Business and Community Leaders Meet with Keolis to Discuss the Fitchburg Line

On Wednesday April 4, 2018, Mayor Stephen L. DiNatale of the City of Fitchburg and representatives from the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association (JATA) traveled on the Fitchburg commuter rail line into Boston to highlight the importance of the MBTA rail service to North Central Massachusetts.  Gerald Francis, president and Linda Dillon, director of customer experience from Keolis accompanied the delegation from downtown Fitchburg into North Station. The ride provided ample time to discuss the positives and negatives about the line as it currently stands, as well as opportunities for future partnerships.

“It was important for the city to have met with Keolis to discuss the commuter rail and its impact on Fitchburg” said Mayor DiNatale. “Fitchburg is fortunate to have two stops on the line. With the investment and updates Keolis is making to their infrastructure, it is imperative to build these relationships so we can continue our work promoting our city throughout the Commonwealth.”

Infrastructure, reverse commuting, social media outreach, commute length, connecting with local businesses, and future partnerships were all topics discussed while being able to experience the train first hand. The discussion also focused on efficiency and the customer experience, including using social media to communicate any delays beforehand to riders. The MBTA’s Fitchburg line has recently been receiving updates all along the track that has made it one of the most efficient tracks; however the construction has affected commuters by creating occasional delays in service.

“The Ski Train” has been an effective partnership over the past few years promoting ski season at Wachusett Mountain to those in Greater Boston. During the winter months on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the MBTA runs special trains on the Fitchburg Line that are equipped with ski and snowboard racks, making the commute to the slopes easy and comfortable. Boston has the highest skier per capita for any major city in the US, which makes promotions of the Ski Train as well as skiing overall a great market. Attracting university students from the city to enjoy the amenities of the region for all four seasons was also a main topic of discussion.

“Tourism is important to the future of North Central Massachusetts and plays an increasingly important role in our local economy” said Roy Nascimento, president & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association. “Many visitors are coming from Boston and the commuter rail provides us greater access to individuals who otherwise wouldn’t be able to make it to our region and experience our unique destinations.”

As traffic around Greater Boston continues to grow, and millennials are becoming more reliant on public transportation, commuter rail provides the possibility of being a key driver in the continued growth of North Central Massachusetts.

The trip and discussions with Keolis leadership were organized by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, Johnny Appleseed Trail Association and the Office of the Mayor of Fitchburg in an effort to facilitate partnerships and explore ways to better improve the Fitchburg Rail Line for the benefit of residents and businesses.

STARTING OR EXPANDING A SMALL BUSINESS 101 SEMINAR SCHEDULED FOR MAY

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and Avidia Bank are holding two business workshops on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 aimed at assisting potential and existing entrepreneurs.

These free workshops are approximately two and a half hours each and are being held in partnership with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, SCORE and NewVue Communities.  Both workshops will be held at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce office, 860 South Street, Fitchburg, MA.

Session I: Fundamentals in Planning, Preparing, and Financing Your Business will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and will focus on evaluating and understanding the fundamentals of owning one’s own business.  Information on how to get started, where and how to get financing and the loan application process will be presented.  Registration begins at 8:00. Continental breakfast will be provided for all participants.  Presented by Bob Aspell, SCORE

Session II: Understanding the Purpose of Financial Statements and How They Can Help Determine the Health of Your Business will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will focus on understanding a balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement.  The workshop will also explain how a small business owner can anticipate financial needs in order to operate his/her business more efficiently.  Registration begins at 11:30. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Presented by Bob Aspell, SCORE

Chamber Endorses Coalition to Protect Patient Safety

In November, Massachusetts voters may be asked to consider whether our state should have government-mandated nurse staffing levels. This proposed law would require every hospital to adopt the same rigid, one-size-fits-all ratios of nurses on duty to patients at all times, in every unit, regardless of a hospital’s size, location or the needs of individual patients.

Sound like a good idea?  Not so fast.

This misguided and dangerous proposal would take vital decision-making away from nurses at the bedside, where experience and education save lives and put them in the hands of an unworkable and unfunded government mandate.  That’s why the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has joined with dozens of other organizations across the state, including the Organization of Nurse Leaders, the American Nurses Association Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Association of Colleges of Nursing in strong opposition to these ratios.

Click HERE to hear directly from nurses themselves about why they oppose rigid staffing ratios.

Massachusetts is home to some of the best hospitals in the country. People come from all over the world to receive high quality care from our healthcare professionals. It makes no sense to override the professional judgment of nurses and doctors charged with managing caregiver teams.

