North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce to Host 
Legislative and Candidates Reception

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Premier networking event connects elected officials with community leaders

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will host its Legislative and Candidates Reception on September 19, 2019 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Chocksett Inn on 59 Laurelwood Road in Sterling, MA. The event is intended to offer the region with an upscale networking event that connects business and community leaders with the region’s elected officials, as well as those seeking public office. 

“This is a great opportunity for our business and community leaders, as well as our public officials to gather for an evening of networking and collegial discussion,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to joining our legislators at a unique venue like the Chocksett Inn.” 

The Legislative and Candidates Reception is one of the Chamber’s premier events of the season, with over 125 federal, state, and local elected officials invited. Mount Wachusett Community College is the premier sponsor for the event. “At Mount Wachusett Community College, we understand the importance of engaging with the region’s business and legislative communities. These connections and insights help guide the college in various areas such as programming and outreach,” said MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “It is vital for our region’s business leaders, legislators, and policy-makers to meet and network so that they can engage and learn from each other. I am happy to support this important event.”

“Gaining access to legislators and those who seek public office is just as important for small business owners as it is for CEOs in the region,” said Ken Gurge, Esq., Chamber Board Member and Chair of the Government Affairs Committee. “This will be a tremendous opportunity for anyone with passion for North Central Massachusetts.”

Government affairs and public policy advocacy is a key component to the Chamber’s efforts to promote a healthy and active business climate throughout the region. Recognizing that the business community and legislators are partners in economic vitality and growth, events like these align well with the Chamber’s mission.

The event will feature an open bar and gourmet appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. Cost for members is $35 and non-members is $45. Registration is available by clicking here.

As of September 5ta, the following legislators have confirmed their attendance:

Confirmed legislators:

Senator Dean Tran, Worcester and Middlesex District

Senator Anne Gobi, Worcester, Hamden, Hampshire and Middlesex District
Representative Kim Ferguson, 1st Worcester District

Representative Stephan Hay, 3rd Worcester District
Representative Natalie Higgins, 4ta Worcester District

Representative Jon Zlotnik, 2nd Worcester District
District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Worcester County

Sheriff Lewis Evangelidis, Worcester County

Mayor DiNatale, City of Fitchburg

Mayor Dean Mazzarella, City of Leominster

Mayor Mark Hawke, City of Gardner

Councilor Thomas E. Donnelly, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Marisa Fleming, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Amy Green, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Michael Kushmerek, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Samantha Squalia, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Thomas Ardinger, City of Leominster
Councilor Pauline Cormier, City of Leominster

Councilor David Cormier, City of Leominster

Councilor Claire Freda, City of Leominster

Councilor Gail Feckley, City of Leominster

Selectwoman Rosemarie Meissner, Town of Ashburnham

Tow Administrator Orlando Pacheco, Town of Lancaster

Selectman Robert Ebersole, Town of Lunenburg

Selectwoman Maureen Cranson, Town of Sterling

Selectwoman Arden Sonnenberg, Town of Sterling

Town Administrator Ross Perry, Town of Sterling

Selectman Wayne Walker, Town of Westminster

Selectman James DesLisle, Town of Westminster

DEAL, MCDERMOTT OF North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Complete first year of INSTITUTE FOR ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT

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A Leadership Training Program Produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Kat Deal and Christopher McDermott both recently completed their first year of the Institute for Organization Management, a four year nonprofit leadership training program at Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania. 

Deal, who started working at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce in 2018 as the Events & Programs Manager, and McDermott, who started one year prior as the Public Affairs Manager, both serve the chamber community in pivotal roles.

“Having the opportunity to collectively meet with other organization professionals nationwide and bring back what I have learned to implement here in our own organization has been an incredible opportunity,” said Kat Deal. “It’s important that we continue to innovate and originate while we position our members as proactive leaders in North Central Massachusetts.”

“”IOM was a great opportunity to learn about what goes into managing a Chamber or association and expand beyond my current role,” said Christopher McDermott. “The network I gained this past July will undoubtedly prove invaluable as I build my career.”

 “Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.” 

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at five different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively. 

