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North Central Mass Chamber to Join Members of Congress in D.C.
Trip will connect business and community leaders to federal officials, issues
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with U.S. Representative Niki Tsongas will travel to Washington D.C. this April to meet with federal officials and attend briefings on high-profile policy issues. The “D.C. Fly-in” will connect business and community leaders from the region to elected officials and policy shapers in order to deepen their understanding of national policy issues as well as advocate for advancement of the North Central Massachusetts region. The trip is scheduled for April 13-14.
“This is a great way for our members to grow their understanding of complex issues and hear from those with the experience and influence over the challenges businesses face on a daily basis,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We are very grateful to Congresswoman Tsongas for her commitment to her district and helping us plan this great opportunity.”
“Third District Day is a unique opportunity for residents to interact with lawmakers, public officials, media personalities, business leaders and more, as well as provide a firsthand look at how the Capitol works,” said Congresswoman Tsongas. “This is a great tradition, which was started almost two decades ago to engage interested citizens. It reflects the spirit of community involvement running throughout the Third District.”
The fly-in will include policy briefings at the United States Chamber of Commerce, meetings with Congressman James McGovern, Congresswoman Tsongas, and a panel of speakers. Past speakers have included members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, legislative leadership, nationally renowned journalists, business leaders, and thought leaders and experts on high profile topics like consumer finance and national security.
The two-day, high impact schedule will take Chamber members throughout the nation’s capital focusing on a variety of issues like workforce development, health care and energy. The D.C fly-in is part of the chamber’s efforts to increase advocacy and government relations at all levels of government.
For more information or to register for the Chamber’s D.C. Fly-In, please fill out the REGISTRATION FORM or contact the Chamber at 978-353-7600 ext. 224.
March Good Morning North Central features CEO of Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and Worcester County Sheriff
The next edition of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber’s popular Good Morning North Central breakfast series is scheduled for Friday, March 11, 2016 from 6:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Doubletree by Hilton, 99 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA. The March edition is sponsored by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts.
Featured speakers for the March breakfast are Travis McCready, CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis. McCready joined the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center as the organization’s second President & CEO in October 2015. In this position, Mr. McCready is responsible for leading the ongoing implementation of the $1 billion Massachusetts Life Sciences Initiative, a public-private partnership that has contributed to Massachusetts’ emergence as the global leader in life sciences. McCready directs and oversees the Center’s investment strategy, along with the agency’s operations, programs and partnerships.
Sheriff Evangelidis was elected Worcester County Sheriff on November 2, 2010, after having served eight years 
as a state representative. In his role as sheriff, he serves as the highest law enforcement official for the largest county in Massachusetts with 60 towns and over 800,000 residents. Since taking office, he has focused his efforts on improving the professionalism of the department and implementing education and drug prevention initiatives as ways to keep youth out of the jails.
The Good Morning North Central series is a high-profile, fast-paced and educational program geared towards executives, senior managers, professionals and small business owners. Each of the programs has a business-oriented focus and features popular speakers to present on topics of interest to local business and community leaders.
Don’t miss the region’s best morning gathering. The cost is just $25 for Chamber members/$40 non-members and includes a breakfast buffet. Season Tickets are also available for purchase. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact the Chamber at 978-353-7600 ext. 235 or visit www.northcentralmass.com
MWCC Offering Free Workshops this Spring for Adult Learners
Mount Wachusett Community College is offering free workshops this spring for adult learners interested in earning a college degree.
MWCC’s Adult College Experience (ACE) program features hands-on workshops designed to guide adult learners through the steps of applying for college and financial aid, selecting courses, managing coursework and balancing school with work and family life. Participants attending all four workshops will be eligible to win a free, three-credit course.
“Each year, millions of adult students return to college to expand their career options, change careers, or fulfill a long-held dream of earning a degree. We developed the ACE program at Mount Wachusett to provide students with a roadmap to follow to make their transition to higher education as seamless as possible,” said Marcia Rosbury-Henne, Dean of Admissions and Enrollment.
