Good Better Best: Pricing your products and service to emphasize value

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Three-tiered pricing for products often means small-medium-large, but in services it means good-better-best. Find out how these service businesses use tiered pricing to benefit both buyer and seller.

These days, good-better-best pricing is everywhere. When purchasing an airplane ticket, for example, passengers can buy the default coach ticket (good), pay for some extra leg-room by upgrading to “premium economy” (better) or pay through the nose and buy a business class seat (best). With all three tickets, the basic service is the same―aerial transportation from point A to point B. But the amenities (or the degree of discomfort suffered, for the cynical among us) vary.

Along similar lines, in bars, alcoholic drinks are priced low as rail drinks when the customer does not ask for any branded alcohol (good), higher as call drinks when a specific brand is requested (better), or highest as top shelf drinks for premium liquor brands (best). An Acura TLX vehicle comes in three versions: the base model has a 2.4 liter engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission (starting at $31,695; good); the mid-version has a 3.5 V-6 liter engine, and a 9-speed automatic transmission (starting at $35,320; better), while the high-end version is 3.5 V-6, 9-speed automatic with all-wheel drive (starting at $41,576; best). As these examples illustrate, when using a good-better-best pricing approach (also known in the trade as “tiered pricing”), the marketer sells several different versions of the same product to consumers at different price points and corresponding quality levels.

For decades, marketers have packaged and offered different products to different customer segments. See the Chevrolet ads from the mid-1950s. No one would mistake the hoity-toity target customers of the 1955 Bel Air convertible with the blue-collar family that would find the 1956 Handyman station wagon to be appealing.

But this way of designing and pricing products based on customer segment differences is changing. With the good-better-best pricing approach, marketers now systematically offer different product versions to pretty much the same customers based on how much they want to shell out on a given purchase occasion. For instance, someone flying for work may buy a business class airline ticket because her company is paying for it; but on another occasion, she may fly in coach when shelling out of her own pocket.

We have written many times before in our blogs and newsletters that customers are not all equal. They have different needs, they value product attributes differently, and they have varying levels of price sensitivity. In order to address these multiple customer segments, it is common to have multiple variations of a product or service offering – a Good, Better, Best product lineup. Beyond just creating multiple offerings, your pricing strategy needs to include getting the relative positioning right. Your profitability depends on it.

There is no perfect number of alternatives or options to offer customers, but how many you will offer is an important question to answer. If you do not offer enough options, you run the risk of missing some customer segments by not specifically addressing them. Conversely, if you offer too many options, it is easy for customers to be overwhelmed with the complexity and not make any choice. To determine your best number of offers in your product lineup, consider the ease with which customers can assess the differences, the number of competitive offerings that exist, the range of values perceived by customers, and your capability in managing the range of products or services.

In addition to determining how many products to offer within a lineup, it is also important to determine how the price of each product or service will relate to the others. Multiple studies have shown that when faced with three or more options, customers tend to choose the middle option more frequently than the highest or lowest priced offer. Customers often avoid picking the least expensive offer because they don’t want to feel like a cheapskate. And they often avoid the most expensive option, because they really aren’t extravagant and do not need whatever additional benefits the highest options offer. So they go with the middle.

Thinking about this behavioral tendency can help you execute a stronger pricing strategy. If your goal is to maximize your profitability over time, you will need price points that attract customers at multiple levels of value. But what if you find that your results are skewed in that a large percentage of customers are picking either the most expensive or least expensive option? In that case, the prices of your product offerings are probably not aligned with their relative levels of value.

Chamber Updates

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MINI-GRANTS:  The Chamber, in partnership with New Vue Communities, has launched a new mini-grant program to support small businesses in the region with their recovery and/or growth. The program provides small grants between $500 to $5,000 that can be used for any professional services that will help the small business. Examples of professional services that the grant can help cover include accounting/bookkeeping, marketing, new signage, and legal services. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until September 30, 2021 or until grant funds have been expended. Please contact Sandie Cataldo at 978.353.7600 Ext. 232 for more information or to request an application.

NEW LOANS: The Chamber’s economic Development arm – the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) – has approved twenty traditional micro-loans since October, 2020 for a total of $905,200.  The loans were made to a mix of start-up and existing small businesses that were unable to secure financing from traditional sources.  In addition, the NCMDC also provided sixty-four Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans since October totaling $849,840.62 and helped submit another forty-six PPP loans through participating lenders.  Our loans helped create 38 new jobs and saved 158 jobs.

