Expansive Guide highlights the region’s vast manufacturing firms and industrial space
The Chamber and its development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), announce the publication of the 2022 edition of the Manufacturers Directory and Industrial Parks Guide for North Central Massachusetts. The publication is designed to promote and connect manufacturers with suppliers as well as serve as a resource for companies looking to relocate or expand throughout the region.
Working with multiple sources, the NCMDC confirmed the operating status and primary product line of each company listed in the directory. In addition to the listing of local manufacturers, the publication also includes a section on life science companies, a listing of suppliers and a guide to business and industrial parks in North Central Massachusetts.
The 2022 edition of the publication was supported by advertising and is being circulated to manufacturers throughout the region. For more information or to request a copy, please contact the Chamber at 978.353.7607.
WORKFORCE STUDY: In partnership with Fitchburg State University, the Chamber has commissioned the UMass Donahue Institute to conduct a study to assess and recommend ways to enhance the labor pool in the region. Specifically, we will be looking for strategies to recruit populations in the region that may not be currently participating fully in the labor market, including people with criminal backgrounds, the disabled, mature older populations, women, immigrants and veterans. The study is funded from a state grant that we collaborated on with the university.
EDUCATION COMPACT: The Chamber Foundation was awarded $150,000 in funding through an earmark in the ARPA budget passed by the legislature recently. The funding will be used to help support the North Central Massachusetts Education Compact initiative. The compact, comprised of leaders in education, business and workforce development, was established in late 2019 to help facilitate partnerships around the shared goals of improving college and career pathways for students. Special thanks to Senator Cronin and the other members of the delegation for their efforts to secure these funds for the region.
MINI-GRANTS: The Chamber’s economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, was able to provide 14 grants totaling $60,000 to local small businesses. This was a one-time grant initiative launched in partnership with New Vue Communities and funded through a grant from the Massachusetts Office of Business Development to support vulnerable small businesses impacted by COVID-19 with their recovery and growth. The grants ranged between $500 – $5,000 for professional services including accounting/bookkeeping support, marketing and social media support, website upgrades, legal services and signage
EQUITABLE CREDENTIAL ATTAINMENT COHORT: A North Central Massachusetts team comprised of the Chamber, Mount Wachusett Community College and the Spanish American Center have been accepted in the Equitable Credential Attainment Cohort offered through the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). The ACCE Foundation, in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges, is sponsoring this 18-month program to support communities in building partnerships that allow more workers, and particularly BIPOC workers, to gain the credentials or degrees they need to secure well-paid jobs with career advancement opportunities. Our team will receive technical assistance and subgrant funding to help work together to drive the growth of credentialing and degree programs that place workers in well-paid jobs. We were one of seven teams selected from throughout the country to participate in this competitive program.
JOBS BOARD: Over 1,000 jobs are currently listed on our WorkNorthCentral.com online jobs board and over 7,500 jobs have been posted since we launched the online resource. Several new
Education Compact
optional features have been added since the introduction of the jobs board to improve the functionality, including a “Quick Apply” feature that allows employers to collect applications directly through the jobs board; an auto acceptance/rejection notification; and a follow-up survey to the employers to determine if they have filled the position. The jobs board continues to be one of the most visited sections of our website.
CHAMBER BUILDING: The Chamber has invested in some improvements to the Chamber’s headquarters in Fitchburg. These include some repairs to the interior, repaving the entry road and implementing some technology upgrades in the conference room to allow for hybrid or virtual meetings. In the Fall, the Chamber also had some heating tape added to the roof to prevent ice dams and invested in some landscaping to improve the appearance of the Chamber grounds from the road. The parking lot is scheduled to be resealed in the Spring.
Repaved Driveway
GIFT LOCAL: The Chamber is currently exploring revamping the Gift Local gift card program to make it easier to redeem for both the merchants and the gift card recipients. We are looking for a new provider that will enable participating merchants to redeem the cards via the credit card network versus a separate platform or integrating it with a POS system.
AUDITS: The Chamber and its affiliates the Chamber Foundation, Visit North Central Massachusetts and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation each completed their fiscal years and underwent their annual independent audits. The audits were completed on time and with no findings reported
HEALTH INSURANCE: Open Enrollment is upon us once again. Preparations are being made to provide participating members with new rates, benefit changes, plan discontinuations and their available options. Members interested in health insurance through the Chamber should contact our office for quotes.
