The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce was named a finalist for the prestigious 2023 Chamber of the Year award, presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is one of three finalists in its category, which also includes the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development in Mansfield, Ohio, and the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce in Winter Park, Florida.

The award, sponsored by Personify, is the most prestigious and competitive recognition presented annually by ACCE. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, ACCE has more than 1,600 chambers of commerce, and related business and economic development organizations, as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry.

The Chamber of the Year award recognizes the leadership role chambers have in their communities. Those honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have demonstrated organizational strength and made an impact on key community priorities, such as education, transportation, economic prosperity and quality of life.

“This year’s finalists truly represent excellence in the chamber industry,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “Through their roles as community partners, thought leaders and innovative problem solvers, each has demonstrated what it means to be a catalyst for growth and regional prosperity. We congratulate them on this achievement.”

“This recognition as one of the top chambers in the country is a collective achievement and a tribute to the innovation and passion of our members and the many business leaders who support our mission to build a stronger economy and quality of life in our communities here in North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president & CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “I want to thank our staff, board leaders and all of our members for their support and commitment to the important work we do to advance the region.”

Chambers of commerce interested in vying for the award first must qualify by participating in a vigorous multi-stage process, which includes submitting a written application addressing all aspects of the organization’s operations and programmatic work. Eligibility for Chamber of the Year also includes meeting minimum thresholds around membership performance and financial management, including meeting key performance criteria on the ACCE Annual Operations Survey. Applications are scored by peer chamber executives to determine finalists. Winners are selected from among finalists based on an interview before a panel of experienced chamber professionals. To ensure the fairest competition, applicants are grouped into four categories based on annual revenue, membership, area population and other factors.

The winner of 2023 Chamber of the Year will be made on Tuesday, August 1.

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James L. Vander Hooven, Ed.D., President, Mount Wachusett Community College has been elected Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors for 2023-2024. The announcement was made at the chamber’s Annual Meeting on June 15, 2023.

Dr. Vander Hooven was named president of Mount Wachusett Community College in 2017. Headquartered in Gardner, Mount Wachusett Community College is a public, two-year college that was founded in 1963 to serve the people of North Central Massachusetts. The college is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and offers 70+ credit-bearing degree and certificate programs, non-credit, personal enrichment classes for lifelong learners, and workforce development that includes custom, on-site training.

Dr. Vander Hooven earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from The Ohio State University and his Master of Arts degree in American Studies from the University of Wyoming. In 2009, he was awarded his Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Maine, where he focused on student access.

In addition to his involvement with the chamber, Dr. Vander Hooven also serves on a number of boards and charitable organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg/Leominster, United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Wachusett Business Incubator and the GFA Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee.

He succeeds Christopher McCarthy, president of Fidelity Bank who now moves to the position of Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors.

“I am incredibly honored to have been elected Chair of this dynamic and respected organization that plays such a leadership role in advancing North Central Massachusetts,” expressed Dr. Vander Hooven, “I am excited to continue Chris McCarthy’s efforts and look forward to working alongside an incredible Board and staff to make sure the Chamber remains a strong resource for our business community.”

Vander Hooven was first elected to the Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2018 and has held several leadership positions including Vice Chair, Treasurer and has served on the Chamber’s Leadership Council, the One North Central leadership committee and the executive committee. As the Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Dr. Vander Hooven will work with the Board, Chamber staff, and membership to champion the Chamber in its mission to serve the region’s business community.

“Jim has served as an important member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee for several years and is a valued leader in the community,” noted Roy Nascimento, Chamber president & CEO. “We are fortunate to have his respected leadership as we continue to advance the interests of our members and work together to promote North Central Massachusetts.”

