{"id":10013,"date":"2019-03-26T12:39:37","date_gmt":"2019-03-26T16:39:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/?page_id=10013"},"modified":"2026-01-23T15:19:22","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T20:19:22","slug":"awardsandmilestones","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/es\/awardsandmilestones\/","title":{"rendered":"Premios y Hitos"},"content":{"rendered":"<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-7xa2l-9ecf3a2e18dcbd654a8c59bf73f34b56\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-7xa2l-9ecf3a2e18dcbd654a8c59bf73f34b56{\npadding-bottom:10px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-7xa2l-9ecf3a2e18dcbd654a8c59bf73f34b56 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-7xa2l-9ecf3a2e18dcbd654a8c59bf73f34b56 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-7xa2l-9ecf3a2e18dcbd654a8c59bf73f34b56 av-special-heading-h1 blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first'><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Awards <span class='special_amp'>&amp;<\/span> Milestones<\/h1><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div  class='hr av-pt7fjx-5c724267677f420074d77c2b251e60ff hr-default  avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_textblock'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-luihy8ry-9e8ae14ec403740a76b6b8b370c90207'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: center;\">The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is the leading business and community development organization in the region. Since its establishment in 1984, the Chamber has played an instrumental role in driving growth and prosperity in the communities that comprise North Central Massachusetts. From industry recognition to national honors, discover why our chamber stands as a beacon of excellence, driving positive impact and fostering success. Join us in celebrating a tradition of achievement that sets us apart and propels North Central Massachusetts forward.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<div  class='hr av-41p2nr1-613b11567823eac7f3423d3566fbe6a6 hr-default  avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_one_full'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-3gd1hdp-b50f5449a1c2f1ca9a20e0273a98b35e\">\n.flex_column.av-3gd1hdp-b50f5449a1c2f1ca9a20e0273a98b35e{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-3gd1hdp-b50f5449a1c2f1ca9a20e0273a98b35e av_one_full  avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_hr  first flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding'     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-k8t07b8x-1766820beea7133a395e09bb8432adad'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Discover the many milestones and accomplishments of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce<\/h3>\n<h6 style=\"text-align: center;\">Watch or Scroll through its storied history below:<\/h6>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n<div  class='hr av-33jdywt-4699f09f24b379d15233209ad72994c0 hr-default  avia-builder-el-6  el_after_av_one_full  el_before_av_one_full'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-56h6e5-e9d7188ab84dacb48bbf86e508aa7395\">\n.flex_column.av-56h6e5-e9d7188ab84dacb48bbf86e508aa7395{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-56h6e5-e9d7188ab84dacb48bbf86e508aa7395 av_one_full  avia-builder-el-7  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_one_full  first flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" 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.av-milestone-icon-inner{\nbackground-image:url(https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Swirl-FB.jpg);\n}\n.avia-timeline-container .av-milestone.av-luitbsib-2-05c4646ab4bd4615bd88e5ce9836cb57 .av-milestone-icon-inner{\nbackground-image:url(https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Swirl-FB.jpg);\n}\n.avia-timeline-container .av-milestone.av-luitbsib-1-e773d59d26a67e43feeb386f0d3e9464 .av-milestone-icon-inner{\nbackground-image:url(https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/TMA-Rides.png);\n}\n.avia-timeline-container .av-milestone.av-luitbsib-1-1-6c5809230a3b47994d5f357e2f3687fa .av-milestone-icon-inner{\nbackground-image:url(https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Fitchburg-Tourism-Destination-Marketing-District-.png);\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  id=\"avia-timeline-1\"  class='avia-timeline-container av-jtp66r63-6b7dea8291d6084a2aaf812a8f7f4714 av-slideshow-ui  avia-builder-el-8  avia-builder-el-no-sibling' ><ul class='avia-timeline avia-timeline-vertical av-milestone-placement-alternate avia-timeline-boxshadow avia_animate_when_almost_visible'>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-2i682hp-a25c260850f4269ccee04b686cd664c4 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-1984' ><strong>1984<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber is Formed\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber is Formed<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10315 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/CHMBRGreenLogoWeb.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"163\" height=\"64\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce was officially established through a merger of the several local chambers of commerce and business groups in the region.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>The roots of the Chamber stretch back to the early 1900s with the formation of the Leominster and Fitchburg Chambers of Commerce.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10192 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Screen-Shot-2019-03-28-at-11.39.13-AM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"167\" height=\"173\" \/><\/span>After a nationwide search, David McKeehan, former Vice President of the Detroit Chamber of Commerce is selected to serve as the first President of the newly formed organization. Local Attorney Elliott Zide served as the first Chair of the Board and the Chamber maintained offices in both Fitchburg and Leominster for the first two years. The merger has proven to be a testament to the concept of \u201ca regional approach to problem-solving.\u201d The resulting regional business organization has taken a prominent position in economic development, government affairs and the implementation of creative solutions for promoting the success of small businesses.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-16biblp-f34f9ee0f21a57b8c0f7ad0cb0978781 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Good Morning North Central Breakfast Debuts\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Good Morning North Central Breakfast Debuts<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber launches its longest running event, the Good Morning North Central breakfast series.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Over the years, high profile speakers have included Governors, Senators, prominent business and civic leaders, authors and celebrities.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-10fqfq5-38af36073f7a79ed788cb8dc03c52898 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-1985' ><strong>1985<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Foundation Established\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Foundation Established<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber establishes the North Central Chamber Foundation as a 501(c)3 non-profit affiliate focused on assisting in the betterment of the region through charitable activities. Funds raised by the Chamber Foundation are utilized primarily for education\/workforce development initiatives. Since its founding the Chamber\u2019s foundation has awarded over $1 million so far in scholarships.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-c6kwukd-7a6307d3e8381534c3795ceb39233f17 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: &quot;Commitment for Success&quot; Initiative Launches\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>\"Commitment for Success\" Initiative Launches<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The \u201cCommitment for Success\u201d initiative was inaugurated by the Chamber, raising $1.25 Million from area businesses, to enable regional economic development and government affairs programming.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-1986' ><strong>1986<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-o00gt9-c6f7f989fead5c88780b3e700252dd45 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Guide To North Central Massachusetts Debuts\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Guide To North Central Massachusetts Debuts<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber publishes the first Guide to North Central Massachusetts as an annual tourism publication to promote the region to visitors. The first guide is black and white and has a limited distribution. Today, the guide is full color, printed seasonally and distributed widely throughout New England and as far away as Canada.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10197 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/guides.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"494\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-dzwfx-3b1a88b6e878918f2a99dc256ebcbbf3 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: NCMDC is Established\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>NCMDC is Established<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber establishes the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation as its formal economic development arm and initiated a fixed asset financing program (SBA 504) for area small businesses.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2886 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DevCorpLogo-large.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"360\" height=\"178\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DevCorpLogo-large.jpg 1814w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DevCorpLogo-large-300x149.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DevCorpLogo-large-1030x510.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DevCorpLogo-large-1500x743.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DevCorpLogo-large-705x349.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DevCorpLogo-large-450x223.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-1987' ><strong>1987<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-1labm2l-112d7ec878d3183889c055a625c6f816 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-1988' ><strong>1988<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Workforce Training Program Established\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Workforce Training Program Established<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber developed a workforce training program, coordinating efforts of Mount Wachusett Community College, Monty Tech, and the local machinists\u2019 union, to prepare 100 machinists for the Fitchburg General Electric plant.