A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will take place at 8:45am and complimentary refreshments will be served.
We are truly excited and committed to continue playing a vital role in the Leominster community by assisting residents with their financial needs, and through our charitable and educational initiatives.
The newly built branch will offer a full-compliment of financial services and amenities including an Education Banking Center, iPad banking technology, complimentary internet access, a Drive-Up ATM and Teller, virtually unlimited parking and much more.
Additionally, as part of the Grand Opening Celebration, we will be raffling off an iPad mini 4 (128GB) each month during the months of November, December, and January.
We hope that you can stop by to meet the entire DCU Leominster team and help celebrate the opening of our new branch.
Leominster Credit Union was named Credit Union of the Year at the 2017 Cooperative Credit Union Association Annual Meeting and Convention. The CCUA represents credit unions in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Delaware.
LCU also received two additional awards. It was recognized with the Excellence in Advocacy award for its outstanding work with the communities it serves. This award is presented to credit unions that go above and beyond in advocacy and educational outreach in support of credit unions.
The third award for Young Professional of the Year was given to Kathy Hurley, HR Generalist at LCU. This award recognizes the outstanding work of young professionals within the credit union industry. Hurley was recognized for her dedication to the business, including her development of the LCU employee wellness programs, as well as her efforts supporting the needs of employees and the overall business.
“We are honored to have been recognized as the 2017 Credit Union of the Year, and for winning an Advocacy award as well as a Young Professional of the Year award,” said LCU President & CEO John J. O’Brien. “These awards are a great example of our employees working together to improve the financial well-being of our members and to further the credit union cause through our support of our local communities.”
Fundada en 1954, Leominster Credit Union (LCU) es una cooperativa financiera sin fines de lucro, de propiedad de sus socios, que ofrece una gama completa de servicios de depósito, crédito y otros servicios financieros. Con sede en Leominster, Massachusetts, LCU se enorgullece de contar con casi 50,000 socios y más de $600 millones en activos. LCU cuenta con siete sucursales en Leominster, Worcester, Clinton, Holden, Sterling y North Leominster, todas ellas con servicios de cajero automático. LCU también ofrece servicios bancarios las 24 horas a través de sus servicios móviles y en línea. Visite leominstercu.com o llame al 800-649-4646.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and its economic development affiliates the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) and the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association (JATA) co-hosted a special bus tour of North Central Massachusetts on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 for the New England Consular Corps. The tour was co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment (MOITI) and provided an opportunity to introduce foreign diplomats to North Central Massachusetts and promote the region as a great place to live, work, visit or grow a business.
The economic development tour highlighted local manufacturing and showcased the region’s skilled workforce, quality of life and the advantages of locating a business in North Central Massachusetts. Approximately 25 diplomatic and commercial representatives of 16 countries participated in the tour. State economic development officials also participated, including Nam Pham, Assistant Secretary of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development & International Trade; Mark Sullivan, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of International Trade & Investment (MOITI); Francois Nivaud, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT); and Peter Milano, Senior Director of Business Development at the Massachusetts Office of Business Development.
The bus tour featured stops at Quiet Logistics in Devens, to learn about their Quiet Brand Incubator, a new program launched in September 2016 designed to support innovative e-commerce startups; Laddawn, Inc. in Devens, a plastics manufacturer that manufactures recyclable plastic films and bags for industrial, food, medical, and institutional markets; Boutwell Owens of Fitchburg, a manufacturer of printed paperboard packaging; and Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg for a lunch and presentation about the region conducted by the Chamber and sponsored by Great Wolf. The tour also included a trip to the summit of Mount Wachusett to witness the beautiful fall foliage and scenic views of the region, and concluded with a special reception with business leaders hosted by Wachusett Ski Area at their base lodge.
“This was an exciting opportunity to showcase North Central Massachusetts to an international audience of diplomats and business representatives,” said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We have a number of international businesses already thriving in our region and believe that this is a dynamic region to invest and grow a business.”
“The Massachusetts Office of Business Development is proud to showcase business opportunities throughout the Commonwealth and the recent tour of North Central Massachusetts with the New England Consular Corps is one of the many ways we spotlight our manufacturing companies, visitor destinations and recreation areas that underscore everything Massachusetts has to offer,” said Nam Pham, Assistant Secretary of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development and International Trade
Countries represented on the tour included Brazil; Cabo Verde; Canada; Columbia; Ireland; Japan; Mexico; Nepal; Netherlands; Poland; Portugal; South Korea; Taiwan; Turkey; United Arab Emirates; and the United Kingdom.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce would like to express its thanks and appreciation to the following companies and organizations for their participation in the International Economic Development Tour:
Boutwell-Owens; Great Wolf Lodge of New England; Laddawn, Inc.; Quiet Logistics; Wachusett Ski Area; Massachusetts Office of Business Development; Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment; and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. Special thanks to Great Wolf Lodge of New England; Wachusett Ski Area; and Wachusett Brewing Company for their support of the lunch program and business reception.
