Latest National Ranking Gives Massachusetts Top Marks in Health Care, Education; Places Above Larger, Competitor States to Win Number One Placement

The Healey-Driscoll Administration celebrated a recent national ranking of Massachusetts as the best state to live in for 2024, beating out larger states like Florida and California and neighboring states like New Hampshire.

“We are proud to see Massachusetts recognized as the best state to live in the country,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Massachusetts’ greatest strength is our people. We are home to the best schools, the best healthcare, and the most innovative businesses – but this isn’t the time to rest on our laurels. Our administration is dedicated to building on this momentum by continuing to invest in our communities, make Massachusetts more affordable, and ensure that we remain the best place to live for future generations.”

“Massachusetts’ success is rooted in our vibrant cities and towns and in our commitment to fostering an environment where all residents can thrive,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This ranking is a reflection of the collective effort of our residents, community and business leaders, and state and local officials across the state who work tirelessly to ensure that Massachusetts is truly is the best place to live. We look forward to continuing the important work of advancing policies that enhance the quality of life for everyone who calls Massachusetts home.”

According to WalletHub, Massachusetts’ world-class health care system and high-quality education contribute to its ranking as the top state to live. Massachusetts has the highest share of residents with health insurance coverage at over 97 percent, the lowest premature death rate in the country and the lowest share of adults in fair or poor health. The state also ranks first for the quality of its school systems, with the fourth-best high school graduation rate in the country at over 90 percent. With the highest percentage of population aged 25 years and over with a bachelor’s degree or higher, Massachusetts is home to the most educated workforce in the country.

“This recognition affirms Massachusetts’ role as a leader in creating an environment where families and businesses alike can start, stay, and grow,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “Our state’s top-ranking status in health care and education underscores our commitment to building a thriving, inclusive, economy that attracts talent and investment from around the world. We shouldn’t take our foot off the gas; we will remain focused on ensuring that Massachusetts is not just the best place to live, but also the best place to do business.”

“Massachusetts has taken the lead in addressing rising housing costs that have impacted so much of the country,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. “With the passage of the Affordable Homes Act, implementation of the MBTA Communities Law and expanding housing tax credits, we’ve put some of the best ideas for increasing housing production to work toward making Massachusetts more affordable for everyone.”

“We know Massachusetts is a great place to live, but it didn’t happen by accident. Since taking office, the Healey-Driscoll administration has cut taxes for families, seniors and businesses and produced responsible budgets that have increased investments in our schools, child care, college accessibility and the environment,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “And we’re not done. We are focused on using the resources we have to create new and affordable housing, provide safe and reliable public transit, and grow emerging industries like climate technology to produce the jobs of the future. We will continue to look for ways to make Massachusetts more competitive, affordable and equitable for everyone who chooses to make our state their home.”

“Massachusetts is home to amazing talent, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to building a strong workforce today and for our future,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “We are also dedicated to supporting our workers by providing paid family medical leave, delivering on our new wage transparency law, and ensuring worker rights and protections are upheld. There’s always more work to do, and we value the incredible partnerships that will continue to foster a more competitive and equitable workforce and work environment across Massachusetts.”

“From day one, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has prioritized public safety, investing in vital programs that safeguard Massachusetts communities, advance meaningful reforms, and enhance community preparedness and resilience,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “Our dedicated team combined with strong federal, state and local partnerships is how we achieve our goals and build upon our successes. Massachusetts’ top ranking reflects the effectiveness of teamwork and highlights our shared commitment to ensuring the safety of all those who live, work and raise families in our communities across Massachusetts.”

“Few states can match Massachusetts’ unwavering commitment to veterans,” said Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration has transformed Veterans Services, increasing our operating budget by 11 percent and intensifying our efforts to honorably serve those who served us by launching innovative programs and services, prioritizing employment and education, committing to ending veteran homelessness, and enhancing our Veterans Homes with state-of-the-art long-term care and independent living facilities. Just last week, the Governor signed the historic HERO Act, the most comprehensive veterans’ benefits legislation in Massachusetts history, featuring over 30 provisions to expand benefits, modernize services, and promote inclusion.”

“In addition to being a great place to live and work, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to making the delivery of government services for Massachusetts residents the best in the nation,” said Technology Services and Security Secretary Jason Snyder. “And with the front door to government now digital, I’m excited to lead the Administration’s innovations in state government IT systems that meet residents where they are, with accessibility, equity, security and inclusivity front of mind.”

“We are honored to be recognized nationally for the many reasons why Massachusetts is a great place to live,” said Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Massachusetts is a place where everyone is welcome, where we lead in access to public transportation, high-quality health care and world-class educational opportunities. Our government leaders work tirelessly to advance diversity, equity, affordability and climate resiliency goals.”

