History & Milestones
Discover the many milestones and accomplishments of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
Watch or Scroll through its storied history below:
1984
Chamber is Formed
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. The roots of the Chamber stretch back to the early 1900s with the formation of the Leominster and Fitchburg Chambers of Commerce.
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 “a regional approach to problem-solving.” 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.
Good Morning North Central Breakfast Debuts
The Chamber launches its longest running event, the Good Morning North Central breakfast series. Over the years, high profile speakers have included Governors, Senators, prominent business and civic leaders, authors and celebrities.
1985
Chamber Foundation Established
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’s foundation has awarded over $1 million so far in scholarships.
1986
"Commitment for Success" Initiative Launches
The “Commitment for Success” initiative was inaugurated by the Chamber, raising $1.25 Million from area businesses, to enable regional economic development and government affairs programming.
1986
Guide To North Central Massachusetts Debuts
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.
1987
NCMDC is Established
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.
1987
1988
Workforce Training Program Established
The Chamber developed a workforce training program, coordinating efforts of Mount Wachusett Community College, Monty Tech, and the local machinists’ union, to prepare 100 machinists for the Fitchburg General Electric plant.
1989
Launch of Community Leadership Institute
The Chamber launches its Community Leadership Institute to help shape leaders in the region.
Over 230 business and community leaders have graduated from the program since its inception.
1989
1990
Chamber Moves to New Location
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.
Twin-Cities First Night Event Debuts
The Chamber started the Twin-Cities First Night event, organizing dozens of venues, transportation, and entertainment to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Leominster and Fitchburg. This community-based program, involving hundreds of volunteers, ran annually for almost a decade.
1991
Blueprint for the 90s
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber secured another $1 Million from area businesses for economic development programming and launched the “Blueprint for the 90s”– 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’ economy.
1992
Chamber Launches MassPlastics
The Chamber holds the first of several MassPlastics Trade Shows to showcase area companies and demonstrate the region’s 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.
1992
1994
NCMDC Establishes Micro-Loan Program
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. Since its inception, the NCMDC has gone on to lend out over $6.3 million dollars, which has been leveraged by $24 million in bank capital and has resulted in nearly 1,000 new jobs. The average loan is just $25,000.
1996
Chamber Leads Regional Effort in Devens, MA
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.
1996
Johnny Appleseed Trail Association is Established
The Chamber establishes the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association as its formal tourism affiliate. 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 $144 million dollars in direct spending from visitors.
1997
Johnny Appleseed Visitors’ Center Opens
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’s Restaurant along Route 2 in Lancaster. The Center’s opening was a product of the Chamber’s economic development master plan launched in 1991 and has become a model for visitor information centers. Approximately 165,000 people visit the center each year.
1997
First Ever Female Chair is Appointed
Anita Raboin, Former President of Appleseed Personnel Services is elected as the first woman Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
1999
Women’s Leadership Connection Debuts
The Chamber establishes the Executive Women’s Network, today called the Women’s Leadership Connection, to foster success for local women in business.
1999
2001
Chamber Heads Rt. 12 Improvement Project
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.
2004
State Recognizes "Johnny Appleseed Trail"
The state officially designates Route 2, from I-495 west through the Town of Orange, as “The Johnny Appleseed Trail”.
2004
2005
Chamber Breaks Ground for New Location
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.
2007
NCMDC Recognized by U.S. Treasury
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation is designated as a Community Development Financial Institution by the U.S. Treasury.
2007
2010
Johnny Appleseed Trail Association Becomes Official RTC for Region
The Chamber’s tourism arm, the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association, receives official designation from the state as the Regional Tourism Council for North Central Massachusetts. This designation creates a formal partnership with the state’s tourism office and enables the region to receive its share of matching tourism grants.
Chamber Hosts Familiarization Trips
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’s growing influence in the world’s economy and explore potential business relationships.
2011
Chamber Helps Recruit AIS
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.
2012
Chamber Launches Economic Forecast
The Chamber partners with Fidelity Bank to launch the first Economic Forecast Breakfast which highlights the economic outlook for North Central Massachusetts.
2012
Chamber Leads Statewide Coalition
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’s fifteen community colleges.
NCMDC Receives State Designation
The Chamber’s economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, receives state designation as the official Regional Economic Development Organization for North Central Massachusetts.
2014
Chamber Helps Recruit Great Wolf Lodge New England
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.
Chamber Launches Net-Metering Credits Program
To help local manufacturers reduce their energy costs, the Chamber’s economic development arm creates an innovative program to provide Net-Metering Credits from a local solar field. The initiative has produced 6,154,746 KwH of Net Metering Credits to the participating manufacturers in the program, with a collective savings of over $1,124,649.
2015
Roy Nascimento Selected President & CEO
After a nationwide search, Roy Nascimento is selected to succeed David McKeehan as the President of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.
