E-Newsletter
An Electronic Publication of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
Inside this edition, you’ll discover the latest Chamber initiatives and success stories from across our region. From economic development projects and upcoming networking events to policy updates and workforce training opportunities, we’re keeping you connected to what matters most for your business and North Central Massachusetts.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is here to help – with trusted resources, a strong business network, and a support system to keep your business and the region moving forward
The Chamber’s economic development affiliate, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), completed its fiscal year on September 30, 2021. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects in North Central Massachusetts with loans and technical assistance. The NCMDC provided a total of 84 loans during the year totaling $1,755,253 which helped retain or create a total of 158 jobs. These included 20 conventional microloans totaling $915,200 and 64 loans under round 2 of SBA’s Payroll Protection Program for $840,053.62. The average size of the loans was $20,895 with the smallest loan at $2,296 and the largest at $150,000. The conventional microloans were leveraged by another $717,500 in financing from local banks and credit unions and $229,242 in equity from borrowers. The demographic breakdown for the conventional loans was 38% to minorities; 24% to immigrants; 29% to women; and 81% to low and moderate income. Demographic breakdown for PPP loans was 53% to minorities; 58% were to women; and 64% to low and moderate income. During the year, the NCMDC also provided 2,399 hours of direct technical assistance to start-up and existing small businesses and hosted several successful workshops and forums in partnership with the Chamber.
Since the microloan program was established in the 1990s, the NCMDC has provided a cumulative total of 313 microloans totaling $10,132,302.00 which have helped create 647 jobs and retain another 300 jobs. The numbers do not include any fixed asset loans (SBA 504 loans) made during the early history of the NCMDC. When factoring in these loans, the NCMDC has made over $22 million in loans.
The NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) program and is a micro-loan intermediary for the U.S. Small Business Administration.
IC Federal Credit Union just recently celebrated their 93rd birthday on October 24, 2021, and, as a happy birthday gift to themselves, they just recently underwent a rebranding process over the summer.
IC Feder Credit Union was founded in 1928 as a member-owned, non-profit institution, chartered to encourage savings by offering a fair return on deposits; in turn used to offer low-cost loans.
Over the years, the mission of IC Federal Credit Union has stayed the same: to improve the well-being of their members by providing innovative products and services while promoting member education and community support through a team of caring, knowledgeable and empowered professionals.
“We want to be there step-by-step with our members and truly partner in the journey,” said Christopher Hendry, President and CEO of IC Federal Credit Union. “We’re not just a transactional organization. If we are not focusing on the member, then it’s very easy for them to go somewhere else.”
IC Federal Credit Union focuses on engaging their members and the life of what they do, and empowering their adventures moving forward, whether virtual or in-person.
Commercially, IC Federal Credit Union assists local businesses and organizations, informing them of their product options such as business lending for new equipment, or purchasing a piece of land and assisting in funding.
For the residential members, this means building a better relationship together and letting them know that IC Federal Credit Union has those products albeit personal or car loans, credit cards, and more.
With their new branding – new logo, new colors, and new focus – IC Federal Credit Union is able to provide support to their members online and in-person, as well as mobile on the go.
“The online and mobile experience should feel the same way we treat members in person,” Hendry stated, “so we’re launching new programs and products in the coming months for our members.”
The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t slowed down IC Federal Credit Union either.
“The interesting part of all of this is that it showed us that a virtual workforce is doable,” said Hendry. “We realized that it does work – either fully remote or hybrid – and gives our team a better balance in life. It’s opened up our minds and we continue to find unique ways to keep the business moving forward.”
Hendry added, “We are excited to continue our part and impact our community to let them know we are there for them and help however we can. We want to be a part of this community and couldn’t do that without the help of the [North Central Massachusetts] Chamber [of Commerce].”
He also mentioned that the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce provides opportunities that IC Federal appreciates and hope that more businesses and organization take advantage of said opportunities.
“The [North Central Massachusetts] Chamber of Commerce brings thought leaders together to see where the region is and should be headed,” said Hendry. “It’s a great opportunity to see your footprint in your own backyard.”