In the same election, Barbara Mahoney, president & CEO of Leominster Credit Union was elected Vice-Chair and Dr. Richard Lapidus, president of Fitchburg State University was elected to the position of Treasurer. Board members elected for new terms were Nick Haritos, president & CEO of AIS, Inc. in Leominster; John Heroux, president of Micro Machine & Electronics in Leominster; and Nicole Moorshead, general manager of the Chocksett Inn in Sterling and the Colonial Hotel in Gardner.

Continuing current terms on the Board of Directors are Allie Catlin, co-owner of Smith’s Country Cheese in Winchendon; Jackie Cullen, co-owner of River Styx Brewing in Fitchburg; Tony Fields, president and owner of Cleartech Group in Leominster; Matthew Fournier, president of Elite Construction & Design in Fitchburg; Melissa Glenny, president of Franklin Professional Associates in Leominster; Michael Johansen, president & CEO of Bemis Associates in Shirley; Rachel Lopez, president & CEO of Resource Management, Inc in Fitchburg; Lori Richardson, president of Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts in Leominster; and Rodrigo Souza, owner of Comeketo Brazilian Steakhouse in Leominster.

Fitchburg | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | Chamber Updates | Board of Directors | James L. Vander Hooven | Board of Directors | Barbara Mahoney, president & CEO of Leominster Credit Union | Dr. Richard Lapidus, President of Fitchburg State University | Nick Haritos, president & CEO of AIS, Inc. in Leominster | John Heroux, president of Micro Machine & Electronics in Leominster; and Nicole Moorshead, General manager of the Chocksett Inn | Allie Catlin, co-owner of Smith’s Country Cheese in Winchendon | Jackie Cullen, co-owner of River Styx Brewing in Fitchburg | Tony Fields, president and owner of Cleartech Group in Leominster | Matthew Fournier, president of Elite Construction & Design in Fitchburg | Melissa Glenny, president of Franklin Professional Associates in Leominster | Michael Johansen, president & CEO of Bemis Associates in Shirley | Rachel Lopez, president & CEO of Resource Management, Inc Fitchburg | Lori Richardson, President of Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts Leominster | Rodrigo Souza, owner of Comeketo Brazilian Steakhouse in Leominster.

Bids Fond Farewell to Cruz and Goulet

The Chamber is pleased to announce the addition of Maureen Babcock to the professional staff in the role of Executive Assistant. She will be responsible for managing the Chamber’s database, providing administrative and operational support, and coordinating special projects. Maureen lives in Devens and has been very active in the community, including volunteering with the Boy Scouts and Harvard Parks & Recreation. She has also served as the Chair of the Educational Advisory Committee that advises MassDevelopment on education related matters in the Devens community. She holds a Bachelor degree in Political Science/Business from Mount Saint Mary’s College and is a Certified Financial Planner. Members can contact Maureen Babcock at 978.353.7600 ext. 222 or via email at .

“Maureen brings a wealth of skills and experience to this dynamic and essential role, including over a decade of experience in project management, registration and program coordination,” said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the Chamber. “We are excited to have her join our team and contribute towards our efforts to support our members and advance our communities.”

The Chamber also announces the recent departure of Maribel Cruz and Lauren Goulet. Cruz has served as Economic Development Manager for the Chamber for over two years and recently accepted the position of Housing and Community Development Director for the City of Fitchburg. Lauren Goulet worked for the Chamber for nearly fifteen years as Operations Manager and recently accepted a position with the Azzur Group, a life sciences company expanding in Devens.

“We are saddened to lose Maribel and Lauren, but also excited for them and these new opportunities,” said Nascimento. “They have been important and dedicated members of our team and contributors to our success. I want to thank them for their hard work and commitment to the Chamber and wish them well in their new positions.”

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a 5-star Accreditation as a result of its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community by the Accrediting Board of the United States Chamber of Commerce. The announcement was made to an audience of nearly 300 business and community leaders at the Chamber’s Annual Business Meeting earlier this month.

