The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will host “Getting to Know Your Chamber” on Thursday, November 3, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive in Fitchburg, MA. This presentation is designed to help new members navigate the perks and programs of Chamber membership, but is equally valuable for current members who want to get the most value from their membership, or those interested in learning if chamber membership is right for them.
Chamber staff will explain the many benefits and programs of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce including networking events, government affairs, educational workshops and seminars, advertising opportunities and health insurance, to name just a few. There is no cost to attend the “Getting to Know Your Chamber” meeting, but pre-registration is required. Register online at www.NorthCentralMass.com/news/calendar-of-events/.
The Chamber will also be hosting a Business After Hours event with seven other chambers at Great Wolf Lodge immediately following the orientation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Chamber’s Business After Hours series provides an opportunity for members and non-members to mingle and build business relationships in an informal relaxed business setting. These networking mixers are held throughout the year in partnership with member businesses and attract business professionals from many industries. The cost to participate in the Business After Hours is $20 for members and $50 for non-members and includes a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, a tour of the water park and networking with the over 500 business people expected to attend. For more information or to register visit www.NorthCentralMass.com/news/calendar-of-events/ or contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 235.
Business owners unable to attend but interested in learning more about Chamber membership may contact Jeff Ardis, Manager of Member Services and Business Development at 978.353.7600 ext. 234 or by sending an email to to schedule a one-to-one meeting.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will present a panel discussion and forum intended to increase civic engagement and empower current and future community leaders. The forum, Tools for Change, will take place on October 25th from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Chamber office, 860 South Street, Fitchburg, MA.
“Having many strong voices in the community creates a sense of engagement and dedication to North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We are grateful to have so many positive leaders that we can look to as role models.”
The panel discussion will feature Representative Jennifer Benson, Fitchburg City Council President Michael Kushmerek, Joana Dos Santos, executive director of the United Neighbors of Fitchburg, and Charlie St. Amand, editor of the Sentinel and Enterprise. The discussion will be moderated by Lea Ann Scales, vice president of external affairs, communications and K-12 partnerships at Mount Wachusett Community College.
The discussion will focus on the passion and drive behind running for public office, best practices on getting your voice heard by policymakers, and leveraging media to get your message across. Whether you are looking to get your voice heard at a city or town hall, Beacon Hill, or Capitol Hill – this program will provide a well-rounded view on how to make that possible. Take part in this exclusive forum, learn how you can resonate with you
r audience, and connect with some of North Central’s most dedicated community leaders.
HBSS / QRyde announced today that it has hired Lora Simmons as a senior technical proposal writer to lead the company’s proposal production department expansion. Working collectively with sales and executive teams, Lora will strategically identify new opportunities, create a proposal model that will streamline the procurement process for the company, and lead the effort to generate proposals for emerging markets.
“HBSS/QRyde has emerged as a leader in transportation software solutions, and I’m excited to be a member of the team,” Simmons said. “I look forward to helping the company as we work towards meeting growth goals and expanding services around the globe.”
Prior to joining HBSS/QRyde, Simmons worked as the senior proposal writer for Dallas-based MV Transportation, Inc., the largest privately-owned passenger transportation contracting firm based in the U.S. During her decade long career with MV, she was the proposal writer for many winning bids including MV’s first contract in Canada, renewals for existing paratransit, fixed route and shuttle contracts, and most recently, a nearly $70M contract with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) for the privatization of its paratransit operations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Sacramento State.
HB Software Solutions/QRyde (ww.qryde.com) an intelligent transportation solutions company, was established in 1997. With offices located in the City of Lowell, Massachusetts – just 30 miles north of Boston – HBSS/QRyde provides solutions for the U.S. transportation industry, and built around state-of-the-art technology. HBSS/QRyde has developed and provided software for diverse transportation organizations, including statewide agencies funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), transportation brokerages, regional transit authorities, and private as well as nonprofit providers. HBSS/QRyde resolves the unique challenges that differing demographics pose for the transportation industry, and excels at responding to these differences with efficient, customized solutions.
