Danielle McFadden, President & CEO, Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce
In an interview with Invest:, Danielle McFadden, president and CEO of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce, discussed the myriad efforts underway to encourage continued growth in Lowell and described how the city’s rich, generational culture translates into economic prosperity for local businesses.
What are a few highlights from the chamber’s work in the community over the past year?
We are excited about a program called LINC, which is an initiative spearheaded by UMass Lowell and the city of Lowell, with the chamber offering any type of support needed along the way. I sit on the board for the Massachusetts Chamber of Executives and the New England Chamber of Executives, and my colleagues hear stories about how many great partnerships and resources we have in Lowell. There are so many different organizations that provide support for our businesses, versus other chambers that have to perform support for entrepreneurs and startups. Lowell already has plenty of entities in place, and we prioritize offering support and partnering with different organizations around the city.
What services does the chamber provide to meet different businesses’ needs?
We hold a firm belief that no business is “one size fits all,” so we work with businesses on their individual needs. For a big company, it might mean providing the help getting a Certificate of Origin, which is needed for any business that wants to export out of the country. We have members that want to be connected to resources and don’t know where to start, and other members that want to come onto our podcast and take advantage of marketing opportunities. We work with businesses on exactly what they need. We like to be a resource, especially for businesses or nonprofits that are newer to the community and/or looking to grow.
Where do you see opportunities to bolster Lowell’s workforce and to complement companies to ensure everyone’s success?
I’m the acting chair of the MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board, and we review the labor market analysis as well as work with employers to determine their needs and how we as a community can help fulfill those needs. One huge opportunity is a new initiative making community college free for those who want to attend. We’re lucky we have a community college here which feeds directly into UMass Lowell and MassHire Lowell. They work closely together, so I believe our bachelor degree graduation rates will increase, and I hope that our employers’ needs will be continually filled. Since covid, hiring and retaining employees has been a challenge. In the trades, employees are aging out, and there’s no one to fill those positions. I see firsthand how our public schools, vocational schools and community college work together to accomplish the training needed by our local companies.
What other specific issues are being tackled by the chamber?
In addition to strengthening our workforce, we consistently hear from businesses about the challenges involved with providing affordable healthcare to employees, so we are positioning ourselves in the best place possible to offer any support we can.
Have you felt that the chamber has had to evolve its services or technology over time to foster growth?
I was a member of the chamber before beginning my work with the board, and I came in with an enthusiastic, fresh perspective. My goal was to educate the chamber about the power of social media and how to utilize all available online resources. I helped Middlesex College start a social media certificate program and worked with other local entities to train people on how to use social media. I saw that local businesses were being scared into paying others to create and run social media pages, and I offered them the tools to do it themselves. We’ve since provided this education to hundreds if not thousands of people over the past decade and a half. Part of this growth is evolving with technology, and most recently that involves learning about and leveraging AI. For the chamber to continue growing, it’s imperative that we embrace technology and educate people how to use it.
Have you observed any businesses using technology in an innovative, effective way?
I used to have to convince businesses about the benefits of social media, whereas now, the focus is on educating businesses how to use those tools effectively. We have a local restaurant called Cobblestones that does a great job by posting frequently while storytelling and promoting in compelling ways.
What about Lowell makes collaboration so organic and authentic?
While many of Lowell’s residents were born, raised and are now working in Lowell, we also have transplants. We’re all proud to live here. Lowell’s residents want to all get in the same boat and row in the same direction. I don’t realize how lucky we are until I sit in other meetings and hear other communities talk about how strenuous their collaborations or relationships are.
How is Massachusetts as a state setting itself up to be competitive when vying for new investments?
Massachusetts has an extraordinary educational system that includes some of the greatest colleges and universities in the nation. Our goal is to fund more projects like LINC, so the chamber can collaborate with employers regarding requisite courses, and those businesses can hire students right out of school. This will continue to position Massachusetts in a great way, and our healthcare system is excellent as well.
What kinds of events are offered to encourage community involvement?
Our city’s major events have been growing over the last few years. Through the Mill City Events Fund, we fundraise to help support our 4th of July event, Thanksgiving parade and Lowell Winterfest, and those have become huge drivers for the local business community. Our collaboration between offices is heightened by the visions and enthusiasm of our city manager. The people here want to help in any way they can because of the excellent leadership.