Accreditation is the only national program to recognize chambers of commerce for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to achieve this recognition, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, communications and technology. This comprehensive self-review was conducted over a four-month period and required preparation of an extensive application, including compilation and review of volumes of materials required by the Accrediting Board, and demonstration of competency in nine core areas ranging from finance to facilities.

Of the approximately 7,000 chambers in the U.S., there are currently only 140 5-Star rated chambers, which represent the top three percent of all chambers in the country. In Massachusetts, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber is one of only two chambers with this prestigious accreditation.

“When chambers of commerce earn the distinction of becoming accredited, it is a mark of excellence for the organization, its staff, and its leadership” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber vice president, Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “This rigorous review includes all aspects of a chamber’s policies, operations, and programming. Accredited chambers are recognized for their continued advocacy of free enterprise, and for their commitment to serving members and their local business communities. Congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment.”

“We are incredibly honored to receive this national designation which places us among the best chambers of commerce in the country,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president & CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We challenged ourselves to improve our Chamber for the betterment of our members and our region. Receiving this accreditation only motivates us to continue to remain engaged, active and innovative on behalf of our members and communities in North Central Massachusetts.”

Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. State chambers are recognized as either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board.

The accreditation report noted the North Central Massachusetts Chamber has demonstrated an excellent track record of operating a successful chamber and achieving desirable results for its members. Several of the Chamber’s programs, events and initiatives were highlighted for special recognition, including its leadership role in helping members and the community navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Chamber’s leadership in talent and workforce development. The Chamber also received special recognition for its thoughtful and impactful efforts around government affairs and volunteer recognition, and for investments it has made in technology.

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Students were recognized during a luncheon at the Mount Wachusett Community College Leominster Campus on May 24

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Institute (CLI) Class of 2023 recognized the first recipients of the CLI annual scholarship program on May 24 at the Mount Wachusett Community College Leominster Campus.

Seven individuals who are enrolled with MY TURN, an organization that helps people develop their skills, goals and self-confidence through alternative education, post-secondary planning, career exploration and employment training, each received a $2,000 scholarship. The recipients will use the funding to help bridge the financial gap to attend programs in cosmetology, electrical engineering, licensed practical nursing, human services, or toward tuition to attend a community college or four-year university.

“It was an amazing experience working with the CLI members throughout our program year,” said Nicole Conroy, executive director, MY TURN. “The investment in our youth has been priceless and has led to a partnership that will continue into the future, and our students who received the scholarships said they have continued motivation to work hard to reach their goals.”

The event featured remarks from Conroy and Terry Young, manager of talent and education initiatives, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. Maria Milagros, an award-winning speaker, award nominated author, TEDx speaker, storyteller and empowerment life coach, provided the keynote address.

The non-traditional scholarships were an outgrowth of a community project undertaken by the CLI Class of 2023. Funding was provided by local companies and individuals as a result of outreach by the CLI Class. The CLI Scholarship Committee, comprised of eight CLI class members, selected the recipients from applications submitted by individuals participating in the MY TURN, Inc. program who did not qualify for traditional scholarships or other funding opportunities.

The Chamber developed the CLI program in 1988 to inspire a new generation of community leaders to enthusiastically assume important roles in their community while motivating participants from diverse backgrounds to be influential in the region’s future. CLI is dedicated to providing participants with individual leadership skills and a deep understanding of the region. Participants are sponsored for the nine-month program by their business and are seen as leaders or potential leaders within their company and community. In addition to the monthly day-long sessions, participants are required to work in teams on different community projects that can have an impact in the region. Previous CLI projects included the creation of a new non-profit organization to help with holiday gifts for families dealing with a loved one’s cancer diagnosis to a project designed to improve the appearance of vacant business windows in a downtown business district to create interest in future business development and community inclusion.

For more information on the Instituto de Liderazgo Comunitario, through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Commerce, please visit northcentralmass.com or call 978.353.7600, ext. 222. The Chamber is now accepting applications for the Community Leadership Institute Class of 2024.

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