IC Federal Credit Union is fully open to the public to walk-in and no appointment is needed. Find out more about IC Federal Credit Union by visiting their website at https://www.iccreditunion.org/, or visiting in person at one of the branch locations.
With Massachusetts in the midst of another COVID-19 surge, daily confirmed infections have returned to levels not seen since mid-January, before any of the three vaccines were available to the general public.
The Department of Public Health (DPH) reported 5,402 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, and hospitalizations climbed to 1,204, with 252 patients in intensive care units and 144 on ventilators.
The spike in infections arrives as colder temperatures have pushed more people indoors, people gather for the holidays, and as vaccinated and unvaccinated residents return to many of traditional activities they took part in before the pandemic.
The Omicron variant, which has been detected in Massachusetts, adds a new unknown to the equation as Gov. Charlie Baker continues to urge people to get vaccinated, including booster shots, and some officials seek a return to indoor masking where it is not currently required.
On June 25, the seven-day average of new cases was 64.1. It now stands at 3,309, as high as it’s been since late January. The 4.99 percent test positivity rate reported by the DPH is also as high as it’s been since Jan. 23, with 120,207 new tests recorded on Wednesday.
The Baker administration has taken steps to address the overcrowding of hospitals by requiring providers with limited available bed capacity to curtail non-essential procedures. Hospitals have seen a nearly 134 percent increase in COVID-19 admissions over the past month, with 515 patients reported as hospitalized with the virus on Nov. 8. DPH reported 12 new deaths on Wednesday, after reporting 51 deaths Tuesday, and the total confirmed deaths from the pandemic to date stand at 19,163.
More than a third of the patients currently in the hospital with COVID-19, or 417, were fully vaccinated when they became infected, according to DPH. The state reports 4,949,714 residents have been fully vaccinated with either two shots of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or one shot of Johnson & Johnson, or about 70 percent of the total population. Another 1,346,965 booster doses have been administered.
The Joint Committee on COVID-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management plans a hearing next Thursday to examine the state of the pandemic in Massachusetts.
Matt Murphy/SHNS
Leominster Credit Union is proud to announce the following employees have been recently promoted within the organization.
Nicole Legere has been promoted to Vice President Compliance Officer. Nicole was hired in October 2015 as the Compliance Officer and then promoted AVP Compliance Officer in December 2016. She has made significant contributions to the Credit Union through her management of the Compliance Program, Vendor Management Program, Fraud Management, Bank Secrecy Program, and Internal Audit Program. Nicole earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science & Government from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and her Juris Doctor from Roger Williams University School of Law. She has been admitted to both the Massachusetts and New York Bar.
Andrew Leblanc has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Information Security Officer. Andrew joined LCU in April 2018 as the IT Risk Manager. As the Credit Union’s subject matter expert on cybersecurity, information security, and data privacy, he has made excellent contributions to LCU in these areas Andrew holds an AS in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications from ITT Technical Institute, a BS in Information Technology from Northeastern University, and an MBA in Management and Operations from Fitchburg State University.
Holly Ogden has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Mortgages. Holly joined LCU in February 2020 as the Mortgage Pipeline Manager. With 25 years’ experience in the industry, Holly has proven to be an asset to the Mortgage Team and to the Credit Union. Her level of knowledge has significantly improved processes and workflows in her department. Under Holly’s leadership and coaching, her team exceeded production goals in 2020 and 2021. Holly earned a BA in English from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
Danielle Duval has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Collections. Danielle has been with LCU since August 2019 as the Collections Manager. Danielle attended Sacred Heart University and has over 15 years of experience in Commercial Lending and Collections. Danielle has consistently performed at a high level while demonstrating her strong knowledge in the area of collections, collection laws, repossessions, foreclosures and loan modifications. She has proven to be very committed to her role and to developing and training her team.
Justin Silva has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Retail Administrator. Justin has been with LCU for 22 years and holds an ASBA in Management from New England College of Business. He originally joined LCU as an intern from Worcester Vocational High School and was then hired to work at the West Boylston Street Branch as a Teller. During his tenure, he progressed through a variety of roles in the branch network up to Assistant Branch Manager and was promoted Retail Administrator in 2008. His experience and knowledge in branch operations, retail systems and member service are invaluable.
