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Rollstone Bank & Trust has donated $5,000 to the Fitchburg Mayor’s Energy Fund
Pictured left to right: Martin F. Connors Jr., President & CEO of Rollstone Bank & Trust; Stephen L. DiNatale, Mayor of Fitchburg.
Rollstone Bank & Trust has donated $5,000 to the Fitchburg Mayor’s Energy Fund. The fund will provide relief to Fitchburg citizens who may have difficulty in dealing with the ever-increasing cost of heating their homes.
“We are honored to support Mayor DiNatale and his continuous efforts to diminish the financial strain on our residents and keep them warm this winter,” said Martin F. Connors Jr., President & CEO of Rollstone Bank & Trust. “Rollstone Bank’s commitment to our communities dates back to 1846, and it is our mission to help our neighbors flourish. Providing such a basic necessity as heat will relieve the financial burden of local families, keeping them safe and healthy.”
The Major’s Energy Fund was established in early 2023, in the midst of rising inflation and energy costs. As the winter season was underway, Mayor DiNatale knew the importance of setting a financial safety net for those who would be struggling to pay their bills while trying to keep their homes warm.
“We are grateful for Rollstone’s generous support of the Mayor’s Energy Fund and the partnership that will significantly help our residents,” said Stephen L. DiNatale, Mayor of Fitchburg. “They have always stepped up to help with our community endeavors, and we’re fortunate to have them in our City.”
About Rollstone Bank & Trust
At Rollstone Bank & Trust, we deliver personalized service that goes above & beyond. Our dedication to providing our customers with superior bank and wealth management solutions, along with the support they need to prosper at work and at home, has enabled us to build one of the most trusted banks in the region. With branches located throughout central Massachusetts, customers have peace of mind knowing we are FDIC & DIF insured, and never far from home. Rollstone Bank & Trust – it’s where you matter most.
North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing to DivineTouch Home Health Care
Funding expands certified home health services in Worcester County
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $100,000 loan to DivineTouch Home Healthcare, located at 95 Vernon Street, Suite 301 in Worcester.
Funding will support the business in becoming a certified homecare agency, making DivineTouch one of just a few home health agencies with such certification in Worcester County. As the business grows, the organization anticipates adding 19 salaried positions and 46 wage staff to the local economy over the next few years.
Founded by Grace Sterling, an immigrant from Jamaica with more than 12 years of hands-on health care experience, DivineTouch offers a number of programs and services, including skilled nursing, disease process teaching, medication administration, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, behavioral health management, and physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as medical social worker, home health aide, and pastoral care.
“Taking care of others is my passion,” said Sterling. “As an expert in the home healthcare sector, I saw gaps in the system and realized there was a need for more home-based patient services in Worcester County. With the support provided by North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, I will be able to build my business and help those in my community.”
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) | DivineTouch Home Health Care | Microloan Lender
Chamber Updates
EQUITABLE LENDING LEADERS: The Chamber’s economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), participated in a 12-week cohort designed to provide equitable outcomes in our lending programs. Two of our team members worked through the cohort to connect with underserved populations, business owners, and resource partners to determine what changes or additions to our programs would help us provide more equitable outcomes for minority and low-income communities. The program ran from June to November 2022, and the team is now working on ideas that will help us reach our goals.
LATINX OUTREACH: The Chamber and NCMDC have continued efforts to engage and support Latinx businesses throughout Central Massachusetts. Efforts have included providing technical assistance, referrals to different resources, and collaborating with the Spanish American Center. We have also advertised our services in the Spanish publication El VOCERO, Facebook and LinkedIn.
REACCREDITATION: As reported in our previous edition, the Chamber is currently in the midst of five-year reaccreditation process. Chamber accreditation is an extensive, self-review process that is expected to last six to eight months to complete. We hope to have our submission prepared for the Accrediting Board by the end of March and decision made by July. The Chamber can only earn reaccreditation by meeting rigorous standards for leadership, staff development, chamber policy and procedures, programs – including governance, government affairs, technology, planning and finance. Our Chamber is one of less than a handful of chambers in Massachusetts to have received accreditation. This exemplifies our commitment to excellence and to supporting our members and communities at a high level.