STEVEN ROCHELEAU TO CHAIR NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Steven Rocheleau, president of Rocheleau Tool & Die Co., Inc. has been elected Chair of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2019-20. The announcement was made at the chamber’s Annual Business Meeting on June 13, 2019.

Headquartered in Fitchburg, Rocheleau Tool & Die is a third generation family owned business that makes extrusion blow molding machinery, blow molds and other related automation equipment. The company was originally founded in 1938 by Canadian immigrant Leopold A. Rocheleau as a small machine shop in the basement of his home. The company initially patented and produced a successful line of cutter grinding fixtures and sliding swivel indicator bases, but expanded over the years to become a leader in the plastics industry.

Rocheleau grew up in the family owned business, starting after completing college as a machine assembler and field service technician, eventually moving into head of sales in 1996. In 2001, he took over as President of the company as it transitioned from second generation to the third generation of family ownership. Under his leadership the company has continued to grow over the years, including expanding its presence in forty international markets and opening a second manufacturing facility in 2014 producing bottles for the dairy industry around the New England and Mid-Atlantic states.

In addition to his involvement with the chamber, Mr. Rocheleau is a member of the Plastics Industry Association, Society of Plastics Engineers, and serves as a member of the Board of Advisors at University of Massachusetts Lowell Plastics Engineering Department. A lifelong resident of North Central Massachusetts, Rocheleau serves as a member of the Capital Planning Committee in the Town of Westminster and a member of the Heritage Bible Chapel in Princeton. He attended Oakmont Regional High School before going on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania.

He has been married for 30 years to Karla (Swedberg) Rocheleau, and they have four children and three grandchildren. He lives in Westminster, Massachusetts.

Rocheleau was first elected to the Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2015 and has held several leadership positions including Vice Chair, Treasurer and has served on the Chamber’s Leadership Council. He has also served on the Chamber’s Manufacturing CEO Roundtable and its Manufacturing Taskforce. As the Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Mr. Rocheleau will work with the Board, Chamber staff, and membership to champion the Chamber in its mission to serve the region’s business community.

“As Chairman, Steve will play a significant role in advancing the Chamber’s goals and initiatives,” noted Roy Nascimento, Chamber president & CEO. “We are fortunate to have his respected leadership. We look forward to working with him to advance the interests of our members and promote North Central Massachusetts.”

He succeeds Stephen Mullaney, president SJ Mullaney Engineering Inc., who now moves to the position of Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors.

“It is an honor and privilege to have been elected Chair of this dynamic and respected organization that plays such an important role in supporting businesses of all sizes in North Central Massachusetts,” expressed Mr. Rocheleau, “I am excited to continue Steve Mullaney’s efforts and work to ensure the Chamber remains a strong resource for the local business community.”

In the same election, David Duval, president of Protective Services, Inc. in Lunenburg was elected Vice-Chair and director Rachel Lopez, president of Resource Management, Inc. of Fitchburg was elected to the position of Treasurer. Board members elected for a three-year term were Steve Duvarney, owner of Duvarney Jewelers in Fitchburg and Clinton; David Duval, president of Protective Services of Lunenburg; Dr. Richard Lapidus, president of Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg; Anne Leader, president of Vision Payroll in Leominster; Christopher McCarthy, president of Fidelity Bank in Leominster; Cheryl Molebash, general manager of Dixie Consumer Products in Leominster; and John O’Brien, president & CEO of Leominster Credit Union in Leominster.

Continuing current terms on the Board of Directors are Neil Abramson, CFO of ECI Stores in Leominster; Will Aubuchon, president & CEO of W.E. Aubuchon Company in Westminster; Matthew Fournier, president of Elite Construction & Design in Fitchburg; Mark Freeman, president of SteelFab, Inc. in Fitchburg; James Vander Hooven, president of Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner; Anthony Mercadante, managing partner of Mercadante & Mercadante, CPA of Fitchburg; and Henry Tessman, general manager of Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg.

Thomas Littlepage Honored as Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year

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Thomas Littlepage, AVP & Branch Manager of Workers Credit Union, was recognized as the 2018-2019 Ambassador of the Year by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s 35th Annual Business Meeting on June 13, 2019.

