Chamber Thanks Departing Team Members

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As the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce welcomes new team members in 2026, we want to take a moment to express our sincere appreciation to two valued colleagues who recently departed.

Bea Lee served as our Loan Portfolio Manager, managing our microlending and revolving loan fund operations. Throughout her six year tenure, Bea worked tirelessly to support small businesses and entrepreneurs across North Central Massachusetts, helping to deploy critical capital and resources to our regional business community. Her dedication to our economic development mission made a meaningful impact. Lee left to accept a position with Bay State Savings Bank.

Maureen Babcock served as Executive Assistant for over two years, providing essential support to Chamber operations, governance, and member services. Maureen’s professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to our mission were instrumental in keeping our organization running smoothly and serving our 650+ member businesses effectively. Babcock left to pursue other opportunities.

“We are deeply grateful for Bea’s and Maureen’s contributions and appreciate their service to the Chamber,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We wish them both the best in their future endeavors.”

Chamber Welcomes Four New Team Members

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of four new team members, reflecting continued growth and commitment to serving the regional business community.

Jessica Yakusik has joined the Chamber as Executive Assistant. In this role, Yakusik will provide board support and overall administrative tasks for the Chamber and its affiliates while also being the main point of contact for members.

With more than 11 years of operations and administrative experience, she comes to the Chamber from CapEx FSC, LLC, in Leominster, where she worked as Facilities and Support Operations Manager and oversaw daily office and warehouse operations. Prior to that, she spent nearly 12 years at Regional Home Care. A resident of Leominster, she is currently pursuing an associate’s degree in business administration at Mount Wachusett Community College. She can be reached at  or 978.353.7600 extension 222.

Jon Ashley joins the team as Marketing and Communications Manager. He will oversee the marketing and communications strategy across the Chamber and its affiliate organizations. Ashley will also play a key role in the new Fitchburg Tourism Destination Marketing District, which launched on January 1, 2026.

Ashley brings versatile experience in content creation, brand storytelling, and digital marketing. Most recently, he served as Sales Marketing and Business Development Manager at Celerity DCX (a Paragon UK company), where he led the creative strategy for global enterprise marketing. Prior to that, he was Associate Director of Marketing and Communications at Cushing Academy. A resident of Leominster, he holds a master’s degree in divinity from Boston University, and a bachelor’s degree in youth work from the University of Chester in the United Kingdom. He can be reached at  or 978.353.7600 extension 240.

 

“These four additions strengthen our ability to serve our members and advance the economy of North Central Massachusetts. Each brings unique skills and experience that will enhance our work across economic development, marketing, administration, and community engagement.”

– Roy Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce


Corina “Cory” Wells has joined the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) as Loan Operations Administrator. As the economic development arm of the Chamber, she will be responsible for managing NCMDC’s microlending and revolving loan fund operations, working with borrowers and lending partners, and ensuring compliance with program requirements and funding guidelines. Wells brings significant experience in operations management, lending, and grant-funded program administration. Most recently, she served as Energy Operations and Vendor Coordinator at Community Action of Pioneer Valley, where she oversaw more than $12 million in grant-funded weatherization and energy assistance programs. She has also held various lending roles at Middlesex Savings Bank.

A resident of Orange, Wells earned a master’s degree in business administration with a focus on community economic development, as well as a bachelor’s degree in international business, from Southern New Hampshire University. She is also a licensed real estate agent in Massachusetts and a Certified Volunteer Tax Preparer. Wells can be reached at  or 978.353.7600 extension 228.

Oriana Cabas Jimenez joined the Chamber as an intern for the Spring 2026 semester. Jimenez is a communications media major with a minor in graphic design at Fitchburg State University. As the Chamber has a longstanding partnership with FSU’s communications department, this internship will provide Jimenez with valuable professional experience. She will be working directly with the Chamber’s programs and events manager, and marketing manager, on various projects throughout the semester. Oriana can be reached at .

Chamber Updates – Your Chamber in Action!

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As your dynamic partner in North Central Massachusetts, we continue to drive initiatives that strengthen our business community and foster regional growth. Our impact spans from direct business support to innovative community development, and we are pleased to share these updates with you that are not covered elsewhere in the newsletter.

THE STRATEGY TABLE: Collaboration breeds innovation, and we’re creating new opportunities for members to tackle business challenges together. In partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Clark University, the NCMDC launched “The Strategy Table”, a new monthly program where members and loan clients can address pressing business challenges, exchange ideas, and collaborate on growth strategies. This initiative is designed to foster problem-solving through collective expertise and provide a supportive peer network to help businesses overcome obstacles and accelerate growth. Following a successful introduction in September, the first full session began in November. This program exemplifies our commitment to creating spaces where regional businesses can learn from each other’s experiences and build the collaborative relationships that drive sustainable growth. The Strategy Table offers a powerful complement to our one-on-one business assistance, creating a community of practice where shared wisdom strengthens every participant’s business acumen.

