(North Central, MA) – In a partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), MassDevelopment, and MassHire, 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; Anne Szender McCarthy, Vice President, Business Development of MassDevelopment; Chuck Merrill, Senior Loan Officer for MassDevelopment; and Scott Percifull, Program Specialist for MassHire, will be available at the Chamber office by appointment on Wednesday, February 25, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. The appointments are in thirty-minute increments and are first-come, first-served. The meetings are free and confidential, available on a non-discriminatory basis, and are handicapped accessible.

MOBD is the state’s economic development office and manages the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP), which provides tax credits for qualifying business expansion projects.  In addition, MOBD directors are navigators in the state’s new Business Front Door portal, through which businesses can manage their interactions with state agencies and related quasi-public agencies. MOBD is also the home of the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO), which provides resources and information for businesses exploring employee ownership models, often as a succession planning strategy.

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 FY2025, MassDevelopment financed or managed 409 projects generating investment of more than $4.65 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 25,246 jobs and build or preserve 2,867 housing units. MassDevelopment has a variety of financing programs to address the needs of small businesses, from equipment to real estate to working capital.

The MassHire Rapid Response team provides layoff prevention, early intervention re-employment, layoff management, and outplacement services to companies and their employees.  Additionally, they offer employment and training resources, including assistance with recruitment, hiring, and tax credit programs.

To schedule an appointment, 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 .