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10199 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-18-at-4.12.24-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"491\" height=\"528\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-99qw80t-fcb2b8d279003f4c4992b799e36328f9 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Launch of Community Leadership Institute\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Launch of Community Leadership Institute<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\">The Chamber launches its Community Leadership Institute to help shape leaders in the region.\u00a0 Over 250 business and community leaders have graduated from the program since its inception.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10204 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Screen-Shot-2019-03-28-at-12.24.39-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"354\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-1989' ><strong>1989<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-bwit0fx-bbadf30968307d58403e8ba478974828 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-1990' ><strong>1990<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Moves to New Location\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Moves to New Location<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>In an effort to be more accessible to its growing membership from throughout the region, the Chamber moves to a new location on Erdman Way in Leominster, easily accessible to Route 2.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-b7e4uql-140d327ccae165074d5195025db3a572 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Twin-Cities First Night Event Debuts\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Twin-Cities First Night Event Debuts<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber started the Twin-Cities First Night event, organizing dozens of venues, transportation, and entertainment to celebrate New Year\u2019s Eve in Leominster and Fitchburg. This community-based program, involving hundreds of volunteers, ran annually for almost a decade.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-postod-1a748fabfdfb3fdc5559de1104a95a34 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-1991' ><strong>1991<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Blueprint for the 90s\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Blueprint for the 90s<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The North Central Massachusetts Chamber secured another $1 Million from area businesses for economic development programming and launched the \u201cBlueprint for the 90s\u201d\u2013 a community and business-based planning effort that served as a roadmap for driving economic development efforts over the last twenty five years and led to the creation of many of the economic assets that have helped to shape the regions\u2019 economy.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10065 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/1991-Blueprint-to-the-90s.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"492\" height=\"644\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-w87m9p-8b49afc7132262925e87ca0627b085e2 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Launches MassPlastics\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Launches MassPlastics<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber holds the first of several MassPlastics Trade Shows to showcase area companies and demonstrate the region\u2019s history and strength in the plastics industry. These highly successful events grew to 100,000 square feet of exhibition space and were the only manufacturing-specific trade shows held by any local chamber of commerce in the country.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10293 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Massplasexpo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"441\" height=\"331\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Massplasexpo.jpg 1984w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Massplasexpo-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Massplasexpo-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Massplasexpo-1030x773.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Massplasexpo-1500x1125.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Massplasexpo-705x529.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Massplasexpo-450x338.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 441px) 100vw, 441px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-1992' ><strong>1992<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-90cs5kt-0f859cb454d2a131a59633461848afff av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-1994' ><strong>1994<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: NCMDC Establishes Micro-Loan Program\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>NCMDC Establishes Micro-Loan Program<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation establishes its first micro-loan program to assist start-up businesses, which is capitalized through a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and matching funds from the Chamber.\u00a0 Since its inception, the NCMDC has gone on to deploy over $27.5 million across all its lending programs,which has leveraged over $42 million in additional bank capital and has resulted in nearly 2,000 new jobs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-edk4dy5-64c3a578d2cc481621b235516942c8f2 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Leads Regional Effort in Devens, MA\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Leads Regional Effort in Devens, MA<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber leads a regional effort to support redevelopment of Fort Devens, including active participation in the creation of a redevelopment plan and supporting passage of a $200 million bond to implement the plan.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-1996' ><strong>1996<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-v90wf1-73cb10f9d46e1a60254365920868ba3d av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Johnny Appleseed Trail Association is Established\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Johnny Appleseed Trail Association is Established<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber establishes the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association as its formal tourism affiliate.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>JATA, doing business as Visit North Central Massachusetts today, developed and implemented a regional marketing plan to attract visitors and groups to the region. Since its humble beginnings, the organization has grown the economic impact of tourism from virtually nothing to over $485 million dollars in direct spending from visitors. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10083 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/1996-JATA.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"487\" height=\"294\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-sxfn31-3cede6fbd1e2beec8eeadb076e38943b av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Johnny Appleseed Visitors\u2019 Center Opens\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Johnny Appleseed Visitors\u2019 Center Opens<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>After ten years of lobbying by the Chamber, the MassHighway Department constructs The Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center on the site of a burned-out Howard Johnson\u2019s Restaurant along Route 2 in Lancaster. The Center\u2019s opening was a product of the Chamber\u2019s economic development master plan launched in 1991 and has become a model for visitor information centers.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Approximately 165,000 people visit the center each year.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10208 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/IMG_9993.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"455\" height=\"303\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/IMG_9993.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/IMG_9993-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/IMG_9993-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/IMG_9993-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/IMG_9993-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/IMG_9993-705x470.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/IMG_9993-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 455px) 100vw, 455px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-1997' ><strong>1997<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-nhfqql-16a7154b889acbfc790ed931af0d3f5f av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: First Ever Female Chair is Appointed\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>First Ever Female Chair is Appointed<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>Anita Raboin, Former President of Appleseed Personnel Services is elected as the first woman Chair of the Chamber\u2019s Board of Directors.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10224 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AnitaRPic.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"510\" height=\"363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AnitaRPic.jpg 1261w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AnitaRPic-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AnitaRPic-768x546.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AnitaRPic-1030x733.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AnitaRPic-260x185.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AnitaRPic-705x501.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AnitaRPic-450x320.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-9lz1zjx-8bbdff3098a1a8384332126ed1868d5a av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Women\u2019s Leadership Connection Debuts\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Women\u2019s Leadership Connection Debuts<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber establishes the Executive Women\u2019s Network, today called the Women\u2019s Leadership Connection, to foster success for local women in business.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-1999' ><strong>1999<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-2n8vuvx-6a43b005b6dd6d3cf96bceb46669e831 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2001' ><strong>2001<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Heads Rt. 12 Improvement Project\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Heads Rt. 12 Improvement Project<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber paves the way for the Route 12 Improvement Project. This transportation infrastructure project has been credited with improving the route 12 corridor in Fitchburg and Leominster.