Emerging leaders Participate in Community Leadership Institute

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Seventeen men and women, sponsored by area companies as up and coming employees and future leaders in our community, have been accepted into the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership Institute.  CLI is dedicated to providing participants with individual leadership skills and a deep understanding of the region.  The nine month program focuses on education, government, health care, social services, justice system, media, arts and culture, environment and history.  The Chamber created the Institute to inspire a new generation of men and women to enthusiastically assume important roles in their community.   The program challenges individuals from diverse backgrounds to be influential in our region’s future.

Professor Mike Greenwood, business professor at Fitchburg State University and chairman of the Institute steering committee, is enthusiastic about this year’s participants and the meaningful professional, personal and community development they will take part in.  “I have been with the class since it’s reintroduction in 2011.  Each year, I am amazed and impressed with the dedication of the participants.  Programs like this are an important asset within the community to ensure one that continues to thrive, even after our current leaders retire.”

Marty Connors, president of Rollstone Bank & Trust and past chairman of the Institute steering committee, led the Institute’s revival in 2010.  “I was in the 1991 class of the Institute and it was an integral part of my success in the community.  As Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2010, I felt we needed the program back to once again support our needs for leadership and succession planning. Rollstone Bank & Trust’s participants have enjoyed the program and become leaders here in their workplace and in the community.  We could not be prouder of the work they have done.”

Participants in the Class of 2022:

Daisy Ayala, Enterprise Bank

Joshua Bedarian, RCAP Solutions, Inc

Austin Brooks, TD Bank

Joseph Ferguson, Fitchburg State University

Justin Goettsch, The Arc of Opportunity

Ramon Gonzalez, Mount Wachusett Community College

Brittany Haley, Leominster Credit Union

Megan Heffernan, UMass Memorial Health HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital

Kimberly LeBlanc, Resource Management, Inc

Bea Lee, North Central Massahusetts Economic Development Corp

Christian Lopez, Sponsored by AIS

Stephanie LoSasso, Avidia Bank

Hannah Pollan, Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts

Andrea Sampson, Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts

Melanie Sauvageau, Rollstone Bank & Trust

Patricia Wayrynen, Workers Credit Union

Marcus Williams, Mount Wachusett Community College

Inside North Central Massachusetts is Now Available on Apple Podcasts

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that our podcast series – Inside North Central Massachusetts – is now available on Apple Podcasts. The podcast series features conversations with Travis Condon, the Chamber’s Public Affairs Manager, and leaders of industry, education, healthcare, government, and more, plus additional content that is relevant to our members and communities.  

“We want to be seen as a resource for crucial information pertaining to our members and the communities of North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the Chamber. “The way the public consumes information is constantly changing, and we are excited to utilize the skills of our team members to break into this medium.” 

“We recognize that our members are often very busy, and while we wish they could attend every event we host, we know that isn’t always feasible,” said Kathleen Deal, Events & Programs Manager at the Chamber, “This will give members the flexibility to keep up to date with issues that impact them while juggling their day to day responsibilities.” 

To listen or follow the Inside North Central Massachusetts podcast series on Apple Podcasts, please head to: https://apple.co/3pJFWFs  

Interested in sponsoring the podcast series or being a guest on an episode, please send an email to

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Over $66 Million in MassWorks Funding

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Administration Highlights First-Year Success of One Stop for Growth Program

Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy were joined by state and local officials from Lowell to announce $66.5 million in 2021 MassWorks awards to 50 communities. The Administration also kicked off the first series of grant awards made through the Community One Stop for Growth program, which total a combined $88 million for projects in 122 communities across the Commonwealth, including MassWorks awards.  First launched in January 2021, the Community One Stop for Growth replaced multiple application processes for separate grant programs that support local economic development initiatives with a single application portal that includes a streamlined, collaborative review process. The Administration also announced $1 million for 16 communities through the Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Planning Grant Program, one of the many programs available through One Stop.

