Chamber Welcomes Kathleen Deal

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of Kathleen Deal to its professional staff in the position of Events & Programs Manager.

In her new position, Ms. Deal will be responsible for planning and executing the many events and programs of the Chamber and its affiliate organizations.  These include signature events such as the Good Morning North Central breakfast program, Community Leadership Institute, Legislative and Candidates Reception, Congressional Luncheon, Economic Forecast Breakfast and numerous other workshops, seminars and special events geared towards supporting our members and/or advancing the region.

“We are excited to welcome Kathleen to our team,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.  “Kathleen will be a great resource to our members as we look to bolster our roster of programs to better fit the needs of our members and communities.”

Kathleen joins the Chamber from Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, where she most recently worked in the marketing department and assisted with the coordination of their many festivals and events.   Prior to working at Wachusett, she worked for accesso Technology Group where she was responsible for their training seminars and events, including coordinating their annual client seminar. This major week long convention-style event was geared towards accesso clients and included 300+ attendees, over 80 educational sessions, vendor presentations, roundtables, social receptions and much more. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University and is a resident of Gardner.

Existing members or businesses interested in learning more about the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce can reach Kathleen at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or via email at kdeal@northcentralmass.com.

Government Affairs Alert

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Over the past year, we have heard from some members about the state’s Employer Medical Assistance Contribution, or EMAC. Last year, the Baker Administration attempted to simultaneously address MassHealth’s growing deficit and encourage employers to offer private alternatives by levying a quarterly tax against the payroll of any employee who utilized the state’s health insurance program. Applying to any business with six or more employees, including part time and seasonal labor, this new assessment could run as high as $750 per relevant worker.

Understandably, reaction to this policy has been strong. Having drawn sharp criticism for the shockingly high bills the measure gave rise to, the Department of Unemployment Assistance recently announced it would award waivers based upon financial hardship to a narrow band of employers. To qualify, a business must illustrate that:

  • It has acted in good faith in all its relations with the Department, and certifies that it is current on state taxes and assessments, including, where applicable, the nursing facility user fee assessment; and
  • provide evidence of one or more of the following:
    1. The business is unable to pay the EMAC Supplement because of financial hardship and failure to obtain a hardship waiver is likely to result in termination of the employer’s business or in substantial loss of employment;
    2. The business has paid an Employer Shared Responsibility Payment and been assessed an EMAC Supplement in the same calendar year; or
    3. The business has paid an Employer Shared Responsibility Payment and been assessed an EMAC Supplement in the same calendar year; or
    4. The business experienced a turnover rate of at least 300% over the four quarters immediately preceding the application. (https://www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-about-the-emac-supplement-hardship-waiver)

Waiver applications are due Friday, October 12th, and application forms can be found here. While still applied too narrowly, providing far too short a window for submission, and offering no opportunity for appeal if rejected, this step does represent a positive development. We encourage any employer who believes they qualify to apply and to do so quickly. Meanwhile, the Chamber and its partners across the Commonwealth will continue to advocate on behalf of regional businesses in an effort to repeal this punitive measure.

Emerging leaders Participate in Community Leadership Institute

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Twenty 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 2019 Class include:
Amy Bonilla, Rollstone Bank & Trust

Matthew Borseth, Fidelity Bank

Jared Brown, W. E. Aubuchon Company, Inc.

Jon Bullock, Enterprise Bank and Trust Company

Kathleen Craigen, The Sizer School

Jill deSousa, Avidia Bank

Kelley French, No. Central Mass Workforce Investment Board

Kyle Johnson, Johnson Controls

Brion Keagle, Fitchburg State University

Sweta Khajurivala, Montachusett Opportunity Council, Inc

Heather Layton, Mount Wachusett Community College

Christine Lowe, Institute of Professional Practice

Rocco Mammone, Resource Management, Inc.

Mary May-Lucchese, Montachusett Regional Voc. Tec

Christopher Medley, Fitchburg State University

Frances Santos, Montachusett Home Care Corp.

Jessica Senee, Leominster Credit Union

Jennifer Stone, Fidelity Bank

Anthony Trapasso, Halstead Insurance Agency, Inc.

