Gift Local Card Program Launched to Support Shopping Local

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gift-local-ncmcc-bannerThe North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association are pleased to announce the launch of the Gift Local Gift Card program.  This economic development initiative was established to focus on engaging local businesses in the growing gift card market and encouraging residents to shop locally.  Similar programs launched by other chambers of commerce and merchants groups throughout the country have been successful in bringing in significant new dollars and generating increased sales at participating merchants.

Gift Local cards are available for sale to the public in any amount and are used like cash exclusively at participating businesses in North Central Massachusetts.  The card is the perfect gift for the upcoming holidays, or for birthdays, employee recognition programs, teacher appreciation gifts, graduations, or just to say thank you.  Gift card recipients can redeem their cards at nearly 40 local establishments, including many of the finest restaurants, retail stores, salons, service providers, and more in North Central Massachusetts.  The cards may be reloaded for convenience and used throughout the year.

“This is a great resource for small businesses throughout North Central, we’re thrilled to be part of a program that can help grow our business and support the local economy,” said Rick Walton, owner of the Gardner Ale House.

“Signing up to participate in the Gift Local Gift Card program was a no-brainer for us,” said Steven Duvarney, owner of Duvarney & Company Jewelers in Clinton and Fitchburg “We’re excited to participate and think it’s a great opportunity to engage new customers as well as support the local economy.”

Participating merchants will be featured in the Gift Local’s marketing program and on the website www.giftlocalmass.com.  Gift cards are also the gift of choice among many employers looking for gifts for their employees and clients. The Chamber will also be introducing a bulk Gift Local Gift Card purchasing program that helps local businesses better reward and incentivize their employees.

The typical profile for a Gift Local Card buyer would be someone who is looking to support local businesses, but may not know the recipient’s taste in food, fashion or merchandise and wants to give the recipient the gift of choice among various options throughout the community.  Gift cards overall have also been growing in popularity as gifts with over $138 billion spent annually on them in the United States.  Research shows that 93% of U.S. Shoppers receive or buy a gift card every year and gift card users tend to spend 25% more at locations when using a gift card in comparison with shopping with cash or a regular credit/debit card.

“Currently there is nothing like the Gift Local Gift Card in North Central Massachusetts. It’s an exciting opportunity for local businesses to grow their customer base as well as broaden their appeal,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.  “This program is a perfect way to support small businesses while still giving people the flexibility to shop around as they please.”

Gift Local Cards can be purchased at the Chamber office located at 860 South Street in Fitchburg), Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the Johnny Appleseed Visitors’ Center located on Route 2 West in Lancaster, Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and online at www.giftlocalmass.com.

For more information or to enroll in this exciting new program, please contact Lauren Goulet at 978.353.7600 ext. 222 or at .

North Central MA Chamber Advocates for Tax Relief for Businesses at Fitchburg Hearing

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The Fitchburg City Council has again voted to reduce the property tax impact on commercial, industrial and personal property. At the annual Property Tax Classification hearing, the council recognized the importance of supporting small businesses and eventually move toward a single tax rate.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce attended the hearing and provided testimony on why it is important to reduce the tax burden on businesses

“Cities have many tools to approaching smart and successful economic development strategies. The property tax shift toward a single tax rate is one of the most effective ways to show businesses that a city is truly invested in growing its commercial base,” President and CEO Roy Nascimento told the councilors.

Through a spirited discussion, Councilor Marcus DiNatale noted that Fitchburg has the fifth highest commercial tax rate. That high tax rate does not attract businesses to Fitchburg, DiNatale added.

Ultimately, the councilors voted 8-2 in favor of reducing the burden on commercial property owners. Commercial property tax owners will still modest increases, but at a lower value than if there was no change. For fiscal year 2017, commercial property owners will see an average increase of $173.24 – had there been no change, the average increase would be $308.20.

Councilors Amy Green and Joel Kaddy, both small business owners, recognized that despite the fact that they would be paying higher taxes on their homes, tax increases on businesses would be an impediment to economic growth.

