Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and Amy Jolly, Head of School at Applewild School.
La Cámara de Comercio del Centro Norte de Massachusetts y Applewild School announced a groundbreaking new affinity partnership aimed at supporting Chamber members and their families by offering exclusive benefits, including tuition discounts and preferential access to Applewild’s renowned educational programs.
The partnership addresses one of the region’s most pressing challenges: access to high-quality childcare and education. By offering substantial savings and priority enrollment, this program supports local employers’ efforts to reduce barriers to employment while providing valuable benefits to Chamber members.
Las características clave del programa de afinidad incluyen:
Application fee waiver ($70 value) for both K-9 and Preschool programs
$1,500 tuition discount for K-9 students
Preferential enrollment access for preschool-age children (18 months – 5 years)
“We are excited to launch this new benefit for our members and their families. This isn’t just about discounted tuition; it’s about breaking down barriers to employment and providing our members with access to quality childcare and education,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This innovative partnership embodies our commitment to creative solutions that address our community’s most pressing challenges. By connecting our members with world-class education, we’re not only enhancing the value of Chamber membership but also catalyzing economic growth and family prosperity in our region.”
Amy Jolly, Head of School at Applewild School, shared her perspective on the partnership: “We are thrilled to join forces with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce in this innovative program. As a longstanding Chamber member and community-focused institution, we see this as an opportunity to extend our educational expertise to a broader range of local families. This partnership reinforces our commitment to the region and allows us to contribute more directly to its economic vitality by supporting working families with high-quality educational options.”
Applewild School, known for its comprehensive programs serving children from 18 months through 9th grade, brings a strong reputation and full accreditation to this partnership. With its campus in Fitchburg and a satellite preschool location in Devens, the school is well-positioned to serve families throughout North Central Massachusetts.
Chamber members and their employees can access these exclusive benefits by providing proof of membership during the application process to Applewild School. The school’s admissions team will work directly with the Chamber to verify membership and apply the appropriate discounts.
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The City of Fitchburg announces the renewal of its Fitchburg Community Electricity Aggregation (Fitchburg CEA) program, with new prices for the period December 2024 through December 2027. Fitchburg CEA is a group purchasing program, operated by the City since 2023, which provides electricity supply options to help residents and businesses manage costs and increase renewable energy use. Current participants do not need to take any action to remain in the Fitchburg CEA program and receive the new pricing.
The City is pleased to have secured lower rates for our Fitchburg Community Electricity Aggregation products through December 2027. All products will cost less than the current Unitil’s Basic Service residential supply when the new prices go into effect.
All new Fitchburg CEA prices will be fixed for 36 months, from December 2024 through December 2027. The Fitchburg CEA Program will continue to be served by the supplier, Constellation:
Over 14,000 accounts in City, which includes the vast majority of residents, use the Fitchburg Standard option. They will meet the state renewable energy requirements starting in December 2024. You may switch to another Fitchburg CEA option at any time. To switch options, call our program’s current electricity supplier, Constellation, at (833) 943-0160, or submit a request at FitchburgCEA.com. Income-eligible customers can receive a 40% discount on their entire electricity bill, including the Fitchburg CEA supply prices. You can find a link to sign up for this discount at FitchburgCEA.com.
No action is necessary to receive the new pricing for your current Fitchburg supply option, if listed above. For example, if you currently use Fitchburg Plus, you will automatically receive the new price for Fitchburg Plus listed above. However, if you are currently on the Fitchburg 5 product, it will not be offered in the new contract. Such customers will be automatically transferred to the Fitchburg Standard product, unless they affirmatively select another product.
To check what Fitchburg CEA supply option you currently use, look at the Supply section of your Unitil electricity bill. If you participate in the program, it will include the “Old Price” listed above, or if you use the discontinued Fitchburg 5 product, it will show 17.467 ¢/kWh. FITCHBURG CITY HALL, 718 MAIN STREET, FITCHBURG, MA 01420 | TEL: 978-829-1801 | New prices take effect on your December meter read, which for most of the community is on December 6. The first bill to show the new Fitchburg CEA pricing will be the bill you receive showing usage from your December meter read to January meter read. Most customers can expect to receive this bill in early January 2025.
