Chamber Hosting Office Hours with Masshire Workforce Official

In a partnership with MassHire, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will be hosting officials from the MassHire Rapid Response team for one-on-one appointments with local employers.  The meetings are an opportunity to discuss any specific matters related to a company’s hiring and retention of skilled workers, as well as to review state resources available to support a company’s talent needs.

Scott Percifull, Program Coordinator for MassHire’s Rapid Response team will be available at the Chamber office by appointment on Wednesday, June 28 between 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The appointments are in thirty minute increments and are first come, first serve. The meetings are free and confidential, available on a non-discriminatory basis, and are handicapped accessible.

The MassHire Department of Career Services oversees Massachusetts’s network of MassHire Career Centers that assist businesses in finding qualified workers, providing job seekers with career guidance as well as referrals to jobs and training.  Employers can take advantage of employment and training resources, including assistance with recruitment and hiring, job matching with potential hires, tax credit programs, and labor market information.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Terry Young, Manager of Talent and Education Initiatives at the Chamber at (978) 353-7600 ext. 244 or via email at tyoung@northcentralmass.com or Maureen Babcock, Executive Assistant at the Chamber at 978) 353-7600 ext. 222 or via email at mbabcock@northcentralmass.com.

National Grid Awards $800K to Chambers of Commerce Across Massachusetts in Support of Small Businesses

National Grid announced it will donate $800,000 to eight Chambers of Commerce in Massachusetts to support local small businesses.

Each chamber will receive $100,000, which they will then distribute in grants of $1,000 to small businesses with fewer than 150 employees.

This pledge follows a similar donation by National Grid in January 2023, when the company distributed $1 million to four small business organizations to help with energy bills. The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA), the Retailers Association of Massachusetts (RAM), the Massachusetts Restaurant Association (MRA), and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce each received $250,000 to then distribute to their small business members.

“After seeing the positive benefit our previous grant funding effort had on the small business community of Massachusetts, we decided to expand that reach by partnering with additional chambers of commerce,” said Stephen Woerner, President of National Grid, New England. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, providing jobs and supporting the vibrancy of communities across Massachusetts. We’re pleased to be able to support those businesses that continue to need help as everyone continues to adjust to higher costs for basic goods and services.”

Chambers receiving the funds include: Cape Cod ChamberMerrimack Valley ChamberNorth Central Chamber of Leominster, Greater Northampton ChamberNorth Shore ChamberOneSouthCoast ChamberSouth Shore Chamber, and Waltham Chamber.

“We have thousands of small businesses in our region for which these funds will help support efforts of growth and sustainability,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “National Grid is a strong community partner in our region, and we are grateful they identified our Chamber as a partner for this generous funding opportunity.”

This second round of funding comes as part of National Grid’s ongoing commitment to uplifting the well-being of small business owners and entrepreneurs in Massachusetts. Previously part of its Customer Savings Initiative, National Grid has expanded upon its “season of giving” with renewed customer assistance efforts. Since October 2022, National Grid has donated $3.8 million.


About National Grid
National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a path to a more affordable, reliable clean energy future through our fossil-free vision. National Grid is transforming our electricity and natural gas networks with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions to meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information, please visit our website, follow us on Twitter, watch us on YouTube, like us on Facebook and find our photos on Instagram.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Institute Class of 2023 Awards Non-Traditional Scholarships

Students were recognized during a luncheon at the Mount Wachusett Community College Leominster Campus on May 24

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Institute (CLI) Class of 2023 recognized the first recipients of the CLI annual scholarship program on May 24 at the Mount Wachusett Community College Leominster Campus.

Seven individuals who are enrolled with MY TURN, an organization that helps people develop their skills, goals and self-confidence through alternative education, post-secondary planning, career exploration and employment training, each received a $2,000 scholarship. The recipients will use the funding to help bridge the financial gap to attend programs in cosmetology, electrical engineering, licensed practical nursing, human services, or toward tuition to attend a community college or four-year university.

“It was an amazing experience working with the CLI members throughout our program year,” said Nicole Conroy, executive director, MY TURN. “The investment in our youth has been priceless and has led to a partnership that will continue into the future, and our students who received the scholarships said they have continued motivation to work hard to reach their goals.”

The event featured remarks from Conroy and Terry Young, manager of talent and education initiatives, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. Maria Milagros, an award-winning speaker, award nominated author, TEDx speaker, storyteller and empowerment life coach, provided the keynote address.