In One Stop’s inaugural round, the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development received 267 Expressions of Interest from 178 communities through the new, simplified process.  For this year’s awards, 196 grant applications received a total of $88.7 million for projects in 122 communities.  Of the 196 projects awarded, nearly one-third were located in a rural or small town, half were located in a Housing Choice Community; and one-third were located in a Gateway City. Learn more about the programs that are part of the Community One Stop for Growth application process.

“MassWorks and the programs accessed through One Stop support local infrastructure projects that spur housing, workforce development and private investment,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “We appreciate the partnership with the Legislature and local leaders to make these investments possible and look forward to our continued collaboration.”

“One Stop has transformed the Commonwealth’s role from simply a patchwork of funding sources into a true partnership that puts the economic and community development goals for more cities and towns within reach,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.  “By enhancing access to key programs like MassWorks, One Stop allows us to bring a heightened sense of urgency to our efforts to rebuild the economy.”

“In addition to a single application portal, the One Stop’s collaborative review process involves multiple agencies and direct referrals to programs across a number of agencies, all in an effort to get more communities closer to their economic development goals, faster,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy.  “As well, cities and towns can now submit Expressions of Interest, which opens up a dialog allowing communities to work with members of our team to refine and improve upon their ideas.”

“Locally driven planning efforts are critical for communities to take charge of their growth and meet the needs of diverse cities and towns,” said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox. “We are thrilled to be part of the One-Stop program, which better coordinates our expansive programming to support community development, affordable and market-rate housing development, and resilient neighborhoods.”

MassWorks, a competitive program that offers cities and towns flexible capital funding to support and accelerate housing production and job growth, is the largest program among the One Stop portfolio. This year, the Administration is awarding 56 grants from the infrastructure program – the largest number of awards in a single year in six years – totaling $66.5 million to 50 communities.

Among this year’s MassWorks’ projects, 29 are reactivating underutilized sites, 27 are supporting transit-oriented developments, 29 have a mixed-use component. Additionally, 14 communities are receiving their first ever MassWorks award.

Including this year’s round, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded 326 MassWorks grants to 181 communities, investing over $608 million in public infrastructure projects throughout the state. These grants have directly supported the creation of 21,000 new housing units, tens of thousands of construction and new permanent jobs, while also leveraging over $13 billion in private investment. 

At today’s event, Administration officials announced that Lowell, which applied for several grants through One Stop, is receiving a $1.72 million MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant to support the design and construction of sidewalks, lighting, and landscaping that will improve vehicular and pedestrian travel in the area adjacent to a private development known as Acre Crossing.

Lowell’s MassWorks award will support Acre Crossing, which is a mixed-use development, consisting of over 34,000 square feet of office and retail space, and parking.  The project also includes 32 condominiums for sale to first-time homebuyers with household incomes ranging from 70 to 100 percent of the Area Median Income.  The project is a result of a $27 million private investment, supporting approximately 200 jobs throughout construction, and 40 full-time jobs once fully built out.

“The Merrimack Street corridor between City Hall and University Crossing is the major link connecting the UMass campus to the Lowell Central Business District. As such, it presents many opportunities for economic development and rejuvenation such as the Acre Crossing Project,” said State Senator Ed Kennedy. “The Governor’s announcement of the Mass Grants award today will help provide a big step in that direction.”

“The MassWorks grant for the Acre Crossing development and the Community Planning grant to support Lowell’s new TOD Overlay District are both vital to the expansion of affordable housing and job creation in Lowell,” said State Rep. Rady Mom.  “I would like to thank Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito for their continued efforts to improve our city and the Commonwealth.”

“The City of Lowell is thrilled to receive a $1,720,000 MassWorks Infrastructure Program Grant for Acre Crossing,” said State Representative Thomas A. Golden, Jr.  “This generous funding will allow us to make the area around the new development easier to navigate for both pedestrians and vehicles and will also help us to make the area safer and more beautiful with the addition of lighting, landscaping and a small park.  The city of Lowell is also grateful to receive a $75,000 Community Planning Grant, which will allow the city to increase opportunities for new housing near the Gallagher Terminal.”

