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bankHometown donates $25,000 from 2018 Neighbors Helping Neighbors Campaign
OXFORD, Massachusetts: Matthew S. Sosik, President and CEO of bankHometown, announced that its 2018 Neighbors Helping Neighbors Campaign has resulted in total donations of $25,000. This is the 15th year that bankHometown has invited local residents and businesses to help support local food pantries as a way for the bank and its customers to reduce food insecurity in their communities.
Customers of the bank and community members were invited to be a “Hometown Hero” for a $1 donation or a “Hometown Superhero” for a $5 donation. In addition to the in-branch fund drive, bankHometown also invited business customers to support the campaign. bankHometown matched all of the donations dollar for dollar and split the funds among food pantries that serve the areas surrounding each of its thirteen offices in central Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut. 
“Over the past 15 years, this campaign has evolved into a successful and collaborative effort from customers, community members and our employees, to support local food pantries that need help with inventory during the holidays. We are proud to be an example of Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” said Sosik.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors donations benefit (in MA) the Auburn Youth and Family Services, Inc. Food Pantry (Auburn), CARE Food Pantry (Clinton), Food Share (Southbridge, Charlton & Sturbridge), Ginny’s Helping Hand, Inc. (Leominster), Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf (Oxford), Salvation Army (Athol), St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry (Webster); (in CT) Daily Bread (Putnam), Friends of Assisi (Killingly), and Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group (TEEG) (Thompson).
To date, more than $167,500 has been distributed through this program.
bankHometown is a member of the Hometown Financial Group. Founded in 1889 as Hometown Bank, bankHometown is headquartered in Oxford, Massachusetts, bankHometown has 13 branches located throughout central Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut. For more information, please visit www.hometowncoop.com.
Hometown Financial Group, a $2.1 billion mutual holding company headquartered in Easthampton, Massachusetts, is the parent company of bankESB and bankHometown. Both banking franchises offer a complete line of commercial, business, and consumer banking and lending products and services to customers through its 24 branches located throughout western and central Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut. For more information on Hometown Financial Group please visit www.bankhfg.com.
Small Business Energy Exemption Certificate
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue will now oversee the process for claiming a certificate. As of January 
- As of January 1, 2019, small businesses will apply online for an exemption certificate through the MassTaxConnect application rather than submitting a paper Form ST-13 to their energy provider
- Current (2018) exemptions were automatically extended for small businesses through March 31, 2019
- Small businesses must apply for a 2019/2020 exemption certificate by March 31, 2019
- Exemptions granted in 2019, and after, will be effective for up to two calendar years
- DOR will send renewal reminders prior to the exemption certificate’s expiration date in 2020
For additional information, including a link to the draft regulation, businesses may refer to the Department’s small business energy exemption page which we will continue to update as information is available.
Updated EMAC Supplement Hardship Waiver Regulations
On July 26, 2018, St. 2018 c. 154, § 68, was enacted into law, amending the EMAC Supplement statute, to require that the Director of the Department of Unemployment Assistance, in consultation with the Secretary of Administration and Finance develop a hardship waiver process for a employers experiencing financial hardship due to liability for the EMAC Supplement.
For a hardship to be approved an employer must fill out the application and include sufficient supporting documentation justifying need. After review, a determination without appeal rights will be issued to the employer. A hardship waiver is temporary and related to a specific quarter. Hardship waiver requests must be received during the first two weeks of the filing period. Employers who receive a waiver will be required to timely file and pay any additional contributions or the waiver will be reversed and the total amount (including interest) will be payable.