ENERGY SAVINGS: From its inception in August 2014 through December 2021 the solar field on Pleasant St. has produced 10,215,626 kWh of Net Metering Credits to the manufacturers participating in the program. Total value of these credits is $2,217,053 and the collective savings to participants totals $1,884,495.
DIGITAL MARKETING: Traffic in FY2021 averaged approximately 11,955 unique page views each month to our two main websites – NorthCentralMass.com and VisitNorthCentral.com – excluding our other websites. That represents a 4% increase over the prior year, and traffic for FY2022 is currently running 33% over the same time period in FY2021. Our social media platforms have also grown to boast over 21,000 total followers. In CY2021 our social media platforms garnered an average of over 217,000 impressions monthly and a total of over 2.4 million impressions for the year. That represents a 20% increase over the prior year.
New Loans
NEW LOANS: The Chamber’s economic development arm – the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation – has closed seven micro-loans for a total of $333,500 since October 1, 2020. The loans were made to a mix of existing and start-up businesses and ranged from $6,000 to $150,000. There are another three loans totaling $325,000 that have been approved but haven’t closed yet. We are also excited to share that the U.S. Small Business Administration recognized the Development Corporation in December for its success in providing micro-loans.
ELECT NORTH CENTRAL COALITION: The Chamber has reconvened the Elect North Central Coalition to explore organizing debates and other initiatives to engage candidates for statewide office. There are a number of important elections occurring this November, including for Governor; Lt. Governor; Attorney General; and State Auditor. The Elect North Central Coalition was formed in 2018 and is comprised of the major community institutions and media in North Central Massachusetts. The Coalition’s mission is to make the democratic process accessible and assure that local and regional issues are examined and addressed by candidates running for statewide and federal offices.
MEMBER DISCOUNTS: We have recently revamped our member discounts page on the website. We are hoping to increase the use of the member to member discount program among members. If you would like to offer a member discount, please contact Lauren Goulet, Operations Manager, at .
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: During the last quarter, our team provided over 350 hours of direct technical assistance to small businesses. Most of that was delivered via phone and ZOOM and focused on providing clients with information on the SBA Cares Act payments as well as continued updates on resources available, including PPP, EIDL, ADVANCE, grants and Restaurant Revitalization Fund through the SBA.
Fidelity Bank today announced it donated more than $400,000 to more than 220 worthy organizations, events, and causes in several Central and Eastern Massachusetts communities in 2021 through its LifeDesign Community Dividend, which is money the bank sets aside for this purpose each year.
As communities began to slowly recover from the pandemic over the past year, Fidelity Bank utilized its gifts to reflect on the positive impact organizations bring to the communities they serve while also encouraging colleagues to utilize their unique abilities and talents to improve the world they touch.
“This past year of giving back to our communities offered the opportunity to realize the collective impact we can have not only as an organization, but also through small acts of kindness we can provide as individuals every day,” said Ed Manzi, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Fidelity Bank. “Our LifeDesign Community Dividend allows us to put our mission into action in the communities we serve by using our hearts and our heads to help those in our community get where they want to be.”
Sales of both single-family homes and condos in Massachusetts declined in February as housing prices rose even further.
Single-family home sales tumbled 14.7 percent last month as the median home sale price increased 5.4 percent on a year-over-year basis to $470,000, up from $446,000 in February 2021, according to The Warren Group.
Tim Warren, CEO of The Warren Group, said Monday that buyers are chasing after a shrinking stock of available homes, noting the Massachusetts Association of Realtors reported that inventory of single-family homes for sale was down 50 percent in January.
“New listings and pending sales were down as well,” Warren said “February was the eighth month in a row where the number of homes sold declined while the median price continued to rise. It is a familiar trend, one that is likely to continue unless sellers flood the spring market with new homes.”
Condo sales in February were down 17 percent over-the-year, with the median condo sale price rising 5.3 percent to $440,000.
The median sale prices for homes and condos in February both set new record highs.
Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday identified the difficult housing market in Massachusetts as the single biggest headwind on the local economy. Public policies have so far failed to lead to a major surge in housing production, and critics of local zoning control say that dynamic often works against the creation of new supply and more options for buyers.
Since 1908, the Aubuchon Hardware name has been a staple for hardware stores around the New England area. The business itself – W.E. Aubuchon Co., Inc.– has always been a good, old fashioned family company, with fourth generation family member Will Aubuchon currently as President and CEO.