The four-session ACE program, geared toward adult learners age 24 and above, begins Thursday, March 17 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. with the workshop “Beginning Your College Journey.” During this workshop, students will be admitted to an academic program for the summer or fall 2016 semesters. This workshop will also include a session on accessing library and academic support, as well as a panel presentation by MWCC alumni who returned to college as adult learners balancing work, family and studies.
The second session, “Navigating the ‘Net for College Success,” will take place Thursday, March 24 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Participants will learn about digital tools, including iConnect and Blackboard, that connect to courses, faculty and campus resources. Students will learn about the components of their financial aid package, including knowing the difference between loans, grants, scholarships and work study aid, and receive assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
The session, “Foundations for Success,” will take place Thursday, March 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to take their Accuplacer placement test, review previous college transcripts with an advisor, and plan their academic path.
The series concludes on Thursday, April 7 with the session “Build Your Future from 5:30 to 7 p.m. During this final session, students will register for fall semester courses. The session will end with a pizza party celebration and a drawing for a free, three-credit course.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, enrollment of students age 25 and above increased by 42 percent between 2000 and 2010 and is predicted to increase by another 20 percent by 2020. In comparison, enrollment of college students age 24 and under increased by 34 percent between 2000 and 2010, and is expected to increase 11 percent by 2020.
To register for MWCC’s free ACE program, contact the admissions office at 978-630-9110 or email . Registration can also be completed online at mwcc.edu/build/ace.
MWCC offers over 70 associate degree and certificate programs, transfer agreements with public and private colleges and universities for students continuing on for a bachelor’s degree, adult basic education/HiSET programs, industry and technology training, and personal enrichment programs. The college is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and other industry-specific accrediting organizations. Amenities for students and the public include the Fitness & Wellness Center, Theatre at the Mount, and the LaChance Library.
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Special Chamber Offer by Trivium Technology LLC
Special Chamber Offer
Trivium Technology LLC would like to offer members of the North Central Chamber a FREE Network audit.
One of our engineers will do a complete audit from your server run those results against Microsoft best practice’s and produce three FREE reports.
• Client Risk Report showing vulnerabilities of your network
• The Management Plan that ranks individual issues based upon their potential risk to the network while providing guidance on which issues to address by priority.
• Full Detail Report.
Each of these reports will be specific to YOUR network will be confidential in nature and will be yours to keep.
This offer is good only until 3/15/2016 and is available on a first come first serve basis. This is a limited time offer
Please contact
or Call 98-219-2500 ext. 1001
Fitchburg Art Museum named 2016 Finalist for National Medal for Museum and Library Service
The Institute of Museum and Library Services today announced that the Fitchburg Art Museum is among 30 finalists for the 2016 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the
community. For 22 years, the award has celebrated institutions that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service and are making a difference for individuals, families, and communities.
“The 2016 National Medal finalists make lasting differences in their communities by serving and inspiring the public,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “We proudly recognize these museums and libraries for their invaluable work to provide citizens with educational resources, 21st century skills, and opportunities for lifelong learning. As key stewards of our nation’s future, we salute the 30 finalists for their excellence in engaging our citizenry and expanding learning of all kinds.”
Finalists are chosen becasue of thir significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. IMLS is encouraging community members who have visited the Fitchburg Art Museum to share their story on the IMLS Facebook page. To Share Your Story and learn more about how the finalist institutions make an impact, please visit www.facebook.com/USIMLS.
“It is a true honor to be recognized at a national level and in the
company of so many other impressive institutions for the work that we have done and are continuing to pursue,” said FAM Director Nick
Capasso. “All decisions, initiatives, projects, and programs at the
Fitchburg Art Museum reflect our commitment to education and the greater community.”
This honor recognizes the contributions of FAM’s community-focused and collaborative programs, including the Main Street Public Art project, our Community Gallery, our continued partnerships with the City of Fitchburg, Fitchburg State University, and New Vue Communities, and our many creative initiatives in support of our regional creative economy. We are grateful and are honored to be recognized as a 2016 finalist. To learn more visit our website www.fitchburgartmuseum.org.