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-8v5nm59-2fd803780f8380d9b60edb096fe68683 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: State Recognizes &quot;Johnny Appleseed Trail&quot;\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>State Recognizes \"Johnny Appleseed Trail\"<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The state officially designates Route 2, from I-495 west through the Town of Orange, as \u201cThe Johnny Appleseed Trail\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2004' ><strong>2004<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-1dl21nh-7ae173b4474c5bdf8241017c06334dd7 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2005' ><strong>2005<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Breaks Ground for New Location\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Breaks Ground for New Location<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber breaks ground on its new 6,000 square foot building in Fitchburg, near the Leominster line, to serve as its headquarters and as a regional center to support the business community.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10087 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/2005.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"507\" height=\"395\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-20vn37h-be842d90fa2b988205c0b6b89f023ef1 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: NCMDC Recognized by U.S. Treasury\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>NCMDC Recognized by U.S. Treasury<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation is designated as a Community Development Financial Institution by the U.S. Treasury.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2007' ><strong>2007<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-7xln3q5-55bb0fb51f44128579cee1885056a88b av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2010' ><strong>2010<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Johnny Appleseed Trail Association Becomes Official RTC for Region\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Johnny Appleseed Trail Association Becomes Official RTC for Region<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber\u2019s tourism arm, the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association, receives official designation from the state as the Regional Tourism Council for North Central Massachusetts.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>This designation creates a formal partnership with the state\u2019s tourism office and enables the region to receive its share of matching tourism grants.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-7oqrc4d-5f3d769427664016120887e1c72158cd av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Hosts Familiarization Trips\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Hosts Familiarization Trips<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber hosts three familiarization trips to China. Over 200 local businessmen and women participate in the program to establish a better understanding of the country\u2019s growing influence in the world\u2019s economy and explore potential business relationships.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-1990bzx-ccc628ae0d61e91538644e89e9b9c873 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2011' ><strong>2011<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Helps Recruit AIS\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Helps Recruit AIS<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber supports efforts by the City of Leominster to recruit AIS to the region and advocates for tax incentives for the project. The project helps create hundreds of new jobs and millions in new tax revenue for the city and state.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10215 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AIS_HQ_Web_3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"457\" height=\"305\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AIS_HQ_Web_3.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AIS_HQ_Web_3-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AIS_HQ_Web_3-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AIS_HQ_Web_3-705x472.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AIS_HQ_Web_3-450x301.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 457px) 100vw, 457px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-kz4a9p-2f8e915c0b24e947f9e3a23411478a13 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Launches Economic Forecast\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Launches Economic Forecast<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber partners with Fidelity Bank to launch the first Economic Forecast Breakfast which highlights the economic outlook for North Central Massachusetts.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10297 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/8.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"497\" height=\"373\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2012' ><strong>2012<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-qvyr19-b69206ddbfb467571d9f3ec165d0c979 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Leads Statewide Coalition\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Leads Statewide Coalition<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>Recognizing the importance of a locally focused community college system and concerned about the impact to local businesses and the region, the Chamber leads a statewide coalition of business groups to oppose efforts by the state to usurp control and centralize the state\u2019s fifteen community colleges.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-1cceja5-76065bece32fde29c97bd8edc057ee5a av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: NCMDC Receives State Designation\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>NCMDC Receives State Designation<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber\u2019s economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, receives state designation as the official Regional Economic Development Organization for North Central Massachusetts.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-10j0bjx-14a0c42acab563667feec0f9e5b9a21b av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2014' ><strong>2014<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Helps Recruit Great Wolf Lodge New England\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Helps Recruit Great Wolf Lodge New England<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber works with local and state officials to help attract Great Wolf Resorts to the region and advocates for tax incentives for the project. The project helps create over 500 jobs for the region and generates millions in new tax revenue for the city and state.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2862 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSCF1843.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"410\" height=\"231\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSCF1843.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSCF1843-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSCF1843-1030x579.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSCF1843-1500x844.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSCF1843-705x397.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSCF1843-450x253.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-83oqmcd-46823ab885c3ec52996b0bab34a3b7dd av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Launches Net-Metering Credits Program\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Launches Net-Metering Credits Program<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>To help local manufacturers reduce their energy costs, the Chamber\u2019s economic development arm creates an innovative program to provide Net-Metering Credits from a local solar field.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-1zbxzx-82b780463dad29803cbd7ded7731b843 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2015' ><strong>2015<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Roy Nascimento Selected President &amp; CEO\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Roy Nascimento Selected President &amp; CEO<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>After a nationwide search, Roy Nascimento is selected to succeed David McKeehan as the President of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5503 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Roy-Nascimento-Speaking.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"521\" height=\"347\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Roy-Nascimento-Speaking.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Roy-Nascimento-Speaking-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Roy-Nascimento-Speaking-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Roy-Nascimento-Speaking-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Roy-Nascimento-Speaking-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Roy-Nascimento-Speaking-705x470.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Roy-Nascimento-Speaking-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 521px) 100vw, 521px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-qerbnh-16106bbbd5b82039d62630e5a46c00c4 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: NCMDC Becomes Micro-Loan Provider for the U.S. SBA\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>NCMDC Becomes Micro-Loan Provider for the U.S. SBA<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber\u2019s economic development affiliate, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, is approved as a micro-loan provider by the U.S Small Business Administration and receives a $500,000 low-interest loan as much needed capital to continue to grow its lending programs.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9553 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/NCMEDC_logo.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"416\" height=\"189\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/NCMEDC_logo.png 577w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/NCMEDC_logo-300x136.png 300w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/NCMEDC_logo-450x204.png 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 416px) 100vw, 416px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-1gyih25-109e785aaba5b6455195b0fc076bffa2 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2016' ><strong>2016<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone:  Chamber Launches New Logo\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'> Chamber Launches New Logo<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber introduces a new logo, symbolizing its continued growth and transformation while being respectful of its history.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8636 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/NorthCentralChamber_logo.