SMALL BUSINESS LENDING: Strong capital plus strong partnerships equals stronger communities – that’s the formula driving the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), our Chamber’s economic development arm, as it expands access to crucial small business funding. As of September 30, 2025, the NCMDC loan portfolio stands at 87 loans totaling $3,274,410.59, representing significant investment in local entrepreneurs who often can’t secure traditional financing. For the fiscal year ending September 30th, we closed on a total of 20 loans totaling $722,228. These loans, ranging from $1,000 to $121,500, included twelve SBA loans, six RRF loans, and two EDA loans, creating or saving 73 jobs across our region while revitalizing properties and strengthening our shared economy. Beyond the direct impact, these strategic investments leveraged an additional $380,814 from private sources and banking partners, multiplying every dollar invested. Looking ahead, momentum continues building with a robust pipeline. As of October 23, 2025, we have a total of $1,491,313 in our pipeline, including two loans totaling $215,313 that have been approved but not yet closed; five loans totaling $385,000 in loan requests being reviewed; and twelve loan requests totaling $891,000 that are in the early stages and still awaiting review. NCMDC continues strengthening our regional business ecosystem, creating opportunities for all Chamber members through expanded customer bases and more robust supply chains.

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE: Strong businesses build strong communities, and our economic development team continues proving that targeted support makes all the difference. Through September 30, we’ve delivered 2,093 hours of hands-on technical assistance to local entrepreneurs and small businesses—from ambitious startups to established operations ready to scale. Our comprehensive approach focuses on preparing businesses for financing success through our development corporation, providing both pre-loan guidance to strengthen applications and post-loan support to ensure sustainable growth. We also assist with marketing strategies and connecting businesses with the right resources at the right time. Beyond our direct support, we serve as connectors, linking businesses with specialized expertise through our partnerships with other resource partners. This collaborative network creates a ripple effect that strengthens our entire regional economy and benefits all Chamber members through increased local business activity and job creation.

TOURISM DESTINATION MARKETING DISTRICT: Local control over tourism promotion is becoming a reality for our region. The Chamber has been working with hospitality industry members throughout the region to explore the potential for tourism destination marketing districts (TDMD). This is a business-led initiative that gives our region greater control over tourism promotion, enhances regional efforts, and reduces reliance on state funding, allowing local businesses to directly invest in and shape marketing efforts that drive visitors to their establishments. In October, with the support of our member Great Wolf Lodge, the Chamber presented a petition to the Fitchburg City Council to formally establish a district for Fitchburg. It was approved and will commence in January 2026, marking a significant milestone in our region’s tourism development strategy. We plan to explore expanding this model to other communities throughout the region. This collaborative approach to destination marketing positions North Central Massachusetts to compete more effectively for visitor spending while giving local hospitality businesses direct influence over promotional strategies that impact their bottom lines.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM EXPANSION: Investing in tomorrow’s workforce starts with supporting today’s students. As part of our strategic plan, the Chamber has set an ambitious goal to significantly expand our Chamber Foundation’s scholarship program—both our traditional scholarships and innovative non-traditional scholarships awarded each May. These scholarships make a real difference, helping students pursue higher education and career training while building the skilled workforce our region needs to thrive. As we enter this year’s scholarship season, we’ve launched a comprehensive campaign to engage corporate sponsors who share our commitment to developing local talent. We’re reaching out directly to member companies who are well-positioned to make this meaningful investment, sending personalized letters to prospective sponsors while promoting the opportunity across our social media channels and member communications. To support these outreach efforts, we’ve developed compelling new promotional materials that showcase the program’s impact and make it easy for businesses to participate. Here’s what makes this program special: 100% of every scholarship sponsorship goes directly to students – not a single dollar is used for administrative costs. Every contribution makes a direct, tangible impact on a young person’s educational journey and future career success. Our non-traditional scholarship committee deserves special recognition for their proactive approach, actively cultivating relationships with potential sponsors to support students pursuing alternative educational pathways, including vocational training, certificates, and career programs that lead directly to in-demand jobs in our region. By expanding our scholarship program, we’re doing more than helping individual students achieve their dreams. We’re investing in the future prosperity of North Central Massachusetts, demonstrating our business community’s commitment to workforce development, and ensuring local young people have the resources they need to build successful careers right here at home.