Chamber Ambassadors are valued volunteers to the Chamber. They serve as a public relations branch, as well as assisting the Chamber with communications to new and existing members. Tom was voted Ambassador of the Year by his fellow Chamber ambassadors at a recent meeting. The Chamber is pleased to recognize Thomas Littlepage for his consistent support and dedication to the Chamber and the community. 

“We are so grateful to Tom for his unwavering support of the Chamber and our efforts to advance the region,” said Roy Nascimento, president & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “His passion and dedication to community involvement help make North Central Massachusetts a better place to live, work and grow a business.”

As a Branch Manager at Workers Credit Union in Leominster and active ambassador for the Chamber, Tom has played an important part in Workers’ involvement in the local community. We thank Thomas Littlepage for his helpful work and commitment. We look forward to seeing where the future takes him in the Chamber and in the North Central Massachusetts community.

Sales Tax Holiday to be Observed This Weekend- Meals and Drinks Excluded

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This weekend will mark the inauguration of what is now a legislatively mandated annual tradition- the Sales Tax Holiday. Unsurprisingly however, the rollout of this law has not been without issue. The State House caused confusion when it initially included restaurant meals in the upcoming tax holiday. After learning of concerns from restaurant owners themselves however, the Governor has amended the statute to exclude that industry.

Though held in the past, the state’s Governor was never required to designate a tax holiday weekend until passage of the Grand Bargain last year. In an expansive compromise with labor groups, that legislation mandated that an August weekend would be selected to serve that purpose annually. As reported by State House News Service, the Grand Bargain’s language made no distinction between retailers and restauranteurs, leading legislators to interpret it as applying to both. Restaurant owners objected however, explaining their point of sale systems did not enable them to separate taxes for alcohol- which was never included in the tax holiday- from meals. For that reason, Baker filed legislative amendments excluding meals from the Holiday, which the House and Senate immediately approved.

To ensure these revisions are understood and acted upon by business owners, the Commonwealth’s Department of Revenue has issued an updated Technical Information Release (TIR 19-10: Sales of Meals Excluded from the Annual Sales Tax Holiday Weekend) and a new list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). This year, the weekend will run from Saturday, August 17th, through Sunday, August 18th. During that time, no sales tax should be applied to purchases that are for personal, non-business, use and do not include individual items priced above $2,500.

It should be noted that, beyond meals, drinks, and individual items priced over $2,500; there are some ineligible acquisitions, for which sales tax must still be applied. These include the purchase of:

  • items on layaway
  • telecommunications services
  • tobacco products
  • marijuana and marijuana products
  • gas
  • steam
  • electricity
  • motor vehicles- including motorboats

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Christopher McDermott, the Chamber’s public affairs manager, at (978) 353-7600, ext. 224; or via email at .

Chamber Selected for National Education & Workforce Program

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The Chamber is one of 35 state and local chambers chosen to take part in a prestigious national program aimed at addressing critical education and workforce issues. Sponsored by the U.S. Chamber Foundation, the Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips participants with resources, national expertise and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges.

“Businesses in North Central Massachusetts are struggling with the same challenges their peers are throughout the country.” says Christopher McDermott, Public Affairs Manager of the Chamber, who is participating in the third cohort of the program on behalf of North Central Massachusetts. “This is a great opportunity for the Chamber to actively contribute to the national conversation while learning best practices from our counterparts in other states that can help us make an impact locally.”

The Chamber was chosen through a competitive selection process. The four-month fellowship will cover the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12, higher education and workforce development.

The objectives of this program align with the Chamber’s efforts around improving the workforce, which are most recently exemplified by the publication of our recent report Build North Central: Improving the Industrial Heart of Massachusetts. ◊

This story is from the latest Informe de Cámara

Chamber Regional Economic Study

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The Chamber and its economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, have commissioned the UMass Donahue Institute to develop a robust data driven economic profile of the region. This economic profile is intended to provide focused data and research for North Central Massachusetts that will be used to support our economic development goals. We anticipate that the data will be used to showcase the region, answer queries about the region, support ongoing projects and help make evidence based decisions.