The City’s current electricity contract has offered fixed prices since March 2023, providing multiple years of price stability. Most participants use the Fitchburg Standard, which has saved about $130 for the typical residential customer over that time. As a reminder, Fitchburg CEA prices only apply to the Supply portion of your electric bill and take effect on your meter read date. Unitil will continue to set the charges on the Delivery on your electric bill and will repair outages and manage all billing. Fitchburg CEA has no impact on any solar benefits, low-income discounts, or budget billing plans.
If you are not currently participating in Fitchburg CEA, you can join any time. To join, submit a request at FitchburgCEA.com. Fitchburg CEA participants may leave the Program at any time, without penalty and return to Basic Service supply with Unitil. To leave the Program, call Unitil at (888) 301-7700, or submit a request at FitchburgCEA.com.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the participants selected for the 2025 Community Leadership Institute (CLI). This prestigious nine-month program equips future leaders with essential skills and deep regional knowledge, focusing on key sectors and topics including media and crisis communications; non-profit governance and volunteerism; healthcare; arts and culture; government and the legislative process; manufacturing; economic development; and the legal system.
Established in 1989, CLI has graduated more than 300 community leaders over its 36-year history, with over 100 alumni in the past five years alone. The program identifies and develops emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds who will shape our region’s future.
The Community Leadership Institute delivers its comprehensive curriculum through monthly sessions from October through June. Each participant, sponsored by their respective business organization, gains extensive exposure to regional challenges and opportunities. The Chamber accepts applications annually during July and August, selecting participants who demonstrate strong leadership potential and commitment to community service.
“CLI continues to be our flagship leadership development program, preparing the next generation of regional leaders,” says Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s class represents the diverse talent and potential within North Central Massachusetts.”
“The caliber of this year’s class is exceptional,” notes Dr. Michael Greenwood, Chair of the Community Leadership Institute Program. “These emerging leaders bring fresh perspectives and energy that will undoubtedly strengthen our region’s future economic and social fabric.”
CLI Class of 2025 Participants:
Elizabeth Aguilera, Rollstone Bank & Trust
Hannah Bovill, Bemis Associates
Stefanae Bowen, Mount Wachusett Community College
Marian Colón, Enterprise Bank & Trust
Catherine Comerford, Workers’ Credit Union
Travis Condon, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
Emily Dewey, IC Federal Credit Union
Danielle Duval, Leominster Credit Union
Rosa Fernandez, Health Equity Partnership of North Central MA
Luisa Fernandez, Fitchburg Public Schools
Calla Flannery, Workers’ Credit Union
Jacqui Girouard, AIS, Inc.
Nate Glenny, Fitchburg Access Television
Deborah Hinkle, Fitchburg Public Library
Lauren Howe, empHowered PR
Michael Kennedy, Fitchburg State University
Brittany Knowles, Bin There Dump That
Meghan Macieko, Community Foundation of North Central MA
Towma Rastad, Fidelity Bank
Sabbra Reyes, Visit North Central Massachusetts
Brandon Robbins, Ginny’s Helping Hand
Eladia Romero, Office of Representative James McGovern
Jake Simopoulos, MA State Senate Office of Senator John J. Cronin
Kristen Smith, NXT Level Studios
Sarah Tavitian, NewVue Communities
Lynese Wiafe, Fitchburg State University
For more information on the Community Leadership Institute, please visit www.northcentralmass.com/overview/cli or contact Maureen Babcock at or 978.353.7600 ext. 222.
Image Credit: Walter Iooss, Blue Dunk, Lisle, IL, 1987, archival pigment print. Gift from Andrew King, 2020.151.26.
The Fitchburg Art Museum invites the public to attend The G.O.A.T. Gala on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
A Night at the Museum provides support for FAM’s community initiatives, exhibitions, and special programs. This year’s celebration is inspired by the iconic sports photography of Walter Iooss. The Fitchburg Art Museum’s G.O.A.T. Gala celebrates our FAMily and embraces team spirit. Surrounded by photographs of some of the greatest athletes of the 20th century, this lively sports-themed evening is set to be the Greatest of All Time!
To kick off this special evening, the Red Raiders Marching Band and the FHS Cheer Squad will be welcoming attendees in the outdoor FAM Courtyard from 6 to 6:30 pm greeting guests as they arrive. Guests are encouraged to wear cocktail attire in their favorite team’s colors and can pose with props in our FAM photo backdrop. Finicky Fork catering will serve a menu of playful sports–themed appetizers and specialty cocktails will be served (cash bar with each guest receiving one complimentary drink ticket). There will be a Silent Auction where guests can bid on game tickets and sports memorabilia, and a DJ will be playing music in the galleries.
