On Thursday, October 17, 2024, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, State Representative Jon Zlotnik, City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas, the Gardner Redevelopment Authority, and officials from the City officially broke ground on the Rear Main Street Revitalization Project in Downtown Gardner.
“This project will be huge for downtown Gardner,” said Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson. “This almost doubles our parking capacity in the area and creates new amenities for our residents and visitors to the Downtown. With the anticipated housing production we anticipate in the area, and the large number of new businesses opening up in Gardner, this furthers the goals we have of creating a strong and vibrant community.”
The funding for this project comes from the Commonwealth’s MassWorks Grant program that was awarded in 2021 and will be used to construct a new event plaza, food truck parking area, 100 + space unmetered parking lot, and improvements and lighting to the alleyways in the area. This will also allow for rear access to several of the buildings on Main Street and add new
entry ways connecting Main Street to the Rear Main Street – Derby Drive area.
“This project has been many years in the making and still requires more work to bring over the finish line, but today represents another major step in what is a long-term plan to improve downtown Gardner,” said State Representative Jon Zlotnik, who played an integral role in obtaining this funding for the City. “This is a milestone that could not have been reached without City-State cooperation, obviously substantial funding from the State along with interest from private developers. We’re very excited, with this groundbreaking today, to be able to see the fruition of so much work by so many people to redevelop this section of downtown.”
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.
“Phase 2 of the Rear Main St. project opens our community to more vibrance and connection through infrastructure,” said City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas. “ I am proud that Gardner has grown immensely in the last few years in this exact way. City Councillors are charged with considering a significant investment for a project like this, typically through matching city funds that are related to state and other grants. Representative Zlotnik, Mayor Nicholson, and Director Beauregard have helped meet our taxpayers’ investment through their work on this, and multiple projects like it that benefit our citizens. I am excited for the completion of Phase 2 and couldn’t be happier that it has begun.”
“As the City Councilor for Ward 4 for 7 terms, I am thrilled to be able to witness the revitalization of Rear Main Street come to light,” said City Councilor Karen Harden. “This initiative shows significant growth and new opportunities for the City of Gardner, and I am really looking forward to the positive impact that it will have on our community.”
This project comes as the second 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 3 of the project is expected into include additional infrastructure upgrades and an apartment complex housing development.
Commenting on the project reaching this milestone, Trevor Beauregard, Director of Community Development and Planning and Executive Director of the Gardner Redevelopment Authority stated, “This project represents the continued partnership between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, City of Gardner, and the Gardner Redevelopment Authority, with the creation of much needed parking and outdoor amenities in the downtown area to support the public and private investment taking place in our City.” Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Director Beauregard also credited his predecessor, the late Mr. Robert Hubbard, and the late City Councilor Ronald Cormier, who served as Chair of the Gardner Redevelopment Authority for their visions for this project since the concept began in 2006.
“This is a real turning point for Downtown Gardner and the benefits this project will bring to the community are tremendous,” said City Councilor Paul Tassone, who also serves as the Chair of the Gardner Redevelopment Authority. “The Rear Main Street Revitalization Project has been a long time coming and is one of the largest investments the City has made in the downtown area. I would like to thank all of our community partners who made this project possible. Together we’re working to build a stronger community for everyone who lives here”
Construction on Phase 2 of the project is anticipated to last until summer of 2025.
“I’m very proud of the work that we have been able to accomplish in Gardner to revitalize our downtown, invest in our infrastructure, and grow our business community across the City,” concluded Mayor Mike Nicholson. “I’d like to thank our state officials for their continued partnership with Gardner and I look forward to seeing how this project improves the City for years to come.”
As part of ongoing efforts to revitalize Fitchburg and its Main Street, the City desires to create vibrant public spaces that encourage people to congregate and linger in downtown. The City of Fitchburg recognizes downtown lacks public seating and seeks to commission an art installation that would imbed art in the form of permanent seating. The selected artist must have the ability to design, fabricate and install seating that will be located along Main Street. The ideal proposal will include at least two but as many as four seating pieces that encourage people to gather in groups.
Background and Recent efforts:
Fitchburg’s downtown has a long history of supporting public art, with numerous monuments and sculptures in public spaces including the Upper Common and Monument Park. Not only can public art spur economic development as a magnet for growth, it has also been demonstrated to provide important benefits to residents including improved public safety and wellbeing and giving and opportunity for self-expression to historically excluded residents. In recent years, the City has further embraced a wider range of public art as a type of place making, and has strategically set aside funding through its Community Development Block Grant program and other sources, to create public art in downtown, recently through a number of murals. Fitchburg’s downtown will also be the focus of a cultural district currently in the planning phase; and to that end, the City is encouraging arts and culture based businesses to cluster in downtown.
In recent years, several arts and culture initiatives have taken root in the downtown. The Community applied for and received a Creative Cities grant through MassDevelopment and the Barr foundation, this initiative is about to enter its 3rd year and works to foster leadership and partnership in creative for-profit and non-profit activities. Fitchburg Arts Community in currently under construction at the former BF Brown school, bringing 68 units of artist preference housing to the area, and numerous arts organizations are located, or are soon to locate in the downtown including the Fitchburg Art Museum, the Fitchburg Cultural Alliance, the Boulder Art Gallery, Stratton Players, New Players Theater Guild, the Gallery Marque, and Coffee Corp. Numerous festivals are also hosting in the downtown area throughout the year, including Civic Days, the Lights festival, River City Rhythm & Rock Festival, the Forge In, the Brewers Festival, Juneteenth, and the Latino Cultural Festival.
