Worcester Business Journal

6 Worcester Business Journal | August 21, 2023 | wbjournal.com recognition exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and collective action that lives within North Central Massachusetts and the dedication of our hard-working staff, our engaged board of directors, our community partners, and the many diverse businesses that make up our membership." NCMCC was chosen from a pool of 1,600 chambers nationwide, at the ACCE's Aug. 1 annual convention in Salt Lake City. It had previously been named a finalist for the award in 2017 and 2021. e North Central chamber presented a number of innovative programs for consideration, including its efforts to engage and support Latinx small businesses, partnerships built to support talent and workforce development in the region, as well as the chamber's efforts to update and transform the Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center from a highway rest stop into a unique and inclusive anchor destination showcasing the region and helping advance the economy. North Brookfield Savings Bank taps 26-year banking veteran as next CEO North Brookfield Savings Bank tapped its former chief financial officer, Kaz Borawski, as its new president and CEO following a brief stint as interim president and CEO. Bo- rawski's first day in the non-in- terim role was Aug. 1. Borawski took over the interim role following the June 30 departure of former president & CEO Marco Bernasconi, who had started the position in April 2021. Prior to joining North Brookfield Savings Bank in February 2022, Borawski served as CFO of Holyoke Credit Union. "e board and I have been im- pressed by Kaz's extensive and varied banking experience and we look for- ward to continuing to work with Kaz B R I E F S to grow North Brookfield Savings Bank," North Brookfield Board Chairwoman Donna Boulanger said in an Aug. 4 press release. "e Board of Directors has been impressed by his commitment to the bank, our employees, and the commu- nity." North Brookfield Savings bank was founded in 1854 and has more than $391 million in assets as of March 31, according to Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. data. It has 60 employees across eight branches. Hudson wastewater company picks California executive as new CEO Heartland Water Technology in Hud- son named board member Christopher Beaufait as its new president and CEO. Beaufait took over the position on April 17 as part of a planned transition from Earl Jones, who had been CEO since 2016, according to an Aug. 8 press release from Heartland. During his time as CEO, Jones secured a significant growth capital investment from Boston investor e Baupost Group and closed the acquisition of Cogent Energy Systems. Jones remains involved with Heartland in a strategic advisory role and as an investor. Beaufait most recently served as president and CEO of Sharper Shape, an infrastructure management technology company based in California. Prior to that, he was chief operating officer for Sarcos Robotics in Seattle. Heartland Water Technology special- izes in wastewater treatment and waste conversion. In the fall, the company will launch its waste conversion business fo- cused initially on biosolids management, delivering assured PFAS destruction through high-temperature gasification. Girls Inc. of Worcester reaches resolution in racial discrimination case Girls Inc. of Worcester has reached a resolution in a racial discrimination lawsuit filed by a former employee in January 2022. According to a joint statement re- leased Aug. 3 by Girls Inc. and Gemelee DePasquale, who is the plaintiff, both parties have reached a resolution in the lawsuit. As part of the agreement, an annual training for board members, ad- ministrators, and staff at Girls Inc. will be required to address implicit and explicit bias and diversity, equity, and inclusion. DePasquale filed the civil lawsuit alleging discrimination based on her identity as a Black woman from Girls Inc. leadership, specifically former CEO Vic- toria Waterman. She received a right to sue from the Massachusetts Commission Continued from previous page Kaz Borawski, CEO of North Brookfield Savings Bank Can we create a CUSTOM magazine for you? Whether it's the celebration of a major anniversary or the opening of a new headquarters, Worcester Business Journal's Custom Publishing Division can help you create a custom magazine for your business. Our division's top flight team of writers and designers can help you tell your story – and make your business look great! Based on our unique publishing model, it's surprisingly affordable. Call WBJ Custom Corporate Project Director Christine Juetten at 508-755-8004 ext. 270. Worcester Business Journal WBJ Custom Publishing Division Building on the past; creating the future An advertising supplement to the Worcester Business Journal Harding Green N E W I N V E S T M E N T I N W O R C E S T E R ' S C A N A L D I S T R I C T

• Cover