The first and initial generation – founder William (Willie) Aubuchon – decided to expand quite rapidly, even through the hardships faced during that time due to the Great Depression. He had a plan to grow and with that, the second generation took advantage of the tailwinds of WWII, with so much growth and acceleration throughout New England, including more sophisticated warehousing and distribution methods. The third generation not only persevered through an onslaught of new big box competition but continuously reinvested back into the business with not only capital but training and development as well.
Aubuchon Hardware recently celebrated its 114ta anniversary in February 2022, and with it embraced a rebrand of the corporate entity to “The Aubuchon Company.”
This name change supports the idea of “multi-brand” – a clear vision that the fourth generation has in mind for the future of the company- acquiring stores well beyond the northeast, and being flexible and capable of absorbing different branded stores into the Aubuchon family. Recent examples include Village Hardware in Alexandria, VA and four True Value stores in Pennsylvania.
Despite this rapid growth, Aubuchon’s core customer still remains the homeowner.
“You’re not going to go to a hardware store to build a kitchen,” Aubuchon said, “the focus is more on home maintenance and repair.”
Pet owners, gardeners, and painters are all additional segments to the Aubuchon strategic initiative – serving businesses in local markets, not just paint or gardening tools, but anything that they need, delivering supplies out of the back door whenever they need them.
One large part of the Aubuchon rebrand is getting out of distribution and rethinking strategies to expand and grow, including technology. Historically, the company was self-admitably slow in embracing certain technologies, adding phones to stores as late as 1992 and point of sale computers in 1998. But all that has now changed as the company quickly embraces new technologies like curbside for customers and mobile devices and apps for employee productivity.
The fourth generation, Will Aubuchon’s generation, really embraced and focused on the technology aspect as computers and phones turned into the light speed they are today.
“We are fully embracing a new mindset, rethinking ways of doing business, and growing beyond New England – a collection of brands in the future. All of the generations before me had critical success: a commitment to each other as a family. We’ve had a special sensitivity to relationships, but also to attract really good employees within the company. It’s these folks that have made the success over the years,” he said.
The Aubuchon Company continues to grow despite the current pandemic.
“We prepared for all of this by luck, which also goes back to getting out of distribution pre-pandemic,” Aubuchon said. “There’s a lot of flux in uncertainty, and we just need to remain agile, and focus on productivity. You can only control what you can control and we are embracing this new mindset with curbside pick-up, inventory on the website, even upgraded technology for the front line with handheld devices with apps, making them more capable.”
Since being founded in 1908 right in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has also played a key role for The Aubuchon Company. “It was Marcus Moran, Jr. who preached that the solution to the world’s problem would be W2s; that jobs are essential to any problem. The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce helps to support and expand the number of W2s in our local community. The more W2s, the stronger the community,” Aubuchon said.
In the near future, they will be relaunching their website and adding more acquisitions this year.
You can learn more about The Aubuchon Company on their website at https://aubuchon.company.
We are pleased to announce that Stephanie Williams is joining Mount Wachusett Community College in the newly established role of Chief Diversity Executive.
Williams joins MWCC after severing as the Chief Diversity Executive for the City of Worcester where she was responsible for leading the City Manager’s diversity agenda. Prior to joining the City of Worcester, Williams held positions at the Department of Transitional Assistance, Anna Maria College, and Becker College.
“I am looking forward to bringing my experience both in and outside of higher education to MWCC,” Williams shared. “I’ll be working collaboratively with colleagues and students at the college to build upon the work their teams have done and develop something that will be as successful and equitable for everyone.”
Williams holds an MBA from Anna Maria College. She earned her associate degree in liberal studies at Quinsigamond Community College and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Becker College.
“It is with great pleasure that we announce Ms. Williams has accepted our offer to join the college as our first Chief Diversity Executive,” stated MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “As we progressed through our nationwide search, it became very clear that Stephanie’s experience and passion have prepared her to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead here at the Mount. I would like to thank the search team, The Diversity Equity and Inclusion team, and the students who participated in the search and provided significant feedback throughout.”
As Chief Diversity Executive Williams will report directly to President Vander Hooven and serve as a member of the President’s Leadership Team. The Chief Diversity Executive will provide vision, leadership and oversight to programs, policies, and procedures related to MWCC’s commitment to social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and facilitates the integration of equity and cultural appreciation across all aspects of the college.
Financial services leader moving from Leominster in response to growing market needs
Exchange Authority,a leading consultant and facilitator for Section 1031 exchanges and a wholly owned subsidiary ofFidelity Bank, today announced the relocation of its offices from Leominster to Worcester.
