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.
The Fitchburg Historical Society will present an historical talk on “Alvah Crocker: Spirit Behind the Hoosac Tunnel” by author Cliff Schexnayder on Thursday, November 3, at 5:15 p.m. The talk is free to the public, and will take place in the George R. Wallace Jr. and Alice Wallace Exhibition Hall of the Fitchburg Historical Society, Phoenix Building, 781 Main Street, Fitchburg.
Long-time residents, and many historians, know of Fitchburg’s Alvah Crocker, one of the most successful and influential businessmen in New England during the 1800’s. His businesses, family and legacy shaped central Massachusetts and especially Fitchburg, Massachusetts. It was there that he made his home and based his largest businesses.
A pioneer in Fitchburg’s paper industry, in banking, and in railroad companies, Crocker set himself a nearly impossible task in the building of the Berkshires’ five-mile Hoosac tunnel….which involved cutting (or blasting) a way directly through a mountain for the very first time. When it succeeded, Boston and the rest of Massachusetts were directly connected by rail with the western United States: a prerequisite for the economic growth of northern Massachusetts.
Cliff Schexnayder has a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Purdue University. He has written about construction and is especially interested in understanding major construction projects from the past; for example, he has worked as an engineering consultant for museum exhibitions on historic building methods. His research for his 2015 book on the Hoosac Tunnel, Builders of the Hoosac Tunnel, was supported with a fellowship from Smithsonian Institute Libraries.
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.
Summit Academy, a private special education school, is celebrating 10 years of “moving mountains” for students with high functioning autism and related diagnoses. Their anniversary gala, featuring Shonda Schilling, will be held on November 19 at 6:00 pm in the Congregation Beth Israel Hall; 15 Jamesbury Drive, Worcester, MA. Funds raised will benefit Summit Academy by supporting therapeutic programs and technology initiatives.
The evening will begin with a cocktail reception where guests will have a chance to mingle and bid in the silent auction. The cocktail reception will be followed by dinner, live auction and an evening of dancing to the music of Clockwork– a Boston based band of “seven seriously talented performing artists together in one tight, spirited, and energetic group… You name it, they can play it!”
Guests will also have the pleasure to share in Shonda Schilling’s story. Shonda Schilling is the author of “The Best Kind of Different”, a memoir about her son’s life with Asperger’s.
“The funds raised are vital in ensuring that our students continue to have access to the necessary tools, technologies and support for successful development of social skills, academics, self-control and self-esteem. We also recognize the need to expand our services to reach more children” Summit Academy’s Executive Director, Daniel DiMezza said. “We are excited about sharing our journey, the touching stories and recognition of a remarkable, dedicated staff.”
Family, friends, business and community leaders, and professional colleagues are invited to support the program. Together, we can continue to “Move Mountains”.
The ticket price for the party is $135.00, while sponsorship opportunities include a $10,000 Summit Sponsor, $7,500 Peak Sponsors, $5,000 Viewpoint Sponsors, $2,500 Sherpa Sponsors, $1,000 Mountaineer Sponsors and $500 for the Trailblazer Sponsor.
For ticket information, to purchase tickets or to become a sponsor, please visit our website: www.summitacademyma.com or feel free to contact Amanda Panikian at 508-751-8500 or .
For more than ten years Summit Academy, has been providing unparalleled quality education for students. Summit Academy, a Massachusetts Association of 766 Approved Private School (maaps), nonprofit’s mission is to provide a therapeutic alternative school for students with high functioning autism and related diagnoses and to help students reach their greatest academic, social, and emotional potential, and to improve their overall quality of life.
Nypro, a Jabil Company hosted approximately 20 young men and women from the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster and the Spanish American Center on Wednesday, October 12, 2016.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and its economic development affiliate the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation organized this tour in partnership with Mr. Jon Blodgett, Teen Director of the Boys & Girls Club, as well as Mr. Bill Muldoon and Mr. Tim Brown, both of Nypro, a Jabil Company. The tour was part of efforts to celebrate Manufacturing Month and inspire young people to consider careers in advanced manufacturing.
The Nypro team kicked off the day’s events at their facility in Clinton, with an informative presentation followed by a tour. The young men and women from both the Spanish American Center and the Boys & Girls Club were privy to a wealth of knowledge and hands-on demonstrations. Rounding out the tour, members participated in a Q&A with the team and learned about 3D design and the advanced manufacturing processes used in the industry.
“Manufacturing is alive and well in North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, “Advanced manufacturing accounts for one in four jobs in the region and these are some of the most well-paid, highly trained and in demand jobs in the workforce, working on some of the most advanced equipment and technology.”
However, many manufacturers have been challenged recruiting the workers they need. Despite the high wage potential and increasing employer demand, there is both a need for more young workers and a skills gap among an existing and a transitioning workforce.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation remain committed to supporting and growing this critical sector of the region’s economy. From our collaborations with local schools and colleges, internship and career exploration programs and our HYPE program, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, are engaging and connecting businesses to the next generation of talent—to ensure a consistent and continual pipeline of talent.
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.
