Chamber Updates

/in /by

CHAMBER WEBSITE REFRESH: In February, the Chamber launched a refreshed website to offer a more dynamic and valuable resource for our members and communities. The project included redesigning the homepage and several interior pages.  It also included consolidating our economic development website – choosenorthcentral.com – into the Chamber website to make it easier to manage and avoid duplication. The website refresh is a work in progress. Chamber staff are continuing to work internally on updating content on several portions of the site.

CHAMBER OF THE YEAR TROPHY TOUR: Thank you to all the members who have participated so far in the Chamber of the Year Trophy Tour! You can check out photos of the tour on our Facebook page. Please reach out to Maureen Babcock at mbabcock@northcentralmass.com if you would like to participate and schedule a trophy tour stop at your business or organization. We are extremely honored to have received this prestigious national award and have enjoyed the opportunity to share this with the people who helped us achieve this historic milestone—our members.

INITIATE SMALL BUSINESS PLATFORM: The Chamber has launched a new online resource platform for members and NCMDC clients called “Initiate”. The platform can be accessed via the Chamber’s new website and provide access to new tools, resources and bilingual supports to help small businesses grow in North Central Massachusetts. The Initiate resource portal covers topics such as money, marketing, management, and resiliency resources by using a variety of learning methods including videos, templates, and guides. Email our team at chamber@northcentralmass.com to request access to the online platform. There is no cost for members.

NEW LOANS: Since the beginning of its fiscal year on October 1, 2023, the Chamber’s economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, has closed 5 micro-loans for a total of $309,500 and all loans are to underserved owners or in underserved communities. The loans ranged from $5,500 to $250,000.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:  In addition to the loans, our team also provided 434 hours of direct technical assistance and counseling to small businesses for the quarter October to December 2023. So far this fiscal year, we funded 3 micro-grants, for a total $9,800, to support technical assistance needs of local small businesses, including assisting a business owner with Minority Certification.

NATIONAL APPOINTMENT: Chamber President & CEO Roy Nascimento was recently named to the U.S. Chamber’s Committee of 100, a group of the leading chamber executives from around the country.  This is one of the most prestigious appointments in the chamber industry. The group advises the US Chamber on policy, recommends programming and strengthens outreach to the chamber community.

SOLAR: From its inception in August 2014 through December 2023 the solar field on Pleasant St. has produced 13,362,266 kWh of Net Metering Credits to the manufacturers participating in the program.  Total value of these credits is $3,211,876 and the collective savings to participants totals $2,730,095.  

40th ANNIVERSARY: This year marks our 40th Anniversary and we are celebrating throughout the year with some special events, spotlights and features. We hope that you will be able to join us for the special 40th Anniversary Member Celebration on April 25 at Oak Hill Country Club and please make sure the save the date of June 20 for our 40th Annual Meeting and Business Luncheon. Check out our website at northcentralmass.com for more information or to register.

SPONSORSHIPS: Our team has revamped our event sponsorship package, introducing new levels and options for every budget. Reach out to Valerie Bruno, Programs and Events Manager, for more details or to explore sponsoring a program in the future.