 

Property Tax Roll Call Vote Results

Motion to reduce the property tax shift from 118% to 116%

Councilor Position
Michael Kushmerek Support
Dean Tran Oppose
Paul Beauchemin Support
Tom Donnelly Support
Joel Kaddy Support
Marcus DiNatale Support
Jeff Bean Support
Amy Green Support
Jody Joseph Oppose
Angelo Bisol Absent*

*Councilor Bisol was not able to attend the meeting but sent in a letter of support

Background on Property Tax Classification Hearings

Each year, communities hold Property Tax Classification Hearing to determine the rates at which residential, commercial, industrial and personal property are taxed. There are two models for property taxes: single rate and dual rate. The single rate means that both residential properties and commercial properties are taxed at the same rate. A dual rate system means that one group – typically businesses, shoulders more of the tax burden pays a higher rate of taxes based on a property’s assessed value.

 

A single rate tax system has come to be the best model for business friendly communities. Many argue that a higher tax rate for commercial properties does not create a business friendly environment.

Nypro, a Jabil Company Hosts Local Youth as Part of Manufacturing Month Activities

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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.

Getting to Know Your Chamber Scheduled for Thursday, November 3, 2016

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crowd-shotThe North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will host “Getting to Know Your Chamber” on Thursday, November 3, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive in Fitchburg, 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.  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 with seven other chambers at Great Wolf Lodge immediately following the orientation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 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 $20 for members and $50 for non-members and includes a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, a tour of the water park and networking with the over 500 business people expected to attend.  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 at 978.353.7600 ext. 234 or by sending an email to to schedule a one-to-one meeting.

North Central Massachusetts Chamber to Host Politics and Advocacy Forum

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img_1053The 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 25th 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 img_1050program 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.

2016 North Central Massachusetts Congressional Luncheon Scheduled for October 14, 2016

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_mg_6588The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is hosting a special congressional luncheon on Friday, October 14, 2016 featuring the Honorable Jim McGovern, United States Representative for the Second Congressional District and the Honorable Niki Tsongas, United States Representative for the Third Congressional District of Massachusetts.  The program runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg, MA.

This event will provide Chamber members the opportunity to hear directly from members of the U.S. House of Representatives regarding business issues and critical mattersfacing the nation.  Attendees will also be afforded the unique opportunity for networking and questions with two members of North Central’s federal delegation.

Currently serving his ninth term in Congress, Congressman Jim McGovern serves as the second ranking Democrat on the powerful House Rules Committee, which sets the terms for debate and amendments on most legislation; and a member of the House Agriculture Committee.  In 2014, McGovern was named Democratic Ranking Member on the House Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Nutrition.  The Subcommittee’s jurisdiction includes policies and statutes relating to nutrition, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and domestic commodity distribution and consumer initiatives.

Before his election to Congress, McGovern spent 14 years working as a senior aide for the late U.S. Representative John Joseph Moakley (D-South Boston), former dean of the Massachusetts delegation and Chairman of the House Rules Committee.  He was born in Worcester, the son of two successful small business owners.  His two sisters are elementary school teachers in Worcester’s public school system.

McGovern earned his Bachelor of Arts (‘81) and Masters of Public Administration (‘84) degrees from The American University, working his way through college by serving as an aide in the office of U.S. Senator George McGovern (D-SD).

Congresswoman Niki Tsongas was elected to the United State House of Representatives in a 2007 special election, becoming the first woman in 25 years to serve in Congress from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  She represents the Massachusetts Third District (which had previously been known as the Fifth District until 2012).  Tsongas holds the same seat that was held three decades earlier by her late husband, former Congressman, U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Paul Tsongas.  Her Congressional district spans across portions of Essex, Middlesex and Worcester counties._mg_6593

Tsongas serves as a senior member on the prestigious House Armed Services Committee, and having previously served in a leadership position as the top Democrat on the subcommittee for Oversight and Investigations.  Tsongas also serves on the Natural Resources Committee, which formulates federal policy related to domestic energy production, National Parks, and the environment.  In 2015, she was named to a leadership role as the top Democrat on the Federal Lands Subcommittee.  She also serves on the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee.

Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives, Tsongas served as a Dean at Middlesex Community College, practiced law, and raised her three daughters all in the region she now represents.