The City seeks to further diversify its public art by creating three dimensional art that the public can directly interact with as seating. Based on feedback from the community and in an effort to plan for a future cultural district designation a request for artistic downtown public seating has been created. This artistic public seating should be highly visible, attractive and engaging, and create a space comfortable for residents and visitors to sit and engage with each other, take pictures, eat outside, and leave a positive impression. This is a collaboration between the city of Fitchburg, the Creative Cities partnership and Intown Fitchburg.
Please see the full call here for more information about the call and how to submit a response.
The Fitchburg Public Library building project, a transformative effort that will create a community resource and destination for the next several decades, commemorated the beginning of the renovation and construction of the library building, located at 610 Main Street, Fitchburg, with a celebratory groundbreaking earlier today.
The ceremony featured remarks from several elected officials and guests, including U.S. Congresswoman Lori Trahan, Massachusetts State Senator John Cronin, Massachusetts State Representative Michael Kushmerek, Fitchburg Mayor Samantha Squailia, and Fitchburg City Council President Anthony Zarella, as well as Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioner George Comeau, Fitchburg Public Library Director Deb Hinkle, and Honorary Co-Chair of the Offering a World of Learning (OWL) Capital Campaign Bob Antonucci. Matt Bruun, chair, Library Trustees, served as master of ceremonies.
“Today is a wonderful day for the City of Fitchburg,” said Hinkle. “As we formally recognize the groundbreaking of this historic project, the future is bright for our library and our community. The new, state-of-the-art library will dramatically improve the space for our children to learn, and our community to engage, create and study. It will truly offer a world of learning for all!”
The project encompasses two major changes, including the renovation of the existing Wallace Library, which was first built in 1967, and the creation of an entirely new children’s space and community learning center. The library will offer a new community room, a variety of meeting and conference spaces, a learning computer lab, a Makerspace, improved access to the library collection, and various seating areas throughout the building to study and engage.
“Our library stands as a cornerstone of education, supporting skill development and sparking a lifelong interest of reading and learning for our children. It serves as a true community hub where everyone is welcome, and we are committed to investing in this essential resource for future generations,” said Mayor Squailia. “While today marks the start of construction, this project is the result of years of collaboration between the city of Fitchburg, the MBLC, our dedicated library staff, and the many supporters of our public library over the years. Together, we have added a new exciting chapter for our community, and I can’t wait to see how this story unfolds.”
Foundational support from the project is provided through a variety of funds, including a $12.5 million total grant award from the MBLC through the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program. Additional funding is from a combination of the City of Fitchburg’s American Rescue Plan Act funding, which will provide $12 million, and the City of Fitchburg will provide $12 million as part of the city’s capital budget of which the library is included. These commitments cover more than 90 percent of the total project cost, while the remaining $3.5 million will come from private sources through the OWL Capital Campaign.
In addition to the formal speaking event, a traditional groundbreaking ceremony with elected officials, and business and community leaders, as well as members of the Library Trustees and the OWL Capital Campaign Committee, was held.
The City of Fitchburg Health Department invites the public to attend the annual Community Health Resource to be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 4pm – 7pm in O’Neil Hall at the Fitchburg Armory located at 14 Wallace Ave, Fitchburg.
According to Sue Christensen, Outreach & Prevention Coordinator, “Addressing the social determinates of health, the annual Community Resource Fair is an opportunity for residents to visit over 70 different information tables representing a wide variety of local services.”
Participants include housing, shelter, elder services, medical care, youth services, mental health, substance use disorder, veteran services as well as many cultural offerings. Many city departments will be participating including Health, Fire, Police, Library, Schools, Community Development, Emergency Management and others. Representatives from the offices of State Senator John Cronin, State Representative Michael Kushmerek and District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. will also be on hand to meet with residents.
Director of Public Health Stephen D. Curry is looking forward to the event, stating that the annual Community Resource Fair “provides an opportunity for members of the community to learn about the many agencies available to help residents – all in one place.”
A free raffle will be held at the event, with many participating organizations donating items. Friends of the Fitchburg Senior Center will be selling pizza & snacks.
A Walk-in Flu Clinic and COVID Vaccine Clinic will be held by the Fitchburg Health Department and the Montachusett Public Health Network. Residents are asked to bring an insurance card if they have one. As an affiliate of the Commonwealth Naloxone Purchasing Program, the Health Department will provide Narcan training and distribution.
Rollstone Bank & Trust becomes the third River Run Bank, joining Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank under a single mutual holding company.
River Run Bancorp, MHC (“River Run”) proudly announces that Rollstone Bank & Trust will be joining its network of mutual community banks through the merger of Rollstone Bancorp, MHC, the mutual holding company parent of Rollstone Bank & Trust, with and into River Run. Rollstone Bank & Trust (“RBT”) will become the third bank of River Run, alongside Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank.
This strategic partnership represents a significant step in bolstering and sustaining the mutual community banking model amid the evolving financial services landscape. The combined assets of Newburyport Bank, Pentucket Bank, and RBT will exceed $3.5 billion, enhancing their collective ability to serve the Northeastern and Central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire markets.
River Run was established in 2023 by Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank to create a multi-bank mutual holding company, which allows the banks to consolidate back-office operations, offer additional products and services, and achieve scale and efficiencies, all while continuing to prioritize customer and community engagement.