All Exchange Authority staff relocated to the Fidelity Bank banking center located at 465 Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, effective February 21, 2022. The organization will continue to offer the same services clients and referral sources have come to know and trust for more than 20 years and will continue to serve all 50 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The move to Worcester comes on the heels of the Exchange Authority experiencing tremendous growth. In 2021, the organization realized a 30 percent increase in total exchanges, and a 48 percent increase in escrow receipts. The $226 million that flowed through the company in 2021 yielded a 37 percent increase in the average daily balance, ending the year with just over $51 million on deposit.
“While the decision to move from Leominster was a difficult one, this move will provide us with the opportunity to be closer to our clients and respond to growing market needs,” said John Peculis, President and CEO, Exchange Authority. “We believe this move better positions us to serve our clients and partners in the financial services industry and also presents the opportunity to work alongside colleagues at the newly-renovated Shrewsbury Street banking center.”
Fidelity Bank recently completed a state-of-the-art renovation at the Shrewsbury Street banking center which included new offices, an enhanced teller pod experience and upgrades with modernized technology.
Clinton Savings Bank (clintonsavings.com) has been selected to participate in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston’s Equity Builder Program, which assists local homebuyers with down payment and closing costs as well as homebuyer counseling and rehabilitation assistance. The program provides grants to financial institutions to assist households at or below 80 percent of the area median income. Borrowers are eligible to receive up to $22,000 in assistance on a first come first served basis. Buyers must also complete a homebuyer counseling program. “Homeownership is not easily attainable for many households, so we are pleased to offer this assistance to help individuals and families purchase a home. Homeownership helps build wealth and create financial
stability, and programs that assist homebuyers can be effective in adding to the vibrancy of our communities,” said Debra Colonna, SVP/Retail Lending Officer, Clinton Savings Bank. Clinton Savings Bank is eligible to receive up to $220,000 in 2022 through the Equity Builder Program depending on availability of funds.
To learn more about applying for assistance, please contact:
La Junta Directiva de RCAP Solutions se complace en anunciar el ascenso de Brian D. Scales como Presidente y CEO interino de la organización. Como Vicepresidente Ejecutivo anterior y líder comprobado dentro de la organización, el Sr. Scales sucede a Karen A. Koller, CAE, y asume sus responsabilidades el 16 de marzo de 2022. La Sra. Koller se retira de la organización después de 21 años de servicio por motivos de salud, con efecto inmediato.
“En nombre de la junta directiva, estamos sumamente agradecidos con Karen por su arduo trabajo y dedicación a RCAP Solutions durante los últimos 21 años y le deseamos lo mejor en su jubilación”, declaró Laura McGee, Presidenta de la Junta Directiva de RCAP Solutions. “Estamos muy entusiasmados de promover a Brian al puesto de Presidente y Director Ejecutivo interino de la organización. Con sus 14 años de servicio en RCAP Solutions y su sólida experiencia dentro de la organización, confiamos en que esta transición será fluida. Esperamos ver a RCAP Solutions continuar creciendo bajo el liderazgo de Brian.”
El Sr. Scales se unió a RCAP Solutions en 2008 con una formación diversa en desarrollo sin fines de lucro y planificación estratégica. Durante sus 14 años en RCAP Solutions, ha adquirido una amplia experiencia trabajando en todos los aspectos de la gestión y el desarrollo de programas, y ha establecido sólidas relaciones con los diversos financiadores, socios y legisladores estatales y federales de la organización. El Sr. Scales tiene un conocimiento distintivo de los diversos desafíos de desarrollo comunitario y económico, lo que lo califica de manera única para su ascenso a Presidente y Director Ejecutivo interino.
El Sr. Scales recibió una Licenciatura en Artes en Inglés de la Universidad Atlántica de Florida y una Maestría en Artes de la Universidad de Florida Central. También ha formado parte de múltiples juntas de organizaciones sin fines de lucro en la región como director y miembro de la junta asesora. “Estoy emocionado de ver a Brian nombrado Presidente y CEO interino de RCAP Solutions”, declaró Keith Ashby, CEO interino de RCAP, Inc. “Brian ha logrado cosas notables en sus muchos años en la organización y se ha convertido en un líder sobresaliente dentro de la red nacional de RCAP. Su comprensión de las necesidades de las comunidades rurales, junto con su extensa labor legislativa y su vasta experiencia en programas y desarrollo, lo convierten en la persona ideal para suceder a la Sra. Koller. Confío en que Brian continuará con el tremendo trabajo que Karen ha logrado en sus 21 años como firme defensora del apoyo a las necesidades de las pequeñas comunidades y del impacto positivo en las poblaciones desatendidas”.”
