Businesses in North Central Massachusetts that are interested in expanding into developing markets overseas have the opportunity to take advantage of export assistance through a partnership between the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the Massachusetts Export Center, part of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network.
The Massachusetts Export Center – the state’s leading provider of export development services – operates a satellite office at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. A Senior International Trade Advisor from the Mass Export Center is available by appointment to meet with local companies interested in exporting.
Services available to local companies include export counseling, export regulatory compliance assistance, international market research and assessment, international business development assistance, linkages to trade promotion opportunities (such as overseas trade shows and offices), export publications, and export training programs. Most of the services provided by the Mass Export Center are free and are available to businesses of all sizes, ranging from experienced exporters to small businesses just considering exporting.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a counselor, please contact the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 978.353.7600 ext. 222, the Massachusetts Export Center at 617.973.8664.
In recognition of President Asquino’s 30 years of leadership at Mount Wachusett Community College, the dedication included remarks from a host of lawmakers, students, and colleagues filled with gratitude and well wishes for the soon to retire leader, a science themed DNA strand ribbon cutting at the entrance and the unveiling of the name of the building to a sparkling cider toast to complete the celebration.
The day’s honored guests included the Honorable Mark Hawke, Mayor of Gardner; the Honorable Karyn Polito, Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Commissioner Carol Gladstone, Commissioner of the Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance; the Honorable Anne Gobi, Massachusetts State Senator; the Honorable Stephen Brewer, Massachusetts State Senator; the Honorable Stephen Hay, Massachusetts State Representative; the Honorable Kimberly Ferguson, Massachusetts State Representative; the Honorable Jennifer Benson, Massachusetts State Representative; the Honorable Jonathan Zlotnik, Massachusetts State Representative; the Honorable Stephen DiNatale, Mayor of Fitchburg; the Honorable Dean Mazzarella, Mayor of Leominster; the Honorable Lew Evangelidis, Worcester County Sheriff; MWCC students Ifra Hassan, Josiah Irfan and Liam Scanlon; Tina Sbrega, Chair of the Mount Wachusett Community College Board of Trustees; past and current college and foundation board members; Fitchburg State University President Richard Lapidus; Fitchburg State University President Emeriti Robert Antonucci; Berkshire Community College President Ellen Kennedy; presidents of the area chambers of commerce; Dr. Asquino’s family; and past and present college staff, faculty, and students.
“President Asquino has built deep and meaningful partnerships that have resulted in a college that is extremely relevant and connected to the students and community it serves. Dr. Asquino has been driven by the belief that education is society’s great equalizer and has transformed this college into what you see here today. His legacy will pay dividends for our students and our communities for years to come,” said Tina Sbrega, Chair of the MWCC Board of Trustees.
Dr. Daniel M. Asquino has served as President of Mount Wachusett Community College since August 1987 and is currently the longest-serving public higher education president in Massachusetts.
“This is about access to quality higher education and opportunities for all. It is about the economic and workforce development of this region, the Commonwealth and our nation. It is about equality and diversity,” reflected President Daniel M. Asquino, speaking about the long planning and construction process culminating in this dedication. “These new Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Earth Science and Physics Labs will replace 45 year old labs which were showing their age. These new spaces which rival those found even in the best elite universities – all combined with our outstanding faculty – allow us to continue a tradition of service and excellence.”
The event would not have been complete without students telling the story of the college through their own perspectives and experiences. Student speakers included Josiah Irfan, who attended Fitchburg High School, and then began at MWCC through the STEM Starter Academy summer program. He discovered his love for computer engineering and hopes to go on the UMass Amherst after completing his Computer Information Science degree at Mount Wachusett Community College.
Liam Scanlon, of Princeton, decided to attend Mount Wachusett Community College as a smart economic decision after having a positive experience with the STEM Starter Academy. He plans to pursue engineering or physics after completing his degree in Liberal Arts.
