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2018 HUNGER RUN 5K
SAVE THE DATE
for Nashoba Valley Medical Center’s
2018 Hunger Run 5K
to benefit Loaves and Fishes.
Activities, food and fun for the whole family. Register at active.com
Saturday, October 13, 2018
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Nashoba Valley Medical Center
200 Groton Road, Ayer, MA
NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTS MEMBER REFERRAL CAMPAIGN
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is hosting a New Member Campaign from September 24 through October 26, 2018. This awareness campaign will include direct outreach to prospective members and a referral promotion to existing members.
The Chamber is the leading business and economic development organization in North Central Massachusetts and provides numerous services for members, including networking, professional development, low cost marketing, health and dental insurance, as well as government affairs and economic development programs to encourage a positive business climate for the region. Among its many honors, in 2017 the Chamber was recognized for its work by being the first Chamber from New England to be named a finalist for the prestigious ACCE National Chamber of the Year Award. The Chamber also achieved four-star accreditation in 2018, an honor achieved by only 204 of the 7,022 chambers in the country.
“The Chamber is an important element in the fabric of the community and has a tremendous impact supporting the local business community,” said Stephen Mullaney, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “This is a great opportunity to tell our story and give the Chamber’s financial and membership efforts a solid boost.”
The campaign will feature several “Join Now” incentives for businesses and organizations that enroll with the Chamber, including digital, print, and TV advertising, website listings, admission to Chamber networking programs and more.
Highlighting the campaign will be a referral effort among existing members. Each member referral can potentially earn the referring member a $50 Gift Local gift card that can be used at many of the finest restaurants, shops and attractions in the region. There is no limit to the number of referrals someone can make.
At the end of the campaign, we will also have a drawing for referring members with a chance to win the Grand Prize of a $500 Gift Local Gift Card.
Membership in the Chamber is a great way to become involved with the business community, support the North Central Massachusetts region and help your organization grow and save money. The Chamber supports member businesses of all sizes and industries through leadership in public advocacy, economic development, education, technical assistance, discount programs, networking opportunities and more. Our member benefits are diverse and extensive.
For more information please visit https://www.northcentralmass.com/membership-information/new-member-referral-campaign/. Businesses interested in joining the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce should contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 240.
Evening Under the Stars
Evening Under the Stars, Creating Bright Futures
Special Guest Speaker – Steve Gross, MSW, Chief Playmaker, Life is Good Kids Foundation
Friday, November 2, 2018
6 – 10 pm
The International
159 Balville Road
Bolton, MA 01740
Tickets and registration information can be found at www.perkinsprograms/stars
Film Premiere at the Fitchburg Historical Society on October 2: Judith Lindstedt’s “Circus Lives On!” to Be Screened
‘Rite of Passage for Children’ Was One of Fitchburg’s Favorite Entertainments
The Fitchburg Historical Society will premiere a new film by director Judith Lindstedt on Tuesday, October 2 at 6:00 p.m. Lindstedt’s 2018 release is Circus Lives On!, a 90-minute documentary on the history of the circus that was inspired by the sudden closure of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus in May 2017.
“The circus is a magical, marvelous place. Ringling Brothers Circus has been around since before Coca-Cola,” says Lindstedt. “It’s a legacy brand that’s been a constant in the social contract of America. This documentary film is being produced because I feel the sadness and shock of the news of the closing of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus.”
The film features interviews with historians, collectors and circus performers from both the United States and European circuses. Judith Lindstedt has produced hundreds of video programs for Massachusetts public community television.
Lindstedt also had an international career as a jazz dancer; in Beirut, Lebanon, she became acquainted with Sacha Houcke, whose family had performed with animals in European circuses for seven generations. One of his relatives, Gilbert Houcke, performed with Bengal tigers while dressed only in a loincloth. He was known as “The Swedish Tarzan.” Sacha Houcke is interviewed in the film, along with other performers and musicians.