The addition of RBT further strengthens River Run as a prominent mutual community banking organization. Each bank will continue to operate under its established name and brand, retaining its local headquarters, management, retail and lending organizations, and charitable foundations. Each bank also will maintain its own Board of Directors. The River Run charter has provisions designed to ensure Newburyport Bank, Pentucket Bank, and Rollstone Bank & Trust will remain part of a mutual banking organization.
“We formed River Run to secure the independent community banking model for the future,” said Lloyd Hamm, President & CEO of River Run. “As community banks face challenges that could impact their long-term sustainability, River Run provides the structure for them to not only survive but thrive. We are thrilled to welcome Rollstone to the River Run family and are confident that, together with Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank, we will continue to support the evolution of community banking.”
Community mutual banks offer many benefits to consumers and businesses that differentiate them from other financial institution models. They offer competitive rates and fees and personalized service, and are committed to bettering the regions they serve.
In tandem with this announcement, RBT announces the upcoming retirement of its current President & CEO, Martin F. Connors, Jr., effective mid-2025, after which he will serve as the Executive Chairman of the Board for RBT for a two-year term. Connors will serve a Vice Chair and fill one of the four seats created on the River Run Board for RBT Directors.
“Since our founding as Fitchburg Savings Bank in 1846, the banking industry has evolved greatly and is currently undergoing tremendous consolidation. Through it all, we have served our customers and community with pride. Our dedication has never wavered, nor has our commitment to maintaining our mutuality,” said Connors. “Joining forces with Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank, and becoming part of the River Run family, will afford us the opportunity to enhance our service offerings and build an even stronger Bank for the future.”
RBT and River Run are excited to announce that upon Connors’ retirement, Mary Beth Jokela will be named President of Rollstone Bank & Trust, the first female President in RBT’s history. Mary Beth’s experience and leadership in her current role as Chief Operating Officer, and her relationships with the team and the community, have prepared her to pioneer RBT into this next chapter in the evolution of Rollstone.
Connors continued, “As I look forward to retirement in 2025, I can rest easy knowing RBT is in the capable hands of Mary Beth Jokela. As my successor, she will leverage the benefits of being part of the River Run family, lead the Bank in a positive direction, and ensure we maintain our mission to help families, businesses, and communities flourish.”
“I’m grateful to the Rollstone Board of Directors for giving me the opportunity to take on the role of President at Rollstone Bank & Trust. I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Marty for his 20 years of leadership,” said Jokela. “The River Run partnership will benefit our customers and community, and I’m excited to lead the RBTeam through the transition.”
RBT also brings an established Wealth Management and Trust Services division to River Run. The division offers an array of Trust, Investment Management, and Estate Planning services to assist clients in planning their financial futures. Currently, RBT is the only locally-based bank in North Central Massachusetts to provide this comprehensive suite of services. The opportunity to expand this unique service offering to customers of all River Run banks further strengthens the River Run model for community banking.
RBT, chartered in 1846 and headquartered in Fitchburg, MA, brings over $900 million in assets to River Run. As a customer and community-focused institution, Rollstone Bank & Trust joins Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank in serving the region with dedication and excellence.
The merger has been unanimously approved by the boards of River Run, Rollstone Bancorp, MHC, and Rollstone Bank & Trust. The transaction is anticipated to close in the first half of 2025, subject to the receipt of all required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
K&L Gates LLP served as legal counsel to River Run while Loomis & Co. provided financial advice for the transaction. Luse Gorman, PC served as legal counsel to RBT.
About River Run Bancorp, MHC
River Run was established in 2023 to unite leading mutual community banks under a single holding company. River Run’s mission is to foster a sustainable and independent community banking model for the benefit of its customers, employees, and communities. The River Run portfolio includes Newburyport Bank, Pentucket Bank, and will include Rollstone Bank & Trust, collectively serving the Northeastern and Central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire regions. Since its formation, River Run has served as a model for other mutual banks across New England and beyond. For more information, please visit www.riverrunmhc.com.
About Newburyport Bank
Newburyport Bank is a Massachusetts-chartered savings bank headquartered in Newburyport, MA. Founded in 1854, the Bank operates 11 locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and holds over $1.6 billion in assets. Deposits at Newburyport Bank are federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), with excess insurance provided by the Depositors Insurance Fund (DIF). Newburyport Bank, along with Pentucket Bank, is supported by the shared services organization of River Run. For more information, please visit www.newburyportbank.com.
About Pentucket Bank
Pentucket Bank is a Massachusetts-chartered savings bank headquartered in Haverhill, MA, that was founded in 1891 and has assets of over $1 billion. The Bank operates six community banking locations in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Along with Newburyport Bank, Pentucket Bank is supported by the shared services organization of River Run. For more information, please visit www.pentucketbank.com.
About Rollstone Bank & Trust
Rollstone Bank & Trust, headquartered in Fitchburg, MA, was established in 1846 and is a Federal Savings Bank with assets over $900 million. The Bank offers a wide range of banking services through branches in Fitchburg, Leominster, Harvard, Townsend, and Groton. For more information, please visit www.rollstonebank.com.
The general election is just a few weeks away and there will be two important questions you will be asked to vote on. After careful review, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce recommends a “NO” vote on Massachusetts Ballot Questions 2 and 5. We believe these measures, if passed, could have significant negative implications for local students, our members, communities and our regional economy.