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"458\" height=\"208\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/NorthCentralChamber_logo.png 577w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/NorthCentralChamber_logo-300x136.png 300w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/NorthCentralChamber_logo-450x204.png 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 458px) 100vw, 458px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-jjz5el-f5cc1250e9931f038988a2277e6da0e3 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Worcester Regional Chamber Becomes Affiliate of NCMDC\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Worcester Regional Chamber Becomes Affiliate of NCMDC<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber\u2019s economic development affiliate signs an innovative agreement with the<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce to provide start-up businesses in the Worcester area with micro-lending resources.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10157 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Screen-Shot-2019-03-26-at-1.24.49-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"446\" height=\"352\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-1b33g59-d04087cf2810561e8c11e8f964f62cf0 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2017' ><strong>2017<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Makes History as Chamber of the Year Finalist\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Makes History as Chamber of the Year Finalist<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The North Central Massachusetts Chamber is named a finalist for the National Chamber of the Year Award, the first chamber of commerce in Massachusetts or New England to have ever been named a finalist for this prestigious honor.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5671 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Award-Photo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"353\" height=\"520\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Award-Photo.jpg 1359w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Award-Photo-204x300.jpg 204w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Award-Photo-768x1131.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Award-Photo-700x1030.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Award-Photo-1019x1500.jpg 1019w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Award-Photo-479x705.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Award-Photo-450x662.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 353px) 100vw, 353px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-qoitz1-5e432a2e103e89cfc8162e5a01b3b2b8 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Assabet Valley, North Quabbin, &amp; Greater Gardner Chambers of Commerce Become NCMDC Affiliates\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Assabet Valley, North Quabbin, &amp; Greater Gardner Chambers of Commerce Become NCMDC Affiliates<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber\u2019s economic development affiliate signs agreements with the Assabet Valley, North Quabbin and the Greater Gardner Chambers of Commerce to extend its micro-lending resources to start-up businesses in their communities.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10159 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Screen-Shot-2019-03-26-at-1.26.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"365\" height=\"251\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-qludr1-c99c94787b491c6b0e8773c99402bf11 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2018' ><strong>2018<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone:  NCMDC Becomes Community Advantage Small Business Lender\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'> NCMDC Becomes Community Advantage Small Business Lender<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation is designated as a Community Advantage Lending Company by the U.S. Small Business Administration.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10218 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Screen-Shot-2019-03-28-at-12.50.08-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"504\" height=\"355\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-k2o5st-72bcf25092076bb8a5f3beaf4dba3aa9 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Awarded 4-Star Accredidation\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Awarded 4-Star Accredidation<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is awarded 4-star Accreditation from the accrediting board of the United States Chamber of Commerce for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. Of the approximately 7,000 chambers in the United States, only 204 have earned the recognition as an accredited chamber of commerce.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8765 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Chamber-Ambassadors.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"538\" height=\"347\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-ud67jx-a712074b513c05738b10ce3e0412195b av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Johnny Appleseed Trail Association Rebrands to Visit North Central Massachusetts\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Johnny Appleseed Trail Association Rebrands to Visit North Central Massachusetts<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Johnny Appleseed Trail Association rebrands to become Visit North Central Massachusetts, to better reflect the variety and diversity of the 27 communities that comprise North Central Massachusetts.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9550 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/VisitNorthCentral.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"319\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/VisitNorthCentral.png 350w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/VisitNorthCentral-300x273.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-1gev63h-31df1108b788c12478dfbb90cfe480f1 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Elect North Central Coalition\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Elect North Central Coalition<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\">The Chamber plays a leadership role in bringing together business, community, education and media organizations in the region to form the Elect North Central Coalition. The non-partisan coalition\u2019s mission is to make the democratic process accessible and assure that local and regional issues are examined and addressed by candidates running for major statewide and federal office. The coalition hosts its first debate for the Third Congressional District.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Elect-North-Central-Debate.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-17680\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Elect-North-Central-Debate-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Elect-North-Central-Debate-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Elect-North-Central-Debate-705x529.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Elect-North-Central-Debate-450x338.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Elect-North-Central-Debate.jpg 720w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-6jqcm71-cb211577dfb4b87585cb009db558b47a av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Fitchburg City Hall\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Fitchburg City Hall<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\">The Chamber joins with other business and civic groups to testify in support of the $23 million renovation of the historic Fitchburg City Hall, which had been vacant since 2012 due to structural issues. The renovated City Hall opens in 2020 and becomes an important part of the ongoing economic development of the downtown business district in one of the largest communities in the region.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-o44cvx-fb9e40dfd31c875227abc123b8ceb588 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone:  Chamber Debuts &quot;Build North Central&quot; Publication\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'> Chamber Debuts \"Build North Central\" Publication<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation publish a report entitled \u201cBuild North Central: Promoting the Industrial Heart of Massachusetts\u201d with recommendations to support the region\u2019s manufacturing industry and fuel economic advancement throughout the region.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10213 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/BuildNorthCentralStaging-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"264\" height=\"352\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2019' ><strong>2019<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-23uu71-bda867b29bfb29b90defa108e3065fd4 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Celebrates 35 Years\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Celebrates 35 Years<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber celebrates its 35<sup>th<\/sup> Anniversary of \u201cBuilding Businesses, Building Communities\u201d!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8962 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-27-at-2.53.55-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"339\" height=\"362\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-2t1x5dp-67fdf2cf98b366752418ef1c51b0fda6 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Big Apple of New England Unveiled\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Big Apple of New England Unveiled<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>In July 2019, local dignitaries and community leaders help the Chamber and its tourism affiliate, Visit North Central Massachusetts, officially unveil the \u201cBig Apple of New England\u201d outside the Johnny Appleseed Visitors\u2019 Center on Route 2 in Lancaster.\u00a0\u00a0This giant red apple structure, which stands at 10 feet tall, is the largest apple sculpture of its kind in all of New England.\u00a0\u00a0The apple was installed outside the Johnny Appleseed Visitors\u2019 Center to honor the region\u2019s strong agricultural heritage and connection to apples and that icon of American folk history \u2013 Johnny Appleseed.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/67664016_2859251417423929_5441851103085854720_n.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12770 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/67664016_2859251417423929_5441851103085854720_n.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"503\" height=\"503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/67664016_2859251417423929_5441851103085854720_n.