Nypro, a Jabil Company hosted approximately 20 young men and women from the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster and the Spanish American Center on Wednesday, October 12, 2016.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and its economic development affiliate the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation organized this tour in partnership with Mr. Jon Blodgett, Teen Director of the Boys & Girls Club, as well as Mr. Bill Muldoon and Mr. Tim Brown, both of Nypro, a Jabil Company.  The tour was part of efforts to celebrate Manufacturing Month and inspire young people to consider careers in advanced manufacturing.

The Nypro team kicked off the day’s events at their facility in Clinton, with an informative presentation followed by a tour. The young men and women from both the Spanish American Center and the Boys & Girls Club were privy to a wealth of knowledge and hands-on demonstrations. Rounding out the tour, members participated in a Q&A with the team and learned about 3D design and the advanced manufacturing processes used in the industry.

“Manufacturing is alive and well in North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, “Advanced manufacturing accounts for one in four jobs in the region and these are some of the most well-paid, highly trained and in demand jobs in the workforce, working on some of the most advanced equipment and technology.”

However, many manufacturers have been challenged recruiting the workers they need.  Despite the high wage potential and increasing employer demand, there is both a need for more young workers and a skills gap among an existing and a transitioning workforce.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation remain committed to supporting and growing this critical sector of the region’s economy.  From our collaborations with local schools and colleges, internship and career exploration programs and our HYPE program, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, are engaging and connecting businesses to the next generation of talent—to ensure a consistent and continual pipeline of talent.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will present a panel discussion and forum intended to increase civic engagement and empower current and future community leaders. The forum, Tools for Change, will take place on October 25^th from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Chamber office, 860 South Street, Fitchburg, MA.

“Having many strong voices in the community creates a sense of engagement and dedication to North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We are grateful to have so many positive leaders that we can look to as role models.”

The panel discussion will feature Representative Jennifer Benson, Fitchburg City Council President Michael Kushmerek, Joana Dos Santos, executive director of the United Neighbors of Fitchburg, and Charlie St. Amand, editor of the Sentinel and Enterprise. The discussion will be moderated by Lea Ann Scales, vice president of external affairs, communications and K-12 partnerships at Mount Wachusett Community College.

The discussion will focus on the passion and drive behind running for public office, best practices on getting your voice heard by policymakers, and leveraging media to get your message across. Whether you are looking to get your voice heard at a city or town hall, Beacon Hill, or Capitol Hill – this program will provide a well-rounded view on how to make that possible. Take part in this exclusive forum, learn how you can resonate with you
r audience, and connect with some of North Central’s most dedicated community leaders.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information about this event, or to register, visit www.NorthCentralMass.com or contact Patrick Lawlor at plawlor@northcentralmass.com.

Twenty-one men and women, sponsored by area companies as up and coming employees and future leaders in our community, will begin the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership Institute in the coming weeks.  CLI is dedicated to providing participants with individual leadership skills and a deep understanding of the region. The nine month program focuses on education, government, health care, social services, justice system, media, arts and culture, environment and history. The Chamber created the Institute to inspire a new generation of men and women to enthusiastically assume important roles in their community.  The program challenges individuals from diverse backgrounds to be influential in our region’s future.

Professor Mike Greenwood, business professor at Fitchburg State University and chairman of the Institute steering committee, is enthusiastic about this year’s participants and the meaningful professional, personal and community development they will take part in. “I have been with the class since it’s reintroduction in 2011. Each year, I am amazed and impressed with the dedication of the participants.  Programs like this are an important asset within the community to ensure one that continues to thrive, even after our current leaders retire.”

Marty Connors, president of Rollstone Bank & Trust and past chairman of the Institute steering committee, led the Institute’s revival in 2010. “I was in the 1991 class of the Institute and it was an integral part of my success in the community. As Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2010, I felt we needed the program back to once again support our needs for leadership and succession planning. Rollstone Bank & Trust’s participants have enjoyed the program and become leaders here in their workplace and in the community. We could not be prouder of the work they have done.”

