible needs (like safety and being grounded during Covid)” were so important.

Rose looks at his employees as part of his family.  In describing Red Apple’s workplace culture, he said “we call our employees ‘farm-ily!”  He looks for qualities in his employees that share his same business values.

“We look for employees who focus on adding value, cultivate authenticity, and celebrate community,” he said.  Rose added that Red Apple Farm is “100% in” on supporting the community.  “It’s who we are,” he proudly noted.

One look at Red Apple Farm’s website clearly shows the farm’s great heritage, history and authenticity:

“Red Apple Farm is a fourth-generation family farm,” the website proudly claims. “Red Apple Farm is truly a place to connect the past and today!  Our farmhouse and barn were built in the mid-1700’s. The encompassing stonewalls and stately maple trees represent the icons of days gone by and a labor of love that is still found today in the farm’s breath-taking atmosphere and true sense-of-place.”

“Situated right off scenic Route 2 in the heart of North Central Massachusetts, the orchard boasts views of Wachusett Mountain and sprawling fields outlined by untouched forests. Every year our fruit is grown using Integrated Pest Management with conscious thought to people and the environment. Visit the farm, pick your own fruit, stop in to the Country Store for locally produced specialty foods, and don’t leave without trying our famous cider donuts and homemade fudge.”

Rose combines several factors to successfully promote Red Apple Farm.

“Employee training, making decisions that build and enhance our brand, customary loyalty program and communication, and paid advertisement (i.e. social media, newspaper, radio, etc),” he said.  With all that, Rose notes “word of mouth by a raving customer!” is by far the most successful method of promotion.

 

Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | Chamber Member Spotlight | Red Apple Farm

Scholarships Available through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation is pleased to announce that applications for its 2023 Scholarship program are now being accepted. Each year, the Chamber Foundation distributes approximately 25 scholarships to local high-achieving high school students in North Central Massachusetts.

Students interested in applying for a 2023 scholarship through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation should contact their high school guidance department to submit an application. Deadline for applications is Wednesday, March 1, 2023. A limited number of scholarship applicants are submitted by each school in the Chamber’s service area each year and then reviewed by a committee of Chamber members.

Since the establishment of its scholarship program, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation has awarded over a million dollars in scholarships. Many of these awards are made possible through contributions from members of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. Scholarships endowed through the Chamber Foundation are often named in honor of prominent members of the North Central Massachusetts business community whose philanthropy and commitment to the community have helped shape North Central Massachusetts.

The Chamber’s Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization focused on assisting in the betterment of the region through charitable activities. Funds raised by the Foundation are utilized primarily for education/workforce development initiatives and charitable activities in North Central Massachusetts, including scholarships to eligible applicants pursuing education and grants to support economic and community development projects.

For more information on the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation’s scholarship program or a list of the named scholarships, please visit northcentralmass.com or call 978.353.7600 ext. 222.

 

Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | Massachusetts Education Investments | Massachusetts Education System | Scholarships | 2023 Scholarships Program

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Releases 2023 Public Policy Agenda

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Agenda to serve as blueprint to support strong business climate for the region

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce unveiled its Public Policy Agenda for the new fiscal year outlining the Chamber’s legislative priorities on issues important to businesses and the advancement of North Central Massachusetts. It was reviewed and approved by the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee and the Board of Directors.

As the Chamber advocates on behalf of businesses across the region, the agenda will serve as a blueprint outlining a platform which builds upon the area’s competitive advantages. The agenda is focused around six priority areas: economic competitiveness, small business, manufacturing, education, transportation, and real estate.

“Our Public Policy Agenda is focused on supporting a strong business climate while encouraging an already engaged business community to participate in the efforts of important, pro-business policy issues,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “As we recently learned in our Workforce Development Study, the collaboration of business, government and community leaders is critical to ensure North Central Massachusetts remains a great place to live, work and grow a business, and this agenda is an important roadmap to push those efforts forward.”

“We have experienced successful advocacy efforts over the past several years, and our 2023 agenda builds off of that success,” said Travis Condon, Public Affairs Manager, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “As we continue to advance the issues that matter most to our members in North Central, we look forward to engaging with elected officials to be another voice to help our local businesses be as successful as possible.”

For more information or to view the Chamber’s Public Policy Agenda, please visit www.northcentralmass.com or contact Travis Condon, Public Affairs Manager at 978.353.7600 ext. 224.