NEW LOANS: The NCMDC has approved and closed 7 Small Business Loans for a total of $286,500, since Oct. 1, 2022. Three loans totaling $22,500 were approved and closed through the SBA Microloan program and the other 4 loans totaling $264,000 were funded through our CDFI loan program. Four of the loans were granted to fund start-up businesses. New loans are finding NCMDC through our resource partners, banking partners and through the SBA.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: During the last quarter, our economic development team provided 678 hours of direct technical assistance to existing and start-up businesses in the region. Several members of our team also sit on local boards within the communities we serve, helping us stay informed on small business activities and various grants and programs available to our small businesses.
MINI-GRANTS: The NCMDC continues to offer mini-grants between $500 – $5,000 to our borrowers to assist with technical assistance. Examples of professional services that the grant can help cover include accounting/bookkeeping, marketing, and legal services. Prioritization is given to existing loan clients but we will consider other small businesses in North Central Massachusetts with a demonstrated need. For the quarter, NCMDC has awarded 3 mini grants totaling $8,178.69 for bookkeeping, marketing and signage assistance.
PODCAST SERIES: The Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast series has hit over 50 episodes, and is now releasing episodes weekly. Listenership has continued to grow over time. Since the launch, we have had over 1,000 downloads on Podbean; over 475 on Apple; and 81 on Spotify. We have unable to determine downloads via Google Podcasts, but believe the numbers are strong via that channel too. The Chamber has invested in podcast equipment including a sound board; four headsets; four microphones and stands. This has allowed us to venture out on the road and a new series from member location called “On The Road”. To date, we have visited over 15 members representing restaurants, retailers and more. In January we produced our first podcast in Spanish with Maribel Cruz stepping in as host. Thank you to all the members who have participated in interviews and/or listened to the new Podcast series.
TOURISM GRANT: The Chamber’s tourism arm, Visit North Central Massachusetts, is partnering with two of our neighboring regional tourism councils – the MetroWest Visitors Bureau and Discover Central Massachusetts – on a joint effort to promote our collective regions. The three organizations collectively applied for and were successful in securing a $1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to support tourism marketing during the shoulder season. The grant will be split and used to help fund advertising campaigns over a two-year period (FY24 & FY25). This will be a nice boost to our existing marketing efforts and help to attract more visitors and groups.
STRONG ECOSYSTEM PROJECT: A small advisory committee of members worked with our consultant, RKG Associates, to develop a strategic plan to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem for start-up and early stage companies in the region. The project builds off of the work of our One North Central Regional Economic Development Plan, which prioritizes efforts to grow the region from within through small business support programs and initiatives. MassTech provided a small grant to help fund the development of the plan. We have submitted the final plan to MassTech and are awaiting word on if additional funding will be awarded to help implement the elements of the plan.
ACCOUNTING: The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, North Central Mass Chamber Foundation, Johnny Appleseed Trail Association (Visit North Central), North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and Chambers Insurance fiscal year-ends closed smoothly. The applicable Annual Audits and Tax Returns were processed and filed on-time and without incident.
HEALTH INSURANCE: Effective April 2023, next open-enrollment, the Chamber will no longer administer Tufts insurance, as they transition to a brokered account through their merger with Harvard Pilgrim. All existing Tufts employer groups with more than 5 employees will be directly brokered through Harvard Pilgrim and all groups with less employees will be brokered through SBSB (Small Business Service Bureau) or transitioned out to our other carriers brokered through Chambers Insurance, Inc. Our team has been working for several months with Tufts and SBSB to ensure a smooth transition of our Tufts subscribers without any interruption. We encourage any members who are impacted to contact us with any questions or concerns.
SOLAR PROGRAM: From its inception in August 2014 through December 2022 the solar field on Pleasant St. has produced 12,036,466 kWh of Net Metering Credits to the manufacturers participating in the Chamber’s program. The collective savings to participants totals $2,308,424.87.
Fitchburg | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | Chamber Updates | Equitable Lending Leaders | LatinX Outreach | Reaccreditation | New Loans | Technical Assistance | Mini-Grants | Podcast Series | Tourism Grant | Strong Ecosystem Project | Accounting | Health Insurance | Solar Program
Government Affairs Update
In February, the Chamber hosted a legislative briefing for members of the North Central Massachusetts legislative delegation. Pictured left to right: Nolan King, Aide to Representative Jon Zlotnik; Elizabeth Kazinskas, Aide to Representative Ferguson; Travis Condon, Chamber Public Affairs Manager; Representative Margaret Scarsdale; Representative Meghan Kilcoyne; Senator John Cronin; Representative Kimberly Ferguson; Senator Jamie Eldridge; Representative Michael Kushmerek; and Representative Danillo Sena.
