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 .
Last Month the Baker-Polito Administration announced a commitment of $672,637 in grant funds, to help Massachusetts small businesses grow by accessing international trade markets. The grant funds – a $504,478 grant awarded to Massachusetts by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s State Trade and Expansion Program (STEP), and a $168,159 matching contribution from the Commonwealth – will provide support to small businesses in Massachusetts as they pursue strategies to increase export activities.
“Supporting the growth of small businesses is a major focus of this administration’s economic development strategy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Many of the innovative consumer and business products created and manufactured in Massachusetts are ripe for export. Helping companies access foreign markets is one avenue where we can help champion the small businesses that f orm the backbone of our economy.”
“Opening new markets will strengthen small businesses here in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The economic development legislation we signed in August doubled our ability to help finance small business export activity. Now, these STEP grants will build the capacity of small businesses seeking to open new markets. By assisting small businesses in learning how to export, and increasing their exposure to international markets, we are giving small businesses in Massachusetts a global reach.”
“The advanced manufacturing cluster economy we have here in North Central Massachusetts accounts for one in four jobs in the region – support from our state and federal partners is crucial as we seek to recognize the important role that manufacturing plays here in North Central,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.
The Baker-Polito Administration announced the opening of the 2016-2017 STEP grant round at Rocheleau Tool & Die Co., Inc., a Fitchburg manufacturer that participated in the 2015-2016 STEP program. The Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment (MOITI) will administer the STEP grant in partnership with the Massachusetts Export Center (MEC), and provide reimbursements to eligible Massachusetts small businesses for qualified export-promotion expenses. Supported activities may include trade show participation, overseas marketing, and localization services and subscription services from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Participating small businesses are also required to secure matching private funds. MOITI and MEC are currently accepting grant applications from businesses.
“In every region of the Commonwealth, businesses are producing goods that only Massachusetts can create, and ensuring that these small business have access to global markets is an important avenue for growth,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “Leveraging the ingenuity, and uniqueness of Massachusetts products and businesses will continue moving our economy forward, grow jobs and spread prosperity to every corner of the Commonwealth.”
“These grant funds will support the growth of small businesses, whether they are new to exporting, or seeking to expand their export activities,” said Assistant Secretary of Business Development Nam Pham. “I look forward to continued partnerships with the U.S. Small Business Administration, as we work together to spread economic growth across the Commonwealth.”
“The STEP Grant is available to small businesses across Massachusetts,” said Paula Murphy, Director of the Massachusetts Export Center. “The funds are awarded on a competitive basis, and a well-planned international business strategy is critical for a grant award.”
“Last year’s STEP grant program was a great success, with over 60 Massachusetts small businesses using the grant funds to enhance their opportunities in the global marketplace” said MOITI Executive DirectorMark F. Sullivan. “We look forward to continuing that success with this year’s grant round.”
In what has come to be an unprecedented political and social time in our world, thinking about how members of the community can create change could not have come at a better time. In a panel discussion, local leaders, joined by members of the community discussed strategies for making the most out of community engagement.
The panel discussion, moderated by Lea Ann Scales of Mount Wachusett Community College, featured State Representative Jen Benson, Fitchburg City Councilor Mike Kushmerek, Joana Dos Santos of the United Neighbors of Fitchburg and Charlie St. Amand of the Sentinel and Enterprise.
The discussion focused around the importance of being an active and involved member of your community, whether you are advocating for an issue, or thinking about running for office. Both the audience and panelists noted the need to get more youth involved in civic engagement.
“Technology has changed the way I interact with my constituents, and it has made me more accountable to them,” said Benson. St. Amand, editor of the Sentinel and Enterprise noted that the advent of technology has increased everyone’s ability to participate in government and the media.
As part of the Chamber’s public policy agenda, it will continue to create programming that builds consensus on community building, inclusion in the public process, and creating meaningful bonds between government and the business community.
Guy’s Grocery Games is looking for chefs in the North Central Mass area to compete for a chance to win up to $20,000!
They are holding a nationwide search looking for professional cooks and highly skilled chefs from all backgrounds for “Guy’s Grocery Games.”
If you are not familiar, each episode four chefs compete in three elimination challenges testing their culinary skills as they make their way through the store’s aisles. Each challenge features a theme and is judged by a rotating list of guest judges who determine which contestant is eliminated. The chef who makes it through all three challenges then has two minutes to go through the aisles collecting items on a shopping list. Each item on the list is worth $2,000 and if the chef gets every item, the $20,000 grand prize is awarded.
Their themes this season are: Throwbacks (New takes on classic dishes), Decadent Guilty Pleasures, Spicy (Think “make the judges cry” kind of spicy), Grill Masters (No slow style BBQ since competition is 30 min dishes and less!), Halloween, Thanksgiving, Rising Stars (Ages 18-22), and SUPER FANS (Super fans of the show!)
LCU announces that Stephanie Hyles has joined the Credit Union as Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer. The CSO is a new position at LCU. Hyles will be responsible for ensuring that the Credit Union provides the optimum products, services, technology and organizational structure to meet its members’ needs. Hyles will report to John O’Brien, President and CEO and will serve as a member of the senior management team.