Peter Ryan, Johnson Controls

 

October Legislative Update

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September was a busy month for the Chamber on the legislative front and October promises to continue that trend. In recent weeks, our staff helped organize a workshop to educate members about the recent “Grand Bargain” legislation, reconvened monthly meetings with the region’s mayors, and published an updated Public Affairs Agenda for the new fiscal year. This last item was approved unanimously by the Chamber’s Board of Directors and includes a new section addressing the debate over international trade and tariffs in Washington.  The month culminated with the Chamber’s Annual Legislative and Candidates Reception, held at the Chocksett Inn in Sterling.

Though this event always draws a crowd, we set records for attendance this year, attracting nearly sixty public officials and candidates and close to one hundred members of the general public. Illustrating the Chamber’s strong presence at all levels of government, the public officials who participated included Congressman McGovern; State Auditor Bump; the region’s entire state senate delegation; the vast majority of its state representatives; the mayors of Fitchburg and Leominster; councilors from Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gardner; and numerous town managers, administrators, and select-people from throughout North Central Massachusetts.  The first in the Chamber’s fall series of public policy related events, the reception will be followed this month by our Annual Congressional Luncheon on Friday, October 5th and a special congressional debate scheduled for Thursday, October 18th between the final contenders in the race for the Commonwealth’s Third Congressional District seat. It is especially fitting that the luncheon precedes the debate, as the former will be Congresswoman Tsongas’s final Chamber appearance before voters identify one of the debate’s three contenders as her successor.

While that election unfolds, the Chamber has also been working hard to monitor ongoing developments. For many of our members, the recently implemented Employer Medical Assistance Contribution (EMAC) has been an issue of pressing concern. After considerable criticism following its rollout, the state has chosen to provide waivers to businesses facing a disproportionate impact from this new tax. While still applied too narrowly, providing far too short a window to apply, and offering no opportunity for appeal if rejected, this step does represent a positive development. Employers can learn more about the hardship exemptions here and have until Friday, October 12th, to apply. Applications can be found here.

At the local level, several communities in our region will conduct annual reviews of their respective assessor’s tax rates this month. As always, the Chamber will be actively advocating in those communities for policies that treat both commercial and residential property owners fairly. Such efforts have proven successful in recent years, with Leominster maintaining a common rate and Fitchburg moving towards one with increasing speed. These successes illustrate just how important this work is and lead us to believe there will be further progress in the weeks ahead. If you own a business in Fitchburg, Leominster, or Clinton and would like to make your voice heard on this tax issue, or you are interested in any of the other topics discussed above, feel free to reach out to Christopher McDermott, the Chamber’s Public Affairs Manager, at 978.353.7600 ext. 224 or cmcdermott@northcentralmass.com.

North Central Mass Development Corp Provides   Financing to Native Joe’s Farmstand in Westminster

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 The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) recently approved a $75,000 loan to Joe Serio, owner of Native Joe’s located at 134 Main Street in Westminster adjacent to Westminster Pharmacy, also owed by Mr. Serio.

Joe purchased the old barn, built in 1825, just next to the pharmacy and renovated it to open Native Joe’s Farmstand.  The farmstand offers Herrell’s premium ice cream, local produce, bedding plants, and a small retail space with garden accessories, gifts and crafts as well as a deck with outdoor seating.  Native Joe’s is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and noon to 8 p.m. weekdays. This loan helped create three jobs and assisted Joe with the cost of designing, renovating the barn and purchasing equipment. This micro loan was a referral from TD Bank.  For more information on Native Joe’s Farmstand please visit them on Facebook or online at www.nativejoefarm.com.

As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $150,000 for working capital, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.

2018 North Central Massachusetts Congressional Luncheon Scheduled for October 5, 2018

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Annual North Central Massachusetts Congressional Luncheon on Friday, October 5, 2018 featuring the Honorable Jim McGovern, United States Representative for the Second Congressional District and the Honorable Niki Tsongas, United States Representative for the Third Congressional District of Massachusetts.  The program, sponsored by Fitchburg State University, runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg, MA.

This event will provide Chamber members the opportunity to hear directly from members of the U.S. House of Representatives regarding business issues and critical matters facing the nation.  Attendees will also be afforded the unique opportunity for networking and questions with members of North Central’s federal delegation.

