Travel back in time during History Week (July 9-14, 2018). For Maker Monday, Jessica Clarke will come show us how to use clay to make a pinch pot, and we will make log cabins, cowboys, and horses with Ms. June at Crafternoon on Tuesday. Our photo booth will have Little House on the Prairie costumes and a Wild West Cowboy Outfit. Tuesday evening, the ScienceTellers will take us back to the Wild West and teach us about chemical reactions, acids and bases, combustion, air pressure, inertia and much more! Please check our calendar listing for more information. All are free programs. Free parking is available in the lot at the corner of Boulder Drive and Newton Place. F or information about this or other Library programs call 978-829-1780 or visit our website: www.FitchburgPublicLibrary.org.
Karen J. Spinelli, CPA has announced the formation of her new accounting firm, Spinelli CPA, PC with headquarters at 146 West Boylston Drive, Suite 302 in Worcester, MA.
Prior to forming Spinelli CPA, PC, Spinelli served as the Managing Partner of Robert C. Alario Certified Public Accountants, PC located in Leominster, MA. “We are pleased to launch our new accounting firm in Worcester and look forward to working with the businesses and individuals in this community,” said Karen Spinelli, CPA, Managing Partner of Spinelli CPA, PC. “I have decided to start a new firm for many reasons – primary among them is my desire to provide the best possible service to my clients. By serving as trusted advisors, we will transform our extensive experience and expertise of audit, tax and industry trends into a strategic pathway to position our clients for maximum profitability and financial success.”
The team at Spinelli CPAs has specific experience across a number of different industries and sectors and are adept at working with privately-held businesses of all sizes. Additionally, they specialize in serving non-profit organizations, construction companies and women-owned businesses.
About Spinelli, CPA, PC
Spinelli CPA, PC is a full-service accounting, tax and business advisory firm that specializes in closely held family businesses, non-profit organizations, construction companies and women-owned businesses. The firm’s client service philosophy is rooted in their dedication to providing quality services and expert financial advice through their passion for accounting and commitment to excellence.
Spinelli CPA, PC is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA) and is a 100% Women-Owned Business. For additional information, call (508) 365-6522 or visit www.spinellicpa.com.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has been 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. The announcement was made to an audience of over 300 business and community leaders at the Chamber’s Annual Business Meeting this past Thursday.
Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to achieve this recognition, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. This comprehensive self-review took over six months to complete and required preparation of an extensive application, compilation and review of volumes of materials required by the Accrediting Board and demonstration of competency in nine core areas ranging from finance to facilities.
Of the approximately 7,000 chambers in the United States, only 204 have earned the recognition as an accredited chamber of commerce. These elite institutions represent the top 3% of all chambers in the United States. In Massachusetts, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber is one of only four chambers to have received accreditation, and is the only chamber in Central Massachusetts.
“Accredited chambers are an essential part of the business community’s efforts to promote economic growth and job creation across the country,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber vice president of Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “This designation recognizes the positive impact these organizations have had within their communities, and it honors their commitment to continuing to serve local businesses.”
“We are incredibly honored to receive this national designation that places us among the best chambers of commerce in the country,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We challenged ourselves to improve our Chamber for the betterment of our members and our region. Receiving this accreditation only motivates us to continue to remain engaged, active and innovative on behalf of our members and communities in North Central Massachusetts.”
The accreditation report noted that the North Central Massachusetts Chamber has demonstrated an excellent track record of operating a successful chamber and achieving desirable results for its members. Several of the Chamber’s programs, events and initiatives were highlighted for special recognition, including the loan programs of its economic development arm and its special forums. The Chamber also received special recognition for its successful efforts in expanding its government affairs and advocacy capabilities for the benefit of its members and region, as well as for its brand standards and guidelines.
The Chamber’s Annual Meeting was held on June 14, 2018 and also included recognition awards and the commencement for the 2018 class of the Chamber’s Community Leadership Institute.
Michael D. Hewitt, President and CEO of bankHometown, presented a check for $5,000 to the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) on May 31, 2018. This donation is the second installment of a three year commitment to the corporation, resulting in a total donation amount to be $15,000.
The NCMDC is the principle resource for the region in terms of economic development, lending and financing, and implementing a multi-faceted regional economic development strategy to enhance economic development services while expanding lending capacity to accommodate the region’s unique industry mix. The Council’s mission is to plan and implement programs to create jobs and increase economic opportunity in the region.