“A Time Capsule Reappears” Exhibition Now through – Wednesday, November 9 2016
In 2016, a 1953 time capsule was removed from a building at HealthAlliance Hospital (previously the Burbank Hospital.) This small exhibition takes you back to the Fitchburg of 60 years ago, with a peak into the ways that health care has changed.
Free and open to the public.
Exhibition: Fitchburg Faces: Portraits and Stories from Fitchburg’s History. Now through – Feb. 28th, 2017
A new exhibition featuring portraits from the permanent collection of the Fitchburg Historical Society, and the stories of the Fitchburg residents they depict.
Memory Café at the Fitchburg Historical Society. Wednesday, November 2, 1:30 p.m.
This social event is designed for those with Memory Issues or dementia, and their caregivers. We will enjoy films and photos of mid-20th century Fitchburg and share ideas and feelings. Sponsored by Life Care Centers of America The Highlands. Free Admission and limited space: advance registration required, call 978-345-1157.
“Alvah Crocker: Spirit Behind the Hoosac Tunnel,” talk by Cliff Schexnayder. Thursday, November 3, 5:15 p.m.
Fitchburg’s Alvah Crocker was one of the most successful and influential businessmen in New England during the 1800’s. He founded businesses in paper production, banking and railroads. As the railroad needed to expand west, the builders ran up against the heights of the Berkshire Mountains. Learn how Crocker led the construction of an engineering feat: the five-mile Hoosac tunnel. Cliff Schexnayder is a historian of engineering and construction, and the author of Builders of the Hoosac Tunnel, published in 2016 and supported with a fellowship from Smithsonian Institute Libraries.
Annual December House Tour:
Saturday, December 3, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The annual holiday tradition returns, with a self-guided tour of some of Fitchburg’s most interesting and historic residences, decorated to celebrate the joys of the season. Tickets: $20 per person, all proceeds benefit the programs of the Fitchburg Historical Society.
Tickets: $20 and are available in advance at Fitchburg Historical Society and Fitchburg City Hall.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is hosting a special congressional luncheon on Friday, October 14, 2016 featuring the Honorable Jim McGovern, United States Representative for the Second Congressional District and the Honorable Niki Tsongas, United States Representative for the Third Congressional District of Massachusetts. The program runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg, MA.
This event will provide Chamber members the opportunity to hear directly from members of the U.S. House of Representatives regarding business issues and critical mattersfacing the nation. Attendees will also be afforded the unique opportunity for networking and questions with two members of North Central’s federal delegation.
Currently serving his ninth term in Congress, Congressman Jim McGovern serves as the second ranking Democrat on the powerful House Rules Committee, which sets the terms for debate and amendments on most legislation; and a member of the House Agriculture Committee. In 2014, McGovern was named Democratic Ranking Member on the House Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Nutrition. The Subcommittee’s jurisdiction includes policies and statutes relating to nutrition, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and domestic commodity distribution and consumer initiatives.
Before his election to Congress, McGovern spent 14 years working as a senior aide for the late U.S. Representative John Joseph Moakley (D-South Boston), former dean of the Massachusetts delegation and Chairman of the House Rules Committee. He was born in Worcester, the son of two successful small business owners. His two sisters are elementary school teachers in Worcester’s public school system.
McGovern earned his Bachelor of Arts (‘81) and Masters of Public Administration (‘84) degrees from The American University, working his way through college by serving as an aide in the office of U.S. Senator George McGovern (D-SD).
Congresswoman Niki Tsongas was elected to the United State House of Representatives in a 2007 special election, becoming the first woman in 25 years to serve in Congress from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She represents the Massachusetts Third District (which had previously been known as the Fifth District until 2012). Tsongas holds the same seat that was held three decades earlier by her late husband, former Congressman, U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Paul Tsongas. Her Congressional district spans across portions of Essex, Middlesex and Worcester counties.