“Thank you, Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito, for your invaluable assistance in securing these vital funds to support the continued economic development for the City of Lowell and throughout our Commonwealth,” said State Rep. Vanna Howard. “The MassWorks Infrastructure funding will help support our commitment to job creation, which will benefit the entire community for years to come. I am proud to support this economic development bill for the future good of our Commonwealth.”

“The investments that the Baker-Polito Administration continues to make through the MassWorks Infrastructure Program enabled cities and town across the Commonwealth to overcome financial hurdles standing in the way of development,” said City Manager Eileen Donoghue. “We are confident that the Acre Crossing project will mark a continuation of the high-quality development that has been supported in Lowell through MassWorks.”

“Acre Crossing represents a transformative project that will expand Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s presence in The Acre, create new jobs, provide adequate parking, and offer homeownership to those that may not otherwise be able to fulfill that dream,” said Mark S. Cochran, President and Chief Executive Officer at Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union.  “We are honored to be chosen as a recipient of the MassWorks Grant to help support our efforts.”

The full list of this year’s MassWorks grant recipients can be found here.

In addition to MassWorks funding, today the City of Lowell was also awarded two additional grants through the One Stop process.

As a designated Housing Choice community, Lowell was awarded a $250,000 grant to update its 2012 Master Plan to address housing affordability issues in the City and assess how new policies can be aligned with the sustainable growth of the City.

In addition to receiving MassWorks and Housing Choice awards, Lowell was one of 16 communities that were awarded a combined total of $1 million through the Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Planning Grant Program.  This program, also new this year, is one of the multiple programs in One Stop and provides technical assistance for activities related to land use, including: assisting communities in the development of a Master Plan, Housing Production Plan, Zoning Review and Updates, Urban Renewal Plan, Land Use Plan, Downtown Plan, Parking Management Plan, Feasibility Study, or Other Strategic Plan. 

Lowell’s $75,000 grant through the Community Planning Grant Program will assist in the creation of a new transit-oriented development district for the area surrounding the Gallagher Terminal which serves as Lowell’s central transportation hub with connections to MBTA commuter rail service to and from Boston, and bus service through 19 local and regional bus routes. The City’s goal is to further the recommendations of the Lowell Gallagher Terminal TOD Study by modifying the zoning code to increase opportunities for new housing near the Gallagher Terminal.

The full list of Community Planning Grant Program awards can be viewed here.

JOIN THE GIFT LOCAL GIFT CARD PROGRAM!

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Be a part of something great! Join the ranks of the local restaurants, shops, attractions and other businesses that are currently a part of the Gift Local gift card program. Participating in this community-focused promotional opportunity is a great way to engage new customers and promote your business.

  • Accepting Gift Local gift cards is hassle-free – no new terminals or software are required.
  • Unlike coupons, deal sites and discount cards, you are not asked to provide a discount in exchange for customers. Instead, the Gift Local gift cards drive full-priced customers to your business.
  • Gift Local gift cards do not compete with your own existing gift card or gift certificate program. Instead, Gift Local gift cards help to engage new customers that you can convert into returning customers.
  • Your business also benefits by being listed on GiftLocal.net and from the ongoing advertising and promotions conducted to encourage the sale of the cards.

 “We were an early adopter of the Gift Local gift card program. It just seemed like a no-brainer for us to participate,” said Rick Walton, owner of the Gardner Ale House and Moon Hill Brewing. “I haven’t been disappointed. We’ve seen hundreds of these gift cards redeemed here since the program started just a few years ago.”

Are you a Chamber member and would like to participate in this program?  For more information or to sign up, please contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 222.

 

Mass. Economy Tacks On Sixth Consecutive Quarter Of Growth

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Supply chain disruptions and labor shortages are continuing to hold back economic growth, but index readings released Monday show the Massachusetts economy in expansionary territory for a sixth straight quarter and four straight quarters of growth for the U.S. economy.

Citizens said its national Citizens Business Conditions Index finished the third quarter at 57.1, down from the second quarter reading of 57.4. The state economy’s third quarter reading was 55, up from 53.1 in the second quarter. Readings above 50 reflect an economy in expansionary mode.