For more information on the economic development tour, please contact the North Central Massachusetts Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 244 or visit www.northcentralmass.com.
The Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center (MVOC) will be hosting an exciting and unique fundraising event entitled, the “Business Achievers Boot Camp”. The event will be held on November 15ta, from 9am to 3pm, at the Great Wolf Lodge New England conference center, 150 Great Wolf Drive, in Fitchburg, MA.
This event is open to the public and will provide an interactive and exciting day of professional development for individuals, and the owners, leaders, and s
taff members of the area business community. Lunch is provided at both ticket levels. It will feature presentations from professional certified business coaches of the Boston-area firm InnerOvation and special guest DYNAMIC national speaker, coach and author, Kendall Ficklin.
About Kendall Ficklin & InnerOvation:
Kendal Ficklin will be appearing in New England for his first time. As a purpose-driven, inspiring, and dedicated professional, Kendall Ficklin has changed the lives of thousands of individuals. Kendall’s distinction is that he is not only passionate about his gift of empowerment, but he recognizes that in order to reach the world – he must always lead by example, by believing in his own abilities.
While based in Atlanta, GA, Kendall has established a strong clientele and led a broad array of professional development and training sessions with major corporations such as Delta, Home Depot, Arby’s, HoneyBaked Ham, and PepsiCo, as well as workshop facilitation and coaching with AT&T, The Atlanta Dream, and United Way, respectively.
As an author of four published books, Kendall continues to change the lives of others through his literary works and impactful speaking style. His presentation at this event will focus on his latest book, “Your Work Has to Match Your Want: Your Guide To GREAT”.
InnerOvation is a professional development firm based from Cambridge, MA and comprised of a diverse team of certified business coaches who specialize in a variety of topics. During the November 15ta event, their team will provide a presentation mini-series of interactive and informative topics such as leadership, work-life balance, and diverse work teams.
Energize, educate, and empower yourself or your business by attending this one of a kind event.
ALL proceeds will go to support the expansion of wellness and mental health programming for our area veterans at the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center in Gardner, MA. Each general admission ticket will equate to four counseling sessions to a veteran or a family of a veteran. VIP tickets are also available and represent 10 counseling sessions. VIP tickets also feature premier seating and a free copy of Kendall Ficklin’s latest book. Both ticket levels include a business luncheon on site.
The Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center is a 501c3 Nonprofit organization that has been providing comprehensive support services to veterans and their families since 1981. Such services include professional mental health counseling, wellness activities, housing for homeless and low income veterans, benefits and claims support, food pantry services, a drop-in center, plus more. The MVOC is committed to serving all veterans no matter discharge status, time, place, or branch of military service, to include Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserves military service members and their families. Currently, there is urgent need for additional and expanded wellness services. Please help us help our veterans in need, and by doing so, you will enjoy a very rewarding experience.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) and the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce have announced a new partnership to bring additional micro lending resources closer to young companies in the Gardner area of Massachusetts.
The collaboration involves the NCMDC providing start-up and existing small businesses in the Greater Gardner area with access to its microloan financing programs, which provide loans of up to $150,000 to help businesses that may not meet the traditional lending standards. The Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce will provide the NCMDC with marketing support and a presence in their office for their loan officers to counsel potential clients.
“We’re really pleased to be able to partner with the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation on this loan program,” said Jim Bellina, President & CEO of the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce. “This is a great resource to support businesses and economic development in the greater Gardner area. The NCMDC’s track record and commitment to growing new and existing businesses in North Central Massachusetts have played an important role in our expanding regional renaissance.”
“Our microloan program has had a profound impact on our business community in North Central Massachusetts. We have a long and successful history of supporting small businesses with financial resources and technical assistance,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. “We are excited to partner with the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce to continue to help support the small and emerging businesses that are so important to the economic advancement of North Central Massachusetts.”
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance. Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $6 million in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region. In addition, these funds were leveraged with local financial institutions providing $21 Million of their funds and local investors and business owners providing another $3.2 Million. Thousands of new jobs have been created in the region as a result of the loans made.
Microloan programs have become increasingly important to the business community since the economic collapse in 2008 that put more restrictions on how banks can serve small business loans. Micro loans made by the NCMDC can be used for working capital, leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures and refinancing of business credit card debt. Eligible businesses include manufacturing, retail, wholesale and service businesses usually having five employees or less at the time of application and meeting the definition of small business. The interest rates are flexible, but generally close to the current fixed market rate.