The Museum thanks the G.O.A.T. Sponsors: Country Bank, and Enterprise Bank; M.V.P. Sponsors: Fitchburg State University, ACHLA Designs, Cabot Wealth Management, and Peter Laytin & Paula Callanan; and Rookie of the Year Sponsors: Michael DeMarco & Livia Umpierre, and Legends Grille & Sports Bar for supporting this gala.
Tickets are $40 for Members & $50 for non-members in advance, and $50 for Members & $60 for non-members at the door.
Question 5: A Well-Intentioned Measure with Unintended Consequences
As the President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, I feel compelled to address the potential impacts of Massachusetts Ballot Question 5 on our local economy and communities. While the intention behind this measure—to ensure fair wages for all workers—is laudable, the reality is that its passage could have severe unintended consequences for our region’s restaurants and hospitality businesses, their employees, and the broader economic ecosystem they support.
Question 5 proposes to gradually increase the minimum wage for tipped workers until it matches the standard minimum wage by 2029, effectively eliminating the tipped minimum wage system that has long been a cornerstone of the restaurant industry. Under the proposed ballot question, tipping would still be allowed, but for the first time, restaurants would also be permitted to pool and share those tips with cooks, bookkeepers, and other back-of-the-house workers who aren’t currently allowed to share in the tips from waitstaff and bartenders. On the surface, this might seem like a straightforward way to improve workers’ lives; however, the situation is far more complex.
Our independent restaurants are woven into the fabric of North Central Massachusetts. They are more than just places to eat; they are economic engines, social hubs, and integral parts of the identity for many of our communities. These establishments breathe life into our downtowns and commercial districts, draw visitors to our region, provide first jobs to our youth, and create sustainable careers for many. They support a network of local suppliers, farms and other small businesses. The meal and property taxes generated also contribute substantially to funding essential municipal services and schools in our communities.
The current tipped wage system, when implemented correctly, allows for a delicate balance. It keeps menu prices affordable while enabling servers to earn well above minimum wage through a combination of base pay and tips.
If Question 5 passes, restaurant owners will face some stark choices: significantly raise prices, reduce staff, or both. This isn’t mere speculation. We’ve heard directly from local restaurant owners who are deeply concerned about their ability to keep their doors open if this measure passes. This measure would come at a time when their industry, which has always operated on thin margins, is still rebounding from the pandemic, coping with inflation and high credit card fees, wrestling with soaring energy and insurance costs, and adapting to changes in dining habits in a work-from-home economy. Their alarm signals a threat not just to our beloved establishments, but to our broader economic ecosystem.
Higher menu prices could lead to reduced customer traffic, especially in a time when many households are already feeling the pinch of inflation. Reduced staffing would mean fewer job opportunities, particularly for young people and those seeking flexible work arrangements. And if restaurants close, we lose not just those jobs, but the spillover economic benefits restaurants provide to neighboring businesses and suppliers.
Moreover, the elimination of the tipped wage system could paradoxically lead to lower take-home pay for many servers. If restaurants raise prices to cover higher base wages, customers may tip less, believing that gratuities are no longer necessary. Potentially introducing tip pooling to back-of-the-house workers could also further erode server earnings, resulting in servers earning less overall than they do under the current system.
It’s also worth noting that Massachusetts already has strong protections in place for tipped workers. If a server’s tips plus their base wage don’t reach the standard minimum wage, employers are required to make up the difference. This ensures that no tipped employee ever earns less than the standard minimum wage.
As we consider our vote on Question 5, let’s remember the full picture of what’s at stake: this isn’t just about a number on a paycheck. It’s about the vitality of our downtowns, the opportunities for our youth, the diversity of our culinary scene, and the overall economic health of our region.
I urge voters to carefully consider these broader implications and vote “No” on Question 5. Let’s instead work together to find solutions that support good wages and thriving local businesses—goals that are not mutually exclusive when approached thoughtfully.