 

Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | Community Development | Economic Development | Legislative Issues | Government Affairs | Public Policy Agenda

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for Salt and Light Café

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Funding to purchase real estate for business operations in Groton

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $206,000 loan to Salt and Light Café to provide funding toward the purchase of property at 159 Main Street in Groton, where the business operates. This loan was in partnership with Main Street Bank and ensures employment of 3 full-time and 3 part-time jobs in the community.

The cafe was opened in 2015 by owners Josiah and Linda Coleman, who also operate Coleman Catering. Josiah serves as Executive Chef, and Linda oversees the operations for both the catering company and the café.

Located in downtown Groton, the café uses only fresh ingredients and provides a relaxing environment for guests to relax and linger while enjoying bold, eclectic dishes that fuels and inspires those served. “When we opened Salt and Light, we wanted to create an environment where customers feel welcomed as our friends,” said Josiah Coleman. “Through the support of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, in partnership with Main Street Bank, we can cement our roots in downtown Groton as a place to enjoy savory cuisine with family and friends.”

In addition to providing food, the café also boasts a small retail boutique area with items for sale from local makers, artists, farms and businesses.

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

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

 

Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | Salt and Light Cafe | Microloan Lender

Fresh food, cold beer, a friendly staff and a great location are the main ingredients in the success of the Gardner Ale House & Moon Hill Brewing Company

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Fresh food, cold beer, a friendly staff and a great location are the main ingredients in the success of the Gardner Ale House, according to owner Rick Walton.

When asked what separates the Gardner Ale House from the competition, he noted “Our food is prepared fresh, not frozen or processed and we make our own beer. Our staff is super friendly and our location in downtown Gardner feels like the center of action – a Main St. kind of feel.”

Founded in 2006, Walton’s popular establishment at 74 Parker St. in Gardner now employs 85 people and is a thriving part of downtown Gardner.  He feels one of the most special aspects of doing business in North Central Massachusetts is that customers don’t have to deal with large crowds or noises of the city.

“Our modest size city is just right for our restaurant and the people in the area; some coming from a bit far away,” he said. “North Central MA is just more laid back. COVID didn’t hit us as hard as it hit the cities because of our lower population density and more spread out living situations.”

Walton noted the Ale House is very involved in many community activities.

“We pretty much involve ourselves in anything going on in the city (Gardner IS a city, by the way.),” he said.  “And the city and it’s organizations come to us for beer, food, donations of gift cards, senior center activities. We pretty much do it all. And we put on the biggest party for the city called Oktoberfest & the Chair Luge. So much fun! The list goes on…”

While COVID may not have hit the Ale House as hard as other establishments, Walton still said it forced them to change how they operate the business.

“Customers are harder to come by so we have to become even more attractive than we already are,” he said. “That means more consistency with food and service. It means tightening our belts, reducing waste even more – getting the most out of every dollar. It means making it easier to get food for takeout. We need to be like the chains with takeout!”

Walton added they are improving lighting, music, furniture. “The whole vibe is nicer,” he said.  “We were forced to take our already excellent restaurant and brewery and make it even better! And it is working, but it is a slow climb. The future looks bright because we are so much better than ever before.”

He also noted the Ale House’s staff is a very important part of why they are even better.  “Everybody in the company is important and listened to. Condescending to another employee just doesn’t happen and is not allowed. We aren’t too serious: The culture is to respect each other, work hard and enjoy your job. We can’t be 100% in this, but we try. It might sound dreamy, but we believe you shouldn’t be in a job you don’t like. So, our culture puts employees first. In that way, customers get the best possible service and experience.”

When he is hiring staff, Walton looks for “honesty, a good work ethic and a willingness to learn.”  “If you can be like that, he said, “we’ll teach you the rest!”

Word of mouth is a critical way for The Ale House” to promote itself.

“We promote ourselves through our community involvement, through Word of Mouth, heavy use of social media and through collaborations like the Brew Barn and Cidery at Red Apple Farm in Phillipston,” Walton added.  “I think Word of Mouth builds our customer base reliably, but social media gets the word out to that base and that is critical.  We also have a rewards program and a newsletter in which I am allowed to be a bit silly.”

Walton said he listens to everyone for ideas.  “We casually take in the competition to see how they do things,” he noted. “We aren’t too proud to borrow! A very big influence is each other. So many people in this company have left their mark on us with ideas, methods and best practices.”

He concluded the biggest influence of The Ale House is the guests’ input.  “Guest feedback is largely positive,” Walton noted, “which gives us the impetus to continue along our way and negative feedback is critical to improving our way forward.”

 

January Edition of Good Morning North Central Features Diana DiZoglio, State Auditor Elect for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Christine Abrams, CEO of Commonwealth Corporation

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The next edition of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s popular Good Morning North Central breakfast program is scheduled for Thursday, January 12, 2023, from 6:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and will take place at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg, MA. The January edition is sponsored by Resource Management, Inc.