Click Here to read the updated EMAC Supplement Hardship Waiver regulations
For additional information about the EMAC Supplement Hardship Waiver, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/the-emac-supplement-hardship-waiver
Clinton Tax Vote
In December, Clinton’s Board of Selectmen took a historic step and voted to narrow the divide between residential and commercial tax rates by four percent. This brought the business community’s share of the Town’s property tax burden to 154 percent of the residential levy. Massachusetts allows two models for property taxes: single and dual rates. The single rate means that both residential and commercial properties are taxed at the same level. Meanwhile, a dual rate system dictates that one group – businesses- shoulders more of the burden and pays a higher share of taxes based on a property’s assessed value.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce was present at the meeting and testified to the importance of reducing this shift and moving towards a more balanced tax system that encourages business development. In particular, the Chamber spoke to the impact felt by the types of small businesses which make Clinton unique. “Though some would argue that business owners can afford a higher levy,” stated Chamber President Roy Nascimento in his testimony, “these taxes can prove a serious hardship to the local businesses which typify Main Street.” He went on to argue that it placed an additional hurdle before investors who might otherwise take interest in the community.
Ultimately, the Selectmen voted 4-1 in favor of reducing the burden on commercial property owners. The actual impact for a commercial or industrial taxpayer will vary based on factors such as the assessed value of the property, but overall most commercial and industrial taxpayers will benefit by seeing a small decrease in their tax bill compared to the prior year. With the reduced 154% shift that the Town adopted, the average commercial property valued at $266,486 will be taxed at $8 less than the previous year. Alternatively, if the Select Board had voted to maintain the 158% shift from the previous year, the owner of that property would have seen an increase of approximately $186. At the maximum shift of 175%, the commercial/industrial rate would have jumped to $32.04 per thousand dollars and the taxes on the average commercial property would have risen by approximately $1,000. The Chamber would like to thank Selectmen Dziokonski, Connolly, Kerrigan, and Iacobucci for supporting this historic and balanced action.
Government Affairs Update
The Chamber recently unveiled its Public Policy Agenda for the new fiscal year–outlining the Chamber’s legislative priorities on issues important to businesses and the advancement of North Central Massachusetts. The agenda was developed to serve as a blueprint for the Chamber’s government affairs efforts and were reviewed and approved by the Government Affairs Committee and Board of Directors. The agenda can be found online at www.NorthCentralMass.com.
The Chamber continues to be active on the local level, monitoring legislation and advocating on behalf of members. In Fitchburg, the Chamber testified at the annual tax classification hearing and successfully secured an unprecedented eight point reduction to the property tax shift. This move towards a single rate reduces the impact on commercial and industrial property owners and makes the city and region more competitive. The Chamber will also advocate in Leominster for the city to maintain its single tax rate and in the Town of Clinton for a reduction in their dual tax rate.
Fitchburg’s license commission also recently held a public hearing in regards to proposed regulations on BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) establishments. The Chamber submitted a letter opposing the current proposal and articulating the concerns of many local businesses. Energy costs, the EMAC assessment and Ballot Question 1 were also issues that Chamber staff were involved with over the Fall.
In other news, the Chamber plans to reconvene its Manufacturing Taskforce to continue its efforts to improve the workforce pipeline and improve the business climate for this important industry for the region. The Chamber will be compiling the recommendations from the taskforce and issuing a final report after the first of the year. The report is intended to help the Chamber and private sector work more effectively with government at all levels to ensure that the region has a competitive workforce and can support our local manufacturers.
In the coming months, we look forward to turning back towards the state as we convene our annual Legislative Briefing to organize efforts on Beacon Hill to address a number of crucial issues for businesses in the region.
If you run a business in North Central Massachusetts and wish to make your voice heard on any of these issues, please reach out to Christopher McDermott at 978.353.7600 ext. 224 or . We want to hear what’s important to you!
bankHometown Kicks off 16th Annual Pajama Drive for Local Children in need during the Holidays
OXFORD, MA: bankHometown kicked off their 16th annual pajama drive on November 26th with a challenge to residents to help support local children in need of new pajamas or slippers.
From now until December 15th, all 13 bankHometown branches will be accepting pajama donations for children sizes 4T and up, as well as small and medium sizes in men and women. Pajamas must be in complete sets (top and bottom) or an appropriate nightgown. The pajamas and slippers will go to local shelters throughout central Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.
