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North Central Massachusetts announces three-year strategic plan

Posted on abril 6th/en Noticias de la Cámara /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Strategic Plan Overview 2022-2025

Plan aligns with One North Central Regional Economic Development Plan focused on regional prosperity, market opportunities

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce today announced a new strategic plan designed to build upon the considerable momentum generated through the keen vision and steady execution of their prior plan announced in 2018.

“Our new strategic plan capitalizes upon the successes experienced over the past four years while also acknowledging a significant number of emerging opportunities and challenges currently facing our region,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “At the same time, it incorporates many of the invaluable recommendations of Uno del norte central, our comprehensive regional economic development plan commissioned by the Chamber in concert with our local partners and unveiled in 2021.”

The 2023-2025 plan includes five goals focusing on specific areas with accountable metrics and targets:

Goal 1: Strengthen the regional economy and improve the overall business climate;

Goal 2: Promote the region as an ideal place to live, work, visit and invest;

Goal 3: Partner with educational, business and non-profit communities to address the region’s growing workforce development needs;

Goal 4: Deepen the region’s understanding of complex issues, identify collaborative solutions and advocate to key decision makers and stakeholders;

Goal 5: Position the Chamber for long-term sustainability and success.

The strategic plan, which was approved by the Chamber Board and its affiliate Boards from North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and Visit North Central Massachusetts, was prepared via a comprehensive process that included input from members, the Boards, staff and other stakeholders. The new strategic plan complements the One North Central plan while aligning with the Chamber’s advocacy agenda.

“We made great strides in achieving key goals set forth in our previous plan,” said Nascimento. “From launching a localized online jobs resource and a Latinx business initiative to better engage and support Latinx small businesses to securing nearly four million dollars in state, federal and private funding to supporting lending efforts and regional economic development, we are pleased with our work and look forward to continuing the momentum over the next three years.”

Programs and projects will be undertaken with care and consideration of actual resources of the Chamber and its members. The plan is also a fluid document of which the Chamber will update as needed to reflect the changing world.

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Strategic Plan Overview 2022-2025

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $78 Million for New Grant Programs to Support Massachusetts Small Businesses

Publicado el 5 de abril/en Noticias de la Cámara /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

The Healey-Driscoll Administration and Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) announced two new grant programs totaling $78 million in funding to support Massachusetts small businesses.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and our economy,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “Through these new grant programs, small businesses will have access to much-needed capital and resources to help them grow and thrive. We’re grateful to our partners in the Legislature for allocating these critical funds.”

The Inclusive Recovery Grant Program will provide up to $75 million in funding through grants of up to $75,000 for businesses owned by people of color, women, veterans, immigrants, individuals with disabilities, or those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community; businesses that focus on reaching markets predominantly made up of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups; and other underserved markets.

The Independent Movie Theater Grant Program will provide a total of $3 million in funding to support movie theaters in Massachusetts. Eligible applicants can receive $15,000 for each of the first two screens they add at a particular location and $10,000 for each additional screen at a particular location.

These funds will be administered by MGCC and were appropriated through the Commonwealth’s FY2023 Economic Development Bill.

“Small businesses employ half the workforce in our state and account for the majority of all our businesses,” said Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “We’re pleased this targeted funding will support small business owners that have traditionally struggled to access needed capital and those serving historically underrepresented populations.”

“Our small business owners and entrepreneurs, many of whom are women, people of color, veterans, and immigrants, need access to capital in order to get their ventures off the ground and expand their footprint in Massachusetts,” said Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “We are grateful to MGCC for playing an important role in empowering small business owners and advancing equitable business growth across the state.”

“These programs provide an accessible and streamlined process for underserved businesses to access the capital that will be instrumental to their growth,” said Larry Andrews, President and CEO of MGCC. “Our extensive network of community partners is actively reaching out to their local businesses to provide the necessary technical assistance to assist through the application process.”

Applications are now being accepted for both programs and are available here (https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/). The deadline to apply is Friday, April 28, 2023. Businesses interested in applying must fill out and submit the online application along with required documentation.