The Good Morning North Central breakfast series is the Chamber’s longest running program. The breakfast series started in 1984 and has evolved into a high-profile, fast-paced and educational morning program geared towards executives, senior managers, professionals and business owners from throughout North Central Massachusetts. Over the years, speakers have included governors, senators, prominent business and civic leaders, authors and celebrities.

The featured speakers for the month of January are Diana DiZoglio, State Auditor Elect for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Christine Abrams, President and CEO of the Commonwealth Corporation.

Diana DiZoglio was elected as the new State Auditor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in November, 2022 and will begin serving in this role on January 18, 2023. The Massachusetts State Auditor is a statewide elected office responsible for conducting audits, investigations, and studies to promote accountability and transparency of how tax dollars are spent, improve performance, and make government run better. A student of Massachusetts public schools, Diana attended Middlesex Community College and later Wellesley College. After serving in the Legislature as an aide, as Chief of Staff for the 12,000-member Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, and years of work for local nonprofits and community organizations, Diana won her first race for public office in 2012. Diana served three terms as State Representative for the 14th Essex District. In 2018, she was elected to the State Senate for the 1st Essex District, serving two terms, and in 2022 was elected to be the next Massachusetts State Auditor.

Christine Abrams was selected as the President & CEO of Commonwealth Corporation in April, 2020. Commonwealth Corporation (CommCorp) is the quasi-public agency that is responsible for administering and delivering a wide range of publicly and privately funded workforce programs. She has more than thirty years of progressive financial and organizational leadership experience with Fortune 100 companies, startups, and non-profit organizations. Previously, Christine was Senior Director of Sales, Americas, and Australia for Instant Services at IGT. In this role, she helped build key partnerships and worked collaboratively with manufacturing, operations, R&D, finance and IGT corporate to achieve profit and market share goals significantly outpacing the industry averages. Prior to that, Christine served as the SVP of Sales and Marketing Chelsea based Signature Bread and as Director of Sales at General Mills Inc where she was named a Women of Influence in the Consumer Foods Industry. Christine was elected by her peers as the Chair of the Northeast Network of Executive Women. She served on the board for the Garden of Peace and was recently elected to the Garden’s Advisory Committee and served as Vice President of DOVE’s Board of Directors.

The cost to attend the event is just $30 for Chamber members/$45 non-members and includes breakfast. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact Kathleen Deal at 978.353.7600 ext. 235, or register online.

Register Here

 

Fitchburg | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | Good Morning North Central Breakfast 2023 | Diana DiZoglio, State Auditor Elect for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts | Christine Abrams, President and CEO of the Commonwealth Corporation.

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce leads effort to install welcome signage at Leominster Connector

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Sign provides recognition of civic pride for residents and visitors alike

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce today announced it has sponsored the construction of a new welcome sign for the City of Leominster located on the Leominster Connector.

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

The signs were designed and produced by Add-A-Sign in Leominster and represent the region’s traditional New England style. The Leominster welcome sign includes a carving of the City of Leominster’s seal and is painted in the proud city colors of blue and gold. In addition to Leominster, similar welcome signs have also been installed at key gateways in Fitchburg, Gardner and Westminster. Each sign is carved with the community’s seal and painted to match their official colors. Additional signs will be constructed for other communities in North Central Massachusetts as funding becomes available.

“One of the goals of our regional economic redevelopment plan, One North Central, was to capitalize on our region’s unique locations,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Each city brings a distinctive experience to the region and with this project, those entering Leominster will learn about the city while receiving a warm welcome as they arrive.”

“Leominster is truly a gateway city to the North Central Massachusetts region and the new signage will serve as a great way to show our visitors what Leominster is all about,” said Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella, City of Leominster. “We are proud of our heritage in Leominster, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share the story of our legacy through the welcome sign.”

 

Leominster, MA | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | Economic Development | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | New England Town | Worcester County | Community Development | Economic Diversity | Leominster Welcome Signage

The Community Leadership Institute (CLI) class of 2023, chose My Turn, Inc. of Fitchburg as a community service project for the holiday season.

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The Community Leadership Institute (CLI) class of 2023, chose My Turn, Inc. of Fitchburg as a community service project for the holiday season. Since 1984 My Turn, Inc. has focused on “the forgotten half”, the economically, socially and educationally disadvantaged youth in poorer neighborhoods and communities. There are currently, 35 individuals actively participating in this program.