“Despite ongoing challenges from the pandemic, the third quarter was a period of strong demand across most sectors of the economy,” Citizens said. “With the continued support of low interest rates and fiscal spending initiatives, most sectors seem to have established a healthy trajectory of growth. Concerns over higher inflation have increased, and the employment sector still has ground to cover to reach pre-COVID status.”

The index draws from a pool of metrics, including manufacturing data, consumer spending, commercial banking data, initial jobless claims, commodity prices, and new business applications.

“Business activity is incredibly strong and confidence levels are quite high,” said Tony Bedikian, head of global markets at Citizens. “We haven’t fully exited the pandemic yet, but at this stage most parts of the economy have established some normalcy given the benefit of vaccines and the fiscal and monetary stimulus that continue to provide support towards full recovery. Many companies are doing well and would be doing even better if it weren’t for headwinds such as supply chain disruption and labor shortages.”

The new index readings were released as House and Senate leaders on Beacon Hill gear up to put $3.65 billion in one-time funds to work across Massachusetts, part of efforts over the next few weeks to allocate large chunks of American Rescue Plan Act funds and the state’s fiscal 2021 budget surplus. – Michael P. Norton/SHNS

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing to 873 Café Tavern

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Funding to support creation of six job opportunities in Ashby

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) – the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce – recently approved a $75,000 loan to Sean Smith, owner of 873 Café Tavern, located at 873 Main Street in Ashby. The loan, which was referred to NCMDC from NewVue Communities, will support the restaurant’s start-up costs, provide working capital and create six job opportunities in the community.

 

Smith purchased the business after the previous owners closed the restaurant in May 2020 due to financial hardships amid the pandemic. An experienced chef who worked as the Executive Chief and Culinary Director at The Fay Club in Fitchburg, and at Great Road Kitchen and Oyster Bar in Littleton prior to purchasing the 873 Café Tavern, Smith is optimistic that re-opening the restaurant will be good for the town of Ashby.

 

“The 873 Café Tavern was a successful restaurant and a local destination for years,” said Smith. “With the financial assistance and support from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, I was able to fulfill a dream to open my own business and bring new life to the restaurant.”

 

The 873 Café Tavern features a lounge, restaurant with fireplace, café, patio for outside seating, and an ice cream bar. Open since late summer, the 873 Café Tavern features a specialized menu of shared plates and comfort foods, all using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

 

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.

Unemployment Rises As State Sits On ARPA Funds

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The statewide unemployment rate rose from 5 percent to 5.2 percent in September, while employers reported adding 11,900 jobs across Massachusetts last month, labor officials announced on Friday.

September’s unemployment rate was the highest in Massachusetts since the 6.4 percent reported in April, and it landed more than 3 percentage points below the 8.9 percent labor officials recorded a year ago.

Job growth rebounded somewhat from the revised figure of 3,400 positions reported in August, though the pace of growth remains middling. Since May 2020, Massachusetts has added 474,700 jobs, clawing back 72 percent of the losses experienced in April 2020 amid the COVID-19 crisis.

The largest industry-specific gains in September occurred in education and health services (6,400 jobs), other services (5,300), trade, transportation and utilities (3,900) and leisure and hospitality (3,300). Construction, professional and business services, and government all shed positions last month.

Gov. Charlie Baker has been pushing lawmakers to invest a substantial portion of state government’s $4.8 billion in remaining American Rescue Plan Act funding toward workforce training and other economic development initiatives.

Legislative leaders are still working on an ARPA spending bill, which is expected in the new few weeks, and have also yet to produce a plan to allocate $1.5 billion in unobligated tax revenues left over from fiscal 2021. – Chris Lisinski/SHNS

Baker: Forced Investments Will Reduce Total Health Care Costs

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Compelling greater investments in behavioral health and addiction treatment services figures to be a main tent pole in a health care bill that the Baker administration plans to put before the Legislature in the coming months, Gov. Charlie Baker suggested Wednesday morning.

Speaking to a virtual conference of the Providers’ Council, the governor said his administration plans this budget year to “continue our commitment to increasing access to behavioral health services, which I think everybody would agree coming out of this pandemic are a bigger and more important issue than they’ve ever been before.”

