Learn the fundamentals of 3D Printing at one of our 2-hour sessions including:
Where: Wachusett Business Incubator, 31 Lake Street, Gardner, MA 01440. Each class will be
Class Size: Up to 5 participants for each available session
When: Select from May 2 at 7 PM; May 3 at 4 PM or 7 PM; or May 6 at 10 AM or 1 PM
Instructor: Glenn Eaton
Cost: FREE
The grant, announced Tuesday, April 18, was awarded by the NEH Challenge Grant program, and will catalyze additional fundraising efforts by the university.
The NEH grant will support the construction of a 15,830-square-foot “black box” theater adjacent to the historic theater at 717 Main St. in the heart of downtown Fitchburg. The new space will support university students and the community, serving as an applied humanities learning laboratory for students as well as a mechanism to drive downtown revitalization through expanded arts and cultural experiences.
University President Richard S. Lapidus said the successful application for these competitive grant dollars was a validation of the institutional belief in the importance of the humanities in the future of higher education.
“We are grateful to the NEH for supporting this public-private partnership that will be transformative for our students while enhancing the quality of life in the city and region,” President Lapidus said. “This theater space will create singular learning opportunities for students, provide a state of the art resource for community groups, and drive the continuing revitalization of downtown Fitchburg.”
The 250-seat, black box theater represents the second phase of the project, which began with the university’s purchase of the historic theater in 2016. The building is already home to the university’s game studio for senior students in the game design major, as well as the interdisciplinary ideaLab that supports the development and growth of new and existing businesses in the community. Since its inception, the ideaLab has served 257 small businesses, including 150 low-moderate income owners, 115 women owners, 88 immigrant/ESL owners, and provided grants and loans totaling $3.37 million.
The black box will also include infrastructure that will serve the future renovation of the historic theater itself. When completed, the site will comprise the Fitchburg State University Performing Arts Center. The project complements major development efforts downtown including the restoration of City Hall, the upcoming renovation of the Fitchburg Public Library, and the conversion of the former B.F. Brown School into 60 units of artist live/work space.
Construction of the black box is expected to begin in 2024.
Join Mirick O’Connell’s Labor, Employment Benefits Team for this informative half-day seminar. We will discussing a variety of topics designed to assist HR professionals and business lenders as they attempt to successfully navigate challenging employment issues.
We are pleased to announce that North Central Massachusetts is hosting the Baystate Games this summer. The Baystate Games organization runs amateur sport competitions across the state of Massachusetts and is hosting a majority of its summer sports competitions in our region for the first time. These events present a tremendous marketing opportunity for you and our area. Last year, they held a couple events at Game On in Fitchburg and are returning this year with eight different sports, making it their largest venue for their Summer Games. Sports include soccer, field hockey, volleyball, wrestling and others.
The schedule includes:
They anticipated participant attendee numbers to include:
New Business & Promotional Opportunity:
The offer is up to each participating business, for example:
Baystate Games has a data base of 5,000-6,000 athletes.
We hope you will be able to take advantage of this opportunity. Please complete the form below at your earliest convenience. Please let us know if you have any questions.
North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Chamber of Commerce | Bay State Games | Chamber Member
Do you feel like your business is stuck? Frustrated because you’ve tried so many things to grow your business and nothing seems to work?
On April 12th, challenge The Chamber’s “Profit Finder”, Brian Carmody, who says he can find $100,000 in new revenue and profit for your business in under 1 hour!
Only 9 appointment slots are available for business owners that day.
Sign up before your competition does for this potentially life-changing experience.
Source: State House News Service
Author: Michael P. Norton
Attorney General Andrea Campbell announced the settlement with the Workers’ Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau and the State Rating Bureau, saying it will enable businesses to save about $130 million on workers’ comp insurance starting July 1.
“By lowering workers’ compensation insurance rates, we can help better protect workers and ensure that small businesses can offer higher wages, better benefits and lower prices,” Campbell said in a statement.