NCMDC loan officers will be available via appointment to serve the needs of new clients in the Gardner area. To schedule an appointment, please contact the NCMDC at 978.353.7607 or contact the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce at 978.632.1780.
FREE COMMUNITY TRAINING Presented by Facing Addiction In Fitchburg And Beyond When: Thursday, Oct. 19th, 3:00 – 7:00 PM. This is a 4-hour event which includes dinner (pizza). Where: Fitchburg Senior Center, 14 Wallace Ave., Fitchburg. The Senior Center is close to downtown Fitchburg and is handicap accessible. Who should attend? Anyone who is concerned about addiction and wants to gain the tools we need to shift public perception, tackle stigma and create real solutions to the addiction crisis. You do not have to live in Fitchburg to attend. Everyone is welcome! What will people learn at the training? Participants will learn best practices for creating positive change in our community. Topics covered will include: community organizing, messaging (including social media), policy and advocacy. For more information and to register for this FREE training, please… Visit us at Facing Addiction In Fitchburg And Beyond Email us at Facing Addiction In Fitchburg And Beyond: Background and FAQ
What is Facing Addiction?
Facing Addiction Inc. is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to unifying the voices of the more than 45 million Americans and their families directly impacted by addiction. The organization was launched in 2015 in front of tens of thousands on the National Mall in Washington DC and was co-sponsor of the launch of the U.S. Surgeon General’s seminal report, Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health which was released on November 17, 2016.
How can I learn more about Facing Addiction?
If you want to learn more about Facing Addiction Inc., go here: https://www.facingaddiction.org/?home
or you can just Google “Facing Addiction”.
What is Facing Addiction In Fitchburg And Beyond?
Facing Addiction In Fitchburg And Beyond is a Pilot Project of Facing Addiction, Inc.
What does it mean to be a Pilot Project with Facing Addiction?
As a Pilot Project, we have the opportunity to work directly with Facing Addiction. Specifically, Facing Addiction has committed to working with us to:
Secure increases in localized funding to adequately address the crisis
Train advocates on proper organizational and advocacy techniques to reform their community’s response
Invest time and resources in communication opportunities with elected officials and other policy makers
Provide media guidance to garner press coverage to further highlight the solutions to the problem
Develop political strategies and aid community stakeholders in the development of an overarching “campaign strategy”
How did Fitchburg become a Pilot Project?
In February of 2017, the City of Fitchburg applied to be a Pilot Community with Facing Addiction. The application was submitted by the Joint Coalition on Health (JCOH) after requesting and receiving the full support of Fitchburg leadership including Mayor DiNatale, Chief Martineau and Fitchburg Board of Health Director, Stephen Curry.
Facing Addiction received more than 50 applications from communities across the country. In March of 2017, it was announced that Fitchburg, MA was selected as one of 15 communities to participate in the organization’s pilot community project.
In addition to Fitchburg, MA the following communities were selected to participate:
Annapolis, MD – Baton Rouge, LA – Billings, MT – Boise, ID – Chicago, IL – Cumming, GA – Martinsburg & Berkeley Springs, WV – New Canaan, CT – Rochester, NY – Safford, AZ – San Diego, CA – Springfield, MO – West Bend, WI – West Linn, OR
Why was Fitchburg chosen?
Fitchburg was chosen because we were able to clearly demonstrate in our application that we are a community which is facing addiction head-on. As a community, we have demonstrated a willingness to try new and innovative approaches, collaborate and work with each other, seek knowledge and learn from each other. Our community has a strong foundation on which to build and Facing Addiction has committed to helping us.
Who can join Facing Addiction In Fitchburg And Beyond? Anyone who is interested In promoting recovery, awareness and positive changes is welcome to join us. You do not have to be an expert or a professional and you do not have to live in Fitchburg. If you are concerned about addiction and want to help make a difference, we urge you to join us!
What are some ways to get involved?
Join our mailing list to receive updates and invites to events and meetings:
“Like” us on FaceBook: Facing Addiction In Fitchburg And Beyond
Johnny Appleseed Trail Association offers a new experiential networking program
The Johnny Appleseed Trail Association, JATA, and the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce our newest networking program, Experience North Central! This is a quarterly series that offers guests a unique opportunity to experience our local gems while networking with other like-minded professionals. The second session will be held from 5:30 pm to 7:30pm on Wednesday, October 18ta, 2017 at the Gardner Ale House located at 74 Parker Street, Gardner, MA.
Our October event celebrates National Manufacturing Month with Moon Hill Brewing, the distributor of the Gardner Ale House beers. This event will feature refreshments, a tour of the brewing set up, discussion on the microbrew industry with owner, Rick Walton, and the head brewer, as well as beer tasting.
