Noticias de nuestros miembros

Chamber Recognized as Finalist for National Honor

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On July 20, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce was recognized as a finalist for the prestigious 2021 Chamber of the Year award, presented by the Alexandria, VA -based Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). The award is the most prestigious and competitive recognition presented annually in the chamber industry and recognizes the leadership role that chambers have in their communities.

The finalists for this recognition represent the best of the best. To be selected as a finalist, the chamber must have demonstrated organizational strength and made an impact on key community priorities, such as education, transportation, economic development and quality of life. The North Central Massachusetts Chamber was one of four finalists in its category – along with chambers in Cumming, GA; Leesburg, VA; and Tuscaloosa, AL.

“This year’s finalists are among the most impactful organizations within the industry,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “Following a tumultuous year, these chambers emerged as community champions, providing catalytic leadership to address their region’s greatest challenges and opportunities for prosperity.”

“While we are disappointed that we were not selected as the final recipient, we are very honored and humbled to have had the North Central Massachusetts Chamber recognized as a finalist for the 2021 Chamber of the Year Award. While we don’t do the important work we do for the accolades and awards, it is still very special to be recognized as one of the best chambers nationally by our peers.” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We want to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to our Board of Directors, members, partners and communities for their contribution to our success.”

This is the second time that the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has been honored as a finalist for the National Chamber of the Year Recognition – the first was in 2017. The North Central Massachusetts Chamber is the first chamber of commerce in Massachusetts and New England to have been named a finalist by ACCE for this prestigious and competitive recognition.

Animal Adventures at Fitchburg Youth Library

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Monday, August 2 at 2:00pm

Join an Animal Adventures zookeeper and some animal friends for a wild time at the library! Children will learn some interesting facts, hear some awesome stories, and have the opportunity to pet a variety of animals. Best suited for ages 5-10.

Registration required! Call 978-829-1789 or register online: www.fitchburgpubliclibrary.org

This is a free program. For information about this or other Library programs call 978-829-1780 or visit our website: www.FitchburgPublicLibrary.org.

Golden Girl Receives First Place at Artisan Flave Awards

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Golden Girl Granola’s Bluesberry granola won the “Granola” category at the 2021 Artisan Flave Awards. The annual competition is organized by International Flavor Awards, LLCand features specialty, craft-made artisan granola companies from around the world.

The International Flavor Awards works to provide small to medium sized businesses a platform to stand on and be judged against similar sized food companies. The Artisan Flave Awards competition uses a blind-judging process with a variety of food professionals, including: restaurateurs, purveyors, manufacturers, and members of the food-centric community. This was the first year that Bluesberry granola entered the competition and the third time one of Golden Girl Granola’s flavors has won an award in the “Granola” category.

“We are thrilled that Bluesberry received first place in this year’s Flave Awards!” said Deborah O’Kelly, owner of Golden Girl Granola. “To hold the distinction of having the best-tasting granola when compared to other quality artisan brands is truly special.”

The Flave Awards strive to bring value to food-based competitions and work to promote the outstanding products and companies that set themselves apart by being known as a “Flave Award Winner.” This year over 300 products from 10 different countries were placed into 29 categories, including the “Granola” category. The other categories included, but were not limited to: spicy blends, sweet treats, chutneys, jams and jellies along with other crunchy snacks.

About Golden Girl Granola: Golden Girl Granola™ is a family-owned and -operated business located in Shirley, Massachusetts and produces a branded line of gourmet granola products superior in taste and made from the highest-quality ingredients. Golden Girl Granola is a “Healthy Snack” alternative for health conscious consumers who appreciate good taste. Flavors include Forest Maple, Creative Cranberry, Bluesberry, Chocolate Decadence, Original, Home Sweet Honey, and Truly Tropical. Golden Girl Granola offers the complete line nationwide for Chain Supermarkets, Independent Supermarkets, Gourmet Food Stores, Club Stores and Convenience Stores.