In Fitchburg’s early years, circus was one of the few entertainments favored by pious New Englanders. The circus parade into town was a highlight of the city’s entertainment year as early as the 1830’s. It continued to be popular through most of the 20th century. Many Fitchburg residents remember watching the circus elephants and lions parading down Main Street.
Founded by James F.D. Garfield in 1892, the Fitchburg Historical Society is an independent non-profit that was created to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Fitchburg. Now located in an historic H.M. Francis-designed building on Main Street, the Society hosts lectures, exhibitions and annual events relating to the city’s history.
The Fitchburg Historical Society and Crocker Family Center for the History of Fitchburg is located at 781 Main Street, Fitchburg, in the historic Phoenix building. For more information, call 978-345-1157, write or visit www.fitchburghistoricalsociety.org . There is abundant on-street parking near the Historical Society and free parking behind the building. The building is handicapped accessible.
This program is funded in part by the Fitchburg Cultural Council and the Townsend Cultural Council, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. The film will also screen in Townsend on October 25. For more information on the Mass Cultural Council, visit http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/index.asp.
October Leads Awareness of Manufacturing in North Central Massachusetts
As part of national manufacturing month, the Chamber and our economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation will host a series of events and programs to promote manufacturing and highlight the importance of the industry to the economy of the region.
“Manufacturing is alive and well in North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the Chamber. “Supporting careers in advanced manufacturing and serving as fierce advocates for local manufacturers are a priority for our Chamber.”
The Chamber plans on coordinating tours of local manufacturers as well as highlighting how rewarding careers in manufacturing can be through a social media campaign, showcasing Chamber produced manufacturing videos and hosting special events. The Chamber will be partnering with local manufacturers, Mount Wachusett Community College and
MassHire North Central Workforce Board in these efforts. Stay tuned throughout the
month of October for more information on these events. For more information visit
www.NorthCentralMass.com or contact Sandie Cataldo at .
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – North Central Massachusetts Manufacturing Bus Tour
Special manufacturing bus tour for Superintendents, legislators and media in the North Central Massachusetts region. The tour will visit and tour several local manufacturers in the region and showcase the region’s advanced manufacturing, high quality workforce, quality of life and opportunities in North Central Massachusetts.
Thursday, October 11, 2018
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Business After Hours – Fitchburg Art Museum
185 Elm St, Fitchburg, MA
Join us to celebrate the manufacturing industry during a special edition of our Business After Hours series at the Fitchburg Art Museum’s newest exhibit – Furniture. The museum’s newest exhibit pays tribute to region’s industrial heritage of furniture manufacturing and will feature a variety of pieces, both new and antique, that were made locally!
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Manufacturing Tour with Fitchburg and Leominster High School
AIS Inc – 25 Tucker Dr, Leominster, MA
MWCC Devens Campus – 27 Jackson Rd, Devens, MA
Special manufacturing bus tour for students and chaperons of Fitchburg and Leominster High School. The tour will visit local manufacturers in the region and showcase the region’s manufacturing jobs and the options for opportunities in North Central Massachusetts.
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Manufacturing Tour with Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School
Nypro, a Jalib Company – 101 Union St, Clinton, MA
WestRock – 51 Independence Dr, Devens, MA
Special manufacturing bus tour for students and chaperons of Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School. The tour will visit local manufacturers in the region and showcase the region’s manufacturing jobs and the options for opportunities in North Central Massachusetts.
Thursday, October 25, 2018
7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. – CEO Unplugged featuring Ray Martino, President & CEO of Simonds International
The Chamber’s CEO Unplugged series gives young professionals access to local leaders for a chance to connect and learn about their journey to success. Each session provides a chance to meet with a local CEO in their workplace to discuss professional development such as leadership values, entrepreneurship, and investment in community and career paths. In honor of manufacturing month, the October edition features Ray Martino, President & CEO of Simonds International, a global leader in the manufacturing of wood processing equipment and one of the largest manufacturers in Fitchburg. Attendance is open to any young professionals within the Chamber membership. But, seats will be limited to no more than 12 people. The program is free, but pre-registration is required.