Roy M. Nascimento, CCE, IOM
President and CEO
Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts
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As the Commonwealth’s voters go to the polls in less than a month, we at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce are deeply concerned about Massachusetts Ballot Question 2, which proposes to eliminate the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) statewide standardized tests as a primary high school graduation requirement. While well-intentioned, this measure threatens to undermine the educational progress our state has made and could have far-reaching consequences for our students, businesses and regional economy.
MCAS has been a cornerstone of the Massachusetts education system since passage of the 1993 Massachusetts Education Reform Act. This law was a bipartisan effort resulting in significant new funding for education, accompanied by high statewide standards for learning, and a system for measuring progress. More than thirty years later, schools in Massachusetts are the envy of America, propelled from the middle of the pack to the very top of the national education rankings today. But this achievement is more than just a point of pride—it’s a key driver of our state’s economic competitiveness.
In North Central Massachusetts, we’ve seen firsthand how a strong education system attracts businesses, creates jobs and helps build thriving communities. MCAS plays a crucial role in maintaining accountability and high standards, ensuring that a Massachusetts high school diploma signifies a basic level of academic achievement.
Proponents of Question 2 argue the MCAS creates undue stress and doesn’t accurately measure student abilities. They also contend the system unfairly impacts students facing various challenges, including those with disabilities, from low-income households, and experiencing other forms of educational disadvantages. While we acknowledge MCAS isn’t perfect, we believe eliminating the state’s only graduation requirement is an overreaction that could have unintended negative consequences.
Removing the MCAS could lead to a patchwork of standards across the state, potentially exacerbating educational inequities. Without a common benchmark, it becomes challenging to ensure all students, regardless of their zip code, receive a quality education that prepares them for future success. The MCAS also serves as an important assessment tool, providing valuable data to help identify and address achievement gaps. Losing this tool could make it harder to pinpoint areas where additional resources and support are needed, ultimately disadvantaging the students who need help the most. Our region’s economic growth depends on a skilled workforce. Weakening our education standards could also make us less attractive to businesses looking to invest and expand.
Instead of scrapping the MCAS and eliminating uniform, statewide standards, we should focus on improving it. We can work to make the test more inclusive and representative of diverse learning styles while maintaining high standards. We can also enhance support systems for students who struggle with standardized tests without lowering the bar for everyone.
As business leaders, we understand the importance of measurement and continuous improvement. The MCAS has played a significant role in Massachusetts’ rise to educational prominence, benefiting students, families, and our economy.
We urge voters to consider the broader implications of Question 2 carefully. A “No” vote will help preserve the high standards that have served our students and economy so well. Abandoning uniform statewide standards and a commitment to educational excellence would be a great disservice to our young people and their future success.
Roy M. Nascimento, CCE, IOM
President & CEO
Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts
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MEM Dance Theatre presents The Nutcracker, a beloved holiday performance that transports audiences of all ages to the enchanting Land of the Sweets. Join Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and a cast of talented local dancers in this timeless production. Performances are on December 7th at 6:00 PM y December 8th at 2:00 PM. Tickets go on sale October 30th at 6:00 PM.
In addition to the public performances, MEM Dance Theatre will offer free showings for local school children, supporting arts education and access within our community.
For those interested in supporting the arts, we also have advertising opportunities available in our Nutcracker program book, distributed to more than 1,500 audience members. This is a unique chance to connect with the community and show support for local arts.
Learn more and secure your ad space by visiting our Message & Ad Form.
The Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner is thrilled to announce the appointment of Natalia Oliver as the new Director of Development. Natalia, an immigrant from Uruguay, brings an extraordinary blend of leadership experience, public service, and event management expertise to the role, where she will focus on advancing the organization’s development efforts.
Natalia’s journey from her early days as an Uruguayan immigrant to becoming a key player in Fitchburg’s civic leadership highlights her commitment to community-building and advocacy for inclusive spaces. Most notably, she served as Chief of Staff for former Fitchburg Mayor Stephen L. DiNatale, where she was instrumental in managing the city’s strategic initiatives, public relations, and community outreach efforts. Natalia’s deep-rooted understanding of collaboration and fundraising in the public sector will be invaluable in her new role at the Boys & Girls Club.
“We are ecstatic to have Natalia join us as Director of Development,” said Elizabeth Coveney, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner. “Her background in public service and event management, along with her ability to connect with diverse stakeholders, will be pivotal in helping us strengthen our relationships with donors and increase our impact across the communities we serve.”