Fidelity Bank, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce join forces to assist minority business owners with critical funding during pandemic

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Collaboration resulted in more than $1.3 million for small businesses in North Central Massachusetts

As the COVID-19 pandemic created several challenges for local business owners, Fidelity Bank, the Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts and its economic development arm, the Corporación de Desarrollo del Norte Central de Massachusetts, collaborated to process and service more than $1.3 million as part of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Of this total, more than $660,000 in PPP loans were part of the Urban Agenda Grant Program, which promotes economic vitality in urban neighborhoods and a means of supporting urban small business owners affected by COVID-19.

A survey conducted by the chamber following the launch of the federal PPP program concluded that some businesses did not fit into the federal programs, and that many underserved and minority businesses were unable to access traditional banks for PPP loans.

“We live in the communities with our clients which enables us to have a unique perspective to understand the importance of ensuring our local businesses prosper, especially when challenges occur out of their control,” said Ed Manzi, Chairman and CEO, Fidelity Bank. “By collaborating with the chamber and its development corporation, we were able to utilize our unique LifeDesign banking approach and provide assistance and clarity to get critical funding support to underserved small businesses who otherwise would not have obtained funding.”

As part of the Urban Agenda Initiative, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce partnered with New Vue Communities, Reimagine North of Main, the Spanish American Center, and the Cities of Fitchburg and Leominster, to provide technical assistance and access to resources.  The Chamber and its partners focused outreach efforts to reach underserved and vulnerable small businesses in the community.  The average amount of the loans made was just $15,000.

“What started as emergency financing to help small businesses until the federal government responded evolved over time into providing PPP loans directly to businesses who could not secure them through other sources,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We also expanded our team to respond to the urgency of the underserved businesses and we now have a multi-lingual member on the team to support outreach for our Latino businesses, which comprise the largest minority group in the region.”

The development corporation processed 72 loans in round two of the PPP loan program, with Fidelity Bank servicing 64 of those loans. All of the loans were approved.

“Fidelity Bank was part of a coalition of other financial institutions in the area, including BankHometown, Berkshire Bank, Digital Federal Credit Union, Main Street Bank and Worker’s Credit Union to serve our vulnerable business owners,” added Nascimento. “Regardless of the fact that these banks are likely competitors, they all came together to do what was right by the businesses in our communities.”

Two of the businesses that obtained critical funding support from the second round of PPP loans through this collaboration were Lucy’s Furniture in Fitchburg, and Pablo’s Paint and Remodeling in Leominster.

“As the owner of Lucy’s Furniture, I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce and Fidelity Bank for assisting me with the Small Business Association PPP application,” said Wilson Arrua, Owner, Lucy’s Furniture. “During the pandemic, the upholstery business was very slow which resulted in being late on my bills. With this loan, I was able to become current on my payments and it helped get me through the pandemic.”

Pablo Ortiz, Owner, Pablo’s Paint and Remodeling said of the loan assistance, “Thank you very much to the Chamber and Fidelity Bank for your valuable help to process the PPP loan. This funding helped us stay afloat despite the terrible situation with the pandemic.”

“The past year and a half proved that when we work together, we can survive and thrive regardless of the circumstances that surround us,” said Manzi. “Fidelity Bank was here to help, and we remain an active participant in our community to ensuring all of our clients, both individuals and businesses alike, have a caring partner to guide them through opportunities and challenges and get them where they want to be.”

Digital Banking experts now available for Fidelity Bank clients

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Experts in banking centers to provide exceptional service for online, mobile and remote banking

As the demand for online banking increased during the pandemic, Fidelity Bank recently announced the appointment of four digital bankers who are bringing the LifeDesign Banking approach to a digital world to help clients get where they want to be.

Launched in February 2020, digital bankers are available to respond to client inquires received via telephone, fax, email and webchat, and also support clients who have questions about digital banking when they are visiting one of the bank’s 14 banking centers.

The four digital bankers are:

Mary Hanlon, serving the Stow business center

Raymond Ayala, serving the Millbury business center

Angelina Pedersen, serving the Paxton business center

Christine Morrison, serving the Princeton business center

When comparing first quarter 2020 to first quarter 2021, Fidelity Bank experienced an increase of 36 percent in mobile app visits, an increase of 244 percent in online chat sessions and a 258 percent increase in submitted web forms as the banking centers were closed and available only via drive-thru due to COVID-19 guidelines.