“As the financial industry continues to evolve, we remain focused on making changes to best serve our members,” O’Brien said. “These changes include new and improved technology and products as well as the right staffing and skill sets to achieve these goals. We have created the role of Chief Strategy Officer to drive these initiatives by focusing on our delivery channels and continuously examining Leominster Credit Union’s mission and vision to address critical business strategies. We are delighted to have someone with Stephanie’s breadth of expertise join LCU in this pivotal position.”
Hyles comes to LCU with more than 30 years of information technology and financial industry experience where she has focused on supporting credit unions to remain relevant and competitive in an evolving and highly competitive industry. Most recently she served as the Vice President of IT at Direct Federal Credit Union.
“LCU is well-known for its high-quality service and products, as well as its commitment to the community. I am excited by the opportunity that this position offers me to direct the management of our Strategic Plan and to ensure that LCU’s vision and promise to our members are at the forefront of all we do,” said Hyles.
Hyles is a long-time resident of Lancaster where she lives with her husband and son. She is an active supporter of the Circle of Learning Program at the Doctor Franklin Perkins School in Lancaster which helps pre-teens and teens with developmental disabilities to gain social skills. She also recently served on the Fiserv Spectrum Client Advisory Board.
Founded in 1954, Leominster Credit Union (LCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with a full range of deposit, lending, mobile and online financial services. Headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, LCU is proud to claim more than 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. Visit www.leominstercu.com or telephone at 800-649-4646.
Join us Sunday for our Final Shirley Show:
Den Poitras — Trash to Treasure
Sunday, November 6th from 2-4 PM
This is our final show of 2016 in Shirley, MA:
(And it may be our last in Shirley, TBD)
As usual, we will have refreshments and entertainment. This month show our entertainment will be by Dan and Faith.
Here is the address:
Gallery Sitka East at Sitka Creations
2 Shaker Rd., D101
Shirley, MA 01464
Call if you get lost: 978-425-6290
Join us the following Saturday in Fitchburg for:
Constructions
Castles and Things
by Jeanne Borofsky
Saturday, Nov. 12, from 2 – 4 PM
at 454 Main Street in Fitchburg, MA
The Adjoining East Wall Show will be:
VISIONS OF FITCHBURG:
A Retrospective of the Paint-In from 2007-2011
Brought to us by the Fitchburg Cultural Alliance
The Fitchburg Historical Society will offer its Annual Holiday House Tours on Saturday, December 3, 2016 from 11 am to 4 pm. This fundraiser will welcome visitors into twelve of Fitchburg’s architecturally significant buildings, beautifully decorated for the holidays. The Fitchburg Historical Society House Tour is a popular annual fundraiser that celebrates Fitchburg’s architectural heritage while helping to support the educational and preservation programs of the Fitchburg Historical Society, a 124-year old nonprofit that preserves Fitchburg’s historical treasures.
Some of the homes showcase architecture by Fitchburg’s best known Victorian architect, Henry M. Francis. They date from the years around 1900, and represent such popular architectural styles as Art Nouveau, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival and Victorian Eclecticism. Many of the building interiors also include extraordinary architectural details, such as grand fireplaces, Arts and Crafts tiles, custom woodwork and stonework. For example, the Beck home features a magnificent stone staircase at its entrance, leading to an elegant wrap-around porch.
In addition to seven private residences, other participating venues include: St. Francis Church, the Boulder Art Gallery, Gerry’s Martel’s Classic Carriages, the Fitchburg Historical Society, and the Fay Club. The Fay Club is a magnificent mansion designed by American architect Richard Upjohn (famous for the Trinity Church on Wall Street). It will serve as the “Tea Room” for the day, where House Tour participants can stop for tea, coffee and desserts.
Tickets for the December 3, 2016, House Tours are $20.00 each and can be purchased starting on Wednesday, November 2, at Shack’s Clothing, Mill #3, Elliot’s Jewelers, Homestead Primitives, Windmill Florist, the Mayor’s Office at 166 Boulder Drive, DeBonis & Davin Florist, Slattery’s Restaurant and at the Fitchburg Historical Society. Charles Sternaimolo (photographer), Anne Giancola (graphic artist) and to Miles Press (printers) created the posters, brochures, and tickets for the House Tours.
The Fitchburg Historical Society is located at 781 Main Street, Fitchburg in the historic Phoenix building. There is abundant on-street parking near the Historical Society and free parking behind the building. The building is handicapped accessible. For more information, call 978-345-1157, email , visit www.fitchburghistoricalsociety.org or https://www.facebook.com/FitchburgHistoricalSociety.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome David Ginisi as an intern at the Chamber’s headquarters this semester. Ginisi is currently a senior at the Fitchburg State University majoring in communications with a concentration in professional communications. His interest in public relations and marketing drew him to the Chamber for his internship.
David is a native of Worcester and graduated from Holy Name High School. He is a member of the dean’s list at Fitchburg State University and also volunteers at Special Olympics. As part of his internship, David is learning a variety of aspects of the Chamber and its affiliates. He has been gaining hands on learning experience by assisting with drafting press releases, helping to organize special events and supporting the launch of the Chamber’s new Gift Local Initiative.