As the Massachusetts Legislature settled into the new session with a new administration, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce continues to advocate and strengthen our relationship with the region’s delegation on behalf of our members. Letters were sent to each of the newly elected officials in the region and statewide offices as well as those reelected. Chamber President and CEO, Roy Nascimento, also penned an open letter that was picked up by multiple media outlets thanking the Baker-Polito administration for their partnership and extending a welcome to the new administration. The letter included eight strategic recommendations for consideration to advance the region and the Commonwealth. The Chamber is closely monitoring the executive offices, and we expect more transitions and appointments in the early days of Governor Healey’s new administration.
While Beacon Hill prepares their priorities for the FY24 budget, the Chamber gathered the region’s delegates from the House and Senate at the Chamber office for our annual Legislative Briefing in February. This marked the first time the event has been held in person since the start of the pandemic, and there was a strong showing from the North Central Massachusetts delegation. The Chamber gave an overview on successes in the past year and outlined our priorities for FY24 from the public policy agenda in the areas of small business support, tourism and education and workforce. We also provided an update on progress made on a number of initiatives contained in our One North Central plan.
When it comes to the One North Central plan, the Chamber continues to work towards a number of initiatives from the plan including the implementation of a regional land bank. On this front, the Chamber worked closely with our delegation during the last session on a bill to extend the sunset date of the Fitchburg Area Economic Development Corporation (FAEDC) which expired in 2021 by another 50 years to 2071. The FAEDC was a predecessor to the NCMDC and the Chamber intends on using it as a vehicle for this land bank initiative. Special thanks to Senator Cronin and Representative Kushmerek for sponsoring the legislation. We would also like to extend our thanks to Representatives Zlotnik and Higgins for their support.
One big topic of conversation during the prior legislative session and election cycle was the topic of tax reform. Despite releasing plans last summer, Beacon Hill opted not to enact any major tax reforms. During her campaign, Governor Maura Healey did indicate she would pursue permanent tax relief measures, and the Chamber will monitor this situation and its potential impact on the area’s business community. When it comes to taxes locally, Mr. Nascimento, and Travis Condon, our Public Affairs Manager, attended the most recent tax classification hearing in Clinton. A 2018 recommendation by a select board committee had advocated for shifting towards a single tax rate, a shift that was paused during the pandemic. Mr. Nascimento testified for the continued move towards a single tax rate, but multiple board members first made a motion to increase the split which was defeated. A similar motion to decrease the split also failed before members voted in favor of maintaining the current split. While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we did reach out to thank the Select Board members who voted for the reduction, and we will continue to advocate for reducing the split in the coming years.
The Chamber is also working to continue to build our relationships with the towns throughout the region and we have spent time since the beginning of the year meeting with various town administrators and economic development committees to discuss ways to strengthen our partnership and remind them that the Chamber is available as a resource.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Travis Condon, the Chamber’s public affairs manager, at 978.353.7600, ext. 224; or via email at .
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | Community Development | Economic Development | Legislative Issues | Government Affairs | Elected Officials
Local Interior Designers Hosting Open House Event: “This Year’s Best Interior Design Awards,” at New Showroom Location
Joshua Allen Design Hosts Open House Design Awards Event on Thursday March 30, 2023 from 3 – 7 pm
Sterling, MA – Joshua Allen Design is happy to announce their open house event: The A”JAD”EMY AWARDS Of Interior Design, inviting guests to enjoy refreshments, win prizes, get insider tips on home design trends, meet with trade professionals, and meet their team of passionate designers. The event will take place on March 30th from 3-7pm at their showroom, located at 153 Clinton Rd Unit A in Sterling.
At the event, guests will have the opportunity to meet the team of talented designers, win some great prizes (including $250 off any design service) and learn about Joshua Allen Design’s interior design services. Guests will also have the chance to chat with trade professionals about their home projects.
“We are so excited to host this event in our newly redesigned showroom, to be able to put the best interior trends of this year on display for our friends, clients, and community,” says Josh Halterman, founder and lead designer of Joshua Allen Design. “Our mission is to bring beautiful and functional interior design to everyone, and this open house event is the perfect chance for us to continue to do just that.”
This Year’s Best Interior Design Awards is free and open to the public. Please RSVP on Joshua Allen Design’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/joshuaallendesign or give them a call at (508) 901.9919.
Visit www.joshuaallendesign.com to learn more.