As Chief of Staff to Mayor DiNatale, Natalia played a key role in securing resources for major city projects, spearheading fundraising campaigns, and representing the Mayor’s office at community events and city councils. She brings with her a rich history of cultivating partnerships and managing complex projects. “I am honored to take on the role of Director of Development for the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner,” said Natalia Oliver. “As an immigrant, I know the importance of having supportive, empowering spaces like the Boys & Girls Club. I am excited to engage with our donors and community partners to ensure that we can continue providing exceptional programs and opportunities for the youth in our area.”
In her new role, Natalia will oversee all aspects of fundraising and donor relations, helping to secure the resources needed to advance the Boys & Girls Club’s mission of empowering youth through education, leadership development, and community engagement.
The Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) is compiling information for both the Leominster and Fitchburg Digital Equity Plans. In an effort to reach the business community, we are holding a lunchtime focus group meeting from 12:30-2:30 pm on November 6, 2024. (light lunch will be served) at 464 Abbott Avenue in Leominster.
The City of Gardner was recently awarded the final $3.5 million necessary to complete the reformative Rear Main Street project through the State’s new HousingWorks Grantprogram.
This funding represents a significant achievement for the City’s long-term vision to enhance infrastructure and promote housing growth in our community. This final phase of the Rear Main Street Revitalization Initiative accounts for the construction of a new residential structure, extending utilities to support the residential building, parking infrastructure for the project and additional green space. This initiative is a reflection of the City’s commitment to sustainable growth and improved living conditions for our residents.
“This project is going to make a big difference, not just in the downtown, but across Gardner,” said Gardner Mayor Mike Nicholson. “The Housing Crisis facing Massachusetts is no stranger to us in Gardner. We have seen a substantial increase in the demand for housing in the City over the last few years- leading to a substantial increase in housing costs as the supply simply did not meet the demand. This project meets that concern head on by providing new, market-rate housing for people looking to re-settle in the City or call Gardner their new home.”
The HousingWorks Grant program, which operates quite similarly to the MassWorks grant program, is designed to support infrastructure initiatives that encourage residential growth and developments. The Rear Main Street project has been a collaborative effort from all of our partners at the state and local level.
“We’re thrilled to continue state support for this project,” said State Representative Jon Zlotnik. “As we’ve said all along, this project will be transformative for downtown Gardner. It has taken a lot of time and a lot of work by many people, but we’re in the final stretch now and I can’t wait to see this built out, and the positive impact it will have on the area.”
HousingWorks provides municipalities with grants for a variety of infrastructure improvements that spur housing development and preservation. This year, the administration is awarding grants to 12 communities to create over 1,550 new housing units and preserve over 690 units of housing. The $3.5 million awarded to Gardner was one of the largest grants awarded this year by Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll. This is in addition to the $4.1 million that was originally awarded for Phase 2 of this project.
“These funds will allow the City to complete the public sector infrastructure improvements to support the private sector housing project along Derby Drive, which is the last phase of a $20 plus million public / private partnership in the Rear Main Corridor” said Trevor Beauregard, Director of Gardner’s Community Development and Planning Department.
Over the last five years, the City has invested millions of dollars into revitalizing the downtown to breathe new life into the area. From improvements to roadways, sidewalk and lighting replacements, recreational facilities, building renovations, and other projects.
“Our receipt of the Phase 3 funding marks a pivotal moment for Rear Main Street,” said City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas. “Years of hard work and collaboration have led to this significant milestone, as Rep. Zlotnik and our State partners have continued to recognize Gardner’s serious investment in this project. The stage is now set for a fully revitalized Rear Main St. area that encourages growth and pride within our community. We are incredibly fortunate to receive this award.”
Several local business owners have also expressed their excitement about this project coming to fruition.
“Having been business owners in Downtown for 61 years and property owners for 50 years we are excited to see the Rear Main Street Project beginning to move forward.” said Anne and Alan LeBlanc, owners of John’s Sport Shop. “It will bring much needed parking for this area as well as greatly improving the appearance”
Similarly, Sean and Nancy Brey, owners of Downtown Gardner’s newest business, Diamond Hearts Art Studio, echoed this sentiment. “When Mayor Nicholson first met with us about locating our business in Gardner, one of the things that sold us on the City was this exact project and how much vitality it was going to bring to the area – and that’s what sold us,” said Nancy Brey. “We are so excited to meet our new neighbors.”
