The Johnny Appleseed Trail Association (JATA) helped host a New England FAM tour in May, 2016 with award winning Italian travel writer Barbara Gallucci that resulted in a feature in the April, 2017 edition of Touring Magazine highlighting New England. The Town of Harvard and several members in region were included in the feature. Touring Magazine is the official magazine of the Italian Touring Club Association, which is similar to AAA in the United States. The publication has a circulation of 300,000 copies and a readership of 571,000 people. The FAM Tour was conducted in partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and Discover New England. JATA wishes to thank members who participated. The purpose of these familiarization (FAM) tours is to generate positive awareness among travel writers and positive coverage in their travel publications, which ultimately generates additional tourists and additional dollars to our state and our region. The marketing generated from this travel article is estimated to have a value of $300,000.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is proud to announce that Little Explorers Child Care Center, LLC has secured a micro-loan of $39,750 for the purchase of real estate.
Lindsey Page opened the Child Care Center in July of 2012, which is conveniently located off Route 2 in Templeton, and attracts families from surrounding towns. With the help of this loan, Lyndsey plans to purchase the building that she currently leases to accommodate her growing business. Quality care, convenient location, and flexibility to suit the individual family’s needs separates Little Explores Child Care Center from the competition; giving her a huge advantage over her market. This loan was in partnership with Bank Hometown and will create 2 jobs. For more information on Little Explores Day Care call (978) 939-8080.
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 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 and its loan programs, call 978.353.7607 or visit www.choosenorthcentral.com.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Cities of Fitchburg and Leominster along with the Towns of Clinton and Westminster, is pleased to be bringing an exciting workshop to our area for the benefit of our storefront small businesses. The retail industry is facing changes large and small — but there are things that can be done!
The workshop provides ideas and instruction in the areas of business identity and positioning, store and restaurant design, visual merchandising and retail marketing. Tips, tools, trends and tricks of the trade will be shared — and business owners’ specific questions will be answered. There are even ways to compete with online businesses … come and find out how!
Retail Best Practices – The Power of Presentation is delivered by Christine Moynihan of Retail Visioning. This program has helped hundreds of business owners improve the look and feel of their establishments as well as the customer experience and marketing messages in print and online. Formerly the VP of Retail Marketing for a national footwear brand, Chris has helped launch a number of new store concepts around the country and has worked to support and improve independent retail establishments for over 10 years. Over 1500 retailers have attended her workshops. Every attendee at the workshop will receive a copy of her booklet: A Retailer’s Gut Check, A Self-Assessment Guide for Small Business.
The workshop will be held on April 5, 2017 at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 860 South Street, Fitchburg, MA. The program will run from 8am to 10am. Coffee and an opportunity for business owners to network with one another will begin at 7:30am.
Pre-registration is requested to prepare for the arrival of all of our attendees. Attendance is just $10. Registration is available online at www.northcentralmass.com. For more information, contact Maria McCaffrey, Events & Programs Manager, at 978.353.7600 x. 235 or
We recently welcomed Nutrishop Fitchburg located at 18 John Fitch Highway in Fitchburg.
When Scott Radford (a policeman by trade and a life-long fitness buff) and his wife, Melissa, decided to open a new business, they wanted to establish a wellness center, not just a supplement shop. Frustrated by what he felt were staff lacking product knowledge and offering generic service at national chain shops, Scott set out with Nutrishop to fill a void in the retail nutrition industry locally, by providing health-conscious consumers with a diverse selection of superior supplements at low prices, sold by fitness enthusiasts who could help each customer choose the right products based on body type and workout goals.
Due to the popularity of wellness programs within businesses, Nutrishop offers a “body transformation challenge” for employees of local companies. The points-based contest begins with a weigh-in on advanced In-Body scale, which uses electric impedance to measure a host of fat & strength stats, including “lean analysis” by limb & and by trunk. Participants are consulted on their goals and given guidance on meal planning and exercise (when and how often). Over a 3-month period, they come back to check-in every 2 weeks, and receive points for each pound of fat or % of body fat lost – or pound of muscle gained. Nutrishop does the admin work and the challenge is flexible enough to accommodate other routines as well.
