Wednesday, November 21, 2007

 

ART TO GOGH WINS GRAND PRIZE IN MWCC'S THIRD ANNUAL BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION

By Janice O'Connor

Lynn Toomey, left, owner of Art to Gogh of Lunenburg, won the grand prize in the third annual Business Plan Competition, sponsored by MWCC's Entrepreneurial Resource Center with the support of many business sponsors. Also pictured, are ERC Director Lisa Derby Oden, first runner up W. Rachel Chery of the Le'Burg Teen Talk Show of Fitchburg and second runner up Matt Raher, owner of Toonces Home Services of Leominster.

Art to Gogh, a mobile company that reinforces the importance of art and creativity by bringing hands-on activities to homes, businesses, schools, festivals and other outlets, is the grand prize winner in Mount Wachusett Community College’s third annual Business Plan Competition. The competition is sponsored by MWCC’s Entrepreneurial Resource Center, with the support of numerous business sponsors.

Art to Gogh founder Lynn Toomey of Lunenburg won $13,400 in cash and in-kind service, plus six-months of free office space, to grow her three-year-old company. The grand prize included $5,000 in cash for business expansion and a variety of in-kind services from competition sponsors, such as legal guidance, web design, marketing, printing and Chamber of Commerce membership.

“One of the great things about this competition is it reflects the ingenuity in our region,” said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino. “We see such a different mix of businesses every year and we really want this to be a catalyst that helps them reach that next level of success,” he said.

Toomey, a wife and mother whose academic and career background in business, marketing and art led her to found her company, said the competition winnings will enable her to increase marketing efforts and develop a licensing program to launch the business model to other independent owners. The business offers art-based creative education and entertainment services for children and adults.

“I’m thrilled to have been chosen as the winner of this fantastic contest,” Toomey said. “I would encourage any entrepreneur with an idea for a business product or service to put together a business plan and submit it for next year’s competition, because there’s a strong possibility that you could be a winner and get some funding for the next phase of growth or to launch a business. It’s a great opportunity.”

The award was announced on Nov. 19, following evening presentations by the three finalists before a panel of five judges.

W. Rachel Chery of Fitchburg, executive director of the nonprofit Le’Burg Teen Talk Show, received $3,400 in cash and in-kind services as first runner up in the competition. The talk show, created to provide a positive environment for teenagers while dealing with teen-related issues and providing educational opportunities, is aired through the Fitchburg Access Television and Leominster Access Television.

Matthew Raher of Leominster, owner and founder of Toonces Home Services, a one-stop shop for home service needs, received $2,900 in cash and in kind services as second runner up.

 “We do have a wonderful base of support in our competition from the sponsors throughout the community,” said Lisa Derby Oden, director of MWCC’s  Entrepreneurial Resource Center. “We also have had the benefit of some tremendous talent on the judges’ panel.”

Premier sponsors for the 2007 competition were WXLO 104.5 FM and the Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Unitil was this year’s growth sponsor, and start up sponsors were Jean D. Sifleet, Esq., Phoenix Park, Community Builders, and Central Mass Web Design, Inc. Incubating sponsors were MWCC’s Institute for Nonprofit Development, Gardner Redevelopment Authority, Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce, Wachusett Chamber of Commerce, Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce, Image Software Services, MWCC’s Entrepreneurial Resource Center, Rose & Marble Design, Parkerhill Technology, the Print Shop at Dunn & Company, and Bowen & Bowen, LLP. Supporting sponsors were: Wiltec, Inc., W.E. Aubuchon Company Inc., Fidelity Bank, Fitchburg State College, Wachusett Village Inn, Onsite Studios, Enterprise Bank, Clinton Savings Bank, APEX Properties, Marketing and Management of New England, and Richard LeTarte, CPA.

Nineteen professionals from area businesses and organizations volunteered their time as judges. The five judges for the grand prize presentations were Mike Nolan, Chief Operating Officer of Micron Products, Inc.; Shiko Gathuo, associate professor and graduate coordinator of the nonprofit management program at Worcester State College; Patsy Lewis, consultant in nonprofit management and board development; Sarah Plaza, vice president of commercial lending at Clinton Savings Bank; and Jack Purdy business counselor with Worcester Regional SCORE.

In addition, the following 14 volunteers served as judges during early phases of the competition: Ray Belanger of Fish Park Consulting; Nicole Carter, MWCC director of marketing; Peter Cormier, Sterling Music Exchange, Inc.; Robin Duncan, NWCC director of budgets, grants & contract management; Nicole Gagne, general manager, North Central Human Services; Sherry Handel, executive director, Center for Women and Enterprise; Katherine Jasmine, MarketingFIRST; Heather Layton, MWCC grantwriter; Paul Lambert, business consultant; Amy Mosher, associate, Legacy Consulting; James Notaro, executive assistant to the president, Fidelity Bank; Mort Rosenberg, MR Associates, Inc.; LuAnn Thibodeau, financial manager, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce; Herb White, assistant vice president, business development officer, Workers Credit Union.

