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Gallery Sitka Bolsters Creative Economy in Downtown Fitchburg
Gallery Sitka is the latest addition to the arts and culture economy in Downtown Fitchburg, after receiving support with a North Central Ma
ssachusetts Development Corporation micro-loan. Obtained through the Express Loan program, Gallery Sitka – located at 454 Main Street – was able to receive a small loan to help with start-up costs at their Main Street Gallery that features local artists.
“A downtown business in the creative economy, that received financing through our micro-loan program epitomizes smart, coordinated economic development,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation.
Gallery Sitka was welcomed to Downtown Fitchburg at a ribbon cutting event by a large crowd of community leaders, elected officials, and downtown business owners. Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale, Senator Jennifer Flanagan and Representative Stephen Hay were on hand to welcome Gallery Sitka and owner Tamar Russell Brown to Fitchburg.
“This is so important to our creative economy – and that is a focal point that we have in the city of Fitchburg,” said DiNatale to the crowd at Gallery Sitka. Mayor DiNatale noted how important it is for businesses and the city to work together to improve the economy. The creative economy has a particularly important role in Fitchburg’s downtown area. The Fitchburg Art Museum, Boulder Art Gallery, and proposed artist housing in the former B.F. Brown building positions Fitchburg as a leader in the arts and culture arenas.
Sitka Gallery was referred to the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation by NewVue Communities and Hometown Bank, providing a great example of organizations working together to provide assistance to a local business.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation is the region’s leading resource for economic development and job creation. The micro-
Over the last year, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation has lent nearly $400,000 to 21 start-up and existing businesses, which resulted in the creation or retention of 36 jobs in North Central Massachusetts. Micro-loans over the last year were leveraged with over $1.4 million in bank capital.
For more information about Gallery Sitka, visit their website at www.gallerysitka.com
BANKHOMETOWN HIRES VICE PRESIDENT GOVERNMENT BANKING
Michael Hewitt, President and CEO of bankHometown, announced that Ryan Stolle has joined the bank as Vice President of Government Banking.
Stolle obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from The Isenberg School of Management at UMASS Amherst.
He has more than 8 years of Government Banking experience, most recently as Vice President Government Banking at bankESB in Easthampton, MA.
Stolle will be responsible for continuing to grow the bank’s business relationships with the Cities, Towns, Districts and Authorities in Worcester County.
Stolle is an Associate Member of Mass Collector Treasurers Association, Worcester County Collector Treasurers Association, Norfolk County Finance Officers Association and Hampshire-Franklin County Collector Treasurers Association.
He resides in Douglas, MA.
Leominster Credit Union Donates Books to Local Organizations
For the sixteenth consecutive year, Leominster Credit Union was pleased to participate in Children’s Book Month, an annual event sponsored by the Cooperative Credit Union Association.
During the month of April LCU members and employees collected donations of 620 new and used children’s books. The books were distributed to the Red Raiders Lending Library program and Leominster Community Coalition.
This year’s event was spearheaded by Nancy Daigle, Kathy Hurley and Rachel Terrell. Since 2009, LCU collected and donated 5,743 books to various agencies.
Leominster Credit Union Presents Certificate of Achievement to Lily Moran, Finalist in Mass. Credit Union Essay Contest
Lily Moran, a student at the Clinton Middle School, sponsored by Leominster Credit Union, was named a finalist in the 26th annual Massachusetts Credit Union Student Essay Contest, sponsored by the Cooperative Credit Union Association, Inc. (“CCUA”). An award ceremony for the students was held in the prestigious Great Hall at the State House in Boston.
The awardees—all students in either the seventh or eighth grade—along with parents, family members, teachers, and their credit union sponsors, were recognized with a special luncheon, State House tour, monetary awards, citations from Governor Charlie Baker and plaques presented by their local lawmakers. The finalists each received $250.
CCUA President Paul Gentile kicked off the day’s ceremony by welcoming the students and their families, noting that the essays reflected many of the core values cherished by all credit unions, from financial literacy to the most common credit union principle, “People Helping People.”
“The ability to motivate people, help them and change things through the power of your writing talents is a most valuable skill—one that will serve you and others very well in your future careers,” said Gentile, in encouraging the students to continue to master their writing talents.
Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks David Cotney was the guest speaker at the ceremony. As head of the agency that oversees the supervision of more than 200 banks and credit unions with total combined assets in excess of $400 billion, Cotney applauded the students for their writing achievements and invited all present to consider who among these students, because of their outstanding writing talents, will become the next scientist, lawyer, teacher, or possibly, even a public servant like a banking commissioner.