And it’s no secret that Massachusetts families and businesses are already facing soaring healthcare bills.  Studies conservatively estimate the cost of implementing the ballot question would be well over $800 million annually, without any valid scientific evidence of improved care as a result of these ratios.

Aside from threatening hospitals’ financial stability, this proposal would drive up costs for patients and businesses, cause emergency room wait times to skyrocket and lead to closures of community hospitals. Even those that can stay open would have to make painful cuts in critical treatment areas and vital community health programs, including resources to battle the opioid crisis.

This proposal is bad for hospitals, bad for our community and bad for families. If you want to help out, please take two minutes and click HERE to send your elected officials a quick email sharing your opposition to this bad idea. Signing on as an individual supporter is easy, too!

For more information on the devastating impacts of rigid ratios, please click here.

Your voice will be crucial in opposing this dangerous, unnecessary ballot question. Thank you for your support.

North Central Massachusetts Development Corp Grants a Micro-Loan to Small Business in Worcester

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) recently granted a $20,000 micro-loan to Lauren and Zack Rohacik, owners of Steel Strength and Nutrition.   Steel Strength and Nutrition is a retail supplement store located at 458 Park Avenue in Worcester.  This business provides its customers affordable, high quality vitamins and minerals, herbal supplements, clean sports nutrition, meal replacements, and a limited selection of sports apparel and weight lifting equipment.  Zachary and Lauren have spent their entire adult lives as fitness enthusiasts, and competitive power lifters as well as coaches and sponsors of youth organizations, church groups and gyms.

This loan will assist with the purchase of inventory, as well as marketing and other costs associated with starting the new business. The loan was a referral from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Clark University.  SBDC also assisted Lauren and Zack with a business plan and financial package.

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

North Central Massachusetts Development Corp Grants an Express Loan to Small Business in Acton

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) recently granted a $5,000 Express Loan to Jennifer Morales, owner of Genesis Coaching and Consulting located in Acton.  Genesis is a coaching and consulting private practice for educational, career, and wellness goals with a special focus on those living with a mental illness, their family member, and first generation college students.   Dr. Jennifer Morazes has been coaching and mentoring students for 20 years and recently opened her own business which is located at 282 Central Street, Acton, MA.  This loan will assist with the purchase with start-up costs associated with starting this new business. The loan was a referral from Commerce Bank.   For more information visit www.genesistimetobegin.com.

As a microloan lender, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) can provide loans to start up and emerging small businesses up to $150,000 for working capital, equipment, inventory, expansion and can work with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a projectNCMDCs Express Loan program is a $5,000 microloan that offers a quick and easy turnaround for access to capital.  Express Loan clients must have been in business for a minimum of one year.

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation Approved as SBA Community Advantage Lender

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) has been designated as a “SBA Community Advantage Lender,” according to an announcement made today by Robert H. Nelson, Massachusetts District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration.  New England SBA Regional Administrator Wendell Davis and SBA MA District Director Nelson co-presented the designation to NCMDC President Roy Nascimento at a special event in Fitchburg.

US Representatives Nikki Tsongas and James McGovern; Massachusetts Asst. Secretary of Business Development and Trade Nam Pham; Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale; and numerous other business and community leaders also participated in the special event.

Established in the wake of the 2008 Financial Crisis, the Community Advantage Lender Program seeks to extend credit to small businesses in underserved communities. It accomplishes this by seeking out lenders with experience working with clients who fit this description and ensuring their loans. The SBA provides guarantees of 85% for loans up to $150,000 and 75% for loans above that and up to $250,000.

To qualify as participants, applicants to the program are required to fit at least one of four criteria. Among these are recognition by the US Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and certification as an SBA approved microlender. Beyond that, participants are required to direct 60% of their Community Advantage backed loans to “underserved markets”. These include neighborhoods identified by the census as boasting a median income at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI), businesses who primarily employ individuals from low to moderate income (LMI) households or census tracts, new businesses established within the last two years, and businesses qualified to participate in the SBA’s Veterans Advantage Program.

Already a SBA certified microlender and federally recognized Community Development Financial Institution, the NCMDC provides gap financing and serves as a lender of last resort for small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Central Massachusetts. In doing so, it has lent out roughly $6 million since its inception in 1996, leveraged an additional $21 million in private funds, and created nearly a thousand jobs. During a recent review of its portfolio, roughly half of its existing loans were found to be located in low to moderate income census tracts. “We are very excited and honored to have been selected as an SBA approved Community Advantage Lender,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation.  “This new partnership with the SBA will go a long way in helping to support local small businesses and the economic growth of the region.”