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/67664016_2859251417423929_5441851103085854720_n-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/67664016_2859251417423929_5441851103085854720_n-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/67664016_2859251417423929_5441851103085854720_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/67664016_2859251417423929_5441851103085854720_n-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/67664016_2859251417423929_5441851103085854720_n-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/67664016_2859251417423929_5441851103085854720_n-705x705.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/67664016_2859251417423929_5441851103085854720_n-120x120.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/67664016_2859251417423929_5441851103085854720_n-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/67664016_2859251417423929_5441851103085854720_n-45x45.jpg 45w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 503px) 100vw, 503px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-2n5b999-35159c7f8b324e30f4dbc937b4b46495 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: HYPE Rebrands to Young Professionals of North Central Massachusetts\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>HYPE Rebrands to Young Professionals of North Central Massachusetts<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>In September 2019, the Chamber rebrands its HYPE group (Helping Young Professionals Emerge) to Young Professionals of North Central Massachusetts. The Chamber also establishes a steering committee to create and establish useful and educational programs for young professionals across North Central Massachusetts.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/The-Young-Professionals-of-North-Central-Mass-Committee.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11649 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/The-Young-Professionals-of-North-Central-Mass-Committee.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"708\" height=\"611\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/The-Young-Professionals-of-North-Central-Mass-Committee.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/The-Young-Professionals-of-North-Central-Mass-Committee-300x259.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/The-Young-Professionals-of-North-Central-Mass-Committee-768x663.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/The-Young-Professionals-of-North-Central-Mass-Committee-1030x889.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/The-Young-Professionals-of-North-Central-Mass-Committee-1500x1294.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/The-Young-Professionals-of-North-Central-Mass-Committee-705x608.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/The-Young-Professionals-of-North-Central-Mass-Committee-450x388.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 708px) 100vw, 708px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-26xugf1-6fbc56bf00e5833f6acbd46f63132823 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Talent Compact is Formed\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Talent Compact is Formed<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Chamber convenes the North Central Massachusetts Talent Compact as an outgrowth of the Chamber\u2019s\u00a0<em>Build North Central: Promoting the Industrial Heart of Massachusetts<\/em> report published in late 2019. The compact, comprised of business, education, workforce, and community leaders is established to facilitate partnerships around addressing the complex talent and workforce challenges facing the region.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-1folybh-1198c733c01d53ac859bb438cb36fb8e av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Fitchburg Moves to Single-Tax Rate\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Fitchburg Moves to Single-Tax Rate<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>In a major win for local business and for the economic advancement of the region, the Fitchburg City Council votes to move to a single rate at their annual tax hearing, eliminating the dual tax rate. The Chamber played a major role in advocating for this historic move \u2013 both to relieve the tax burden on local businesses and make the city more competitive for future investment. It is a powerful example of the impact that the Chamber can have when it harnesses the collective support of the business community.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-10kz1ul-2a7136a9b0c9c4d8de850c4363d94e58 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Testifies on Education Reform\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Testifies on Education Reform<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\">The Chamber takes a leadership role in advocating for meaningful education reforms at the state level that align with the needs of employers and better prepare students for the workplace. The Chamber testifies before the legislature regarding the need to ensure every student is exposed to career exploration and workforce readiness programming while in school. The Chamber also joins with other business groups to advocate for greater funding for industry credentialing courses in the state\u2019s high schools.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Chamber-Testifies-on-Education-Reform--scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-17681\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Chamber-Testifies-on-Education-Reform--300x172.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"172\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Chamber-Testifies-on-Education-Reform--300x172.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Chamber-Testifies-on-Education-Reform--1030x589.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Chamber-Testifies-on-Education-Reform--768x439.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Chamber-Testifies-on-Education-Reform--1536x878.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Chamber-Testifies-on-Education-Reform--2048x1171.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Chamber-Testifies-on-Education-Reform--1500x858.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Chamber-Testifies-on-Education-Reform--705x403.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Chamber-Testifies-on-Education-Reform--450x257.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Chamber-Testifies-on-Education-Reform--scaled.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-16n49wd-473fcb8c42421553e321caa90044241d av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2020' ><strong>2020<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone:  Chamber Launches Work North Central Jobs Resource\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'> Chamber Launches Work North Central Jobs Resource<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Chamber and its economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, launch a new localized online jobs board called WorkNorthCentral.com to help connect job seekers to employers in North Central Massachusetts. Visitors can search for employment opportunities located within the 27 communities of North Central Massachusetts. Thousands of job opportunities have been posted on the online resource since its launch.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-jlel99-938acd9267b5386c55ea0cba14527304 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Releases Economic Profile Study\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Releases Economic Profile Study<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber releases a new report that provides an in-depth look at the twenty-seven communities that comprise North Central Massachusetts.\u00a0\u00a0The Economic Profile was compiled by a research team at the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute and combines detailed economic, labor market and socioeconomic data, as well as analysis on the economic conditions within the region. The Chamber commissioned the research to support economic development efforts and serve as a resource for local businesses. You can read the full report\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Final-North-Central-Economic-Profile-Report.pdf\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12776 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2020-04-09-at-12.42.19-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"514\" height=\"666\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-167801p-e38be3aeb7424624440a168faa11eec3 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Commissions New Regional Economic Development Plan\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Commissions New Regional Economic Development Plan<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recognizing much has changed since the Blueprint for the Nineties was developed and the major impact it had in advancing the regional economy, the Chamber begins a major new economic development planning process. The Chamber conducts a nationwide search to select a consulting firm to assist in developing a new multi-faceted and actionable blueprint to guide the region\u2019s economic development efforts over the next 10 to 15 years.\u00a0\u00a0The Chamber also forms a special taskforce of business and community leaders to oversee the development of this regional plan. The scope of the project includes a deep dive into the regional economy, analyzing the real estate market and workforce, a SWOT analysis, benchmarking, interviews with stakeholders, focus groups, surveys and more.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-ul9pdp-65a49d9a903c05b0275e446d754b388f av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: COVID-19 Global Crisis Cripples Economy\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>COVID-19 Global Crisis Cripples Economy<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\">The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020 was an unprecedented crisis that impacted businesses and communities in an immediate and profound way. COVID-19 forced businesses to shut down, limited travel and gatherings, and had a ripple effect that crippled the economy.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>The Chamber team immediately jumps into action, pivoting to provide leadership, resources, guidance and a strong support system to help businesses and communities adjust and respond.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Efforts during those early days of the crisis included establishing an emergency loan program, setting up a dedicated COVID-19 email hotline, launching special promotional efforts to support affected businesses, sharing the latest guidance from local, state and federal authorities, helping secure PPE for front line workers, providing information on available resources and much more.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-2n0sd25-04bbfad2c440c2d314c2cddcdcf0ce86 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Support Local Marketing Effort \"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Support Local Marketing Effort <\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\">The Chamber\u2019s tourism affiliate \u2013 Visit North Central Massachusetts \u2013 pivots its destination marketing efforts immediately towards supporting economic recovery in the region.