MANUFACTURING DIRECTORY: Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of our regional economy, and we’re developing a comprehensive resource to showcase this vital sector. Throughout the Fall, our staff has been busy researching and compiling detailed information about manufacturers across the region for our upcoming North Central Massachusetts Manufacturing Directory. This will be the most comprehensive and locally-focused compilation of manufacturing information in the region, serving as an essential guide for businesses, economic development professionals, and organizations looking to connect with local manufacturers. After nearly four years since our last edition in 2022, we’re bringing back this valuable resource in full color. The directory offers manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers to the manufacturing industry an excellent opportunity to promote their capabilities and connect with potential customers and partners. This reference guide will be used throughout the year, providing lasting value and targeted exposure to decision-makers in the manufacturing community. The directory underscores our region’s manufacturing strength and helps businesses discover the depth of industrial capabilities available right here in North Central Massachusetts.

JOBS BOARD: In today’s competitive job market, connecting the right talent with the right opportunities has never been more critical – which is why our WorkNorthCentral.com jobs board continues to serve as a vital tool for Chamber members. From January 1 to November 4, 2025, we’ve seen strong engagement with over 1,224 job opportunities posted and more than 25,600 page views, with 75% of those views from new visitors to the site—demonstrating the platform’s reach beyond our existing network. Chamber members can post unlimited job openings at no cost, providing another valuable marketing channel for your employment opportunities while supporting regional workforce retention and growth. Submit your listings today!

CHAMBER GIFT CARDS: Keeping dollars local helps drive economic growth, and our Gift Local program through Yiftee’s Mastercard-based e-gift card platform continues supporting shop local efforts with 45 participating merchants. From January 1 through November 4, 2025, we sold 47 eGift Cards totaling $1,735 in value, with 43 cards redeemed for $1,752.62 at local businesses – demonstrating healthy circulation and use throughout our merchant network. As we enter the busy holiday season, where the majority of cards are traditionally sold as employee and client gifts, this program offers members an excellent opportunity to keep spending local while supporting our regional economy. The program remains popular for holiday gifts and business recognition awards, providing a practical solution for companies looking to celebrate achievements while strengthening the regional business ecosystem. Yiftee has introduced new Tap-to-Pay functionality for mobile wallets, improving the checkout experience for customers and streamlining transactions for merchants. As the holiday season approaches, now is the perfect time for eligible members to join as redemption locations or for all members to consider these cards for holiday and client gifting—keeping spending power right here in our communities where it makes the biggest difference.

ACCOUNTING: Sound financial management underpins everything we do. Our auditors have completed the FY25 audit for the Chamber, Chamber Foundation, and Johnny Appleseed Trail Association without incident, reflecting our continued commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility. The related tax returns for these organizations and Chambers Insurance were also filed on schedule. The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation’s fiscal year-end was September 30, so we have engaged our auditors and begun that audit process. These clean audits demonstrate our stewardship of member investments and ensure we maintain the financial integrity that supports our mission of strengthening the regional business community.

SOLAR INITIATIVE: Sustainability initiatives that deliver tangible economic benefits exemplify our practical approach to supporting regional business needs. Since the program’s inception, our solar initiative has generated over $4 million in Net Metering Credits for participating manufacturers. This innovative program demonstrates how collaborative Chamber initiatives can substantially reduce operating costs for member businesses while supporting environmental sustainability goals. As energy costs continue to rise, this program’s success highlights our commitment to developing creative solutions that strengthen our members’ bottom lines while positioning our region as forward-thinking and environmentally responsible.

RIBBON CUTTINGS: Celebrating member success stories strengthens our entire business community. The Fall has been a particularly busy period with eleven ribbon cuttings and member celebrations since September 1, showcasing the vitality and growth happening across North Central Massachusetts. These included Orchard Hills Athletic Club, the Town of Ashburnham’s new Play and Gathering Park, GreenDrop, Pop by Posh, Edward Jones, Aspire, Growing Places Waterford Street Regional Food Center, Welcome Home Furnishings & Decor, Coakley Family Dental’s 50th Anniversary celebration, Busy Bees Preschool Center’s 50th Anniversary, and Opportunities for Hope’s Neddy Latimer House. Each of these celebrations represents investment in our region, job creation, and enhanced services for residents and businesses alike. These milestone events also provide valuable networking opportunities where members connect, build relationships, and discover new collaboration possibilities. We’re proud to stand alongside our members as they reach these important milestones and look forward to celebrating many more success stories in the year ahead. If your business is planning an expansion, relocation, or significant milestone, contact us to explore how a Chamber ribbon cutting can amplify your announcement and connect you with the broader business community.

