MAY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Heywood Hospital

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MAY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:  Heywood Hospital

 

In each newsletter we highlight a Chamber member doing interesting work in our community.  This month we welcome Heywood Hospital in Gardner.

Heywood Hospital is a non-profit, community-owned, 134-bed facility in Gardner, with more than 1,000 employees.  A strategic alliance formed with Athol Hospital in 2013, to take advantage of economies of scale, has further expanded the service area.  The Heywood Medical Group network includes 200 active, courtesy, and consulting physicians in primary care and a multitude of specialties.

Dawn Casavant, Heywood’s Vice President of External Affairs, has brought a philanthropic focus to Heywood’s mission in the Greater Gardner and North Central regions of Massachusetts, believing that social services play an important role alongside healthcare:  “We are trying to address the pressing need for behavioral health and addiction services in our region.”

An unsettling trend is the increase in suicide and depression among teens.  Heywood Hospital has established a Suicide Prevention Task Force, in conjunction with the Mass Department of Public Health, to prevent suicide and to provide education and resources to help those who struggle with depression, survivors of suicide, and those who have lost loved ones.

An important resource in this struggle will be The Quabbin Retreat project, a substance abuse and mental health center in Petersham.  The first stage, the Dana Day Treatment Center, opened in February and will provide outpatient services for patients in need of addiction and behavioral health treatment.  When complete, the Quabbin Retreat will offer both inpatient and outpatient mental health services, including an adult residential substance abuse center.  In the coming years, phases two and three will encompass a residential adolescent substance abuse treatment program and an inpatient detox center, according to Casavant.  More than 30% of day rehab patients at The Quabbin Retreat currently come from Fitchburg and Leominster.

The center is named in honor of the town of Dana, one of the four lost towns of the Quabbin Reservoir, which was created in the 1930s by digging up four towns to create two immense dams.

Dawn, who also sits on the board of the Greater Gardner chamber, views Chamber of Commerce engagement as an important tool for improving community health.  “Chambers give us a pulse on what’s happening in the region, relationships with big businesses, and the support of government affairs and advocacy efforts.”  A colleague of Dawn’s, Mary Giannetti, serves on the Behavioral Health working group of the Community Health Improvement Project (CHIP), a program the Chamber has supported.

Heywood Hospital is regularly applying for grants to provide more access to services, and connect families to community-based resources.  A $10 million capital campaign is also underway.

To learn more about Heywood Hospital or get involved, please call Mary Giannetti on (978) 630-5797, or email on mary.giannetti@heywood.org

Chamber Awards $48,000 in Scholarships

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On May 12, Chamber members will meet the region’s most accomplished high school seniors as they receive scholarships from the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation. A total of $48,000 in 24 scholarships will be  awarded at the Good Morning Breakfast at the Doubletree by Hilton in Leominster. Special thanks go to HealthAlliance for sponsoring the breakfast.

The following students each received a $2,000 scholarship, and are listed by their name, school and the specific scholarship:

Emily Buchanan of Westminster,  Oakmont Regional High School, Roderick W. & Donna M. Lewin Scholarship; Alivia Burns, Leominster High School – Center for Technical Education Innovation, HealthAlliance Hospital Inc. Scholarship; Sophia Goncalves, Fitchburg High School, Elizabeth & Anthony DiGeronimo Family Scholarship; and, Morgan DiPilla from Sterling,  Wachusett Regional High School, Barbara Silva Scholarship.

Also, Shanina Ferreira of Fitchburg, Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, Chamber Foundation Scholarship; John Gove, Leominster High School, Enterprise Bank & Trust Scholarship; Olivia Houle from Leominster,  Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, Edward C.J. Healey Scholarship; Laura Jenny of Lunenburg, Leominster High School, HealthAlliance Hospital Inc. Scholarship; Shanna Joseph from Sterling, Wachusett Regional High School, Salny Family Scholarship; Keith Kidder of Ayer,  Ayer Shirley Regional High School, Elizabeth & Anthony DiGeronimo Family Scholarship; Anneke LaPosta of Lancaster, Nashoba Regional High School, Benjamin Asher Scholarship; Kristen Maguy, Leominster High School, David L. McKeehan Scholarship; Mark McKew from Ashby, St. Bernard’s Central Catholic High School, M.Ruth Lee Scholarship; Cameron Moylan from Ashby, Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, George R. Wallace and Alice G. Wallace Scholarship; Kyleigh Olivier, Leominster High School, M.Ruth Lee Scholarship; and, Mark Pothier, Leominster High School, Chamber Golf Tournament Scholarship.