A group from the CLI class of 2023 organized the fundraiser and set a goal of $4,000 in order to purchase items for the participants for the holiday season.  With a “gofundme” campaign and donations from  Fidelity Bank, Leominster Credit Union, IC Credit Union, Rollstone Bank, Enterprise Bank and AIS a total of $4,099.95 was raised in just 3 weeks!

On Friday, December 16th, several individuals from the CLI class gathered to wrap gifts to prepare for drop off at My Turn. With the generous donations, we were able to purchase items in need such as  grocery and gas gift cards, warm winter attire, blankets, phone chargers, hygiene products, and much more. The gifts were delivered to My Turn where manager of north central Massachusetts Programs, Nicole Conroy, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the endless bags of gifts we put under the tree, “All that you all have done is so very appreciated. The students were all so appreciative. I had two in tears over the thoughtfulness and generosity. These are all low income, young moms who go without so they can provide toys for their kids at Christmas. It was incredible for them to receive items for them”.

To learn more about the Community Leadership Institute contact Kat Deal at

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Leominster, MA | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Community Leadership Institute (CLI) class of 2023

Opportunity Knocks in North Central: How Will You Answer?

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As employers in North Central Massachusetts continue to struggle to find skilled labor, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce recently announced a study aimed to offer suggestions to balance the labor market now and into the future.

The North Central Workforce Study was prepared by the UMass Donahue Institute’s Economic and Public Policy Research Group, a leading provider of applied research to help clients make more informed decisions about strategic economic and public policy issues. Focusing on workforce growth barriers and solutions, including barriers related to geography, skills, structure and work/life balance, the study includes short-, mid- and long-term recommendations focused on growing the region’s workforce.

“This project has very tangible recommendations and sets North Central up as a thought leader in this space,” said Dr. Mark Melnik, Director, Economic and Public Policy, UMass Donahue Institute. “The chamber is thoughtful about the characteristics of the region and the needs of the businesses. They are one of the first out of the gate in the state to acknowledge the workforce challenges their region is facing and have a strong desire to learn how to change those challenges into opportunities.”

With the collaboration of regional business and education leaders and workforce development experts, the study revealed two classes of workers who are not being fully utilized within the current workforce, but who have skills local employers need.

“Hidden workers” are identified as applicants who are screened out of consideration for jobs or those who have no choice but to remain out of the workforce due to barriers out of their control, and “future workers” are those workers who will be in the labor force in the future due to age, location, technology and other factors.

“Similar to many other areas of the Commonwealth, North Central Massachusetts is feeling the impacts of stagnant labor force engagement beyond the effects of the pandemic shutdowns,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Our region is particularly susceptible to labor force shrinkage due to our aging population and slower population growth, but also because groups of our hidden and future workers within the region have other needs which are not being met by the current labor market here. In fact, some workers are finding the job search to be just as difficult as it was before the pandemic began. The barriers and recommendations in the plan will require all different community stakeholders in North Central to work together to meet the regions’ work force needs.”

While the study revealed many workers are willing and ready to work, barriers facing today’s workers, including where they live, what skills they have and spoken (and unspoken) rules and regulations, can limit a person’s ability to obtain a job.

From a lack of affordable housing adjacent to jobs and transportation from where affordable housing is available, to current skills that no longer align with industries in the area and overly aggressive online applicant filters that may discriminate an applicant’s past, the challenges facing today’s workforce are unique to those of years past.

“We are definitely seeing transportation challenges,” said Robin Therrien, Career Transitions Specialist, Shriver Job Corp., located in Devens, and who recently attended the Manufacturing Bus Tour hosted by the Chamber. “Not everyone is from the larger areas, like Fitchburg and Leominster, and we have students who live outside of these areas seeking opportunities, but there is no affordable housing and transportation to get them to these areas.”

Jeffrey Roberge, Executive Director at MassHire North Central Workforce Board agrees. “Transportation is an issue, especially for those people who live in rural areas of the region,” he said. “But the silver lining here is that several stakeholders in the region are constantly looking at ways to get people to the jobs here and have a commitment to the workforce system to develop transportation services for the workforce.”

Roberge pointed to the Montachusett Area Regional Transport (MART), which is looking at modified plans to support workforce development. “We are fortunate to have our local transit authority recognize workforce development as a priority, and I know they are looking at bus routes to better align with shift schedules.”

To combat transportation issues, the study recommends employers implement ride share programs, which are similar to a carpool system among fellow employees, and encourage companies to coordinate a van system, which helps workers complete the last mile to and from public transportation locations to the company location. Roberge said this type of system has experienced much success in the Boston area.