We value your input on how the Chamber can better support your organizations! Share your thoughts at .

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North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for Hansen Overhead Garage Door

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A new business located in Fitchburg

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, has approved a $25,000 loan to Hansen Overhead Garage Door, a startup business based in Fitchburg.

NCMDC is proud to support Paul Hansen, owner of Hansen Overhead Garage Door, a new residential and commercial garage door sales, installation, and service company. The funding will be used for equipment purchases and working capital to support the company’s startup operations.

Mr. Hansen brings more than 40 years of experience in the garage door industry. Over his career, he has built strong relationships within the field and earned a reputation for technical expertise and exceptional customer service. Hansen Overhead Garage Door, located in Fitchburg, will serve both residential homeowners and commercial clients throughout the region. To contact Hansen Overhead Garage Door, call 603-370-8302 or email paulhansendoors@gmail.com.

The loan was referred to NCMDC by NewVue Communities, which also assisted Mr. Hansen in developing his business plan.

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Member Spotlight: Athol Credit Union – 95 Years of Community Trust

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For 95 years, Athol Credit Union (ACU) has served as a stable and trusted financial institution for individuals and families in Athol and throughout the North Quabbin region. Established in 1930, ACU has remained firmly committed to the credit union philosophy of people helping people, providing reliable financial services while maintaining a strong focus on community partnership and member well-being.

A Foundation of Trust, Integrity, and Member Service

As a member-owned financial institution, Athol Credit Union operates with a clear mission centered on trust, integrity, and long-term financial stability for its members. ACU offers a comprehensive range of competitive financial products designed to meet the evolving needs of its membership, including secure deposit services and personalized lending solutions.

What distinguishes Athol Credit Union is its commitment to delivering individualized, high-quality service. Each member relationship is approached with care and professionalism, ensuring financial solutions are tailored to meet specific goals and circumstances. In addition, ACU places a strong emphasis on financial education, providing resources and guidance that empower members to make informed financial decisions.

A Longstanding Commitment to the Community

Athol Credit Union is proud to be the last remaining community-based financial institution in Athol. This distinction reflects its deep roots in the region and its unwavering dedication to supporting the economic and social well-being of the North Quabbin area.

Community involvement is integral to ACU’s mission. The credit union actively participates in and supports local initiatives that strengthen community connections and promote inclusion. Recent programs, including Community Canvas and Bingo at the Athol Senior Center, highlight ACU’s continued investment in community engagement and outreach.

With a presence in the community for nearly a century, Athol Credit Union has played a meaningful role in the region’s growth and development, serving generations of members with consistency and care.

Workplace Culture and Professional Development

Athol Credit Union is committed to fostering a professional and supportive workplace environment. Employees are encouraged to develop their skills and pursue growth opportunities within the financial services industry, contributing to both their personal success and the continued strength of the organization.

Athold-Credit-Union

A Notable Piece of Local History

Athol Credit Union is located in the historic Starrett Building, constructed in 1912. This landmark building serves as a reminder of the institution’s longstanding presence and enduring connection to the Athol community.

Looking Ahead

As Athol Credit Union looks to the future, its focus remains on strengthening the community and empowering the next generation of credit union members. Through continued innovation, financial education, and community partnership, ACU aims to support sustainable growth while remaining true to its founding principles.

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Lancaster Maintains Single Tax Rate Following Chamber Advocacy

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At its December 9, 2025 tax classification hearing, the Lancaster Board of Selectmen voted 2-1 to maintain the town’s single tax rate, rejecting a proposal to shift the tax burden onto the community’s small commercial and industrial base through a split tax rate. The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce testified in support of the single rate, leveraging the Assessors’ own analysis and regional perspective to demonstrate why tax shifting doesn’t make sense for Lancaster.

Select Board members Jason A. Allison and David R. Carr voted in favor of maintaining the single rate, while Selectman Ralph A. Gifford III voted in opposition. The decision preserves Lancaster’s competitive tax environment and positions the community to attract the commercial and industrial investment that creates jobs and strengthens the overall tax base.

Why This Matters

Lancaster’s commercial, industrial, and personal property base represents only 12% of total valuation. With such a small base, any attempt to shift taxes using a split rate would place disproportionate burdens on a small amount of businesses for minimal residential benefit. The town’s Assessors’ own modeling showed that saving residential taxpayers just $500 would require shifting 36% of the tax burden onto just 6% of the base that is commercial (largely small businesses) and 3% that is industrial. This concentration of burden would be economically counterproductive.