“Here in Massachusetts, we view clean energy transition as a tremendous opportunity and we are seizing it,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Our residents reap the benefits of a thriving climatetech industry, new clean sources coming online and strong investments in infrastructure resilient to extreme weather. This means cleaner air, good-paying jobs, better energy efficiency and healthier communities for all. Not to mention, we are home to beautiful natural resources, from the Berkshires to the Cape Cod National Seashore. The Healey-Driscoll Administration is forging ahead with the clean energy transition and lengthening our lead in climate leadership.”

“Massachusetts is the birthplace of public education in the U.S., and home to world-renowned schools. In the past year and a half, we have made significant policy advances and financial investments to transform our state’s education system towards equity, access and affordability from early education and care through higher education,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “That includes being the only state in the country to continue child care stabilization grants at the same funding as the federal government and surpassing pre-pandemic child care capacity, making free school meals permanent, and launching a nation-leading early literacy strategy and the most comprehensive free community college program in the country. We have more work to do, but I am incredibly proud of all the progress we have made – it is nothing less than our students, educators and families deserve. Massachusetts continues to be the best place to go to school.”

“We truly value the quality of and equitable access to health care in Massachusetts, which allows us to attract talent and provide for the people who call this state home,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “While we can celebrate being at the top of this list today, what it really means is that we must continue to make Massachusetts an inclusive, healthy, and innovative place for people to come, stay, and make their own.”

Massachusetts continues to rank #1 for education, having the best schools and universities and leading the nation in student achievement. Education has been a priority focus for the Healey-Driscoll administration from early education and child care through higher education. When federal funding ended, Massachusetts continued child care stabilization grants at $475 million a year – being the only state in the nation to continue funding this vital program at the same level that the federal government did, now for two years in a row. While other states faced a child care cliff, Massachusetts’ surpassed pre-pandemic license capacity by 7,100 child care slots, adding more than 10,600 slots last year. The state’s fiscal year 2025 budget includes $20 million for Governor Healey’s Literacy Launch Initiative, a nation-leading strategy to expand access to evidence-based reading instruction for Massachusetts students. Massachusetts has continued universal free school meals when the federal funding ended, one of only eight states. This significantly increased participation, serving 21 million more meals than before the pandemic. Massachusetts has also made community college free for all students, building on the success of MassReconnect, Governor Healey’s initiative to make community college free for students aged 25 and older that drove a 45 percent increase in enrollment for this age group last year. The administration further invested significant funding to cover tuition, fees, books, and supply costs for Pell Grant-eligible students and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for middle-income students by up to half at public community colleges, state universities, and the University of Massachusetts.

Massachusetts is a hub for life science activity, with Greater Boston and Worcester ranking in the top 25 for life science talent and manufacturing, according to CBRE. Currently, 18 of the top 20 largest global life sciences companies are in Massachusetts, and the state continues to support life sciences companies seeking to relocate through the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and the Life Sciences Initiative, which Governor Healey proposed reauthorizing for another 10 years with an investment of over $1 billion in her economic development bill, the Mass Leads Act.

In June, Governor Healey hosted a celebration of the Massachusetts climatetech industry leaders that were named to TIME Magazine’s Top GreenTech Companies for 2024. All 28 companies, spanning across the state, were recognized with a Governor’s Citation for their contributions to Massachusetts’ economy and competitiveness. Governor Healey has aimed to make Massachusetts a global leader in climatetech through a $1 billion investment in the Mass Leads Act. A UMass Donahue Institute analysis found the proposal could generate $16.4 billion in economic activity, representing a 12-to-1 return on investment, and create 6,670 new jobs.

Earlier this year, WalletHub ranked Massachusetts as having the third-best state economy for 2024, highlighting its strong potential for innovation. The state noted for having the highest percentage of jobs in high-tech industries and the third-highest share of STEM professionals. WalletHub also ranked Massachusetts as the best state to raise a family in January of this year, as the state provides a good blend of economic opportunities and safe conditions for children.

Each year, Massachusetts is a national leader in research and development on a per capita basis across federal grant programs, such as NIH, Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. The state also leads the country in venture capital invested per capita. In 2023, Massachusetts ranked number one in US News & World Report’s state ranking of business environments, and the state ranked the strongest knowledge economy by the Milken Institute. Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the state has also ranked number two in GDP per capita, and Pitchbook ranks the city of Boston at number six as a top startup city in the world.

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Haggstrom recognized by fellow ambassadors for outreach, engagement efforts with chamber members in the North Central region

Michelle Haggstrom, realtor at Keller Williams Realty of North Central Massachusetts, has been named the 2024 Ambassador of the Year by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. The announcement was made during the chamber’s Annual Meeting on June 20, 2024.