In addition, Sashealy Rivera of Fitchburg, Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, HealthAlliance Hospital Inc. Scholarship; John Shelton, The Bromfield School, Rollstone Bank & Trust Scholarship; Amy Sjoberg from Groton, Groton-Dunstable Regional High School, Ronald Ansin Scholarship; Madeleine Steele, The Bromfield School, HealthAlliance Hospital Inc. Scholarship; Bryson Tang of Pepperell, Nashoba Valley Technical High School, Chamber Foundation Scholarship; Brendan Tobin, Lunenburg High School, Adams Family Scholarship; Chloe Wespiser of Townsend, North Middlesex Regional High School, Chamber Golf Tournament Scholarship; and, Peyton Wirtz, Fitchburg High School, Workers’ Credit Union Scholarship.

Tourism Sales Mission

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The Johnny Appleseed Trail Association, the tourism arm of the chamber, participated in the New England Society of Association Executives, NESAE, 2018 Annual Management Conference where we had a table promoting our meeting venues to association executives from all over New England. In attendance were over 100 association executives and destinations looking to do business. Members who were promoting North Central Massachusetts alongside us were Great Wolf Lodge New England and the Devens Common Center.

This is an example of the many ongoing efforts of JATA to promote the region to visitors and groups in key markets. Ultimately these efforts help generate additional visitors and additional dollars to the communities in our region. In 2016, our collective regional tourism marketing strategy resulted in $131 million economic impact for North Central Massachusetts.

 

Chamber Bids Farewell to Lawlor

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The Chamber bids a fond farewell to Public Affairs Manager, Patrick Lawlor, who recently left to pursue a new opportunity as management analyst for the Town of Andover. Lawlor finished his master’s degree in public administration from UMass Boston during his tenure with the Chamber.

“We are saddened to lose Patrick, but also excited for him to pursue his career further,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Patrick has been an important and dedicated member of our team and a contributor to our success. I want to thank him for his hard work and commitment to the Chamber and wish him well in his new position.”

Governor Charlie Baker to be Keynote Speaker at North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting

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The Annual Meeting and Business Luncheon for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Thursday, June 15, 2017 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg.  Join other business and community leaders and attend the annual meeting to celebrate business people working together for the future of North Central Massachusetts.  The program will include recognition awards and the commencement for the 2017 class of the Chamber’s Community Leadership Institute.  Workers’ Credit Union is the premier sponsor of the 2017 Annual Business Meeting. Supporting sponsors include Apex Properties, Avidia Bank, Enterprise Bank, Fitchburg State University, Medical Arts Hearing Instruments, Mount Wachusett Community College and TD Bank.

This year’s keynote speaker is Governor Charlie Baker.  Governor Charlie Baker was inaugurated as the 72nd Governor of Massachusetts on January 8, 2015. Since taking office, he has been making Massachusetts a great place to live, work and raise a family while delivering a customer-service oriented state government that is as hard working as the people of the Commonwealth. Governor Baker is now considered the most popular governor in the United States according to approval ratings.

Upon taking office, Governor Baker worked to close two budget gaps worth more than $2 billion without raising taxes, while bolstering local aid for our schools and communities, investing in a more reliable public transportation system and prioritizing funds to fight the opioid and heroin epidemic.  Governor Baker has supported robust business sectors by reforming the Commonwealth’s regulatory environment, holding the line on taxes, and advancing efforts to rein in energy costs.

To register for the Annual Business Meeting and Luncheon, please contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 222 or ext. 235 or email chamber@northcentralmass.com or register online at www.northcentralmass.com/calendar.  The cost is just $40 per person for members and $60 per person for non-members. Supporting sponsorships and tables of ten are also available. Please RSVP by June 8th.

Drone Racing League selects Fitchburg and North Central Massachusetts as site for 2017 Allianz World Championship Race

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The Johnny Appleseed Trail Association, the tourism arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Fitchburg are pleased to announce that Fitchburg and North Central Massachusetts have been selected by the Drone Racing League (DRL) as the official New England site of one of its six 2017 Allianz World Championship races that culminate in a winner-take-all World Championship event.

“It’s very exciting that Fitchburg was selected by DRL to host their 2017 drone racing series”, said Mayor Stephen DiNatale.  “This selection is testament to the strong partnerships that we have in place here in North Central Massachusetts and our region’s strengths in the robotics and video gaming industries.”

“Securing the DRL race is significant for North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association. “Not only will the region benefit from the direct economic impact of hosting the race, but this will also showcase North Central Massachusetts to national and global audiences as a great place to host or grow a business.”