“During the pandemic, we realized the opportunity to help clients in a digital world by bringing the experience of our banking centers to those who need to obtain service online,” said Sheila King-Goodwin, Senior Vice President, Chief Community Banking Officer, Fidelity Bank. “Our digital bankers are experts in our C.A.R.E. process by connecting, analyzing, recommending and executing products and services to our clients and utilize our LifeDesign Banking approach to help clients in all lines of business find the solution they need.”

In addition to service related to Fidelity Bank products, digital bankers can also help small business owners with navigating online accounting software, such as Quickbooks®, and individuals with online payment applications, such as Apple Pay®. Clients will also receive personalized onboarding services when opening new accounts, including follow-up on debit card and check delivery, as well as overall satisfaction of online services.

To learn more about digital banking at Fidelity Bank, visit https://www.fidelitybankonline.com/personal-banking/checking-accounts/online-mobile-and-text-banking/

Mount Wachusett Community College Receives 2021 Career Readiness and Educational Access Action Area Grant

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The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts has granted Mount Wachusett Community College $30,000 to continue the highly successful work of the MWCC Student Stabilization Scholarship Fund.

The MWCC Student Stabilization Scholarship Fund was established during the early months of the COVID-19 and has provided support to students to cover unmet costs for tuition, fees, and books. The scholarship fund has two funding priorities, with recipients selected in a collaboration between MWCC’s student retention office, the Thrive Center, and the Office of Student Financial Services.

The MWCC Thrive Center team members actively reach out to students who have been identified as candidates for the scholarship. The Thrive Center specialists will continue to track and provide proactive counseling services to help students successfully complete their education.

“The past 16 months have been most difficult,” stated MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “Our students have struggled. In our own ways, each one of us have struggled. I am so thankful for the support of the Foundation, and our Thrive Center staff who worked tirelessly to help these students.”

“The crisis hit our students hard and in unexpected ways and is still impacting them dramatically as the crisis continued into 2021,” stated Shelby Shaw, MWCC’s Director of Retention and Thrive Center. “We look forward to continuing the successes of last year and helping even more students this year.”

One such success story is husband and wife Kevin and Andrea Techera. The assistance provided by the grant enabled them to complete their associate degrees in May, both achieving the Deans List, while helping their daughters with remote learning. In the fall, Andrea will be continuing her pursuit of a PhD in psychology, and Kevin will continue towards a bachelor’s degree with the goal of a career in the growing biotechnology sector.

Challenges such as job loss, increased responsibilities for those in “essential jobs” and home/virtual schooling responsibilities for student-parents have turned students lives upside down. Additional challenges faced by students include the death of loved ones, increased childcare responsibilities due to the closure of schools and childcare faculties, their role as essential workers and mental health struggles. In the face of these difficulties, over 604 students residing in North Central Massachusetts have been forced to stop their education, possibly never to return. The availability of this funding enabled MWCC to assist 28 students in 2020 with direct scholarship assistance, wrap around support and advising services. The college seeks to support 30 students with the 2021 grant.

Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation Awarded Community Fund Grant from Bemis Community Investment Fund

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The Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation has been awarded a $30,000 grant as part of the Bemis Community Investment Fund via the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts.

“We are thankful for the continued generous support we receive from the Bemis Corporation,” stated MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “Partners like our friends at Bemis are the reason we are able to support our students.”

The Bemis Corporation has a long history of supporting the mission of the college, their donation was integral in the construction of a new student center at the Gardner campus. The Bemis Student Center has been the epicenter of student life at MWCC since its opening in 2017.

The Bemis Community Fund partners with organizations located directly in the communities in which they operate, with a focus on health, human services, and educational causes.

The MWCC Foundation was established in 1972 to provide a funding mechanism to support the college mission and fund scholarships for students.