LOAN PROGRAM EXPANSION: The NCMDC Board voted to increase the maximum size of loans to $250,000 and expand its loan program to include commercial real estate mortgages. The real estate loans can be used for a first mortgage for purchase, rehab or expansion of an existing structure or a second mortgage with a participating financial institution.  The fixed rate loans will be provided with flexible terms, low fees and interest rates as low as 1%.  Monthly payments will also be deferred for up to one year on the loans. Please contact Sandie Cataldo or Maribel Cruz at 978.353.7600 for more information.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:  Our team has provided over 2,200 hours of direct technical assistance to small businesses so far this year.  The technical assistance has been delivered face to face, as well as via phone and ZOOM.  In addition, the Chamber has resumed hosting representatives from the Massachusetts Office of Business Development; MassDevelopment; the Small Business Development Center; and other partners for confidential counseling and technical assistance. Members interested in receiving technical assistance or counseling from the Chamber or one of its partners should contact 978.353.7600 Ext. 222 to schedule an appointment.

CHAMBER FOUNDATION: The Chamber and NCMDC Boards each approved contributions of $25,000 to the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation. The Foundation is the Chamber’s charitable affiliate and supports education and community development efforts in the region. The contributions will help build up and strengthen the foundation’s endowment.

CHAMBER PODCAST: The Chamber continues to record new interviews with business and community leaders for its “Inside North Central Massachusetts” podcast series. The podcast is available for downloading via PodBean and Apple Podcasts.

CHAMBER GIFT CARDS: As we want to encourage consumers to shop and eat at local businesses as much as possible, we have eliminated the purchase fee charged when anyone buys a Gift Local Gift Card. We are also continuing to waive the processing fee for members who accept the cards. Members interested in purchasing gift cards as employee and client gifts this holiday season should contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 Ext. 222 to place their orders.

MEMBER DISCOUNTS: Members interested in offering a discount on our Member to Member Discount page should email Lauren Goulet at with the “Member Discount” in the subject line.

Visit North Central Massachusetts Update

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We saw great success with our Spring “Discover Your Next Adventure” campaign which concluded in June. The campaign utilized a mix of paid print, digital and social media advertising to promote the region as a safe and family friendly destination. VisitNorthCentral.com saw strong traffic from the campaign, with visitors increasing by 230% compared to the same timeframe the previous year (and a 102% increase compared to 2019) and pageviews increasing by 304% (92% increase compared to 2019). On Facebook, the campaign had 333,676 impressions from April to June and over 17,500 engagements, which represents a 394% increase over the same period the previous year. Independent data sources that we use to track visitation shows that the region saw a 284% increase in visitors from April to June compared to 2020 and a 30% increase over the same time period in 2019. Lodging data also shows signs that the region is experiencing some recovery from the pandemic, although some of the numbers are still below pre-pandemic levels. The Spring months saw very strong increases in occupancy rates, revenue per room (RevPar), average daily rate (ADR), room availability and rooms sold. Hotel occupancy for YTD through July was 56.2%, a 20.6% increase over the previous year, however ADR was down through the year by 12.7%.  Room availability was up 22%, RevPar was up 5.3%, total room revenue was up 28.6% and rooms sold was up 47.2% for YTD through July.

The Chamber’s tourism arm, Visit North Central Massachusetts (VNCM), has developed its annual marketing plan to promote the region to visitors and groups for the new fiscal year that started July 1, 2021. The marketing plan will be executed in alignment with the recently released “One North Central” Economic Development Plan which highlights tourism as a priority industry for employment and revenue in our region. The marketing plan was approved by the Board of Directors and submitted to the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism as part of our annual tourism grant submission. Marketing efforts will continue to target the regional drive market within a 250-mile radius, including key origin markets like Boston, Southern Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island highlighting our safety, rural character and the unique and engaging experiences that North Central Massachusetts has to offer. We plan to expand our investment in our marketing efforts, utilizing a diverse mix of digital and print advertising in our target markets.  We also plan to continue with the strategy of updating our website and social media platforms with strong content, continuing to optimize our site for new searches and investing in social media to promote, connect and engage with visitors. We also plan to resume attending trade shows in the next year to further promote the region as a destination to groups and other target markets.