Question 2: MCAS Graduation Requirement
The Chamber opposes Question 2, which would repeal the requirement that students must achieve a certain competency level on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exam to receive a high school diploma.
Background and why it’s important:
MCAS has been a cornerstone of the Massachusetts education system since passage of the 1993 Massachusetts Education Reform Act, helping to elevate our state from middle of the pack to having the best public education system in the country.
Bipartisan effort and strong support from the business community led to the passing of the law, resulting in significant new funding for education accompanied by high, statewide standards for learning, and a system for measuring progress and results.
Since the law was implemented, graduation rates have steadily increased, drop-out rates have declined, and since 2011, Massachusetts has ranked first in student achievement in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
Under current state law, students must achieve a score of “Meeting Expectations” or higher on the English language arts and mathematics tests to graduate.
Passage of Question 2 would eliminate the MCAS as a graduation requirement with students completing coursework certified by the local school district, resulting in more than 300 different graduation standards.
If Question 2 passes, Massachusetts would be one of only three states with no statewide graduation requirement; and one of two states without a minimum statewide standard for competency in math, English, and science.
Only 1% (approximately 700)* of Massachusetts high school students do not graduate because of not passing MCAS, primarily because of language barriers and other learning challenges.
Why we recommend voting “NO”:
The MCAS requirement ensures a baseline of knowledge and skills for high school graduates entering higher education or the job market.
Repealing this requirement would lower educational standards, impacting the quality of our local talent pool and making our graduates less competitive in the global economy.
The MCAS provides valuable data for identifying and addressing educational disparities, which is crucial for ensuring equal opportunities for all students.
We should take steps to meet the needs of the 1% of students who do not pass, instead of eliminating a comprehensive system that is working for almost every student.
Relying only on different local academic requirements will exacerbate educational inequities.
A major competitive advantage for Massachusetts is the quality of our public education system, and must maintain this advantage for our youth to compete in the college admissions process and future employment.
Question 5: Tipped Employee Wages
The Chamber also opposes Question 5, which would gradually increase the wage of tipped employees until it meets the state minimum wage by January 1, 2029.
Background and why it’s important:
Under current state law, tipped workers in Massachusetts, such as wait staff and bartenders, earn a base wage of $6.75 per hour, with tips making up the difference to meet or exceed the state minimum wage which is currently $15 per hour.
Question 5 would incrementally raise the tipped minimum wage over five years until it matches whatever the standard minimum wage is in 2029.
Tips would be extra. But for the first time, restaurants would also be allowed to pool and share those tips with cooks, bookkeepers, and other back-of-the-house workers who aren’t allowed, by current law, to share in those tips.
If Question 5 passes, Massachusetts would be one of just seven states without a tipped wage credit.
Why we recommend voting “NO”:
Independent local restaurants are more than just eateries; they are cornerstones of our community’s economic and social fabric. As economic catalysts, they drive foot traffic, benefiting neighboring businesses and shaping our downtowns and business districts. Their presence can influence where people and companies choose to settle, defining the region’s character. Restaurants serve as workforce developers, providing crucial first jobs and sustainable careers, while supporting a network of local suppliers, farms and other businesses. Moreover, the meal and property taxes generated contribute substantially to funding essential municipal services and schools. In essence, our local restaurants are integral to the economic vitality and social wellbeing of our communities.
This change could significantly impact our restaurant and hospitality businesses, which are vital to our local economy and 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.
The increased labor costs may force restaurants to raise prices, reduce staff, or limit hours of operation, potentially leading to job losses and reduced economic activity.
It could potentially lead to reduced overall compensation for tipped workers if customers tip less in response to higher prices or the perception that tipping is no longer necessary.
The current system allows for flexibility and can result in higher earnings for skilled service workers during peak hours.
The concerns raised by our independent restaurant owners about possible business closures and layoffs if Question 5 passes extend beyond their industry, it could potentially affect suppliers, local tax revenues, and the broader economic stability of our communities.
The Chamber also believes complex issues, such as education standards and wage structures, are best addressed through the legislative process rather than ballot referendums. The legislative process is a more deliberative process that allows for a more thorough debate and discussion of the nuances of these issues. It also provides the ability to make amendments and adjustments based on expert testimony and stakeholder input and provides greater flexibility to respond to changing economic conditions or unintended consequences.
Ballot referendums, while an important part of our democratic process, can sometimes oversimplify complex issues and lack the flexibility needed to address unintended consequences.
How the Chamber reached its conclusion
As the general election ballot questions were announced, Chamber members shared their concerns with us about the issues, specifically those related to Question 2 and Question 5. After listening to our members concerns, we compared our current policy positions with the ballot questions. We also engaged in thoughtful discussions with those who work in our restaurants and public schools, and reviewed research on these topics with our Government Affairs Committee, which represents a diverse cross-section of our membership. The committee’s recommendations were then presented to our board of directors for approval.
While all opinions expressed throughout the review were taken into consideration, this process also ensured we understood the diverse views and voices within our business community. As our policy is to lead through consensus rather than unanimity, we are able to represent the broader interests of our membership and communities.
Ultimately, the board concluded both Question 2 and Question 5 would have numerous negative consequences for our region, thus resulting in urging members to vote “NO” on Question 2 and Question 5.
We encourage all Chamber members to carefully consider these issues and their potential impact on our students and the business community. The Chamber believes maintaining educational standards and preserving the current tipped wage system are important for the continued growth and prosperity of our region.