“It is important to inform the local community on all of the great things happening in North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy Nascimento, President of the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association. “Too often people don’t know or overlook what is happening in their own backyard and we want to be around to help remind them.”
Moon Hill Brewing, Co. is the parent company of the brewpub, the Gardner Ale House. Moon Hill was begun to make beer, food and good
times available to the world, with an emphasis on the beer. Moon Hill began with the brewpub (the Ale House), which now, 10 years later, sports 14 Moon Hill beers on tap and a worthy-of-Boston-or-New York bistro-pub style menu. Now, Moon Hill is finally ready to distribute beer beyond the bar! The very same beers you find on tap at the Ale House are now available as Moon Hill Brewing, Co.’s beers on tap at other locations beyond the Gardner Ale House.
The cost of the event is $15 for Chamber and JATA members and $25 for non-members. For registration, please visit www.northcentralmass.com or contact Maria McCaffrey at 978.353.7604 x. 235 or
10/16 from 12-1 pm EST The Secret to Living a Long and Healthy Life is Healthy Eating
You know the saying “You are what you eat?” Well it really is true! In fact, according to the latest research, “about half of American adults have one or more preventable, diet-related chronic diseases and healthy eating is one of the most powerful tools for prevention.” Attend this informative webinar and become educated on what, when and how much to eat! Learn how MyPlate can help you and your family make and enjoy healthy, balanced meals and prevent diet-related chronic disease. Meal planning doesn’t have to be time consuming, costly or frustrating. All you really need is a basic understanding of the food groups, portion sizes and label reading then your equipped and ready to eat healthy, prevent chronic disease and stay within your budget! Make the decision to eat better so you can feel better starting today.
10/25 from 8-9 pm EST Choosing to Shop Better to Feel Better?
You know the old saying ” you can’t judge a book by its cover”, well, that applies to product labels too. The front of the label doesn’t necessarily tell the whole story about the product! Learning to read labels, ingredient lists and navigating the grocery store can help avoid advertising pitfalls and turn unhealthy choices into healthier ones. Attend this webinar, practice while you learn, become an ingredient detective and put your favorite “healthy” product to the test! Make the decision to shop and eat better so you can lower your risk of developing chronic diseases.
11/1 from 8-9 pm EST Prediabetes…Could It Be You?
According to the CDC, “there are 84.1 MILLION adults living in the US with prediabetes and 9 out of 10 don’t know it.” COULD YOU BE ONE OF THEM? Attend this life changing webinar on prediabetes, complete the ADA risk screening questionnaire and learn the simple proven lifestyle changes you can start today to reduce your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and its serious, often life- threatening complications by 58-71%! Diabetes prevention is within your reach! Start today to change your tomorrows. Take the first step now and register today!
11/8 from 8-9 pm EST The Key to Type 2 Diabetes Management is in Your Daily Routine
Ever feel overwhelmed, frustrated and distressed having to live with and manage your Type 2 Diabetes? If so, this webinar is for you! Attend and you will learn that the key to successful management is simply having a basic understanding of Diabetes and following the seven AADE recommended daily self-management behaviors. Making small changes to your daily routine will lead to achieving your blood sugars goals and significantly reducing your risk of developing potentially serious long-term complications! Choose to feel better and live longer! Register today.
11/15 from 8-9 pm EST Living a long and healthy Life with Type 2 Diabetes
Did you know that Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations and adult onset blindness? They result from chronic elevated blood sugars. The good news is you can help decrease your risks of developing these complications by achieving your Diabetes ABC goals and having regular screenings recommended by the American Diabetes Association. Attend this webinar and start taking control of your Diabetes instead of letting your Diabetes take control of you! It is possible to live a long and healthy life with Type 2 Diabetes. Register today
Since 1952, The Arc has been a civil and human rights movement supporting individuals with disabilities and their families in North Central Massachusetts. We invite you to help us celebrate this accomplishment at our Annual Auction fundraiser, directly benefitting the Family Support program.
Join us on November 17, 2017, from 7pm- 10pm at the DoubleTree in Leominster, where supporters of The Arc will come together for a fun night filled with Live Auctions, Silent Auctions, Raffles, Generosity & Hors d’oeuvres!
Some of the auction items available this year:
Trips to Wells, ME, Cape Cod, Key West & Northern New Hampshire
NASCAR, Bruins, Celtics, and Premium Red Sox Tickets
Disney World Park Hopper Passes & Boston Pops Tickets
Foursome Golf Package to Oak Hill Country Club
And lots of fun and unique silent auction baskets!
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