In other news, VNCM recently applied for a matching capital grant from the state to make some modest renovations and improve the overall experience for the 165,000 annual visitors to the Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center on Route 2. Our vision is to not only operate the best visitor center in the state, but to also transform the center into a destination that provides an engaging experience and encourages visitors to learn more about the region’s communities, local attractions and businesses.  The Fall/Winter edition of the Guide to North Central Massachusetts is now available and will be distributed throughout the region and New England. Copies can be picked up at the Chamber office or at the Visitor Center.

 

 

 

Baker-Polito Administration Awards More Than $450,000 in Innovation Pathways Planning Grants

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Grants will help students connect learning to industries that are in demand in the Commonwealth

 

The Baker-Polito Administration today announced nearly $452,000 in grants were awarded to 20 school districts to launch new Innovation Pathway programs, which give high school students early career experience and expertise. The grants are designed to support schools which are committed to seeking official designation for the programs from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in the spring of 2022.

These early career programs provide high school students with a coherent course of study focused on a particular field, while also offering them access to college-level courses and internship opportunities to gain work experience. Students gain insight about whether the field is something they would like to pursue in college or as a career after high school.

The Baker-Polito Administration launched these early career programs in 2017 to help students develop knowledge and skills related to a chosen field of study before they graduate high school. Many of the early career programs are in STEM-related fields, including advanced manufacturing, information technology, environmental and life sciences, health care and social assistance, and business and finance.

“It is encouraging to see the strong continued interest in the Innovation Pathways program, designed explicitly to connect students to career pathways in fields like advanced manufacturing, health care and information technology,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These programs will provide students with more opportunities for future success in high-demand fields at a time during which it is increasingly important to close workforce gaps throughout the Commonwealth.”

“By providing students with rigorous learning opportunities, inside and outside the classroom, these new pathways help prepare students for future success in Massachusetts’ high-tech economy, especially in STEM-related fields,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We remain committed to closing opportunity and achievement gaps for students in communities across the state and Innovation Pathways are another tool we can use to do so.”

“Innovation Pathways forge strong partnerships created with local employers to give students exposure and experience in their chosen field of study,” said Education Secretary James Peyser. “We are very appreciative of American Student Assistance’s support of Innovation Pathways so more students across the Commonwealth have expertise in a field before they graduate high school and are better prepared for their future.”

“Students in Innovation Pathways take relevant advanced courses and explore future careers in promising sectors by experiencing them firsthand,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley.

In October 2019, Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito announced the availability of $1.8 million in grants over three years from American Student Assistance (ASA), a national nonprofit based in Massachusetts. The awards announced today are part of that larger grant designed to support high schools across the Commonwealth develop programs that prepare students for college and careers. The ASA funds were awarded to the Governor’s Workforce Skills Cabinet to help fund Innovation Pathway programs at high schools, and marked the first time that ASA awarded a major grant to a state to support college and career pathways in high schools.

The grant recipients announced today are:
Agawam High School, Agawam – $11,375: The school will develop two Innovation Pathways in Information and Healthcare and Social Assistance in partnership with MassHire Hampden.

Argosy Collegiate Charter School, Fall River – $25,000:  The school will develop an Innovation Pathway in Healthcare and Social Assistance in partnership with MassHire Bristol.

Barnstable High School, South Yarmouth – $9,525:The high school will develop two Innovation Pathways in Manufacturing and Information in partnership with MassHire Cape and Islands.

Bellingham High School, Bellingham – $21,764: The school will develop Innovation Pathways with MassHire Metro South/West in Manufacturing and Healthcare.

Bourne High School, Bourne – $30,000: The school will develop Innovation Pathways with MassHire Metro South/West in Business and Finance and Environmental and Life Sciences.

Brighton High School, Boston – $25,000: The high school will develop an Innovation Pathway in Healthcare and Social Assistance, in partnership with with MassHire Boston.

Carver Middle High School, Carver – $20,000: The high school will develop a new Innovation Pathway in Environmental and Life Sciences, in partnership with MassHire South Shore.

Chelmsford High School, Chelmsford – $13,500: The high school will develop new Innovation Pathways with MassHire Greater Lowell in Environmental and Life Sciences and Manufacturing.

Collaborative for Regional Educational Service and Training, Andover – $30,000: The organization will develop new Innovation Pathways with MassHire Greater Lowell in Healthcare and Social Assistance and Manufacturing.

Excel High School, South Boston, Boston – $25,000: The school will develop an Innovation Pathways in Business and Finance, in partnership with with MassHire Boston.