The National Medal winners will be named later this spring, and representatives from winning institutions will travel to Washington, D.C., to be honored at the National Medal award ceremony. To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit www.imls.gov/2016-medals.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Service
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums.Their mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Their grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow them on
Facebook and Twitter.
About FAM
The Fitchburg Art Museum serves the cities of Fitchburg and Leominster and the surrounding communities in North Central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. FAM was founded in 1925, and its five-building complex, with over 20,000 square feet of exhibition space, features exhibitions from its art historical collections as well as special exhibitions focused on New England contemporary art. FAM playsa vital role in the cultural life of the region and the Museum maintains active educational partnerships with the local school systems, as well as Fitchburg State University. FAM is an engine for creativity, education, community building and fun!
United Way Youth Venture Community Expo to Showcase Projects of Social Entrepreneurs
Curious about what millennials are doing to resolve some of society’s toughest issues? Then don’t miss the United Way Youth Venture Community Expo, taking place Wednesday, March 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Great Wolf Lodge, 50 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg.
Teams of young social entrepreneurs will be on hand to showcase how they are leveraging their passion and skills to generate unique solutions to school and community challenges, including homelessness, autism awareness, support for foster children, environmental conservation, animal welfare and many others.
In addition to networking and enjoying one-on-one presentations from the youth Venture teams, the drop-in expo will also feature live and silent auctions, appetizers and cocktails.
United Way Youth Venture of North Central Massachusetts, the largest program of its type in the country, was established in 2002 when the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Mount Wachusett Community College and Ashoka’s Youth Venture partnered to help schools integrate youth-based social ventures into their curriculum, afterschool activities and special events. UWYV is independently funded and relies on community support to continue.
The program is currently available to students in the following partner schools: Applewild School, Ayer Shirley Middle and High School, Murdock Middle/High School, Frances Drake Elementary School, Leominster High School & CTEi, Sky View Middle School, Samoset Middle School, Fitchburg High School, North Middlesex Regional High School, Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School, Sizer School, Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School and MWCC.
“The UWYV Community Expo promises to be an inspirational evening that allows business and community leaders to learn directly from engaged youth how they are making an impact in the region,” said Lauren Mountain, associate director of UWYV program at Mount Wachusett Community College.
“It is inspiring to see young people identify solutions to challenges they see in our region, then build a plan to address these challenges in innovative and creative ways,” said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino. “The UWYV program has grown exponentially over the years and serves as a model that demonstrates the power of today’s youth to initiate change that benefits citizens now and in the future.”
“United Way Youth Venture is very much on the cutting edge because it is tapping into the entrepreneurial power of young people who want to address important community issues,” said Phil Grzewinski, President of the United Way of North Central Massachusetts. “We are looking forward to an inspiring evening.”
UWYV Cpmmunity Expo sponsors to date include Pirro Auction Services, Inc., the Greater Gardner, Nashoba Valley and North Central Massachusetts Chambers of Commerce, the Catalano Companies, IC Federal Credit Union, Workers’ Credit Union, HealthAlliance Hospital and Kevin Bliss Self Defense Center.
General admission tickets are $35 and youth supporter tickets, which includes a donation to UWYV, are $75. Tickets may be purchased online at mwcc.edu/uwyv or by calling 978-630-9201. The Greater Gardner Chamber, Nashoba Valley Chamber, and North Central MA Chamber of Commerce are offering discounted tickets to chamber members for $25.
Technology veterans open MSP (Managed Services Provider) in Sterling for small to midsize business.
Sterling MA. February 1st 2016 Trivium Technology LLC a leading provider of Managed IT Services and CRM Solutions for the small to medium business announced today they have opened an office at 86 Leominster Rd. Sterling to better service the small to midsize business in Northern Worcester Country.
Plans to develop operations in Northern Worcester County where initiated when the principles of the company sold there pervious business and began to look into what they believed is an underserved market segment in Northern Worcester County for Managed IT Services to the small business market.
