Hodge recognized by fellow ambassadors for outreach, engagement efforts with chamber members in the North Central region
Beth Hodge, associate director of resource development at the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, has been named the 2023 Ambassador of Year by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. The announcement was made during the chamber’s Annual Meeting on June 15, 2023.
Chamber Ambassadors are valued volunteers to the Chamber who serve as the face of the organization in the community. They assist the Chamber with communications to new and existing members, participate in ribbon cuttings and help connect members at various Chamber events. Hodge was voted Ambassador of the Year by her fellow Chamber Ambassadors at their May meeting.
“We are grateful to Beth for her dedication and support of our Chamber as we work to advance our goals throughout the 27 communities that comprise our region,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Beth has been an active member of the chamber not only in her capacity as an ambassador but as a champion of our events and many initiatives.”
In her role at the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Hodge is responsible for engaging with business and community leaders throughout the region. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human services from Fitchburg State University and is active in the community, including volunteering at Loaves and Fishes, a food pantry in Devens, and at the No Fame Games, a division of the Highland Games Heavy Athletics.
“Being a member of the chamber and a part of the chamber ambassador program has helped me to grow not only professionally, but personally as well,” said Hodge. “Connecting with others and breaking out of my shell has significantly impacted the way I am able to interact with the North Central community, and it is an incredible feeling to be a part of something that is doing so much good for so many individuals, businesses, and other entities here.”
Fitchburg | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | 2023 Ambassador of Year | Beth Hodge | United Way of North Central Massachusetts
Funding to complement rising construction, labor costs
The Fitchburg Public Library announced it will receive approximately $1.5 million in additional funding from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). The additional funding will help offset the rising construction and labor costs currently being experienced throughout the Commonwealth.
“As one of only 10 other libraries receiving this additional funding throughout the Commonwealth, we are grateful to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and our local legislators for seeing the value our renovation and construction project will bring to the community,” said Fitchburg Public Library Director Deb Hinkle. “We appreciate the MBLC’s continued support to ensure our library will remain sustainable for years to come. We are also grateful to State Senator John Cronin and State Representative Michael Kushmerek for working alongside other Massachusetts legislators to advocate for this additional funding.”
The funding, which supplements the $12.5 million total grant award from the MBLC through the Massachusetts Library Construction Program, will support the $40 million renovation, modernization and expansion of the library. Ten libraries in the state were awarded the additional funding as a result of adding 15% to the total eligible cost used to calculate the current grant.
“The Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program is pleased to partner with local communities, like Fitchburg, using state funding to make building and renovating libraries possible,” said MBLC Director James Lonergan. “In the 35 years since the program’s inception and the more than 200 communities that have benefited from it, we have not encountered circumstances like those brought on by the pandemic. The additional funding recognizes those circumstances and further supports Fitchburg’s project which will bring economic, social, cultural, and educational opportunities to every resident of the community.”.
The Fitchburg project is expected to begin later this year.
About Fitchburg Public Library
Founded in 1859 and home to one of the first children’s rooms in the country, the Fitchburg Public Library is a centerpiece on Main Street in the city, providing generations the opportunity to experience programming and services that open a world of learning. For more information visit http://www.fitchburgpubliclibrary.org/.
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Más de 600 hogares se beneficiarán de la iniciativa gracias a la colaboración comunitaria
Ginny’s Helping Hand y St. Leo’s de Paul Food Pantry recolectaron donaciones de la Marcha de Alimentos de Abril. De izquierda a derecha, Joe Tammaro, Betsy Tammaro y Laura Burns de St. Leo’s; Dave Bergeron de Ginny’s Helping Hand; Brandon Robbins, Director Ejecutivo de Ginny’s Helping Hand; Crystal Nash de Leominster Credit Union; Judy Thomlinson, Directora de Impacto Comunitario de UWNCM y Missy Teken de LCU.
United Way del Centro-Norte de Massachusetts (UWNCM) distribuyó recientemente casi $30,000 en alimentos y artículos de primera necesidad a los bancos de alimentos locales como parte de su “Campaña de Recolección de Alimentos de abril”. La campaña, que se llevó a cabo del 1 de abril al 8 de junio, proporcionó suministros esenciales a 12 bancos de alimentos en todo el centro-norte de Massachusetts y se espera que ayude a alimentar a más de 600 hogares.