Fitchburg High School, Fitchburg – $17,300: The school will develop an Innovation Pathway in Environmental and Life Sciences, in partnership with MassHire North Central.

Frontier Regional High School, South Deerfield – $18,725: The high school will develop new Innovation Pathways with MassHire Franklin Hampshire in two sectors: Manufacturing; and Healthcare and Social Assistance.
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Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School, Greenfield – $20,000: The school will develop Innovation Pathways in Information and Business and Finance.

Haverhill High School, Haverhill – $26,752: The high school will develop new Innovation Pathways with MassHire MerrimackValley in Environmental and Life Sciences and Manufacturing.

Jeremiah Burke High School, Boston – $25,000: The high school will develop an Innovation Pathway in Environmental and Life Sciences, in partnership with MassHire Boston.

Lenox Memorial High School, Lenox – $29,100: The high school will develop new Innovation Pathways with MassHire Berkshire in Healthcare and Social Assistance and Business and Finance.

Marblehead High School, Marblehead – $24,150: The high school will develop an Innovation Pathway in Manufacturing, in partnership with MassHire North Shore.

North Attleboro High School, North Attleboro – $24,739: The high school will develop an Innovation Pathway in Manufacturing, in partnership with MassHire Bristol.

Quaboag Regional High School, Warren – $30,000: The high school will develop new Innovation Pathways with MassHire Central in Manufacturing and Healthcare and Social Assistance.

Randolph High School, Randolph – $24,760: The high school will develop an Innovation Pathway in Information, in partnership with MassHire South Shore.

Mass. Home Sales Down For Second Straight Month

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Analyst: Price Shock Concerns But Market Still In “Fast Trot”

Home prices in the red-hot housing market exceeded $500,000 for the fifth straight month in August, but buyers aren’t scooping up the properties as fast as they did during the previous two years as single-family home sales declined for the second straight month, The Warren Group reported on Tuesday.

Homebuyers purchased 6,318 single-family homes in August, down 6.2 percent from August 2020 and 4.6 percent from the same month in 2019.

The shrinking inventory undoubtedly played a role in the slowdown of sales in July and August, according to analysts, but Warren Group CEO Tim Warren said there may be another factor at play causing the “galloping real estate market” to slow to a “fast trot.”

“I think prices have gotten higher than a lot of people can afford. Increasingly the people who can afford to buy have already done so and the rest are ready to give up on home shopping,” Warren said.

The median price of a single-family home in August shot up 11.5 percent on a year-over-year basis to $535,000, about $55,000 more than the median price recorded in August 2020 and up from $420,000 in August 2019. The median price in August 2021 was a new all-time high for the month, and not far behind the $540,000 median price reported in July.

Gov. Charlie Baker has been pushing as recently as Monday in Roxbury to use as much as $1 billion in federal COVID-19 relief to invest in first-time homebuyer and other housing programs that would make purchasing a home more attainable for many Massachusetts families, particularly in communities of color.

Only four counties in Massachusetts – Hampshire, Hampden, Essex and Bristol – reported increases in sales this August over the same month in 2020, while Barnstable and Berkshire Counties saw declines of more than 22 percent each, exceeded only by the 55 percent drop on Nantucket.

“The decline in home sales volume for the second straight month is significant,” Warren said. “The data doesn’t lie.”

Overall, home sales for the year are up 10.3 percent through August, with the median price of the 40,047 single-family homes sold in Massachusetts climbing 17.7 percent to $512,000.

On the other side of the market, condominium sales continue to be strong with the 2,773 sales recorded in August, beating 2020 sales by 7.6 percent and exceeding condo sales from August 2019 by 6.1 percent.

The median condo sale price increased 10.6 percent on a year-over-year basis to $470,000, a new high for the month and the 13th consecutive month that median prices have exceeded $400,000.

While Barnstable County saw a similar drop of 34.9 percent in condo sales in August, Berkshire County posted a 21.7 percent uptick in condo sales last month and Suffolk County, which includes Boston, recorded an 18 percent increase in sales and a 4.1 percent increase in price.

The War for Talent

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A War that North Central Massachusetts Can Not Afford To Lose

A central theme of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Regional Economic Development Plan—One North Central—prioritizes the importance of developing a strong talent pipeline and workforce development for the region. With our aging workforce and strong competition for younger, high-skilled talent, One North Central identifies strategies to help the region focus on strengthening the core of our workforce through advocacy, partnerships and resources to maintain the businesses who currently call North Central Massachusetts home while growing a strong pipeline to support new businesses locating to the region.