Maila Berry has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Operations. Maila has been with LCU for 25 years. She spent the first half of her career in Retail progressing through a variety of branch roles up to Branch Manager.
During the last 12 years, she has become LCU’s IRA expert and has made strong contributions to the Operations Division. Maila earned an associate degree from Becker College in Criminal Justice and a bachelor’s degree from Anna Maria College in Criminal Justice. Maila is also a Certified IRA Specialist (CIS I).
Nichole Howarth has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Digital & Member Service Center. Nichole joined LCU in 2017 as a Teller Supervisor and was promoted to Digital & Member Service Center Manager in 2019.
Nichole holds a BA in History from Merrimack College and has a strong management background from another industry. Under Nichole’s leadership, her department has grown significantly with the expansion of the digital services area as well as the addition of business services. Nichole is very committed to Leominster Credit Union, her team and our members.
Arden Twining has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Learning & Development. Arden joined LCU in 2015 as the Training Specialist and was promoted to Training Manager in 2016. She brings over 20 years of experience in the training and learning and development arena from a variety of industries. Arden attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and is currently completing a bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s College in Adult Education and Training. Arden brings a unique skill set in designing, developing, and writing training programs.
Josh Laprade has been promoted to IT Manager. Josh joined LCU in 2017 as an IT Analyst. He was promoted to IT Systems Admin II in 2019, and then to IT Team Lead 2021. Josh holds an AS in Computer Network and Service Technology and a BS in Computer Information Systems from New England Institute of Technology. Josh has made significant contributions to the Credit Union’s IT Team and is extremely dedicated to his role. He is consistently looking to improve technology and efficiencies across the Credit Union.

Chebbani brings expertise to help small business owners meet their goals through Fidelity Bank’s LifeDesign banking approach
Fidelity Bank announced the appointment of Mina Chebbani to Vice President, Business Development Officer for the bank’s service areas in Eastern, North Central and Central Massachusetts. In her new role, she will work with local businesses, both large and small, by partnering with Fidelity Bank’s caring team of commercial lenders, cash management specialists, and local banking centers to connect clients with financial tools that will help their businesses grow.
“As a highly-accomplished retail banking leader with extensive experience in building relationships with local businesses, she will provide personal attention to business owners to help plan and execute creative strategies to achieve client goals,” said Sheila King-Goodwin, Senior Vice President, Chief Community Banking Officer, Fidelity Bank.
Chebbani joins Fidelity Bank after nine years at Commerce Bank, where she most recently served as Vice President, Senior Manager in Worcester. She previously worked in business development at TD Bank in Shrewsbury.
“I’ve owned and operated small businesses myself, so I understand the challenges facing small business owners,” said Chebbani. “By utilizing the Fidelity Bank C.A.R.E. methodology, clients will receive personalized service uniquely designed to help them get where they need to be.”
A longtime resident of Worcester, Chebbani attended Worcester State University and Quinsigamond Community College where she studied Business Administration. She has completed numerous certification courses focused on small business credit training, cash management, ACH wire and home equity loans.
An active community leader, she created the Route 9 Referral Group, is a member of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Women’s Information Network and serves on the Sponsorship Committee for the Worcester Women’s Leadership Conference.
When the workday ends and the lights go down, Custom Cleaning Service of Peabody, Inc. gets to work. “We operate as our clients’ silent partner after business hours,” says Adam Paicos, of Templeton, who now serves as Director of Operations and oversees the company’s expansion into North Central MA. “We are not often seen, but we ensure facilities are clean, secure, and ready for business each day while serving as the eyes and ears for our clients when they are not on site.”
Discover local business stories through our Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast series. Listen as Chamber members share their journeys, insights, and contributions to our thriving regional business community.
Looking for your next opportunity? Explore current job openings from employers across North Central Massachusetts on our Jobs Board. Whether you’re starting a new career or making a change, you’ll find a variety of local positions available to help you take the next step.
CapEx Facility Services & Construction · Leominster, MA
TaraVista Behavioral Health Center · Harvard, MA
DRS Power Technology, Inc. · Fitchburg, MA
AIS · Leominster, MA