Ifra Hassan studies Biology at Mount Wachusett Community College and is also a STEM Starter Academy graduate. She recently traveled to NASA headquarters to participate in a scholarship program utilizing Mars rover replicas and hopes to attend Brown University after completing her degree at MWCC.
Mr. Irfan, Ms. Hassan, and Mr. Scanlon all have the opportunity to complete coursework in the Dr. Daniel M. Asquino Science Center and work towards their educational goals in new classrooms on cutting edge technology and lab equipment.
They were joined by several other outstanding MWCC student leaders including Student Trustee Jasson Alvarado Gomez who also serves on the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and the Massachusetts State College Building Authority and Student Government Association President Faith Kurtz.
“Through science classes at Mount Wachusett Community College, I discovered my great passion for Biology. Now, I plan on becoming a doctor and that wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing program here at MWCC,” said Ms. Hassan in her remarks to the capacity crowd.
After more than 18 months of construction and extensive renovations, the anxiously awaited opening of the new science center went off without a hitch as guests enjoyed conversations with student ambassadors, faculty, and staff while touring the new facilities. In addition to the 44,000 square-foot Science Center wing, tours had a clear view of the new 2,300-square-foot greenhouse and renovations throughout the existing Arthur F. Haley Academic Center.
Many construction milestones were celebrated along the way leading up to this momentous day in the 50 year history of the college. On August 11, 2015, the centuries-old tradition of a beam signing was observed to commemorate the completion of the structural phase of a building. During the ceremony, President Daniel Asquino, students, staff, college, community leaders and members of the construction team signed the steel beam that was placed as the uppermost beam as the new building began to take shape overlooking Green Street.
Designed by Boston-based Architerra, Inc. to meet LEED Gold certification for efficiency and sustainability, the new building contains energy-efficient features reinforcing the college’s commitment to sustainability. Over the past 15 years, MWCC has been the recipient of top state and national sustainability awards, including the American Association of College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Wildlife Federation. Shawmut Design & Construction, also based in Boston, acted as construction manager.
MWCC received $37.9 million in state capital funds for the project, as well as a $500,000 grant from Massachusetts Life Sciences for laboratory equipment. The project completed on-time and on-budget.
For more information about the college’s commitment to students, sustainability, and Dr. Daniel M. Asquino’s legacy, please visit mwcc.edu.
The Law Office of David R. Rocheford, Jr., P.C. welcomes new Associate Attorney Kenneth C. Robinson Esq. to the team. The Law Office of David R. Rocheford, Jr., P.C. is renowned for its expertise and professionalism in real estate closing services and feels that attorney Kenneth Robinson makes an excellent addition.
The Law Office of David R. Rocheford, Jr., P.C. is pleased to announce the addition of legal expert and Associate Attorney, Kenneth C. Robinson, to its team.
Kenneth Robinson is an experienced attorney in legal real estate and has an extensive background of education, as well. He graduated with honors from the Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania where he received his Bachelor degree. He went on to make the Honors list and Dean’s list at the Widener University School of Law in Pennsylvania where he obtained his Doctorate. Robinson previously worked at a law firm as an Associate where he represented clients in real estate cases and handled real estate closings.
A key reason Robinson was chosen to join the established team at The Law Office of David R. Rocheford, Jr., P.C. is because of his drive, integrity, and unwavering commitment to his clients. His ambition for staying up-to-date on the best legal practices, along with his talent for representing institutional and individual clients, only add to his vast legal experience in real estate.
The Law Office of David R. Rocheford, Jr., P.C. has been offering real estate legal services to clients in Massachusetts and the surrounding areas since 2000. Robinson’s addition to the team is an added testament to the firm’s dedication to its clients, which include mortgage lenders and banks, as well as buyers and sellers.
About The Law Office of David R. Rocheford, Jr., P.C.
Established in 2000 by Managing Attorney David Rocheford, The Law Office of David R. Rocheford, Jr., P.C. is a premier real estate law office in Leominster, Massachusetts. Specializing in title, settlement, and escrow services, the firm is known for its quality services and friendly staff, and has proven why it is a top choice for mortgage lenders, banks, and financial institutions. The law office also represents buyers and sellers with their transactions in an efficient and professional manner, guaranteeing customer satisfaction and uncompromised integrity. Please visit www.thebestclosings.com for more information.