We welcome your thoughts and feedback on these positions. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns by contacting Travis Condon, Public Affairs Manager, at 978.353.7600 ext. 224 or via email at .
*Source: Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
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MEMBER TO MEMBER OFFERS: Based on your valuable feedback, we have rebranded our Member to Member discount program as Member to Member Offers. This change reflects our commitment to providing greater flexibility for our diverse membership. We ask that offers posted on the Member to Member Offers page be exclusive or near-exclusive to our members. To post your offer, please contact Maureen Babcock at .
This program is intended to encourage member to member commerce, helping you save money while increasing your business visibility and promoting new opportunities within our network. By participating, you’ll not only benefit from cost savings but also contribute to the growth of our business community.
FAÇADE GRANTS BOOST DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION: In June, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the Chamber’s economic development arm, awarded $36,000 in grant funding to Fitchburg, Gardner, and Leominster. This investment supports local façade improvement programs, enabling businesses in targeted areas to enhance their exteriors.
Since 2022, the NCMDC has contributed a total of $146,000 towards façade improvements, playing a crucial role in revitalizing downtown business districts across the region’s three largest cities. This initiative aligns with the One North Central Economic Development Plan, which prioritizes downtown revitalization.
This successful public-private partnership demonstrates our commitment to fostering vibrant, attractive urban centers in North Central Massachusetts.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT: In August, Travis Condon, our Public Affairs Manager, completed his third year at the US Chamber’s Northeast Institute for Organization Management (IOM). This prestigious four-year program offers intensive training for chamber and association professionals, covering crucial topics such as advocacy, media relations, membership strategies, finance, legal issues, and human resources. IOM’s curriculum, delivered by university professors, industry experts, and leading practitioners, provides invaluable insights and networking opportunities with peers nationwide. Travis’s ongoing participation reflects our commitment to staying at the forefront of chamber industry best practices.
Further demonstrating our dedication to excellence, Chamber President & CEO Roy Nascimento and Tracy Gagnon, Manager of Membership Recruitment & Engagement, attended the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives National Convention in Dallas this July. This event allowed them to connect with other chamber leaders and stay informed on industry best practices.
As a testament to our Chamber’s outstanding performance, Roy Nascimento, representing last year’s Chamber of the Year, also participated as a judge while at the convention in the esteemed 2024 national Chamber of the Year Award competition.
These professional development initiatives ensure that our team remains well-equipped to serve our members and community with cutting-edge knowledge and skills.
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE: Our team has provided 2,413 hours of direct technical assistance to existing and start-up businesses in the region. We’re also participating in a 9-month Northeast Transition Initiative (NETI) fellowship to support businesses in exit planning and exploring employee ownership options. This program aims to retain jobs through successful exit strategies. In July, we surveyed businesses to identify suitable candidates for this initiative.
WORKNORTHCENTRAL.COM: Our online jobs board, WorkNorthCentral.com, continues to be a vital tool for Chamber members. From January 1 to July 31, 2024, we’ve seen impressive engagement with over 1,100 job opportunities posted and more than 14,500 page views. To extend our reach, we also share these listings on our dedicated Work North Central Facebook page.
As a reminder, postings are complimentary for members. You can easily post your employment opportunities directly at WorkNorthCentral.com. Alternatively, email your listings to Sabbra Reyes at , and she’ll be happy to post them for you.
Take advantage of this powerful platform to connect with top talent in our region. Post your job openings today and tap into our growing network of job seekers!
LATINX OUTREACH: The Chamber is actively expanding its outreach to the Latinx community through several key initiatives. As part of our community engagement efforts, we participated in the local Uruguayan Festival in August and plan to have a presence at the inaugural Fitchburg Latino Festival in late September.
To further strengthen our connection with Latinx businesses, we have established a new Latino Leadership Committee. This advisory group comprises 12 committed Latino business leaders from North Central Massachusetts. Their insights will be invaluable in guiding our efforts to develop programs that effectively engage and support the Latinx business community.
With input from the Latino Leadership Committee, we aim to create and implement initiatives that address the specific needs and opportunities within the Latinx business sector. These efforts underscore our commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive business environment that reflects and serves all communities in North Central Massachusetts.
SOLAR INITIATIVE: Our Pleasant Street solar field, launched in August 2014, continues to deliver significant benefits to participating manufacturers. As of July, 2024 the initiative has produced 14,230,226 kWh of Net Metering Credits to the manufacturers participating in the program and a collective savings of $3,271,920 to participants.
This innovative program not only promotes sustainable energy practices but also contributes substantially to cost reduction for local businesses. As we celebrate a decade of operation, these figures underscore the long-term economic and environmental impact of our solar initiative.
GIFT CARD PROGRAM: We currently have 33 members merchants that are participating in the Gift Local eGift Card program. Since January 1, we have sold 56 gift cards valued at $2,400. During the same timeframe, 46 cards valued at $1,486.61 were redeemed at participating small businesses.
We’re gearing up for the holiday season, our peak sales period, and actively recruiting additional merchants. Participation is free. Interested members should contact Maureen Babcock at 978.353.7600 ext. 222 or .
SMALL BUSINESS LENDING: Through August, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) has approved and closed 15 loans for a total of $906,500 for the year, through August. These loans leveraged $50,095 of private borrower funds and from our banking partners.
