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

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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

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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.

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 Sarah and Jacob Hawkins for $25,000 to assist with the purchase of Rituals Salon and Day Spa, an existing business located in Leominster.  Sarah has over 15 years of experience in the industry starting her career in San Diego before joining Rituals 11 years ago.  Rituals Salon, an Aveda Concept Salon, is conveniently located at 646 Central Street in Leominster and has been in business for over 17 years offering hair, nails, skin and massage services.

This loan was a gap loan in partnership with Workers Credit Union.  NewVue Communities assisted the new owners with a business plan and financial package.  For more information please visit www.ritualsspa.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.

 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.

Member Spotlight:Complete Physical Therapy & Wellness.

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In each newsletter we highlight a Chamber member doing interesting work in our community.  This month we highlight Complete Physical Therapy & Wellness.

With their new location on 960 South Street in Fitchburg, MA, we are certainly proud to not only support Complete Physical Therapy & Wellness as a chamber member, but also as a fellow neighbor.

Complete Physical Therapy & Wellness is a privately owned physical therapy and wellness clinic. They are unique in that they combine the diverse experience and specialties of five longtime colleagues to service communities throughout Central Massachusetts.

Physical therapists Theresa Brassard, Joanne D’Onfro, Jennifer LeBlanc, Tamara Moses and Alice Thompson have unified their skills and passion to provide superior patient care in a customized, fully equipped facility. Their clinical excellence and expertise, combined with an unwavering commitment to prompt, personalized care, will make Complete Physical Therapy & Wellness a premier choice for all your physical therapy needs.

Complete Physical Therapy & Wellness specializes in the following areas: orthopedics, post joint replacements, sports injuries and prevention,

women’s health (pregnancy & incontinence), spine disorders, pediatrics, scoliosis, balance training & Pilates rehabilitation.

We are excited to celebrate the grand opening of Complete Physical Therapy & Wellness in the coming month. To contact them, visit www.completept.org.

Open Enrollment Has Begun

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Open Enrollment period has begun!  You now have the opportunity to review and change your health insurance plan and add employees who have previously waived coverage.  You must finalize your alternative choice before April 30, 2018.  After May 1, 2018, off-anniversary downgrades are only available with 60 day advance notice. Please note some plans will have significant benefit changes effective April 1, 2018.  Intermediary Plan Changes document describe the benefit changes that go into effect on April 1, 2018.  These documents were mailed in late January.  Please share the information in these documents with all your benefit-eligible employees.  Some new options offer lower monthly premium rates for your business. Please contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 227 with any questions or for more information

Scholarships Available through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation is pleased to announce that applications for its 2018 Scholarship program are now being accepted.  Each year, the Chamber Foundation distributes approximately 25 scholarships to local high-achieving high school students in North Central Massachusetts.  Since the establishment of its scholarship program, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation has awarded over a million dollars in scholarships.

Students interested in applying for a 2018 scholarship through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation should contact their high school guidance department to submit an application.  Deadline for applications is Friday, March 2, 2018.  A limited number of scholarship applicants are submitted by each school in the Chamber’s service area each year and then reviewed by a committee of Chamber members.

Many of these awards are made possible through contributions from members of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and proceeds from the Chamber’s Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament.  Scholarships endowed through the Chamber Foundation are often named in honor of prominent members of the North Central Massachusetts business community whose philanthropy and commitment to the community have helped shape North Central Massachusetts.

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

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

 

Last Chance to Advertise in the Manufacturers Directory

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Don’t get left out! The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation is getting ready to publish the 2018 edition of the Manufacturers Directory and Industrial Parks Guide for North Central Massachusetts. A limited number of advertising spots are still available.

This publication is the region’s most comprehensive collection of this specialized information, outlining available industrial sites and local manufacturing related businesses, describing products, contact information and more. The directory is designed to promote and connect manufacturers with suppliers as well as serve as a resource for companies looking to relocate or expand throughout the region. Ad rates start at just $350. Please contact David Ginisi at 978.353.7600 ext. 240 for more information or to reserve your advertisement.

AL ROSE TO CHAIR JOHNNY APPLESEED TRAIL ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Albert ‘Al’ Spaulding Rose II, owner and operator of Red Apple Farm has been elected Chairman of the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association (JATA) Board of Directors. The election was made at the association’s board meeting on December 5, 2017.

Mr. Rose is the fourth generation owner of Red Apple Farm located in Phillipston, Massachusetts. The 70 acre farm, established in 1912, focused primarily on growing apples commercially for the wholesale market under the care of Mr. Rose’s grandfather, A. Spaulding Rose.  In 1981, Mr. Rose’s father, William (Bill) Rose transitioned the farm away from wholesale, diversifying the farm’s business to focus more on retail and the pick-your-own fruit experience.

Mr. Rose and his wife Nancy took over the family business in 2001. Under their leadership the farm has continued to grow and become a major agritourism destination and employer for North Central Massachusetts. Red Apple Farm now has three locations: the Phillipston farm, at Wachusett Mountain, and in the City of Boston when they opened one of the largest stalls at Boston Public Market two years ago.  In addition to his involvement with the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association, Mr. Rose is also a member of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce, the advisory board of Massachusetts Family Business Association, and is a past president of the Massachusetts Fruit Growers Association.  He earned a Masters of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Cornell University.