Leading tourism organizations in Central Massachusetts awarded $1 million grant to enhance tourism opportunities

Posted on abril 4th/en Noticias de la Cámara /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

Travel and Tourism Season Extension grant to support marketing projects that promote travel and tourism during “shoulder season”

Three leading tourism organizations in Central Massachusetts today announced they will receive a combined $1 million Travel and Tourism Season Extension (TTSE) Grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT). Discover Central Massachusetts, in partnership with MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau and Visit North Central Massachusetts, announced the grant during a special event at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.

The grant, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Agency, will be provided over two years to support the partnership of the three organizations.

“These Travel and Tourism Season Extension grants support regional marketing projects that promote travel and tourism attractions between the months of November through April, known as the ‘shoulder season,’” said Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism Executive Director Keiko Matsudo Orrall. “We have an amazing state to showcase, and these funds will enhance tourism recovery during this important part of the year.”

“This is a great opportunity for all of our organizations to come together and share our collective attractions with leisure travelers, sports families, groups and convention attendees, among many others,” said Monique Messier, President, Discover Central Massachusetts. “By making this a collaborative effort with the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau and Visit North Central Massachusetts, we can unify our position as an attractive and competitive destination not just in Massachusetts but throughout New England and on the East Coast.”

Target cities include Boston, Mass., Providence, R.I., Manchester, N.H., New York City and surrounding suburbs, and Canada, with outcomes of increased tourism revenue, website traffic, newsletter subscriptions, and a larger social media following expected.

“The project is consistent with economic development goals in our region as we continue to recover from losses in visitor spending, tourism payroll and tax dollars which occurred during the pandemic,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO, Visit North Central Massachusetts. “This is an exciting opportunity to enhance our existing efforts and grow our tourism industry for the benefit of our businesses and communities.”

The campaign will connect experiences and opportunities across more than 80 cities and towns represented by the three destination marketing organizations.

“This collaboration expands the impact of our national and international campaigns far beyond what any of us could do working alone” said Erin Lynch, Executive Director, MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau. “These partnerships weave together a story showcasing the tremendous assets and opportunities for exploration within our regions, driving a significant boost for our local economies.”

About Discover Central MA
Discover Central MA’s mission is to market Central Massachusetts as a competitive destination for travel and tourism, attracting visitors, national conventions, meetings and events. As a membership-based, destination marketing organization, DCM advocates for the growth and health of the local tourism industry. Membership is available to hospitality and tourism businesses in Worcester and 34 surrounding communities in the Central Mass. region. To stay up to date, follow Discover Central MA on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin, YouTube, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter.

About the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau
As the only regional organization with the mission of stimulating the MetroWest economy by marketing the region’s assets, MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau has served hundreds of businesses, nonprofit agencies, and municipalities since its founding. This independent nonprofit organization markets the region’s cultural and recreational venues, retailers, restaurants, accommodations, and educational and other services to visitors and residents alike. These marketing efforts also serve to brand the region, to build collaborations across sectors and towns, to support jobs-producing enterprises, and to celebrate the diverse and vibrant MetroWest community. Learn more about the MWVB by visiting www.metrowestvisitors.org or by following on social media @visitmetrowest.

About Visit North Central Massachusetts
Visit North Central Massachusetts (VNCM) is the official designated Regional Tourism Council serving the 27 cities and towns of North Central Massachusetts. One of the sixteen Massachusetts Regional Tourism Councils, the organization’s primary mission is to educate the traveling public, tourists and residents of North Central Massachusetts about the many historical, cultural and hospitality related sites within this scenic New England Region. Through this mission, VNCM works collectively with local attractions, hospitality businesses and local communities to market the North Central region as a destination and provide information and services to the traveling public. The North Central Massachusetts region is comprised of the communities of Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Barre, Bolton, Clinton, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Petersham, Phillipston, Princeton, Royalston, Shirley, Sterling, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster, and Winchendon. For more information about Visit North Central Massachusetts please visit www.visitnorthcentral.com or call 978-353-7604.

Media Contact:
Lauren Howe
empHowered PR
978-400-3036

Berkshire Bank Recognized as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies

Posted on abril 3rd/en Noticias para miembros /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

Boston – Berkshire Bank, a leading, socially responsible community bank with financial centers in New England and New York, is excited to announce it was recently recognized in Newsweek magazine’s list of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies 2023. The list features the top 700 most trustworthy companies across 23 industries.