The majority of the loans were micro-loans made through our traditional lending programs and focused on supporting start-up and existing small businesses in need of capital. The NCMDC has another two loans valued at $90,000 that have been approved, but not yet closed, and a total of $1,198,500 in leads/deals in its pipeline. We currently have a total of 97 loans in our loan portfolio with a total principal balance of $3,090,679.28.
Did you know the Latinx community represents more than 30 percent of the population in the City of Fitchburg and approximately 18 percent of Leominster residents? When compared to a 12.6 percent of Latinos accounting for the total population in the Commonwealth, it’s clear there is a huge influx of Latinos coming to North Central Massachusetts.
“We have seen a steady and ever-increasing community of Hispanics grow in the North Central area, especially Fitchburg and Leominster,” said Neddy Latimer, executive director at the Spanish American Center in Leominster. “Whereas in the early years, the primary Hispanic population moving to this area were of Puerto Rican descent and migrated up from New York City in search of work in the plastics and other industrial endeavors, the population has diversified greatly, with significant numbers of families from the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Mexico, and other Central and South American countries.”
As the oldest social services organization exclusively serving the Hispanic community in Worcester County, Latimer, and colleague, Mickey Guzman, who serves as the organization’s information and referral specialist, both serve as liaisons between the community and the services their clients need. “While our name may have Spanish American in it, we are committed to helping everyone in the community regardless of their cultural background.”
“We work with clients on everything from legal documents that need to be notarized to providing referrals for housing services and assessments for children to enroll in school,” said Guzman. “We want to obtain an overall picture of the family to learn of their needs so we can help connect them to ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) classes, finding employment and we even help with food insecurity.”
Nico Gerthet-Garcia, community business advisor at the Chamber and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, said despite challenges, North Central Massachusetts as a good place to raise a family for everyone, including Latinos. “Our region has a laid-back feeling and low crime rates when compared to other cities, so it really makes North Central the best place to live and work.”
And Gerthet-Garcia would know. Originally from Uruguay, he immigrated to Leominster at three-years-old with his family because of the strong Uruguayan culture in the city. “I’m from Uruguay and I think Leominster is likely the third highest populated city of Uruguayans in the country after Miami and a city in New Jersey,” he said. “When I lived in Leominster as a child, my culture was still all around me because of the large Uruguayan presence there. We even left and moved to Atlanta for a short time but came back to our second home in Leominster because we were so much more comfortable there.”
Gerthet-Garcia estimates there are approximately 3 million Uruguayans in the United States and many of them are interested in starting a business to help the local economy. However national data and local research indicate that minorities are less likely to take advantage of available resources within the entrepreneurial ecosystem and established business networks.
The Chamber and its economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), are doing something to change these statistics and that’s where Gerthet-Garcia can help. He was hired to work at the NCMDC to focus on the Latinx community where there is a robust need for assistance. “We want to reach out to our Latinx community and let them know if they have a desire to open a business that we can make that dream happen,” he said. “I joined this team so our Latino speaking clients have someone who can effectively communicate with them—and for them—while also understanding their struggles and cultural barriers so they feel confident when obtaining a loan.”
Gerthet-Garcia estimates that eight out of 10 NCMDC loans are for startups, with the average loan amount of $25,000. “We don’t just help them get the loan, but we also connect them to partners who work with the entrepreneur on a business plan and help make projections, which are required for our startups to access funding,” he added. “There is a lot of hand holding through the process, but we help with communicating their needs with the underwriters and then make sure the entrepreneurs have all the resources they need post-closing to be successful.”
As a Latina business leader in North Central, Rachel Lopez, president of Resource Management, Inc., in Fitchburg, said Hispanic owned businesses continue to be confronted with insufficient access to capital and funding, while additional challenges of being a Latina and woman exacerbate the disparity between her male counterparts in the region.
“Latina owned businesses face additional challenges similar to other women-owned businesses with substantially lower revenues and profitability than the businesses owned by men,” said Lopez. “Expanding access to financial education, government programs, grants, and loans helps address the challenges while empowering Hispanic entrepreneurs to grow their business and contribute to the economy.
Lopez noted that Hispanic owned businesses face many challenges including financial disparities, limited access to financing sources and lenders, discrimination and cultural differences, limited resources and lack of awareness of funding options, as well as customer acquisition, and hiring, retaining and growing staff.”
In fact, Latino owned businesses were disproportionally impacted by the pandemic as research by the Worcester Business Journal conducted after the pandemic indicated that only 6 percent of Paycheck Protection Loans in Worcester County were awarded to Latinos, as opposed to 84 percent going to White business owners. What’s more is that reporting by MassINC also found that 29 percent of minority-owned businesses missed rent payments compared with 19 percent of White-owned businesses. MassINC indicates these statistics are a likely result of disparities for Latino businesses that have not been able to access resources and programs as much as other business owners.
Despite the challenges, Lopez and Gerthet-Garcia agree that Latino business owners are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs creating businesses, which Lopez noted is at more than twice the rate of the general population and three times the rate in our region.
“Latino owned businesses are set to revolutionize the U.S. economy and are projected to make up 29 percent of the population by 2050,” said Lopez. “As of 2023, Latino entrepreneurs established five million businesses across the United States generating over $800 billion in annual revenue.”
According to the workforce study commissioned by the Chamber, the region’s underserved populations, especially the Latino population, face glaring educational and income gaps. For example, the Latino population makes up about 11 percent of the region’s population but accounts for 28 percent of residents without a high-school degree, setting them up for a disadvantage in the workplace.
