NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS DEVELOPMENT - Key Persons
In her career as a successful business woman, Barbara Silva established a name for herself beyond her job title. Silva did a tremendous amount for various regions within the state, including the development of a variety of programs and foundations. The most prominent was establishing the Chamber Scholarship Program over 21 years ago. Ms. Silva's commitment to regional education was demonstrated as she worked towards being the metaphoric crutch for students who excel in academics and seek help in paying for college. Her devotion to assisting youth to further their education has shined through as each year more students are elected to receive this honor.
The Chamber Foundation has named this scholarship in honor of Ms. Silva for her years of dedication, commitment and service in the community.
Most commonly associated with his successful business, Asher Pants Company, Benjamin Asher was a key figure in the city of Fitchburg. Asher was the leading maker in pant wear, and his factory still resides in Fitchburg. Asher Pants Company produced an abundance of top-notch attire for any occasion. In 1926, Asher Pants Company made one style, selling its pants for $3 to other companies to distribute. By 1946, the company stopped doing contact work and by 1981 expanded to manufacturing over 500 styles of men's pants, sport coats and ladies' wear.
While his organization was essential, Asher too was an intelligent businessman who believed in acquiring the best, making sure he had the most educated workforce. Benjamin's work ethic glistened through his wares, and to this day will always be remembered for his remarkable work in good quality fashion.
Job Titles:
- President / Protective Services, Inc.
David L. McKeehan served as President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce from 1984 until his retirement in 2015. McKeehan led the merger of the Fitchburg and Leominster Chambers of Commerce, along with several smaller business groups, to form the North Central Massachusetts Chamber in 1984. Over the course of his tenure, he procured over $4.5 million in private sector funding and over $1 million in government grants for economic development programming in the region. He was instrumental in the creation as well as saving of many jobs within North Central Massachusetts during his years at the Chamber. For his service, McKeehan has been honored by the New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executive, Mt. Wachusett Community College, Fitchburg State University and many other organizations.
The Chamber Foundation has named this scholarship in honor of Mr. David McKeehan's commitment to the advancement of North Central Massachusetts and for his many years of dedicated service to the Chamber. Preference for this scholarship is given to a child or grandchild of a current Chamber member or an employee of a current Chamber member.
Job Titles:
- Center Assistant Manager
- Visitors' Center Manager
Job Titles:
- Manager of Talent and Education Initiatives
Job Titles:
- Elite Construction & Design Inc / President
Job Titles:
- Franklin Professional Associates, Inc
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner / Mercadante & Mercadante
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- President / Steel - Fab, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Commercial Lending Officer ( Ret. )
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- Chairman ( Ret. ) the Simonds Group
Job Titles:
- Director of Community Development & Planning
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- Vice President, Commercial Lender
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Chief Credit Officer / Main Street Bank
Job Titles:
- Community Business Advisor
As a former city solicitor and prominent local attorney, Phil Salny was a staple in Fitchburg. After graduating from Boston University Law School in 1931, and spending 30 years as a practicing attorney, Salny served as Fitchburg's city solicitor for 12 years. In addition to his private practice, Salny served as president of the Northern Worcester County Bar Association and help to arrange the financing for the new Fitchburg District Court.
Salny fought for his country in World War II, serving as a Master Sergeant in the Army Air Force. Later in life, Salny served as president to the Jewish War Veterans and Fitchburg-Leominster Probus Clubs.
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Ronald M. Ansin has had a great influence on various communities in Massachusetts. Devoting the majority of his life to community organizations and the betterment of society, Ansin has been a Trustee of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, and a member of the United Way of America's National Alexis de Tocqueville Leadership Council.
For his exceptional work, Ansin has been honored on numerous occasions with such awards as the Founders Award by Applewild Private School. In addition to his commitment to improving communities, Ansin established a foundation that has made generous donations to such groups as the Boys & Girls Club. The Chamber Foundation has named this scholarship in honor of Mr. Ansin for his unmatched philanthropy in the North Central area.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- President
- President / North Central Chamber of Commerce
Job Titles:
- Senior Economic Development Manager
Job Titles:
- Director, Financial Services
Job Titles:
- Manager of Membership Recruitment & Engagement
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- Events & Programs Manager
Job Titles:
- Marketing & Communications Manager