Participants in the 2017 Class include:
Glena Borst, Avidia Bank
Robert Courtemache, Rollstone Bank & Trust

Tanya Crowley, Fitchburg State University
Tara DeBoer, Avidia Bank
Stefan Dodd, Fitchburg State University
Denise Fernald, Avidia Bank
Ashley Johnson, LUK, Inc.
Kimberly Kunce, DoubleTree by Hilton
Tracy Lafleur, Enterprise Bank and Trust Company
Amanda Landry, HealthAlliance Hospital

Susan Landry, Leominster Credit Union
Jennifer Leger, Fidelity Bank
Heather Mazzaferro, Ginny’s Helping Hands, Inc.
Corie Merhib, Avidia Bank
Lauren Mountain, Mount Wachusett Community College
Nikki Paglieroni, Enterprise Bank and Trust Company
Adriana Pereira Silva, Avidia Bank
Jennifer Prouty, Workers’ Credit Union
Stacy Quinones, Family Federal Savings
Heather Storme, Enterprise Bank and Trust Company
Tara Williams, Workers’ Credit Union
For more information on the Community Leadership Institute Program visit our CLI page

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) has recently granted two small business loans totaling $41,600 to Fight or Flight Tattoo in Fitchburg and Looking Glass located in Leominster. 

NCMDC granted a loan to Fight or Flight Tattoo for $25,000.  Fight or Flight is a tattoo and piercing parlor located at 206 Summer Street in Fitchburg.  This loan was in partnership with TD Bank and the funds will be used to assist with the purchase of the commercial property that Flight or Flight Tattoo has leased since opening ten years ago.   Owner Andy Sansone originally opened The Ink Shop tattoo parlor on Lunenburg St. in 2006 and moved to the current location in 2007 when he changed the name to Fight or Flight Tattoo.  This loan helped to retain four jobs.  For more information visit www.fightorflighttattoo.com.

Looking Glass received a loan from the NCMDC in the amount of $16,600.  Looking Glass, located on 21 Central Court in Leominster, MA, is a full service glass company specializing in high end residential and commercial glazing in the construction industry. . Looking Glass offers a wealth of knowledge and experience aiming to complete every job with the highest standard and give their customers the best products the industry has to offer. Looking Glass was a referral from SCORE, an NCMDC business counseling partner. This loan allowed Shaun DeLisle, owner of this start-up company, to purchase a company vehicle making the transfer of tools and products more efficient.

“Helping strengthen small businesses and entrepreneurs stimulates job creation and is critical to North Central’s 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 our local businesses grow and thrive in the region.”

As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $75,000 for working capital, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners 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.

Alongside community and business leaders, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of the Wachusett Commuter Rail station. Riding into the station from the Downtown Fitchburg train stop, a group of travelers applauded as the train pulled into the station after years of advocacy and measures to extend the commuter rail into West Fitchburg.

Passengers on the first train to enter the station included Mayor Stephen DiNatale, Chamber President and CEO Roy Nascimento, members of the city council, leaders from the business community, as well as transportation advocates.

“Expanding transportation opportunities is very important to the region,” said Nascimento. “This is a great resource for employers – as well as our tourist attractions.”

Currently, just two inbound and outbound trains service the Wachusett station with an expanded schedule beginning in November. The new station is a great resource for commuters, tourists and other travelers looking for an affordable and reliable transportation source. Many employers in the region have cited lackluster public transportation opportunities as an issue for filling vacant positions.

Wachusett Brewing joined in the celebration of the new train opening with their new “Fun Bus” – a van that will transport customers to and from the Wachusett train station, once it is fully operational. The train stop will also be a great way for skiers who make the trip from Boston to Wachusett Mountain.

Also on-hand to celebrate the opening was Can-Am Machinery, a Fitchburg company that has been actively engaged in expanding ‘reverse commute’ opportunities for employees who live in Boston, but work in North Central.