The non-traditional scholarships were an outgrowth of a community project undertaken by the CLI Class of 2023. Funding was provided by local companies and individuals as a result of outreach by the CLI Class. The CLI Scholarship Committee, comprised of eight CLI class members, selected the recipients from applications submitted by individuals participating in the MY TURN, Inc. program who did not qualify for traditional scholarships or other funding opportunities.

The Chamber developed the CLI program in 1988 to inspire a new generation of community leaders to enthusiastically assume important roles in their community while motivating participants from diverse backgrounds to be influential in the region’s future. CLI is dedicated to providing participants with individual leadership skills and a deep understanding of the region. Participants are sponsored for the nine-month program by their business and are seen as leaders or potential leaders within their company and community. In addition to the monthly day-long sessions, participants are required to work in teams on different community projects that can have an impact in the region. Previous CLI projects included the creation of a new non-profit organization to help with holiday gifts for families dealing with a loved one’s cancer diagnosis to a project designed to improve the appearance of vacant business windows in a downtown business district to create interest in future business development and community inclusion.

For more information on the Community Leadership Institute, through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Commerce, please visit northcentralmass.com or call 978.353.7600, ext. 222. The Chamber is now accepting applications for the Community Leadership Institute Class of 2024.

 

 

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce leads effort to install welcome signage in Gardner

Sign provides recognition of civic pride for residents and visitors alike

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce announced it has sponsored the construction of a new welcome sign for the City of Gardner on Route 140 between the Route 2 Exit 90B off ramp and Mount Wachusett Community College.

The new sign is part of a project to construct welcoming signs at key gateways in communities throughout the region to boost civic pride and serve as a positive first impression for visitors. The project was partially funded by a grant secured by the Chamber.

The signs were designed and produced by Add-A-Sign in Leominster and represent the region’s traditional New England style. The Gardner welcome sign includes a carving of the City of Gardner seal and is painted in the proud city color of blue and gold. In addition to Gardner, similar welcome signs have been installed at key gateways in Fitchburg, Leominster, Sterling and Westminster, with additional signs planned for Hubbardston, Lunenburg and Pepperell. Each sign is carved with the community’s seal and painted to match their official colors. Additional signs will be constructed for other communities in North Central Massachusetts as funding becomes available.

“One of the goals of our regional economic redevelopment plan, One North Central, was to capitalize on our region’s unique locations,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Each city brings a distinctive experience to the region and with this project, those entering Gardner will learn about the city while receiving a warm welcome as they arrive.”

“Whether we are welcoming residents home or visitors to the Furniture Capital of New England, we are proud of our rich history here in Gardner and grateful to the Chamber for offering to install the sign as a way to share our legacy with those who travel on one of our gateway roads,” said Mayor Michael Nicholson, City of Gardner.

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce to celebrate accomplishments at 39th Annual Business Meeting and Luncheon

The 39th Annual Meeting and Business Luncheon for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Thursday, June 15, 2023, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg.

This annual event celebrates business people working together to ensure a bright future for North Central Massachusetts and presents an opportunity for the region’s business and community leaders to build camaraderie among peers. In addition to the Chamber’s annual recognition awards and commencement for the Community Leadership Institute Class of 2023, a tabletop Business Expo will also be offered to showcase local businesses. The expo provides an opportunity for exhibitors to reach hundreds of business and community leaders from throughout North Central Massachusetts. The Business Expo will begin at 10:30 a.m.; the Annual Meeting and Luncheon will run from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; and the Business Expo will close out the day from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m.

The event is funded by the generous support of various businesses and organizations, including Premier Sponsor: Fidelity Bank; Business Expo Sponsors: MassHire North Central Workforce Board and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation; and Supporting Sponsors: AIS, Inc.; Enterprise Bank; Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority; Fitchburg State University; Great Wolf Lodge; IC Credit Union; and Rollstone Bank & Trust.

This year’s keynote speaker is Steve Gross, Founder and Chief Playmaker of the Life is Good Kids Foundation, a non-profit that spreads the power of optimism to kids who need it most. Steve’s signature approach has been widely adapted across the country and throughout the world in response to the social and emotional needs of children who are deeply impacted by poverty, violence and illness. In addition to his work in the social sector, Steve has worked with many corporations, such as Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Million Dollar Roundtable Club, and IBM, to demonstrate how optimistic leaders can inspire people and organizations through times of change.