But transportation isn’t the only challenge employers are facing when hiring workers. The study revealed the most diverse set of issues faced by both workers and employers relates to work/life balance, such as prioritizing shift times, benefits, and location over things such as industry, company or position in the company.

“The future is hybrid and preliminary data has shown there hasn’t been reduced production of work when people are working from home,” added Roberge. “While certain industries have more challenges with a hybrid work schedule, such as manufacturing and health care, I think employers really need to think about aligning schedules and shifts with what their industry can handle and provide remote or hybrid opportunities as much as possible. I don’t think we will ever go back to the traditional workday of being in the office eight hours a day, five days a week.”

The study recommends multi-purpose solutions for North Central related to work-life balance, including a shorter work week, flexible working agreements, the expansion of benefits to include childcare, more permissive policies for time-off requests, incentives for career advancement and rewards for longevity, incentives for employees who have a healthy work/life balance, and coordination with other community stakeholders to increase the supply of childcare, among others.

The study also explored a variety of solutions to engage hidden and future workers into the labor force, such as through the creation of innovative training and credentialing programs, and fostering relationships with local community colleges, businesses and prisons.

“North Central’s workforce is aging and slowed population is projected to continue,” said Nascimento. “In order to meet North Central’s workforce needs, employers, educational institutions and workforce development agencies must collaborate to identify overlapping strategies to help enhance the engagement of these groups in the labor force.”

Local institutions, such as Mount Wachusett Community College and Fitchburg State University, currently collaborate with employers to coordinate programs geared toward community and employer needs. For example, in collaboration with employers, Mount Wachusett Community College began developing a new Veteran Worker’s Initiative that assists local veterans with the transition from military skills to college/civilian skills. This program connects regional employers to students on campus, hosts panel discussions with organizations that educate employers on how to be responsive and sensitive to veteran needs and utilizes the college’s career services by connecting students with business partners in the area.

“We have so many great partners and we want the industry professionals in our area to be involved with educating the future workforce,” said Kijah Gordon, Director of Workforce Access and Education, Mount Wachusett Community College. “We are taking a step back from traditional programming and really looking at what our employers need to fill their open positions.”

At Shriver Job Corp., which serves those between the ages of 16 to 24, programs are offered to students who may not have had a good support system throughout their lives and who may not have life skills that make them attractive to employers. “Our students are not all at-risk youth,” said Denise Schultz, Work-based Learning Specialist, Shriver Job Corp. “The truth is we have good kids who might not have the best focus, but who are committed to learning a skill so they can be contributing members in their communities while also building a good life for their families. We want to work with local employers on filling their open positions and they just need to let us know what they need so we can help find the right fit.”

In an effort to facilitate the collaboration between employers and educational institutions, the Chamber recently hired a Talent and Education Initiatives Program Manager to support the development, retention and attraction of a qualified labor force. “By working with employers, regional partners and educational institutions on developing strategies and programs to build and strengthen our current and future workforce, it was important for us to have a team member focused on these efforts to help strengthen the collaboration,” added Nascimento.

“Terry Young (the Chamber’s Talent and Education Initiatives Program Manager) is doing a great job recruiting for our program,” added Gordon. “The future for us is working with the high schools on how to make our programming more appealing to students.”

While collaboration will be key to growing the labor force in North Central, the study concludes that employers need to make working easier by overcoming the identified barriers.

“What stood out to me about the region was the level of collaboration between higher education and businesses combined with a strong Chamber of Commerce,” said Melnik. “There is really good DNA in the region for collaboration and forward thinking, and the people who we spoke with (as we developed the study) realize that timing for this work is important as the issues at hand will only become bigger if they are not addressed.”

Nascimento agreed the region is unique because the collaboration among its businesses, educators and other key stakeholders is already strong. “The Chamber of Commerce is in a unique position to gain trust from businesses and locals with a goal of establishing connections necessary to better meet worker needs and ultimately bring additional people into the labor force,” said Nascimento. “It is our hope that by commissioning the North Central Workforce study that all stakeholders will have a shared roadmap to overcome the challenges and set forth a bright future for employers and workers alike in the region.”

While the study outlines challenges and opportunities to overcome them, many people are bullish on the region’s workforce development, including Roberge.

“We have a vibrant workforce development system, and the outlook is bright as we have solutions to combat our challenges,” said Roberge. “We are very lucky that our businesses, educators, career centers, social service agencies and many others are talking with each other toward a common goal of making North Central a place to live, work and raise a family. We know what we need to do, and we have a community of engaged and committee people to do it.”

Read the North Central Workforce Study in its entirety here.

 

Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | North Central Workforce Study