Student Manufacturing Tours – Various Dates and Locations
Throughout the month of October, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will be partnering with local manufacturers, Mount Wachusett Community College, the MassHire North Central Workforce Board and other partners to host a series of manufacturing tours for local students from various high schools in North Central Massachusetts. These efforts are intended to showcase careers in advanced manufacturing and dispel old, negative myths and stereotypes that exist about manufacturing jobs.
Half Axe in Marlborough receives micro loan from North Central Mass Development Corp
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) granted a $25,000 micro-loan to Derek Johnson, owner of Half Axe located in Marlborough. Half Axe is the premier axe throwing facility and the first of its kind in New England. Once a fun outdoor camping activity, axe-throwing has grown into the newest competitive sport making its way to the US. Located at the new Apex Entertainment Center in Marlborough, Derek offers 2 hour and 45 minute booked sessions for private events, parties, league play, as well as drop-ins. Half Axe is open Tuesday-Sunday. For hours and more info visit www.halfaxe.com. This micro loan was a referral from Community Teamwork and created 4 new jobs.
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Clark University assisted Derek with a business plan and financial package. For more information on the SBDC visit www.clarku.edu/offices/sbdc.
As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $150,000 for working capital, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
Gallery Sitka Fall Events List
September 23rd
1 PM – 3 PM
Lisa DeLucia at the Bull Run Restaurant
215 Great Rd Shirley, MA 01464
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September 25th
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Beth Barry at
ZAVO Mediterranean Restaurant
1011 3rd Ave New York, New York 10065
________________________________________
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October 6th
2 PM – 5 PM
Bearing Witness: Mia Scheffey and the
North Central Mass WCA Show at
Gallery Sitka West
454 Main Street Fitchburg, MA 01420
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October 30th
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Amanda Pappalardo at
ZAVO Mediterranean Restaurant
1011 3rd Ave New York, New York 10065
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Become a Season Ticket Holder for 2018-2019
Season Ticket holders enjoy a 20% discount as well as the convenience of being automatically registered for each of these popular events. Season Tickets can be transferred to another colleague within a business as well. Season tickets are on sale at www.northcentralmass.com/news/calendar-of-events at $160 for members and $260 for non members.
Fitchburg Historical Society Invites the Public to its 2018 Annual Meeting in September
The Fitchburg Historical Society has announced the date of its Annual Meeting, which will be Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. The meeting is open to the public, and is free to attend.
Each year, the Board and Staff of the Fitchburg Historical Society create a short presentation on the previous year’s activities for the Annual Meeting. It can be a wonderful way for Fitchburg residents to learn something new about their city and meet the Historical Society’s Board of Directors.
A slate of officers will be considered at the Annual Meeting elections and one new Board member will be voted upon. Three retiring board members – Peter Capodagli, Jay Bry and Joel Kaddy – will be honored for their service.
The Fitchburg Historical Society has been a leader in documenting the history of culture and industry in central Massachusetts for more than 125 years. Since 2012, it has been based in new headquarters in the renovated Phoenix Building at 781 Main Street. There is abundant on-street parking near the Historical Society and free parking behind the building. The building is handicapped accessible.
For more information on the Annual Meeting, upcoming Fitchburg history programs or local history research, call 978-345-1157, email welcome (at) fitchburghistoricalsociety.com, visit www.fitchburghistoricalsociety.org or https://www.facebook.com/FitchburgHistoricalSociety.
North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce to Host Legislative and Candidates Reception
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will host its Legislative and Candidates Reception on September 20, 2018 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Chocksett Inn on 59 Laurelwood Road in Sterling, MA. The event is intended to offer the region with an upscale networking event that connects business and community leaders with the region’s elected officials, as well as those seeking public office.
