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Government Affairs Update | Summer 2019
The Chamber continues to take an active role in advocating and engaging with policy makers on a variety of issues that impact businesses and the advancement of North Central Massachusetts. Below is an update on some of the more recent activities at the local, state and federal level.
Federal: The Chamber signed onto a letter from business and labor groups throughout the nation encouraging Congress to take action to address the long overdue issue of our nation’s infrastructure modernization. The Chamber also continues efforts to engage with our federal delegation, most recently hosting Congresswoman Trahan at a meeting where we discussed issues such as workforce development, transportation, international trade and immigration reform.
A delegation of Chamber staff and members met with Senate staff on Beacon Hill to discuss legislative priorities.
State Budget: The State House is in the midst of its annual budget process. As of this printing, the Governor, House and Senate have each released their versions of the budget with mixed results for North Central Massachusetts. Several priorities around regional economic development were included, while others were not. Key legislative language that we supported was also not included. A conference committee will be appointed by the House and Senate to work out the differences and come upwith a final budget.
Public Affairs Manager, Christopher McDermott, testifies before the joint Committee for Education at the Massachusetts State House.
Education Reform: The Chamber has taken a leadership role in advocating for meaningful education reforms at the state level that would align with the needs of employers and better prepare students for the workplace. The Chamber testified before the legislature regarding the need to ensure every student is exposed to career exploration and workforce readiness programming while in school. We have also partnered with other business groups to advocate for greater funding for industry credentialing courses in the state’s high schools.
Transportation: The Chamber has participated in several meetings of the Route 2 Taskforce that was formed by Senator Dean Tran. Transportation financing is shaping up to be a top issue for the legislature to address in this legislative session, so the meetings are timely and can help to better position the region for futureimprovements. The Chamber has also joined a coalition of business groups from throughout the state to engage collectively on the issue of improving our state’s transportation infrastructure.
Regulations: In addition to testifying, the Chamber also hosted a listening session on the new Paid Family and Medical Leave Act to provide local businesses an opportunity to voice any concerns they may have to state regulators. In related news, the Employer Medical Assistance Contribution (EMAC) assessment is scheduled to end on December 31, 2019 and the administration has indicated that they are not planning to extend it beyond 2019.
Local: Last month, the Chamber participated in ameeting of elected officialsfrom the tri-cities to discuss the importance of regionalism and economic development efforts. The Chamber has also been engaged in a number of issues in our local towns, most notably testifying in Sterling for proposed zoning changes that would help facilitate business growth. ◊
This update is from the latest Chamber Report
Feeding the Economy: Food & Agriculture in North Central Massachusetts
Agriculture in North Central Massachusetts is deeply rooted in our history. That heritage is perhaps best symbolized with our connection to apples and that icon of American folk history – Johnny Appleseed. But it is more than just part of our past; the industry is still a major economic driver and a key part of our working landscape in the region. The food and agriculture cluster is also playing an important part in shaping the future of North Central Massachusetts and helping drive our economy.
A father and son spend their afternoon apple picking at popular destination, David Farmland of Sterling.
The region is home to an estimated 800 farms, which employ over 1,700 people. Employment has increased nearly 60% in the region’s growing tourism industry is also closely tied to the food and agricultural industries in North Central Massachusetts and also showcases the dynamic nature and complexity of the sector. Farms like Davis Farmland, Red Apple, Hollis Hills and many more have reinvented themselves as major destinations in the region. “At Davis Farmland, our mission is to connect people back to agriculture and preserve the rich farming heritage of New England”, said co-owner Larry Davis. “We are a seven generation farm in Sterling, dating back to 1846. We started as a dairy and, over the generations, have been involved in virtually every form of sustainable agriculture this area of New England has seen.”
The famous “no human touch” lettuce of Little Leaf Farms in Devens is grown by state-of-the-art robotics leaving their lettuce fresh, crispy and delicious.
