Join Northern Worcester County Landlord Association for our monthly meeting, this month we will hear from sponsor Attorney Mark Burrell, and explain what you need to know about 30-day non-payment regulations.
Mark Burrell is a seasoned Landlord/Tenant attorney and has the unique perspective to look at your situation from the eyes of the defendant’s attorney. In addition to knowing the ins and outs of what to look for in possible glitches to your legal process and documents that may trip us up as landlords; Attorney Burrell is a great storyteller and we are sure you will be entertained at this event.
Meetings are open to the public! Zoom tickets are $10. Zoom meeting information will be provided the day of the event. First-time in-person visitors can attend for $20 per person to “check us out,” with dinner included. If they decide to join, the $20 will be applied to an NWCLA membership, or sponsorship of choice, that night. Become a member and the annual dues pay for all 10 meetings a year!
Member of the community, elected officials and local agencies gathered in the lobby of City Hall on Tuesday to commemorate May as Mental Health Awareness Month. This event was the result of a collaboration between the Fitchburg Health Department, Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, Compass Clubhouse and Community Health Connections to raise awareness about mental health, provide resources for the community and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues.
Sue Christensen from the Fitchburg Health Department Outreach & Prevention welcomed the guests and introduced the following individuals who gave remarks: Elizabeth Walsh, Constituent Services Director, Office of Senator John J. Cronin; Rebecca Hess, Legislative Aide, Office of State Representative Michael Kushmerek and Sally Cragin, City Councilor and Director of BePawsitive Therapy Pets and Community Education. Member of the Fitchburg Police Department Community Outreach Team were also acknowledged.
Stephen L. DiNatale, Mayor of Fitchburg read a proclamation highlighting the importance of mental health awareness, concluding with “I, Stephen L. DiNatale, do hereby proclaim May 2023 as Mental Health Month in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. As the Mayor, I also call upon the citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, and schools in Fitchburg to recommit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health, the steps our citizens can take to protect their mental health, and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions.”
The attendance by two therapy dogs from BePAwsitive Therapy Pets and Community Education was a highlight to the day. A resource table will remain in the lobby of City Hall through May 31, 2023. From 11am-1pm daily, a representative will be present to answer questions and provide resource information, courtesy of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, Compass Clubhouse and Community Health Connections. Compass Clubhouse has provided green ribbons that can be worn to symbolize support of mental health awareness and residents are encouraged to stop by and to pick up a ribbon.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $32,000 loan to Scarlet Spa and Wellness Center, located at 12 Grafton Commons in Grafton.
The loan funds helped with the purchase of new spa equipment and supplies for the expansion of the personal wellness business at its new location.
Owner Jennifer Lachapelle is a licensed esthetician who opened Scarlet Spa and Wellness Center in 2014. The center offers many opportunities for relaxation, such as massage therapy, Reiki, aromatherapy, waxing, salt therapy, and eyelash and skincare treatments.
“As a proud spa owner, I am happy to offer my customers quality services,” Lachapelle said. “With the support of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, my business has a new place to call home and will offer me opportunities for continued growth.”. Jennifer was referred to the NCMDC from bankHometown. She also received assistance with her business plan from the Small Business Development Center at Clark University. For more information visit https://scarletspa.org.
As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | Scarlet Spa and Wellness Center| Microloan Lender
Funding to support expansion of specialty medical spa in Hudson
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $75,000 loan to Renew You MedSpa, located at The Landing at Hudson Mills, 43 Broad Street in Hudson.
Funding will enable Renew You MedSpa to design its new location and build initial inventory as well as hire one part-time employee. Founded in March 2021, the aesthetic injectables practice previously delivered services to clients’ homes before moving to its new location at The Landing. Renew You MedSpa specializes in aesthetic injectables such as Botox, derma fillers, PRP/PRF, Vitamin Therapy micro needling, and IV infusions.