“This is a great opportunity for our business and community leaders, as well as our public officials to gather for an evening of networking and collegial discussion,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to joining our legislators at a unique venue like the Chocksett Inn.”
The Legislative and Candidates Reception is one of the Chamber’s premier events of the season, with over 125 federal, state, and local elected officials invited. Mount Wachusett Community College is the premier sponsor for the event. “At Mount Wachusett Community College, we understand the importance of engaging with the region’s business and legislative communities. These connections and insights help guide the college in various areas such as programming and outreach,” said MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “It is vital for our region’s business leaders, legislators, and policy-makers to meet and network so that they can engage and learn from each other. I am happy to support this important event.”
“Gaining access to legislators and those who seek public office is just as important for small business owners as it is for CEOs in the region,” said Ken Gurge, Esq., Chamber Board Member and Chair of the Government Affairs Committee. “This will be a tremendous opportunity for anyone with passion for North Central Massachusetts.”
Government affairs and public policy advocacy is a key component to the Chamber’s efforts to promote a healthy and active business climate throughout the region. Recognizing that the business community and legislators are partners in economic vitality and growth, events like these align well with the Chamber’s mission.
The event will feature an open bar and gourmet appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. Cost for members is $20 and non-members is $30. Registration is available online at www.northcentralmass.com. Please contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 or for more details.
As of September 5th, the following legislators and candidates have confirmed their attendance:
Confirmed legislators:
- Congressman McGovern, 2nd Massachusetts Congressional District
- Auditor Suzanne Bump
- Senator Jamie Eldridge, Middlesex and Worcester District
- Senator Dean Tran, Worcester and Middlesex District
- Representative Donald Berthiaume, 5th Worcester District
- Representative Kim Ferguson, 1st Worcester District
- Representative Sheila Harrington, 1st Middlesex District
- Representative Stephan Hay, 3rd Worcester District
- Representative Natalie Higgins, 4th Worcester District
- Representative Harold Naughton, 12th Worcester District
- Representative Susannah Whipps, 2nd Franklin District
- District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Worcester County
- Sheriff Lewis Evangelidis, Worcester County
- Mayor DiNatale, City of Fitchburg
- Mayor Dean Mazzarella, City of Leominster
- Councilor Marcus DiNatale, City of Fitchburg
- Councilor Thomas E. Donnelly, City of Fitchburg
- Councilor Marisa Fleming, City of Fitchburg
- Councilor Michael Kushmerek, City of Fitchburg
- Councilor Samantha Squalia, City of Fitchburg
- Councilor Elizabeth Walsh, City of Fitchburg
- Councilor Anthony Zarella, City of Fitchburg
- Councilor Thomas Ardinger, City of Leominster
- Councilor Susan Chalifoux-Zephir, City of Leominster – Candidate for Senate, Worcester/Middlesex District
- Councilor Pauline Cormier, City of Leominster
- Councilor Claire Freda, City of Leominster
- Selectwoman Rosemarie Meissner, Town of Ashburnham
- Selectman Walter Sandrowski, Town of Lancaster
- Selectman Jamie Toale, Town of Lunenburg
- Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Town of Lunenburg
- Selectman Richard Bisk, Town of Princeton
- Town Administrator Nina Nazarian, Town of Princeton
- Selectman John Kilcoyne, Town of Sterling
- Selectman Wayne Walker, Town of Westminster
- Selectman James DesLisle, Town of Westminster
Confirmed Candidates:
- Tracy Lavvorn, Candidate for Congress, 2nd Massachusetts District
- Blake Rubin, Candidate for District Attorney, Worcester County
- Margaret Busse, Candidate for State Senator, Middlesex/Worcester District
- Elmer Eubanks-Archbold, Candidate for State Representative, 3rd Worcester District
- Richard Palmieri, Candidate for State Representative, 4th Worcester District
New Chamber Tourism Website Fall Launch