La colecta de alimentos forma parte de United to Feed North Central Mass, una nueva iniciativa dirigida por UWNCM que reúne a socios de la comunidad para combatir la inseguridad alimentaria en la región. Bajo el lema “El hambre no es broma”, la colecta de abril recolectó el doble de valor en alimentos que la colecta navideña de la iniciativa en 2022.
La colecta fue un verdadero esfuerzo comunitario, ya que los residentes donaron alimentos no perecederos a través de cajas ubicadas en casi 40 establecimientos, incluyendo bancos, supermercados y bibliotecas. UWNCM también proporcionó alimentos básicos para familias como mantequilla de maní y avena, y colaboró con la organización sin fines de lucro Growing Places, con sede en Leominster, para obtener una variedad de productos frescos de granjas locales, desde zanahorias y papas hasta verduras de hoja verde y hierbas.
Durante toda la colecta, los voluntarios recogieron alimentos donados de cajas, y los días 7 y 8 de junio, una docena de despensas locales acudieron a UWNCM para cargar sus furgonetas, muchas de las cuales quedaron completamente llenas. La colecta buscó reabastecer las estanterías de las despensas de alimentos durante una época en la que muchas de ellas tienen pocos recursos al acercarse el final de su año fiscal.
El Centro de Alcance para Veteranos de Montachusett (MVOC), una organización sin fines de lucro con sede en Gardner, fue tanto participante como beneficiario de la colecta, ya que donó calcetines Bombas sobrantes de su despensa de ropa y también recibió artículos de comida donados.
“Esta colecta de alimentos llegó en un momento crítico para la despensa de MVOC”, dice Stephanie Marchetti, Directora Ejecutiva de MVOC. “Nuestros proveedores habituales han tenido pocos artículos no perecederos, y como es el último mes del año fiscal, no teníamos los fondos para cubrir esta brecha. United Way intervino, se coordinó con excelentes socios locales y podemos respirar aliviados sabiendo que nuestros veteranos y sus familias tendrán lo que necesitan”.”
Como parte de la campaña, Catania Oils, con sede en Ayer, organizó una colecta interna de alimentos y recaudó más de $550 en alimentos donados por los empleados.
“Uno de los principios fundamentales incorporados en la declaración de propósito de Catania Oil es generar un impacto duradero en la comunidad. Nuestros empleados demuestran constantemente su voluntad de apoyar y elevar a la comunidad de diversas maneras”, afirma Annemarie Abdo, Vicepresidenta de Recursos Humanos de Catania Oils. “Como resultado del tremendo esfuerzo realizado, pudimos recolectar una cantidad sustancial de alimentos, reforzando nuestro compromiso de abordar la inseguridad alimentaria y apoyar a quienes lo necesitan. En adelante, estamos entusiasmados con futuras colaboraciones con United Way, participando en sus próximos eventos comunitarios. Al unir fuerzas, podemos seguir marcando una diferencia positiva y fomentar juntos una comunidad más fuerte y vibrante.”
UWNCM lanzará su próxima colecta de alimentos en otoño de 2023 para proporcionar comida durante la temporada navideña. Judy Tomlinson, Directora de Impacto Comunitario de UWNCM, dice: “Estamos agradecidos a todos los que ayudaron a que nuestra colecta de alimentos de abril fuera un éxito, incluyendo empresas locales, voluntarios y generosos donantes, y esperamos seguir uniendo a los miembros de la comunidad para alimentar a los necesitados”.”
United Way de North Central Massachusetts presta servicios a las comunidades de Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Leominster, Littleton, Pepperell, Lunenburg, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster y Winchendon.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce was named a finalist for the prestigious 2023 Chamber of the Year award, presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is one of three finalists in its category, which also includes the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development in Mansfield, Ohio, and the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce in Winter Park, Florida.
The award, sponsored by Personify, is the most prestigious and competitive recognition presented annually by ACCE. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, ACCE has more than 1,600 chambers of commerce, and related business and economic development organizations, as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry.
The Chamber of the Year award recognizes the leadership role chambers have in their communities. Those honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have demonstrated organizational strength and made an impact on key community priorities, such as education, transportation, economic prosperity and quality of life.
“This year’s finalists truly represent excellence in the chamber industry,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “Through their roles as community partners, thought leaders and innovative problem solvers, each has demonstrated what it means to be a catalyst for growth and regional prosperity. We congratulate them on this achievement.”
“This recognition as one of the top chambers in the country is a collective achievement and a tribute to the innovation and passion of our members and the many business leaders who support our mission to build a stronger economy and quality of life in our communities here in North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president & CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “I want to thank our staff, board leaders and all of our members for their support and commitment to the important work we do to advance the region.”