Anh To Keuttner and Elizabeth LaPointe are certified aestheticians who founded Renew You MedSpa. Together, the medical spa duo has more than 30 years of medical experience. “As trained aestheticians, we are both excited at the prospect of growing our business and serving even more clients with our unique and high-quality treatments,” said Keuttner. Added LaPointe, “With the support of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, we are able to finish our new location, expand our business hours, and grow our team.” Anh and Elizabeth worked with NewVue Communities to develop their business plan. Visit https://renewyoumedspama.com for more information.
As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | Renew You MedSpa | Microloan Lender
Brent A. Mathews, Senior Vice President Commercial Lender, Main Street Bank
Main Street Bank is excited to announce Brent Mathews has joined the commercial lending team as Senior Vice President Commercial Lender, effective May 15, 2023.
In this role, Brent provides loans to businesses for growth and recapitalizations with special expertise in acquisitions by privately owned companies, private equity groups, family offices and independent sponsors.
“Specializing in supporting businesses through acquisitions and recapitalizations allows me to participate in the creation of significant personal wealth for business owners,” says Brent. “I enjoy being able to deliver focused, value-added solutions that allow businesses to transition between generations and types of owners.”
Since 2003, Brent has experience working across different credit products including factoring, private label credit cards, owner-occupied commercial real estate, and asset-based lending. Most recently, he led the Sponsor Finance team at BankProv financing acquisitions by lower middle market private equity groups across the United States. A graduate of the University of Virginia, Brent has a BS in Aerospace Engineering and an MBA from the Darden School. Brent resides in Norwood, MA with his wife and three children, and is a member of the Association for Corporate Growth and USA 500 Clubs.
For commercial lending-related questions or assistance, Brent can be contacted directly at 617-835-4812 or at .
About Main Street Bank
Main Street Bank is a locally run, independent mutual savings institution serving the MetroWest and northern Middlesex communities of Massachusetts. They are united under a culture that strives every day to contribute to our communities by providing customer-focused, innovative products and services for individuals, families, local businesses, and community organizations since 1860, with particular attention to education and financial wellbeing. With branch offices in the MetroWest and North Middlesex region, Main Street Bank provides an extensive array of financial services and products for all personal and business life stages. To learn more, visit BankMainStreet.com.
Source: State House News Service Author: Chris Lisinski
Special Election Coming In Central Mass. District
The Worcester and Hampshire Senate district (center, in light green) stretches across much of the state’s middle. [Mass. Legislature]
Veteran Sen. Anne Gobi will leave the Legislature to fill a newly created post in the Healey administration, triggering a special election in the central Massachusetts district she represents.
Gov. Maura Healey announced Monday that she tapped Gobi to become the state’s first director of rural affairs. The Spencer Democrat will serve “as a dedicated advocate and ombudsman cultivating economic development within rural communities,” Healey’s office said.
Gobi will start her new job June 5, according to Healey’s office. Her Senate departure date is unclear.
The Senate this week plans to meet over several days to advance its $55.8 billion fiscal year 2024 state budget.
“We are building an economy that benefits all communities, businesses, and people in Massachusetts, particular [sic] those that are too often overlooked and underrepresented like rural and small towns,” Healey said. “Senator Gobi’s fierce advocacy of rural equity, agricultural and small businesses, and conservation initiatives makes her the ideal candidate to help our rural towns across the state succeed.”
When the Senate agrees to an order setting a special election date, Secretary of State William Galvin will announce a primary date.
The Worcester and Hampshire district she represents, which was redrawn in the latest round of redistricting, stretches across much of the state’s middle, from Gardner in the north to Brookfield in the south and from the westernmost part of Worcester out to Ware.
At least four state representatives live in Gobi’s district: Republican Reps. Kimberly Ferguson of Holden, Donald Berthiaume of Spencer, and Peter Durant of Spencer, and Democrat Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik of Gardner. In Worcester, Gobi’s constituency overlaps with the House districts represented by Democrats Reps. John Mahoney and David LeBoeuf.
Former Rep. Kate Campanale, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican lieutenant governor nomination in 2022, lives in Spencer, and the Democratic Party’s nominee for Worcester County sheriff last year, David Fontaine, lives in Paxton. Campanale and Durant are married.
Gobi has handily defeated a string of challengers over the years, but joined the House and Senate after a pair of close contests.