\u00a0\u00a0Within hours of the state issuing an executive order on March 15, 2020 limiting gatherings to 25 people and prohibiting on-premises consumption of food or drink at bars and restaurants, the Chamber and Visit North Central Massachusetts launch a \u201cTake-Out Blitz\u201d to support local restaurants and food businesses.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>The promotional effort is soon replicated by other business organizations in the state and country in an effort to quickly support small businesses.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Always a strong advocate for buying local, the Chamber and its affiliates go on to develop and launch several marketing campaigns during the pandemic to support small businesses and encourage consumers to safely shop, eat and visit locally. The Chamber and VNCM invest in new locally focused content, new messaging, digital advertisements, PR and social media to promote, connect and engage with consumers. \u201cWhen it Matters Most\u2026Support Local\u201d is used as the overarching theme for the campaigns.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/safe_image.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-15609\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/safe_image-300x157.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"531\" height=\"278\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/safe_image-300x157.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/safe_image-705x368.jpeg 705w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/safe_image-450x235.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/safe_image.jpeg 754w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 531px) 100vw, 531px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-72gvod-9e0088b9d0dc50ef982299830f57ff7b av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Launches Economic Recovery Fund\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Launches Economic Recovery Fund<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\">In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for more capital to help support its lending efforts to businesses negatively impacted, the Chamber and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation launch a new Economic Recovery Fund. The idea for this new fund came from several financial institutions in the region that approached the Chamber with this concept of a locally supported recovery fund. Berkshire Bank, Fidelity Bank and Digital Federal Credit Union were the founding sponsors of this fund and contributed $100,000 each to help capitalize the recovery effort. In addition, the NCMDC contributed $100,000 of its own money to the new fund. Workers\u2019 Credit Union and Bank of America contributed $10,000 each and bankHometown contributed $5,000. The funds raised were disbursed almost immediately. In an eight-week period following the start of the crisis, the NCMDC loaned out almost $800,000 in emergency loans, with the smallest just $2,700 and the largest $54,000. The recipients were all vulnerable and underserved small businesses, including a bike shop, a gym, hair salons, coffee shops, local restaurants and more that were impacted by the economic disruption from COVID-19.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">To help shore up its lending capacity, the NCMDC goes on to secure a $500,000 loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>A grant from Commonwealth of Massachusetts helped support the SBA\u2019s requirement for matching funds for a Loan Loss Reserve.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-1nrmmt9-d59d07fd7d364bd7bc9cf562938645bf av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: A Message for North Central Massachusetts\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>A Message for North Central Massachusetts<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\">Recognizing the level of fear and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Chamber introduces a special video for the public on its social media channels titled \u201cA Message for North Central Massachusetts\u201d. The video was intended to send a message of hope, community and resiliency that would help inspire and raise spirits during the economic shutdown and health pandemic.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>With help from our members, the video premiered just ten days after the Governor announced a public health emergency and instituted restrictions. The video was very successful, being viewed by over 65,000 people in the region, and receiving many positive comments on the tremendous impact it had on the region\u2019s morale.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-167tfnh-fe29e12f6a798d53274aea8f23df2f23 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Pivots to Online Programs\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Pivots to Online Programs<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\">The Chamber cancels all face to face events, meetings and programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. But recognizing the critical importance for businesses to stay informed and connected, the Chamber makes it a priority to continue delivering relevant programming to members \u2013 hosting over one hundred different online programs during the year to help inform, educate and connect members and communities. The programs range from free educational webinars on how to take advantage of relief efforts to monthly \u201cLive Chats\u201d with the Mayors of Fitchburg, Leominster and Gardner. Prominent speakers hosted on Chamber programs during the pandemic included the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, the U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts, the region\u2019s legislative delegation, federal officials, economists, thought leaders and more.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-pbiuvx-d9885a5761bc82b708a377b8e8c14a20 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: EDA Grant Award\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>EDA Grant Award<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\">The Chamber\u2019s economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, is awarded a grant of $946,000 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration under the CARES Act to establish a new revolving loan fund to assist with economic recovery in the region. The NCMDC structures this new loan program to provide loans of up to $150,000 with very flexible terms, low fees and interest rates as low as 1% for existing businesses impacted by COVID-19 and 5% for start-up businesses.<span class=\"s1\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Monthly payments are also deferred for up to one year on the loans to assist with business recovery. <span class=\"s1\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Mi-Rinconcito-Salvadoreno-Check-Photo-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-15615\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Mi-Rinconcito-Salvadoreno-Check-Photo-275x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"302\" height=\"329\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Mi-Rinconcito-Salvadoreno-Check-Photo-275x300.jpg 275w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Mi-Rinconcito-Salvadoreno-Check-Photo-945x1030.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Mi-Rinconcito-Salvadoreno-Check-Photo-768x837.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Mi-Rinconcito-Salvadoreno-Check-Photo-1409x1536.jpg 1409w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Mi-Rinconcito-Salvadoreno-Check-Photo-1879x2048.jpg 1879w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Mi-Rinconcito-Salvadoreno-Check-Photo-1376x1500.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Mi-Rinconcito-Salvadoreno-Check-Photo-647x705.jpg 647w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Mi-Rinconcito-Salvadoreno-Check-Photo-450x491.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Mi-Rinconcito-Salvadoreno-Check-Photo-scaled.jpg 1835w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 302px) 100vw, 302px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-5rulxfh-0694f27ac4c53121afdee5b2524b8183 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: One North Central Plan\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>One North Central Plan<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\">After an extensive 18-month planning process, the Chamber unveils <i>Uno del norte central<\/i>, a regional economic development plan intended to help guide the region\u2019s collective economic development efforts over the next 10 to 15 years, providing for sustainable growth.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/NorthCentralMass-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-16188\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/NorthCentralMass-300x178.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"499\" height=\"296\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/NorthCentralMass-300x178.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/NorthCentralMass-1030x611.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/NorthCentralMass-768x456.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/NorthCentralMass-1536x912.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/NorthCentralMass-2048x1216.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/NorthCentralMass-1500x890.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/NorthCentralMass-705x418.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/NorthCentralMass-450x267.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/NorthCentralMass-scaled.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 499px) 100vw, 499px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2021' ><strong>2021<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-5duon0d-e4849d922f086eaf591da02fe03d9d73 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Named Finalist for Chamber of the Year\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Named Finalist for Chamber of the Year<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\">The Chamber is recognized as a finalist again for the prestigious National Chamber of the Year Award by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) in recognition of its operations and impact in the community. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-4rq2nlp-631e51482a633d5e6742339ca1b2b528 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Work North Central Career &amp; Hiring Event\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Work North Central Career &amp; Hiring Event<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0As an outgrowth of the One North Central plan, the Chamber hosts this regional career and hiring event to connect job seekers and students with employers and resource providers in the region. While the Chamber has hosted a variety of job fairs and related programs in the past, this new annual event expands the concept to include multiple resource partners, educational programing and direct onsite career counseling.