The Newsweek list recognized companies for their dedication to building trust with all stakeholders. Results were based on a holistic approach to evaluating trust that considered customer trust, employee trust, and investor trust.

“Trust is the foundation of all banking relationships,” said Berkshire Bank CEO Nitin Mhatre. “This award reflects the passionate commitment of all Berkshire bankers working hard every day to earn the trust of our customers by treating them fairly and with respect, safeguarding and growing their hard-earned assets, being there for them in good times and bad, and prioritizing transparency and integrity at every stakeholder touchpoint. We are proud to be ranked as one of the most trustworthy companies and banks in the country for the second consecutive year.”

America’s Most Trustworthy Companies 2023 were identified in an independent survey based on a vast sample of approximately 25,000 U.S. residents who rated companies they know in terms of on all three touchpoints of trust. A total of 95,000 evaluations were submitted. This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.

About Berkshire Bank
Berkshire Bank, founded in 1846, is becoming a high-performing, leading, socially responsible community bank. It empowers the financial potential of its stakeholders by making banking available where, when and how it’s needed through an uncompromising focus on exceptional customer service, digital banking, and positive community impact. Providing a wide range of financial solutions through its consumer banking, commercial banking and wealth management divisions, the bank has approximately $11.7 billion in assets and a community-based footprint of 100 financial centers in Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Headquartered in Boston, Berkshire Hills Bancorp (NYSE: BHLB) is the parent of Berkshire Bank. Named one of America’s Most Trusted Companies by Newsweek and America’s Best Midsize Employers by Forbes, Berkshire is also listed in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index and a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality. To learn more, visit www.berkshirebank.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

NewVue Communities Chooses Dolores Thibault-Munoz as its New Deputy Director

Posted on abril 3rd/en Noticias para miembros /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

NewVue Communities is excited to welcome Dolores Thibault-Muñoz in the newly-created position of Deputy Director. Dolores started in the role on March 10th and will be overseeing NewVue’s housing services, community organizing, small business development, and fundraising and communications teams.

NewVue’s Executive Director, Marc Dohan said, “Dolores brings a combination of skills, leadership experience, and an understanding of the region’s economic development needs that will support NewVue’s mission, strengthen our programs and stretch our impact. She offers a breadth and depth of human service experience in a variety of work settings, and we are fortunate to have her join our team.”

Dolores moved to Fitchburg, MA in 2006, where she became the executive director of the Cleghorn Neighborhood Center. She then became interim executive director of Growing Places and House of Peace and Education Inc. Dolores has served on multiple boards of local organizations. She was also the first Latina elected City Councilor in the City of Fitchburg. Dolores graduated from DePaul University with a BA in Women’s and Gender Studies with a concentration in Public Policy and graduated with a JD from The Massachusetts School of Law. She most recently was a criminal defense attorney who represented indigent clients for the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), Massachusetts’ Public Defender Agency in Worcester County. She currently lives in Gardner, MA.

City of Fitchburg Ward Clean-Ups

Posted on abril 3rd/en Noticias para miembros /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

The Office of Fitchburg Mayor Stephen L. DiNatale, the Department of Public Works and the Health Department is inviting the community to participate in the City’s Annual 2023 Ward Clean-Up Days scheduled for Saturday, April 22nd, April 29th and May 6th.

Fitchburg’s City Ward Clean-Ups need the support of many helping hands from community clubs, civic groups, businesses and schools. Volunteers are need to help with litter pick up in our neighborhoods, along our roadways and in our many parks.

It is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for everyone to work together, take pride in our community and build a more vibrant City.

For more information, or to notify the City of a group that will be supporting the beautification efforts please contact the Mayor’s Office.

Leominster Credit Union Presents Check to Leominster Fuel Assistance Program

Posted on abril 3rd/en Noticias para miembros /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

Barbara Mahoney, President and CEO of Leominster Credit Union presented Leominster Mayor Dea¬n J. Mazzarella with a check for $5,000 for the Mayor’s Energy Program.

“Leominster Credit Union is pleased to support our neighbors through Mayor Mazzarella’s Energy Program. There are many who are impacted by our current environment and rising costs, and their ability to pay for fuel is no different. Assisting those within the communities we serve is a major focus of LCU, and we continue to live by the credit union motto of People Helping People,” commented Barbara Mahoney, LCU President & CEO.