Several residents testified in favor of the shift to a split tax rate, arguing it would help reduce residential taxes without impacting businesses. The Chamber’s testimony addressed this misconception directly: tax shifting doesn’t generate new revenue. It simply moves who pays the same total levy. And when businesses facing dramatically higher rates choose to locate in neighboring communities with more favorable tax treatment, residential taxpayers end up bearing an even larger share of the burden.

In our regional experience, split tax rates drive businesses out over the long term, creating a downward spiral where the remaining tax base (both commercial and residential) must absorb the loss. Most communities in North Central Massachusetts maintain single tax rates, and those few that adopted split rates have either moved back to single rates or are actively working to eliminate them.

Advocacy in Action

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce was the only chamber of commerce or business organization to testify at the hearing. Chamber President & CEO Roy Nascimento and Director of Public Affairs Travis Condon presented testimony grounded in data, regional experience, and economic reality, not political rhetoric.

This is advocacy in action.  The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce shows up at selectboard meetings, planning board hearings, and legislative sessions to do the work of advocating for our members and communities.

This year alone, Chamber advocacy efforts have included:

  • Advocating for fair tax rates in Lancaster, Clinton and other communities in the region
  • Testifying for pro-business zoning changes in Sterling
  • Testifying at the State House against large health insurance rate increases for businesses, against state electricity mandates that increase costs for businesses and consumers, and in favor of economic development and transportation funding for the region
  • Engaging with 27 municipal governments across the region on economic development policy

Lancaster’s decision to maintain its single tax rate is a win for businesses, residents, and the community’s long-term economic health. We’re grateful the Board carefully considered the data, regional trends, and the potential impacts on the entire community.

What’s Next

The Chamber will continue monitoring tax classification decisions across the region. Tax policy remains one of the most important tools municipal leaders have to either attract or repel business investment, and the Chamber will continue working with communities to advance policies that support economic growth and job creation.

If you’re facing challenges with local regulations, permitting, taxes, or other issues affecting your business, reach out to the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber may be able to help, whether that means connecting you with resources, working directly with municipal officials, or testifying on policies that impact our members. This is exactly the kind of advocacy work the Chamber does every day.

For more information, contact Travis Condon, Director of Public Affairs at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 978.353.7600 ext. 224 or via email at .

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Visit North Central Massachusetts Tourism Update

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A recap of efforts through the fall from the Chamber’s destination marketing arm, Visit North Central Massachusetts (VNCM).

Strategic Marketing Plan Implementation & State Grant Status

As we reported in the Fall edition, Visit North Central Massachusetts completed our comprehensive FY2026 marketing strategy and submitted our annual matching tourism grant request to the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT). We received notification of our grant award amount in late October; however, as of this printing – nearly five months into the fiscal year that began on July 1, 2025- we have not yet received our contract or matching funding.

This delay in contracting and matching funding impacted our marketing efforts during the Fall season. We adapted by covering some advertising costs upfront while awaiting state matching funds and strategically deferring other planned campaigns. Fortunately, our Mass250 grant allowed us to maintain some momentum through active advertising campaigns that helped bridge the gap created by the delay in our regular annual matching grant from the state’s tourism trust fund. We remain committed to making up ground during the Winter months and positioning ourselves strongly for the Spring and Summer tourism seasons.

We appreciate the state’s partnership and look forward to receiving our contract and funding so we can fully execute our marketing efforts that drive economic impact for our member businesses and communities.

Why Tourism Matters to North Central Massachusetts

Tourism is far more than a single industry – it’s a catalyst for community vitality. When you build a place where people want to visit, you’ve built a place where people want to live, work, and invest. Every visitor we attract becomes a potential business lead, future resident, or investor who experiences our region’s unique assets and becomes an ambassador for North Central Massachusetts. This is why our strategic marketing efforts don’t just drive immediate economic impact – they build long-term awareness and prosperity for our communities and members.

Website Performance

For the first four months of fiscal year 2026 (July 1 through October 31, 2025), VisitNorthCentral.com, our tourism affiliate site, attracted 18,683 users (down 68.1% compared to the same period in FY25) and generated 34,275 pageviews (down 63.6% year-over-year). Impressions totaled 1,012,127 (down 22.0% year-over-year). These significant declines directly reflect the impact of delayed state matching funding, which prevented us from launching our planned digital advertising campaigns at the start of the fiscal year. As we receive funding and execute our winter and spring marketing initiatives, we expect to see digital engagement increase.