We call this the War for Talent. And it’s what is keeping our members up at night! Two of the most concerning challenges facing our members revolve around the talent pipeline and finding qualified workers. While we can place some blame on the pandemic, which provided the unemployed with supplemental federal unemployment benefits making going back to work less desirable, there are also challenges related to lack of affordable childcare and concerns about personal health and safety that have certainly kept some people out of the workforce.

For employers, the problem unfortunately runs deeper than the pandemic, and even as more people return to the workforce, the war for talent is expected to heat up in the years to come. It will not just be between companies, but regions, communities and even our state and country will be competing for the talent needed to help fuel economic growth and prosperity. It’s a war we must win by working collaboratively to address talent acquisition and growth while becoming more aggressive in our tactics to remain strong, viable communities for both families and businesses who live and work here.

Jeff Roberge, Executive Director of the MassHire North Central Workforce Board which is charged with helping employers develop the talent they need to grow and prosper, said this is not a regional issue, but a national one. “Businesses throughout the country are struggling to find the qualified workers they need. It’s all about the talent in today’s economic development world and how employers can competitively tap into that pipeline to bring qualified workers to their businesses.”

Our region is not immune to this issue, as a recent UMass Donahue Institute study commissioned by the Chamber indicated that by 2040, as many as 27% of residents in North Central Massachusetts may be over the age of 65, versus 12.5% in 2010. So, while baby boomers still represent a third of the workforce in the United States, there are simply not enough workers to fill their positions upon retirement.

Employers are also recognizing that some workers lack the skills or credentials they need to compete in today’s economy. According to the Center on Education and Workforce at Georgetown University, there will be millions of unfilled jobs by 2025 if the “skills gap” issue between education and talent does not match available jobs. We also live in an environment where labor has become mobile and workers are no longer tied to a particular company, industry or even geography, and the popularity of remote work opportunities intensifies the competition. From the perspective of the region, workers can also pick up and move to other regions or states which in turn puts the region at a competitive disadvantage in attracting, growing and retaining businesses.

Rocheleau Tool and Die in Fitchburg has a long history spanning four generations of bringing highly productive and efficient blow molding machinery to its customers world-wide. As a local employer, the company is working to attract youth through engagements with local vocational high schools and universities to get today’s youth excited about employment opportunities with the company. In fact, Rocheleau Tool & Die employees serve on the UMass Lowell Plastics Advisory Board and the Monty Tech Machine Technology Advisory Committee.

“We realize by engaging with our future workforce in an educational setting, we can help define a path where students can envision opportunities to establish a successful career.  When industry can share knowledge with educators, gains can be made in closing the skills gap.  The better we cooperate, the better chance we can grow our businesses and create opportunities where our local youth can grow along with us,” said Steven Rocheleau, President, Rocheleau Tool & Die.  “When educators and business owners are aligned, we both do our part to keep jobs and workers here in the region.”

The Chamber is committed to providing our members with the tools they need to combat the war for talent. We’ve always taken a leadership role by placing importance on education and workforce development to the quality of life and economic prosperity of the region. In recent years, we have expanded our advocacy efforts by joining coalitions such as the Massachusetts Business Coalition on Skills and the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education.  We’ve also fostered partnerships with the region’s schools and higher education institutions while working diligently to grow the pipeline through our WorkNorthCentral.com online resource portal and WorkNorth Central Hiring events. While the chamber and our members are fighting the war for talent with eyes wide open to address these challenges, our advocacy, partnerships and resources are the ammunition to win the war.

Strong Advocacy: We believe the very foundation of our region’s talent pipeline is rooted in our strong educational system. We’ve been a longstanding advocate for an educational system that prepares our youth for success and for our state to excel in a competitive environment. Our advocacy efforts on Beacon Hill and at the city and town halls in our region aim to create career pathways in our schools, increase access to high-quality vocational education, and to implement other reforms to better align with what our businesses need while preparing the students for long-term success.

“We know the greatest asset for our region is the talent of our residents and what they bring to the industries where they work,” said Senator John Cronin (D-Lunenburg). “The Chamber is a strong advocate for improvements within our schools to create stronger college and career pathways for our youth and I am committed to standing alongside the Chamber as we work together in achieving these goals.”

