North Central Massachusetts announces three-year strategic plan

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.