First elected as a state representative in a 2001 special election that she won by 17 votes, Gobi won election to the Senate after defeating Republican Michael Valanzola by 398 votes, 50.3 percent to 49.6 percent, in the 2014 election.
Gobi serves as Senate chair of the newly created Joint Committee on Agriculture Committee, and her departure will require Senate President Karen Spilka to tap another Democrat to fill that role. Sen. Jo Comerford is the Senate vice chair of that panel.
Amid a power struggle between some House and Senate joint committee chairs, Gobi told the News Service last week that the “grass is truly greener in the agriculture committee,” where she said she enjoys working with Co-chair Rep. Paul Schmid and they have already finished holding hearings on every bill in their custody.
Gobi co-founded the Sportsmen’s Caucus, which convenes supporters of fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities, according to the Healey administration, which said that pior to being elected as a representative, she taught at Leicester High School, had her own law office, and worked with victims of domestic violence at Central Massachusetts Legal Assistance. She graduated from Worcester State University and the Massachusetts School of Law.
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | Economic Development | Legislative Issues | Government Affairs | Elected Officials | Federal Affairs | State and Local Affairs | State House News Service
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING PROCESS
On May 5th, Governor Healey, Lt. Governor Driscoll, and Economic Development Secretary Hao kicked off the state’s economic development planning process with the first meeting of the Economic Development Planning Council at the State House.
As part of the Planning process, the Council will hold Regional Listening Sessions across the Commonwealth, where stakeholders and members of the public are invited to participate in discussions that will inform the substance of the eventual Economic Development Plan. Below are the confirmed locations and dates for the first three regional sessions:
They are asking for your help in getting the word out so that they can maximize this event and collect the insight needed to make the best plan possible. There will be breakout sessions at each location.
Please RSVP for the session you plan to attend by registering. You may register by clicking on the name of the session you plan to attend and completing the free Eventbrite form.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES Article 87 – Housing/Economic Development Reorganization
On March 1st Governor Healey filed an Article 87 reorganization plan, establishing a cabinet-level executive office solely focused on tackling the housing crisis in Massachusetts. This will create the new Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, which will serve as the principal office to develop and execute housing policy, taking over all the powers and responsibilities of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Additionally, EOHED will transition into the Executive Office of Economic Development will continue to perform its current functions that promote economic development, job growth, and a competitive business environment. The Article 87 was enacted on April 30th and will formally go into effect on May 30th. Earlier this week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that Ed Augustus will lead the new executive office.
FY24 Budget Process
In late April, the House wrapped up its budget debate and passed the chamber’s budget proposal. Last week, Senate Ways and Means released its FY24 budget proposal and they will undergo a similar process in the Senate next week.
FEDERAL INITIATIVES UPDATES – CHIPS FUNDING
The CHIPS Act is a once in a lifetime funding vehicle to make transformational investments in U.S. manufacturing and industries of the future. Forty years ago, the U.S. was a global leader in manufacturing semiconductors and microelectronics. Now, the U.S. makes just 10 percent of the global supply.
In February, we joined 85+ organizations across eight Northeastern states, led by MassTech, in submitting a proposal to the Department of Defense CHIPS and Science Act-funded Microelectronics (ME) Commons program. The program will provide more than $1.6 billion over the next five years to hubs across the country – we are working diligently to ensure our region is one of those hubs. EOHED expects to hear back this summer whether Massachusetts has been chosen as a “hub.”
The Healey-Driscoll Administration, along with the Legislature, has committed to bolstering this effort with $125 million in bond authorization – including up to $40 million for Microelectronics Commons – to provide matching funds. In addition to ME Commons, EOHED has worked closely with MassTech and the Center for Advanced Manufacturing to launch a new web portal for Massachusetts companies to engage and request support for their submissions to the federal government for the next tranche of CHIPS funding. Many of these federal applications require companies to include a ‘covered incentive’ from the state be included with their submission, so this new portal helps identify what the needs are from the companies and get them connected with the right agency. Given the aggressive timelines on these requests, this is one way EOHED is trying to expedite the process and get the biggest win possible for the state.