In January 2022, the Chamber announced the Equitable Credential Attainment Cohort program in partnership with Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) and the Spanish American Center. The goal of the program is to increase participation in targeted credential programs among underserved residents across North Central Massachusetts with a focus on the Latinx population. In Worcester County, approximately 76 percent of all jobs are held by White workers, and these same workers hold over 81 percent of all higher-wage jobs. Conversely, Black and Hispanic/Latinx workers account for 17.3 percent of all employees, but account for over 25 percent of all workers earning less than $35,000 per year.
Kijah Gordon, assistant vice president for Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development at MWCC, spearheads the program with the Chamber and the Spanish American Center, who work collaboratively to communicate and refer the program to potential students.
“We already had a great working relationship with Mickey and the Spanish American Center, and Travis (Condon) at the Chamber, so this partnership was seamless from the beginning as we worked together to get the word out and find individuals who would be the ideal students for the program,” said Gordon. “The Spanish American Center posts about the program on social media and Mickey is always referring clients to us.”
MWCC offers an eight-week or 15-week program with students finishing the course work in one semester and move into a 30-hour full workweek with one of the program’s clinical partners. The program is free and includes everything a student needs to ensure success, including skills prep, textbooks and scrub uniforms. As of July 1, 2024, Massachusetts offers the first CNA test for free as well.
Once an individual is enrolled as a student, meetings are scheduled with Gordon and program staff to understand the student’s needs and to evaluate on the best path forward to ensure success.
“Our students have families and may need certain hours to attend programs in order to care for their children,” added Gordon. “For example, manufacturing was a part of the original program, but most mothers in the program were concerned about the longer hours of working time that manufacturing requires and realized there was a better work-life balance and career path with our CNA (certified nurse aide) program. With this realization, we found a strong pathway for a CNA to be an RN (registered nurse) in the future as well as a higher increase in pay in the health care field.”
Empowering students is another aspect of the program, which Gordon said offers a sense of pride among students. “In years prior, our programs included the term ‘ESL’ in the program description, but students didn’t like having ESL attached to their program, so we adjusted the program names and now refer to our programs that offer ESL as CNA+, for example,” she added. “Students also mentor their peers which in itself provides pride and an opportunity to learn leadership skills.”
For Lopez, her climb to President began in 1995 when her father founded RMI, and over the years she has made it her life’s work to improve the Latinx community through volunteering her time. She was appointed as a member of the Latino Advisory Committee for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by Governor Charlie Baker, served on the ARPA Advisory Committee for the City of Fitchburg, as a Trustee and board member for the Fitchburg Art Museum, and was chair of the board for the Chamber in 2021-2022, and as Treasurer of Centro.
“The Chamber is an unwavering advocate for the interests of the region and our business is proud to be involved in helping to advance our economy,” said Lopez. “I was honored and humbled to serve as the Chair and grateful for the experience. It is my sincere opinion that North Central Massachusetts is a great place to live, put down roots and build businesses.”
Lopez said it is also encouraging to see North Central grow and transform to attract diverse minority groups of all backgrounds and businesses.
“The real estate market, coupled with our elected leaders’ commitment to enable entrepreneurs to be successful, plays a key role,” added Lopez. “This has led to the establishment of many Latino businesses. The success of these minority-owned businesses in North Central will undoubtedly attract more people, including the minority groups, who see unlimited opportunities for future entrepreneurs.”
Reach out to learn more!
Corporación de Desarrollo del Norte Central de Massachusetts
Nicolas Berthet-Garcia
978-353-7600, ext. 223 https://www.northcentralmass.com
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Event offers opportunity for Chamber members, local leaders to engage directly with Congressman McGovern, Congresswoman Trahan
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Annual North Central Massachusetts Congressional Luncheon on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, featuring the Honorable Jim McGovern, United States Representative for the Second Congressional District of Massachusetts, and the Honorable Lori Trahan, United States Representative for the Third Congressional District of Massachusetts. The program runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Doubletree by Hilton, 99 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA. Special thanks to our Premier Sponsor Fitchburg State University and Supporting Sponsors Care Central VNA & Hospice Inc. and Central Mass Productions for their support of the program.
“The Congressional Luncheon is a great opportunity for our members and community leaders to directly connect with our federal delegation, ask questions and learn more about the national issues affecting our region’s economy and quality of life,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Thank you to Congressman McGovern and Congresswoman Trahan for their participation in this popular, annual program.”
“Fitchburg State is honored to support this important forum that brings together elected officials and local business leaders to address issues and discuss solutions,” said Donna Hodge, President, Fitchburg State University. “We are grateful to the Chamber for creating this opportunity to demonstrate what civic engagement is all about.”
First elected to Congress in 1996, Congressman McGovern has been the top Democrat on the powerful House Rules Committee since 2018, serving as Chairman during the 116th and 117th Congress. He also serves on the House Agriculture Committee, where he has been a global leader in the fight to end hunger. Congressman McGovern has spent his career in public service working to strengthen America’s global leadership when it comes to protecting human rights and promoting peace. He serves on two commissions which monitor, investigate and advocate on behalf of international human rights, the rule of law, and good governance: the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, and the bipartisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.
Congresswoman Trahan was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018. Currently, she serves as a member of the influential House Committee on Energy and Commerce and in leadership as Co-Chair of the Democratic Policy & Communications Committee, Senior Whip and member of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. She was instrumental in securing federal designation of the Nashua River as a scenic waterway, and filed legislation addressing the opioid epidemic and supporting career readiness programming in public high schools. As a member of the largest female caucus elected to the U.S. Congress, she holds the distinction of being the first Portuguese American woman ever to serve on Capitol Hill.