Chamber Ambassadors are valued volunteers to the Chamber who serve as the face of the organization in the community. They assist the Chamber with communications to new and existing members, participate in ribbon cuttings and help connect members at various Chamber events. Haggstrom was voted Ambassador of the Year by her fellow Chamber Ambassadors at their May meeting.

“We are grateful to Michelle for her dedication and active involvement in the Chamber as we work to advance our goals throughout the 27 communities that comprise our region,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Michelle has been an active member of the Chamber not only in her capacity as an Ambassador but as a champion of our events and many initiatives.”

Haggstrom is a Platinum Top Producer and past president of the North Central Mass Association of Realtors® and was recognized as the Massachusetts Realtor® of the Year in 2016. She is a Certified Residential Specialist, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, Real Estate Divorce Specialist and Probate Specialist in addition to serving as a Massachusetts commercial alliance board member. As a Resort and Second Home Property Specialist, Haggstrom helps clients purchase homes they’ve dreamed of owning.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Fitchburg State University. In addition to her involvement with the Chamber’s Ambassadors, Haggstrom is also very active on a number of boards and charitable organizations, including serving on the board of the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Leominster’s Zoning Board of Appeals and the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee. She has been recognized as a good neighbor by the local Realtor® board for her community service and involvement.

“Serving as an Ambassador offers me a unique opportunity to connect more deeply with Chamber members while also developing meaningful relationships with businesses in our community,” said Haggstrom. “Through ribbon cuttings, new member events and other networking opportunities, I’m able to see firsthand the incredible advantages and support our Chamber brings to its members and our entire region.”

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Fitchburg | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Community Leadership | Community Support | Local Networking Events | Michelle Haggstrom | Chamber 2024 Ambassador of the Year

Ice Cream. Grandma’s Favorites. Paddling Fun. And Putting Your Green Thumb to the Test

From delicious treats, opportunities to learn about gardening, and even a salt room to enjoy for a little self-care, our region’s small businesses are ready to welcome you and your family (and even your pets!) to engage, rejuvenate and enjoy the best our region has to offer this summer.

So, grab your hat and some sunscreen, and check out these small businesses and the many others found in our Member Directory to plan a summer of fun here in North Central Massachusetts.

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Farm, food, and ice cream, oh my!
Rota Spring Farm
www.rotaspringfarm.com

What started as a family dairy farm in 1911, Rota Spring Farm expanded its offerings in 1997 after David Rota wanted to diversify his business.

“As milk prices would fluctuate, I realized I needed to do something to diversify and maintain my cash flow,” said Rota, owner of the farm. “I talked with friends in the farming industry who opened ice cream stands and built a four-window stand 27 years ago. Now, we are an eight-window stand providing ultra-premium ice cream you cannot purchase anywhere else.”

In addition to ice cream, Rota dishes out traditional family favorites to customers, including his Italian grandmother’s meatballs and meat sauce. “We have tomatoes that were brought here from Italy by my grandfather many, many years ago,” he added. “We also offer on-the-go meals featuring Shepard’s pie, chicken pot pie, soups, grass fed beef, and our roast beef sandwiches are second to none.”

The farm boasts more than 15 acres of vegetable fields, which include honeybees that provide honey for purchase in the Farm Store. Visitors can explore the property, watch the cows and goats, and in the fall, enjoy pick-your-own pumpkins and hayrides.

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Building teams and having fun on the Nashua River
Nashoba Paddler
www.nashobapaddler.com

Located in Groton, Nashoba Paddler has been offering canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboard experiences on the beautiful, friendly Nashua River for nearly 30 years. Owner Diane Carson said the business offers something for people of all ages who want to enjoy nature and the beauty of the river.

“There is so much opportunity for outdoor recreation in our area, and I think this is something more people have become interested in,” she said. “Kayaking and canoeing are great for families, and we also welcome groups and businesses who want to get out of the office for team building activities, especially in a canoe.”

Nashoba Paddler also offers a summer camp for children aged 6 to 14, instruction for kayaking and canoeing, and they partner with the Nashua River Watershed Association’s River Classroom school programs. “We offer guided tours on the river, full moon canoeing, and there’s always the opportunity to rent boats on your own from our rental base to explore and check out wildlife, too!”

While there are no specific places to enjoy a picnic on the river, Carson said they have a couple of picnic tables at their rental base for people to grab a bite.

“The thing about the Nashua River that is really unique is that there is very little development along it so you can feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, but still be very close to home.”

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Perfecting your green thumb
The Good Earth Farm and Garden Center
www.thegoodearthfgc.com

The Altobelli Family is all about education and community, so it felt natural for them to purchase the former Agway in Gardner with the aim of helping people, whether it be with plants or animals, and implementing workshops designed to educate or just be fun.