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | Community Development | Economic Development | Legislative Issues | Government Affairs | Elected Officials | Federal Affairs | State and Local Affairs
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Massachusetts Education System | Massachusetts Education Investments | Massachusetts Community Investments | Annual Scholars Breakfast
A Meet & Greet was held to foster the connections of our chamber’s businesses within our Sterling area. The attendees included Bill Caldwell the town administration of Sterling; our hosts, Matthew Kooyomjian and Mary Elizabeth Tinervin from MEM Dance Theatre; Robert Jumper and JoLisa Chouinard from LCU; Melissa Gallo, Carol Ann Gjeltema, and Josh Halterman Owner/Interior Designer from Joshua Allen Design (the spotlight company for today); Heidi Bogner from The Organized Duck; and our own Manager of Membership Recruitment and Engagement, Tracy Gagnon. It was nice to have some fun in a relaxing atmosphere with coffee and donuts on hand.
Josh from Joshua Allen Design gave an engaging presentation about 5 of the current design trends for interior design, as many of us fantasized what our new spaces could look like. We learned that:
Wallpaper is popular once again, but the vinyl type is so much easier to deal with than the old paper and paste wallpaper of yesterday. Use it in small spaces, accent walls, refrigerators, or even ceilings!
GREEN is huge right now – although New Englanders will always love their blues, too. Green does well to contrast wood tones and golds.
Velvet, and antiques are popular again – it can really make a place look cozier.
Wood cabinetry and board & batten walls can be used to update our spaces.
Mixing styles, especially traditional and modern, is what’s hot right now.
It was great to learn that:
They have friendly pricing, and can do a little or a lot, depending on each person’s particular budget and needs.
Dining rooms are not going away, as was rumored only a few years ago to be the case. The kitchen is the hub of the home, but an island generally can’t handle the larger crowds that come during the holidays.
Mixing different wood tones is acceptable – so we can put a lighter wood cabinet in a room with a darker wood floor, etc.
Currently popular styles include the Antique Modern, the Mid-Century Modern, and the Modern Farmhouse looks.
The trending antiques include mirrors, frames to make collage walls, trunks, lamps, globes, and chairs.
Modern items to mix into your space can include things like vases, stacks of books, knots, trays, and houseplants.
After the presentation we learned what was upcoming at the Chamber. I’ve already signed up for several things, but there is still plenty of time to get your name in to attend several more events this month and next month. Don’t forget to attend the Kickball Tournament fundraiser on the 17th; the new member orientation on June 6th; and Steve Gross from Life is Good speaking at the NCMCC 39th Annual Business Meeting and Expo on June 15th!
In a partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), MassDevelopment, and Mass Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC), the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will be hosting state economic development officials for one-on-one appointments with local developers, manufacturers and business owners. The meetings are an opportunity to discuss any specific matters related to their business or the expansion of their business, as well as to review state resources available to support business growth and expansion.
Kevin Kuros, Central Massachusetts Director for MOBD; Rob Anderson, Vice President of MassDevelopment; and Chuck Merrill, Senior Loan Officer for MGCC will be available at the Chamber office by appointment on Wednesday, June 7 between 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The appointments are in thirty minute increments and are first come, first serve. The meetings are free and confidential, available on a non-discriminatory basis, and are handicapped accessible.
MOBD helps businesses relocating to Massachusetts and businesses wishing to expand their current operations here. MOBD is responsible for managing the state’s Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) which provides tax credits for qualifying business expansion projects. In addition, they provide information on other state economic development programs, including the state’s R&D tax credit, the Mass Life Science Center tax incentives, the Workforce Training Fund grant program, the STEP grant offered through the Mass Office of International Trade and Investment and other state resources.
MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency and land bank, works with businesses, nonprofits, banks, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2022, MassDevelopment financed or managed 356 projects generating investment of more than $1.69 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 11,080 jobs and build or preserve 1,778 housing units.