This year’s essay contest winner and finalists, along with their sponsoring credit unions, are:
Winning Entry: Natalie Barros, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union (Lowell)
Other Finalists included:
Taryn Dineen, City of Boston Credit Union (Boston)
Christopher Dupuis, St. Anne’s Credit Union (Fall River)
Hadiya Giwa, Worcester Credit Union (Worcester)
Lily Moran, Leominster Credit Union (Leominster)
Kerri Horan, Methuen Federal Credit Union (Methuen)
Erin Shenk, IC Federal Credit Union (Fitchburg)
Angela Truong, Metro Credit Union (Chelsea)
Leominster Credit Union Participates in the Greening the Gateway Cities Program
Leominster Credit Union (LCU) is proud to participate in the Greening the Gateway Cities Program (GGCP). LCU provided an area where nine trees were planted as part of the program along with a two year commitment to care for the trees.
This GGCP program is an environmental and energy efficiency program is designed to reduce household heating and cooling energy use by increasing tree canopy cover in urban residential areas in the state’s Gateway Cities. GGCP is a partnership between the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Urban & Community Forestry Program, the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), along with Gateway Cities and local grassroots organizations. The program plants trees (ranging from 6ft to 10ft tall) with a goal of covering 5-10% of the target neighborhoods in new tree canopy cover.
Leominster was one of the 26 cities selected to be a part of this program.
NORTH MIDDLESEX SAVINGS BANK AND MARLBOROUGH SAVINGS BANK ANNOUNCE MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL MERGER
North Middlesex Savings Bank and Marlborough Savings Bank today announced plans to merge and create a new, larger mutual savings bank to provide even greater service and convenience to customers. Centered on an unwavering commitment to hometown banking — this mutually beneficial partnership will combine two organizations with very similar cultures and core values. The merger will also allow the combined bank to offer enhanced benefits such as increased lending capacity, a larger network of branches and ATMs, and continue its legacy of being a responsible neighbor while delivering easy, hassle-free banking.
A name for the bank will be announced during the fourth quarter of 2016. The combined bank will have assets of close to $1 billion and $95 million in equity and operate a network of 14 branches staffed by the same employees customers have banked with for years as no staff reductions will occur as a result of the merger. Customers will continue to benefit from fully insured deposits through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Deposit Insurance Fund. In addition, the integration enables greater investment in innovative banking products and new technology for anytime/anywhere banking.
“The two banks are vibrant and strong, but we will be stronger together. This new venture will let us provide customers with the best products, convenience and exceptional service from people they know and trust. We are deeply committed to the principles of mutual savings banks, which are accountable to their customers and by joining forces, we are ensuring the longevity of hometown banks who are deeply rooted in their communities,” said Walter J. Dwyer, IV, President and CEO of North Middlesex Savings Bank.
“Banking is a people business. Our steadfast commitment to exceptional customer service is built by our teams of dedicated employees. This merger will provide them additional opportunities and teammates to better serve our customers and continue our joint tradition of easy access to decision makers,” said Richard K. Bennett, President and CEO of Marlborough Savings Bank.
MWCC Selected for Second Chance Pell Pilot Program
Mount Wachusett Community College is one of 67 colleges and universities selected by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in the Second Chance Pell pilot program, which is part of a national effort aimed at reducing recidivism and strengthening communities by providing education and job training to eligible inmates.
The pilot program will allow 12,000 eligible incarcerated Americans at more than 100 correctional institutions in 27 states to receive Pell grants to pursue their education with the goal of helping them get jobs and support.
MWCC is partnering with the Massachusetts Department of Corrections to provide academic programs to approximately 72 inmates at the North Central Correctional Institute in Gardner, the Massachusetts Correctional Institute in Shirley, and the Federal Medical Center in Devens.
“The power of education to transform lives cannot be underestimated,” said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino. “In Massachusetts and across the country, more money is spent on incarcerating prisoners than is spent on public education. In the long run, society and taxpayers are better served by investing in programs that help people become contributing members of their communities.”
The Second Chance Pell pilot program is one of a series of federal education and jobs programs designed to prepare people who are returning from prison to the community with skills and resources necessary to obtain employment, support their families and contribute to society. It is geared toward prisoners who are likely to be released within the next five years.
“People who make mistakes and pay the price should have the opportunity to get back on their feet and contribute to their community,” Congressman Jim McGovern said. “Increasing access to education is one of the smartest things we can do to help these Americans get back on the right path. Education has the power to change lives and this program will help to build strong communities and give a second chance to all those who have earned it,” he said.
“I congratulate Mount Wachusett Community College for being selected by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in the Second Chance Pell pilot program, a distinction that reflects Mount Wachusett’s commitment to empowering students from all backgrounds to pursue higher education and have access to greater opportunity,” said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. “This initiative represents an important investment in expanded pathways to higher education and has the potential to make our communities safer, save taxpayers money, and transform lives.”