Make sure to reserve your spot early! Pre-registration is required and easy. Register online here. The cost is $47 for members and $60 for non-members. Please contact Valerie Bruno at 978.353.7600, ext. 235 or via email at for more details.
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Founded as Nmdesignz in 2011 and rebranded to Attollo Creative in 2024, this Fitchburg-based business is a marketing firm that specializes in Logo design, brand design, websites, signage, photography, videography and social media management, serving a wide range from industries from Non-Profit to Manufacturing.
Leader Nicole Murphy proudly notes “We are the most creative group you will ever work with. If you need something “out of the box” designed for your business, we are the people to call.” She adds “We are focused on quality, not quantity. Our company is small because we focus on providing a top-notch product as opposed to churning out work.”
Nicole loves doing business in North Central Massachusetts because “You get to see your designs in the field every day. If we lettered a truck, we see it drive by, if we designed a logo, we see it in an advertisement, its great seeing our designs help other businesses grow.” “I especially like doing business with local people,” she added when explaining why she likes being a member of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.
Attollo also proudly supports the community. “We are involved with Non-profits within the NCM area,” adds Nicole, “including the United Way of North Central MA, The Community Foundation of North Central MA and North Star Community Services.”
Attollo Creative shares an office space with one of its beloved clients in Fitchburg. Nicole feels “changing our name from Nmdesignz to Attollo Creative was their biggest professional achievement.” She feels the future is bright for Attollo. “We will continue to grow and provide quality pieces of work that clients love,” she said. “We will be known as the “go to” for any design work in the North Central Massachusetts area.”
Nicole credits her father as her strongest influence in business, “being a business owner himself for over 35 years!” “Also, many of my clients are a strong influence on me,” she adds, “I admire their dedication and passion to their business.”
As a marketing agency, Nicole doesn’t rely on traditional advertising to promote her business. She says the secret of their success is “Word of mouth and the dedication to providing the best possible product.”
Contact information: ; 978.430.1244
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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is partnering with multiple regional organizations to host the Work North Central Career and Hiring Event scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440. The event is open to the public and free for job seekers and students. The organizations involved include Fitchburg State University, the MassHire North Central Massachusetts Career Center, MassHire North Central Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board, MassAbility, and Mount Wachusett Community College.
The event will connect students and job seekers with local employers of all sizes and industries to discuss employment and career opportunities available in the region. Employers from diverse industries will be discussing career and employment opportunities for all levels of skill and backgrounds, including entry level, and professional and technical positions in such industries as education, financial services, government, healthcare, hospitality, non-profit, manufacturing and other industries.
In addition, to our main exhibit hall of businesses, the event will also offer various career and training resources available to students and job seekers. Complimentary head shots, campus tours and other informational sessions will be available to all attendees. Other valuable sessions include, resume building do’s and don’ts, interviewing tip and tricks, how to pitch yourself and how to effectively navigate LinkedIn to boost your career. Special sessions planned during this hiring event includes a panel presentation hosted by our Young Professionals of North Central Massachusetts. This panel of successful young professionals will discuss topics such as finding the balance of work and family, best ways to search for a job, dressing for the right job, why networking is important and more. We will also be hosting a high-level overview session of top industries in the region, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and human services.
Students from local high schools will be attending, including Fitchburg High School, Goodrich Academy and Nashoba Tech High School.
“As a leader in helping North Central Massachusetts compete for talent and advance the region’s economic prosperity, we realize there is a critical need to help our local businesses find qualified and skilled talent in order to grow and succeed,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This event is aimed at creating economic opportunity, and a strong and diversified workforce for our employers, while providing local students and job seekers the opportunity to meet with a number of employers in one location.”
The Work North Central Career and Hiring Event is an outgrowth of the North Central Massachusetts Talent Compact, a coalition convened by the Chamber and other major stakeholders to address the complex talent and workforce challenges facing the region. The group consists of a group of prominent business, education, workforce and community leaders who are committed to collective action and leadership. The event also complements the Chamber’s WorkNorthCentral.com Jobs Board, which serves as an online resource to connect job seekers and local employers while also improving the talent pipeline and better connect employers to local schools.
Adult job seekers, high school graduates, college students in the community, retired individuals interested in returning to the workforce or anyone interested in learning about full and part-time employment opportunities or training resources in North Central Massachusetts are invited to attend to connect with participating employers and training providers. Pre-registration is not required, walk-ins are welcome.
Free parking for job seekers and attendees is available at Mount Wachusett Community College. Public transportation is also available via the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) for anyone who may require it. Check MART’s website for more information, www.mrta.us.
For more information on the Work North Central Career and Hiring Event, please visit www.northcenralmass.com. Employers interested in participating and reserving a table at the Work North Central Career & Hiring Event should contact Valerie Bruno at 978.353.7600, ext. 235, to inquire about availability.
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Join us for our annual Toast to Hope on Thursday, October 17th from 7 to 9 pm.
Enjoy food and drinks from 25 local vendors as well as networking, a silent auction and wine pull.
Your admission fee will help us build homes and complete critical home repair projects in our local communities.
Location: Devens Common Center, 31 Andrews Pkwy, Devens, MA 01434
Date and time: Thu, Oct 17, 2024 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Organizer: Diana Sinkus, (978) 348-2749,
