Chamber Hubbardston Welcome Sign

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce leads effort to erect welcome sign in Hubbardston

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce today announced it has sponsored the construction of a new welcome sign for the Town of Hubbardston located at the junction of Route 68 and Route 62 in the town.

The new sign is part of a project to construct welcoming signs at key gateways in communities in 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 Hubbardston welcome sign includes the year 1767, which is when the town was incorporated. It is painted in the proud city color of green with gold lettering. In addition to Hubbardston, similar welcome signs have also been installed at key gateways in Fitchburg, Gardner, Leominster, Sterling, and Westminster. 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 Hubbardston will learn about the town while receiving a warm welcome as they arrive.”

“Hubbardston has always prided itself on being a warm, welcoming community,” said Jeff Williams, chair, Hubbardston Select Board. “The new town sign beautifully embodies Hubbardston’s spirit of hospitality and charm. It will be a wonderful symbol to both residents and visitors that they have arrived somewhere special. I am deeply grateful to the Chamber for their generous donation. I look forward to continuing our positive partnership and working together to showcase all that makes Hubbardston such a great place.”

Deershorn Farms

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation provided financing to Deershorn Farm & Taxidermy

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce granted financing totaling $45,000 to Deershorn Farm & Taxidermy. The funding supported the purchase of a new tractor and provided the farm with working capital.

Deershorn Farm & Taxidermy is a local vegetable farm that also provides taxidermy services. Manager Stephen A. Mudgett, who owns and operates the fourth-generation farm with his wife and daughter, grows corn and other types of vegetables which are offered at the farm’s roadside stand, located at 241 Chase Road in Lancaster, Massachusetts and at local farmers markets. During the winter months, the farm provides taxidermy services.

“The new tractor enabled us to harvest more efficiently and make our work easier,” said Mudgett. “As a family-run farm, the support of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation ensures we can continue to provide our community with fresh produce for generations to come.”

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.comor ChooseNorthCentral.com.

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for Gather Provisions

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for Gather Provisions

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently granted a loan of $35,000 to Gather Provisions. The loan was done in partnership with TD Bank. The funding supported the creation of four part-time employee positions and will be utilized toward the purchase of equipment, inventory, supplies and additional start-up costs.

Founded in 2021, Gather Provisions specializes in chef services for private, in-home dinners with curated multi-course menus, as well as catering services for up to 75 people. The business recently expanded to include a small café, located at 290 West Main Street, Northborough. Mass. The café provides a casual, chef prepared menu of soups, sandwiches, salads and prepared food for lunch and early dinner patrons.

“As people are being pulled in many directions each and every day, we realized they may not have time to create a healthy, gourmet meal for themselves or their families,” said Erin Anderson, owner and chef, Gather Provisions. “With the support of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation in partnership with TD Bank, we’re able to provide an opportunity for our community to obtain a quick, fresh and delicious meal for pick-up or to dine in at our a local café.”  For more information, visit https://www.gatherprovisions.com/

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.