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Work-North-Central-Job-Board.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20814\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Work-North-Central-Job-Board.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"475\" height=\"118\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-4j02n5p-b3a10e1a99c25a026027fe3c5f4e2b08 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Inside North Central Massachusetts\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Inside North Central Massachusetts<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\">The Chamber launches a new podcast series called <i>Inside North Central Massachusetts<\/i> as a new communications channel to engage and inform businesses and the community at large. The podcast series focuses on the people and issues affecting the communities in North Central Massachusetts. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-3thrnp9-0844dbff5250f66612bd1430a28fcf2e av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: New Latinx Initiative\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>New Latinx Initiative<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\">The Chamber partners with several community groups and the Cities of Fitchburg and Leominster to launch a new effort to engage and support the Latinx community in North Central Massachusetts. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Latinos comprise the largest minority group in the region and are playing an important role in contributing to the economy, including starting businesses at three times the rate of the general population.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>However, research found that Latinos and other minorities were less likely to take advantage of available resources within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, as well as established business networks like the Chamber that are so vital to achieving success in business.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>As part of the initiative, which also had its roots in the One North Central Plan, the Chamber provides direct multi-lingual technical assistance, access to PPP loans through local banks, micro-loans and grants and hosts roundtables to engage and inform Latinx business owners.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-irxmt9-30abbfe178b792568207a85f2cdc8780 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: First Latina Chair Appointed\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>First Latina Chair Appointed<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\">Rachel Lopez, President of Resource Management, Inc. in Fitchburg is elected as the first Latina Chair of the Chamber\u2019s Board of Directors.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/weblopez.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17676\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/weblopez.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-uojl7h-3f692f8ca1782a51a6588577465221bf av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Mini Grants Provided \"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Mini Grants Provided <\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\">The Chamber, in partnership with New Vue Communities, launches a new mini-grant program to support small businesses in the region with their recovery from the pandemic. The program provides $60,000 in small grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 that are used for professional services that help small businesses in the region.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-1g9bu65-4eab18cc73592bd636829f28c735558d av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Lending Efforts Expanded \"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Lending Efforts Expanded <\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\">The Chamber\u2019s economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, secures over $2.25 million in new federal and state grants to help expand its lending efforts. With this new capital infusion, the NCMDC goes on to provide over $1.75 million in loans in 2021. The average loan amount is just $20,000, the smallest loan is $2,200 and the largest at $150,000. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-140gcpp-a5d843bd3a445e72838c56d726d80776 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Loan Size Increased\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Loan Size Increased<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\">The Board of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation votes to increase the maximum size of its loans to $250,000 and expand its loan program to include commercial real estate mortgages.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>The real estate loans can be used for a first mortgage for purchase, rehab or expansion of an existing structure or a second mortgage with a participating financial institution. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-1oshd5p-b96aec6140e87207d3a0751547c510f7 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2022' ><strong>2022<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Visitor Center Renovations\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Visitor Center Renovations<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\">The Chamber\u2019s tourism arm, Visit North Central Massachusetts, renovates the Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center on Route 2 in Lancaster, including upgrading the interior; improving security and accessibility; and adding new amenities to improve the experience for visitors and to better showcase the region\u2019s communities, local attractions and businesses.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Screen-Shot-2022-06-20-at-3.54.41-PM.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-17679\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Screen-Shot-2022-06-20-at-3.54.41-PM-300x226.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"226\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-4nylh9-91b7b23ea408d05bacc1ecb8846a5899 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline no-year av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Equitable Credential Attainment\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Equitable Credential Attainment<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p class=\"p1\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b>A North Central Massachusetts team comprised of the Chamber, Mount Wachusett Community College and the Spanish American Center are selected to participate in the Equitable Credential Attainment Cohort program offered through the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>The initiative supports 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.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>The Chamber led team was one of only seven teams selected from throughout the country to participate in this competitive program.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-luilslfv-28ed31f1416536a2ae8c1e12473c0604 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2023' ><strong>2023<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Unveils Major Workforce Study\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Unveils Major Workforce Study<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber unveils &#8220;Worker Shortages and the North Central Massachusetts Region: Engaging Hidden and Future Workers to Grow the Local Economy\u201d, a comprehensive workforce study focusing on workforce growth challenges and solutions. The study outlines workforce barriers related to geography, skills, structure, and work-life balance, and includes short-, mid- and long-term recommendations for how to grow the North Central workforce.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-luimd09l-9423536ac83723a051cd133819e1d4d7 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Visit North Central Partners on Major Marketing Initiative\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Visit North Central Partners on Major Marketing Initiative<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber\u2019s tourism arm, Visit North Central Massachusetts, partners with two neighboring regional tourism councils to secure a $1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to support tourism marketing during the shoulder season (identified as November to April). The grant helps develop advertising campaigns over a two-year period to attract more visitors and groups to the three regions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-luimd09l-6-d289e6eccfc6cd0813a57f100c92c3f7 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: The Chamber is Awarded a 5-star Accreditation\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>The Chamber is Awarded a 5-star Accreditation<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber is awarded a 5-star Accreditation by the Accrediting Board of the United States Chamber of Commerce as a result of its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. Of the approximately 7,000 chambers in the U.S., there are currently only 140 5-Star rated chambers, representing the top three percent of all chambers in the country. In Massachusetts, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber is one of only two chambers with this prestigious accreditation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-luimd09l-5-5c81085bf4ba16364436699e462b2909 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Non-Traditional Scholarships Offered\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Non-Traditional Scholarships Offered<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber\u2019s Community Leadership Institute Class of 2023 takes on a community project of expanding the Chamber\u2019s scholarship program with the addition of a new non-traditional scholarships (totaling $14,000) for individuals who do not qualify for traditional scholarships or are pursuing education or training in the trades.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-luimd09l-4-ab160fb0ba26f1d74ecc573e1ec58b33 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Launches Micro-Grant Program\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Launches Micro-Grant Program<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>National Grid contributes over $100,000 to the chamber enabling it to establish a small business energy relief grant program. The Chamber then distributes one hundred $1,000 grants to local small businesses in the community.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-luimd09l-3-032d52d56570d5c4e71a57958d33a97f av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Recognized as 2023 Chamber of the Year.