“The opening of Trivium Technology in Sterling is an important step in realizing our goal of helping the small business attain IT independence and better knowledge of what a solid IT platform can do to improve their bottom line,” said Frank Leonard President/CEO “it is a hugely underserved market most small business owners are focused on what they do best running their business, the programs we designed here at Trivium will manage their IT info structure 24/7 365 and do so at a price point well below the competition. Eliminating costly down time and onsite IT bills”.
The IT industry has gone through massive changes in the last 10 years from the advent of cloud computing and more sophisticated cyber threats that each one of us face every day to more complicated operating systems. Trivium will help you navigate the IT highway by being a true partner in the health of your IT info structure.
About Trivium Technology.
Trivium Technology was founded by leaders in the IT field, the previous owners of Baesis, Inc. one of the largest MSP’s in New England. They have won numerous awards by Microsoft from network design to network security structure. The company’s mission is to bring a sound IT info structure to small business at a fraction of the price. For more information call 978-219-2500 ext: 1001 or visit us at www.triviumtech.net
March – Classes offered at Simonds-Hurd Complementary Care Center
Tue., 3/1/16
6:00-7:00pm Zentangle – Art as Meditation, 5 week series begins tonight $50/$12 drop-in, please call to register*
*Acupuncture Clinic – Please call for information/$30
Wed.,3/2/16
*Acupuncture Clinic – Please call for information/$30
5:00-7:30pm Stress Solutions for Life, Class 1 of a 3 class series begins tonight, $75.00. Leominster Campus, Guild Conference Room, Simonds Building, (Entrance F) Advance registration required*
6:00-7:00pm Qigong – drop-in $12, please call to register*
Thu.,3/3/16
*Acupuncture Clinic – Please call for information/$30
5:30-6:30pm Yoga for Stress Relief – 12 drop-in, please call to register*
7:00-8:30pm Mind-Body Hypnosis Coaching – $25, – advance registration and payment required. Please call for information and to register*
Fri., 3/4/16
*Acupuncture Clinic – Please call for information/$30
6:00-7:00pm Rest & Restore Yoga – $12 drop-in, appropriate for all levels, call to register*
Sat.,3/5/16
9:00 -10:00am Yoga for Fitness, $12 drop-in.
Sun.,3/6/16
2:00-4:00pm Oneness Blessing Circle, suggested donation $10 to support the Angie’s Spa grant providing free therapeutic services to our cancer patients in treatment
Mon., 3/7/16
5:30-6:30pm Yoga with Linda – Leominster Campus, Guild Conference Room, $12 – advance payment required. Call to register now*
Tue.,3/8/16
*Acupuncture Clinic – Please call for information/$30
6:00-7:00pm Zentangle – Art as Meditation, $12 drop-in, please call to register.*
Wed.,3/9/16
*Acupuncture Clinic – Please call for information/$30
5:00-7:30pm Stress Solutions for Life, Class 2 of a 3 class series . Leominster Campus, Guild Conference Room, Simonds Building, (Entrance F) Advance registration required*
6:00-7:00pm Qigong – drop-in $12, please call to register*
Thu., 3/10/16
*Acupuncture Clinic – Please call for information/$30
5:30-6:30pm Yoga for Stress Relief –$12 drop-in.
Fri., 3/11/16
*Acupuncture Clinic – Please call for information/$30
Sat., 3/12/16
9:00 -10:00am Yoga for Fitness, – $12 drop-in
Sun.,3/13/16
9am-4pm Reiki II Class – $125, advance registration required, call for information*
Mon., 3/14/16
5:30-6:30pm Yoga with Linda – Leominster Campus, Guild Conference Room, $12 – advance payment required. Call to register now*
Tue.,3/15/16
*Acupuncture Clinic – Please call for information/$30
6:00-7:00pm Zentangle – Art as Meditation, $12 drop-in, please call to register.
Wed.,3/16/16
*Acupuncture Clinic – Please call for information/$30
6:00-7:00pm Qigong – drop-in $12, new six week series starts 2/24, $60, call to register now*
Thu., 3/17/16
*Acupuncture Clinic – Please call for information/$30
5:30-6:30pm Yoga for Stress Relief –$12 drop-in.