For more information on the Fuel Assistance Program stop by or contact the Mayor’s Office at 978-534-7500.

About Leominster Credit Union

Founded in 1954, Leominster Credit Union (LCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with a full range of deposit, lending and other financial services. Headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, LCU is proud to claim nearly 50,000 members and more than $700 million in assets. LCU has seven branch locations in Leominster, Clinton, Holden, North Leominster, Sterling and Worcester with ATM services at all branch locations. LCU also provides 24-hour banking via Mobile and Online services. Visit leominstercu.com o llame al 800-649-4646.

Public Information Meeting Notice for Fitchburg/Leominster – Twin Cities Rail Trail – Phase 2

Posted on abril 3rd/en Noticias para miembros /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

Please be advised that a Live Virtual Public Informational Meeting (PIM) for the referenced project will be hosted on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM at the following MassDOT website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/highway-division/events

Creating Connections to Support Our Regions Youth

Posted on marzo 24th/en Noticias para miembros /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

Gardner, MASS. – In 2019, Heywood Healthcare’s Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative led the way with the implementation of the initiative called “Handle With Care” which aims to mitigate the impact of childhood trauma. Handle With Care is a collaborative model that promotes school and community partnerships to ensure that children who are exposed to trauma in their home, school, or community receive appropriate interventions to help them achieve academically at their highest levels despite any traumatic circumstances they may have endured.

Handle with Care is a regional initiative that will enhance communication, collaboration and training with law enforcement, teachers and administrators, early childhood educators and providers, and health care providers to better respond to early childhood trauma in the North Central and North Quabbin regions. The Plymouth County DA’s office provided large-scale training on Handle with Care for our local region as the Gardner Police Department and Gardner Public Schools initiated the program in 2019. Handle with Care reinforces trauma-informed care practices for youth in our schools and as law enforcement as first responders encountering children at an event. The North Central / North Quabbin region has assisted in identifying approximately 480 children with the need for trauma informed care since 2019.

Handle With Care is activated when a law enforcement officer or first responder encounters a child during a call, the child’s name, age and three words, HANDLE WITH CARE, are forwarded to the school for passive support of that child. Trauma-informed protocol is then initiated in the classroom which supports the child(ren) struggling with trauma through observation and support; they are not aware of nor approach to discuss the incident with the child; but instead provide extra support and accommodation as needed.

The Handle with Care North Central / North Quabbin initiative has expanded from our current 6 school districts and 10 police departments to now include Heywood Healthcare Emergency Room Registration Departments in Athol and Gardner. A parent or caregiver of school age youth will be given a “Handle With Care” caregiver form upon registering their child(ren) in the emergency room, to self-refer their child(ren) to the school nurse, day care provider and/or primary care physician. Handle With Care provides the school with a simple notification when a child experiences a traumatic event in their life. Having to report to school the next day can be difficult. The self-referral from the Emergency Department is one small step towards supporting our region’s youth and resilience.

The Handle with Care collaborative consists of first responders, community-based organizations, school districts and District Attorneys of ices supporting youth in the Greater Gardner area. Partners include: Ashburnham-Westminster School District * Ashburnham Police Department * Athol Police Department * Athol-Royalston School District * Boys & Girls Club * CAPs Collaborative Schools* Clinical Support & Options *Fitchburg State University * Gardner Police Department * Gardner Public Schools * Heywood Healthcare * Mahar Regional School District * MOC Early Education * Mount Wachusett Community * Narragansett Regional School District * NorthWestern County District Attorney, David Sullivan’s Of ice * Parent Professional Advocacy League * Petersham Police Department * PhillipstoPolice Department * Royalston Police Department * Templeton Police Department * Orange Police Department * Westminster Police Department * Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early’s Office

Webinar: Where have all the workers gone and what can you do?

Posted on marzo 24th/en Noticias para miembros /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

Join Melissa Glenny, Founder and President of Franklin Professional Associates, Inc. for their free quarterly Workforce Webinar coming up on March 30th at 1:00PM. Melissa Glenny, Founder and President of Franklin Professional Associates, Inc. will be peeling the onion to help you understand the various reasons we are experiencing a historical shortage of workers in the United States. You’ll gain insights to understand the problem we face, and take away actionable steps to help your business endure, adapt and thrive in the war for talent.

