North Central Mass. Chamber of Commerce

Fitchburg business Magic Treasures gets loan to spur job creation

October 19, 2022 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — Magic Treasures, a business focusing on the health benefits of crystals, has received a loan from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation.

Located at 914 Main St. in Fitchburg, Magic Treasures will put the $10,000 loan towards creating one full-time and one part-time job at the business. The loan follows one from the city, also for $10,000, for facade improvements as part of Fitchburg’s North of Main program.

Keila Jardim, owner of Magic Treasures, decided to pursue her passion in mystical arts following a career as a dental assistant. Focused on the health benefits of crystals, Magic Treasures sells specialty gifts and novelty gift items in the alternative health care, mystical and spiritual niche market. The company started in September 2020 in Leominster but recently moved to Fitchburg, receiving assistance with her business plan from NewVue Communities.

Jardim emigrated to the U.S. from Brazil when she was 16. In Brazil, she resided in an area known for significant mining.

“It was through this association that I developed a life-long passion and knowledge of crystals and their uses for health and mindful well-being,” she said in a press release.

“Many thanks to the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation for their support of helping me achieve my dream of being a business owner,” said Jardim. “With this support, I am able to hire staff and continue to grow my business in downtown Fitchburg.”

NCMDC is the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and can provide small businesses with loans up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory and expansion. The nonprofit works with banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, call 978-353-7607, visit northcentralmass.com or choosenorthcentral.com.

Community leaders celebrate upgrades to the Johnny Appleseed Visitors’ Center

October 7, 2022 by pkzadmin

LEOMINSTER — Local officials and community leaders recently joined members of Visit North Central Massachusetts to celebrate renovations and upgrades to the Johnny Appleseed Visitors’ Center.

More than 100 local dignitaries and community leaders were on hand at the event, including state Sen. John Cronin, state Reps. Meghan Kilcoyne, Natalie Higgins and Michael Kushmerek, Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella, Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale and others.

Exterior upgrades — handicapped accessible doors, a dog walking station, new security cameras, etc. — and interior improvements were made to modernize the facility and properly “showcase the region to the more than 165,000 annual visitors to the center,” VNCM said in a press release.

The “Big Apple of New England” sculpture was also repaired as part of the project.

“Today is a great day for the region as we recognize the many improvements to the Johnny Appleseed Visitors’ Center,” said VNCM Chair Henry Tessman in a press release. “From the ‘Big Apple of New England’ to the many amenities these improvements now provide to visitors, North Central Massachusetts is now on display for all to see!”

The project was part of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s “One North Central” economic development plan, which recommended new ways to expand the existing center and showcase the history of the region while also adding amenities to modernize the facility.

“Through One North Central, we learned a lot about how to upgrade the center in an effort to provide a unique experience for visitors,” said NCMCC and VNCM President and CEO Roy Nascimento. “The upgrades and renovations to the visitor center will create an experience to link visitors to destinations in the region while providing a modern facility to rest and recharge before continuing on their journey through North Central and beyond.”

Renovations and upgrades totaled $162,455 and were partially funded through a matching Destination Development Grant from the state Office of Travel and Tourism. Matching funds came via a grant from the city as well as VNCM.

Considered the gateway to North Central Massachusetts by many, the Johnny Appleseed Visitors’ Center opened on June 14, 1997. Named after American pioneer and folk hero, John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed), the 2,000 square-foot center is operated by VNCM.

Aside from the “Big Apple of New England,” the center also houses a collection of historical and cultural items that showcase the region’s heritage, including a vintage Iver Johnson bicycle, pieces of equipment from the region’s agricultural past, vintage Wachusett Mountain Ski Area items and a large collection of Johnny Appleseed memorabilia.

The center is open seven days a week, 361 days a year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It only closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Independence Day and early on Christmas Eve.

Family-owned JC Ferreira Construction receives loan to purchase new equipment

October 7, 2022 by pkzadmin

JC Ferreira Construction, Inc. was recently approved for a $112,500 loan from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.

The loan will help JC Ferreira Construction purchase new construction equipment and retain four jobs in the city of Leominster.