Social Media Performance

For the first four months of fiscal year 2026 (July 1 through October 31, 2025), we maintained strong organic social media presence, building a community that actively engages with content about regional attractions, events, and member businesses. Our combined social media following across Facebook and Instagram now totals over 49,000 followers.

On Facebook, we achieved impressive results with post impressions of 885,441 (up 137% year-over-year) and a total reach of 45,173 followers (up 9.4% year-over-year). Post reactions increased 56.1% to 2,314, link clicks surged 69.4% to 2,060, and comments nearly doubled with a 93.1% increase to 195. On Instagram, post impressions reached 121,148 (up 85.4% year-over-year) with 3,821 followers (up 19.7% year-over-year). Post shares increased 24.2% to 221. These strong organic social media results demonstrate the effectiveness of our content strategy, even during a period when funding delays limited paid advertising campaigns.

PlayEasy Performance

Through our partnership with PlayEasy, the platform connecting youth and amateur sports organizers with regional venues and hotels, we’ve seen continued engagement in November 2025. The VNCM profile received 981 views with 95 visitors, facility listings generated 1,586 views with 896 visitors, attraction pages received 77 views with 33 visitors, and event listings attracted 1,227 views with 625 visitors. This specialized sports tourism platform continues to create measurable connections between sporting events and our member hospitality businesses.

Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center

The Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center welcomed 11,842 visitors in September and 14,575 visitors in October, bringing the calendar year 2025 total to 105,493 visitors through October 31. These impressive numbers reflect the center’s role as a gateway to our region and a key touchpoint for introducing visitors to member businesses and regional attractions.

Throughout the fall, we hosted our popular Showcase Events series at the Visitor Center—weekend celebrations featuring live music, henna tattoos, apple cider donuts, alpacas, handmade crafts, face painting, and much more. These family-friendly events, which took place on weekends throughout August, September, and October, were well-attended and showcased the rich culture and community spirit of North Central Massachusetts. We thank the local cultural councils in North Central Massachusetts for helping to sponsor these events.

Lodging Performance

According to the latest lodging reports from STR and AirDNA for July through September 2025, the North Central Massachusetts lodging market faced headwinds. For hotels in the region, occupancy was 71.9% (down 4.3% year-over-year), with an average daily rate (ADR) of $164.20 (down 2.2%) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) of $117.98 (down 6.4%). The hotel market generated $14.7 million in revenue, down 6.4% from the prior year.

Short-term rentals in the North Central Massachusetts region showed more positive momentum, with occupancy at 58.0% (down 4.8% year-over-year), but ADR of $130.72 (up 9.4%) and RevPAR of $75.85 (up 4.1%). Regional short-term rentals generated $1.9 million in revenue, representing a 21.5% increase year-over-year.

These trends underscore the importance of our marketing efforts in maintaining visitor engagement and supporting local hospitality businesses during a challenging environment.

Local Option Tax Collections

Local option meals tax collections for July through September 2025 totaled $723,100, up 46.2% year-over-year, while room tax collections reached $799,500, up 13.7% year-over-year. These increases are most likely attributable to several communities adopting local option meals taxes and increasing their room tax rates in 2025, which significantly impact year-over-year comparisons. These tax revenues directly support local government services and we track them as indicators of visitor spending patterns and tourism’s economic impact on our communities.

Visitor Profile

New visitor data from July through September 2025 provides valuable insights into who is visiting North Central Massachusetts. Domestic visitors stayed an average of 1.3 days, with 66.5% staying overnight and 44.5% being repeat visitors. Our top visitor origin states were Massachusetts (15.5%), Connecticut (11.3%), New York (9.7%), and Maine (9.4%). The Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area accounted for 8.1% of visitors, followed by New York-Newark-Jersey City (7.3%) and Providence-Warwick (6.8%).

International visitors from January through September 2025 stayed longer, averaging 2.2 days with 79.6% staying overnight. Canada led international markets at 81.2% overnight rate, followed by Brazil, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. These visitor profiles help us refine our marketing strategies to reach high-value audiences and better align with state tourism priorities.

Looking Ahead

As we head into 2026, we’re focused on executing the marketing plan we developed for FY2026, with particular emphasis on making up ground from the delayed state funding. Our MA250 campaigns continue to deliver results, showcasing the region’s revolutionary history, culinary scene, outdoor recreation, and innovative communities to audiences across New England.

Strategic media partnerships with AAA, Hearst, Boston Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Edible Boston, TripAdvisor, and PlayEasy will amplify our winter and spring campaigns. We’re building on our digital momentum with enhanced content for group travel, sports tourism, and seasonal attractions.