Strong Partnerships: We believe strong partnerships are critically important and winning the war for talent will require a concerted effort from the public and private sector, education and business leaders, and through philanthropy and non-profits to work toward improving our schools and the talent pipeline. Since not one company, group or industry can do it alone, our efforts have included building partnerships with the Workforce Investment Board, Mount Wachusett Community College, Fitchburg State University and others, as well as partnering with local schools to host career exploration programs. We’re encouraging internships and other work-based opportunities for young adults with our members, and we have conducted research and shared our findings to keep all of our stakeholders updated on our efforts. As a way to make college more affordable for graduating seniors, we also distribute more than $50,000 each year in scholarships.

Strong Resources: We believe by providing resources to connect the unemployed and underemployed with jobs that we can respond to the immediate challenges employers face when finding qualified workers. Through creative resources to connect employers with job seekers, as well as with our existing portfolio of economic development tools, we can change the war for talent into the peace of a restful night’s sleep for business owners. Since we launched the WorkNorthCentral.com online jobs resource portal last year, more than 6,000 jobs have been posted, making it the largest, geographically-focused jobs board in the region! And, on September 28, we’re hosting a major, regional hiring event to provide face-to-face interactions for job seekers with potential employers, as well as opportunities for career coaching, free professional headshots, workshops and seminars, and more than 50 employers showcasing a variety of employment opportunities across multiple industries.

But this isn’t the end of our efforts. In fact, the war for talent is just beginning.

Together, we can continue to identify and work toward new and innovative solutions with a multi-pronged approach to address talent attraction, retention and development. We will continue to strengthen the core of our workforce through advocacy, partnerships and resources.

It’s a war the North Central Massachusetts region cannot afford to lose!

Government Affairs Update

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The North Central Massachusetts remains engaged in constant communication with our local, state and federal elected officials. In July, Congressman Jim McGovern and Congresswoman Lori Trahan joined us for the Inside North Central Massachusetts podcast. The two spoke about the American Rescue Plan Act and the proposed infrastructure package. The two are also slated to join the Chamber’s Congressional Luncheon in October. In early August, the US Senate passed a bipartisan $1 trillion-dollar infrastructure bill that included hundreds of billions of dollars for areas including roads and bridges, electrical grid and power infrastructure, broadband investments and water infrastructure.

The Chamber continued to advocate for economic development and workforce development throughout the state budget negotiations. The Chamber was part of joint letters sent out to Beacon Hill from the Massachusetts Business Coalition on Skills and Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education that pushed for investment into career technical institutes and the workforce pipeline. That advocacy helped to ensure the inclusion of $15.4 million for career technical institutes, $6 million for dual enrollment and $6 million dollars for regional economic development organizations as part of the Commonwealth’s $48.1 billion-dollar budget. As part of the Massachusetts Coalition for Sustainable Energy, the Chamber was a part of multiple letters sent out to members of the legislature and the Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Advisory Council calling for a measured approach utilizing natural gas as the Commonwealth works to meet the emission reduction timeline laid out by the Governor.

Now that budget discussions have wrapped up, state legislators are focusing on the $5.3 billion dollars the Commonwealth is receiving from Washington D.C. as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Governor Charlie Baker has put forth a plan to spend $2.9 billion dollars of the funds, along with a $1.6 billion-dollar supplemental budget with the House and Senate holding hearings on priorities prior to putting forward their own spending plans. Since the publication of the Chamber’s new One North Central regional economic development plan, we have engaged in active discussions with the region’s delegation, educating them on the strategies contained in the plan, and how ARPA funds could be used to help implement some of the bolder initiatives. The Chamber intends to continue meeting with area leaders and stakeholders in hopes that the One North Central plan can serve as a unifying voice for the region as we seek to help the region navigate economic recovery and serve as a roadmap to advance the region in the coming decades.

In Mid-August, the U.S. Census Bureau released the latest local-level population and demographic data from the 2020 Census. According to the data, Massachusetts population rose to 7.02 million people and saw an increase of 7.4 percent, outpacing the Northeast average of 4.1 percent growth. This growth was enough to ensure that Massachusetts would retain its current levels of representation in Washington D.C. Based on the new data, and population changes, parts of the Commonwealth could see a shake up when it comes to their legislative and Congressional representation once districts are redrawn in the coming months.