Founded in March 2020, JC Ferreira Construction was founded by Pablo (Paul) and Luis Ferreira as a family-run business specializing in utility and road construction for underground utilities. According to a press release, the company focuses on sanitary sewer, water and drainage installations, as well as highway and civic construction.

The company is being certified as a minority business enterprise by the Supplier Diversity Office of the Operational Services Division in Massachusetts. It is also a disadvantage business enterprise certified by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. Their crew has more than 30 years of experience working with cities, towns and government contracts.

“The opportunity to purchase additional equipment through this loan will enable us to expand our dedication to strong loyalty, trust and satisfaction with our customer projects,” Paul Ferreira said. “As a small business just two years young, we are grateful the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation was able to help us move forward with growing our business.”

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 Chamber of Commerce to host orientation Sept. 20

September 16, 2022 by pkzadmin

PEPPERELL — The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is set to host a new member orientation and reception at The Barn Door, the Chamber recently announced in a press release.

From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 20, Chamber staff will explain the benefits of and programs offered by the NCMCC on the patio of The Barn Door, a gourmet grocery store. Beneficial programs include networking events, government affairs, educational workshops and seminars, advertising opportunities and health insurance.

“This is a great opportunity for members and non-members to learn about the dynamic nature of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce,” NCMCC President and CEO Roy Nascimento said in the announcement. “Attendees will learn about the important work that we do advancing the region as well as the tremendous resources we offer for businesses of all sizes and industries.”

Orientation is geared towards new members, but is “equally valuable” for current members, according to the press release. The information session will be followed by a reception for new members to connect and engage with other business and community leaders.

There is no cost to attend, but those interested are encouraged to pre-register online at northcentralmass.com. Those unable to attend are encouraged to call Tracy Gagnon at 978-353-7600, ext. 239 or by email at tgagnon@northcentralmass.com.

InTown Fitchburg awarded $25,000 grant by North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

September 14, 2022 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce awarded a $25,000 grant to InTown Fitchburg to aid in the Façade Improvement Program, the Chamber announced in a press release.

Delivered by the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, the economic development arm of the NCMCC, grant funds came from a competitive regional economic development grant secured by the NCMDC from the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. The Façade Improvement Program is meant to provide an opportunity for downtown property owners and businesses to upgrade their building’s exterior while helping the city retain and attract business, increase utilization of existing business, enhance property values and strengthen downtown.

“Our recent Economic Regional Development Plan identified one of the critical factors for our region’s growth is focusing on our downtown areas,” said NCMCC President and CEO Roy Nascimento. “With this grant, the city will be able to improve and enhance the exterior of its many historic buildings while positively impacting the downtown’s revitalization.”

InTown Fitchburg Director Joe Ferguson celebrated the grant and noted that new funds would go a long way to support local businesses that have “adamantly sought a physical, brick-and-mortar business offering on Main Street.”

“With the momentum we’re building in downtown Fitchburg, these funds could not have come at a better time,” Ferguson said in the press release. “Our storefront improvement grant program is designed to incentivize commercial occupancy in redeveloped storefronts, many of which have been vacant for a long time.”

Mayor Stephen DiNatale, meanwhile, recognized the importance of the Façade Improvement Program and stressed the value of a revitalized downtown.

“Part of our Urban Revitalization Plan focuses on supporting a diverse mix of downtown businesses and the facilitation of the redevelopment for significant vacant or underutilized properties,” DiNatale said. “This façade program is instrumental to the plan and also provides ReImagine North of Main, now known as InTown Fitchburg, the opportunity to take the lead on larger, more meaningful impact projects as they work with the city towards its goal of revitalizing the downtown corridor.”

Formerly known as ReImagine North of Main, InTown Fitchburg is a partnership of local institutions, businesses, government, nonprofits and residents focused on making a collective impact to improve the quality of life in the downtown neighborhood and commercial district.

Property or business owners interested in applying for improvement grants should contact InTown Fitchburg to discuss potential projects prior to applying. For more information, visit intownfitchburg.com.

Emerging North Central Mass. leaders graduate from Community Leadership Institute

July 19, 2022 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce recently recognized the Community Leadership Institute Class of 2022 at its annual meeting on June 9 at Great Wolf Lodge.