Fri.,3/18/16
*Acupuncture Clinic – Please call for information/$30
Sat., 3/19/16
9:00 -10:00am Yoga for Fitness, – $12 drop-in
Mon.,3/21/16
5:30-6:30pm Yoga with Linda – Leominster Campus, Guild Conference Room, $12 drop-in, advance payment required, call to register. *
Tue.,3/22/16
*Acupuncture Clinic – Please call for information/$30
6:00-7:00pm Zentangle – Art as Meditation, $12 drop-in, please call to register.
Wed.,3/23/16
*Acupuncture Clinic – Please call for information/$30
5:00-7:30pm Stress Solutions for Life, Class 3 of a 3 class series . Leominster Campus, Guild Conference Room, Simonds Building, (Entrance F) Advance registration required*
6:00-7:00pm Qigong – drop-in $12, please call to register*
Thu.,3/24/16
*Acupuncture Clinic – Please call for information/$30
5:30-6:30pm Yoga for Stress Relief – $12 drop-in, please call to register*
Fri.,3/25/16
*Acupuncture Clinic – Please call for information/$30
Sat.,3/26/16
9:00 -10:00am Yoga for Fitness -$12 drop-in
Mon.,3/28/16
5:30-6:30pm Yoga with Linda – Leominster Campus, Guild Conference Room, $12 drop-in, advance payment required, call to register *
Tue.,3/29/16
*Acupuncture Clinic – Please call for information/$30
6:00-7:00pm Zentangle – Art as Meditation, $12 drop-in, please call to register.
Wed.,3/30/16
*Acupuncture Clinic – Please call for information/$30
6:00-7:00pm Qigong – drop-in $12, new six week series starts 2/24, $60, call to register now*
Thu.,3/31/16
*Acupuncture Clinic – Please call for information/$30
5:30-6:30pm Yoga for Stress Relief – $12 drop-in
New Scholarship Named For Former Chamber President David L. McKeehan
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of a new scholarship named in honor of Mr. David L. McKeehan, former President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. The $2,000 scholarship is named in honor of Mr. McKeehan for his commitment to the advancement of North Central Massachusetts and for his decades of dedicated service to the Chamber.
Mr. David L. McKeehan served as President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce from 1984 until his retirement in 2015. McKeehan led the merger of the Fitchburg and Leominster Chambers of Commerce, along with several smaller business groups, to form the North Central Massachusetts Chamber in 1984. Over the course of his tenure, he procured over $4.5 million in private sector funding and over $1 million in government grants for economic development programming in the region. He was instrumental in the creation as well as the saving of many jobs within North Central Massachusetts during his years at the Chamber. For his service, McKeehan has been honored by the New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Mount Wachusett Community College, Fitchburg State University and many other organizations. Preference for the David L. McKeehan scholarship will be given to a child or grandchild of a current Chamber member or an employee of a current Chamber member.
Last year, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation distributed nearly $50,000 in scholarships to local high-achieving high school students and has awarded over a million dollars in scholarships since the establishment of its scholarship program. Many of these awards are made possible through contributions from members of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and proceeds from the Chamber’s Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament. Scholarships endowed through the Chamber Foundation are often named in honor of prominent members of the North Central Massachusetts business community whose philanthropy and commitment to the community have helped shape North Central. For more information or a list of the named scholarships, please visit northcentrlmass.com.
Students interested in applying for a 2016 scholarship through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation should contact their high school guidance department to submit an application. Deadline for applications is Friday, February 26, 2016. A limited number of scholarship applicants are submitted by each school in the Chamber’s service area each year and then reviewed by a committee of Chamber members.
The Chamber’s Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization focused on assisting in the betterment of the region through charitable activities. Funds raised by the Foundation are utilized primarily for education/workforce development initiatives and charitable activities in North Central Massachusetts, including scholarships to eligible applicants pursuing education and grants to support economic and community development projects.
For more information on the David L. McKeehan Scholarship or the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation’s scholarship program, please call (978) 353-7600 or email .