Currently serving his eleventh term in Congress, Congressman Jim McGovern serves as the second ranking Democrat on the powerful House Rules Committee, which sets the terms for debate and amendments on most legislation; and a member of the House Agriculture Committee.  In 2014, McGovern was named Democratic Ranking Member on the House Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Nutrition.  The Subcommittee’s jurisdiction includes policies and statutes relating to nutrition, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and domestic commodity distribution and consumer initiatives.

Before his election to Congress, McGovern spent 14 years working as a senior aide for the late U.S. Representative John Joseph Moakley (D-South Boston), former dean of the Massachusetts delegation and Chairman of the House Rules Committee.  He was born in Worcester, the son of two successful small business owners.  His two sisters are elementary school teachers in Worcester’s public school system.

McGovern earned his Bachelor of Arts (‘81) and Masters of Public Administration (‘84) degrees from The American University, working his way through college by serving as an aide in the office of U.S. Senator George McGovern (D-SD).

Congresswoman Niki Tsongas was elected to the United State House of Representatives in a 2007 special election, becoming the first woman in 25 years to serve in Congress from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  She represents the Massachusetts Third District (which had previously been known as the Fifth District until 2012).  Tsongas holds the same seat that was held three decades earlier by her late husband, former Congressman, U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Paul Tsongas.  Her Congressional district spans across portions of Essex, Middlesex and Worcester counties.

Tsongas serves as a senior member on the prestigious House Armed Services Committee, and having previously served in a leadership position as the top Democrat on the subcommittee for Oversight and Investigations.  Tsongas also serves on the Natural Resources Committee, which formulates federal policy related to domestic energy production, National Parks, and the environment.  In 2015, she was named to a leadership role as the top Democrat on the Federal Lands Subcommittee.  She also serves on the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee.  Recently Tsongas was elected by her peers to serve as the highest ranking Democrat on the largest HASC subcommittee, the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee.

Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives, Tsongas served as a Dean at Middlesex Community College, practiced law, and raised her three daughters all in the region she now represents.

Tsongas is not seeking re-election this year.

Make sure that you reserve your spot early to hear from our congressional delegation on the many critical issues facing the business community in Washington D.C.

Pre-registration is required and easy. Simply call the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 222, email lgoulet@northcentralmass.com or register online at www.northcentralmass.com.  The cost is $35 for members and $55 for non-members.

Leominster Salon Receives Micro-loan from North Central Mass Development Corp

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) granted a micro-loan to Angelica Jimenez for $25,000 to assist the purchase of equipment and the costs associated with starting Angel Salon and Spa in Leominster. Angelica has over 15 years of experience in the industry.  Angel Salon is a professional salon and spa offering services to men, women and families conveniently located at Twin City Plaza, 875 Merriam Ave. in Leominster.

This loan was a gap loan in partnership with Fidelity Bank.  NewVue Communities assisted the new owner with a business plan and financial package.  For more information please visit www.angelsalonandspa.com/.

As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $150,000 for working capital, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.

ELECT NORTH CENTRAL COALITION TO SPONSOR 3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DEBATE THURSDAY, OCT. 18 AT FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY

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Visit the Elect North Central Page for more information or to submit your question

The new Elect North Central Coalition will host a debate for the candidates vying to represent the 3rd Congressional District at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18 on the Fitchburg State University campus.

Democratic candidate Lori Trahan, Republican candidate Rick Green and Independent candidate Mike Mullen have been invited to debate at Fitchburg State’s Kent Recital Hall in the Conlon Fine Arts Building, 367 North St. Admission is free and open to the public.

Elect North Central is a coalition of organizations dedicated to making the democratic process accessible and assuring that local and regional issues are examined and addressed by candidates running for office.

“The members of Elect North Central represent a broad cross-section of leaders in media, education, community, and business organizations, and was formed to provide residents an opportunity to hear the candidates on issues affecting them and the region,” said North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce President Roy Nascimento, the chair of Elect North Central. “The coalition members plan to continue collaborating on projects that will engage candidates and voters, and provide a platform for the voices of our region to be heard.”

Charles St. Amand, practitioner in residence in the Communication and Journalism Department at Suffolk University, will moderate the debate.