“If Gardner is as welcoming to these residents who will live there, as they have been to us, they’re going to love living here,” said Sean Brey.
“It’s been so exciting for me, as someone who has been in business for 37 years downtown, to watch this project happening,” said Patti Bergstrom, owner of the Velvet Goose. “This project has all the elements we need to make our downtown, and our City, even more successful and more fabulous- housing, parking, new businesses, old businesses.”
Through this round of the One Stop Grants, the Executive Office of Economic Development received 756 applications from 510 organizations with projects in 229 communities across the state. The Executive Office of Economic Development estimates this round of One Stop awards will help create more than 18,000 new units of housing, including 4,000 new affordable units, 31,000 new permanent jobs, and more than 14 million square feet of new commercial development statewide.
“This is a very exciting time for the city of Gardner and we have seen so many positive changes to our city over the past few years. I know that this Rear Main street project has taken much hard work and effort to get this to materialize. So, thank you to all who have made this happen” said Ward 4 Councilor Karen Hardern.
This project comes as the third and final phase of the Rear Main Street Revitalization Project. Beginning in 2015, the City of Gardner worked to obtain the properties along Rear Main Street, leading to the construction of the new street on Derby Drive in 2018. Phase 2 began with the groundbreaking of the public parking and plaza space earlier this month. While there is still some time before shovels will hit the ground on this latest phase, the potential for the area is already being felt.
“The Rear Main Street Revitalization Project has been a top priority for the Gardner Redevelopment Authority for quite some time, and I’m happy to see us reach this milestone,” said City Councilor Paul Tassone, who also serves as the Chair of the Gardner Redevelopment Authority. “In order to grow our business base, we need a population to support the businesses who are opening their doors and investing in the City- and in order to have that population base, we need places for these individuals to live. This project, combined with the project we just broke ground on last week, are huge for Gardner. This takes an area that was once dead, and will transform it into the heart beat of the City.”
“These projects don’t happen on their own,” concluded Mayor Nicholson. “This project is a perfect example of the way things get accomplished when local officials partner with officials at the state and the private sector to build a stronger community together. I’d like to thank the Healy-Driscoll Administration, Rep. Zlotnik, Director Trevor Beauregard of the City’s Community Development Department, and our partners at the state level and the Gardner Redevelopment Authority for making this plan a reality. I’m truly looking forward to seeing the ways this project brings new life into our downtown and benefits the City for generations.”
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick O’Hara as Manager of Membership Recruitment and Engagement.
In this position, he will be responsible for managing marketing and outreach to prospective members while also providing superior frontline customer service and support for current members. Additionally, he will drive a membership strategy that projects the Chamber’s message/brand to all of our stakeholders.
O’Hara brings to the Chamber extensive marketing and sales experience. He has worked with businesses in Central Massachusetts for over 25 years helping them with marketing, advertising and sales strategies. Most recently, he served as Territory Sales Manager for Land.com CoStar. He previously served as a consultative salesperson at CBS Radio, WXLO, and was a manager at WCRN830 AM. He is skilled at handling enterprise accounts as well as mom and pop businesses. Over the years, he has engaged in all aspects of multimedia solutions including digital, radio, cable, tv, print, event marketing and video with specialized training in the automotive and real estate sectors.
O’Hara’s experience as a small business owner also adds valuable perspective to his role at the Chamber. He was the founder of O’Hara Management Inc., a real estate management and development firm and he also owned and operated Tempest Advertising, a full-service advertising agency with customers like Kelly’s Roast Beef, Colonial Automotive Group, Cully’s Snowmobile Ranch, and Elite Entertainment.
“I am excited to have Patrick join our team, he will be a great help in supporting our efforts to promote our members and the communities of North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “His energy, experience and marketing knowledge will make a positive contribution to our efforts to engage business leaders and advance the regional economy.”
O’Hara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Northeastern University and has earned various Google certifications. He resides in Westminster and is actively involved in the community, most notably serving as the Founder, President, and Coach of the Ashburnham-Westminster Whalers Hockey Club.
Current members or businesses interested in learning more about the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce can reach out to Patrick O’Hara at 978.353.7600 ext. 239 or via email at .
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