September Women’s Leadership Connection features First Lady of Massachusetts, Lauren Baker.

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Staff photo by Arthur Pollock

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is hosting its quarterly Women’s Leadership Connection on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 featuring the First Lady of Massachusetts, Lauren Baker.  The program, sponsored by Fidelity Bank, runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg, MA.

Lauren Schadt Baker became the First Lady of Massachusetts when her husband, Gov. Charlie Baker, was sworn in as Governor in January, 2015. As First Lady, Lauren works to improve the lives of the children of Massachusetts, focusing in particular on the children served by their Department of Children and Families, through her work with the Wonderfund, a private, nonprofit she helped launch.

Lauren earned a bachelor’s degree and MBA from Northwestern University. She is a veteran of the advertising world where she managed many brand campaigns for consumer products. She then she spent several years working in higher education at Marian Court College where she served as Board Chair and Director of Institutional Advancement. Currently, Mrs. Baker works as a marketing communications consultant for The Baker Group serving independent schools across the country.

She also serves on the boards of the Wonderfund, the American Red Cross New England Region, Phoenix Academy Charter School Foundation and the Care Institute. The Bakers reside in Swampscott, Massachusetts. Their proudest accomplishments are their three incredible children who are now all grown up.

The Women’s Leadership Connection, a luncheon event held four times per year in, September, December, March and June, focuses on business women empowering women in business.  Core topics will include professional development and career advancement as well as social and philanthropic events.

Pre-registration is required and easy. Simply call the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 235, email or register online at www.northcentralmass.com.  The cost is $35 for members and $50 for non-members.

MATTHEW MYERS, IOM GRADUATES FROM 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 Matthew Myers, IOM has graduated from the Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation program, and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually.

Myers started working at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce in 2013 as a marketing intern while completing his communications degree from Fitchburg State University and was subsequently hired as marketing coordinator for the Chamber’s tourism arm, the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association. He was promoted to marketing and communication manager in 2016. He is responsible for managing the marketing initiatives for the Chamber and its affiliate organizations.

“My time at Institute has been an incredible learning experience,” said Matthew Myers, marketing & communications manager of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “The lessons learned in the classroom and from my fellow peers have been valuable to my growth as a professional and have been things that I have been able to take back to the Chamber to help improve upon the work that we are doing.”

“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.

Nascimento Earns Elite Certification

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North Central Massachusetts Chamber leader part of latest Certified Chamber Executive class

Roy M. Nascimento, president & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has been designated as a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) by ACCE, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

ACCE is an Alexandria, Va.-based membership association that represents nearly 10,000 professionals who work for and with more than 1,300 chambers of commerce around the world.

“The CCE program assesses and tests the applicant’s knowledge of core chamber management areas —management, planning and development, membership and communication, and operations,” says Bob Quick, CCE, president and CEO of Commerce Lexington Inc. and CCE commission chairman. “Chamber professionals who are designated CCEs have rightfully earned this outstanding recognition through hard work, countless hours of dedication to their field, and leadership of their chamber to achieve the chamber’s goals. We are proud to have this year’s class join a long tradition of professional excellence.”

Nascimento is one of 11 chamber professionals to earn the Certified Chamber Executive designation in 2018. The 11 leaders represent chambers of commerce in eight states, including Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Since the first CCE designation was conferred more than 40 years ago, about 500 professionals have become certified. CCE is recognized by many as the highest, and most elite, professional designation in the chamber of commerce profession. It’s the only globally-recognized certification program exclusive to the chamber of commerce industry.

Roy M. Nascimento, CCE, IOM has been president & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce since January 2015.  In this role, he oversees all aspects of the operations of the Chamber and its affiliate organizations, including its finances, economic development, tourism, public policy efforts, member engagement, and sales and communications. The Chamber is a membership-based, volunteer-led organization focused on advancing North Central Massachusetts.

Under his leadership, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has been recognized among the top chambers of commerce in the country for its impact and operations. Among its many honors, the Chamber was a 2017 runner up for the prestigious National Chamber of the Year award, the first chamber in Massachusetts and New England to have ever been recognized as a finalist.  The Chamber also achieved 4-star accreditation in 2018, an honor achieved by only 204 of the 7,022 chambers in the country.

“I am honored to receive this industry designation that marks a major career highlight for me,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “I am so thankful to our members and professional staff for their support and encouragement. This designation only motivates me to redouble our efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of our members, their employees and the communities in North Central Massachusetts.”