Habitat for Humanity North Central MA announced the launch of its “$25K in 25 Days” campaign with funds raised going toward its latest building project at 50 Henry Street, Fitchburg. The funds raised during this targeted campaign will be used to install the foundation at the build site before the winter season.
Habitat NCM Executive Director Carolyn Read added that this event is critical to the success of the Henry Street build and that the organization has been promised a matching gift of $10,000 from an anonymous donor, to go toward the campaign goal, once the first $15,000 in donations and gifts has been raised.
Information meetings have begun for the home, and families from the North Central MA region are beginning the application process for the Henry Street property. Partner homeowner families are required to invest sweat equity of 200 hours for a one-adult household or 350 hours for a two-adult household. Partner families usually exceed the sweat equity requirement and oftentimes put in upwards of 400+ volunteer hours with Habitat while working on their homes.
The $25K in 25 Days campaign is an integral part of Habitat for Humanity North Central MA’s strategic fundraising plan and a major component of its End-of-Year development plan. The organization encourages local businesses and banks in its 25-town service area to participate in this important fundraising event. To learn more about the $25K in 25 Days campaign, please contact Carolyn Read, Executive Director at (978) 348-2749, ext. 206. To learn more about Habitat for Humanity North Central MA, please visit the organization’s web site at ncmhabitat.org.
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts is a non-profit housing ministry that builds simple, decent houses with people in need. It is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, serving 25 towns and cities in north central Massachusetts, including Acton, Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Leominster, Maynard, Pepperell, Princeton, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Townsend, and Westminster. Habitat NCM also operates the Leominster ReStore which raises funds through the sale of discounted or recycled materials and furniture.
By, Suzanne Farias Chair of the Board Johnny Appleseed Trail Association
As the third largest industry in Massachusetts, it’s no doubt that tourism has a major impact on the economy. In North Central Massachusetts, tourism has had a profound economic impact – and throughout the last year, tourism related revenue has continued to grow.
Tourism can be looked at in many different lights: family vacations, sports and recreation, corporate travel, group tours– all things we actively see here in North Central. These travelers spend money at gas stations, restaurants, shops and stay overnight at our local hotels. Local room tax revenue is a valuable resource for municipalities. Over the last few years, North Central Massachusetts has seen tremendous growth in room tax revenue – validating that North Central Massachusetts is growing as a popular destination.
Communities use the room tax revenue to help fund parts of their budget, as well as re-investing those dollars in tourism marketing. The Johnny Appleseed Trail Association – an affiliate of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce – is a state recognized regional tourism council. Through investments by business owners, regional attractions and local and state government, the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association works to aggressively promote and market North Central Massachusetts as a tourism destination.
The addition of Great Wolf Lodge has been a boon to Fitchburg. The hotel, water park and conference spaces are an asset to Fitchburg’s growth and economic development. With that hotel online, room tax revenue spiked for Fitchburg in fiscal year 2015 to $937,000. That growth continued in fiscal year 2016, with an 8% increase bringing revenue to over one million dollars. Fitchburg continues to lead the region’s tourism economy with the help of Great Wolf.
In Leominster, room tax revenue growth is more aggressive than ever before. By maintaining a competitive environment for lodging and conference space, Leominster saw an unprecedented 27.5% growth in tourism revenue for fiscal year 2016. Gardner has also seen steady growth in their room tax revenue – climbing 12.4% over the previous year.
The tourism industry is not only alive and well in North Central Massachusetts – it’s thriving. In order to continue that growth, we need to continue to work regionally and collaboratively to promote North Central Massachusetts, continue investments in tourism marketing, and maintain competitive tax rates that attract travelers of all kind.
Suzanne Farias is the general manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton in Leominster and serves as the Chair of the Board for the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association.