DRL discovered the Fitchburg site after meeting with the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association at a national trade show for sporting events. North Central Massachusetts is an emerging sports tourism location, so strategic investments have been made to attract events and exhibitions in this region. DRL and the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association worked closely with the site selection team to find the right space for their New England race.

“We looked around aggressively for a community to host our New England race site,” said Ashley Ellefson, Director Operations for DRL. “Fitchburg was the ideal location and the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber and the City of Fitchburg were all amazing in support of our efforts.”

The Championship series will include six races to test piloting skill and the limits of FPV (First Person View) flight. The races will begin airing on premier broadcast channels, including ESPN, ESPN 2, Sky Sports Mix and 7Sports in more than 75 countries, in June 2017. Each DRL race features 16 of the world’s greatest drone pilots flying DRL’s custom designed racing drone at speeds above 90 MPH through one-of-a-kind, three-dimensional racecourses in venues around the world. The Championship races are an elimination style competition that culminates in a world championship and the crowning of the World’s Greatest Drone Pilot.

Given its rapidly growing worldwide audience, the biggest benefit of securing the DRL race will be the national and global exposure for Fitchburg and the region. DRL’s first season reached millions of fans around the world, including more than 30 million broadcast viewers and more than 43 million views of its digital content. The region will also benefit from the hotel rooms booked for staff and media, and the new direct spending in the region by the visitors associated with DRL. Since drone racing also incorporates robotics and gaming, there are also possible educational opportunities for local students involved at the gaming program at Fitchburg State University and at Mount Wachusett Community College.

The Drone Racing League (DRL) launched in January 2016 as the only global professional drone racing organization, hosting five professional races in its inaugural season. Founded in 2015 by Nicholas Horbaczewski, a former executive with the Tough Mudder race series, DRL has quickly gained the reputation as the new “sport of the future” with its rapidly growing worldwide audience. The technology company is financially backed by investors including RSE Ventures, Lux Capital, Sky, MGM, Hearst Ventures, and CAA Ventures. DRL has also secured sponsorships from major national brands including Bud Light and leading global insurance brand, Allianz.

DRL joins a growing list of companies that have recently selected North Central Massachusetts, including Great Wolf Lodge that selected Fitchburg for its New England location; AIS that recently moved its operation to Leominster; Nypro that chose Devens for the expansion of its medical device manufacturing operations; and most recently the developers of Game On Fitchburg that selected West Fitchburg as the site of their major indoor sports complex scheduled to open in 2018.  North Central Massachusetts also recently received national recognition for its efforts by industry professionals who plan sporting events.

 

Businesses, Consumers Differ on Economic Outlook Under President Donald Trump

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Businesses, Consumers Differ on Economic Outlook Under President Donald Trump
Annual Economic Outlook Survey Results Released

On April 12th, over 250 guests joined the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and Fidelity Bank at the DoubleTree in Leominster to get an idea of what the future holds for the economy under the current administration. This is the 6th year that the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and Fidelity Bank have partnered on this event. This year additional support came from the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. J.D. Foster, Vice President, Economic Policy Division and Chief Economist of the US Chamber of Commerce, provided keynote remarks with his presentation: What a Trump Economy Means for Us. Jeff Fuhrer, Executive Vice President and Senior Policy Advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston also spoke at the Economic Forecast Breakfast, presenting on the state of the economy and its outlook specifically for Massachusetts.

The breakfast sponsor, Fidelity Bank, presented on two economic outlook surveys they conducted of local business leaders and consumers from across North Central Massachusetts. “Getting the insights of these top economists, as well as our local consumer and business population, provides real value to the decision makers in our region,” said Ed Manzi Jr., chairman and CEO of Fidelity Bank. “In support of our LifeDesign promise, we’ve sponsored this event for the past six years, and once again it’s very gratifying to have partnered with three local chambers to support the business community in Central Massachusetts.”

“The surveys and presentations by our speakers is really a great way for our region to get a better understanding about what direction our economy is heading,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “The presentations, combined with the surveys allow for a comprehensive view into conditions that could impact both consumers and businesses”

The economic outlook survey for both consumers and business leaders pointed to the political climate playing a significant role in the economy, but the two groups differed on President Donald Trump’s impact on the economy. On President Trump’s impact on the economy, 53% of consumers felt it would be negative, while 58% of business leaders feel that the president will have a positive impact on the economy.

Consumers overall did not have overwhelmingly positive feelings about a rising economy, with 76% of respondents indicating that the economy would be the same or only somewhat better a year from now.

Although the survey revealed that consumers believe that the high cost of living will be a threat to economic growth, only 22% of consumers believe that in 2017 they will be spending less money, while 44% believe they will not make any change to their spending habits.
The availability of skilled labor in the region was a major concern for business leaders. Workforce issues were the top challenge that businesses expect to face in the next two years, and was high among the greatest threats to economic growth for respondents.