RCAP Solutions es la filial del noreste de Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP, Inc.), una red nacional de socios sin fines de lucro con más de 300 proveedores de asistencia técnica en todo el país. RCAP trabaja para mejorar la calidad de vida en la América rural comenzando en el grifo. RCAP Solutions brinda servicios en los seis estados de Nueva Inglaterra, Nueva York, Nueva Jersey, Pensilvania, Puerto Rico y las Islas Vírgenes de EE. UU. RCAP Solutions es también la filial del condado de Worcester de The Regional Housing Network of Massachusetts, que ofrece soluciones educativas y de vivienda asequible y progresivas a familias e individuos en cada comunidad de todo el estado.
RCAP Solutions brinda servicios a aproximadamente medio millón de personas al año con una amplia gama de programas ambientales, de vivienda, de desarrollo económico y de educación y capacitación. Acerca de RCAP Solutions:
RCAP Solutions es una corporación integrada de desarrollo comunitario que trabaja con una gama multifacética de servicios en comunidades del noreste de EE. UU. y el Caribe. Fundada en 1969 (como Rural Housing Improvement), RCAP Solutions ha apoyado el poder y el potencial de las comunidades durante más de medio siglo como estrategas del bienestar a nivel comunitario. Nuestra misión es fomentar la autosuficiencia personal y pública y mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas, las familias y las comunidades en las que viven. Para más información, visite www.rcapsolutions.org.
Leominster Credit Union is proud to announce the following employees have been recently promoted within the organization.
Nicole Legere has been promoted to Vice President Compliance Officer. Nicole was hired in October 2015 as the Compliance Officer and then promoted AVP Compliance Officer in December 2016. She has made significant contributions to the Credit Union through her management of the Compliance Program, Vendor Management Program, Fraud Management, Bank Secrecy Program, and Internal Audit Program. Nicole earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science & Government from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and her Juris Doctor from Roger Williams University School of Law. She has been admitted to both the Massachusetts and New York Bar.
Andrew Leblanc has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Information Security Officer. Andrew joined LCU in April 2018 as the IT Risk Manager. As the Credit Union’s subject matter expert on cybersecurity, information security, and data privacy, he has made excellent contributions to LCU in these areas Andrew holds an AS in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications from ITT Technical Institute, a BS in Information Technology from Northeastern University, and an MBA in Management and Operations from Fitchburg State University.
Holly Ogden has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Mortgages. Holly joined LCU in February 2020 as the Mortgage Pipeline Manager. With 25 years’ experience in the industry, Holly has proven to be an asset to the Mortgage Team and to the Credit Union. Her level of knowledge has significantly improved processes and workflows in her department. Under Holly’s leadership and coaching, her team exceeded production goals in 2020 and 2021. Holly earned a BA in English from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
Danielle Duval has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Collections. Danielle has been with LCU since August 2019 as the Collections Manager. Danielle attended Sacred Heart University and has over 15 years of experience in Commercial Lending and Collections. Danielle has consistently performed at a high level while demonstrating her strong knowledge in the area of collections, collection laws, repossessions, foreclosures and loan modifications. She has proven to be very committed to her role and to developing and training her team.
Justin Silva has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Retail Administrator. Justin has been with LCU for 22 years and holds an ASBA in Management from New England College of Business. He originally joined LCU as an intern from Worcester Vocational High School and was then hired to work at the West Boylston Street Branch as a Teller. During his tenure, he progressed through a variety of roles in the branch network up to Assistant Branch Manager and was promoted Retail Administrator in 2008. His experience and knowledge in branch operations, retail systems and member service are invaluable.
Maila Berry has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Operations. Maila has been with LCU for 25 years. She spent the first half of her career in Retail progressing through a variety of branch roles up to Branch Manager.
During the last 12 years, she has become LCU’s IRA expert and has made strong contributions to the Operations Division. Maila earned an associate degree from Becker College in Criminal Justice and a bachelor’s degree from Anna Maria College in Criminal Justice. Maila is also a Certified IRA Specialist (CIS I).
Nichole Howarth has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Digital & Member Service Center. Nichole joined LCU in 2017 as a Teller Supervisor and was promoted to Digital & Member Service Center Manager in 2019.
