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.
Chouinard honored at North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting for exceptional service as program chairperson
North Central, Mass.— Eric Chouinard, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones in Gardner, was recognized for his exceptional leadership as outgoing chairperson of the Chamber’s Connect North Central networking program during the Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts 42nd Annual Meeting on June 11, 2026.
Connect North Central is the Chamber’s monthly networking program that meets the last Friday of each month, providing opportunities for business professionals to build relationships, share ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that benefit the regional business community.
“Eric brought incredible energy and warmth to Connect North Central this past year,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “He led with heart, making sure every business owner who walked into the room felt welcomed, connected, and inspired. His genuine commitment to helping others succeed embodies exactly what our Chamber is all about.”
Chouinard joined Edward Jones in 2024 and serves clients throughout Gardner and the surrounding North Central Massachusetts communities, helping them with retirement planning, income strategies, wealth strategies, and preparation for life’s unexpected moments. He brings a service-first approach to his work, drawing on his prior experience in customer relations, real estate, and as a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park ranger.
Chouinard’s involvement with the Chamber extends well beyond his leadership of Connect North Central. He joined the Chamber in November 2024, shortly after launching his Edward Jones practice, and quickly became an active member of the North Central Massachusetts business community. Chouinard was also selected for the Chamber’s prestigious Community Leadership Institute, a nine-month program that develops emerging leaders through education on community issues, personal leadership development, and collaborative community projects. He was honored alongside his fellow classmates as a member of the Institute’s Class of 2026 during the same Annual Meeting. Chouinard also serves on the steering committee for Future Leaders of North Central Massachusetts (FLNC), a Chamber program that brings together young and emerging professionals from across the region to connect, grow, and engage with the local business community.
Under Chouinard’s leadership, the Connect North Central program continued to thrive as a vital networking opportunity for Chamber members. Month after month, he created an environment where business owners felt welcomed, connected, and inspired, facilitating introductions, sparking conversations, and making sure every person in the room felt valued.
“Being involved with the Chamber and leading Connect North Central has been incredibly rewarding,” said Chouinard. “There’s something special about bringing business leaders together and watching new relationships and collaborations form. Our region has so many talented entrepreneurs and business owners, and programs like Connect North Central help us support each other’s success.”
Chouinard’s impact on the program reflects his broader commitment to the North Central Massachusetts business community. His approach to leadership, focused on connection, collaboration, and genuine support for fellow businesses, has made Connect North Central a valuable resource for networking and professional development in the region.
The Connect North Central program continues to welcome new participants interested in expanding their professional networks and contributing to the regional business community. Business professionals interested in attending Connect North Central meetings or learning more about Chamber networking opportunities are encouraged to contact the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or visit northcentralmass.com.
Mark your calendars: August 8 and 9, 2026 are this year’s Massachusetts Sales Tax Holiday weekend. During these two days, the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax will be suspended on most retail purchases of $2,500 or less – both in-store and online – made within the Commonwealth.
The following is for informational purposes only. For specific tax guidance, please consult a licensed tax professional or contact the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
What Is Eligible?
The sales tax holiday exemption applies to most retail items purchased for personal use by individuals, with a per-item price of $2,500 or less. This includes both in-store purchases and online orders placed and paid for during Eastern Daylight Time on August 8 or 9 – even if delivery occurs after the holiday weekend.
Items that do NOT qualify for the exemption include:
Meals
Motor vehicles
Motorboats
Telecommunications services
Gas, steam, and electricity
Tobacco products
Marijuana or marijuana products
Alcoholic beverages
Any single item priced above $2,500
Additional rules to be aware of:
Multiple items: If each individual item is priced at $2,500 or less, a customer may purchase as many items as they wish tax-free – even if the combined total exceeds $2,500. The $2,500 threshold applies per item, not per transaction.
Items over $2,500: If a single item exceeds $2,500, the entire purchase price – not just the amount above the threshold – is subject to sales tax.
