Sign provides recognition of civic pride for residents and visitors alike

FITCHBURG, Mass.—Sept. 2, 2026—The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce today announced it sponsored the construction of a new welcome sign in the Town of Lancaster located at the Bartlett Conservation Area at the intersection of Route 117 and Route 190.

The new sign is part of a project to construct welcome signs at key gateways in the region to boost civic pride and serve as a positive first impression for visitors.

The signs were designed and produced by Add-A-Sign in Leominster and represent the region’s traditional New England style. The Lancaster welcome sign includes the Town of Lancaster’s seal and is painted in the town’s color of maroon.

“One North Central, our regional economic development plan, is about strengthening the sense of place that makes people want to live, work, and visit here,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This sign is a small but meaningful way to celebrate Lancaster’s identity and give visitors a warm welcome as they arrive.”

“This new welcome sign is more than a marker at the entrance to our community,” said Town Administrator John Woodsmall. “It reflects the pride we have in our town and the warm welcome we want to extend to residents, businesses, and visitors alike. We’re pleased to see this project completed and grateful to the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce for helping to bring it to life.”

In addition to Lancaster, similar welcome signs have been installed at key gateways in Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Hubbardston, Leominster, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Sterling and Westminster. Each sign is carved with the community’s seal and painted to match their official colors. Additional signs will be constructed for other communities in North Central Massachusetts as funding becomes available.

New Latino Business Council Responds to Surging Entrepreneurship and Persistent Gaps in Access to Capital and Networks.

(North Central Massachusetts) – The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce officially launched LIDER, the Chamber’s new Latino Business Council, at a kick-off event held Tuesday, July 8, 2026 at the Chamber offices in Fitchburg. LIDER – which stands for Latino Initiative for Development of Entrepreneurship and Resources – is designed to connect Latino entrepreneurs and business leaders across the region to the networks, capital, education, and opportunities they need to grow their businesses and strengthen the regional economy.

LIDER is a program of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, operating alongside established councils including the Manufacturing Council, HR Council, Women’s Leadership Connection, and Future Leaders Group. Members who join through LIDER gain access to the full breadth of the Chamber’s network of 650+ businesses, 27 communities, and more than five decades of regional relationships, along with a community within it that reflects the Latino business experience.

The name was chosen deliberately. In Spanish, “líder” means leader and is pronounced exactly like the English word. The initiative is designed to do precisely that: develop leaders, business leaders, community leaders, and the next generation of voices shaping the economic future of North Central Massachusetts.

The initiative comes at a moment of significant momentum for Latino entrepreneurship. Latinos represent more than 30 percent of the population in Fitchburg and approximately 18 percent in Leominster, well above the statewide average of 12.6 percent. Latino entrepreneurs are also starting businesses at three times the rate of the general population. Nationally, Latino-owned businesses grew 44 percent between 2018 and 2023, even as the number of white-owned businesses slightly declined. Despite that growth, Latino-owned businesses continue to face significant and persistent gaps in access to capital and networks, barriers that LIDER is designed to help address.

The stakes extend beyond the Latino business community. Latino entrepreneurs in this region are potential customers, suppliers, vendors, and workforce partners for every Chamber member. Closing the gaps in access to capital and networks is not just an equity issue. It is an economic growth issue for the entire region.

“The Latino business community is not new to us, and we are not new to them,” said Roy M. Nascimento, CCE, IOM, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “LIDER is about formalizing and deepening that relationship, creating a dedicated home within the Chamber where Latino entrepreneurs can connect, grow, and lead. The talent and drive are already here. LIDER gives it a place to go.”

Maribel Cruz, Chair of the LIDER steering committee and Director of Housing and Development for the City of Fitchburg, helped guide the formation of the council. Cruz has spent her career at the intersection of economic development, community revitalization, and small business support, including years working directly with the Chamber’s North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation.

“LIDER represents an important step toward greater Latino representation within our business community. The Chamber’s support, leadership, and network create opportunities for the Latino community to become more connected and engaged in all that the Chamber offers while helping Latino entrepreneurs and businesses grow and thrive,” said Maribel Cruz, Chair of the LIDER steering committee.