MGCC was established to help small businesses create and preserve jobs by providing access to working capital, loan guarantees, and targeted technical assistance that solves specific financial and operational problems. MGCC works with traditional financial institutions to turn “un-bankable” businesses bankable, Community Development Centers and non-profits to provide financing for job-producing projects, and directly with businesses to find the growth capital they require. MGCC seeks to assist small businesses in Gateway Cities as well as woman-owned, Veteran-owned, or minority-owned businesses.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Sandie Cataldo, Senior Economic Development Manager at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at (978) 353-7600 ext. 232 or via email at .
Fitchburg, MA | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Massachusetts Business | Economic Development | Massachusetts Business | Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) | MassDevelopment | Mass Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC)
Winner of the Fran Longton Award for Volunteerism, Angele Goss (left), stands with Fran Longton, retired UWNCM Volunteer Center Manager and Tim Smith, Senior Vice President, CFO and Treasurer of Workers Credit Union.
Community Celebration Event recognizes efforts of community members and partners to strengthen North Central Massachusetts
United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) recently recognized local individuals, businesses and organizations for making a difference in the region at their Community Celebration event on Wednesday, May 9. More than 150 guests gathered at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area to celebrate the UWNCM community network, which served over 170,000 individuals in North Central Massachusetts last year.
The event featured award and scholarship presentations, networking opportunities and games and activities. Event sponsors included Athol Savings Bank, Avidia Bank, Bemis Associates, Enterprise Bank and Trust, Fidelity Bank, NMDesignz, Rollstone Bank and Trust and Sterilite.
The award ceremony kicked off with the Legacy Partnership Award, given to 15 businesses that have partnered with UWNCM for more than 30 years to serve the local community.
Recipients included Anderson, Bagley & Mayo Insurance, Aubuchon Hardware, Banner Mold & Die, Bemis Associates, Enterprise Bank & Trust, Fidelity Bank, IC Federal Credit Union, Johnson Controls, Leominster Credit Union, Main Street Bank, Rollstone Bank & Trust, Sterilite Corporation, Unitil, Winchendon Furniture, and Workers Credit Union.
Next, UWNCM recognized winners of the Spirit of North Central MA Award for Corporate Leadership, given to businesses in three regions that exemplify charitable workplace excellence: Kimball Cooke Insurance Agency for the Athol/Gardner Region; the North Central Chamber of Commerce for the Twin Cities Region; and Workers Credit Union for the Nashoba Region.
Additionally, the Boys & Girls Club of Lunenburg received the award for Community Impact for their commitment to helping the most vulnerable members the our community by providing a continuum of services to children and families; and Angele Goss received the Fran Longton Award for Volunteerism in honor of her impressive volunteer efforts ranging from serving on the UWNCM Board of Directors to taking photos at the UWNCM Day of Caring.
Finally, two local students were presented with scholarships through the United Way Youth Venture program. Gray Dallaire and Kaitlyn Perrault, both seniors at Leominster High School, were recognized for their creative problem solving and leadership skills displayed while carrying out Youth Venture projects that tackled pressing problems in the community.
UWNCM President Kory Eng says that UWNCM was thrilled to bring community members together to celebrate their shared impact, stating, “We appreciate the opportunity to thank our corporate partners, volunteers, and our network of social services agencies for all they do to move our mission forward.”
The United Way of North Central Massachusetts serves the communities of Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Leominster, Littleton, Pepperell, Lunenburg, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.
Funding purchases equipment for new repair start-up
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $35,000 loan to Soto Hydraulic Repair LLC, located in Winchendon.
Funding will provide equipment for the growing hydraulic repair start-up which specializes in repairing systems for industries such as agricultural, industrial, transportation and manufacturing.
Owner Pedro Soto-Cruz has more than 20 years of experience repairing hydraulic systems. He is certified in visual weld inspections and Arc welding, and has experience in fabricating parts used in hydraulic systems. Pedro worked with NewVue Communities Small Business Assistance Program to create his business plan.
“After two decades in hydraulic repair, I am excited to create a business of my own,” said Soto-Cruz. “With support from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, I now have the equipment I need to get my company off the ground.” Contact Soto Hydraulic at 978.870.9994.
As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | Soto Hydraulic Repair LLC | Microloan Lender
