CATALDO SELECTED FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POSITION

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation are pleased to announce the addition of Sandie Cataldo to the professional staff as Manager of Economic Development.

In this new position, Ms. Cataldo will be responsible for managing the economic development and micro loan programs of the Chamber and its affiliate the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. Her role will include promoting and overseeing the micro loan and technical assistance programs, as well as serving as the primary contact for businesses looking to start-up or expand in North Central Massachusetts.

“We are excited to have Sandie join our team and help lead our efforts to advance local businesses and the economic growth of North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President. “Her enthusiasm and professional experience in economic development, particularly her work in helping small businesses, make her uniquely suited for this role.”

Prior to being selected for this position, Ms. Cataldo worked since 2006 for the City of Leominster in the Office of Planning and Economic Development as their Small Business Development Coordinator. During this time she acted as the liaison between the city and the small business community. In addition to assisting businesses with their municipal needs, she also provided resources and tools to assist with business plans, financing options, marketing opportunities, and property search. She introduced new and innovative business practices through small business workshops, seminars, as well as planned and managed over thirty five large community events with attendance of 4,000+ designed to promote the local small business community.

Prior to working for the City of Leominster, Ms. Cataldo worked as a project manager for JS Lewis Exhibit Associates. In this position, she managed all trade show services for a national client base from a variety of industries.

About the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce (northcentralmass.com) is a business advocacy, economic development organization working to create and sustain relationships among businesses and between businesses and the community. With 1000 member firms, employing over 25,000 people in the region, the Chamber is working to foster economic opportunity in Fitchburg, Leominster, and surrounding communities.

About the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts. NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance. Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4,000,000 in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region. For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978-353-7607.