NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS — The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and its economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), are pleased to announce that the Several small businesses and individuals were recognized at the Annual Entrepreneur Awards Reception and Resource Showcase. 28.
The award celebrates the region’s entrepreneurial spirit and showcases successful NCMDC clients who are contributing to economic and community development.
“Northcentral Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and NCMDC President and CEO Roy Nascimento said: “Our entrepreneurs represent the risk-takers and innovators who contribute to the development of our economy. It was a real honor to recognize their work both in small business and in the community. ”
The Entrepreneur Success Award recognized Alexis Kelleher, owner of Crust Bakeshop and Birch Tree Bread Company in Worcester. Kelleher opened Crust His Bake Shop as a small bakery in 2007 and grew to his second store in the city in 2020, but he needed a better kitchen to maintain production for two stores. I realized that it is necessary.
“When we learned that Birch Tree Bread Company was for sale, we pursued the acquisition of this third business with the assistance of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation,” Kelleher said. “I still can’t believe how much our little business and my little dream have grown in these seven years with him. I’m excited for what’s to come.”
The company currently provides 65 jobs and generates more than $3 million in annual revenue.
“Over the past two years, many other restaurants in Worcester’s Canal District have been forced to close. The fact that we have survived so many challenges is a testament to our community and perseverance. I think so,” she added.
The Community Impact Award recognized Joshua Halterman, owner of Joshua Allen Design (JAD) in Sterling. Mr. Halterman runs a full-fledged interior design business and has deep ties to the local community.
“As a small business owner, I have always had a passion for contributing to my local community and making a positive, tangible difference,” said Halterman. “Since the company’s inception, JAD has sponsored many local sports teams and preschool fundraisers, provided goods and services to those in need, and even provided internships to local high school and college students. gives students the opportunity to gain real-world work experience in a variety of ways.”
JAD is also deeply involved with the Rise Above/Start Above Foundation, which helps children in foster care obtain items and activities they otherwise wouldn’t have access to. Through JAD, program participants not only learn about interior design, but also receive a surprise home makeover.
“I provide young people who have left foster care and are now living on their own with the necessities to live independently, as well as furniture and decorations to make their space feel like home.” We supported the launch of the Start Above Initiative. ”
The Dream Big Award recognized Kimatra Maxwell, owner of Connecting to Greatness, a small mental health practice founded and led by LGBTQ women of color.
“Our journey reflects the resilience and determination of women entrepreneurs like my mother and grandmother, who overcame huge obstacles to pursue their dreams and who made it possible for me. ,” Maxwell said. “This award is a testament to our hard work and dedication, but it is also important to us as we provide a critical lifeline to the more than 400 individuals and their families we have served across Massachusetts. It is also an opportunity to amplify our message of hope and healing.”
In addition to this recognition, NCMDC’s three small business customers each received a $500 cash award.
During the program, the Chamber also presented awards for Community Partner of the Year and Banker of the Year.
New Vue Communities was awarded NCMDC’s Community Partner of the Year award for its active partnership with NCMDC in supporting startup businesses. NCMDC consistently partners with the NewVue community to support small businesses.
Founded in 1979, NewVue is the region’s only community development corporation, providing housing development, home ownership, financial coaching, and community organizing services.
For the past 25 years, the agency has supported small businesses and entrepreneurs through technical assistance programs, counseling more than 1,000 businesses that create or maintain hundreds of jobs with employees under the age of 20, and It has secured more than $10 million in funding, including from NCMDC. , since 2010.
Christina DiRusso received NCMDC’s Banker of the Year award in recognition of her active involvement and support of NCMDC. DiRusso serves as vice president of commercial lending at bankHometown. She is a resident of Leominster and is very active in the community, including serving as NewVue Community Treasurer and on her NCMDC board. She also serves on the North Quabbin Loan Fund Review Committee and NCMDC’s Her Loan Committee.
Additionally, the event featured a resource showcase for entrepreneurs to connect with other business owners, banks, and other professional services to successfully pursue their dreams.
This awards program is supported by Premier Sponsor Mastech, Corporate Sponsor Fidelity Bank, Supporting Sponsor Bank Hometown, GFA Federal Credit Union, Main Street Bank, Rollstone Bank, TD Bank, and Media Sponsor Worcester Business. Many thanks to the journal.