Seventeen graduates, who were identified as up-and-coming employees and future leaders in the region, completed the nine-month program focused on education, government, health care, social services, the justice system, media, arts and culture, the environment and history. CLI is dedicated to providing participants with individual leadership skills and a deep understanding of the region.

“The Chamber developed CLI 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 our region’s future,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.

Mike Greenwood, a business professor at Fitchburg State University and chairman of the CLI Steering Committee, was impressed by the caliber of this year’s class.

“For more than 10 years, I’ve worked with the CLI class and each year I continue to be amazed with the dedication, creativity and motivation of our participants,” Greenwood said. “Programs like CLI are important to our community in an effort to ensure a continuity of leadership, community engagement and service as our region’s current leaders look forward to retirement.”

This year’s class completed several initiatives, including the establishment of a foundation and a successful community event.

Austin Brooks, small business relationship manager for TD Bank, presented an idea to the CLI class to support local families affected by cancer during the holidays.

“My father, Russell Brooks, was diagnosed with cancer and expressed his feelings to me one day before our last Christmas together that he couldn’t afford gifts for the family,” Austin recalled. “This experience made me think how I can help with gifts for families when a parent or loved one is undergoing cancer treatments.”

Following a discussion with the CLI class about his thoughts, and in just seven weeks’ time, the class established the Russell Brooks Foundation to help make the holidays brighter for deserving families in the community. “Everyone knows someone affected by cancer and we agreed to move forward. We helped a family who lost their mother just two weeks before Christmas last year and we fulfilled the wish list for three children.”

For Christian Lopez, marketing manager at the Fitchburg Art Museum, bringing community services and programs for families in need was top of mind. With the support of the class, Lopez created The Community Cuts Program, working in collaboration with local barbers and hairstylists to provide free haircuts before the summer for local youth.

“With the support of my classmates, local businesses and organizations, more than 65 youths received a free hair cut at the event in June and also obtained helpful information for food, fuel and housing assistance.”

For both Lopez and Brooks, the CLI was a life changing experience.

“One of the biggest takeaways from CLI is the relationships you develop with your class and also with those people you meet along the way when you visit businesses and organizations within the community,” said Brooks.

Lopez added, “We had such a diverse group of individuals who were all like-minded in wanting to learn about their community and do something positive to help people as well.”

Members of the Community Leadership Institute class of 2022 participate in a community project. (Courtesy North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce)
Members of the Community Leadership Institute class of 2022 participate in a community service project. (Courtesy North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce)
Members of the Community Leadership Institute class of 2022 volunteer in the community. (Courtesy North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce)
The Community Leadership Institute class of 2022. (Courtesy North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce)
Community Leadership Institute class members help raise gifts for the Russell Brooks Foundation. (Courtesy North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce)

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Community Leadership Institute Class of 2022

Daisy Ayala, Enterprise Bank

Joshua Bedarian, RCAP Solutions Inc

Austin Brooks, TD Bank

Joseph Ferguson, Fitchburg State University (ReImagine North of Main and TDI Partnership)

Justin Goettsch, The Arc of Opportunity

Ramon Gonzalez, Mount Wachusett Community College

Brittany Haley, Leominster Credit Union

Megan Heffernan, UMass Memorial Health HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital

Kimberly LeBlanc, Resource Management, Inc

Bea Lee, North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation

Christian Lopez, Fitchburg Art Museum, Sponsored by AIS

Stephanie LoSasso, Avidia Bank

Hannah Pollan, Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts

Andrea Sampson, Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts

Melanie Sauvageau, Rollstone Bank & Trust

Patricia Wayrynen, Workers Credit Union

Marcus Williams, Mount Wachusett Community College

While the Class of 2022 has officially graduated, their work continues. Class members are currently seeking a member of the community to assist with guidance related to expanding the development of the Russell Brooks Foundation. If you are interested in helping the Russell Brooks Foundation, reach out to Events and Programs Manager Kat Deal at the Chamber.

Applications for the Class of 2023 will be accepted until Aug. 26. Contact Deal at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or kdeal@northcentralmass.com for more information.

North Central Mass. Chamber of Commerce

Community Leadership Institute Class of 2022

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