NCMDC Becomes Micro-Loan Provider for the U.S. SBA
The Chamber’s 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.
2016
NCMDC Becomes Micro-Loan Intermediary for U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
The Chamber’s economic development affiliate, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, is approved as a micro-loan intermediary by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and establishes its fourth micro-loan fund with an additional infusion of $500,000 in capital.
Chamber Launches New Logo
The Chamber introduces a new logo, symbolizing its continued growth and transformation while being respectful of its history.
Worcester Regional Chamber Becomes Affiliate of NCMDC
The Chamber’s economic development affiliate signs an innovative agreement with the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce to provide start-up businesses in the Worcester area with micro-lending resources.
2017
Chamber Makes History as Chamber of the Year Finalist
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.
2017
Chamber Establishes Economic Advancement Fund
The Chamber secures $300,000 in pledges from local businesses to establish the Economic Advancement Fund with the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. The new fund provides resources to expand economic development efforts and continue to advance the North Central economy.
Assabet Valley, North Quabbin, & Greater Gardner Chambers of Commerce Become NCMDC Affiliates
The Chamber’s 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.
2018
NCMDC Becomes Community Advantage Lender
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation is designated as a Community Advantage Lender by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Chamber Awarded 4-Star Accredidation
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.
NCMDC Partners on Colonial Bank Loan Fund
The Chamber’s economic development arm partners with Fidelity Bank and the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce to establish its fifth micro-loan fund, called the Colonial Bank Loan Fund. This new loan fund is capitalized with a $300,000 contribution from Fidelity bank.
Johnny Appleseed Trail Association Rebrands to Visit North Central Massachusetts
The Johnny Appleseed Trail Association rebrands to become Visit North Central Massachusetts, being more encompassing of our wonderful North Central Mass region.
2019
Chamber Debuts "Build North Central" Publication
The Chamber and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation publish a report entitled “Build North Central: Promoting the Industrial Heart of Massachusetts” with recommendations to support the region’s manufacturing industry and fuel economic advancement throughout the region.
Chamber Celebrates 35 Years
The Chamber celebrates its 35th Anniversary of “Building Businesses, Building Communities”!
Big Apple of New England Unveiled
In July 2019, over seventy-five local dignitaries and community leaders officially unveiled the “Big Apple of New England” outside the Johnny Appleseed Visitors’ Center on Route 2 in Lancaster. This giant red apple structure, which stands at 10 feet tall, is the largest apple sculpture of its kind in all of New England. The apple was installed outside the Johnny Appleseed Visitors’ Center to honor the region’s strong agricultural heritage and connection to apples and that icon of American folk history – Johnny Appleseed. The Big Apple of New England is part of an effort to promote North Central Massachusetts to travelers and visitors.
HYPE Rebrands to Young Professionals of North Central Massachusetts
Education Compact is Formed
The Chamber convened a meeting of the inaugural North Central Massachusetts Education Compact. The Education Compact is an outgrowth of the Chamber’s report published last year called Build North Central: Promoting the Industrial Heart of Massachusetts. Among the recommendations in the report was strengthening the relationship between employers and schools throughout the region through a group of this nature that could serve as an ongoing channel of communication between stakeholders. This high-level leadership group is intended to help facilitate partnerships around the shared goals of improving college and career pathways for students. The group is comprised of leaders in education, business and workforce development.
Convening the Education Compact is part of the Chamber’s continuing efforts to advance the economy of North Central Massachusetts. The Chamber has long been a champion of education and has been actively engaged in supporting schools and students. The Chamber recognizes that the quality and accessibility of our educational institutions is critical to the health and prosperity of the state and regional economy.
Fitchburg Moves to Single-Tax Rate
In a major win for local business, Fitchburg councilors elected to move to a single rate at their annual tax hearing, eliminating what remained of a six point shift. This vote is significant as the tax shift is perhaps the most immediate and direct manner in which municipal officials can impact businesses within their communities.
The Chamber applauds the actions of the Fitchburg City Council. The adoption of the single tax rate passed by an 8-2 margin at a meeting on Tuesday, December 3, 2019.
2020
Chamber Launches Work North Central
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and its economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, launched a new localized online jobs board to help connect job seekers to employers in North Central Massachusetts. This online employment resource, called WorkNorthCentral.com, is housed on the Chamber’s website. Visitors to WorkNorthCentral.com can search for full-time and part-time employment as well as internship opportunities with employers located within the twenty-seven communities of North Central Massachusetts. This jobs portal is free for job seekers and available at no cost to Chamber members to post and manage as many jobs listings as they need.
Chamber Releases Economic Profile Study
The Chamber released a new report that provides an in-depth look at the twenty-seven communities that comprise North Central Massachusetts. The 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 here.