“We are very proud of Roy in achieving this professional designation,” said Stephen J. Mullaney, president of S.J. Mullaney Engineering, Inc. and Chair of the Board of the North Central Chamber of Commerce. “This designation is a positive reflection of our Chamber’s commitment to excellence, professional development and leadership for the benefit of our members and the North Central Massachusetts region.”

Certified Chamber Executives were recognized on stage July 18 at the 2018 ACCE Annual Convention in Des Moines, Iowa.

STEPHEN MULLANEY TO CHAIR NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Stephen J. Mullaney, PE, president of S.J. Mullaney Engineering, Inc. has been elected Chair of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2018-19. The announcement was made at the chamber’s Annual Business Meeting on June 14, 2018.

Mullaney, a Leominster native, is a registered professional civil engineer, licensed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He founded his company, S.J. Mullaney Engineering, Inc. in Leominster in 2004 and joined the Chamber in 2005. He has nearly thirty years of experience in site design and land entitlement for development projects and facility expansions.  He has appeared before more than 70 land use boards in over 25 cities and towns.

In addition to this involvement with the Chamber, Mullaney is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and its Boston section.  He also belongs to the Institute of Transportation Engineers and the Massachusetts Aggregate and Asphalt Pavement Association, where he has instructed on the EPA Stormwater Program.  Mr. Mullaney has also testified as an expert witness in traffic matters before the Massachusetts Land Court.

Mullaney is very active in the community, having served in the past on the City of Leominster’s Airport Study Committee, as well as serving as Leominster’s liaison to the Fort Devens redevelopment agencies and serving on the Police Station Siting Committee.  He has also provided pro-bono services to area communities in developing and updating land use regulations, particularly Lancaster and Ayer and has helped to facilitate inter-municipal dialogues for utility service extensions to accommodate economic expansion.

He attended St. Leo School in Leominster and was the 1986 valedictorian and male All-Bernardian at St. Bernard’s Central Catholic High School in Fitchburg.  He is a 1991 summa cum laude graduate of Northeastern University in Boston.

Mr. Mullaney involvement with the Chamber spans back to the 1990s when he was active through his previous employer David E. Ross Associates, Inc. in Ayer.  He was elected to the Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2011 and has held several leadership positions including Vice Chair and Treasurer. He has also served on the Chamber’s Government Affairs and Nominating Committees.  As the Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Mr. Mullaney will work with the Board, Chamber staff, and membership to champion the Chamber in its mission to serve the region’s business community.

“Steve has proven himself to be a tireless champion for the Chamber and North Central Massachusetts,” noted Roy Nascimento, Chamber president & CEO.  “We look forward to continuing to work with him to advance the interests of our members and to advance the economy of the region.”

He succeeds Mark Freeman, president SteelFab, 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 the Chamber, an organization that plays an important role in supporting businesses of all sizes in North Central Massachusetts,” expressed Mr. Mullaney, “I am excited to continue Mark’s efforts and work to ensure the Chamber remains a strong resource for the local business community.”

In the same election, Deborah Weymouth, president of HealthAlliance Hospital, Inc. was elected Vice-Chair and director Steve Rocheleau, president of Rocheleau Tool & Die was elected to the position of Treasurer.  Board members elected for a three-year term were Neil Abramson, CFO of ECI Stores; Will Aubuchon, president & CEO of W.E. Aubuchon Company; Matthew Fournier, president of Elite Construction & Design; and Rachel Lopez, president of Resource Management, Inc.

Continuing current terms on the Board of Directors are Wayne Canty, Heat Trace Products; David Duval, Protective Services; Steve Duvarney, Duvarney Jewelers; Mark Freeman, SteelFab, Inc.; Ken Gurge, Law Offices of Kenneth W. Gurge; James Vander Hooven, Mount Wachusett Community College; Dr. Richard Lapidus, Fitchburg State University; Anne Leader, Vision Payroll; Christopher McCarthy, Fidelity Bank; Anthony Mercadante, Mercadante & Mercadante, CPA; and Henry Tessman, Great Wolf Lodge.

Running Out of Time and Energy

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Here in North Central Massachusetts, local businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. These companies make quality products, provide good jobs, and pay above average wages. In so many ways, we want to support them, because they support our communities.

Yet even as we celebrate all that our business community contributes to the region, we can see a cloud on the horizon. Energy costs are rising quickly at a time when we are already among the five most expensive states to do business in.