Make sure that you reserve your spot early to hear from our congressional delegation on the many critical issues facing the business community in Washington D.C.

Pre-registration is required and easy. Simply call the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 235, email or register online at www.northcentralmass.com/calendar-of-events.  The cost is $35 for members and $55 for non-members.

Emerging leaders participate in Community Leadership Institute

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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

TOURISM INTEREST SOARS AS FESTIVAL GOERS HEAD TO WACHUSETT MOUNTAIN

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Wachusett Mountain kicked off their Fall festival season with four of their biggest festivals, Farm Fresh Fest, Kidsfest, BBQfest and Applefest. We were able to exhibit at three of the major events, Kidsfest, BBQfest and Applefest in these past few weeks. While attendees spent their weekends enjoying the sights, sounds, beauty and pageantry of these events, we were able to tap into those joyous feelings and passed on wealth of information on the regional attractions that are featured in North Central Mass.  All three festivals were the perfect way for families to spend quality time together all while supporting our local small business vendors and learning about the region’s ideal areas to visit with their families.

The 26th Annual Kidsfest was the getaway that all kids dream about. It was two full days of music, food, and family fun. Live shows, walk-around entertainment, magic shows, clowns, and Mount Wachusett’s scenic summit SkyRide were at the epicenter of this eventful weekend. Parents got to enjoy great food and product sampling by our local small business vendors.

The 7th Annual BBQfest featured some of the area’s best BBQ vendors. Highlights of this year’s event include the Oysterfest, which featured oysters on the half shell, clam chowder and shrimp, along with an oyster shucking competition. The People’s Choice Awards featured Chili on Saturday and Pulled Pork on Sunday. Then the ever-famous Farmers’ Market and Craft Fair (including more than 75 vendors), and Beer Tent were present throughout the weekend.  Dozens of small business vendors were in attendance and gained great notoriety from the public.

The 33rd Annual Applefest, one of the region’s most popular festivals, featured over 75 Craft Fair & Farmers’ Market Booths, family entertainment, scenic foliage skyrides to the Summit, mountainside barbecue, pony rides, clowns, wall climbing, jugglers and magicians for the kids. Applefest also featured an Oktoberfest Celebration complete with authentic German cuisine, a multitude of tasty beers in the Beer Garden and live music and entertainment.

Hundreds of families living outside our region are now looking forward to what North Central has to offer from here on out. Attendees left these weekend events, happy, tired, full and in many cases excited to seek out new places of adventure and fun here in North Central Massachusetts.

North Central Mass Development Corp Provides Financing to Fight or Flight Tattoo and Looking Glass

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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. fight-or-flight

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-glassLooking 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.

October Leads Awareness of Careers in Manufacturing

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With the largest concentration of manufacturers in Massachusetts, North Central is no stranger to the importance of careers in advanced manufacturing. Throughout October, manufacturing awareness will spread across the nation. The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and Development Corporation will host several events highlighting the value in careers in manufacturing.
“Workforce development is the cornerstone to a thriving economy and manufacturing accounts for one in four jobs in North Central,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Educating students, parents, educators, and our elected officials is important to ensuring employers and jobs remain in Massachusetts.”

This October will be highlighted by the Business After Hours at the Fitchburg Art Museum on October 6th, Tour with the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster at NYPRO, a Jabil Company, on October 12th, Ribbon Cutting at Coleman Assembly on October 14th, and a Legislative Briefing and Press Conference at DataGuide Cable on October 18th.

“As an employer in North Central, it’s very important that we have a steady pipeline of skilled employees”, said John Witkowski, General Manager of NYPRO, a Jabil Company, with locations in Clinton and Devens which produces medical devices. “Manufacturing has changed a lot over the last few decades, and we need to break the existing stigmas that these are ‘dirty’ jobs.”

The Chamber has actively partnered with its Manufacturing Roundtable and Mount Wachusett Community College in promoting careers in manufacturing. Mount Wachusett has developed a number of workforce training and degree programs to help address manufacturing workforce shortage issues.

Stay tuned throughout the month of October for more information on these events. For more information contact Maria McCaffrey at .