Tsongas serves as a senior member on the prestigious House Armed Services Committee, and having previously served in a leadership position as the top Democrat on the subcommittee for Oversight and Investigations. Tsongas also serves on the Natural Resources Committee, which formulates federal policy related to domestic energy production, National Parks, and the environment. In 2015, she was named to a leadership role as the top Democrat on the Federal Lands Subcommittee. She also serves on the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee.
Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives, Tsongas served as a Dean at Middlesex Community College, practiced law, and raised her three daughters all in the region she now represents.
Make sure that you reserve your spot early to hear from our congressional delegation on the many critical issues facing the business community in Washington D.C.
Pre-registration is required and easy. Simply call the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 235, email or register online at www.northcentralmass.com/calendar-of-events. The cost is $35 for members and $55 for non-members.
Twenty-one men and women, sponsored by area companies as up and coming employees and future leaders in our community, will begin the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership Institute in the coming weeks. CLI is dedicated to providing participants with individual leadership skills and a deep understanding of the region. The nine month program focuses on education, government, health care, social services, justice system, media, arts and culture, environment and history. The Chamber created the Institute to inspire a new generation of men and women to enthusiastically assume important roles in their community. The program challenges individuals from diverse backgrounds to be influential in our region’s future.
Professor Mike Greenwood, business professor at Fitchburg State University and chairman of the Institute steering committee, is enthusiastic about this year’s participants and the meaningful professional, personal and community development they will take part in. “I have been with the class since it’s reintroduction in 2011. Each year, I am amazed and impressed with the dedication of the participants. Programs like this are an important asset within the community to ensure one that continues to thrive, even after our current leaders retire.”
Marty Connors, president of Rollstone Bank & Trust and past chairman of the Institute steering committee, led the Institute’s revival in 2010. “I was in the 1991 class of the Institute and it was an integral part of my success in the community. As Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2010, I felt we needed the program back to once again support our needs for leadership and succession planning. Rollstone Bank & Trust’s participants have enjoyed the program and become leaders here in their workplace and in the community. We could not be prouder of the work they have done.”
Participants in the 2017 Class include:
Glena Borst, Avidia Bank
Robert Courtemache, Rollstone Bank & Trust
Tanya Crowley, Fitchburg State University
Tara DeBoer, Avidia Bank
Stefan Dodd, Fitchburg State University
Denise Fernald, Avidia Bank
Ashley Johnson, LUK, Inc.
Kimberly Kunce, DoubleTree by Hilton
Tracy Lafleur, Enterprise Bank and Trust Company
Amanda Landry, HealthAlliance Hospital
Susan Landry, Leominster Credit Union
Jennifer Leger, Fidelity Bank
Heather Mazzaferro, Ginny’s Helping Hands, Inc.
Corie Merhib, Avidia Bank
Lauren Mountain, Mount Wachusett Community College
Nikki Paglieroni, Enterprise Bank and Trust Company
Adriana Pereira Silva, Avidia Bank
Jennifer Prouty, Workers’ Credit Union
Stacy Quinones, Family Federal Savings
Heather Storme, Enterprise Bank and Trust Company
Tara Williams, Workers’ Credit Union
For more information on the Community Leadership Institute Program visit our CLI page
Wachusett Mountain kicked off their Fall festival season with four of their biggest festivals, Farm Fresh Fest, Kidsfest, BBQfest and Applefest. We were able to exhibit at three of the major events, Kidsfest, BBQfest and Applefest in these past few weeks. While attendees spent their weekends enjoying the sights, sounds, beauty and pageantry of these events, we were able to tap into those joyous feelings and passed on wealth of information on the regional attractions that are featured in North Central Mass. All three festivals were the perfect way for families to spend quality time together all while supporting our local small business vendors and learning about the region’s ideal areas to visit with their families.
The 26th Annual Kidsfest was the getaway that all kids dream about. It was two full days of music, food, and family fun. Live shows, walk-around entertainment, magic shows, clowns, and Mount Wachusett’s scenic summit SkyRide were at the epicenter of this eventful weekend. Parents got to enjoy great food and product sampling by our local small business vendors.