Then, for the second time in about a month, he recounted his 2019 health care bill that was never seriously considered once the pandemic set in.

The legislation Baker filed in October 2019 would have required, among other things, that health care providers and insurers boost spending on addiction services, behavioral health, primary care and geriatric services by 30 percent over three years.

“We continue to believe that these are areas that, for a bunch of reasons, many of which are driven by federal policy, are underinvested in and we need to do a much better job of recognizing and appreciating that investments in those areas not only improve the quality of care for people, but in many cases will also reduce the total cost of care because they’re designed to help people stay healthy,” Baker said Wednesday morning in his remarks to the Providers’ Council.

Last month, the governor recalled the same 2019 bill and said that his administration is “going to go back at this one” in a sweeping health care bill he expects to file by early next year.

When he signed last session’s health care law, which included a few of the policies he proposed in October 2019, Baker told the News Service that he expected to return after the pandemic to “some of these issues that were probably too big and too complicated to deal with in the context of what the last year was like.”

Legislators are interested in tackling health care, but their level of interest in Baker’s ideas remains to be seen. Senate President Karen Spilka named mental health parity legislation as one of the items on her fall agenda and House Speaker Ronald Mariano has said he’ll be looking to pursue “a number of different health care issues” this session. – Colin A. Young/SHNS

Avidia Bank looks to a fresh direction with recent rebrand

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Since the 2007 merger of Hudson Savings Bank and Westborough Bank (both founded in 1869), Avidia, deriving from the words “avid ideas,” overhauled everything from marketing to messaging, modifying products based on the feedback of their current customers to better serve their local community.

Avidia Bank is a $2.3 billion Community Bank, headquartered in Hudson, MA with additional branches in Westborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Clinton, Leominster, Marlborough and Northborough. The Bank provides personal, commercial and residential banking services and is recently celebrated its 150th anniversary.

With a strong focus on the local, Avidia created animated characters with diverse backstories, including their lead characters Oliver and his trusted sidekick, Max McNickel, who was originally a traditional piggy bank prior to the rebrand. Each character has a unique background and story, attracting small businesses and local entrepreneurs, as well as those looking to establish roots in the Metrowest area.

“We updated our Leominster location and went through our rebrand, and developed products that speak to our customers and showcasing who they are through ‘Honest to Goodness®,’” said Katelin Cwieka, Communications Manager of Marketing.

“We are a community bank. What does that mean? It means we care about our community because we’re from here. We live here. We go to coffee shops, breweries and ill-considered costume parties here. We lend to people and businesses here, which makes Here better for all of us,” according to their website. “Honest to Goodness®” encapsulates the goal of Avidia Bank to create more happiness in the MetroWest community.

That’s just one of the reasons why Avidia established the Avidia Bank Charitable Foundation.

Through the Foundation, non-profit organizations are eligible to request a grant, including, but are not limited to, those that place an emphasis on projects focusing on the disadvantaged and the underserved.

“We are so excited to announce that Avidia Bank just contributed a $30,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metrowest as part of Be a Champion for a Child initiative, in partnership with Stephon Gilmore,” Cwieka said.

Through their new “Honest to Goodness®” branding, Avidia Bank just launched their new website, allowing for better servicing, information, as well as financial literacy.

“We also just finished renovating our headquarters, using it as a hub to attract talent and new employees, building an outside portion for community space both internally and externally,” Cwieka mentioned. “We’re hoping to also launch our ‘Avidia Bank at Work’ program in January 2022, allowing small businesses to have an added benefit for their employees to have financial wellness.”

Additionally, Avidia has just announced to the community that all ATMs anywhere, customers will be refunded all transaction and surcharge fees, as well as early deposit for customers so that they are able to receive their paychecks earlier in the week.

Avidia has continued to flourish throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. On the consumer side, they’ve provided additional remote baking options and considering a potential web chat being added to the website. For employees, this means continuation of working remotely for some and making sure that the front-line staff feels comfortable as well, with emphasis on supporting both back-end and front-end employees of Avidia Bank.