JUMP – or “Just Understand My Potential” is youth outdoor educational organization that connects youth with the outdoors and teaches skills that can not only be used in nature – but in life.
Founded by Bill Spacciapoli – an avid outdoorsman – in 2010, JUMP uses mountain skills such as hiking and backpacking as an outlet for kids ages 11 and above to enjoy and appreciate nature, while teaching valuable life skills like accountability and cooperation.
JUMP counselors have led more than 400 participants on 50 trips in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and in central Massachusetts, including Fall and Spring day hikes to give kids a taste of the program; Summer weekend trips and short winter programs with an annual cross-country ski day at Windblown Cross-Country Ski Area in New Ipswich, New Hampshire.
Training sessions help participants learn and practice mountain skills in comfortable surroundings close to home, so there are no consequences to getting things wrong the first time -or the first few times.
While founded as a non-profit serving disadvantaged populations, growth plans include offering fee-based programs for schools and similar groups. Partners and donors include the Appalachian Mountain Club and Chamber members such as the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg & Leominster and Rollstone Bank & Trust.
“We teach hiking and backpacking as ‘cooperative sports.’ That means that we cultivate fitness, skills, understandings, and values, just as those who coach competitive sports do. But mountain travel is not a game. The object is not to defeat some identically motivated opponent, but to thrive in an exciting and demanding environment. The rewards are adventure, accomplishment, great memories,
the joy of high places” said Bill Spacciapoli.
JUMP seeks Chamber members well-networked in the community to join their advisory board; help with specific functions such as marketing, bookkeeping, and social media; and of course volunteer leaders to manage a group of kids for a day hike. To volunteer or donate, please call Bill on (978) 621-7286, or email .
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is proud to announce that Sharp Design and Beemer’s Pub and Grill, both of Fitchburg, are recipients of loans through our new Express Loan Program.
Beemer’s Pub and Grill, a restaurant that recently relocated to 310 Main Street in Fitchburg, received an express loan of $5,000 for working capital to assist with their re-opening. Beemer’s has proudly served the Fitchburg and surrounding communities for many years until a fire destroyed their previous location on River Street in Fitchburg in March of 2015. They are now looking to make an impact with the new location in a higher visibility and traffic area. Beemer’s was a referral from NewVue Communities (formerly Twin City CDC) and this loan will help to retain 20 jobs. For more information visit www.beemerspub.com.
Sharp Design of 360 Summer Street in Fitchburg, a popular hair salon, was in need of equipment upgrades. With a $5,000 Express Loan, Sharp Design will make needed upgrades. Now Sharp Design is using state of the art equipment leaving their clients happy and satisfied. Sharp Design was also a referral from NewVue Communities. This loan will help to retain 10 jobs. For more information about Sharp Design call (978) 343-3324.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation has developed a new Express Loan Program to assist existing small businesses that need quick access to funding. The new program offers a loan request up to $5,000 with financing available within a week. If approved, the business is also eligible to receive business assistance from NCMDC staff and consultants.
“Helping strengthen small businesses and entrepreneurs stimulates job creation and is critical to North Central’s economic growth,” said Raymond J. Martino, President of Simonds International and Chairman of the Board of the NCMDC. “The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation is providing much needed capital and technical assistance to help our local businesses grow and thrive in the region.”
As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $75,000 for working capital, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts. NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance. Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4,200,000 in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.
For more information about the NCMDC and its loan programs, call 978.353.7607.
Leominster Credit Union (LCU) donated $500 to the Clinton Fire Department to assemble a structure used for training exercises. A roof piece reproduction will be designed off an existing wall behind the fire department, approximately the height of a two story house, where newer firefighters can practice ventilating rooftops.
Fire Chief John McLaughlin was presented with the check from Mary Boodie, Clinton Branch Manager and Carol Perron, SVP/Retail Leominster Credit Union.