Joshua Allen Design is a Sterling, MA based interior design company that helps clients, both commercial and residential, achieve functional and beautiful interiors all across Massachusetts and New England. They take on projects of all scopes and sizes; including kitchen & bath design, space planning, color consults, interior decoration, and custom design services tailored specifically to the project and client.
Lead designer, Josh Halterman, founded Joshua Allen Design on his belief that every single person should have, and be able to afford, an interior designer. They are truly grateful to continue providing their local community, and the entirety of New England, with interior design services.
North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for Beauty Empire
Funding to support startup costs to open beauty salon in Leominster
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently granted a $13,000 loan to support the opening of Beauty Empire, a beauty salon located at 71 Main Street in Leominster. Funding will be used toward the purchase of equipment, lease hold improvements, inventory and working capital.
Owned by Nadia Ruiz, Beauty Empire will provide four hair stations, which are available for rent by hair stylists, and two nail stations. The location is the former Hair Obsession salon, and Ruiz hopes current Hair Obsession clients will continue to come to the location for their hair and nail services.
“I immigrated to the United States from Uruguay in 2014 and became a U.S. citizen in September 2022,” said Ruiz. “As I have grown my clientele while working at Divinity Hair Spa, I saw an opportunity to open my own salon and I am grateful to the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and NewVue Communities for helping me open the doors.”
NewVue Communities provided assistance to Ruiz in developing a business plan.
Ruiz will be leading the business and providing nail services. Ruiz holds certificates in both Advanced Cosmetology and Nail Technician and is a licensed professional as a Registered Cosmetologist in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
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) | Beauty Empire | Microloan Lender
LUK, Inc. Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Trainings
LUK, Inc. has been awarded funding to provide several Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Trainings throughout Worcester County. Funds include grants from the Reliant Foundation, Brake The Silence, and UMass Memorial Health – HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital Determination of Needs (DoN).
These trainings include: Suicide Prevention 101 with QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), LivingWorks safeTALK (suicide prevention), Mental Health First Aid (Adult and Youth options), and Training Active Bystanders (TAB). 900 participants will learn to identify potential mental health concerns, where to receive support, and skills to help others. Trainings are available in English and Spanish for professionals, school personnel, youth serving organizations, families, and youth.
Recent community assessments prioritize mental health concerns and describe a number of barriers that people may experience when navigating mental health systems, from stigmas to culture/language and transportation barriers. Decreasing stigma and increasing awareness of the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and suicide risk helps those in need receive the support and resources they need to thrive.
Cassandra Foley, Director of Community Engagement & Support, stated that LUK is “Excited to continue to provide quality trainings to members of our communities. Our trainings help to build participants’ confidence in helping someone in need,” Foley stated.
Training will educate participants to identify signs and symptoms of mental health concerns, provide resources to refer individuals to mental health services, and inform participants about community resources.
LUK, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the safety, health, and well-being of youth, families, and adults in Central Massachusetts. As a community-based organization, LUK’s mission is to challenge and inspire youth, adults, and families to realize their unique potential through community-based prevention, intervention, education, and support services.
For more information about LUK, Inc. visit www.LUK.org, call (800) 579-0000, or find them on Facebook. Join us in building communities, family by family!
LUK, Inc. & Executive Office of Health & Human Services Workforce Grant
LUK, Inc recently received a workforce initiative grant from the Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS) to implement workforce development initiatives for staff who provide home and community based services. LUK’s program, ENGAGE (Education, Navigation, Growth, Access, Goals, Enrichment) will prioritize professional development with eligible staff who may not have a graduate degree or professional credential. ENGAGE will also focus on the expansion of current internship/apprenticeship programs for a longer-term retention goal.
LUK will also expand and enhance training opportunities to increase the quality of services through staff training, improved supervision, and expansion of LUK’s paid internship/apprenticeship program. LUK was among the first human service agencies to offer paid internships and apprenticeships at all levels.
CEO Beth Barto shared LUK’s excitement around the grant, “We are appreciative to EOHHS for putting forth a funding opportunity that is so innovative and needed to support workforce development. We are beyond thrilled to support our current staff and staff of the future’s career aspirations through professional development opportunities.”
LUK, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the safety, health, and well-being of youth, families, and adults in Central Massachusetts. As a community-based organization, LUK’s mission is to challenge and inspire youth, adults, and families to realize their unique potential through community-based prevention, intervention, education, and support services.
LUK, Inc is hosting an Open House Career Fair on April 12, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm at LUK’s main office (545 Westminster St, Fitchburg).