“You can see from the survey that consumers have leveled off on Trump’s impact to the economy,” said Chris McCarthy, President and COO of Fidelity Bank. “In comparison business leaders have a more positive outlook on the upcoming year.”

Half of business leaders surveyed did indicate they would be increasing capital investments in their business in the next year. Investment priorities for business in 2017 include equipment, new hires, training, and expansion.

Complete results of the economic outlook survey are available online at wwww.NorthCentralMass.com/Research.

Getting to Know Your Chamber Scheduled for Thursday, April 20, 2017

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will host “Getting to Know Your Chamber” on Thursday, April 20, 2017 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Devens Common Center, 31 Andrews Parkway, Devens, MA.  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.  Attendees will also learn about the different affiliate organizations under the Chamber umbrella that focus on specialty areas and allow the Chamber to achieve more for its members and for the advancement of North Central Massachusetts. 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/.

The Chamber will also be hosting a Business After Hours event at the Devens Common Center immediately following the orientation from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  The Chamber’s Business After Hours series provides an opportunity for members and non-members to mingle and build business relationships in an informal relaxed business setting.  These networking mixers are held throughout the year in partnership with member businesses and attract business professionals from many industries. The cost to participate in the Business After Hours is $15 for members and $25 for non-members and includes a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, tours of the common center and networking with business people from throughout North Central Massachusetts.  For more information or to register visit www.NorthCentralMass.com/news/calendar-of-events/ or contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 235.

Business owners unable to attend but interested in learning more about Chamber membership may contact Jeff Ardis, Manager of Member Services and Business Development or David Ginisi at 978.353.7600 or by sending an email to jardis@northcentralmass.com or dginisi@northcentralmass.com to schedule a one-to-one meeting.

All-Day Workshops Scheduled for Entrepreneurs in Fitchburg, MA

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and Bank Hometown are holding two business workshops on May 4, 2017 aimed at assisting potential and existing entrepreneurs.

These free workshops are approximately 2 hours each and are being held in partnership with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, SCORE, NewVue Communities, and City of Fitchburg and Leominster’s Economic Development Office.  Both workshops will each run approximately two and a half hours and will be held at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, 860 South Street in Fitchburg on Thursday, May 4.

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 a.m. 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 a.m. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Presented by Robert C. Alario, CPA

To register, please contact Sandie Cataldo at 978.353.7607 ext. 232 or SCataldo@northcentralmass.com.  You may also register online at www.NorthCentralMass.com.

 

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts. 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 with loans and business assistance.  Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4,200,000 in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.

 

For more information about the NCMDC loan or technical assistance programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit www.choosenorthcentral.com.

Tourism Industry Celebrated its Economic Impact at Annual Tourism Day at the State House

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The tourism industry celebrated its economic impact and its legislative champions at the annual Massachusetts Tourism Day at the State House on Thursday, April 6, 11am-1pm, in the Great Hall.

Hosted by the 16 Regional Tourism Councils (RTCs) of Massachusetts, in partnership with the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development and the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT), Massachusetts Tourism Day included a mid-day program that featured presentations of the Champion of Tourism awards to Sen Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) and Rep. Mathew Muratore (R-Plymouth).

Other speakers included Joint Committee Co-chairs Rep. Cory Atkins and Sen. Adam Hinds. Francois Laurent-Nivaud, director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT).

The third largest industry in the Commonwealth, tourism accounts for 135,000 jobs, thanks in large part to the direct spending by 23.5 million visitors to Massachusetts.  In 2015, for example, visitors to the state spent $20.2 billion on lodging, meals, culture and recreational attractions, transportation, and retail.  That spending yielded $1.3 billion in local and state tax revenue.

“Tourism plays a major role in the North Central Massachusetts economy, accounting for over $127 million in direct spending in the region,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO of the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association. “The visitor industry is not something we should take for granted – we need to continue partnerships with state and local government, together with the private sector, to leverage investments in the tourism industry that will help grow our economy.”

As part of Thursday’s celebration, the RTCs offered food samples representing the culinary traditions of their regions, ranging from chowder to maple and apple products.

“The Regional Tourism Councils have a deep understanding of their unique regions coupled with marketing know-how. Their promotional efforts showcase all that Massachusetts has to offer, “said Representative Cory Atkins. “Over 23 million visitors frequent our restaurants, hotels, museums, cultural institutions, and attractions. The economic impact of a robust tourism industry is a boon to the Massachusetts economy.”