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Advocacy in Action – Government Affairs Update

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The Chamber’s advocacy work has been in high gear this fall, with efforts spanning local, state, and federal levels to advance policies that strengthen our region’s economy and support our members. This busy period of engagement has been guided by our newly approved FY2026 Public Policy Agenda.

Our Policy Priorities

Adopted by the Board of Directors in September, our FY2026 Public Policy Agenda was developed by our member-driven Government Affairs Committee. The agenda maintains core priorities while making strategic adjustments to address emerging regional challenges and opportunities.

Our focus centers on promoting economic competitiveness, advocating for small business, asserting our role as the Commonwealth’s manufacturing hub, and advancing education, transportation infrastructure, and real estate development.

Key priorities include implementing our One North Central regional economic development plan, fighting for regional equity in state investments, supporting our manufacturing sector, and addressing workforce challenges through support for expedited work visas, improved education pathways and reduced employment barriers. We’re also focused on modernizing Route 2, enhancing commuter rail service, and supporting diverse housing and commercial real estate development.

New this year, we’ve added positions on artificial intelligence and support for financial literacy. We continue opposing increases to unemployment insurance taxes and other regulatory burdens that disproportionately impact small businesses. The complete agenda is available at northcentralmass.com.

Legislative-&-Candidates-Reception

Legislative & Candidates Reception

Local Advocacy

Our local engagement intensified this fall. Public Affairs Director Travis Condon regularly attends city council meetings in Fitchburg and Leominster to monitor actions affecting members. With 27 communities in our region, we prioritize attendance at other municipal meetings as needed when member interests are at stake.

Chamber President Roy Nascimento testified at two Fitchburg City Council meetings earlier this Fall, successfully advocating for the creation of a tourism destination marketing district to aid in bolstering our growing tourism economy. The adoption of this district by the City of Fitchburg marks the first time a district has been created in Massachusetts outside of Boston. Meanwhile, we’ve been advocating with the Mazzarella administration in Leominster to restore tourism funding after a $15,000 cut this year. Following years of level funding eroded by inflation, this reduction threatens the Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center and sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine our successful regional tourism partnership.

We also met with officials in Lancaster, Winchendon, Ashburnham, Gardner, and Leominster to discuss priorities and collaboration opportunities that strengthen our regional economy.

With the municipal elections wrapped up, we are setting up meetings with new additions to the local city councils to brief them on the Chamber and reaffirm our position as a partner and resource.

State Advocacy

Our Beacon Hill efforts centered on several key initiatives. We were disappointed when the Healey administration vetoed regional economic development funding, and we advocated for restoring the modest funding. The decision by the Governor underscores the regional equity challenges we face. We’re grateful to our legislative delegation for their steadfast support in fighting to restore these resources.

We testified supporting legislation for a Region D gaming license that would dedicate revenues to critical transportation infrastructure. This bill has tremendous potential to boost economic development and tourism throughout our region and the Commonwealth.

Working with a coalition of regional tourism groups, we have also been advocating to modernize the Tourism Trust Fund. Legislation filed would direct 2.5% of the state’s room occupancy excise revenue to the fund, which has remained flat for over ten years – effectively a significant cut due to inflation. We are pushing to index the fund to room tax collections, as other states do, ensuring revenue from the lodging industry is reinvested into tourism marketing. This modernization is essential for our region’s competitive position.

Building Connections

Beyond testimony and meetings, we organized several policy-focused events to connect members with elected officials and advance member interests. On September 18, we hosted our “State of the Tri-Cities” breakfast, bringing together members with the Mayors of Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gardner to discuss regional priorities and economic development initiatives affecting our three largest cities.

Our September 25 Legislative and Candidates Reception drew strong attendance from elected officials, municipal candidates, and members. On November 7, we hosted our Congressional Luncheon with our federal delegation to discuss national issues affecting business.

In October, we organized our annual Manufacturing Month bus tour, bringing legislative delegation members, education leaders, and economic development officials into our manufacturing facilities to showcase this vital sector and advocate for supportive policies.

Also in October, we formally joined the Massachusetts Opportunity Alliance alongside chambers and business associations statewide, participating in a briefing on two pro-economy ballot questions that would reduce state taxes.

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State of the Tri-Cities Breakfast

Federal Engagement

Chamber President Roy Nascimento connected with top chamber leaders nationwide at the CCC100 meeting this fall, joining discussions with U.S. Chamber of Commerce officials, policy experts, industry leaders, members of Congress, and pollsters on critical issues including artificial intelligence, the economy, childcare, tariffs, and legislative priorities.