LIDER’s programming will focus on the practical needs of Latino business owners at every stage of growth, including networking events, workshops on financial literacy and access to capital, and professional development on topics such as government procurement and business growth strategies. The initiative is also designed to serve as a welcoming front door to the Chamber for Latino entrepreneurs who may not yet be members.

The July 8 kick-off drew Latino business owners and professionals, Chamber members, community and civic leaders, and elected officials to the Chamber offices in Fitchburg for the official launch announcement and a networking reception. Latino business owners, businesses looking to connect with the Latino business community, and others interested in LIDER are encouraged to visit northcentralmass.com, where a dedicated LIDER webpage with programming details, membership information, and upcoming events will be available as the council continues to build out its programming.

Rivera recognized by fellow ambassadors for outstanding service, dedication, and community impact across the North Central region

North Central, Mass. – Rosa Rivera, Licensed Social Worker and community advocate, has been named the 2026 Ambassador of the Year by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. The announcement was made during the Chamber’s 42^nd Annual Meeting on June 11, 2026.

Chamber Ambassadors are valued volunteers who serve as the face of the organization in the community. They assist the Chamber with communications to new and existing members, participate in ribbon cuttings, and help connect members at various Chamber events. Rivera was voted Ambassador of the Year by her fellow Chamber Ambassadors at their May meeting.

“Rosa embodies everything we could hope for in a Chamber Ambassador,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Her generosity, authenticity, and deep commitment to the people and businesses of our region have strengthened our organization in ways that go far beyond any title or role. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it comes directly from her fellow Ambassadors, the people who work alongside her and know firsthand how much she brings to this organization and our community.”

Rivera’s story is one of remarkable resilience and purpose. After more than 20 years in the banking industry, she made the courageous decision to follow her passion and transition into a career dedicated to helping others, earning her license as a social worker and devoting herself to advocacy, mentorship, and community empowerment. Today, she works as a full-time Permanency Social Worker with The Home for Little Wanderers and a part-time Therapeutic Mentor with The Child and Family Wellness Center. As an 8-year breast cancer survivor, her commitment to giving back is deeply personal, reflected in her passionate involvement with Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.

Rivera has been a dedicated Chamber Ambassador for many years, remaining committed to the organization through various stages of her career and life. Whether representing the Chamber through her years in the banking industry or volunteering her personal time as she does today, her dedication to the Chamber and the North Central Massachusetts business community has never wavered. Beyond her Ambassador duties, she has helped recruit new Chamber members, and her bilingual skills in English and Spanish have been an invaluable resource, she has generously stepped in to help Chamber staff communicate with Spanish-speaking members and businesses.

Rivera’s contributions extend well beyond her Ambassador role. She serves on the Chamber’s Women’s Leadership Connection Committee and on the Steering Committee of LIDER, the Chamber’s Latino Business Council. She is also a proud graduate of the Chamber’s Community Leadership Institute. Her broader community involvement includes serving on the United Way Day of Caring Steering Committee, the Greater Gardner Relay for Life Event Leadership Team, as Co-Captain of Rosa’s Warriors Relay Team, Latinos of UMass Network Steering Committee and on the Board of Directors of the Spanish American Center.

“Being part of the Chamber’s Ambassador program has given me the opportunity to connect with incredible business leaders and community members across our region,” said Rivera. “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from my fellow Ambassadors. Serving this community is not just something I do, it is who I am. I look forward to continuing to support the Chamber’s mission and the businesses and people who make North Central Massachusetts such a special place.”

Business leaders interested in learning more about the Chamber’s Ambassador program or becoming involved as volunteers are encouraged to contact the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 978.353.7600 ext. 239. The Ambassador program provides meaningful opportunities to connect with fellow business professionals while supporting the growth and success of the regional business community.