“Hometown Bank is proud to support the important work being done at the NCMDC for small businesses. Our area is so fortunate to have these free resources and we continually encourage small businesses to take advantage,” said Christina DiRusso, Vice President of Commercial Lending at bankHometown.
The NCMDC is staffed by experienced professionals with extensive backgrounds in economic development, banking and finance, and government affairs. It also provides businesses with resources such as a real estate site finder, which provides information, tools and technical support to establish, grow, and expand their business in North Central Massachusetts.
bankHometown has served its communities since 1889 with offices in Massachusetts (Athol, Auburn, Leominster, Oxford, Lancaster, Sturbridge and Webster) and Connecticut (Putnam, Brooklyn, Killingly, Thompson and Woodstock). Depositors of bankHometown have their deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for amounts up to $250,000 with amounts in excess of $250,000 insured in full by the Share Insurance Fund, a private excess insurer.
Pictured (L to R): Roy Nascimento, President and CEO, NCMDC ; Donna Daigle, AVP/Branch Manager, bankHometown; Christina DiRusso, VP Commercial Lending, bankHometown; Norman Vigeant, VP Lending, NCMDC ; Sandie Cataldo, Economic Development Manager, NCMDC; and Michael D. Hewitt, President and CEO, bankHometown.
Lawrence NFOR, Business Manager at Mount Wachusett Community College, was recognized as the 2017-18 Ambassador of the Year by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s 34th Annual Business Meeting on June 14, 2018.
Chamber Ambassadors are valued volunteers to the Chamber. They serve as a public relations branch, as well as assisting the Chamber with communications to new and existing members. Lawrence was voted Ambassador of the Year by his fellow Chamber ambassadors at their recent May meeting.
The Chamber is pleased to recognize Lawrence NFOR for his consistent support and dedication to the Chamber and the community. Lawrence recently received his MBA in Accounting from Fitchburg State University while working full time at MWCC.
“We are so grateful to Lawrence for his unwavering support of the Chamber and our efforts to advance the region,” said Roy Nascimento, president & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “His passion and dedication to community involvement help make North Central Massachusetts a better place to live, work and grow a business.”
As Business Manager at Mount Wachusett Community College, Lawrence has developed important leadership skills which have added to his significant value to the community. Working in the Access & Transition office, Lawrence is responsible for applying and managing Federal, State, and other grants secured by the college. In addition to his involvement with the Chamber, Lawrence is also dedicated to his church, First Baptist Church of Westminster, MA, serving as the Worship Leader. Lawrence just recently wrapped up a trip to Washington D.C. where he was advocating for peace in his homeland of Cameroon by trying to get the House of Representatives to make a public statement and galvanize support- saying no to human rights abuses by the Cameroon government.
We thank Lawrence NFOR for his helpful work and commitment. We look forward to seeing where the future takes him in the Chamber and in the North Central Massachusetts community.
Thursday July 19, 2018
9AM—NOON
Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Road, Fitchburg, MA
Employer Cost: $75 per table
Please RSVP by July 6, 2018
To participate call or Email: Scott Percifull
(978)534-1481, X 209
Meet with several hundred job seekers from a wide variety of backgrounds and industries.
Presented by the:
North Central Career Center
Leominster, MA PH: 978-534-1481
For the eighteenth consecutive year, Leominster Credit Union was pleased to participate in Children’s Book Month, an annual event sponsored by the Cooperative Credit Union Association.
During the month of April LCU members and employees collected donations of 895 new and used children’s books. The books were distributed to the Red Raiders Lending Library program, Leominster Community Coalition and local organizations.
L-R; Erin Vasington, Red Raiders Lending Library; Kathy Hurley, LCU HR Manager; John O’Brien, LCU President & CEO; Barbara Abraham, Leominster Community Coalition; Nancy Daigle, LCU Receptionist; Rachel Terrell, LCU Executive Assistant
Founded in 1954, Leominster Credit Union (LCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with a full range of deposit, lending and other financial services. Headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, LCU is proud to claim nearly 50,000 members and more than $600 million in assets. LCU has seven branch locations in Leominster, Worcester, Clinton, Holden, Sterling and North Leominster with ATM services at all branch locations. LCU also provides 24 hour banking via Mobile and Online services. Visit leominstercu.com or call 800-649-4646.
ONE Worcester, formerly known as Jericho Road Worcester, an organization dedicated to supporting Worcester area nonprofits, announces its new name change.