TRI-CITY COMMUNITY LEADERS TO SHARE VIEWS ON ECONOMIC DEVELOMENT

By Janice O'Connor

Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella, Fitchburg Mayor-elect Lisa Wong and Gardner Mayor-elect Mark Hawke will share their views about “Embracing the New Economy,” on Monday, Nov. 26 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Doyle Conservation Center, 464 Abbott Ave., Leominster.

The panel discussion, sponsored by Mount Wachusett Community College’s Center for Democracy and Humanity in conjunction with the Twin Cities Latino Coalition, the Trustees of Reservations and the North Central Massachusetts Economic Development Council, launches the college’s 2007-2008 What’s Next? Speaker Series.

Now in its fourth year, the What’s Next? Speaker Series will focus this year on economic development in the North Central region. The first session in the series will provide an overview of economic development in the area from the perspective of local elected officials, business and social enterprise. Reservations are required and may be made by calling Nancy Hawkins at 978-630-9163 or emailing nhawkins@mwcc.mass.edu. The event is free and lunch will be provided.

Each of the three community leaders has had extensive experience in the economic development of their respective communities, as well as plans for smart development in the coming years with particular attention to the varying needs and challenges that each community faces.

“North Central Massachusetts represents an opportunity for major growth in the state, with ample space available for development in our industrial parks, historic mill buildings and in our downtowns,” Wong said. “Fitchburg is ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the new economy by marketing its mill space, historic downtown, affordable housing and cultural amenities to entrepreneurs and families. Working together, the cities of Fitchburg, Leominster and Gardner are creating a regional force that is gaining attention across the country and beyond,” she said.

Leominster “has recently experienced leaps and bounds of growth,” said Mazzarella, newly elected to his eighth two-year term as the city’s mayor. “However, we must be sensitive to the inverse relationship of supply and demand.We will continue to focus on the business needs of this area along with maintaining a qualified and skilled workforce. Education is one of the primary keys to continued success,” he said.

“Gardner has a rich manufacturing heritage of which we must always be proud and remember,” Hawke said. “However, we must also look toward the future and create an economic foundation that will carry this city forward. We must embrace change and work together to fashion a positive and attractive environment in which business and industry may thrive.”

The speaker series will continue with a second session, scheduled for January 10, focusing on “Emerging Opportunities in the New Economy” and will take an in-depth look at look at how certain industries affect development, including health care and the biomedical industries as well as what is being termed the creative cluster.

Housing, transportation, municipal growth, ecotourism, local farming and quality of life issues will be discussed at the third session in the series, “Living and Working in the New Economy,” scheduled for March. The last session in the series, “Entrepreneurial Spirit: The Pulse of the New Economy” will take a look in April at the conditions and environment necessary to help entrepreneurs succeed as well as what it takes to be an entrepreneur.

MWCC VOLUNTEERS AID 'TEAM BISH' HOME RESTORATION EFFORT

By Janice O'Connor

Wearing bright orange t-shirts bearing the message "MWCC Loves Team Bish," nearly 40 Mount Wachusett faculty, staff, alumni, students and Kid Expo supporters took part in an all-volunteer, three day construction blitz at the home of John and Magi Bish that was organized to thank the couple for their years of dedication and service as child safety advocates. Many others from the college who could not attend helped out by baking snacks to help feed the 100 volunteers who descended on the Bish's property each day.

The restoration project took place Nov. 16-18 to renovate the home to accommodate John Bish's needs as he continues to recover from a recent stroke and heart surgery, and to make other repairs and improvements. Beyond the makeover, workers built an office to house the Molly Bish Foundation, which previously operated from the couple's dining room. The Bishes have spent the past seven years as national advocates for child protection laws ever since the June, 2000 abduction and murder of their beloved daughter, Molly, while she was working as a lifeguard in Warren.

“We as a society need to get back to where we were 100 years ago. When your neighbors needed help, you helped them,” said Robert Stone, owner of the Worcester-based Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling franchise, which organized the makeover as part of the company’s “Restoring America One Home at a Time" program. More than $200,000 in materials and labor hours were donated for the home remodeling project by dozens of contractors and other contributors.

The Bishes arrived at their home periodically during the renovations to express heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of community support. "I'm overwhelmed," Mr. Bish said. "This is more than we ever anticipated," added Mrs. Bish, through tears. "Molly's spirit is with us."