Building Businesses, Building Communities™

Expansive guide highlights the region’s innovative manufacturing firms and vast industrial space

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) today announced the publication of the 2026 Manufacturers Directory and Industrial Parks Guide for North Central Massachusetts.

The publication, which is part of the Chamber’s continuing efforts to promote the region as a growing and sustainable location for manufacturing business in New England, provides a robust list of all local manufacturers, including current operating status and primary product lines. Additionally, a list of suppliers is provided as well as a guide identifying areas where businesses can expand or relocate in the region.

“North Central Massachusetts is known for being the center of traditional, legacy manufacturing,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the NCMDC. “As manufacturing is critical to the long-term vitality of the region’s economy, this guide will serve as an informative resource for our current manufacturers while also allowing prospective companies to explore opportunities to grow and expand in the region.”

Chamber members can obtain a complimentary copy of the 2026 Manufacturers Directory and Industrial Parks Guide for North Central Massachusetts while non-Chamber members can purchase a copy for $50. To obtain a copy, call 978.353.7600 ext. 222 or stop by the Chamber office located at 860 South Street, Fitchburg.

The Chamber’s advocacy work continues to deliver results for members at every level of government

As a member of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, you have a powerful coalition advocating on your behalf every single day. From the halls of the State House to city council chambers and town halls across our 27-community region, your Chamber is working to create a better business climate, find new opportunities for economic growth, and address the challenges you face.

Why Advocacy Matters

In today’s complex regulatory environment, businesses face numerous challenges: rising health insurance costs, burdensome regulations, workforce shortages, tax policies and infrastructure needs that all impact competitiveness and daily operations. Individual businesses simply don’t have the time, resources, or access to effectively advocate for themselves at multiple levels of government.

Through your Chamber, you have a voice to ensure policy makers understand how their decisions can positively (or negatively) affect your business. With advocacy that is practical and not partisan, we are committed to supporting your business success and advancing economic growth across North Central Massachusetts.

Organizations aimed to leverage business interests are important allies on statewide and federal policy, but what they cannot offer is boots-on-the-ground knowledge that makes our region unique. Whether testifying at tax hearings in Lancaster, monitoring City Council meetings in Leominster and Fitchburg, or addressing zoning reforms in Sterling, we represent local employers, entrepreneurs and job creators. It’s this grassroots authenticity, combined with our deep knowledge of regional priorities and our relationships, that makes the Chamber’s advocacy uniquely powerful and an essential resource for your business.

“Our members are dealing with real challenges every day, from finding qualified workers to managing rising costs to navigating complex regulations,” says Tony Fields, president, ClearTech Group in Leominster, and chair of the Chamber’s board of directors. “They don’t have time to keep up with what’s happening at City Hall, the State House, and in Washington. That’s exactly what the Chamber does for us, and they deliver results.”

Advocacy Impact

Over the past two years, we’ve secured important victories and advanced key priorities to directly benefit our members and our region. At the local level, we’ve protected businesses from increased tax burdens by successfully advocating for favorable tax policies. At the federal level, we worked with a coalition of business groups to ensure provisions beneficial to manufacturers and small businesses were included in comprehensive tax legislation.

After extensive advocacy and collaboration with Great Wolf Lodge, we also achieved unanimous Fitchburg City Council approval for the region’s first Tourism Destination Marketing District outside Boston. This groundbreaking initiative will generate sustainable funding for tourism promotion, driving visitor spending to benefit participating hotels, as well as restaurants, retail establishments, and other attractions throughout the region. We’re now working to expand this successful model to additional communities. In the same vein, the Chamber continues advocating for state tourism trust fund reforms that would provide critical resources for regional promotion and support our communities.

We have been at the forefront of efforts to secure economic development funding for the region, working closely with our legislative delegation and state economic development officials, including recent meetings with the Lieutenant Governor and other administration officials, to ensure that North Central Massachusetts receives the resources needed to support business growth and community development projects.