Registrations for the Annual Business Meeting and Luncheon are being accepted through June 12 by contacting the Chamber at 978.353.7600, ext. 222 or ext. 235, or via email at chamber@northcentralmass.com. Registration is also available online at northcentralmass.com. The cost is just $55 per person for members and $70 per person for non-members and includes lunch. Reservations are required. Supporting sponsorships, expo tables and tables of ten are also available.

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing to Scarlet Spa and Wellness Center

Funding supports business growth of Grafton spa

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $32,000 loan to Scarlet Spa and Wellness Center, located at 12 Grafton Commons in Grafton.

The loan funds helped with the purchase of new spa equipment and supplies for the expansion of the personal wellness business at its new location.

Owner Jennifer Lachapelle is a licensed esthetician who opened Scarlet Spa and Wellness Center in 2014. The center offers many opportunities for relaxation, such as massage therapy, Reiki, aromatherapy, waxing, salt therapy, and eyelash and skincare treatments.

“As a proud spa owner, I am happy to offer my customers quality services,” Lachapelle said. “With the support of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, my business has a new place to call home and will offer me opportunities for continued growth.”. Jennifer was referred to the NCMDC from bankHometown. She also received assistance with her business plan from the Small Business Development Center at Clark University. For more information visit https://scarletspa.org.

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.

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing to Renew You MedSpa

Funding to support expansion of specialty medical spa in Hudson

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $75,000 loan to Renew You MedSpa, located at The Landing at Hudson Mills, 43 Broad Street in Hudson.

Funding will enable Renew You MedSpa to design its new location and build initial inventory as well as hire one part-time employee. Founded in March 2021, the aesthetic injectables practice previously delivered services to clients’ homes before moving to its new location at The Landing. Renew You MedSpa specializes in aesthetic injectables such as Botox, derma fillers, PRP/PRF, Vitamin Therapy micro needling, and IV infusions.

Anh To Keuttner and Elizabeth LaPointe are certified aestheticians who founded Renew You MedSpa. Together, the medical spa duo has more than 30 years of medical experience. “As trained aestheticians, we are both excited at the prospect of growing our business and serving even more clients with our unique and high-quality treatments,” said Keuttner. Added LaPointe, “With the support of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, we are able to finish our new location, expand our business hours, and grow our team.” Anh and Elizabeth worked with NewVue Communities to develop their business plan. Visit https://renewyoumedspama.com for more information.

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.

Sen. Gobi Tapped For New Healey Admin Post

Source: State House News Service
Author: Chris Lisinski

Special Election Coming In Central Mass. District

05-22_Gobi_district

The Worcester and Hampshire Senate district (center, in light green) stretches across much of the state’s middle. [Mass. Legislature]

Veteran Sen. Anne Gobi will leave the Legislature to fill a newly created post in the Healey administration, triggering a special election in the central Massachusetts district she represents.

Gov. Maura Healey announced Monday that she tapped Gobi to become the state’s first director of rural affairs. The Spencer Democrat will serve “as a dedicated advocate and ombudsman cultivating economic development within rural communities,” Healey’s office said.

Gobi will start her new job June 5, according to Healey’s office. Her Senate departure date is unclear.

The Senate this week plans to meet over several days to advance its $55.8 billion fiscal year 2024 state budget.

“We are building an economy that benefits all communities, businesses, and people in Massachusetts, particular [sic] those that are too often overlooked and underrepresented like rural and small towns,” Healey said. “Senator Gobi’s fierce advocacy of rural equity, agricultural and small businesses, and conservation initiatives makes her the ideal candidate to help our rural towns across the state succeed.”

When the Senate agrees to an order setting a special election date, Secretary of State William Galvin will announce a primary date.

The Worcester and Hampshire district she represents, which was redrawn in the latest round of redistricting, stretches across much of the state’s middle, from Gardner in the north to Brookfield in the south and from the westernmost part of Worcester out to Ware.

At least four state representatives live in Gobi’s district: Republican Reps. Kimberly Ferguson of Holden, Donald Berthiaume of Spencer, and Peter Durant of Spencer, and Democrat Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik of Gardner. In Worcester, Gobi’s constituency overlaps with the House districts represented by Democrats Reps. John Mahoney and David LeBoeuf.