Chambers of commerce interested in vying for the award first must qualify by participating in a vigorous multi-stage process, which includes submitting a written application addressing all aspects of the organization’s operations and programmatic work. Eligibility for Chamber of the Year also includes meeting minimum thresholds around membership performance and financial management, including meeting key performance criteria on the ACCE Annual Operations Survey. Applications are scored by peer chamber executives to determine finalists. Winners are selected from among finalists based on an interview before a panel of experienced chamber professionals. To ensure the fairest competition, applicants are grouped into four categories based on annual revenue, membership, area population and other factors.
The winner of 2023 Chamber of the Year will be made on Tuesday, August 1.
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | Worcester County | Local Businesses | Visit North Central Massachusetts | Visit North Central Local Tourism | Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center | National Chamber of the Year Award | 2023
The Chamber was saddened to hear of the passing of local business and community leader Ron Ansin. Mr. Ansin was a past Chair of the Board of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and was very active in the Chamber and community. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of business and philanthropic leadership, helping to make North Central Massachusetts a better and more vibrant place. He was instrumental in the Chamber’s economic development programs, contributing towards important initiatives that helped to advance our regional economy and are still playing a role today. He was the first to recognize the positive impact that tourism could have locally and encouraged the development of the Chamber’s tourism efforts in North Central Massachusetts. He was also influential in the construction of the Chamber building, which opened in 2006, and numerous local students have received a helping hand with continuing their education through his commitment to the Chamber’s Annual Scholarship Program. In addition to the Chamber, Mr. Ansin also supported many local institutions ranging from the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Applewild School, Fitchburg State University, Mount Wachusett Community College, the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts and UMass Health Alliance Hospital to name just a few. He also played a pivotal role in establishing Enterprise Bank. He touched many people’s lives in countless ways. Our deepest sympathy is with the Ansin family, and with all of those who were personally touched by his legacy.
Leominster Credit Union ha participado con orgullo en el Mes del Libro Infantil durante más de 20 años, un evento anual patrocinado por la Cooperative Credit Union Association.
Durante el mes de abril, se aceptaron donaciones de libros infantiles nuevos y en buen estado en todas las sucursales de LCU. Los empleados de LCU participaron en los "Días de Jeans" recaudando fondos para comprar libros. El evento de este año fue organizado por Rachel Terrell, asistente ejecutiva, con la ayuda de Linda Taratuta, Elizabeth Bushnell, Mary Marchant, Nicole Florio y Amy Lacouture. Los miembros y empleados de LCU donaron generosamente más de 990 libros.
Se distribuyeron libros a varias organizaciones, entre ellas: MOC (Centro de cuidado infantil y Head Start), Sunrise Assisted Living, Escuelas Públicas de Fitchburg, Boys & Girls Club de Fitchburg/Leominster, Escuela Johnny Appleseed, Clinton Preschool, Elementary and District Resource Center, Wachusett Regional High School Preschool y la Escuela Francis Drake.
Sobre Leominster Credit Union (LCU)
Fundada en 1954, Leominster Credit Union (LCU) es una cooperativa financiera sin fines de lucro, de propiedad de sus socios, que ofrece una gama completa de servicios de depósito, crédito y otros servicios financieros. Con sede en Leominster, Massachusetts, LCU se enorgullece de contar con casi 50 000 socios y más de $850 millones en activos. LCU cuenta con siete sucursales en Leominster, Clinton, Holden, North Leominster, Sterling y Worcester, todas ellas con servicios de cajero automático. LCU también ofrece servicios bancarios las 24 horas del día a través de sus servicios móviles y en línea. Visita leominstercu.com o llame al 800-649-4646.
El Mount Wachusett Community College se complace en anunciar que el Departamento de Educación y Cuidado Tempranos (EEC) de Massachusetts ha asignado $515,055 para el año fiscal 2024 con el fin de continuar financiando el programa de subvenciones «Early Childhood Career Pathways».
La Beca para Trayectorias Profesionales en la Primera Infancia tiene como objetivo ayudar a los estudiantes y educadores de la primera infancia interesados a avanzar en sus carreras. La misión del programa de becas es ayudar a aliviar la escasez de educadores de la primera infancia y aumentar el nivel educativo de los educadores que ya están en el campo. Los estudiantes reciben cursos, libros gratuitos y la visita y el examen de certificación de Asistente de Desarrollo Infantil (CDA) necesarios para obtener la credencial CDA. También se brinda apoyo de tutoría en inglés y asesoramiento individualizado. El objetivo del programa es atender a 120 estudiantes en el Año Fiscal 2024.