“We are excited to welcome David as part of our team this semester,” said Roy M. 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.”
David 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. 244 for more information.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association are pleased to announce the launch of the Gift Local Gift Card program. This economic development initiative was established to focus on engaging local businesses in the growing gift card market and encouraging residents to shop locally. Similar programs launched by other chambers of commerce and merchants groups throughout the country have been successful in bringing in significant new dollars and generating increased sales at participating merchants.
Gift Local cards are available for sale to the public in any amount and are used like cash exclusively at participating businesses in North Central Massachusetts. The card is the perfect gift for the upcoming holidays, or for birthdays, employee recognition programs, teacher appreciation gifts, graduations, or just to say thank you. Gift card recipients can redeem their cards at nearly 40 local establishments, including many of the finest restaurants, retail stores, salons, service providers, and more in North Central Massachusetts. The cards may be reloaded for convenience and used throughout the year.
“This is a great resource for small businesses throughout North Central, we’re thrilled to be part of a program that can help grow our business and support the local economy,” said Rick Walton, owner of the Gardner Ale House.
“Signing up to participate in the Gift Local Gift Card program was a no-brainer for us,” said Steven Duvarney, owner of Duvarney & Company Jewelers in Clinton and Fitchburg “We’re excited to participate and think it’s a great opportunity to engage new customers as well as support the local economy.”
Participating merchants will be featured in the Gift Local’s marketing program and on the website www.giftlocalmass.com. Gift cards are also the gift of choice among many employers looking for gifts for their employees and clients. The Chamber will also be introducing a bulk Gift Local Gift Card purchasing program that helps local businesses better reward and incentivize their employees.
The typical profile for a Gift Local Card buyer would be someone who is looking to support local businesses, but may not know the recipient’s taste in food, fashion or merchandise and wants to give the recipient the gift of choice among various options throughout the community. Gift cards overall have also been growing in popularity as gifts with over $138 billion spent annually on them in the United States. Research shows that 93% of U.S. Shoppers receive or buy a gift card every year and gift card users tend to spend 25% more at locations when using a gift card in comparison with shopping with cash or a regular credit/debit card.
“Currently there is nothing like the Gift Local Gift Card in North Central Massachusetts. It’s an exciting opportunity for local businesses to grow their customer base as well as broaden their appeal,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This program is a perfect way to support small businesses while still giving people the flexibility to shop around as they please.”
Gift Local Cards can be purchased at the Chamber office located at 860 South Street in Fitchburg), Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the Johnny Appleseed Visitors’ Center located on Route 2 West in Lancaster, Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and online at www.giftlocalmass.com.
For more information or to enroll in this exciting new program, please contact Lauren Goulet at 978.353.7600 ext. 222 or at .
The Fitchburg City Council has again voted to reduce the property tax impact on commercial, industrial and personal property. At the annual Property Tax Classification hearing, the council recognized the importance of supporting small businesses and eventually move toward a single tax rate.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce attended the hearing and provided testimony on why it is important to reduce the tax burden on businesses
“Cities have many tools to approaching smart and successful economic development strategies. The property tax shift toward a single tax rate is one of the most effective ways to show businesses that a city is truly invested in growing its commercial base,” President and CEO Roy Nascimento told the councilors.
Through a spirited discussion, Councilor Marcus DiNatale noted that Fitchburg has the fifth highest commercial tax rate. That high tax rate does not attract businesses to Fitchburg, DiNatale added.
Ultimately, the councilors voted 8-2 in favor of reducing the burden on commercial property owners. Commercial property tax owners will still modest increases, but at a lower value than if there was no change. For fiscal year 2017, commercial property owners will see an average increase of $173.24 – had there been no change, the average increase would be $308.20.
Councilors Amy Green and Joel Kaddy, both small business owners, recognized that despite the fact that they would be paying higher taxes on their homes, tax increases on businesses would be an impediment to economic growth.
Property Tax Roll Call Vote Results
Motion to reduce the property tax shift from 118% to 116%
Councilor
Position
Michael Kushmerek
Support
Dean Tran
Oppose
Paul Beauchemin
Support
Tom Donnelly
Support
Joel Kaddy
Support
Marcus DiNatale
Support
Jeff Bean
Support
Amy Green
Support
Jody Joseph
Oppose
Angelo Bisol
Absent*
*Councilor Bisol was not able to attend the meeting but sent in a letter of support
Background on Property Tax Classification Hearings
Each year, communities hold Property Tax Classification Hearing to determine the rates at which residential, commercial, industrial and personal property are taxed. There are two models for property taxes: single rate and dual rate. The single rate means that both residential properties and commercial properties are taxed at the same rate. A dual rate system means that one group – typically businesses, shoulders more of the tax burden pays a higher rate of taxes based on a property’s assessed value.
A single rate tax system has come to be the best model for business friendly communities. Many argue that a higher tax rate for commercial properties does not create a business friendly environment.
