Burnette and Myers Recognized with Service Awards

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Diane Burnette, manager of the Johnny Appleseed Visitors’ Center and Matt Myers, marketing and communications manager were recently honored by the Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE) with distinguished service awards.

Burnette was recognized for twenty years of service in the chamber of commerce industry and Myers was recognized for five years of service.

The Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE) recognized its 2018 Service Awards at its Annual Meeting held on April 6, 2018 in Worcester, MA.  MACCE Service Awards recognize and promote chamber professionals in Massachusetts who have achieved significant years of service in the chamber industry.

Myers started working at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce in 2013 as a marketing intern while completing his communications degree from Fitchburg State University and was subsequently hired as marketing coordinator for the Chamber’s tourism arm, the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association. He was promoted to marketing and communication manager in 2016. He is responsible for managing the marketing initiatives for the Chamber and its affiliate organizations.

A lifelong resident of Fitchburg, Burnette started with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce in 1998 as an administrative assistant and worked her way up to the manager of the Johnny Appleseed Visitors’ Center.  She is responsible for managing the day to day operations and overseeing staff at the visitor center on Route 2 in Lancaster, MA.

“Diane and Matt are important contributors to the success of the Chamber,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This recognition is well deserved and a testament to their professionalism and dedication to our members and communities in North Central Massachusetts.”

 

Chamber Welcomes University of Tampa Intern

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The North Central Chamber of Massachusetts is welcoming Lindsey Sutela this summer for an internship.

Lindsey is a resident of Westminster, Massachusetts and Class of 2016 graduate of Oakmont Regional High School. She moved to Tampa to start her college career in the fall of 2016 as a student at the University of Tampa in the Sykes College of Business. At the University of Tampa, Lindsey is enrolled in the Honors Program and a member of several clubs including the American Marketing Association. She is also set to be the Marketing Chair of DECA when the new club is formed in the fall. She has consistently been a Dean’s List recipient at the University. Now a junior, Lindsey is working towards receiving a degree in Marketing in the spring of 2020.

As a Marketing major, Lindsey is excited to learn about event coordinating and marketing, and gain real-life working experience at the Chamber this summer. She is also very interested to learn about the many resources and opportunities that the Chamber has to offer for local businesses and the community. This will allow her to gain working experience while also allowing her to learn more about the businesses in her community.

“We are excited to welcome Lindsey as part of our team for the next few weeks,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the Chamber.  “We are lucky to have students from across the country joining us and supporting the advancement of North Central Massachusetts.

Experience North Central at Mill No. 3

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Program provides unique opportunity to experience local business while networking

The next edition of the Experience North Central series is scheduled for Thursday, May 3, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will feature one of the area’s newest, unique additions: a balsamic vinegar and olive oil bar at Mill No. 3. Earlier this year, Mill No. 3, located at 85 Westminster Street in Fitchburg, became the only venue locally to host a balsamic vinegar and olive oil bar featuring more than 50 varieties!

Experience North Central is a popular new experiential networking series launched by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association last fall. Each session of the Experience North Central series offers a non-traditional networking opportunity with a fun, experiential learning twist.   Guests at the May event will learn about balsamic vinegar and olive oil while taste testing and pairing different varieties. Attendees will be able to experience foods and wine from Mill No. 3 while enjoying the quaint atmosphere of the shop, garden center and view from the seating area outside.

In 1996, Mill No. 3 began as a mobile stand selling corn and tomatoes on a heavily wooded lot where the waterfall was not visible due to the dense brush. Today, Mill No. 3 Farmstand is blessed with a steady clientele of friends, family, neighbors and passersby, an enormous opportunity for future growth, and the motivation of a job well done. The business has grown to include a deli, beer & wine, groceries, flowers, coffee, pastries and also now offers 50 varieties of Olive Oils & Vinegar.

“It is important to inform the local community on all of the great things happening in North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association. “This is a great opportunity to showcase a local small business right in our backyard while providing an opportunity for people to connect and engage.”

The cost of the event is $15 for Chamber and JATA members and $25 for non-members. For registration, please visit www.northcentralmass.com or contact Maria McCaffrey at 978.353.7604 x. 235 or

Local seniors celebrated at Chamber’s Annual Scholarship Breakfast

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The next edition of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber’s popular Good Morning North Central breakfast series is scheduled for Friday, May 11, 2018 from 6:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Doubletree by Hilton, 99 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA.  The May edition is sponsored by UMass Memorial Healthcare HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital, Inc.

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 May breakfast features the presentation of the Chamber Foundation’s annual scholarships and will highlight top scholars from throughout North Central Massachusetts.  The Chamber Foundation distributes approximately twenty five (25) $2,000 scholarships to local high-achieving high school students each year. Since the establishment of its scholarship program, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation has awarded over a million dollars in scholarships.

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 Foundation are often named in honor of prominent members of the North Central Massachusetts business community.

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.

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 Development Corporation Publishes Manufacturers Directory

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Expansive guide highlights the region’s vast manufacturing firms and industrial space

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) announce the publication of the 2018 edition of the Manufacturers Directory and Industrial Parks Guide for North Central Massachusetts. The publication 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.

Working with multiple sources, the NCMDC confirmed the operating status and primary product line of each company listed in the directory. In addition to the listing of local manufacturers, the publication also includes a section on life science companies, a listing of suppliers and a guide to business and industrial parks in North Central Massachusetts.

“We published this directory to help support our local manufacturers who are so critical to the long term vitality of the North Central economy”, said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. “We hope that this publication will be a resource in connecting manufacturers with their peers and helping them find local suppliers.”

This publication is part of the Chamber and Development Corporation’s continuing efforts to help promote the region and advance the economy of North Central Massachusetts.  In addition to this manufacturing directory, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation has expanded its efforts to raise awareness of career paths in the advanced manufacturing field and was recently approved as a Community Advantage Lender through the U.S. Small Business Administration.  It has also grown its technical assistance offerings for new and established small businesses in the region and expanded its reach to small and growing businesses in neighboring communities through partnerships with local chambers. Partnerships have been created with the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce and the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce. Last year, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation also launched the new website ChooseNorthCentral.com and the hashtag #ChooseNorthCentral to promote North Central Massachusetts as a great place to grow or relocate a business

The 2018 edition of the publication was supported by advertising and is being circulated to manufacturers throughout the region. For more information, please contact the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 978.353.7607.

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.  The NCMDC acts as a connector, facilitator and partner and 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.  The NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) program and is a micro-loan intermediary for the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $6 million in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy.

For more information about the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation please call 978.353.7607 or visit www.choosenorthcentral.com or www.northcentralmass.com.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 project.  NCMDCs 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.