“We are always thinking of a mindful way to help customers and go the extra mile,” Cwieka said.

“[Avidia] relies on the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce to help us connect with the local community,” said Cwieka, “especially during the pandemic and keeping in touch with everyone, but also to participate in community projects too.” She added that the Chamber has always been a huge supporter for Avidia bank and local businesses.

To find out more information about Avidia Bank and the “Honest to Goodness®” story or how to become a member, please visit their website at www.avidiabank.com or by visiting a branch located near you.

 

Baker-Polito Administration Files Legislation to Invest $750 Million in Clean Energy Innovation, Workforce Development

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Bill Includes Key Policy Changes to Offshore Wind Procurement Process

Governor Charlie Baker announced that the Baker-Polito Administration will file legislation to direct $750 million to support the continued growth and development of the Commonwealth’s clean energy industry. The legislation, An Act to Power Massachusetts’ Clean Energy Economy, would establish a new Clean Energy Investment Fund, totaling $750 million, that would support innovation, research and development, and job training in the clean energy sector, significantly expanding Massachusetts’s national leadership on clean energy and climate change. Additionally, the legislation refines the current offshore wind procurement process to increase efficiency, emphasize the importance of economic development and the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, and remove the price cap provision for future procurements of offshore wind projects to allow projects to offer greater investments in energy storage, reliability, and economic development.

“This legislation includes a historic, once-in-a-generation $750 million investment to spur the next phase of clean energy innovation and will help advance critical priorities in the offshore wind industry by making key policy changes to the procurement process, lifting the price cap on project proposals and transferring authority for selecting bids to DOER,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Massachusetts continues to be a national leader for climate action and by utilizing federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act, we can capitalize on this opportunity and strengthen our nation-leading clean energy industry.”

“Clean energy is an engine for economic growth and job creation in cities and towns across the Commonwealth, and this significant investment will kickstart a new era in this vibrant sector of Massachusetts’s innovation economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “By leveraging the unique assets we have here in the Commonwealth, including our educational institutions and regional employment boards, we can work together to create new job opportunities for Massachusetts residents and make sure our workers have the skills and training they need to meet the needs of emerging industries like offshore wind.”

To meet the nation-leading climate targets established by comprehensive climate legislation signed by Governor Baker in March 2021 – including a target of Net Zero emissions in 2050 – and to ensure Massachusetts remains a leader in the clean energy economy, the legislation creates a $750 million Clean Energy Investment Fund to be administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC). The fund, which will utilize federal recovery funding Massachusetts received through the American Rescue Plan Act, represents the single largest investment in the clean energy economy in Massachusetts to date, and will be used to:

  • Fund grants, loans, equity investments, contracts and other forms of economic support for the advancement of clean energy technologies to commonwealth-based investors, entrepreneurs and institutions that are involved in the clean energy industry;
  • Support the formation, growth, expansion and retention of Massachusetts’ leading clean energy businesses, institutions, and projects;
  • Support public higher education institutions and vocational-technical education institutions as they create and enhance workforce development and technical training programs;
  • Provide assistance to regional employment boards and ensure that clean energy is a key strategy as part of their workforce development blueprints;
  • Put the Commonwealth in position to help secure significant future federal funding support;
  • Support research and development, including the interrelationship between clean energy infrastructure and existing natural habitats, ecosystems, and dependent species;
  • Support the long-term coexistence and sustainability of the fishing and clean energy industries.

“Massachusetts has built a nation-leading clean energy sector on the strength of forward-thinking policies, bold investments, and dynamic partnerships, and this far-reaching legislation doubles down on those assets and sets the industry on a path for long-term success,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “In order to achieve our ambitious target of Net Zero emissions by 2050, we will need to foster the next generation of clean energy innovators and build a skilled, diverse, and equitable workforce, and this legislation offers the historic, urgent investment the Commonwealth needs.”

In order to maximize the potential for clean energy and economic development in the existing federal lease areas south of Martha’s Vineyard, and to attract significant investment and job creation in the Commonwealth the legislation outlines key changes to the offshore wind procurement process to promote objectivity, emphasize economic development, and ensure equity, certainty, and speed in future solicitations.