“We believe in giving back to our community all year round, but especially for children during the winter and holiday season,” said Matthew Sosik, President and CEO of bankHometown. “This initiative is to give children in our communities the warmth and comfort they may need during the cold winter nights.”
The pajamas and slippers are sent to local schools in central Massachusetts and northern Connecticut, as well as the TEEG (Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group) in Thompson, Connecticut.
bankHometown was founded in 1889 and is headquartered in Oxford, Massachusetts, bankHometown has 13 branches located throughout central Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut. For more information, please visit www.hometowncoop.com.
Hometown Financial Group (HFG), a $2.1 billion mutual holding company headquartered in Easthampton, Massachusetts, is the parent company of bankESB and bankHometown. Both banking franchises offer a complete line of commercial, business, and consumer products to customers throughout its 24 branches located throughout western and central Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut. For more information on Hometown Financial Group, please visit www.bankhfg.com.
Wreaths Across America 2018
Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and other Military Cemeteries.
This year’s ceremony will be held on Saturday, 15 December, 2018, at 10:00 AM.
If you would like to sponsor a wreath to be placed on a veteran’s grave during the wreath ceremony that will be held at the Fort Devens Post Cemetery, please access the Wreaths Across America link above. This link will take you directly to the Wreaths Across America Fort Devens Post Cemetery site.
https://donate.wreathsacrossamerica.org/?pageId=16164&relatedIds=18216,32274
- The first step is to click on the link provided at the top of this page.
- Then look to the bottom of the page and you will see the RED “Sponsor a Wreath” button. Click the button.
- At the top of the next page, follow the instructions to choose how many wreaths you wish to donate and for messages and invites.
- Follow the directions through the next series of pages to complete the donation. You may pay with either credit card or PayPal.
- Mission complete.
* If Internet Explorer does not work, please try Google Chrome.
The Wreath(s) will then be shipped directly to the Fort Devens Supply Facility (Central Receiving Point) for temporary storage and held there until 15 December, 2018, at which time the Wreath(s) will be transported to the Fort Devens Cemetery for placement on a Veteran’s grave.
All are welcome to attend and participate in the ceremony.
Thank you for your support!
Wachusett Incubator Seeks Executive Director
Wachusett Business Incubator, a 501c3, is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Executive Director to manage and market the Wachusett Business Incubator. This position is located at 35 Sanborn St.,Gardner, MA 01440. The ideal candidate will be motivated by a sense of civic duty and a desire to come help us “change the world.” This is initially a volunteer position with the potential for a grant funded salary.
JOB DESCRIPTION Title: Executive Director
Qualifications:
- Successful candidates will possess a BA/BS or MA/MS in a relevant technology or business discipline. Graduate degree preferred.
- Evidence of strong organizational, interpersonal and communications skills.
- Demonstrated ability to network within the business community.
- Ability to work with diverse groups including businesses, entrepreneurs, major corporations,universities, the public and economic development organizations.
- Ability to operate as a business professional and an effective educator and show evidence of awillingness to fulfill both roles.
Strongly desired:
- Experience as a successful new business owner, or track record of working successfully with start-ups.
- Experience in being part of growing company management team with supervisory experience and beinga team player.
- Previous record of building strong networks with business leaders
- Experience desired in any aspect of small business such banking, or personally owning and/or operatinga commercial venture
Working Relationships:
• Maintain a positive rapport with clients, mentors, support staff, board of directors, and administration as needed to carry out job responsibilities in a professional manner.
Management:
- Possess the ability to identify and recruit potential clients for the Wachusett Business Incubator; discerning their readiness to start or expand a business.
- Possess skills required to instruct and assist clients in the areas of business plan development, market analysis, identification of and process to apply for sources of capital for business development and growth.
- Possess skills required to manage landlord/tenant relationships for the Wachusett Business Incubator including structural and operational procedures.
- Develop and maintain partnerships with other public and/or private organizations which provide business development assistance for the benefit of clients.For more information please contact:
M. Paul Carlberg, Secretary, Wachusett Business Incubator Board of Directors at 978-430-0100,
Essential Job Functions:
- Facilitate strategic planning for clients.