Scott hopes people will appreciate his advice, and offers a discount on supplements (and free samples) for participants. But he makes it clear that supplements aren’t the most important part of a fitness routine: “They really are a niche product, supplements & vitamins may address a deficiency but first you need the foundation of exercising and eating right.”
Please join Nutrishop for their Grand Opening on Friday, April 7th at 11:00 am at 18 John Fitch Highway in Fitchburg. You can call the shop on (978) 516-2476.
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 2017 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.
This new version of the directory was nearly a year in the making and represents the first new edition since 2015. 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 new 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 new manufacturing directory, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation has recently expanded its loan programs to include a new Express Loan program, a Second Chance loan initiative and has grown its technical assistance offerings for new and established small businesses in the region. NCMDC has been expanding its reach to small and growing businesses in neighboring communities through partnerships with local chambers. Partnerships have already been created with the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce. The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation also recently 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 and the organization has been engaged in new workforce development initiatives to improve the pipeline of skilled workers for local employers.
The 2017 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 978.353.7600.
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. Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4.2 million in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.
The next edition of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber’s popular Good Morning North Central breakfast series is scheduled for Thursday, March 30, 2017 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 Avidia Bank.
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 local speaker for the March edition is new Mount Wachusett Community College President, Dr. James Vander Hooven who was approved by the Board of Higher Education on Tuesday, January 17, 2017. Dr. Vander Hooven will be only the third president of MWCC since its founding in 1963. The program also includes a presentation by Ashley Ellefson, Director of Operations, of The Drone Racing League.
Dr. Vander Hooven is currently serving as the Vice President for Enrollment Management at Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. In this role, he serves as the College’s chief enrollment officer, manages recruitment activities, enrollment and admissions processes, and administers the Office of Financial Aid. He also oversees the Office of Transfer, Career, and Internship Services.
Prior to joining Landmark College, Dr. Vander Hooven was president of Tohono O’odham Community College, a Tribal College located on the Tohono O’odham Reservation in Arizona. In that role, he oversaw the $9 million construction of a new main campus, strengthened programs in the areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and developmental education, and represented the Tribal Colleges in annual presentations on Capitol Hill.
Ashley Ellefson will be presenting on the growing market of E-Sports, how The Drone Racing League (DRL) fits into this emerging market, and how communities can take advantage of this new wave of sports entertainment. DRL launched in January 2016 as the only global professional drone racing organization, hosting five professional races in its inaugural season. They are currently in the middle of filming for their upcoming 2017 Championship Race Series, which includes six races that culminate in a Championship and crowning the World’s Greatest Drone Pilot.
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.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) and the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce have announced a new partnership to bring additional micro lending resources closer to young companies in the North Quabbin area of Massachusetts.
The collaboration involves the NCMDC providing start-up and existing small businesses in the North Quabbin communities with access to its microloan financing programs, which provide loans of up to $150,000 to help businesses that may not meet the traditional lending standards. The North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce will provide the NCMDC with marketing support in their communities and a presence in their office for their loan officers to counsel potential clients.
“We’re really pleased to be able to partner with the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation on this loan program,” said Mark Wright, Executive Director of the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce. “It adds another vital resource for North Quabbin businesses and economic development. The NCMDC’s track record and commitment to growing new and existing businesses in North Central Massachusetts is an important part to our expanding regional renaissance.”
“Our microloan program has had a profound impact on our business community in North Central Massachusetts. We have a long and successful history of supporting small businesses with financial resources and technical assistance,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. “We are excited to partner with the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce to continue to expand our lending and help support the small and emerging businesses that help drive the economy forward.”
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation 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 $4.3 million in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region. In addition, these funds were leveraged with local financial institutions providing $14.8 Million of their funds and local investors and business owners providing another $3.2 Million. Thousands of new jobs have been created in the region as a result of the loans made.