“The power of the Community Advantage Program is that it allows mission-based lenders like North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation — the ability to better meet the financing needs of the region’s small business that grow and thrive beyond traditional microfinance levels,” said Bob Nelson, SBA Massachusetts District Director.  “This new status will allow NCMDC to leverage the guarantee of the Small Business Administration, which is typically 75% – 85% of the loan, up to $250,000 — to help more promising small businesses obtain the right amount of capital they need to start, grow and build vibrant business districts.”

Among those speaking at Thursdays event were the region’s two US representatives. Congratulating the NCMDC for their designation, Rep. Tsongas stated that “So much American innovation occurs within small businesses and the federal government must play a deliberate role in supporting small business growth.” She went on to point out that “Partnerships between federal agencies and local organizations like the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation are how the federal government can be a strategic partner.”

Rep. McGovern likewise stated that “Keeping our economy strong starts with smart investments in local small businesses. North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation is playing a vital role in helping small businesses in our region get the support they need to succeed. Their work with small businesses in underserved communities is helping to break down barriers and open more doors for entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. I am proud to support NCMDC and look forward to seeing all the ways they help to expand opportunity and grow our economy for years to come.”

Under this program, loans made by the NCMDC can be used for working capital, leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures and refinancing of business credit card debt. Eligible businesses include manufacturing, retail, wholesale and service businesses usually having five employees or less at the time of application and meeting the definition of small business. The interest rates are flexible, but generally close to the current fixed market rate.

Johnny Appleseed Trail Association hosting Annual Tourism Update Breakfast

Forum to bring together tourism related businesses and organizations in the region

The Johnny Appleseed Trail Association (JATA) and the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the third annual Tourism Update Breakfast being held on Friday, March 23, 2018 at Chocksett Inn, 59 Laurelwood wood Road, Sterling MA. This exciting and fast paced breakfast event features industry experts who will share their professional insights on marketing North Central Massachusetts. The 2018 breakfast program is sponsored by the Chocksett Inn of Sterling, MA.

Lisa Strout, Director of the Massachusetts Film Office, will discuss the film industry in Massachusetts and its direct impact on North Central Massachusetts as the industry continues to grow. The MA Film Office is the state agency dedicated to promoting the Commonwealth as a premier location for commercial, film and television production. Lisa Strout has been at the helm of the Massachusetts Film Office since June of 2011, and has overseen over 50 major film and television productions throughout the state during her tenure. Lisa was formerly the director of the New Mexico Film Office for nearly a decade, during its production boom. She has 33 years of experience in the film industry, including 20 years as a location manager in New England, New York, California, New Mexico, Texas, and Italy. Films include: Mystic Pizza, Falling Down, Dante’s Peak, Room with a View and Thirteen Days. In addition, she managed the New York City offices of Merchant Ivory Productions for two years.

Tony D’Agostino, has been with the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism for more than ten years as the Director of Research. In that time, D’Agostino’s main projects have been related to studying the volume of tourists, visitors and the economic impact of tourism spending in Massachusetts. These reports support the marketing initiatives and activities of the sixteen regional tourism councils across the Commonwealth.  Mr. D’Agostino’s presentation will highlight

visitor trends, top visitor markets and the impact of tourism for the state and region.

“Tourism is important to the future of North Central Massachusetts and plays an increasingly important role in our local economy” said Roy Nascimento, president of the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association. “We organize this annual program as a way to bring tourism related stakeholders in the region together to share best practices, learn new trends in the industry and to take advantage of new opportunities to better market local businesses and the region to visitors.”

The Tourism Update Breakfast is open to all community members and will run from 7:30 am to 9:30 am. The cost is just $20 for JATA and North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce members/$30 for non-members and includes a breakfast buffet. Registration can be done online at www.northcentralmass.com. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or visit www.northcentralmass.com.

March Edition of Good Morning North Central Features MBTA Management and MassBio

The next edition of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber’s popular Good Morning North Central breakfast series is scheduled for Friday, March 9, 2018 from 6:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Doubletree by Hilton, 99 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA.  The March edition is sponsored by Apex Properties.

The Good Morning North Central series is a high-profile, fast-paced and educational breakfast program geared towards executives, senior managers, professionals and business owners.  Each of the programs has a business-oriented focus and features popular speakers to present on topics of interest to local businesses.