Why does New England pay such high energy costs? In part, it’s supply and demand – we have a lot of the latter and too little of the former. Most of our electricity is generated by natural gas-powered facilities, which are cleaner than the oil and coal plants that have closed in recent years. Those retirements are actually the single most significant reason we’ve been able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 63% since 1990, even as our electricity usage has gone up. But every year we pay an additional $1 billion because we lack access to enough natural gas – particularly when temperatures drop in the winter.

This past winter, we saw the consequence of inaction. The region’s independent, non-profit grid operator, ISO-New England, had already reported that the looming retirements of older power plants meant the state could soon face rolling blackouts. When temperatures dropped to historic lows the day after Christmas, we turned to burning oil for as much as a third of our electricity and it almost happened. We were just two to three days away from running out of oil as well.

To say that this all has severe economic implications would be a massive understatement. A recent report published by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that, absent upgraded energy infrastructure, New England would lose almost 23,000 jobs and $2 billion in state GDP, including a loss of 8,700 jobs and $792 million in state GDP in Massachusetts alone, over a four-year period.

There’s also something fundamentally wrong about a state as forward-looking and proud of its environmental heritage as Massachusetts still using oil and coal to fill its energy gap. In fact, according to a recent study by the Mass Coalition for Sustainable Energy, we used so much oil in just 13 days during the December/January cold snap—2 million barrels in all—it was as if we added 6.4 million cars to the road or shut down 75% of solar panels in the Commonwealth.

That’s unacceptable. As we move boldly to a renewable energy future, building the wind, solar and hydropower infrastructure we need to power our economy, we should be doing everything in our power to utilize the cleanest possible alternatives.

We’ve already seen some companies leave the state due to the high cost of energy. North Central Massachusetts’ communities are already doing everything they can to attract and keep businesses. They simply can’t stand by as reliability concerns, costs and threats to our environment increase.

The time has come to act. Our families, businesses and communities depend on it.

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce urges U.S. Senate to reauthorize the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce signed an open letter in conjunction with the National Association of Manufacturers last week, urging the US Senate to approve the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. This legislation, first approved under the Regan administration and reauthorized with bipartisan support twice since then, provides vocational education funding and works to ensure that such training aligns with workforce demands. Unfortunately, the program lapsed in 2016. The House approved its reauthorization last summer but the bill has languished in the Senate since then, stalled in the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pension Care.

“The need for career and technical education has never been higher” stated Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “As demand for high skilled labor increases, ensuring our students are able to acquire the skills that they will need to be successful in the workforce must be a priority.”

The National Association of Manufacturers’ letter, signed by over four hundred stakeholders, is addressed to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee’s ranking members. It encourages reauthorization and modernization of the Perkins CTE Act, with a focus on aligning the program with employer needs. “As competition for high-skilled labor increases and as the US economy reaches full employment,” it reads “every effort must be made to close the skills gaps that many industries across all sectors face.”

A complete copy of the letter, including a list of signatories, can be found on the Chamber’s website by following this link.

Johnny Appleseed Trail Association announces Farm to Table Dinner on August 2nd

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The Johnny Appleseed Trail Association is pleased to announce its first ever Farm to Table Dinner being held on August 2nd, 2018. This special event, starting at 5 pm, will feature dining among the orchards and fields of Hollis Hills Farm, 340 Marshall Road, Fitchburg, MA.

In celebration of our local foods and beverages, the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association is partnering with local chef Kevin Williams of Roots Natural Foods. Born in Leominster, Chef Kevin knows the foods of North Central Massachusetts well. Chef Kevin’s career has afforded him the ability to travel and explore the world to expand his cooking knowledge after spending 10 years as a chef in California. Most recently, Chef Kevin took his culinary travels to Mexico, bringing back several recipes to the Roots Kitchen.

“We wanted to create an opportunity for people to connect with local food in a meaningful way but also support the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association’s mission to highlight and market North Central Massachusetts” said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of JATA.

The Farm-to-Table event is designed to highlight seasonally appropriate food and beverages grown, raised or produced in North Central Massachusetts, connect attendees to this special resource and create a shared of sense of community.  The event will also feature an extensive raffle of local items.

Sponsorships are available for the Farm to Table dinner. Enterprise Bank & Trust, Hollis Hills and new member Little Leaf Farms have all signed on as partners for the event. A variety of sponsorship levels ranging from $250 to $5,000 are available for any business wishing to participate.