Nichole holds a BA in History from Merrimack College and has a strong management background from another industry. Under Nichole’s leadership, her department has grown significantly with the expansion of the digital services area as well as the addition of business services. Nichole is very committed to Leominster Credit Union, her team and our members.
Arden Twining has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Learning & Development. Arden joined LCU in 2015 as the Training Specialist and was promoted to Training Manager in 2016. She brings over 20 years of experience in the training and learning and development arena from a variety of industries. Arden attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and is currently completing a bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s College in Adult Education and Training. Arden brings a unique skill set in designing, developing, and writing training programs.
Josh Laprade has been promoted to IT Manager. Josh joined LCU in 2017 as an IT Analyst. He was promoted to IT Systems Admin II in 2019, and then to IT Team Lead 2021. Josh holds an AS in Computer Network and Service Technology and a BS in Computer Information Systems from New England Institute of Technology. Josh has made significant contributions to the Credit Union’s IT Team and is extremely dedicated to his role. He is consistently looking to improve technology and efficiencies across the Credit Union.
The Health Foundation is pleased to announce that Kathleen J.S. Mills, PhD, LICSW has been selected to be the next Vice President for Programs. Dr. Mills comes to the Foundation with diverse experiences in clinical work, program leadership, training, consulting, grant writing, and advocacy. Most recently, she has served as the Vice President of Innovation and Learning at RFK Community Alliance where she has provided strategic direction for and oversight of the departments of Performance and Quality Improvement and Training and led the organization’s efforts to develop a theory of change. Dr. Mills’ other work experiences include serving as a consultant to the Children’s Mental Health Campaign, directing workforce development opportunities at the Infant-Parent Training Institute of Jewish Family & Children’s Service, preparing grants for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, evaluating implementation strategies of MA child welfare and Early Intervention systems, and developing and implementing a state-of-the-art clinical program for children exposed to domestic violence and teen dating violence. She received her PhD in Social Policy degree from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University, her Master of Social Work degree from Simmons College, and her Bachelor of Arts in political science degree from the University of New Hampshire. Dr. Mills will be responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of the Foundation’s strategic grantmaking agenda as set by the Board, including management of the grant portfolio and budgets, directing outreach activities, facilitating the application process, monitoring the grant evaluation process, and assisting in evaluating the Foundation’s impact. She will also advise and support grantees’ evaluation, advocacy, and lobbying efforts. Her first day will be April 25.
Podcast offers state candidates the opportunity to connect with voters in the North Central Massachusetts region
El Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts announced it has launched a podcast series focused on providing the region’s businesses and residents the opportunity to hear directly from candidates running for state offices in the upcoming 2022 election.
The podcast, Inside North Central Massachusetts 2022 Election Series, features candidates running for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and State Auditor. The Chamber has invited all the major Democrat and Republican candidates for these open statewide offices to participate in the podcast series.
“We wanted to make sure candidates are aware of the issues important to our region,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This podcast series connects us with those who are seeking to represent us at the state level while providing the region’s voters the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates so they can make informed decisions when they head to the polls later this year.”
This special election series of the Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast is part of the Chamber’s continuing efforts to promote civic engagement and advocate for regional equity. In addition to this podcast series, the Chamber is also a founding member of Elect North Central Massachusetts, a non-partisan coalition of media, education and community leaders in North Central Massachusetts with a mission to make the democratic process accessible and assure local and regional issues are examined and addressed by candidates running for statewide and federal offices.
The special election podcast covers several topics relevant to businesses and residents in North Central Massachusetts, such as the candidate’s platform, their qualifications for the office they are seeking, workforce challenges in the region, economic development, tourism, pandemic response and equitable recovery, and climate change.
Candidates already invited to participate in the podcast include:
Governor
Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz *
Geoff Diehl
Chris Doughty
Attorney General Maura Healey
Darius Mitchell
Orlando Silva
Lieutenant Governor
Bret Bero *
Kate Campanale *
Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll *
Representative Tami Gouveia *
Senator Adam Hinds *
Senator Eric Lesser *
Attorney General
Andrea Campbell
Shannon Liss-Riordan
Jay McMahon
Quentin Palfrey *
Auditor
Anthony Amore *
Chris Dempsey *
Senator Diana DiZoglio *
*Already appeared on the podcast or confirmed for an upcoming episode
The Primary Election is scheduled for Tuesday, September 6, 2022, and the General Election is set for Tuesday, November 8, 2022, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