The Chamber is continuing to monitor city and town affairs which included Westminster promoting Stephanie Lahtinen to Town Administrator, and Townsend appointing Ross Perry as their Interim Town Administrator. Leominster welcomed Amanda Curtis, a familiar face at the Chamber, as the City’s new Economic Development Coordinator. Shortly after her appointment, Curtis met to discuss the City’s priorities and the One North Central Regional Economic Development Program. With multiple contested municipal elections this Fall, the Chamber is excited to once again host the popular Legislative & Candidates Reception on September 23 at the Chocksett Inn in Sterling.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Travis Condon, the Chamber’s public affairs manager, at (978) 353-7600, ext. 224; or via email at .

 

How better schools can make us a better place to live and visit

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The logic is sound: if our community is better educated, it’s better for everyone, correct? Although it makes sense, the national tide of funding is actually flowing away from education in favor of other things. Programs are being cut, and students are receiving less academic and personal support than they have for years. Here’s a simple fact:

Good Education and Good Communities Go Hand-in-Hand

This doesn’t mean one strong school as a flagship, as it is in many larger communities. It means significant investment in education across states, cities, towns, rural areas, and communities until children in our community and our country receive the education they deserve.

Why? The answer is simple. Education is the economic driver of success and production in our communities. It starts in Kindergarten, and on up to 12th grade. When students receive support at the beginning, they’re more likely to pursue higher education, whether as part of a trade program or a university. They’re more likely to understand civic responsibility and community engagement.

On the other side of the coin, areas where schools have been underfunded for a long time see disengaged citizens. Unsupported students grow up with a mindset that they are not highly regarded by the decision-makers in their area, because frankly, they aren’t.

What Can We Do About It?

It’s not complicated. As business owners and citizens, we often ignore the lasting effects of a strong education system in terms of our own lives. But consider this: a larger crop of successful students in our community will mean a larger pool of potential employees. The business community will benefit when strong students stay around. The ones that leave will benefit other communities near and far.

So what’s the solution? Support your local education system. Vote in favor of funding bills for education. If you run a business, use education as your outlet for philanthropy whenever possible. Ensure that the students in your community have access to school supplies, books, and other tools to maximize their education, because when the education system is strong, the community grows as a whole and becomes a better place to live.

Regional Hiring Event Connects Job Seekers With Employers in North Central Massachusetts

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is partnering with other regional organizations to host the Work North Central Hiring Event scheduled for Tuesday, September 28, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg, MA. The regional organizations involved include Fitchburg State University, the MassHire North Central Massachusetts Career Center, the MassHire North Central Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board, and Mount Wachusett Community College.

The event, which is free for job seekers, will connect potential applicants with local employers of all sizes and industries to discuss employment and career opportunities available in the region. Employers from diverse industries will be seeking candidates with all levels of skill and backgrounds, including entry level, and professional and technical positions in such industries as construction, distribution, education, financial services, government, healthcare, hospitality, non-profit, manufacturing, restaurants and other industries. Additionally, some employers will be offering hiring on-site, and may provide signing bonuses and other incentives.

In addition to networking and learning about available positions across the region, attendees can also take advantage of a full day of programming, including complimentary professional headshots, free career counseling, sessions on careers in advanced manufacturing and health care, and workshops on resume writing, using social media to help with your job search and how to improve your interview skills. The Chamber will also be hosting a $100 gift card prize raffle every hour throughout the event.

“As a leader in helping North Central Massachusetts compete for talent and advance the region’s economic prosperity, we realize there is currently a critical need to help our local businesses find qualified and skilled talent in order to grow and succeed,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This event is aimed to create economic opportunity, and a strong and diversified workforce for our employers, while providing the unemployed and underemployed the opportunity to meet with a number of employers in one location.”

The Work North Central Hiring Event is a complement to the Chamber’s WorkNorthCentral.com Jobs Board, which serves as an online resource to connect job seekers and local employers while also improving the talent pipeline and better connect employers to local schools.

Walk-ins are welcome, but job seekers can also pre-register by visiting the Chamber’s website at www.NorthCentralMass.com. Free parking for job seekers and attendees is available at Great Wolf Lodge, and the Montachusett Area Transit Authority will be offering an extended schedule for the event throughout the day on their Fitchburg/Route 11 that runs to Great Wolf Lodge.

Employers interested in participating and reserving a table at the Work North Central Hiring Event should contact Lauren Goulet at 978-353-7600, ext. 222, or Kat Deal at 978-353-7600, ext. 235, to inquire about availability.