"Each and every one of our volunteers were inspired by the countless acts of good that the Bishes have done to make our communities safer," said volunteer Andrea Hart de Gravelle, coordinator of civic engagement for MWCC's Center for Democracy and Humanity. The center includes the Molly Bish Institute for Child Health and Safety, which was co-founded by the Bishes in memory of their daughter. "The Bish family never asks for anything, and this was a way to give back to them. Kindness is the only global epidemic we need more of," she said.

Alumna Amanda Landry, Student Government Association President Katie Forgues and Community Scholar Julie Edwards

John and Magi Bish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More MWCC News:

• The office of Student Life is bringing two awareness programs to campus in recognition of World AIDS Day. Photographic artist Loel A. Poor’s acclaimed essay exhibition “AIDS: The Challenge to Educate," can be viewed at the Leo & Theresa LaChance Library from Nov. 26 through Dec. 7 during library hours. Poor uses photography as a tool for creative compassion-based education and awareness. She has allied her work with philanthropic ventures and organizations that work to benefit youth at risk. Pro Health, a division of Montachusett Opportunity Council, will return to the campus on Friday, Nov. 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 pm. in the cafeteria hallway to provide health awareness, health promotion and disease prevention information related to HIV and AIDS.
• James Mangok Wol, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, will share his experiences with students, faculty and staff during a presentation on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 6:30 p.m. in room 127. Wol, who lives and works in New Hampshire, was 5 years old when he was separated from his family during an attack on his village. He fled, joining many other boys, and managed to survive incredible hardships. The Lost Boys' search for safety took them into several countries and refugee camps and the fortunate survived, in spite of the predatory animals they encountered and the threat of thirst, starvation and disease. In addition to his work at a university in New Hampshire, Wol is a volunteer with the California-based non-profit organization 4 the World, which contributes to sustainable, participatory and equitable development among the poorest groups. In preparation for this event, the documentary “Lost Boys of Sudan” will be shown at 9:40 am on Tuesday, November 27 in room W12.  The film runs 87 minutes. To reserve a seat at either program, contact Liane Jablonski at ljablonski@mwcc.mass.edu
• Jewelry, clothing, holiday decorations and crafts will be among the items for sale during the eighth annual Winter Fest Fair Nov. 29 and Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Commons area. The event, sponsored by the Student Life office, Student Services and CATS (Campus Activities Team for Students) will again feature the popular "Theme Baskets" raffle. In addition, MWCC student clubs will each contribute a wreath, and the finished decorations will be raffled. This year's Winter Fest proceeds will be used to aid students with funds for textbook purchases and scholarships for the 2008-2009 academic year.
• The Leo and Theresa LaChance Library will be open for extended hours during the fall semester’s final exam period: Saturday, Dec. 1 and Sunday, Dec. 2 from noon to 4 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 9 from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, call the library’s main desk at (978) 630-9125.
• Friday, Dec. 7 is Mount Wachusett Community College Night at the Worcester Sharks' hockey game at the DCU Center in Worcester. MWCC students, faculty, staff, alumni, family and friends can purchase tickets for the 7 p.m. game at just $9 each - about half the regular price - and watch the Sharks take on the Manchester Monarchs. The event is sponsored by the MWCC Alumni Association. For information or tickets, contact Carol Cullins, director of alumni affairs, at (978) 630-9594 or ccullins@mwcc.mass.edu
• MWCC’s Practical Nursing program will hold its fifth annual Pinning Ceremony for the Gardner Class of 2007 on Friday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. in the Raymond M. LaFontaine Fine Arts Center auditorium. For more information, contact Kathy Suchocki at ksuchocki@mwcc.mass.edu or call at (978) 630-9544.
• The enrollment center is offering Information Sessions on a number of academic programs. Upcoming sessions will take place on the following dates: Clinical Laboratory Science: Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. in OBS Conference Room at Heywood Hospital; A.S. Nursing: Dec. 4 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Gardner campus, room 125; Practical Nursing Certificate program: Dec. 6 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Gardner campus, room 125; Complementary Health Care: Dec. 10 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Gardner campus, room 258; Dental Hygiene: Dec. 5 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Gardner campus, room 125. Prospective students interested in attending an information session are asked to call the enrollment center at (978) 630-9110 (TTY (978) 632-4916), or send an email to admissions@mwcc.mass.edu
• Stressed? Why not schedule a relaxation massage to ease your tension? The MWCC Student Massage Therapy Clinic provides relaxation massage at a reduced rate to the public, faculty, staff and students. One-hour sessions with student massage therapists enrolled in MWCC's Massage Therapy Program are just $15 for students and MWCC employees and $30 for the general public. Many people have already discovered the advantages of this service as a way to relax and reduce stress. To schedule an appointment, call (978) 630-9212.