Mr. Rose has served on the JATA Board of Directors for several years and has held several leadership positions including Vice Chair and Marketing Committee Chair.  He has been a strong champion of the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association’s economic development efforts to market the region to visitors and groups.  As the Chair of the JATA Board of Directors, Mr. Rose will work with the Board, staff, membership and other stakeholders to champion JATA in its mission to market the region as a destination.

“I look forward to working with Al in his new position as Chairman of the Board,” said Roy Nascimento, president of JATA. “Al has proven himself to be a great leader and advocate for our cooperative marketing efforts to grow the tourism economy in North Central Massachusetts.”

He succeeds Suzanne Farias, former general manager of the Doubletree Hotel in Leominster.

“It is an honor and privilege to have been elected Chair of the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association, an organization that plays an important role in promoting North Central Massachusetts and has had an incredible impact in growing the economy locally,” expressed Mr. Rose, “I am excited to continue Suzanne Farias’s efforts and work to make sure that JATA remains a strong resource for local businesses and attractions.”

In the same election, Henry Tessman, general manager of Great Wolf Lodge New England was voted Vice-Chairman and Nikki Moorshead, owner of the Colonial Inn in Gardner and the Chocksett Inn in Sterling was elected to serve as a Director. Continuing current terms on the board are Rick Walton, president of the Gardner Ale House and Moon Hill Brewing and Tom Meyers, marketing director at Wachusett Ski Area.

 

 

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS UPDATE

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce takes an active advocacy role with government on behalf of our member businesses, focused on issues that impact business, and the economy of North Central Massachusetts.  As part of our government relations efforts, we actively work to engage with policy makers.  Below is an update on some of the more recent government relations activities at the local, regional, state and federal level.  

FEDERAL:

The Chamber has started to engage with the candidates for the 3rd  Congressional District currently represented by Congresswoman Tsongas. To date, we have met with candidates Dan Koh and Rick Green to discuss North Central Massachusetts and the priorities of the business community in the region. We also have a meeting scheduled for later this month with State Senator Barbara L’Italian and will be reaching out to the other remaining candidates to schedule meetings over the next few months.

Back in the fall we hosted the economic development advisor and the district director for Congresswoman Tsongas for an economic development tour of the region and highlighted some of the projects the Chamber has supported. Chamber staff also participated in a travel and tourism tour of the 2nd Congressional District hosted by Congressman McGovern.

STATE:

Prior to the special election, the Chamber staff met with all of the candidates for the Worcester & Middlesex District Senate seat formerly held by Jen Flanagan.

In the fall, we organized a special manufacturing tour for legislative leaders to highlight the importance of manufacturing to North Central Massachusetts as well as legislative efforts to eliminate the inventory tax for manufacturers in order to boost the industry.  Attendees on the tour included legislators, economic development officials, business leaders and members of the media.

Earlier this month, we hosted our annual Legislative Briefing to present our economic development priorities to our legislative delegation, and engage them on efforts to shepherd those priorities through the state budget.  Over the last year, we have seen more engagement with our legislative delegation, due to concerted efforts to raise the Chamber’s government relations.

 

 

LOCAL:

In the fall, the Chamber staff met with many of the candidates for city council in Leominster and Fitchburg to engage them on priorities of the business community. Post-election, the Chamber continued its proactive outreach to newly elected public officials engaging them on the
Chamber’s regional priorities.

The Chamber also testified at the annual Fitchburg Property Tax Classification Hearing. The Fitchburg City Council voted in favor of reducing the burden on businesses, moving toward a single tax rate.  The Leominster City Council voted to maintain their single tax rate.

In January, we testified at a Fitchburg hearing regarding the renovations to the old City Hall building and we also testified at the Finance Sub-Committee of the Gardner City Council on the issue of tourism funding.

This month, the Chamber also hosted a briefing for the four new city councilors in Fitchburg with several local developers and business leaders to discuss priorities such as tax classification, tourism funding and streamlined permitting.

For more information, please contact Christopher McDermott, Public Affairs Manager at 978.353.7600 ext. 224 or email cmcdermott@northcentralmass.com.

Getting to Know Your Chamber

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will host “Getting to Know Your Chamber” on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Chamber’s main office, 860 South Street, Fitchburg, Ma 01420.  This presentation is designed to help new members navigate the perks and programs of Chamber membership, but is equally valuable for current members who want to get the most value from their membership, or those interested in learning if chamber membership is right for them.

Chamber staff will explain the many benefits and programs of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce including networking events, government affairs, educational workshops and seminars, advertising opportunities and health insurance, to name just a few.  There is no cost to attend the “Getting to Know Your Chamber” meeting, but pre-registration is required.  Register online at www.NorthCentralMass.com/news/calendar-of-events/.

Business owners unable to attend but interested in learning more about Chamber membership may contact or David Ginisi at 978.353.7600 x240 or by sending an email to dginisi@northcentralmass.com to schedule a one-to-one meeting.