To provide an additional level of independence and to ensure an open, fair, and transparent solicitation and bid selection process, the legislation would transfer the authority to select the winning bidder of the Commonwealth’s offshore wind solicitations from the electric distribution companies to the Department of Energy Resources (DOER).  The electric distribution companies would remain as participants in the evaluation and can provide technical advice to DOER. The legislation also provides DOER the authority to make the final determinations on the design aspects of future RFPs.  Additionally, the legislation outlines changes to emphasize equitable employment and economic development, mitigation and avoidance of environmental and socioeconomic impacts, and benefits to environmental justice communities when reviewing project proposals.

The legislation also removes the original price cap established by energy legislation in 2016, allowing future bids to provide additional benefits by incorporating energy storage, optimizing interconnection points, and providing significant economic development. To provide greater regulatory certainty, the legislation sets a standard rate of remuneration for electric distribution utilities at 2.5 percent, reducing costs to ratepayers and providing enhanced clarity in the procurement process.

“Climate action requires unprecedented levels of innovation, entrepreneurship, and deployment of clean energy and energy efficiency, and Massachusetts has been a leader in catalyzing the technology advancements that lead to global solutions,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Patrick Woodcock. “This historic investment will build on the Commonwealth’s climate leadership and foster the innovation that leads to new industries, new economic opportunities, and ultimately in cost-effective clean energy technologies.”

“Through our continued investments in education, innovation and entrepreneurship, Massachusetts has established itself as a leader in clean energy,” said MassCEC Interim CEO Jennifer Daloisio. “This legislation will accelerate innovative clean energy and climate solutions at an unprecedented pace, putting us on a path to meeting our Net Zero emissions goals by 2050 and creating critical job opportunities for all residents of the Commonwealth.”

In March of 2021, Governor Baker signed comprehensive climate change legislation that increased the Administration’s authorization to solicit an additional 2,400 Megawatts of offshore wind, bringing the state’s total commitment to 5,600 Megawatts. On December 30, 2020, the Administration released two reports – the Massachusetts 2050 Decarbonization Roadmap Report and an interim 2030 Clean Energy and Climate Plan (CECP) – that detail policies and strategies to equitably and cost-effectively reduce emissions and combat climate change.

In May 2021, the Baker-Polito Administration and the Commonwealth’s electric distribution companies released the RFP for the third round of offshore wind energy solicitations under the Section 83C process, allowing bids up to 1600 Megawatts, doubling the size of previous procurements. In this solicitation, for the first time, the Administration required bidders to submit diversity, equity and inclusion plans that includes a Workforce Diversity Plan and Supplier Diversity Program Plan. The plans will outline bidders’ commitment to promoting employment and procurement/contracting opportunities for minority, women, veterans, LGBT and persons with disabilities. The RFP also includes an enhanced criteria for economic benefits, including workforce development, local supply chain investments, and research and innovation. Bids were due on September 16, 2021 and a winning bid will be selected on December 17, 2021.

In June 2021, the Baker-Polito Administration re-filed its plan to immediately put to use part of Commonwealth’s direct federal aid from the American Rescue Plan Act to support key priorities including housing and homeownership, economic development and local downtowns, job training and workforce development, health care, and infrastructure. As part of the Administration’s proposal to jump-start the Commonwealth’s economic recovery and support residents hardest-hit by COVID-19, such as lower-wage workers and communities of color, Governor Baker would direct $900 million to key energy and environmental initiatives, including $100 million to invest in port infrastructure to support the offshore wind industry.

In September 2021, the Administration announced the release of a new report assessing the workforce strengths, gaps, and opportunities in Massachusetts for the emerging offshore wind industry. The report analyzes offshore wind workforce development in the Northeast with a specific focus on Massachusetts, including an overview of the existing, relevant regional training programs, including grantees awarded under MassCEC’s 2018 and 2020 workforce development awards. The analysis also examines the workforce needed to achieve Massachusetts’ ambitious offshore wind goals, and the state’s ability to supply the necessary workers.