The U.S. currently has the highest incarceration rate in the world with approximately 2.2 million people in American prisons and jails. A 2013 study from the RAND Corporation, funded by the Department of Justice, found that incarcerated individuals who participated in correctional education were 43 percent less likely to return to prison within three years than prisoners who did not participate in any correctional education programs. RAND also estimated that for every dollar invested in correctional education programs, four to five dollars are saved on three-year re-incarceration costs.
“The evidence is clear. Promoting the education and job training for incarcerated individuals makes communities safer by reducing recidivism and saves taxpayer dollars by lowering the direct and collateral costs of incarceration,” U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. said in a statement announcing the pilot program. More than 200 colleges and universities had expressed interest in the program.
“I applaud the institutions that have partnered to develop high-quality programs that will equip these students with invaluable learning. The knowledge and skills they acquire will promote successful reintegration and enable them to become active and engaged citizens.”
Chamber Launches Customized Market Research Service
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of a new customized market research service that will help member businesses and organizations save money by finding and reaching new prospects more effectively. The Chamber can now help members make their existing direct-mail or telemarketing lists more efficient, analyze sales data to build a profile of their ideal customer targets, or even build a marketing list from scratch based on more than 100 data points such as income level, geography, education, interests, and purchasing tendencies. This information can help local businesses in North Central Massachusetts learn more about their current customers, help them find and reach like-minded prospects, and acquire new customers.
For example, companies offering products & services for the home might benefit from knowing which families have purchased new homes or recently moved into the area. Customized reports comparing a business’ customer profile with that of their target geographic area can provide enhanced segmentation, insight, and personalization to improve current marketing efforts. Additional tools enable businesses to update and verify information, remove duplicates, and improve the odds of response to direct-mail offers, marketing like large companies on a small business budget.
“We are excited to launch this new service that offers businesses greater access to potential customers. This type of high-value market information has traditionally been out of reach for many small and mid-size businesses,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO “We think that access to this customized research will be a powerful tool that can give North Central Massachusetts small businesses a competitive advantage.”
Current members or businesses interested in learning more about the customized market research offered through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce should contact Jeff Ardis, Manager of Member Services at (978) 353-7600 ext. 234 or via email at .
MWCC Recognized with 2016 Gateway Program Excellence Award
Mount Wachusett Community College has been recognized with a 2016 Gateway Program Excellence Award from the Gateway to College National Network.
The award honors MWCC for exceeding all four of the Gateway to College National Network’s performance benchmarks: grade point average, one-year persistence, two-year persistence and graduation rate. The award was presented June 28 during Gateway’s College Peer Learning Conference at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
“The Gateway to College program opens doors and provides a true second chance for students to achieve academic success,” said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino. “We are proud to partner with the Gateway national network in this transformative work, and are delighted to be recognized with this year’s program excellence award.”
MWCC’s Gateway to College program is a free, full-immersion dual enrollment program for Massachusetts students ages 16 to 21 who have dropped out of high school, are at risk of dropping out, or have experienced a setback in high school. The program provides motivated students a fresh chance to achieve academic success while getting a jumpstart on college. Established in 2005 as the first Gateway site in New England, MWCC’s Gateway program is offered in partnership with the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District through the college’s Division of Access & Transition. Students simultaneously earn their high school diploma as well as college credits toward an academic degree or certificate. All classes take place on MWCC’s campuses.
“Thanks to the hard work of MWCC’S Gateway to College team, our students exceeded all four national benchmarks,” said Lea Ann Scales, vice president of external affairs, communications and K-12 partnerships. “More importantly, this award recognizes the success our students and graduates are achieving.”
More than 40 communities across the country have implemented the Gateway to College model as a strategy to address the needs of many off-track and out-of-school youth.
“Mount Wachusett’s program, based on a strong partnership and shared vision with your school districts as well as exceptional program and college leadership – is poised to build on its successes and can serve as an example for the rest of our network,” stated Gateway to College National Network President Emily Froimson. “You have not simply made a difference for students in Gardner Massachusetts; the work that your school district and college partnership has accomplished is a model for how we solve these persistent problems as a nation.”
“A theme of the conference, establishing relationships with students, rings true with the students we serve at MWCC, which has made this award possible,” said Sharmese Gunn, senior resource specialist.
MWCC is currently enrolling Gateway to College students for the academic year that begins Sept. 6. Applicants must attend a two-day information session to be considered for the program. Upcoming information sessions will take place on July 20 and 22, Aug. 3 and 5 and Aug. 10 and 12. For more information about the program or to register for an information session, call 978-630-9248 or visit mwcc.edu/gateway.
Chamber Offers New Solar Marketplace
Partnership to Help Homeowners and Businesses Save on Energy Costs
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of a new online solar marketplace for the benefit of residents and businesses in North Central Massachusetts. The Chamber, in collaboration with EnergySage, Inc. and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) have launched this unique partnership to help residents and businesses in North Central Massachusetts take advantage of cost savings from installing solar energy.