The Good Earth Farm & Garden Center, which still displays the old Agway sign on its east wall as a nod to the past, was founded by Jacquelin Altobelli and five other family members in 2022.

“North Central Massachusetts needed this store to keep going,” she said “And while the old Agway provided high-level service, we’ve taken it to a different level. We realized we needed to improve offerings and make the business more community oriented with educational classes that bring people together. And don’t get me started talking about the plants in our side-yard and local pollenators—it’s my Zen place come Spring! I drink a cup of coffee here every morning before we open.”

In addition to a vast array of annuals, perennials and vegetable plants, and everything to grow them successfully, the store offers farm animal feeds and supplies (they are a direct distributor of Poulin Feeds, a local, family-owned company), pet foods and supplies, lawn care products and a variety of classes on everything from mineral mixing, raised bed and container planting, growing herbs, as well as some workshops for kids.

“We recently held an Easter egg decorating class and a May Day basket making class,” she added. “We offer classes aimed at different interests because we want to build a bigger sense of community. And we love it when customers bring their pets in—they’re part of our community, too! Plus, even if you don’t have a green thumb, we believe anyone can grow anything with the correct information and we’re here to help.”

At the heart of the store? “Our staff,” said Altobelli. “From ages 17 to 70, they’ve thrown themselves into this with a humbling amount of heart. We wouldn’t be anywhere without them.”

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Home. Health. Hibiscus.
Sage Home Collections
Salt and Sage on Main
Debonis and Davin Florists

When Kayla Nault learned about an available vacant building with a greenhouse in Leominster, she found an opportunity to bring her passions to the community. Now six years later, Nault is leading three businesses offering home décor, fresh flowers, plants, crystals, and holistic health in our community.

She first opened Sage Home Collections in Leominster, which provides plants, crystals, and other goods, and then expanded to open Salt and Sage on Main in Townsend, which offers a salt room, stationary, and easy-care plants, among other items. Most recently, Nault acquired Debonis and Davin Florists, a long-standing business in Fitchburg, where she offers fresh flower arrangements and plants, as well as a large gift shop.

“I’ve always loved plants and crystals, so my business is a natural progression of my hobbies,” said Nault. “And with Debonis and Davin, we are able to offer beautiful flower arrangements, as well as grab-and-go bouquets at our Leominster location.”

The flower shop also affords Nault a creative outlet to play with a variety of locally grown, beautiful flowers to make unique arrangements. “We have a small piece of land where we are growing our own flowers right here in North Central,” added Nault.

While orchids are her favorite flower, Nault also loves to surround herself with fluorite, her favorite crystal. “Fluorite comes in so many colors, green, purple and blue,” she said. “But honestly, it’s hard to pick just one favorite crystal!”

This summer, Sage Home Collections will offer their popular “Wine Down Wednesdays” event once a month on a Wednesday evening in the summer, which features local vendors, food, and wine, beer, and other beverages for purchase. “It’s a great meeting spot after work,” she added. “We just want people come hang out in the backyard, do a little shopping and enjoy great food.”

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Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | New England Town | Small Town Economy | Worcester County | Local Business | Visit North Central Massachusetts | Rota Springs Farm | Sterling, MA | Nashoba Paddler | Nashoba, MA | Good Earth Farm & Center | Gardner, MA | Salt & Sage on Main | Leominster, MA | Massachusetts Business

Free one-on-one counseling and technical assistance is available to entrepreneurs and existing businesses in North Central Massachusetts through a partnership between the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the local chapter of the Worcester SCORE Chapter. SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a national nonprofit association supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration that is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. They have a network of 11,000+ volunteer business mentors who provide advice on every aspect of business planning, start-up, management and growth.

SCORE operates a satellite office at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. SCORE mentors Johanne Cimon and Gerry Gates are available by appointment to meet with any prospective or existing small businesses at the Chamber office. Ms. Cimon’s main mentoring skills are Accounting, Operations, Human Resources, Marketing and Business Planning. Mr. Gates’s main mentoring skills are Business Strategy and Planning, Operations, Management, Budgeting, Culture and Team Building and Recruiting.

Services available include assistance with developing business plans, marketing plans, securing financing, cash flow, and other areas critical to ensure a successful venture. Clientele includes start-up, early-stage, expanding, and troubled businesses. All programs of SCORE are offered to the public at no charge, on a non-discriminatory basis, and are handicapped accessible.

To schedule an appointment with a SCORE counselor, please contact the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 978.353.7600 ext. 222. For more information about SCORE, visit https://www.score.org/worcester.

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