Clothing: Clothing items priced at $2,500 or less are fully exempt during the holiday. Items priced above $2,500 are taxed on the full amount above $175.
Rentals: Qualifying items rented for up to 30 days are eligible, provided the rental is paid in full during the holiday weekend. Motor vehicles and motorboats do not qualify.
Layaway: Layaway sales do not qualify for the exemption.
Pre-holiday purchases: Customers cannot cancel and re-book prior purchases to take advantage of the holiday. Items deposited on, prepaid for, or otherwise committed to prior to August 8 are not eligible.
Business purchases: The exemption applies only to items purchased for personal use. Purchases made by corporations, other businesses, or individuals for business use remain taxable.
What Businesses Need to Know
All retail businesses in Massachusetts that sell taxable goods and are open on August 8 and/or 9 are required to participate in the Sales Tax Holiday. This is not optional.
Steps to take before the weekend:
Update your point-of-sale system: Confirm that your POS or e-commerce platform can be configured to correctly apply the exemption on August 8 and 9. Test it before the weekend to avoid errors at checkout.
Train your staff: Make sure employees who handle transactions understand the rules – particularly the per-item $2,500 threshold and which categories remain taxable.
Review the DOR FAQs: The Massachusetts Department of Revenue has published detailed guidance on the holiday. This is particularly useful for edge cases involving clothing, rentals, and online orders.
Plan your promotions early: Many retailers use this weekend as an opportunity to drive additional traffic with sales events. Get marketing materials and social media posts prepared well ahead of August 8.
Watch for errors: If your business accidentally collects sales tax on an eligible item, that tax must still be remitted to the DOR. If a customer requests a refund of tax collected in error, you are required to refund them – and may then file an amended return to recover those amounts.
Reporting exempt sales: On your August Sales and Use Tax Return, report the sales amount of items not charged tax during the holiday on Line 2, “Exempt Sales.”
After the Holiday Weekend
Returns and exchanges: No sales tax is due on exchanges made after the holiday on items originally purchased during the holiday weekend. Customers will not be subject to tax retroactively.
Customer refunds for tax charged in error: If a customer was incorrectly charged sales tax on an eligible purchase, your business is responsible for issuing that refund upon request with proof of purchase.
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 Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts. The announcement was made during the Chamber’s 42nd 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.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation set an ambitious goal in its current three-year strategic plan: grow annual scholarship awards to $60,000. In year one, the Foundation did not just meet that goal. It exceeded it.
This spring, the Foundation awarded $64,000 in scholarships to 32 outstanding students, the largest single-year award in the Foundation’s history, reflecting the region’s deep and growing commitment to education.
The achievement was celebrated at the Chamber’s annual Scholar’s Breakfast on May 8th at Great Wolf Lodge, where award-winning speaker Maria Milagros delivered an inspiring keynote to families, educators, and business leaders gathered to honor this year’s recipients.
Among the scholars were 27 college-bound seniors recognized for academic excellence, community involvement, and work ethic, alongside five non-traditional students pursuing continued education and career advancement.
None of this is possible without the generosity of our members. Whether through sponsoring a scholarship, endowing one in a family or company name, or simply making a voluntary contribution with your annual dues, every member who gave made these 32 stories possible. We are grateful for your investment in our region’s future.
Special thanks to our Scholar’s Breakfast sponsors: Rollstone Bank and Trust (premier sponsor), Great Wolf Lodge, Steel-Fab Inc., Fitchburg State University, All One Credit Union, and FATV.
North Central Mass.—Applications for the Instituto de Liderazgo Comunitario (CLI) Class of 2027 are now being accepted through Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Organized by the Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts, CLI is the premier community leadership program in North Central Massachusetts. Since 1988, the program has helped to shape over 350 community leaders with immersive educational experiences and engagements.
Starting during the Fall of each year, participants gather monthly for day-long, community educational sessions focused on topics including Personal Leadership; Non-Profit Governance/Volunteerism; Education; Media and Crisis Communications; Healthcare; Law and Justice; Legislation/Public Policy; Arts and Culture; and Economic Development. In addition, the class will break into smaller groups during the year to identify, manage and execute community service projects. The experience culminates with a commencement ceremony at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Business Expo where the class and their service projects are recognized.