The featured speakers for the March edition are David Scorey, general manager of Keolis Commuter Services (who manages the MBTA) and Robert Coughlin, president of MassBio.

As General Manager for Keolis Commuter Services, David Scorey oversees all aspects of the MBTA Commuter Rail service in Boston. He brings nearly 30 years of experience in the passenger rail industry, most recently serving as Managing Director for Southern Railway, one of the largest and most complex railroads in the United Kingdom, with 2,200 trains and 600,000 passenger trips each day.  Southern is managed by Govia Thameslink Railway, a joint venture between Keolis and Go Ahead. In his role as GM of Keolis Commuter Services, David is focused on continuing to improve service, performance and customer satisfaction across the system.

As President and CEO of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, Bob Coughlin’s mission is to advance Massachusetts’ leadership in the life sciences to grow the industry, add value to the healthcare system and improve patient lives. Over the last decade, Bob has truly become a champion for patients by ensuring innovative companies have the best environment possible to research, develop, and commercialize breakthrough therapies and cures for people around the world who need and deserve them.

Bob has spent his career in both the public and private sectors. Before joining MassBio, he served as the Undersecretary of Economic Development within Governor Deval Patrick’s administration, where he prioritized both healthcare and economic development issues and was a strong advocate for the life sciences industry in Massachusetts. Prior to that, he was elected as State Representative to the 11th Norfolk district for three terms. Bob has also held senior executive positions in the environmental services, capital management and venture capital industries.

The cost is just $25 for Chamber members/$40 non-members and includes a breakfast buffet. Season Tickets are also available for purchase.  Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or visit www.northcentralmass.com.

North Central Mass Development Corp Grants Micro Loan to Hailey’s Takeout

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) recently granted a loan to Henry Genao for $15,000 to assist with startup costs associated with opening Hailey’s Takeout.  Hailey’s Takeout, named after Henry’s daughter, is a fast-casual Spanish-American Restaurant located at 301 Lancaster Street in Leominster.  The new restaurant will offer a variety of lunch and dinner items, and plans to add delivery options in the future.  The hours of operation are from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.  For more information on Hailey’s Take Out, please visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HaileysTakeOut.

NewVue Communities assisted Henry with his business plan and financial package.  To learn more about NewVue Communities and the many services they provide please visit http://newvuecommunities.org.

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.

 The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit economic development corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy. NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects in 76 communities in Worcester, Middlesex and Franklin Counties with loans and business assistance.  Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $6,000,000 in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in the region

 

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607.

 

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation Awarded Workforce Development Grant

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) was awarded an $8,000 matching AMP it up! grant from MassDevelopment to support its efforts to respond to the region’s shortage of skilled workers in the manufacturing industry.  Working in partnership with Fitchburg State University, Mount Wachusett Community College, the region’s public schools, and local manufacturers, the NCMDC will utilize these funds to support its efforts to raise awareness of career paths in the advanced manufacturing field.

“We’re very excited about this opportunity to continue our efforts with our partners in the community and address the region’s workforce challenges,” stated Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and its development arm the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. “These are high skilled jobs that attract employers and serve as a gate way to the middle class for many people” he continued. “Ensuring the next generation is ready to fill these roles is absolutely essential.”

“There’s a stigma attached to these careers,” explained the NCMDC’s Public Affairs Manager, Christopher McDermott. “Peoples’ perception of the industry is largely based upon what it was a century ago. They don’t realize that careers in a modern facility involve far more skill and growth than they did before.”

The grant will be used to continue the momentum sustained from receiving this grant in previous years by continuing outreach to audiences that are not typically associated with careers in manufacturing and aims to target a new audience for a potential future workforce.

Outreach will highlight the exciting, technology-driven, well-paying career options in manufacturing, dispel common myths about the industry, and bolster the prospective employee base for these quality jobs with North Central Massachusetts companies.

MassDevelopment established the Advanced Manufacturing Program (AMP) to address the loss of skilled labor and knowledge that will arise as Baby Boomers leave the workforce. The problem is particularly acute in North Central Massachusetts, which is home to over 440 manufacturing firms and relies on this industry for roughly a quarter of its employment. Regionally, roughly 32% of those employed in manufacturing are over the age of 55, while 18 to 35 year olds rank manufacturing dead last among industries in which they would choose to begin a career.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation remain committed to supporting and growing this critical sector of the region’s economy.