As the Chamber wants to ensure a safe environment for all, attendees are asked to abide by the COVID-19 mask advisory issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health which advises those who are fully vaccinated wear a mask or face covering if they are at increased risk for severe disease because of age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in their household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is an unvaccinated adult. Visit www.NorthCentralMass.com for the Chamber’s COVID-19 event protocols or to stay informed on any changes to local or state health protocols.

 

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce to host Legislative and Candidates Reception

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Premier event connects elected officials, candidates for office, with local business and community leaders

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce announced the 2021 Legislative and Candidates Reception will be held on September 23, 2021, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Chocksett Inn, 59 Laurelwood Road in Sterling.  Mount Wachusett Community College is the premier sponsor for the event.

The Legislative and Candidates Reception, held every fall, is one of the region’s premier events intended to offer local business and community leaders the opportunity to connect with the region’s elected officials, as well as those seeking public office.

“Government affairs and public policy advocacy are key components in our efforts to promote a healthy, active business climate throughout the region,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This reception offers direct access to our legislators and candidates running for office in a casual environment where our members can ask questions and learn more about the issues and opportunities for businesses in our region.”

“Mount Wachusett Community College, strives to support and meet the strategic goals of our region.  We are fortunate to be part of a local region that values collaboration and partnership,” said MWCC President Jim Vander Hooven. “The connections we make at events such as this legislative reception support our partnership work.  We are delighted to sponsor this opportunity.”

All legislators representing, and candidates running for office, in the Chamber’s 27 communities are encouraged to attend.

As of September 13th, the following officials and candidates have confirmed their attendance:

 

Confirmed Officials:

Senator Harriette Chandler, 1st Worcester District

Senator John Cronin, Worcester and Middlesex District

Senator Anne Gobi, Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Middlesex District

Representative Kim Ferguson, 1st Worcester District

Representative Tami Gouveia, 14th Middlesex District -Candidate for Lt. Governor

Representative Natalie Higgins, 4th Worcester District

Representative Meghan Kilcoyne, 12th Worcester District

Representative Michael Kushmerek, 3rd Worcester District

Representative Danillo Sena, 37th Middlesex District

Representative Jon Zlotnik, 2nd Worcester District

District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr., Worcester County

Adam Costa, Assistant Register of Deeds, Worcester Northern District

Mayor Stephen DiNatale, City of Fitchburg

Mayor Dean Mazzarella, City of Leominster

Councilor Paul Beauchemin, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Andrew Couture, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Thomas Hughes, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Bernard Schultz, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Samantha Squailia, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Elizabeth Walsh, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Thomas Ardinger, City of Leominster

Councilor Mark Bodanza, City of Leominster

Councilor Susan Chalifoux-Zephir, City of Leominster

Councilor David Cormier, City of Leominster

Councilor Peter Angelini, City of Leominster

Councilor Nathan Boudreau, City of Gardner

Acting Town Administrator David Nixon, Town of Hubbardston

Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Town of Lunenburg

Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen, Town of Westminster

Town Manager Justin Sultzbach, Town of Winchendon

Selectwoman Alix Turner, Town of Lancaster

Selectman Anthony Beattie, Town of Pepperell

Selectman Richard Bisk, Town of Princeton

Selectman John Kilcoyne, Town of Sterling

Selectman Salvatore Albert, Town of Westminster

Selectwoman Heather Billings, Town of Westminster

Selectman James DeLisle, Town of Westminster

Nyanna Slaughter, Regional Director, US Senator Elizabeth Warren

 

Confirmed Candidates:

Danielle Allen, Candidate for Governor

Ben Downing, Former State Senator & Candidate for Governor

Bret Bero, Candidate for Lt. Governor

Chris Dempsey, Candidate for Auditor

Andrea Freeman, Candidate for Leominster Mayor

Sally Cragin, Candidate for Fitchburg At-Large City Council

Derrick Cruz, Candidate for Fitchburg Ward 6 City Council

Mark Monahan, Candidate for Gardner At-Large City Council

 

The event will feature an open bar and gourmet appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. Cost for members is $35 and non-members is $45. Registration is available online at www.northcentralmass.com. Please contact Kathleen Deal at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or for more details.

Additionally, to ensure a safe environment for all, attendees are asked to abide by the COVID-19 mask advisory issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health which advises those who are fully vaccinated wear a mask or face covering if they are at increased risk for severe disease because of age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in their household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is an unvaccinated adult. Visit www.NorthCentralMass.com for the Chamber’s COVID-19 event protocols or to stay informed on any changes to local or state health protocols.