The 7th Annual BBQfest featured some of the area’s best BBQ vendors. Highlights of this year’s event include the Oysterfest, which featured oysters on the half shell, clam chowder and shrimp, along with an oyster shucking competition. The People’s Choice Awards featured Chili on Saturday and Pulled Pork on Sunday. Then the ever-famous Farmers’ Market and Craft Fair (including more than 75 vendors), and Beer Tent were present throughout the weekend. Dozens of small business vendors were in attendance and gained great notoriety from the public.
The 33rd Annual Applefest, one of the region’s most popular festivals, featured over 75 Craft Fair & Farmers’ Market Booths, family entertainment, scenic foliage skyrides to the Summit, mountainside barbecue, pony rides, clowns, wall climbing, jugglers and magicians for the kids. Applefest also featured an Oktoberfest Celebration complete with authentic German cuisine, a multitude of tasty beers in the Beer Garden and live music and entertainment.
Hundreds of families living outside our region are now looking forward to what North Central has to offer from here on out. Attendees left these weekend events, happy, tired, full and in many cases excited to seek out new places of adventure and fun here in North Central Massachusetts.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) has recently granted two small business loans totaling $41,600 to Fight or Flight Tattoo in Fitchburg and Looking Glass located in Leominster.
NCMDC granted a loan to Fight or Flight Tattoo for $25,000. Fight or Flight is a tattoo and piercing parlor located at 206 Summer Street in Fitchburg. This loan was in partnership with TD Bank and the funds will be used to assist with the purchase of the commercial property that Flight or Flight Tattoo has leased since opening ten years ago. Owner Andy Sansone originally opened The Ink Shop tattoo parlor on Lunenburg St. in 2006 and moved to the current location in 2007 when he changed the name to Fight or Flight Tattoo. This loan helped to retain four jobs. For more information visit www.fightorflighttattoo.com.
Looking Glass received a loan from the NCMDC in the amount of $16,600. Looking Glass, located on 21 Central Court in Leominster, MA, is a full service glass company specializing in high end residential and commercial glazing in the construction industry. . Looking Glass offers a wealth of knowledge and experience aiming to complete every job with the highest standard and give their customers the best products the industry has to offer. Looking Glass was a referral from SCORE, an NCMDC business counseling partner. This loan allowed Shaun DeLisle, owner of this start-up company, to purchase a company vehicle making the transfer of tools and products more efficient.
“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.
With the largest concentration of manufacturers in Massachusetts, North Central is no stranger to the importance of careers in advanced manufacturing. Throughout October, manufacturing awareness will spread across the nation. The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and Development Corporation will host several events highlighting the value in careers in manufacturing.
“Workforce development is the cornerstone to a thriving economy and manufacturing accounts for one in four jobs in North Central,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Educating students, parents, educators, and our elected officials is important to ensuring employers and jobs remain in Massachusetts.”
This October will be highlighted by the Business After Hours at the Fitchburg Art Museum on October 6th, Tour with the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster at NYPRO, a Jabil Company, on October 12th, Ribbon Cutting at Coleman Assembly on October 14th, and a Legislative Briefing and Press Conference at DataGuide Cable on October 18th.
“As an employer in North Central, it’s very important that we have a steady pipeline of skilled employees”, said John Witkowski, General Manager of NYPRO, a Jabil Company, with locations in Clinton and Devens which produces medical devices. “Manufacturing has changed a lot over the last few decades, and we need to break the existing stigmas that these are ‘dirty’ jobs.”
The Chamber has actively partnered with its Manufacturing Roundtable and Mount Wachusett Community College in promoting careers in manufacturing. Mount Wachusett has developed a number of workforce training and degree programs to help address manufacturing workforce shortage issues.
Stay tuned throughout the month of October for more information on these events. For more information contact Maria McCaffrey at .