Through this collaboration, local businesses and homeowners can use a free online tool on the Chamber’s website to examine options for putting solar panels on their commercial or residential buildings. With a few clicks, the EnergySage Solar Marketplace provides consumers with multiple quotes from high-quality installers in an easy to compare, “apples-to-apples” format — to ensure that they get the best deal possible. In addition to connecting with local installers, the online marketplace also helps simplify the complex solar process by providing educational tools and unbiased information that enables consumers to fully understand their options and to gauge the potential long-term costs and savings.
“We are excited to partner with EnergySage and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy to help homeowners and businesses in North Central Massachusetts make informed energy decisions,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This is a great one-stop shop for homeowners and businesses to navigate the complex maze of solar options and to find the best choice for their needs.”
Based in Boston, EnergySage is the “Kayak.com of Solar”, the only independent comparison-shopping website for solar energy systems and options in the country. Their unique, innovative platform provides unprecedented levels of choice, transparency, and information at no cost to consumers.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has long been a leader on energy initiatives, promoting measures and initiatives that support and encourage a reliable and more affordable energy supply that keeps pace with the region’s growing population and economy, while protecting our environment. In addition to the new Solar Marketplace, the Chamber piloted a successful solar energy program that provides “net-metering credits” to local manufacturers to help reduce their cost of doing business and afford them the opportunity to enhance their ‘Green Business’ profile.
The Chamber has long advocated, to state and federal officials, in support of legislative and regulatory initiatives that help make state energy costs more competitive and ensure a diverse energy portfolio. The North Central Massachusetts Chamber also participates in CICE in an effort to share best practices and navigate and prosper in the clean energy and innovation spaces.
For more information or to access the Chamber’s new online solar marketplace, please visit energysage.com/p/north-central-ma-chamber/
Business Community Honors Retiring MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino
Visionary. Collaborative. Energetic. Dedicated. Pioneering. Inclusive. A true leader.
These were among the words and phrases used by area legislators, mayors and business leaders to describe retiring Mount Wachusett Community College President Daniel M. Asquino during a breakfast sponsored in his honor by three regional Chambers of Commerce.
More than 200 business and community leaders gathered June 24 in the college’s South Café to toast, and occasionally roast, the long-serving president, who has announced his plans to retire in early 2017 following three decades at the helm of the college and 47 years in Massachusetts public higher education.
“Dan’s resume is long and is far reaching, not only in North Central Massachusetts, but throughout the Commonwealth and in higher education nationwide,” said retired State Sen. Stephen M. Brewer, who served as master of ceremonies. “He is a visionary leader whose emphasis on community engagement and collaboration has left a continuing legacy.”
The president was lauded for his leadership in key areas, including championing access to higher education; K-12, business and industry and community partnerships; civic engagement; and sustainability.
State Sen. Anne Gobi and State Rep. Jon Zlotnik shared remarks on behalf of the region’s legislative delegation. Additional speakers included Gardner Mayor Mark Hawke and Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella, who are both alumni of the college; Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale; Raymond LaFond, senior vice president at Enterprise Bank, who spoke on behalf of the college’s Board of Trustees and Foundation Board of Directors; and Jim Bellina, president of the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce.
Bellina, along with Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce President Melissa Fetterhoff and Roy Nascimento, president of the North Central Chamber of Commerce, presented Dr. Asquino with a $1,000 donation to the MWCC Foundation for student scholarships.
“Thank you, President Asquino, for giving us leadership by example,” Bellina said.
Senator Gobi shared a story of working with determined MWCC students on a legislative bill focused on consumer protection as an example of the president’s impact on encouraging young people to become engaged citizens. “Students and the community. That’s something that President Asquino has never, ever forgotten.”
President Asquino acknowledged that there is still much to do during the remainder of his tenure, including completing construction of the college’s $42 million science and technology building and campus renovations. “My focus right now is on Mount Wachusett Community College.”
He said he is most proud of the service provided to students by the college’s faculty and staff, the college’s economic impact on the region, and leadership in academic, workforce and community endeavors.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you and to achieve my dream,” President Asquino said. “I certainly will miss all of you. I’ll miss the opportunity this position has given me to give back.”
In addition to the three chambers, event sponsors included Advanced Cable Ties, Inc., Heywood HealthCare, MWCC, HeathAlliance Hospital, Heat Trace Products, Workers’ Credit Union, GFA Federal Credit Union, RCAP Solutions, Perkins, Fidelity Bank, GVNA Healthcare, Inc, Lynde Hardware & Supply, C.M. Chartier Contracting, MassDevelopment, Gervais Ford, Apple Valley Center, IC Federal Credit Union, The Shine Initiative, Enterprise Bank, Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster, United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Daly’s Property Shoppe, and the Gardner Redevelopment Authority.