An ad in the Johnny Appleseed Visitors Guide is the best marketing decision you will make all year. This publication is the only one reaching visitors and long-time community members on a year-round basis. The publication is distributed at over 350 locations across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Canada. Work is underway now for the Spring edition. Contact Diane Burnette via email at or call 978-534-2829 to reserve your spot today. Space is limited.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the organization has recruited 75 new members as a result of its 2016 New Member Campaign.
The two-week campaign ended on Friday, October 15th and included a mailed invitation to over 3,000 businesses in North Central Massachusetts and personal phone calls from fifty-five business leaders encouraging them to join. Volunteers competed for bragging rights as the top recruiter and some great prizes including overnight trips, gift certificates to restaurants and stores, and much more.
“We are excited to see so many new businesses join and take advantage of the many opportunities available through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber,” said Tony Mercadante, Principal of Mercadante & Mercadante CPAs and Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “The Chamber plays an important role in supporting local businesses and advancing North Central Massachusetts. This new growth will give us an even stronger voice to impact the region.”
The top producing team for the campaign was Workers Credit Union. Tom Littlepage, Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager at Workers Credit Union served as the team captain. The Workers Credit Union team recruited 13 new members and will be recognized with a special award at the Chamber’s next Good Morning North Central Breakfast on Friday, November 18th at the Doubletree in Leominster.
The second place team was the Robert C. Alario CPAs team, captained by Robert Alario, and the third place team was the Vision Payroll team, captained by Greg Mahoney.
The campaign’s top individual recruiter was Robert Alario, President of Robert C. Alario CPAs who personally brought in 11 new businesses to the Chamber. Mr. Alario was recently recognized as the top producer and received a $1,500 travel voucher through Whitcomb Travel for his efforts. Bob Gallo of Workers Credit Union placed second with five new members and Tom Littlepage of Workers Credit Union came in third with four new members. Other top recruiters included Pam Tortora of Fidelity Bank who recruited four new members; Tony Mercadante of Mercadante and Mercadante CPAs and Greg Mahoney and Lisa McKiernan of Vision Payroll who each recruited three new members.
“I want to congratulate our top recruiter Bob Alario and express our heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers and businesses who participated in this campaign,” said Doug Petersen, President & CEO of Workers Credit Union and Chairman of the 2016 New Member Campaign. “Gaining 75 new members is a remarkable achievement and would not have been possible without the time and effort from our many campaign volunteers.”
The Chamber appreciates the efforts of Doug Petersen for serving as Chair of the 2016 New Member Campaign. The Chamber would also like to thank all of the team captains, volunteer recruiters, and the many members who helped support our successful campaign.
In addition, the Chamber would like to recognize the corporate and prize sponsors who contributed to the success of the campaign. The Chamber’s New Member Campaign was sponsored by Heat Trace Products. Supporting sponsors included S.J. Mullaney Engineering, Inc.; Mercadante & Mercadante, P.C., CPAs; and HealthAlliance Hospital. In addition, media sponsors for the Campaign included the Sentinel & Enterprise; Leominster Champion; Worcester Business Journal; WPKZ 105.3 FM, Worcester Telegram & Gazette; AdviCoach; and FATV.
Prize contributors included Aunty Ellen’s Cakes, the Bootlegger Restaurant, the Colonial Hotel, Cutiques, Curves Fitness, ECI Stores, the Fitchburg Art Museum, Gardner Ale House, Il Camino Restaurant, Gariepy Furniture, Great Wolf Lodge, Happy Jack’s Restaurant, North End Diner, Northeast Promotions, Putnam Street Lanes, Roots organic juice bar, Sean Patrick’s restaurant, Settler’s Crossing golf course, Shattuck Photography, Slattery’s restaurant, Starbucks, South Side Grill, Wachusett Mountain, Webster First Federal Credit Union, West End Diner, Workers Credit Union, and Yasmin Loft, realtor.
For a complete list of corporate sponsors and prize contributors please visit www.northcentralmass.com.
Businesses interested in joining the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce should contact Jeff Ardis, Manager of Member Services and Business Development at 978.353.7600, x234 or via email at .