Panelists will include:

–        Cassparina Carlson, student representative, Mount Wachusett Community College

–         Sherman Whitman, radio host, WPKZ 105.3 FM and AM 1280

–         Gary Hutner, general manager, Gardner News and Clinton Item

–         Cliff Clark, city editor, Sentinel & Enterprise

–         Irene Hernandez, president, Minority Coalition of North Central Massachusetts

The organizers will also solicit questions from the public in advance for possible inclusion in the debate.

The Elect North Central Coalition includes Fitchburg Access Television, Fitchburg State University, Gardner News, The Item, Leominster Champion, Lowell Sun, Minority Coalition, Mount Wachusett Community College, NewVue Communities, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, Sentinel & Enterprise, Spanish American Center, Suffolk University, Telegram & Gazette, Three Pyramids, United Hmong of Massachusetts, Worcester Business Journal and WPKZ Radio.

The 3rd Congressional District includes Acton, Andover (precincts 2-7, 9), Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Berlin, Bolton, Boxboro, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Haverhill, Hudson, Lancaster, Lawrence, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlboro, Maynard, Methuen Town, Pepperell, Shirley, Stow, Sudbury (precinct 1), Townsend, Tyngsboro, Westford, Westminster and Winchendon (precincts 1A, 2, 3).

AIS INC. JOINS NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of AIS Inc., the largest office furniture manufacturing firm in the Northeast, as its newest Leadership Level member.

AIS, Inc. based in Leominster, is one of an elite group of prominent businesses and organizations to hold the prestigious position of Leadership Level member. Leadership level members make a vital commitment to the economic development of the region through their enhanced investment in the Chamber. They also serve as key advisors and maintain a close relationship to the organization. Their support helps shape the future of North Central Massachusetts by providing resources and the benefits of their advice and wisdom.

“We are very excited to welcome AIS as our newest Leadership Level member,” said Roy M. Nascimento, CCE, IOM, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We greatly appreciate their confidence and commitment in the Chamber and we look forward to working with their leadership in our collective efforts to advance North Central Massachusetts.”

Bruce Platzman, President and CEO of AIS, Inc., explained, “The North Central Massachusetts Chamber is an outstanding organization with a clear record of advancing economic opportunity in the region.  We like their consistent advocacy for all businesses in North Central Massachusetts.  And, in particular, the Chamber’s recognition of the key role manufacturing plays in our local economy is very appealing.  AIS is pleased to partner with them and help further their mission.”

NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTS MEMBER REFERRAL CAMPAIGN  

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is hosting a New Member Campaign from September 24 through October 26, 2018.  This awareness campaign will include direct outreach to prospective members and a referral promotion to existing members.

The Chamber is the leading business and economic development organization in North Central Massachusetts and provides numerous services for members, including networking, professional development, low cost marketing, health and dental insurance, as well as government affairs and economic development programs to encourage a positive business climate for the region. Among its many honors, in 2017 the Chamber was recognized for its work by being the first Chamber from New England to be named a finalist for the prestigious ACCE National Chamber of the Year Award.  The Chamber also achieved four-star accreditation in 2018, an honor achieved by only 204 of the 7,022 chambers in the country.

“The Chamber is an important element in the fabric of the community and has a tremendous impact supporting the local business community,” said Stephen Mullaney, Chairman of the Board of Directors.  “This is a great opportunity to tell our story and give the Chamber’s financial and membership efforts a solid boost.”

The campaign will feature several “Join Now” incentives for businesses and organizations that enroll with the Chamber, including digital, print, and TV advertising, website listings, admission to Chamber networking programs and more.

Highlighting the campaign will be a referral effort among existing members.  Each member referral can potentially earn the referring member a $50 Gift Local gift card that can be used at many of the finest restaurants, shops and attractions in the region.  There is no limit to the number of referrals someone can make.

At the end of the campaign, we will also have a drawing for referring members with a chance to win the Grand Prize of a $500 Gift Local Gift Card.

Membership in the Chamber is a great way to become involved with the business community, support the North Central Massachusetts region and help your organization grow and save money.  The Chamber supports member businesses of all sizes and industries through leadership in public advocacy, economic development, education, technical assistance, discount programs, networking opportunities and more.  Our member benefits are diverse and extensive.

For more information please visit https://www.northcentralmass.com/membership-information/new-member-referral-campaign/. Businesses interested in joining the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce should contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 240.