- Develop informational sessions and programs for clients on issues relevant to startup companies.
- Act as liaison between public and private sectors, such as Chambers of Commerce, in application andimplementation of business development programs.
- Establish a professional advisory committee, as directed by the board of directors, for clients. Developa mentoring relationship between advisory committee and client companies as opportunity allows.
- Keep accurate files and records of each client company and any related correspondence.
- Keep current on all services of the Wachusett Business Incubator in order to cross-sell its services toclients and the public.
- Promote the Wachusett Business Incubator, its programs, at every available opportunity, with specificresponsibilities for recruitment and promotion. Manage marketing communications.
Other Responsibilities include:
- Developing strategic goals and objectives for the client service programs;
- Assisting in preparing the annual budget;
- Facilitating the negotiation and structure of client agreements and leases; including the collection ofrents and fees;
- Perform as a liaison between the clients, businesses and the Wachusett Business Incubator throughoutthe region.
- Monitoring progress of client companies;
- Establishing linkage for client funding opportunities via venture capital/equity firms and angel networks;
- Coordinating and planning Wachusett Business Incubator client advisory team and mentor meetings;
- Assisting in planning and organizing Wachusett Business Incubator events;
- Coordinating the activities of various committees;
- Presenting operating results to Chair;
- Serving as a primary client interface for Wachusett Business Incubator programs;
- Providing leadership and establishing criteria to monitor program performance;
- Developing tools and processes for program management and innovation efforts;
- Attending Organization meetings as required; and other duties as assigned by the Chair of the Board ofDirectors, or his/her designee.
For more information please contact: M. Paul Carlberg, Secretary, Wachusett Business Incubator Board of Directors, at 978-430-0100,
Advertising Opportunities in the Manufacturers Directory
This publication is the region’s most comprehensive collection of this specialized information, outlining available industrial sites and local manufacturing related businesses, describing products, contact information and more. The directory is designed to promote and connect manufacturers with suppliers as well as serve as a resource for companies looking to relocate or expand throughout the region. Ad rates start at just $350. Please email Yasmin Loft at for more information or to reserve your advertisement.
Fitchburg Approves Reduction in Taxes
Fitchburg’s City Council took a historic step this past October, voting to close the gap between commercial and residential property tax rates by an unprecedented six points. This brought the business community’s share of Fitchburg’s property tax burden to 106 percent of the residential levy. Massachusetts allows two models for property taxes: single and dual rates. The single rate means that both residential and commercial properties are taxed at the same level. Meanwhile, a dual rate system dictates that one group – typically businesses- shoulders more of the burden and pays a higher share of taxes based on a property’s assessed value.
A single rate tax system has come to be recognized as a key indicator that a community is open for business, and the Council acknowledged this at their annual tax classification hearing. Through a spirited discussion, a number of councilors pointed out that that seventy eight percent of Fitchburg’s property fell under a residential use. If Councilors hoped to reduce the tax share carried by voters, the only responsible method would be to attract new commercial investment, as had been done with Great Wolf Lodge and GameOn Fitchburg. Maintaining a dual rate would only serve to discourage such efforts and perpetuate the root problem.
As always, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce was present at the meeting and attested to the importance of this shift. In particular, they spoke to the impact felt by the types of small businesses which make Fitchburg unique. “Though some would argue that business owners can afford a higher levy,” stated Chamber President Roy Nascimento in his testimony, “these taxes can prove a serious hardship to the local businesses which typify Main Street.” He went on to argue that it placed an additional hurdle before investors who might otherwise take interest in the community.
Ultimately, the Council voted 7-3 in favor of reducing the burden on commercial property owners. Commercial property tax owners will still see modest increases, but at a lower value than if there had been no change. Overall, this reduced the tax burden on businesses by $702,836. The Chamber would like to thank Councilors Kushmerek, Green, Clark, Donnelly, Zarrella, Kaddy, Fleming, and Walsh for supporting this historic action.