The customized profile is expected to combine detailed economic, labor market and socioeconomic data, as well as provide analysis on the economic conditions within the region. The project is expected to be completed by October, 2019. ◊

This update is from the latest Informe de Cámara

Government Affairs Update | Summer 2019

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The Chamber continues to take an active role in advocating and engaging with policy makers on a variety of issues that impact businesses and the advancement of North Central Massachusetts. Below is an update on some of the more recent activities at the local, state and federal level.

Federal: The Chamber signed onto a letter from business and labor groups throughout the nation encouraging Congress to take action to address the long overdue issue of our nation’s infrastructure modernization. The Chamber also continues efforts to engage with our federal delegation, most recently hosting Congresswoman Trahan at a meeting where we discussed issues such as workforce development, transportation, international trade and immigration reform.

A delegation of Chamber staff and members met with Senate staff on Beacon Hill to discuss legislative priorities.

State Budget: The State House is in the midst of its annual budget process. As of this printing, the Governor, House and Senate have each released their versions of the budget with mixed results for North Central Massachusetts. Several priorities around regional economic development were included, while others were not. Key legislative language that we supported was also not included. A conference committee will be appointed by the House and Senate to work out the differences and come upwith a final budget.

Public Affairs Manager, Christopher McDermott, testifies before the joint Committee for Education at the Massachusetts State House.

Education Reform: The Chamber has taken a leadership role in advocating for meaningful education reforms at the state level that would align with the needs of employers and better prepare students for the workplace. The Chamber testified before the legislature regarding the need to ensure every student is exposed to career exploration and workforce readiness programming while in school. We have also partnered with other business groups to advocate for greater funding for industry credentialing courses in the state’s high schools.

Transporte: The Chamber has participated in several meetings of the Route 2 Taskforce that was formed by Senator Dean Tran. Transportation financing is shaping up to be a top issue for the legislature to address in this legislative session, so the meetings are timely and can help to better position the region for futureimprovements. The Chamber has also joined a coalition of business groups from throughout the state to engage collectively on the issue of improving our state’s transportation infrastructure.

Regulations: In addition to testifying, the Chamber also hosted a listening session on the new Paid Family and Medical Leave Act to provide local businesses an opportunity to voice any concerns they may have to state regulators. In related news, the Employer Medical Assistance Contribution (EMAC) assessment is scheduled to end on December 31, 2019 and the administration has indicated that they are not planning to extend it beyond 2019.

Local: Last month, the Chamber participated in ameeting of elected officialsfrom the tri-cities to discuss the importance of regionalism and economic development efforts. The Chamber has also been engaged in a number of issues in our local towns, most notably testifying in Sterling for proposed zoning changes that would help facilitate business growth. ◊

This update is from the latest Informe de Cámara

Feeding the Economy: Food & Agriculture in North Central Massachusetts

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Agriculture in North Central Massachusetts is deeply rooted in our history. That heritage is perhaps best symbolized with our connection to apples and that icon of American folk history – Johnny Appleseed. But it is more than just part of our past; the industry is still a major economic driver and a key part of our working landscape in the region. The food and agriculture cluster is also playing an important part in shaping the future of North Central Massachusetts and helping drive our economy.

A father and son spend their afternoon apple picking at popular destination, David Farmland of Sterling.

The region is home to an estimated 800 farms, which employ over 1,700 people. Employment has increased nearly 60% in the region’s growing tourism industry is also closely tied to the food and agricultural industries in North Central Massachusetts and also showcases the dynamic nature and complexity of the sector. Farms like Davis Farmland, Red Apple, Hollis Hills and many more have reinvented themselves as major destinations in the region. “At Davis Farmland, our mission is to connect people back to agriculture and preserve the rich farming heritage of New England”, said co-owner Larry Davis. “We are a seven generation farm in Sterling, dating back to 1846. We started as a dairy and, over the generations, have been involved in virtually every form of sustainable agriculture this area of New England has seen.”

The famous “no human touch” lettuce of Little Leaf Farms in Devens is grown by state-of-the-art robotics leaving their lettuce fresh, crispy and delicious.