The attorney general’s office is a participant in the trial-like rate cases that are heard by the Division of Insurance and lead to rate resets. Campbell’s office said this year’s case started earlier than is required by statute because the AG “secured an order requiring that rates be reviewed sooner than the usual two-year cycle.”
Massachusetts insurers wanted to cut the average statewide workers’ compensation insurance rates by 4 percent starting in July, according to the Workers’ Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau’s December filing with state insurance regulators. Campbell’s office said the AG “identified shortcomings in the industry’s projections and argued for a larger decrease.”
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Massachusetts Business | Massachusetts Economy | Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | Chamber of Commerce | Government Affairs | State House News Service | Workers’ Comp Insurance Rates
North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Strategic Plan Overview 2022-2025
Plan aligns with One North Central Regional Economic Development Plan focused on regional prosperity, market opportunities
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce today announced a new strategic plan designed to build upon the considerable momentum generated through the keen vision and steady execution of their prior plan announced in 2018.
“Our new strategic plan capitalizes upon the successes experienced over the past four years while also acknowledging a significant number of emerging opportunities and challenges currently facing our region,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “At the same time, it incorporates many of the invaluable recommendations of One North Central, our comprehensive regional economic development plan commissioned by the Chamber in concert with our local partners and unveiled in 2021.”
The 2023-2025 plan includes five goals focusing on specific areas with accountable metrics and targets:
Goal 1: Strengthen the regional economy and improve the overall business climate;
Goal 2: Promote the region as an ideal place to live, work, visit and invest;
Goal 3: Partner with educational, business and non-profit communities to address the region’s growing workforce development needs;
Goal 4: Deepen the region’s understanding of complex issues, identify collaborative solutions and advocate to key decision makers and stakeholders;
Goal 5: Position the Chamber for long-term sustainability and success.
The strategic plan, which was approved by the Chamber Board and its affiliate Boards from North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and Visit North Central Massachusetts, was prepared via a comprehensive process that included input from members, the Boards, staff and other stakeholders. The new strategic plan complements the One North Central plan while aligning with the Chamber’s advocacy agenda.
“We made great strides in achieving key goals set forth in our previous plan,” said Nascimento. “From launching a localized online jobs resource and a Latinx business initiative to better engage and support Latinx small businesses to securing nearly four million dollars in state, federal and private funding to supporting lending efforts and regional economic development, we are pleased with our work and look forward to continuing the momentum over the next three years.”
Programs and projects will be undertaken with care and consideration of actual resources of the Chamber and its members. The plan is also a fluid document of which the Chamber will update as needed to reflect the changing world.
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | North Central Regional Economic Development Plan | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation | Visit North Central Massachusetts
The Healey-Driscoll Administration and Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) announced two new grant programs totaling $78 million in funding to support Massachusetts small businesses.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and our economy,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “Through these new grant programs, small businesses will have access to much-needed capital and resources to help them grow and thrive. We’re grateful to our partners in the Legislature for allocating these critical funds.”
The Inclusive Recovery Grant Program will provide up to $75 million in funding through grants of up to $75,000 for businesses owned by people of color, women, veterans, immigrants, individuals with disabilities, or those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community; businesses that focus on reaching markets predominantly made up of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups; and other underserved markets.
The Independent Movie Theater Grant Program will provide a total of $3 million in funding to support movie theaters in Massachusetts. Eligible applicants can receive $15,000 for each of the first two screens they add at a particular location and $10,000 for each additional screen at a particular location.
These funds will be administered by MGCC and were appropriated through the Commonwealth’s FY2023 Economic Development Bill.
“Small businesses employ half the workforce in our state and account for the majority of all our businesses,” said Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “We’re pleased this targeted funding will support small business owners that have traditionally struggled to access needed capital and those serving historically underrepresented populations.”
“Our small business owners and entrepreneurs, many of whom are women, people of color, veterans, and immigrants, need access to capital in order to get their ventures off the ground and expand their footprint in Massachusetts,” said Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “We are grateful to MGCC for playing an important role in empowering small business owners and advancing equitable business growth across the state.”