Microloan programs have become increasingly important to the business community since the economic collapse in 2008 that put more restrictions on how banks can serve small business loans. Micro 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.
NCMDC loan officers will be available via appointment to serve the needs of new clients in the North Quabbin area. To schedule an appointment, please contact the NCMDC at 978.353.7607 or contact the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce at 978.249.3849.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) and the Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce have announced a new partnership to bring additional micro lending resources closer to young companies in the Assabet Valley Region of Massachusetts.
The collaboration involves the NCMDC providing start-up and existing small businesses in the Assabet Valley communities with access to its microloan financing programs, which provide loans of up to $150,000 to help businesses that may not meet the traditional lending standards. The Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce will provide the NCMDC with marketing support in their communities and a presence in their Hudson office for their loan officers to counsel potential clients.
“We are very pleased to be partnering with the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation to support small businesses here in Assabet Valley,” said Sarah Cressy, President & CEO of the Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce. “These microloans will provide entrepreneurs in our area with the capital and technical assistance they need to start or expand their business.”
“Our microloan program has had a profound impact on our business community in North Central Massachusetts. We have a long and successful history of supporting small businesses with financial resources and technical assistance,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. “We are excited to partner with the Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce to continue to expand our lending and help support the small and emerging businesses that help drive the economy forward.”
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation 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 $4.3 million in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region. In addition, these funds were leveraged with local financial institutions providing $14.8 Million of their funds and local investors and business owners providing another $3.2 Million. Thousands of new jobs have been created in the region as a result of the loans made.
Microloan programs have become increasingly important to the business community since the economic collapse in 2008 that put more restrictions on how banks can serve small business loans. Micro 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.
NCMDC loan officers will be available via appointment to serve the needs of new clients in the Assabet Valley region. To schedule an appointment, please contact the NCMDC at 978.353.7607 or contact the Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce at or 978.568.0360/978.875.0197.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) recently granted a small business loan for $15,000 to Crust Artisan Bakeshop located in Downtown Worcester.
Through a partnership with TD Bank and NDMDC, Alexis Kelleher purchased Crust Artisan Bakeshop located at 118 Main St. in Worcester MA. Alexis has been an employee of Crust for three years and has been the manager for the past year. She has always had a passion for baking and was excited when the opportunity to purchase the business was presented. As the owner, she will continue her role as the manager in addition to head baker. Crust has carved out a distinct niche in the community offering high quality products with a focus on breads and pastry using primarily local ingredients. Crust also offers a small breakfast and lunch menu. Crust is open 7 days a week from 7 am – 3 pm. This loan will retain seven jobs and create one job. For more information visit www.crustbakeshop.com
“Helping strengthen small businesses and entrepreneurs stimulates job creation and is critical to economic growth,” said Raymond J. Martino, President of Simonds International and Chairman of the Board of the NCMDC. “The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation is providing much needed capital and technical assistance to help local businesses grow and prosper.”
This micro loan is the first loan made by the NCMDC since it announced in January its expansion to Worcester and South Worcester County.
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 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 and its loan programs, call 978.353.7607 or visit www.choosenorthcentral.com.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation is pleased to announce that applications for its 2017 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 2017 scholarship through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation should contact their high school guidance department to submit an application. Deadline for applications is Friday, February 24, 2017. 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.
Photo caption: Pictured are the recipients of the 2016 Chamber Foundation scholarships. From left to right (Jennifer Mueller, Silvio Angustia, Hannah Bagley, Taylor Sadowski, Jasmine McGillicuddy, Lillian Moore-Eissenberg, Deidre Kennedy, Dylan Nadeau, Thu Nguyen, Juan Bermudez, Bethany Sefakis, Patrick Casey, Shale Carey, Jacob DeCarolis, Elizabeth Moison, David Fitzpatrick, Elena Arciprette, Chloe Adler-Mandile, Kelley Connors, Lauren Basque, Natalie Proctor, Stephanie Palis, Hannah Burns)