The innovative nature of the industry, as well as its convergence with manufacturing, is perhaps best exemplified by Little Leaf Farms in Devens. In 2015, they built a five acre greenhouse facility that produces fresh lettuce and salad greens via a technologically advanced and automated process. The baby greens produced there are all seeded, grown, cut and packaged without being touched by human hands.
Consumer interest in sustainability, authenticity and buying local has helped to empower our food and agricultural sectors in the region. Roots Natural Foods in Leominster illustrates how the region’s strength and proximity to locally sourced products has contributed to the growth of this economic cluster. Opened in 2002,
A delectable display of nothing but the freshest greens and veggies courtesy of Roots Natural Foods of Leominster.
Roots began as a market with nine employees that focused on selling and serving responsibly farmed, organic, local and sustainable foods and products. The market has since expanded to over twenty-five employees and now includes a popular sustainable kitchen that serves healthy foods and provides catering services. “Our goal has always been to enrich our community by providing quality and locally sourced products”, said Owner Marieke Cormier. “One of the strengths of North Central Massachusetts is its incredible diversity of local products for consumers.”
North Central Massachusetts is home to one of the largest concentrations of food and agricultural sectors in the state. Coupled with a thriving manufacturing cluster and burgeoning tourism industry, this unique position as a food and agriculture hub has enhanced the region’s character while creating new prosperity and employment. It is for that reason that we look forward to this sector’s continued growth and increased, statewide prominence for years to come. ◊
This story is from the latest Chamber Report
Speaker of the House & Boston Marathon Survivor to Speak at Next Good Morning North Central Breakfast
The next edition of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber’s popular Good Morning North Central breakfast series is scheduled for Friday, September 13, 2019 from 6:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Doubletree by Hilton, 99 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA. The September edition is sponsored by Unitil.
The Good Morning North Central series is a high-profile, fast-paced and educational breakfast program geared towards executives, senior managers, professionals and business owners. Each of the programs has a business-oriented focus and features prominent popular speakers to present on topics of interest to local businesses.
The featured speakers for the September edition are Representative Robert DeLeo, Speaker of the House, and Author, Speaker, and Survivor, Roseann Sdoia Materia.
House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop) represents the Town of the Winthrop and a portion of the City of Revere. He has served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives since 1991 and became Speaker of the House on January 28, 2009. On Jan. 2, 2019, the House re-elected him as Speaker, his sixth term as Speaker.
Speaker DeLeo is a graduate of Boston Latin School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northeastern University and a Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School. He received an honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from Suffolk University in 2009 and an honorary degree from Salem State University in 2012. A grandfather of two, Speaker DeLeo resides in Winthrop.
For Roseann Sdioa Materia, April 15, 2013 began much the same way every Patriot’s Day had for the past 15 years. Her plans were always the same— to see the Red Sox play at 
She remembers the flash by her feet and thinking it was too late to run. She remembers feeling that if she were to close her eyes, she may never wake up. And she remembers the selfless kindness of strangers, without whom, she may have lost her life instead of just part of her right leg.
Although not a marathon runner herself, Roseann avidly enjoyed running three to five miles a day. Today, as she works through her recovery, she is challenging herself to run again and hopes to inspire others to work through their own loss with courage and conviction. She hopes to raise awareness for those in desperate need of prosthetics.
Register for the September Good Morning North Central Breakfast by clicking here.
Emerging Leaders Graduate from CLI
Professor Mike Greenwood, business professor at Fitchburg State University and chairman of the Institute steering committee, is enthusiastic about this year’s participants and the meaningful professional, personal and community development they will take part in. “I have been with the class since it’s reintroduction in 2011. Each year, I am amazed and impressed with the dedication of the participants. Programs like this are an important asset within the community to ensure one that continues to thrive, even after our current leaders retire.”
Marty Connors, president of Rollstone Bank & Trust and past chairman of the Institute steering committee, led the Institute’s revival in 2010. “I was in the 1991 class of the Institute and it was an integral part of my success in the community. As Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2010, I felt we needed the program back to once again support our needs for leadership and succession planning. Rollstone Bank & Trust’s participants have enjoyed the program and become leaders here in their workplace and in the community. We could not be prouder of the work they have done.”