“These programs provide an accessible and streamlined process for underserved businesses to access the capital that will be instrumental to their growth,” said Larry Andrews, President and CEO of MGCC. “Our extensive network of community partners is actively reaching out to their local businesses to provide the necessary technical assistance to assist through the application process.”
Applications are now being accepted for both programs and are available here (https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/). The deadline to apply is Friday, April 28, 2023. Businesses interested in applying must fill out and submit the online application along with required documentation.
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Massachusetts Economy | Government Affairs | Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) | Healey-Driscoll Administration | Small Businesses New Grant Programs
Travel and Tourism Season Extension grant to support marketing projects that promote travel and tourism during “shoulder season”
Three leading tourism organizations in Central Massachusetts today announced they will receive a combined $1 million Travel and Tourism Season Extension (TTSE) Grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT). Discover Central Massachusetts, in partnership with MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau and Visit North Central Massachusetts, announced the grant during a special event at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.
The grant, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Agency, will be provided over two years to support the partnership of the three organizations.
“These Travel and Tourism Season Extension grants support regional marketing projects that promote travel and tourism attractions between the months of November through April, known as the ‘shoulder season,’” said Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism Executive Director Keiko Matsudo Orrall. “We have an amazing state to showcase, and these funds will enhance tourism recovery during this important part of the year.”
“This is a great opportunity for all of our organizations to come together and share our collective attractions with leisure travelers, sports families, groups and convention attendees, among many others,” said Monique Messier, President, Discover Central Massachusetts. “By making this a collaborative effort with the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau and Visit North Central Massachusetts, we can unify our position as an attractive and competitive destination not just in Massachusetts but throughout New England and on the East Coast.”
Target cities include Boston, Mass., Providence, R.I., Manchester, N.H., New York City and surrounding suburbs, and Canada, with outcomes of increased tourism revenue, website traffic, newsletter subscriptions, and a larger social media following expected.
“The project is consistent with economic development goals in our region as we continue to recover from losses in visitor spending, tourism payroll and tax dollars which occurred during the pandemic,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO, Visit North Central Massachusetts. “This is an exciting opportunity to enhance our existing efforts and grow our tourism industry for the benefit of our businesses and communities.”
The campaign will connect experiences and opportunities across more than 80 cities and towns represented by the three destination marketing organizations.
“This collaboration expands the impact of our national and international campaigns far beyond what any of us could do working alone” said Erin Lynch, Executive Director, MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau. “These partnerships weave together a story showcasing the tremendous assets and opportunities for exploration within our regions, driving a significant boost for our local economies.”
About Discover Central MA
Discover Central MA’s mission is to market Central Massachusetts as a competitive destination for travel and tourism, attracting visitors, national conventions, meetings and events. As a membership-based, destination marketing organization, DCM advocates for the growth and health of the local tourism industry. Membership is available to hospitality and tourism businesses in Worcester and 34 surrounding communities in the Central Mass. region. To stay up to date, follow Discover Central MA on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin, YouTube, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter.
About the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau
As the only regional organization with the mission of stimulating the MetroWest economy by marketing the region’s assets, MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau has served hundreds of businesses, nonprofit agencies, and municipalities since its founding. This independent nonprofit organization markets the region’s cultural and recreational venues, retailers, restaurants, accommodations, and educational and other services to visitors and residents alike. These marketing efforts also serve to brand the region, to build collaborations across sectors and towns, to support jobs-producing enterprises, and to celebrate the diverse and vibrant MetroWest community. Learn more about the MWVB by visiting www.metrowestvisitors.org or by following on social media @visitmetrowest.
About Visit North Central Massachusetts
Visit North Central Massachusetts (VNCM) is the official designated Regional Tourism Council serving the 27 cities and towns of North Central Massachusetts. One of the sixteen Massachusetts Regional Tourism Councils, the organization’s primary mission is to educate the traveling public, tourists and residents of North Central Massachusetts about the many historical, cultural and hospitality related sites within this scenic New England Region. Through this mission, VNCM works collectively with local attractions, hospitality businesses and local communities to market the North Central region as a destination and provide information and services to the traveling public. The North Central Massachusetts region is comprised of the communities of Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Barre, Bolton, Clinton, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Petersham, Phillipston, Princeton, Royalston, Shirley, Sterling, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster, and Winchendon. For more information about Visit North Central Massachusetts please visit www.visitnorthcentral.com or call 978-353-7604.