Former Rep. Kate Campanale, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican lieutenant governor nomination in 2022, lives in Spencer, and the Democratic Party’s nominee for Worcester County sheriff last year, David Fontaine, lives in Paxton. Campanale and Durant are married.

Gobi has handily defeated a string of challengers over the years, but joined the House and Senate after a pair of close contests.

First elected as a state representative in a 2001 special election that she won by 17 votes, Gobi won election to the Senate after defeating Republican Michael Valanzola by 398 votes, 50.3 percent to 49.6 percent, in the 2014 election.

Gobi serves as Senate chair of the newly created Joint Committee on Agriculture Committee, and her departure will require Senate President Karen Spilka to tap another Democrat to fill that role. Sen. Jo Comerford is the Senate vice chair of that panel.

Amid a power struggle between some House and Senate joint committee chairs, Gobi told the News Service last week that the “grass is truly greener in the agriculture committee,” where she said she enjoys working with Co-chair Rep. Paul Schmid and they have already finished holding hearings on every bill in their custody.

Gobi co-founded the Sportsmen’s Caucus, which convenes supporters of fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities, according to the Healey administration, which said that pior to being elected as a representative, she taught at Leicester High School, had her own law office, and worked with victims of domestic violence at Central Massachusetts Legal Assistance. She graduated from Worcester State University and the Massachusetts School of Law.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts: News from the Executive Office of Economic Development

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING PROCESS
On May 5th, Governor Healey, Lt. Governor Driscoll, and Economic Development Secretary Hao kicked off the state’s economic development planning process with the first meeting of the Economic Development Planning Council at the State House.

As part of the Planning process, the Council will hold Regional Listening Sessions across the Commonwealth, where stakeholders and members of the public are invited to participate in discussions that will inform the substance of the eventual Economic Development Plan. Below are the confirmed locations and dates for the first three regional sessions:

They are asking for your help in getting the word out so that they can maximize this event and collect the insight needed to make the best plan possible. There will be breakout sessions at each location.

Please RSVP for the session you plan to attend by registering. You may register by clicking on the name of the session you plan to attend and completing the free Eventbrite form.

  • LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
    Article 87 – Housing/Economic Development Reorganization
    On March 1st Governor Healey filed an Article 87 reorganization plan, establishing a cabinet-level executive office solely focused on tackling the housing crisis in Massachusetts. This will create the new Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, which will serve as the principal office to develop and execute housing policy, taking over all the powers and responsibilities of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Additionally, EOHED will transition into the Executive Office of Economic Development will continue to perform its current functions that promote economic development, job growth, and a competitive business environment. The Article 87 was enacted on April 30th and will formally go into effect on May 30th. Earlier this week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that Ed Augustus will lead the new executive office.
  • FY24 Budget Process
    In late April, the House wrapped up its budget debate and passed the chamber’s budget proposal. Last week, Senate Ways and Means released its FY24 budget proposal and they will undergo a similar process in the Senate next week.

FEDERAL INITIATIVES UPDATES – CHIPS FUNDING
The CHIPS Act is a once in a lifetime funding vehicle to make transformational investments in U.S. manufacturing and industries of the future. Forty years ago, the U.S. was a global leader in manufacturing semiconductors and microelectronics. Now, the U.S. makes just 10 percent of the global supply.

In February, we joined 85+ organizations across eight Northeastern states, led by MassTech, in submitting a proposal to the Department of Defense CHIPS and Science Act-funded Microelectronics (ME) Commons program. The program will provide more than $1.6 billion over the next five years to hubs across the country – we are working diligently to ensure our region is one of those hubs. EOHED expects to hear back this summer whether Massachusetts has been chosen as a “hub.”

The Healey-Driscoll Administration, along with the Legislature, has committed to bolstering this effort with $125 million in bond authorization – including up to $40 million for Microelectronics Commons – to provide matching funds. In addition to ME Commons, EOHED has worked closely with MassTech and the Center for Advanced Manufacturing to launch a new web portal for Massachusetts companies to engage and request support for their submissions to the federal government for the next tranche of CHIPS funding. Many of these federal applications require companies to include a ‘covered incentive’ from the state be included with their submission, so this new portal helps identify what the needs are from the companies and get them connected with the right agency. Given the aggressive timelines on these requests, this is one way EOHED is trying to expedite the process and get the biggest win possible for the state.