Participants are typically nominated and sponsored by their employer. Those who are self-employed may also self-nominate to participate. Successful candidates must demonstrate motivation and potential to lead within their business or community; be considered high performers in their organization and on a leadership track; seek to understand issues facing North Central Massachusetts; be committed to the success of his or her sector and community; be curious and interested in developing new relationships; want to enhance their network of professionals; and be open to challenging their own point of view.
Tuition is $2,050 and includes all program materials and lunches. CLI participants will also receive season tickets to the Chamber’s Good Morning North Central executive breakfast series and other Chamber events for additional educational opportunities. A limited number of half-tuition scholarships are available. Applicants seeking scholarships for the CLI program must provide a letter of request to be considered for one of the scholarships. Those who commit to CLI must fully participate in all sessions, and nominating employers must commit to support their candidate’s participation.
To learn more and apply, visit Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts/CLI. Applications for CLI will be reviewed by the CLI Steering Committee and applicants notified no later than September 25, 2026.
For questions or more information, contact Jessica Yakusik at 978.353.7600 ext. 222 or via email at .
North Central Mass— Allie Catlin, co-owner of Smith’s Country Cheese, a family-owned working dairy farm, creamery, and retail destination in Winchendon, Massachusetts, has been elected Chair of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce board of directors for 2026-2027. The announcement was made at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting on June 11, 2026. As Chair of the Chamber’s board of directors, she will work with fellow board members, Chamber staff, and the membership to champion the Chamber in its mission to serve the region’s business community.
Catlin brings deep roots in the region’s agricultural economy to her new role. Founded in 1985, Smith’s Country Cheese has grown into one of the region’s most beloved agricultural enterprises. In 2016, Catlin and her family purchased the farm from its founder and built on its legacy, growing the operation into a thriving business that draws visitors from across the region to its farm store and working dairy farm, where guests can shop for handcrafted cheeses, milk, and butter and watch the cheesemaking process firsthand.
Under her co-ownership, Smith’s Country Cheese employs 14 people and produces approximately 180,000 pounds of raw milk Gouda, Havarti, and cheddar cheese annually, distributed nationally through the farm store, local farmers markets, and online. In 2024, Catlin was named to the Worcester Business Journal’s Power 100 list of the most influential professionals in Central Massachusetts.
Catlin holds degrees from Franklin Pierce University and Suffolk University and has served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors for several years, holding leadership positions on the board, including Vice Chair.
She succeeds Tony Fields, president and owner of Cleartech Group, who now moves to the position of Immediate Past Chair of the board of directors.
“The Chamber has been such an important partner to our farm and to so many small businesses across this region,” said Catlin. “I’m honored to take on this role and to continue the work of connecting our business community, supporting our members, and championing the people and places that make North Central Massachusetts such a special place to live and work.”
“As a farmer and small business owner, Allie brings a perspective to the board that’s vital to understanding the full picture of our regional economy,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Her leadership will help ensure the Chamber continues to serve businesses of every size and sector, and I look forward to working with her in the year ahead as we continue advancing the economic vitality of North Central Massachusetts.”
In the same election, Melissa Glenny, founder and CEO, Franklin Professional Associates, located in Leominster, was elected Vice Chair. Chris Hendry, president and CEO, IC Credit Union, located in Fitchburg, was elected to the position of Treasurer. Rounding out the Executive Committee, Mark Hettinger, president and CEO of GFA Federal Credit Union, and Patrick McCarty, president of the McCarty Companies, were elected to fill the two non-officer seats on the committee as outlined in the Chamber’s bylaws.
