About
Accomplishments
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest and most effective chambers of commerce in Massachusetts. The Chamber is successful because of the dedication and commitment of people who believe in our mission and work hard to fulfill it. As a membership based organization we could not exist much less flourish without the support of our members, our board, our volunteers and our sponsors. We invite you to click below to review some highlights of our most recent accomplishments. As you can see, the Chamber has a lot to be proud of—but it doesn’t stop here! The Chamber remains committed to providing opportunities for members to advance their businesses and to promote a healthier business and economic climate for all of us in North Central Massachusetts. We believe that working together, we can accomplish what none of us can alone!
Four Star Accreditation
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has been awarded 4-star Accreditation from the accrediting board of the United States Chamber of Commerce for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. Of the approximately 7,000 chambers in the United States, only 204 have earned the recognition as an accredited chamber of commerce. These elite institutions represent the top 3% of all chambers in the United States. In Massachusetts, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber is one of only four chambers to have received accreditation, and is the only chamber in Central Massachusetts.
Chamber of the Year Finalist
Small Business Lending
- Granted over $6 Million in loans since 1996 to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in North Central Massachusetts.
- Secured $1.2 Million in new capital since 2015 and became a USDA micro-loan lender in 2017.
- Developed Express Loan Program to assist existing small businesses that cannot get traditional financing but need quick access to capital.
- Launched “A Second Chance” loan program to assist start-up and existing small businesses that have been declined financing.
Strategic Partnerships
- New partnerships with the Worcester Regional Chamber, the Assabet Valley Chamber, the North Quabbin Chamber, and the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce to expand our lending and help support the small and emerging businesses that help drive the economy forward.
- Quarterly Lenders’ Forums to meet and hear from key government and development entities. Presenters have included the Commissioner of Banks; FDIC; Federal Home Loan Bank; Federal Reserve Bank; U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); and the USDA.
Business Development & Growth
- Provided over 500 hours of direct technical assistance to 80 start-up and existing businesses. Our partners SCORE and the Mass SBDC provided an additional 200 hours of confidential business counseling at the Chamber.
- Organized numerous workshops and seminars focused on helping local small businesses and entrepreneurs succeed.
- Received the Regional Economic Development Organization designation, which has enabled us to meet with developers, assist with site selection inquiries, and help with regional development projects.
Marketing
- Developed www.VisitNorthCentral.com as a resource for visitors from all over the world who are looking to spend some time and vacation within this scenic and dynamic New England region.
- Developed www.ChooseNorthCentral.com to promote the region as a great place to do business by highlighting affordability; accessibility; strong workforce; superb quality of life; and manufacturing strengths.
- Initiated a Twitter campaign and developed the hashtag #ChooseNorthCentral to promote the region as a great place to grow or relocate a business. We have seen a 340% increase in digital impressions.
- The Chamber launched social media initiatives to promote the region as a great place to live, work, or grow a business. The initiatives have resulted in a 340% increase in digital impressions.
Manufacturing Advocacy
- Published a comprehensive listing of manufacturers in the region, including a section on life science companies, a listing of suppliers and a guide to business and industrial parks.
- Organized career exploration activities with the K-12 school systems and our partners Fitchburg State University and Mount Wachusett Community College in an effort to connect employers with the schools and expose students with
different career opportunities. These have ranged from manufacturing tours to career fairs and career days in the schools. - Embarked on an awareness campaign to highlight the exciting, technology-driven, well-paying career options in manufacturing, dispel common myths about the industry, and bolster the prospective employee base for these quality jobs with local companies.
- Initiated a pilot project to provide manufacturers with solar net metering credits to reduce their cost of energy. The project has produced a total of 3,879,012 KwH of Net Metering Credits to manufacturers participating in the program. Total value of these credits is $830,899.
- The Chamber hosted multiple tours of local manufacturers for students, school officials and economic development agents.
Membership
- Supports over 820 community businesses that employ over 20,000 employees. Secured an 82% retention rate in 2017.
- Over 170 new members joined during 2017, causing a net gain in the total membership base.
- High marks on member satisfaction surveys with 97% indicating that they would recommend the Chamber.
- Hosted over 20 Ribbon Cuttings celebrating member grand openings, expansions and special occasions.
- Numerous businesses celebrated their grand openings with a Chamber sponsored ribbon cutting ceremony
Events & Programs
- Hosted more than 150 events with almost 14,000 attendees in 2018!
- Revamped Legislative & Candidates Reception with more than 65 local elected officials and 100 additional community leaders.
- Held 7th Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast with 250 attendees!
- Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament with 100 players and $15,000 to benefit Chamber Foundation.
Public Policy
- Supported approval of new development projects such as the new Game On Fitchburg sports complex, bringing additional tax revenue and investment into the region.
- Successfully advocated for a reduction in the commercial tax rate in Fitchburg and to maintain the single tax rate in Leominster.
- Educated local and state government officials on the importance of manufacturing to the North Central Massachusetts economy.
- Advocated at the State House for greater access to high speed Internet for the region, transportation infrastructure and economic development legislation that emphasizes regional equity and greater investment in other parts of the state outside of Greater Boston.
- Hosted an Legislative Reception, Congressional Luncheon, D.C. Fly-In, and numerous other meetings and forums for members to meet their elected officials and become informed and actively engaged in the policy making process.
Communications
- Refreshed the Chamber brand to present a fresh, more contemporary look, including a ne logo, updated website and new marketing materials.
- Our Chamber Facebook page had 2,360 likes, up 30% in 2018. Average reach of posts increased 22%.
- Our Chamber Twitter account had 828 followers, up 32% and 212,000 impressions, up 40%.
- The Chamber website had 73,000 new sessions, up 26% and we had 4,292 contacts in our opt-in email database.
- Reached a readership of more than 90,000 through earned media efforts/over 40 articles featured the Chamber over the last year in local media.
Education & Leadership Development
- Distributed $48,000 in scholarships in 2018 to local high-achieving high school students. Over a million dollars in scholarships have been awarded since the scholarship program was established.
- Hosted 21 emerging leaders in our Community Leadership Institute. The Community Leadership Institute began in 1989 and has more than 250 graduates since its inception.
- Over 200 young professionals were engaged in our HYPE! Program over the last year in order to develop professionally, get connected and engaged in the community.
Research
- In partnership with Fidelity Bank, we conducted an economic outlook study of the North Central Massachusetts economy. The results were presented at the Chamber’s Annual Economic Outlook Breakfast program.
- Conducted an Annual Hiring & HR Trends study in partnership with Fitchburg State University. The objective of this study was to gauge annual senior level business and non-profit perspectives on emerging hiring and HR trends and issues in our region.
- Launched new customized market research service for members to identify new customers by income level, geography and other characteristics.
Tourism
- Led a regional tourism marketing strategy that resulted in $131 million economic impact for North Central Massachusetts in 2017.
- Operated the Johnny Appleseed Visitors’ Center – 362 days a year – to welcome visitors to the region and serve the traveling public. Over 180,000 motorists visited the center over the last year.
- Organized the Appleseed Country Fair that saw over 12,000 people during the three day festival which kicked off the fall season in our region.
- Continued to publish a comprehensive list of local events and attractions twice a year in the Guide to North Central Massachusetts which is distribution has grown to include all of New England and select locations in Canada.