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

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, 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.