Hebert has been instrumental in continuing the Blackstone Valley’s legacy as a historic center of American innovation. In a partnership with local legislators, the chamber developed a small business grant program, which has distributed more than $1.5 million to Central Massachusetts small businesses.
The chamber runs a first-of-its-kind school dedicated to workforce development called the BV Hub, providing certified job training, career counseling, school-to-career partnerships, and apprenticeship opportunities to make sure Blackstone Valley residents have access to quality career education and pathways to employment. The hub serves 21 school districts in Central Massachusetts, as well as adult learners, Grafton Job Corps students, and immigrants. In the past year and change, the hub opened new electronic and robotics labs, and partner True Robotics is now located in-house.
Creating the hub, Hebert said, has been her greatest achievement as a leader to date. She originally joined the chamber 17 years ago from the organization now known as Discover Central Massachusetts, where she served as senior marketing and tourism director.Â
Laura Finaldi is a former WBJ reporter and current freelance writer.