Looking Ahead

The Chamber remains committed to advocating for policies that strengthen North Central Massachusetts’ economic competitiveness, support our members, and ensure our region receives its fair share of investment and opportunity.

For information about the Chamber’s public policy work, contact Public Affairs Director Travis Condon at 978.353.7600, ext. 224, or .

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Chamber Unveils Bold 2026-2028 Strategic Plan: Building on Excellence, Reaching for New Heights

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After earning recognition as 2023 Chamber of the Year, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce sets ambitious targets to strengthen regional economy, member services and quality of life

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and its affiliates have adopted an ambitious three-year strategic plan that builds on recent successes while charting new territory in workforce development, advocacy, and regional competitiveness.

Approved in September 2025, the plan represents the Chamber’s continued commitment to strategic, measurable growth – building on the momentum and achievements of previous strategic plans

“This plan isn’t just about what we’re going to do – it’s about the measurable impact we’re going to have on North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy M. Nascimento, IOM, CCE, President & CEO.

“We’ve proven we can deliver results. Now we’re raising the bar even higher.”

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New-Strategic-Plan-2028-Goals-and-Targets

Game-Changing New Initiatives

Manufacturing Council Expansion: Specialized working groups will address sector-specific challenges in advanced manufacturing, food processing, and precision manufacturing.

Transportation Management Association: A new Chamber affiliate will address regional transportation gaps that serve as barriers for workers and residents.

Tourism Destination Marketing District: Partnering with lodging members to leverage resources and dramatically expand destination marketing efforts.

Regional Business Investment Fund: Recapitalization will support priority real estate development projects, including utilizing the newly established North Central Massachusetts Land Bank.

Desarrollo de la fuerza laboral: Enhancing workforce programming to strengthen employer partnerships and increase regional talent pipeline effectiveness

Expanded Inclusion Initiatives: Targeted recruitment and engagement of young professionals, women, Latinos, and underrepresented populations as members and leaders, with a target of 15% increase.

Tony Fields, Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors, emphasized the plan’s measurable approach: “We’re not just setting aspirational goals, we’re committing to specific targets that will hold us accountable. This ensures we’re always focusing our energy where it will have the greatest impact.”

Built on Core Values

Six core values guide all Chamber initiatives:

Integrity • Excellence • Focus • Catalytic Leadership • Inclusion • Innovation

“We’re committed to ensuring that the Chamber reflects the full diversity of North Central Massachusetts,” said Allie Catlin, Vice-Chair of the Board. “These values keep us grounded while we pursue ambitious goals.”

As the Chamber embarks on this three-year journey, success will require continued partnership from the entire regional community.

“With this strategic plan as our roadmap, and with the continued support of our members and regional partners, North Central Massachusetts will continue to strengthen its position as the best region in the state to live, work, raise a family, or build a business,” Nascimento said.

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Local High School Students are Encouraged to Apply for North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation Scholarship Program

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation is excited to announce that applications for the 2026 Scholarship Program are now being accepted from local high school students in North Central Massachusetts.

Each year, the Chamber Foundation awards approximately 25 college scholarships to support students continuing their education, made possible by contributions from members of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. In 2025 the Foundation also introduced a new non-traditional scholarship specifically for students pursuing trade programs or vocational training, expanding opportunities for diverse career pathways.

Students interested in applying for a scholarship in 2026 should reach out to their high school guidance department. Each school in the Chamber’s service area can submit a limited number of scholarship applicants each year. These applications will be reviewed by a committee of Chamber members. The deadline to apply is Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Since establishing its scholarship program, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation has awarded over one million dollars in scholarships. Many of these awards are made possible through contributions from Chamber members. Scholarships offered through the Chamber Foundation are often named in honor of prominent members of the North Central Massachusetts business community, whose philanthropy and commitment have significantly shaped the region, or companies that have sponsored a scholarship.

The Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on improving the area through charitable activities. Funds raised by the Foundation are primarily used for education and workforce development initiatives, as well as charitable activities in North Central Massachusetts. This includes scholarships for eligible applicants pursuing education and grants to support economic and community development projects.

Donations to support the Chamber Foundation’s scholarship program are greatly appreciated. Contributions can be mailed to the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation at 860 South St., Fitchburg, MA 01420, or made securely online at www.northcentralmass.com/donate.

For those interested in sponsoring or endowing a named scholarship in honor of a prominent business or community leader, please contact Teresa Roberts, Director of Finance, or Roy Nascimento, President, at 978.353.7600 ext. 227 or 225.

For more information on the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation’s scholarship program or to view a list of the named scholarships, please visit northcentralmass.com or call 978.353.7600 ext. 222.

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