For more information about LUK, Inc. visit www.LUK.org, call (800) 579-0000, or find them on Facebook. Join us in building communities, family by family!
United Way of North Central Massachusetts Awards over $90,000 for Winter Heating Assistance and Emergency Shelter
Grants distributed to 11 local agencies through two winter weather initiatives
United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) recently distributed $93,000 to 11 local agencies to help struggling community members this winter. Grants were made through two funds addressing critical areas of need in cold weather months: the Winter Heating Initiative and Emergency Shelter Fund.
The Winter Heating Initiative is a new program that provides financial assistance for heating expenses to households that have exhausted state heating assistance or fall just short of qualifying. UWNCM has so far raised and distributed $60,000, which includes $25,000 given by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, $5,000 given by Unitil and donations from community members.
Grants were awarded to five agencies: Athol Area YMCA, Gardner Community Action Committee, Making Opportunity Count, Spanish American Center, and the Winchendon Community Action Committee—the final of which is a first-time UWNCM grant recipient.
Shaina Cunningham, Winchendon Community Action Committee Program Manager, says, “We are so appreciative of the grant and have heard from many people what a tremendous help these funds have been. Some have even told us that without the support, they would not have had heat this winter.”
UWNCM also distributed $33,000 to six agencies through its Emergency Shelter Fund, a long-standing initiative that provides shelter for homeless individuals during extreme winter weather. This round of grants covered motel rooms for over 100 people and was made to Athol Area YMCA, Clear Path for Veterans New England, Ginny’s Helping Hands, Restoration Recovery Center, Salvation Army Athol Corps, and Spanish American Center.
UWNCM Director of Community Impact Judy Tomlinson notes that recipient agencies for both programs were selected to ensure coverage of the entire North Central Massachusetts region. In addition, many recipients are small grassroots organizations that run food pantries, enabling them to get immediate support to local community members.
“With costs for fuel, shelter and other expenses rising, the need in our community is at an all-time high,” says Tomlinson. “UWNCM is all about working with local organizations to meet basic needs such as heating and emergency shelter assistance for families dealing with this crisis.”
Community members can support both the Winter Heating Initiative and Emergency Shelter Fund by making a gift at uwncm.org/donate.
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.
North Central Mass Legislative Breakfast on Health Equity
Join Health Equity Partnership of North Central Mass (CHNA9) for North Central Mass Legislative Breakfast!
Talk with your local legislators about the issues affecting the health, prosperity, and wellbeing of your community!
Date and time:
Fri, March 24, 2023, 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Location
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leominster 99 Erdman Way Leominster, MA 01453
About this event
Our local North Central Mass legislators are working hard to improve the quality of life for all residents across the region. You’ll hear about their efforts and what you can do to advocate for the bills that are most important to you.
Your legislators also want to hear from you! What issues are most affecting your life and your loved ones here in North Central Mass? Personal stories are the most impactful way to highlight the need for change or the importance of programs and resources.
Agenda
8:00 am Breakfast and registration
8:30 am Welcome
8:45 am Constituent groups present
9:30 am Legislators present
10:15 am Closing remarks
10:30 am Close, begin transition to Community Charette. All are welcome to stay, but please register separately!
Interpretation services are available upon request. Please contact by no later than March 10th to request interpretation or other accommodations.
This breakfast is sponsored by the Health Equity Partnership of North Central Mass (CHNA9).
MEDIA ADVISORY: Fidelity Bank donates two freezers, food to Ginny’s Helping Hands and Food Pantry
Donation will enable Ginny’s to store additional frozen foods of meats, fruits, vegetables
WHAT: In February 2023, Fidelity Bank learned Ginny’s Helping Hands and Food Pantry was in urgent need of two freezers to store frozen food for those they serve in the community. Each month, Ginny’s supports thousands of people in North Central Massachusetts by providing fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable groceries that come from scores of partners and supporters. Members of Fidelity Bank will be visiting Ginny’s to fill the new freezers with frozen meats, fruits, and vegetables.
WHERE: 52 Mechanic Street, Leominster
WHEN: Thursday, March 16 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
WHO:
Brandon Robbins, Executive Director, Ginny’s Helping Hands and Food Pantry
Ed Manzi, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Fidelity Bank
Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella, City of Leominster
Fidelity Bank colleagues
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: Reporters will have the opportunity to conduct on-site interviews with members of the Ginny’s and Fidelity Bank leadership to learn more about the donation and the continued partnership between the organization and the bank. Photography and videography is welcomed.