Free Virtual Citizenship Interview Classes – Course Begins Tuesday, July 20

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The Literacy Volunteers of the Montachusett Area, in partnership with the Fitchburg Public Library, will host an online citizenship interview class this summer: July 20 – September 2, 10 AM – 12 PM, Tuesdays and Thursdays. This free class will meet on Zoom.
If you are over the age of 18, have been a permanent resident for 5 years, or married to a US citizen for 3 years, you can apply to become a naturalized US citizen. This class is designed to help prepare you for the naturalization interview, civics test, and reading and writing test.

To register, contact Literacy Volunteers of the Montachusett area: 978-343-8184 or .

Classes are in partnership with the St. Mark Community Education Program. Referrals made for technical and legal help with N-400 application.

This class is supported by the American Dream Literacy Initiative, a grant offering of the American Library Association, made possible by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

This is a free program. For information about this or other Library programs call 978-829-1780 or visit our website: www.FitchburgPublicLibrary.org.

Mount Wachusett Community College Earns Master Automobile Service Technology Accreditation from the ASE

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The MWCC Automotive students and alumni gathered for an end of year celebration at the Linus Allain Ave. facility in May.

GARDNER, MA – June, 28, 2021 – The National Institute for Automotive Excellence has found that the automotive technology program at Mount Wachusett Community College meets the strict industry standards required for ASE Program Accreditation.

“We commend you and your staff for maintaining your program’s standards and continuing to meet the industry’s requirements,” noted ASE President Michael Coley in a letter to MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “The explosion in automotive technology makes your high-quality automotive training program more valuable than ever.”

Established in 1979 by Professor Peter L. Kaufmann, the automotive program was originally launched in tight quarters alongside the college’s facility department. In 2019 construction began on a new state-of-the-art facility on Linus Allain Avenue in Gardner.

The new facility welcomed students during the height of the pandemic. Over 90% of MWCC’s Automotive Technology students returned to school in fall 2020, a rate on par with the school’s popular nursing program.

“The success of this program can be contributed to a number of factors, our brand-new Automotive Technology facility is one,” stated Veronica Guay, Dean of the School of Business and Technology. “More importantly, the mentorship and leadership of our Automotive Technology Program Director and Professor Eric Almeida is key to the programs success.”

Leominster Credit Union partners with Campus Bound to Benefit Leominster High

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[Pictured L to R: Barbara Mahoney, President & CEO, LCU; Gregg Cohen, President, Campus Bound; Steven Dubzinski, Principal, Leominster High School; Brian Gardiner, Campus Bound; Brittany Haley, High School Branch Manager and Financial Education Manager, LCU and Katie Najjar, SVP, Retail, LCU.]

Leominster, MA – Leominster Credit Union (LCU) presented a check for $5,000 to the Campus Bound Program to benefit Leominster High School (LHS) students. Campus Bound is a team of experienced and passionate college counseling professionals working in conjunction with the Leominster High School Guidance Department, who together are dedicated to helping students successfully navigate the road to college. Leominster Credit Union is passionate about assisting students with financial literacy and helping to meet their college goals.

“As a community based financial institution, we look for opportunities to engage and partner with organizations who offer products and services to the communities we serve. Campus Bound offers a much-needed comprehensive solution, given the rising costs associated with attending college. As a sponsor to this program, we are assisting local students with the opportunity to access resources to help them navigate and attain entry to great schools, find solutions to reduce college expenses and minimize debt,” said Barbara Mahoney, President & CEO, Leominster Credit Union.

Campus Bound is committed to helping students of all achievement levels create strong applications and discover their best-fit schools. Counselors collaborate frequently, ensuring that all of the students receive the most up-to-date information and make the best decisions as they navigate the college search, application, and decision process.

“It has been a pleasure helping the LHS community as they work to navigate the financial challenges that a college education presents. The engagement of the students and parents has been amazing. LCU’s sponsorship has resulted in students having a lower cost of college and increased opportunities,” stated Gregg Cohen, President of Campus Bound.

“Leominster High School is ecstatic to partner with Campus Bound to provide our students an opportunity to get a true understanding of the financial aspect of a college education. The commitment that Campus Bound and Leominster Credit Union shows to this community make this program a valued part of our college search process,” said Steven Dubzinski, Leominster High School Principal.