Media Contact:
Lauren Howe
empHowered PR
978-400-3036
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | Worcester County | Discover Central MA | Visit North Central Massachusetts | Visit North Central Local Tourism | Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) | Discover Central MA | MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau | U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Agency | Travel and Tourism Season Extension (TTSE) Grant
Boston – Berkshire Bank, a leading, socially responsible community bank with financial centers in New England and New York, is excited to announce it was recently recognized in Newsweek magazine’s list of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies 2023. The list features the top 700 most trustworthy companies across 23 industries.
The Newsweek list recognized companies for their dedication to building trust with all stakeholders. Results were based on a holistic approach to evaluating trust that considered customer trust, employee trust, and investor trust.
“Trust is the foundation of all banking relationships,” said Berkshire Bank CEO Nitin Mhatre. “This award reflects the passionate commitment of all Berkshire bankers working hard every day to earn the trust of our customers by treating them fairly and with respect, safeguarding and growing their hard-earned assets, being there for them in good times and bad, and prioritizing transparency and integrity at every stakeholder touchpoint. We are proud to be ranked as one of the most trustworthy companies and banks in the country for the second consecutive year.”
America’s Most Trustworthy Companies 2023 were identified in an independent survey based on a vast sample of approximately 25,000 U.S. residents who rated companies they know in terms of on all three touchpoints of trust. A total of 95,000 evaluations were submitted. This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.
About Berkshire Bank
Berkshire Bank, founded in 1846, is becoming a high-performing, leading, socially responsible community bank. It empowers the financial potential of its stakeholders by making banking available where, when and how it’s needed through an uncompromising focus on exceptional customer service, digital banking, and positive community impact. Providing a wide range of financial solutions through its consumer banking, commercial banking and wealth management divisions, the bank has approximately $11.7 billion in assets and a community-based footprint of 100 financial centers in Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Headquartered in Boston, Berkshire Hills Bancorp (NYSE: BHLB) is the parent of Berkshire Bank. Named one of America’s Most Trusted Companies by Newsweek and America’s Best Midsize Employers by Forbes, Berkshire is also listed in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index and a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality. To learn more, visit www.berkshirebank.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
NewVue Communities is excited to welcome Dolores Thibault-Muñoz in the newly-created position of Deputy Director. Dolores started in the role on March 10th and will be overseeing NewVue’s housing services, community organizing, small business development, and fundraising and communications teams.
NewVue’s Executive Director, Marc Dohan said, “Dolores brings a combination of skills, leadership experience, and an understanding of the region’s economic development needs that will support NewVue’s mission, strengthen our programs and stretch our impact. She offers a breadth and depth of human service experience in a variety of work settings, and we are fortunate to have her join our team.”
Dolores moved to Fitchburg, MA in 2006, where she became the executive director of the Cleghorn Neighborhood Center. She then became interim executive director of Growing Places and House of Peace and Education Inc. Dolores has served on multiple boards of local organizations. She was also the first Latina elected City Councilor in the City of Fitchburg. Dolores graduated from DePaul University with a BA in Women’s and Gender Studies with a concentration in Public Policy and graduated with a JD from The Massachusetts School of Law. She most recently was a criminal defense attorney who represented indigent clients for the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), Massachusetts’ Public Defender Agency in Worcester County. She currently lives in Gardner, MA.
Fitchburg’s City Ward Clean-Ups need the support of many helping hands from community clubs, civic groups, businesses and schools. Volunteers are need to help with litter pick up in our neighborhoods, along our roadways and in our many parks.
It is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for everyone to work together, take pride in our community and build a more vibrant City.
For more information, or to notify the City of a group that will be supporting the beautification efforts please contact the Mayor’s Office.