“Estamos encantados de recibir financiamiento continuo para este programa vital”, declaró la coordinadora de subvenciones, Jonie Latimer-Brady. “No solo hemos podido ayudar a los estudiantes a obtener su credencial CDA, sino que muchos han continuado para obtener su certificado de Educación Infantil Temprana”.”
Los fondos también se usarán para aumentar el número de instructores y asesores de habla hispana para el nuevo programa de Certificado ECE a nivel universitario en lengua española. Los estudiantes obtendrán su certificación de maestro principal de EEC comenzando con cursos que se imparten en español y tomarán un curso ESOL contextualizado a nivel universitario al mismo tiempo.
El alcalde Stephen L. DiNatale y el Comité de Fitchburg Civic Days se enorgullecen en anunciar a Raymond y Diane Burnette como los Mariscales de Gran Desfile del 4 de Julio de Fitchburg Civic Days 2023, en reconocimiento a su servicio al Comité de Civic Days durante once años y a su dedicación a la Ciudad de Fitchburg.
Con casi cuarenta años como residentes de la ciudad, Ray y Diane han ofrecido su tiempo como voluntarios en varias capacidades en toda la ciudad, desde ser voluntarios del equipo de porristas de la Escuela Secundaria de Fitchburg hasta trabajar en numerosos eventos públicos. A partir de 2011, los Burnette sintieron un llamado a la acción para ayudar a que los eventos de Civic Days volvieran a ser los Días a la Antigua usanza en Main Street que Diane recuerda tan vívidamente. Lo que comenzó como pequeñas mejoras se convirtió en una misión de una década para difundir el orgullo cívico de Fitchburg a través de celebraciones de varios días de nuestra gran ciudad. Con la ayuda de sus hijas y voluntarios locales, Diane y Ray trajeron los eventos de Civic Days de regreso a Main Street, agregaron vendedores, crearon eventos y se aseguraron de que hubiera diversión para todas las edades. Desde bailar en la calle hasta un cuadrilátero de lucha libre, artistas callejeros e incluso la creación de un jardín de cerveza para los mayores de edad para participar, Diane y Ray tenían una cosa en mente: mostrar todo lo que Fitchburg tiene para ofrecer a sus residentes y a los que residen en las comunidades vecinas. Los eventos de Fitchburg Civic Days crecieron de 1,000 participantes en 2011 a más de 20,000 participantes en su década de voluntariado.
“Gracias a los esfuerzos de Ray y Diane Burnette, Fitchburg Civic Days se ha convertido en un evento turístico regional debido a su pasión y amor por nuestra ciudad”, dijo el alcalde Stephen L. DiNatale. “Fitchburg Civic Days es una de las tradiciones más antiguas de la ciudad y tenemos una deuda de gratitud con los Burnette por hacer que Civic Days sea el mejor de la historia desde su inicio”.”
En reconocimiento al tema del desfile de este año, “Honrando el Pasado e Inspirando el Futuro”, es un reflejo de las miles de horas de dedicación que Ray y Diane brindaron para que Civic Days se convirtiera en el impresionante evento que es hoy. Aunque Civic Days 2022 fue su último año como voluntarios, Diane y Ray reflexionan y reconocen que el éxito de los eventos del 4 de Julio en Fitchburg no hubiera sido posible sin la ayuda de sus dos hijas Kylee y Katie, el Alcalde, los departamentos de la ciudad, los miembros del Comité, los voluntarios, los vendedores y, lo más importante, los participantes de Civic Days.
El Desfile del 4 de Julio comienza a las 10:00 AM y se puede ver a lo largo de Summer Street y Main Street hasta el Upper Common. El Desfile Cívico de este año será transmitido en vivo por FATV por Travis Condon, Glenn Fossa y Thomas Hughes. El desfile contará con organizaciones comunitarias, ligas deportivas, negocios locales y una variedad de bandas locales y regionales. Para más información visita: www.fitchburgma.gov/civicdays.
James L. Vander Hooven, Ed.D., President, Mount Wachusett Community College has been elected Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors for 2023-2024. The announcement was made at the chamber’s Annual Meeting on June 15, 2023.