Applications for the class of 2020 will be accepted until August 23, 2019. Please contact Kat Deal, Events & Programs Manager, at 978.353.7600 x 235 or for more information.
Community Leadership Institute Class of 2019
Amy Bonilla, Rollstone Bank & Trust
Matthew Borseth, Fidelity Bank
Jared Brown, W. E. Aubuchon Company, Inc.
Jon Bullock, Enterprise Bank and Trust Company
Kathleen Craigen, Fitchburg State University (formerly Sizer School)
Jill deSousa, Avidia Bank
Kyle Johnson, Johnson Controls
Brion Keagle, Fitchburg State University
Sweta Khajurivala, Montachusett Opportunity Council, Inc
Heather Layton, Mount Wachusett Community College
Christine Lowe, Institute of Professional Practice
Rocco Mammone, Resource Management, Inc.
Mary May-Lucchese, Montachusett Regional Voc. Tec
Christopher Medley, Fitchburg State University
Peter Ryan, Johnson Controls
Frances Santos, Montachusett Home Care Corp.
Jessica Senee, Leominster Credit Union
Jennifer Stone, Fidelity Bank
Anthony Trapasso, Halstead Insurance Agency, Inc.
About Community Leadership Institute
The Community Leadership Institute began in 1988, known then as Leadership North Central. Over the last 25 years, more than 250 participants have graduated from the Institute and become leaders in their communities, with over 100 in the last five years. Participants for the Institute are sponsored by their business and are seen as leaders or potential leaders within that company. Applications for each class are available in July & August of each year, sessions held once per month from October to June.
Chamber Welcomes Fitchburg State Intern and Navy Veteran
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Nicholas Jones of Fitchburg State University as an intern for the summer semester. Nicholas, currently a senior, is majoring in Communications Media with a concentration in Professional Communications and a double major in Graphic Design. His focus on online communications such as interactive social media and other online platforms is what led him to the Chamber. Nicholas is learning a variety of aspects of the Chamber and its affiliates. He has been gaining hands on learning experience by assisting with creating interactive media, and assisting with advertising campaigns.
Mr. Jones has also served our country proudly as an Aviation Ordinance man in the U.S. Navy. Nicholas was a part of the Strike Fighter Wing Pacific Detachment in NAF El Centro, CA.
“We are excited to welcome Nicholas as part of our team this semester,” said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the Chamber. “He is a bright and ambitious student who will benefit from his time working with our members and supporting the advancement of North Central Massachusetts. I have no doubt that he will make a positive contribution to our organization.”
Nicholas was connected to the Chamber through Fitchburg State University’s Internship program, which allows students to explore a career field and gain relevant work experience, apply academic learning to real world situations, and build critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and professional skills. Please contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 240 for more information.
Fitchburg Public Library presents Demystifying City Government
Have you ever wondered about your City’s government, and how it works? Please join City Councilors Amy Green and Anthony Zarrella on July 10, 2019 at 6:30 PM in the Garden Room as they share what a day-in-the-life is like as an Elected Official in Fitchburg. Following brief presentations from each, a question and answer session will be held. We hope attendees will leave this panel discussion with a better understanding of how Fitchburg’s government works behind the scenes..For information about this or other Library programs call 978-829-1780 or visit our website: www.FitchburgPublicLibrary.org.
Leominster Credit Union Donates Books to Local Organizations
During the month of April LCU members and employees collected donations of 1,161 new and used children’s books. The books were distributed to Leominster Community Coalition, MOC (Child Care and Head Start Center), Sunrise Assisted Living, Fitchburg Public Schools and the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster.
North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Selected for Education and Workforce Fellowship Program
Christopher McDermott selected for prestigious national program which connects chambers with opportunities to engage on critical education and workforce issues
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is one of 35 state and local chambers chosen to take part in a national program aimed at addressing critical education and workforce issues. Sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips participants with resources, national expertise and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges.
