Community Leadership Institute visits Beacon Hill Future Leaders Learn about Pressing State Issues

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 On Thursday, March 23, 2017, nearly 40 North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce members, including the 2017 class of the Community Leadership Institute, visited the Massachusetts State House to meet with legislators, government leaders and policymakers.

 As part of the Community Leadership Institute, a year-long program for emerging community leaders, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce members started their day with a tour of one of the United States’ oldest and most storied State Houses, met with delegates in the Members Lounge, and discussed policy with state and non-government organizations.

Representatives Jennifer Benson, Kim Ferguson, Stephan Hay and Natalie Higgins were all in attendance to greet the members as well as provide information.

Over the course of the day, Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack, Secretary of Health and Human Services Mary Lou Sudders, State Budget Director Catharine Hornby  and Benjamin Forman, research director of MassInc, discussed policy, initiatives and had frank dialogue with participants about the State of the Commonwealth.

“Participating in the Chamber’s Community Leadership Institute was key to my personal and professional development within our community,” said CarrieAnne Cormier of Avidia Bank and CLI alumni member. “I was proud to have the opportunity to come back to CLI this year as an alumnus for the recent State House event. It was an important way for me to support my team’s current CLI participants, connect with other leaders within North Central – and of course re-energize with a fun and informative day in Boston”

“I have always lived in North Central Massachusetts, but the CLI has opened new doors for me and expanded my knowledge of the many resources in our own backyard,” said Amanda Landry of UMass Memorial – HealthAlliance Hospital and current Community Leadership Institute participant. “Touring the State House and visiting with key leaders who praised initiatives in North Central as well as voiced their continued support to develop the region made me even more proud to live and work here. I look forward to the continued partnerships with our elected officials in the future.”

The Community Leadership Institute has three program days left in the 2017 session which include sessions focused on healthcare, law & justice, arts & culture and a wrap up session prior to the graduation ceremony at the Chamber’s 2017 Annual Business Meeting & Luncheon held on June 15th. For more information on the Community Leadership Institute, please contact Maria McCaffrey, 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or

Be a Champion for North Central Massachusetts!

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, and the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association today announced the launch of the new North Central Massachusetts Champions program to help promote the region through social media as a great place to live, work, visit and grow a business.

Anyone with a social media account and who loves North Central Massachusetts can become a North Central Massachusetts Champion.  Whether they live here, work here, own a business here or just enjoy visiting here, they are invited to become a Champion and show their civic pride and help advance the community by spreading the word about positive news and information about the region.  The goal of this new initiative is to arm proud residents, local business leaders and public officials with the region’s key selling points and then encourage them to talk up the benefits of the communities located in North Central Massachusetts to their business and personal contacts via their social media networks like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

“We are rallying the entire community to get behind this initiative,” said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.  “This is a great opportunity to join us on the front lines of economic development and help make a difference in promoting all the good things that they love about North Central Massachusetts!”

To participate and become a North Central Massachusetts Champion anyone can visit northcentralmass.com/champions to sign up.  The process is easy and can connect any social network.  Champions will then receive an email 2-3 times per month with new and exciting content about the region that they can share.  Each email contains a status update and link to the content that is being shared with them.  With a simple press of the button, Champions can share the status update automatically on their social networks that they select.

North Central Massachusetts Champions will never have content posted to their social networks without being explicitly notified.  Even if they choose to auto-post content, they have the option to opt-out of each post before it is shared.

This new program is one of a series of recent efforts to help promote the region and advance the local economy.  In addition to the Champions program, the website ChooseNorthCentral.com and the hashtag #ChooseNorthCentral were recently launched to promote the region as a great place to grow or relocate a business.  The Chamber and Development Corporation also recently launched a social media campaign to promote the region as a great place to operate a business, expanded its micro loan program and published a comprehensive directory of manufacturing and industrial parks in the region.

JATA hosts FAM tour for Barbara Gallucci

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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.

 

Click here to view the article

North Central Mass Development Corp Provides Financing to Little Explorers Child Care Center

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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.

Retail Visioning Workshop Comes to North Central MA Professional Advice and Fresh Ideas for Storefront Business Owners

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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

 

MARCH MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Nutrishop Fitchburg

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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.

 

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 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.

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

March Edition of Good Morning North Central features new president of Mount Wachusett Community College

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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.

 

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce Partner to boost Small Business Development

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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.

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce Partner to support Small Businesses

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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.