Board members elected for new terms were
Tony Fields, president and owner, Cleartech Group, Leominster
Dr. Donna Hodge, president, Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg
Johnny Ahern, managing partner, Aroma Joe’s, Leominster
David Moura, president, Moura’s Cleaning Service, Fitchburg
Nicole Moorshead, general manager, Chocksett Inn, Sterling and the Colonial Hotel, Gardner
Rozanna Penney, president & CEO, Heywood Healthcare, Gardner
Kenneth Hodges, plant director, Georgia-Pacific/Dixie, Leominster, appointed to fill a one-year board vacancy
Continuing current terms on the board of directors are
Patrick McCarty, president & CEO, McCarty Companies, Leominster
Mark Hettinger, president and CEO, GFA Federal Credit Union, Gardner
Barbara Mahoney, president & CEO, All-One Credit Union, Leominster
Joshua Page, president, JP Electric and Son, Fitchburg
Alex Matthews, general manager, Great Wolf Lodge New England, Fitchburg
Kayla Nault, broker/owner, Central Mass Real Estate, North Central Massachusetts
The Chamber congratulates its newly elected and appointed board members and thanks all those who continue their service to the region’s business community. For more information, visit northcentralmass.com.
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 Healey-Driscoll Administration launched a new AI-powered tool to make it easier for communities to apply for grants. The tool, called GrantWell, was developed by the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office in partnership with Northeastern University’s Burnes Center for Social Change. GrantWell is designed to simplify the process of seeking grant opportunities, understanding their requirements, and writing applications. Access to the tool is free to all Massachusetts communities and available on the Commonwealth’s website here.
“We’ve heard from communities loud and clear that onerous paperwork is a barrier to getting good projects done,” said Gobernadora Maura Healey. “It’s why we’ve launched programs to streamline the process for applying to state grants and established new technical assistance programs through our Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office. Now with GrantWell, we’re making it even easier for communities to take advantage of those opportunities and apply for the funds they need to deliver for their constituents.”
“As a former Mayor, I know that navigating the complexities of federal and state grants pose a significant hurdle to municipal officials getting good projects over the line,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “GrantWell will allow more municipalities to take advantage of funding opportunities, saving them time and capacity—crucial resources in local government.”
“The Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office built GrantWell to respond directly to what we heard from communities all across the state: that they lack the resources and capacity to fully take advantage of funding opportunities available to them. GrantWell will free up time and capacity for local officials to obtain the resources they need,”said Quentin Palfrey, Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure. “Thank you to Northeastern University’s Burnes Center for Social Change for working with us to develop this tool, which showcases Massachusetts’ continued leadership in innovation.”
GrantWell allows communities to more easily find federal and state funding opportunities and develop proposals. The tool will scan a grant opportunity and automatically summarize the grant requirements, eligibility criteria, and key deadlines in layman’s terms. Users can ask GrantWell to begin a draft of a project narrative, saving communities time and capacity in the grant application process. The tool also features a chatbot that communities can use to ask questions about grant requirements and eligibility. Importantly, GrantWell cannot replace the grant-writing process; rather, the tool is designed to support grant-writers and municipal staff to more quickly find grant opportunities and lay the groundwork for an application.
“GrantWell shows how AI can be used to make government work better, by helping public servants quickly find relevant funding, understand complex requirements, and take action. Developed through our AI for Impact initiative, it reflects a practical approach to building tools that strengthen public sector capacity and expand access to resources for communities.” — Beth Simone Noveck, Director of the Burnes Center for Social Change
GrantWell complements existing efforts at the state level to streamline the process for applying to state grants, including MassDOT’s Grant Central portal, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs ECO One Stop, and the Community One Stop program.
The Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office in partnership with the Burnes Center will continue to update the tool based on user feedback. GrantWell users can and are encouraged to provide feedback on how to improve the user experience by submitting comments on the GrantWell homepage.
Chamber President Roy Nascimento testifying before the Fitchburg City Council recently on issues impacting local businesses.
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
Chamber leadership pictured with members of the Senate delegation and Anne Gobi, now Director of Rural Affairs, following a meeting at the Massachusetts State House.
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
Members of the North Central Massachusetts legislative delegation pictured with Chamber leadership following a legislative briefing at the Chamber’s offices.
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.