“Businesses in North Central Massachusetts are struggling with the same challenges their peers are throughout the country.” says Christopher McDermott, Public Affairs Manager of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber, who is participating in the third cohort of the program on behalf of North Central Massachusetts. “Recruiting, training and retaining qualified and skilled workers has grown increasingly difficult in recent years. This is a great opportunity for the Chamber to actively contribute to the national conversation while learning best practices from our counterparts in other states that can help us make an impact locally.”
“We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners,” says Cheryl Oldham, Senior Vice President of the Center for Education and Workforce. “They, better than anyone, see the critical link between education and economic development, and we are glad to be able to support them as they take on this critical leadership role in their community.”
The 35 chamber professionals included in the third cohort of Business Leads Fellowship were chosen through a competitive selection process. The four-month fellowship, which concludes in September, 2019, will cover the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12, higher education and workforce development.
The objectives of the program align with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber’s efforts around improving the workforce, which are most recently exemplified by the publication of its recent report Build North Central: Improving the Industrial Heart of Massachusetts.
Upon completion, Business Leads Fellows will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s dedicated network of 200 chambers of commerce and statewide associations from around the nation who regularly engage on education and workforce initiatives.
2nd Annual North Central Massachusetts Real Estate Summit
The 2nd Annual North Central Massachusetts Real Estate Summit is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, 2019 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Way, Fitchburg, MA. The Real Estate Summit is a collaboration between the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Association of Realtors. The program aims to provide a in-depth look at the real estate market in North Central Massachusetts. Principal sponsor for the breakfast is Total Mortgage. Escrow sponsors include the Law Office of David R. Rocheford and Fidelity Bank. Special thanks to The Foster Company for providing a supporting sponsorship.
This year’s program features guest speakers Allan Foster, President of The Foster Company, who will provide an overview and insight into the region’s commercial and industrial market; Gary Bourque, President of Central Mass Appraisals who will provide insight into the residential real estate market; and Kurt Thompson, President-Elect of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, who will review legislative issues that impact the real estate industry.
Allan Foster is President of the The Foster Company, which specializes in real estate appraisal and consulting. He builds on a foundation of being raised as the third generation in a real estate and insurance business. He joined the company full time in 1980 and brings a full perspective of property ownership, permitting, development, finance, appraisal, brokerage, management, insurance, and entrepreneurial skills. Communication skills have been honed through years of marketing, negotiating, management, and public speaking. .
Gary Bourque is a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser and President of Central Mass Appraisals, Inc., a real estate appraisal company specializing in residential valuation since 1986. He is also President of Bourque Realty, Inc., a real estate sales firm located in Leominster 30 years and a real estate instructor in multiple states. Gary currently serves as the Chair of the Professional Standards Committee of the North Central Massachusetts Association of Realtors having served as Treasurer and a member the Finance and Education Committees over the years. Gary has been a certified instructor for over 20 years teaching real estate and real estate appraisal qualifying and continuing education classes throughout New England for multiple State Realtor Associations, Boards and private educational companies.
As president-elect of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors Kurt Thompson will participate at all levels of the association’s decision-making process, represent the association at meetings and business functions, and serve as a spokesperson for the association on real estate industry-related matters. Mr. Thompson will continue to serve as a member of the MAR executive committee and board of directors as a result of this election. Prior to his election, Mr. Thompson served as the 2018 MAR treasurer and the 2017 MAR professional development vice president, and other MAR positions over the years. On the local
level, Mr. Thompson was the 2011 President of the North Central Massachusetts Association of Realtors.
The Second Annual Real Estate Summit is a great opportunity to connect with real estate professionals and gain insight into the current and future real estate market in North Central Massachusetts. This event is of interest to anyone involved in real estate, including developers, residential and commercial realtors, lenders, property owners and professional service providers.
The cost is just $25 for members/$40 non-members and includes breakfast. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact Kathleen Deal at 978.353.7600 ext. 235, or register here.