Registrarse ahora

Rollstone Bank & Trust has donated $5,000 to the Fitchburg Mayor’s Energy Fund

Posted on marzo 23rd/en Noticias para miembros /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

Pictured left to right: Martin F. Connors Jr., President & CEO of Rollstone Bank & Trust; Stephen L. DiNatale, Mayor of Fitchburg.

Rollstone Bank & Trust has donated $5,000 to the Fitchburg Mayor’s Energy Fund. The fund will provide relief to Fitchburg citizens who may have difficulty in dealing with the ever-increasing cost of heating their homes.

“We are honored to support Mayor DiNatale and his continuous efforts to diminish the financial strain on our residents and keep them warm this winter,” said Martin F. Connors Jr., President & CEO of Rollstone Bank & Trust. “Rollstone Bank’s commitment to our communities dates back to 1846, and it is our mission to help our neighbors flourish. Providing such a basic necessity as heat will relieve the financial burden of local families, keeping them safe and healthy.”

The Major’s Energy Fund was established in early 2023, in the midst of rising inflation and energy costs. As the winter season was underway, Mayor DiNatale knew the importance of setting a financial safety net for those who would be struggling to pay their bills while trying to keep their homes warm.

“We are grateful for Rollstone’s generous support of the Mayor’s Energy Fund and the partnership that will significantly help our residents,” said Stephen L. DiNatale, Mayor of Fitchburg. “They have always stepped up to help with our community endeavors, and we’re fortunate to have them in our City.”

About Rollstone Bank & Trust

At Rollstone Bank & Trust, we deliver personalized service that goes above & beyond. Our dedication to providing our customers with superior bank and wealth management solutions, along with the support they need to prosper at work and at home, has enabled us to build one of the most trusted banks in the region. With branches located throughout central Massachusetts, customers have peace of mind knowing we are FDIC & DIF insured, and never far from home. Rollstone Bank & Trust – it’s where you matter most.

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing to DivineTouch Home Health Care

Publicado el 22 de marzo/en Noticias de la Cámara, NCMDC /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

Funding expands certified home health services in Worcester County

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $100,000 loan to DivineTouch Home Healthcare, located at 95 Vernon Street, Suite 301 in Worcester.

Funding will support the business in becoming a certified homecare agency, making DivineTouch one of just a few home health agencies with such certification in Worcester County. As the business grows, the organization anticipates adding 19 salaried positions and 46 wage staff to the local economy over the next few years.

Founded by Grace Sterling, an immigrant from Jamaica with more than 12 years of hands-on health care experience, DivineTouch offers a number of programs and services, including skilled nursing, disease process teaching, medication administration, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, behavioral health management, and physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as medical social worker, home health aide, and pastoral care.

“Taking care of others is my passion,” said Sterling. “As an expert in the home healthcare sector, I saw gaps in the system and realized there was a need for more home-based patient services in Worcester County. With the support provided by North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, I will be able to build my business and help those in my community.”

Como entidad de microcréditos, NCMDC puede otorgar préstamos a pequeñas empresas de hasta $250,000 para capital de trabajo, bienes inmuebles, equipo, inventario y expansión, además de colaborar con nuestros socios bancarios para proporcionar financiamiento puente para la etapa final de un proyecto.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.

Noticias de última hora

Todas las últimas noticias

North Central Massachusetts announces three-year strategic plan

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $78 Million for New Grant Programs to Support Massachusetts Small Businesses

Leading tourism organizations in Central Massachusetts awarded $1 million grant to enhance tourism opportunities

Berkshire Bank Recognized as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies

NewVue Communities Chooses Dolores Thibault-Munoz as its New Deputy Director

City of Fitchburg Ward Clean-Ups

Leominster Credit Union Presents Check to Leominster Fuel Assistance Program

Public Information Meeting Notice for Fitchburg/Leominster – Twin Cities Rail Trail – Phase 2

Creating Connections to Support Our Regions Youth

Webinar: Where have all the workers gone and what can you do?

Rollstone Bank & Trust has donated $5,000 to the Fitchburg Mayor’s Energy Fund

About Rollstone Bank & Trust

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing to DivineTouch Home Health Care

Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts

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