Seating is limited. Tickets are $99 per person and must be purchased in advance. To register, sponsor or offer an item, visit www.northcentralmass.com  or contact Maria McCaffrey, events & programs manager at or (978) 353-7600 x. 235.

Legislators Work to Enact “Grand Bargain”

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A day after negotiators announced a compromise, legislators set about making the agreement law. The so called “Grand Bargain” was drafted by a coalition of business leaders, labor unions, and elected officials in an effort to avert a number of questions slated to appear on November’s ballot.

Specifically, the proposal would institute an annual sales tax holiday and phase out mandated overtime pay for retail workers on Sundays and holidays. It would also raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour over five years and establish a statewide paid medical and family leave program. These items differ from their respective ballot questions in that there would be no reduction in the sales tax, the minimum wage would not be indexed to inflation after reaching $15 an hour, and businesses with less than twenty five employees would not be required to contribute to the paid leave program- though their employees could opt to buy in themselves.

Discussing the compromise at a North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce event the morning after its announcement, Senate President Harriette Chandler stated that “no one was in love with it, but no one hated it and everyone liked it, and that’s the sign of a good deal”. She went on to explain that the bill would go before the General Court that day.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce echoed the Senate President’s assessment. “While there are aspects of this proposal we are unhappy with, it does represent a fair compromise” stated Chamber President & CEO Roy Nascimento. “Compared with the ballot proposals, this language takes significant steps to protect small businesses while addressing the concerns of activists” Christopher McDermott, the Chamber’s public affairs manager, added. “We simply hope that all parties involved will honor their word and withdraw their ballot initiatives after passage.”

The proposal passed the legislation that night, and currently awaits approval from the Governor prior to implementation.

Related: Chamber Positions on Ballot Questions

NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS CHAMBER RECEIVES NATIONAL HONOR

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has been awarded 4-star Accreditation from the accrediting board of the United States Chamber of Commerce for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. The announcement was made to an audience of over 300 business and community leaders at the Chamber’s Annual Business Meeting this past Thursday.

Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers 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, and technology. This comprehensive self-review took over six  months to complete and required preparation of an extensive application, 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 United States, only 204 have earned the recognition as an accredited chamber of commerce. These elite institutions represent the top 3% of all chambers in the United States.  In Massachusetts, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber is one of only four chambers to have received accreditation, and is the only chamber in Central Massachusetts.

“Accredited chambers are an essential part of the business community’s efforts to promote economic growth and job creation across the country,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber vice president of Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management.  “This designation recognizes the positive impact these organizations have had within their communities, and it honors their commitment to continuing to serve local businesses.”

“We are incredibly honored to receive this national designation that places us among the best chambers of commerce in the country,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the 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.”

The accreditation report noted that 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 the loan programs of its economic development arm and its special forums. The Chamber also received special recognition for its successful efforts in expanding its government affairs and advocacy capabilities for the benefit of its members and region, as well as for its brand standards and guidelines.

The Chamber’s Annual Meeting was held on June 14, 2018 and also included recognition awards and the commencement for the 2018 class of the Chamber’s Community Leadership Institute.

Lawrence NFOR Honored as Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year

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Lawrence NFOR, Business Manager at Mount Wachusett Community College, was recognized as the 2017-18 Ambassador of the Year by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s 34th Annual Business Meeting on June 14, 2018.

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. Lawrence was voted Ambassador of the Year by his fellow Chamber ambassadors at their recent May meeting.

The Chamber is pleased to recognize Lawrence NFOR for his consistent support and dedication to the Chamber and the community. Lawrence recently received his MBA in Accounting from Fitchburg State University while working full time at MWCC.

“We are so grateful to Lawrence 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 Business Manager at Mount Wachusett Community College, Lawrence has developed important leadership skills which have added to his significant value to the community. Working in the Access & Transition office, Lawrence is responsible for applying and managing Federal, State, and other grants secured by the college. In addition to his involvement with the Chamber, Lawrence is also dedicated to his church, First Baptist Church of Westminster, MA, serving as the Worship Leader. Lawrence just recently wrapped up a trip to Washington D.C. where he was advocating for peace in his homeland of Cameroon by trying to get the House of Representatives to make a public statement and galvanize support- saying no to human rights abuses by the Cameroon government.

We thank Lawrence NFOR 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.