The Organization for Nonprofit Excellence (ONE Worcester) is a 501c3 nonprofit with an eight year history of providing consulting and coaching to Worcester-area nonprofits free of charge. Formerly Jericho Road Worcester, our organization provides nonprofits with expert business consulting in the areas of strategic planning, budgeting, marketing , fundraising, human resources, technology, board development and governance. To learn more about ONE Worcester, visit www.1Worcester.org
Throughout the years, ONE Worcester has worked with over fifty nonprofit organizations including the Boys and Girls Club, Girls, Inc., Worcester Animal Rescue League, Abby’s House and the YWCA. We rely on our corps of business skilled volunteers to provide these consulting services
ONE Worcester provides nonprofits in the greater Worcester area with business skilled volunteers who donate their time by providing professional services to assist organizations in developing skill sets they need to achieve their visions, accomplish their mandates, and improve the quality of life in their communities. These nonprofits have critical missions and passionate leadership, but often lack the operational resources needed to help them stay viable and grow. Thanks to these pro bono services more young people have been able to access the arts, boards have been able to provide more professional governance to their non-profit organization, immigrants have completed their high school education and the homeless have been able to access shelters.
ONE Worcester makes sure that our partner nonprofits have the tools, infrastructure, and free consulting to spend every dollar wisely and keep our community strong. We help make sure our nonprofit partners can keep their doors open and thrive in providing essential services to our community.
Leading ONE Worcester is Board Chair Attorney Alex Mooradian, an immigration attorney at the general practice of Glickman, Sugarman, Kneeland & Gribouski. Barbara Guthrie, Interim Director, has had a long career in the Worcester nonprofit sector, including serving as Administrator with the Colleges of Worcester Consortium and Executive Director of the Rainbow Child Development Center.
ONE Worcester’s board hails from diverse industries and educational backgrounds. The board takes great pride in operating collaboratively and with the highest of ethical standards. The board works as a model and a resource for Worcester area nonprofits.
WHAT WE DO
Work in North Central MA’s most underserved areas with a focus on fresh healthy food access and the natural environment. Support and manage 5 Community Teaching Gardens with over 75 gardeners. Teach students about the connection between food, health and the environment through. Teaching Garden for Kids (TG4K). Manage two farmers markets and promote federal nutrition programs. Connect residents living in urban environments to trees and green space.
OUR IMPACT
GARDENS – YOUTH
Average fruits and veggies consumed daily doubled!
97% of kids want to eat healthier in the future!
FARMERS MARKET
Increased SNAP usership at the Fitchburg Farmers Market by 720% in 2017!
GARDENS – ADULTS
70% of gardeners report being more knowledgeable about the connection between food and the environment.
VOLUNTEERS
190 volunteers gave 634 hours of their time.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY?
CONNECT WITH GP!
CUSTOMIZE YOUR SPONSORSHIP!
GIVE $200 | $150 | $100 | $50
CHOOSE!
• Social media recognition
• Company name/logo on electronic and print marketing
• Tickets to annual harvest event
• Signage in the community
• Farmers market tokens for employees/customers
CONACT: DONNA MACKIE PHONE: 978.598.3723 x805 EMAIL:
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce issued its platform regarding major questions that will be put before the state’s voters in November of 2018. The platform was developed to serve as a guide to members and the public, and focuses on those questions which impact the business community directly.
“Between paid leave, taxation, and the minimum wage, there are a number of questions that will have a longstanding impact on business in Massachusetts” explained Christopher McDermott, the Chamber’s Public Affairs Manager. “For that reason, we believe it’s essential to educate our voters and ensure the Chamber plays a part in the discourse.”
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce advocates on behalf of businesses across the region, and the new Ballot Initiative Platform outlines how specific proposals would impact this constituency. It addresses four questions likely to appear on the ballot in November. Respectively, approval of these initiatives would institute paid family and medical leave mandates, impose hospital wide nurse staffing ratios, increase the minimum wage by nearly 40%, and reduce the sales tax while instituting an annual sales tax holiday.
“Our platform is focused on educating the electorate and ensuring that North Central Massachusetts remains a great place to live, work, and grow a business,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President and CEO of the Chamber. “These are complex issues that deserve the type of measured consideration and resolution only the legislature can provide. However, should that not come to pass; we will continue working with our colleagues across the Commonwealth to ensure residents are aware of the effect these proposals would have.”
For more information or to view the Chamber’s Public Policy Agenda please visit www.northcentralmass.com or contact Christopher McDermott, Public Affairs Manager at 978.353.7600 ext. 224.