\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Recognized as 2023 Chamber of the Year.<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) recognizes the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce as 2023 Chamber of the Year. This is the most prestigious and competitive award in the chamber industry and recognizes chambers that demonstrate excellence in operations, member services and community leadership.\u00a0The Chamber becomes the first chamber of commerce in Massachusetts and New England to receive the prestigious award.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/SEN-L-nationalchamber-0813.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20846\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/SEN-L-nationalchamber-0813-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"368\" height=\"245\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/SEN-L-nationalchamber-0813-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/SEN-L-nationalchamber-0813.jpg 525w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 368px) 100vw, 368px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-luimd09l-2-2f41393dda6a7f030216bc24282fb6db av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Launches Emergency Loan Program\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Launches Emergency Loan Program<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>Following historic floods affecting the City of Leominster and surrounding communities, the Chamber jumps into action to assist local businesses and the communities with recovery efforts. The Chamber reactivates its emergency hotline for small businesses, shares information and updates on response and recovery efforts and launches an Emergency Loan Program to enable local small businesses to access critical funds to help in the recovery process.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-luimd09l-1-4f093b6f44c21c784a023d41a8379a37 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Launches Regional Business Investment Fund\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Launches Regional Business Investment Fund<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>As an outgrowth of the One North Central regional economic development plan, the Chamber\u2019s economic development arm launches a Regional Business Investment Fund (RBIF) to encourage more real estate development in the region. The funding can be used by developers for engineering, soft costs, site work, infrastructure, and hard costs for specific developments in the 27 communities that make up the North Central region.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-luisjmw6-6e110950ddef772de99a08acf797d440 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2024' ><strong>2024<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone:  Chamber 40th Anniversary\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'> Chamber 40th Anniversary<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber celebrates its 40th Anniversary of providing leadership and impact!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/40-YR-SHIELD.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-20825\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/40-YR-SHIELD-300x246.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"246\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/40-YR-SHIELD-300x246.png 300w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/40-YR-SHIELD-1030x845.png 1030w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/40-YR-SHIELD-768x630.png 768w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/40-YR-SHIELD-1536x1261.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/40-YR-SHIELD-2048x1681.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/40-YR-SHIELD-1500x1231.png 1500w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/40-YR-SHIELD-705x579.png 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-luisjmw6-1-b2df4ae94058ba58840a826146a7ab02 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Chamber Convenes the Manufacturing Council of North Central Massachusetts\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Chamber Convenes the Manufacturing Council of North Central Massachusetts<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>The Chamber convenes the Manufacturing Council of North Central Massachusetts as a natural extension of its work to support of the manufacturing industry and the regional economy.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Manufacturing-Council-Logo-Color.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20827\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Manufacturing-Council-Logo-Color-300x132.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"509\" height=\"224\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Manufacturing-Council-Logo-Color-300x132.png 300w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Manufacturing-Council-Logo-Color-768x337.png 768w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Manufacturing-Council-Logo-Color-705x309.png 705w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Manufacturing-Council-Logo-Color.png 935w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 509px) 100vw, 509px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-luitbsib-4d2795527500d5e102d92db5976ce65a av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: North Central Chamber of Commerce Establishes the North Central Massachusetts Land Bank, Inc.\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>North Central Chamber of Commerce Establishes the North Central Massachusetts Land Bank, Inc.<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>As an outgrowth of the One North Central plan, the Chamber establishes the North Central Massachusetts Land Bank, Inc. as a new non-profit corporation with a mission to advance, encourage and promote economic, commercial and civic development in\u00a0communities throughout North Central Massachusetts. The Land Bank is intended to partner with developers, nonprofit service providers, and government in the 27 communities that comprise North Central Massachusetts through brokering, land banking and other assistance to help support economic development.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-luitbsib-2-05c4646ab4bd4615bd88e5ce9836cb57 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Direct Visitor Spending Reaches $485 Million\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Direct Visitor Spending Reaches $485 Million<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>North Central Massachusetts achieves a major milestone as annual direct visitor spending surpasses $485 million, a direct result of the Chamber&#8217;s strategic tourism marketing efforts launched in the 1990s. The region has grown from having virtually no visitor economy to establishing tourism as a growing economic sector, including more than quadrupling from $118 million in 2014.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2025' ><strong>2025<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-luitbsib-1-e773d59d26a67e43feeb386f0d3e9464 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-' aria-hidden='true' tabindex='-1'><strong><span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: North Central Massachusetts Rides TMA Launched\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>North Central Massachusetts Rides TMA Launched<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>Working with several major employers and the Health Equity Partnership, the Chamber establishes the North Central Massachusetts Rides Transportation Management Association (TMA) as a business-led initiative to address critical last-mile gaps and workforce transportation barriers identified in the Chamber&#8217;s 2023 workforce study. Investments from founding members and a MassDOT grant fund the launch. The initiative strategically connects workers with employment opportunities across the region&#8217;s 27 communities.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-23389 size-medium alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/North-Central-Massachusetts-Rides-Transportation-Management-Association-Logo-300x131.jpg\" alt=\"North-Central-Massachusetts-Rides-Transportation-Management-Association-Logo\" width=\"300\" height=\"131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/North-Central-Massachusetts-Rides-Transportation-Management-Association-Logo-300x131.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/North-Central-Massachusetts-Rides-Transportation-Management-Association-Logo-495x218.jpg 495w, https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/North-Central-Massachusetts-Rides-Transportation-Management-Association-Logo.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-luitbsib-1-1-6c5809230a3b47994d5f357e2f3687fa av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Fitchburg Tourism Destination Marketing District Established\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Fitchburg Tourism Destination Marketing District Established<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>In partnership with Great Wolf Lodge and with support from Mayor Squailia&#8217;s administration and the Fitchburg City Council, the Chamber establishes Fitchburg&#8217;s Tourism Destination Marketing District (TDMD), the first in the region and second in the state after Boston. This groundbreaking lodging-led initiative creates supplemental funding for tourism marketing and sets the stage for transformative growth of the region&#8217;s tourism economy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-2026' ><strong>2026<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-26aszb1-2b7b6a2fe2fa05a4b812eb5bb18ca8f5\">\n.flex_column.av-26aszb1-2b7b6a2fe2fa05a4b812eb5bb18ca8f5{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-26aszb1-2b7b6a2fe2fa05a4b812eb5bb18ca8f5 av_one_full  avia-builder-el-9  el_after_av_one_full  avia-builder-el-last  first flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding  column-top-margin'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jww3dkky-0920abd9e2d69d5e54e244dc9d9f7495\">\n.avia-video.av-jww3dkky-0920abd9e2d69d5e54e244dc9d9f7495{\nbackground-image:url(https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Screen-Shot-2019-06-10-at-8.44.51-AM.jpg);\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-video av-jww3dkky-0920abd9e2d69d5e54e244dc9d9f7495 avia-video-16-9 av-preview-image avia-video-load-always av-lazyload-immediate av-lazyload-video-embed'  itemprop=\"video\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/VideoObject\"  data-original_url='https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=THlL5ZbM9c4&amp;t=2s'><script type='text\/html' class='av-video-tmpl'><div class='avia-iframe-wrap'><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/THlL5ZbM9c4?start=2&feature=oembed&autoplay=0&loop=0&controls=1&mute=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; 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