Dr. Vander Hooven was named president of Mount Wachusett Community College in 2017. Headquartered in Gardner, Mount Wachusett Community College is a public, two-year college that was founded in 1963 to serve the people of North Central Massachusetts. The college is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and offers 70+ credit-bearing degree and certificate programs, non-credit, personal enrichment classes for lifelong learners, and workforce development that includes custom, on-site training.
Dr. Vander Hooven earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from The Ohio State University and his Master of Arts degree in American Studies from the University of Wyoming. In 2009, he was awarded his Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Maine, where he focused on student access.
In addition to his involvement with the chamber, Dr. Vander Hooven also serves on a number of boards and charitable organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg/Leominster, United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Wachusett Business Incubator and the GFA Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee.
He succeeds Christopher McCarthy, president of Fidelity Bank who now moves to the position of Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors.
“I am incredibly honored to have been elected Chair of this dynamic and respected organization that plays such a leadership role in advancing North Central Massachusetts,” expressed Dr. Vander Hooven, “I am excited to continue Chris McCarthy’s efforts and look forward to working alongside an incredible Board and staff to make sure the Chamber remains a strong resource for our business community.”
Vander Hooven was first elected to the Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2018 and has held several leadership positions including Vice Chair, Treasurer and has served on the Chamber’s Leadership Council, the One North Central leadership committee and the executive committee. As the Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Dr. Vander Hooven will work with the Board, Chamber staff, and membership to champion the Chamber in its mission to serve the region’s business community.
“Jim has served as an important member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee for several years and is a valued leader in the community,” noted Roy Nascimento, Chamber president & CEO. “We are fortunate to have his respected leadership as we continue to advance the interests of our members and work together to promote North Central Massachusetts.”
In the same election, Barbara Mahoney, president & CEO of Leominster Credit Union was elected Vice-Chair and Dr. Richard Lapidus, president of Fitchburg State University was elected to the position of Treasurer. Board members elected for new terms were Nick Haritos, president & CEO of AIS, Inc. in Leominster; John Heroux, president of Micro Machine & Electronics in Leominster; and Nicole Moorshead, general manager of the Chocksett Inn in Sterling and the Colonial Hotel in Gardner.
Continuing current terms on the Board of Directors are Allie Catlin, co-owner of Smith’s Country Cheese in Winchendon; Jackie Cullen, co-owner of River Styx Brewing in Fitchburg; Tony Fields, president and owner of Cleartech Group in Leominster; Matthew Fournier, president of Elite Construction & Design in Fitchburg; Melissa Glenny, president of Franklin Professional Associates in Leominster; Michael Johansen, president & CEO of Bemis Associates in Shirley; Rachel Lopez, president & CEO of Resource Management, Inc in Fitchburg; Lori Richardson, president of Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts in Leominster; and Rodrigo Souza, owner of Comeketo Brazilian Steakhouse in Leominster.
Fitchburg | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | Chamber Updates | Board of Directors | James L. Vander Hooven | Board of Directors | Barbara Mahoney, president & CEO of Leominster Credit Union | Dr. Richard Lapidus, President of Fitchburg State University | Nick Haritos, president & CEO of AIS, Inc. in Leominster | John Heroux, president of Micro Machine & Electronics in Leominster; and Nicole Moorshead, General manager of the Chocksett Inn | Allie Catlin, co-owner of Smith’s Country Cheese in Winchendon | Jackie Cullen, co-owner of River Styx Brewing in Fitchburg | Tony Fields, president and owner of Cleartech Group in Leominster | Matthew Fournier, president of Elite Construction & Design in Fitchburg | Melissa Glenny, president of Franklin Professional Associates in Leominster | Michael Johansen, president & CEO of Bemis Associates in Shirley | Rachel Lopez, president & CEO of Resource Management, Inc Fitchburg | Lori Richardson, President of Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts Leominster | Rodrigo Souza, owner of Comeketo Brazilian Steakhouse in Leominster.
El Buscador de Ganancias, la experiencia de Brian Carmody sobre el poder del crecimiento compuesto en los negocios ha ganado reconocimiento en Brainz Magazine. En su artículo, “Cómo Usar la Ley del Crecimiento Compuesto Para Acelerar Tu Negocio” comparte estrategias valiosas para emprendedores. Recientemente, Brian apareció en el podcast The Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur, donde habló sobre el crecimiento empresarial compuesto sin publicidad pagada. Junto con el episodio del podcast, Brian ha proporcionado videoclips cautivadores. Descubre a continuación sus ideas para el crecimiento exponencial de negocios.
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