The innovative nature of the industry, as well as its convergence with manufacturing, is perhaps best exemplified by Little Leaf Farms in Devens. In 2015, they built a five acre greenhouse facility that produces fresh lettuce and salad greens via a technologically advanced and automated process. The baby greens produced there are all seeded, grown, cut and packaged without being touched by human hands.

Consumer interest in sustainability, authenticity and buying local has helped to empower our food and agricultural sectors in the region. Roots Natural Foods in Leominster illustrates how the region’s strength and proximity to locally sourced products has contributed to the growth of this economic cluster. Opened in 2002,

A delectable display of nothing but the freshest greens and veggies courtesy of Roots Natural Foods of Leominster.

Roots began as a market with nine employees that focused on selling and serving responsibly farmed, organic, local and sustainable foods and products. The market has since expanded to over twenty-five employees and now includes a popular sustainable kitchen that serves healthy foods and provides catering services. “Our goal has always been to enrich our community by providing quality and locally sourced products”, said Owner Marieke Cormier. “One of the strengths of North Central Massachusetts is its incredible diversity of local products for consumers.”

North Central Massachusetts is home to one of the largest concentrations of food and agricultural sectors in the state. Coupled with a thriving manufacturing cluster and burgeoning tourism industry, this unique position as a food and agriculture hub has enhanced the region’s character while creating new prosperity and employment. It is for that reason that we look forward to this sector’s continued growth and increased, statewide prominence for years to come. ◊

This story is from the latest Informe de Cámara

Speaker of the House & Boston Marathon Survivor to Speak at Next Good Morning North Central Breakfast

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The next edition of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber’s popular Good Morning North Central breakfast series is scheduled for Friday, September 13, 2019 from 6:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Doubletree by Hilton, 99 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA.  The September edition is sponsored by Unitil. 

El Good Morning North Central series is a high-profile, fast-paced and educational breakfast program geared towards executives, senior managers, professionals and business owners.  Each of the programs has a business-oriented focus and features prominent popular speakers to present on topics of interest to local businesses.

The featured speakers for the September edition are Representative Robert DeLeo, Speaker of the House, and Author, Speaker, and Survivor, Roseann Sdoia Materia. 

House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop) represents the Town of the Winthrop and a portion of the City of Revere.  He has served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives since 1991 and became Speaker of the House on January 28, 2009. On Jan. 2, 2019, the House re-elected him as Speaker, his sixth term as Speaker.

An award-winning legislator, Speaker DeLeo seeks to empower individuals, families and communities by focusing on legislation that keeps cities and towns safer and healthier, creates jobs, and increases educational opportunities. Under his leadership, the House passed nation-leading legislation relating to early education and care, fighting the opioid crisis, economic development, gun safety, veteran’s benefits, criminal justice reform, clean energy, and protecting civil rights for all.

Speaker DeLeo is a graduate of Boston Latin School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northeastern University and a Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School. He received an honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from Suffolk University in 2009 and an honorary degree from Salem State University in 2012. A grandfather of two, Speaker DeLeo resides in Winthrop.

For Roseann Sdioa Materia, April 15, 2013 began much the same way every Patriot’s Day had for the past 15 years. Her plans were always the same— to see the Red Sox play at Fenway and then, head over to one of her favorite Boylston Street bars to watch the Marathon with friends. Everything seemed perfect, even the weather was cooperating on that beautiful sunny day. And then, the unthinkable happened. Two bombs exploded and Roseann was just steps from the second blast.

She remembers the flash by her feet and thinking it was too late to run. She remembers feeling that if she were to close her eyes, she may never wake up. And she remembers the selfless kindness of strangers, without whom, she may have lost her life instead of just part of her right leg.

Although not a marathon runner herself, Roseann avidly enjoyed running three to five miles a day. Today, as she works through her recovery, she is challenging herself to run again and hopes to inspire others to work through their own loss with courage and conviction. She hopes to raise awareness for those in desperate need of prosthetics.

Register for the September Good Morning North Central Breakfast by clicking here.