On the Ground, Every Day

While policy wins make headlines, much of our most valuable advocacy work happens behind the scenes. Our staff routinely attends city council meetings in Fitchburg and Leominster to monitor issues affecting our members and provide real-time input on business concerns. But we don’t limit our focus to the region’s two largest communities, we maintain active relationships with municipal leaders across all 27 communities we serve, from Athol to Groton.

In the past year alone, we’ve testified before city and towns during discussions on taxes, zoning reforms, tourism and economic development matters, and provided expert testimony on numerous other local policy issues.

On Beacon Hill, we have testified on rising health insurance rates for businesses, a critical concern for employers trying to provide competitive benefits while managing costs. We’ve also testified in support of legislation that would bring passenger rail improvements and economic development opportunities to North Central Massachusetts and advocated for realistic timelines on electric vehicle mandates that balance environmental goals with practical business concerns.

“People don’t always see the day-to-day work that goes into effective advocacy,” notes Michelle Haggstrom, of Keller Williams North Central, chair of the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee, “but when the Chamber testifies on health insurance costs or works to secure funding for regional economic development, it directly impacts our ability to run successful businesses and strengthen our communities.”

We maintain regular communication with our state legislators, briefing them on regional priorities and connecting them with members. Through state and national chamber networks, including the U.S. Chamber’s Committee of 100, we ensure North Central Massachusetts has a seat at the table where critical decisions are made.

Individual Member Support

Beyond big-picture policy advocacy, we provide expert, hands-on support to individual members facing specific regulatory or policy challenges. When members need help navigating permitting processes, resolving compliance issues, accessing tax incentive programs, or connecting with the right officials, we take action.

“When concern grew among plastics manufacturers about proposed legislation to ban single-use plastics, one call to the Chamber was all it took,” says Lisa Rocheleau, treasurer, Rocheleau Tool & Die Company. “They immediately organized meetings with legislators to help them understand how these proposals would impact our local industry and the broader regional economy, and to explore more balanced approaches to sustainability. Rather than waiting for legislation to happen to us, the Chamber’s proactive advocacy helped us get ahead of it and have a constructive dialogue.”

“The value of the Chamber’s advocacy really hit home for me during the ballot question on tipped wages at the end of 2024,” shares John Amaral, owner, The Groton Inn and Forge and Vine Restaurant. “The Chamber immediately took the time to understand how the question would impact our business and our employees, connected us with the right people locally, and really leaned into educating local stakeholders on the potential impact. That kind of advocacy makes a real difference for our business.”

The Value Proposition

Your Chamber membership strengthens the collective voice of more than 650 individual members, helping to effectively engage with policymakers. For most businesses, maintaining relationships with officials, monitoring legislation, and testifying at hearings would be impossible individually. Together, we make it work.

Your Role

Effective advocacy requires your engagement, input and expertise about your industry and business needs. Throughout the year, we host forums, breakfast meetings, and legislative events to bring policymakers directly to you.

We encourage you to maximize the value of the Chamber’s advocacy efforts by staying informed through our updates and meetings, sharing your story when we ask for examples of how policies impact real businesses, participating in our events to build relationships with policymakers,

responding when we issue calls to action on critical legislation, and letting us know when you’re facing a regulatory or policy issue.

The Bottom Line

Every day, your Chamber is working to create a better business climate in North Central Massachusetts. From testifying on health insurance costs at the State House to monitoring local zoning discussions, from securing funding for regional initiatives to helping members navigate bureaucratic challenges, we’re your voice wherever it matters most.

“This is what sets great chambers apart,” says Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “It’s not just about ribbon cuttings and networking events, although those matter too. It’s about showing up wherever decisions are being made that affect our members’ ability to succeed. That’s the commitment we make to each member every single day.”

This is advocacy in action. This is what your membership supports. This is what makes the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce an essential partner in your business success.

Have a policy issue affecting your business? A question about upcoming legislation? Want to connect with a specific elected official?

Contact Travis Condon, director of public affairs, at or call (978) 353-7600.

Your voice matters, and we’re here to amplify it.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce represents nearly 700 member businesses across 27 communities, serving as the region’s leading business advocacy organization at the local, state, and federal levels.