North Central Massachusetts has a proud manufacturing heritage that can be sorted into two broad categories: “legacy” manufacturers of consumer goods like furniture, car parts, and food products, and “high-tech” firms specializing in innovation-driven products like pharmaceuticals, electronic components, and machinery parts.

“Regardless of the category, manufacturing in North Central Massachusetts is experiencing a renaissance,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “By creating jobs, driving economic growth and demonstrating how the industry continues to evolve and innovate, our manufacturers are continuing to honor the legacy that made our region known as one of the most robust manufacturing hubs of the 20th century.”

While many of our region’s manufacturing leaders remain dedicated to the principles and values of those who came before them, the way these companies make the products their customers have come to know and trust for generations has evolved from hardscrabble workshops to clean rooms and high-tech labs.

Founded in 1880 by Laroy S. Starrett, the L.S. Starrett Company in Athol is one of the region’s oldest companies. As a manufacturer of more than 5,000 variations of precision tools, gages, measuring instruments and saw blades for industrial, professional and consumer markets around the world, the walls within the L.S. Starrett Company speak volumes of an old mill facility that is modernizing and evolving operations while continuing to honor the roots of what made the company a global leader in toolmaking.

Matthew L. Wells, director of operations and continuous improvement at the L.S. Starrett Company, said it is not uncommon for generations of the same family to work at the company. “There are times when we have up to three generations of the same family with us, some with more than 50 years of service,” he said. “This is a really important aspect of our culture because with those years of service comes a level of dedication, knowledge and deep history within the company and for our products.”

For Wells, and many other manufacturers in the region, that dedication, knowledge and history is gone when retirements occur. In fact, Wells said that in the three years since he began working at L.S. Starrett, the company has gone from 70% of its workforce having years of tenure to almost 50% of its workforce having just five years or less experience on the job. “It’s admirable to have people work with you for their entire careers and be part of your family, but when they leave it’s a big challenge for us as we have relied on an individual’s knowledge to supplement our manufacturing process.”

To bridge the gap between legacy workers and the manufacturing process, L.S. Starrett has looked to local technical and vocational schools, as well as the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), which works to provide small and medium-sized manufacturers with resources to help companies be successful.

“People are our number one asset and we have a lot of room for opportunity,” added Wells. “Through MassMEP, we established an operator training program to educate employees on how to read a Starrett blueprint and identify quality characteristics of our parts. We also partner with Monty Tech and Franklin County Technical School to offer more advanced technical programs that enable the student to work full-time during the day and attend school in the evening.”

And L.S. Starrett isn’t the only manufacturer in the region looking at today’s youth as the key to future success. SMC, Ltd., a medical device manufacturing company located in Devens, is also collaborating with local technical schools and universities to build its employee pipeline.

Brian Payson, executive vice president at SMC, said the company has partnerships with Worcester Polytechnic Institute and UMass Lowell to offer co-op programs. And through a collaboration of parents, teachers, principals and superintendents at schools across the region, the company created an internship program designed for students to explore careers at SMC.

As a global company, SMC has nine manufacturing locations around the world with 2,000 employees, of which 440 employees work in Devens. As SMC continues to grow, it is maintaining strong roots in Devens with a 250,000 square foot expansion. “We love being in Devens,” added Payson. “We made the decision early on to automate our processes as much as we can so we can concentrate on high volume products to absorb the cost of automation.”

But for Payson, the real impact of today’s industry comes when he is touring guests at the Devens facility.

“We’ve hosted tours for superintendents in central Massachusetts and welcome other groups to our facility, and it always makes me smile when they realize this isn’t their grandfather’s manufacturing,” said Payson. “They are surprised with the massive focus on our automated engineered solutions and with the huge technical demand for engineers and workers to support the maintenance of the machines. It’s just fantastic to show them what we are doing!”

For some companies, leaders need to only look within their own family to continue their legacy. Catania Oils, which is celebrating its 125th year, is a leading provider of organic oils, including vegetable oils, olive oils and blended oils, for the foodservice and retail markets. A fourth-generation employee, Joseph Basile grew up sweeping floors and doing small tasks as a child when his grandfather led the company. Now more than 30 years later, Basile is at the helm as President.

“I grew up in the business from a young age and through my teenage years spending a lot of time with my grandfather at the plant on weekends,” recalled Basile. “As I got older, I would spend more time at the factory and did a lot of the jobs which look different today because the technology has grown leaps and bounds.”

In addition to SMC, L.S. Starrett is also focusing heavily on automation, especially in areas with difficult processes or tasks for lower skill sets to give employees with a higher level of skill more skin in the game on the shop floor.

“We want to give our employees more responsibility and ownership on machine fault recovery and putting in basic Lean principles on the floor,” said Wells. “We’re also working with robotics automation and leveraging AI (artificial intelligence) to detect quality issues in our inspection process.”

Jon-Michael Raymond, chief revenue officer at L.S. Starrett, said AI is also coming into play to identify marketing trends. “We can use AI to help with the sales process to identify new leads and track trends so we can have a targeted approach to the industry,” he said. “By investing in technology and using AI for data analytics, our sales [representatives] can see current trends, view hundreds of distributors, and explore thousands of products at their fingertips, which is very valuable.”

At Catania Oils, AI is something Basile and the team are watching closely. “We are in the process of making investments in AI from a resource and time perspective,” said Basile. “A lot of things today are run by computers and automation has really exploded internally in running the business.”

Whether our manufacturers are creating jobs, driving economic growth or exploring AI and automation, one thing that has stood the test of time for generations is the collaboration among other manufacturers in the region.

“Together, we can make the overall region stronger by sharing best practices on megatrends and market conditions,” said Payson. “Market [intelligence] is critical to gage where we are and where we need to go regardless of our industry so I always want to hear from other manufacturers about how they are dealing with using technology and navigating the geo-political environment especially from folks in our own backyard.”

Basile agrees. “Being involved with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, networking and coming together to understand common pain points versus being a single voice trying to get attention is a powerful thing,” he said. “By working together and compiling resources, we can draw labor to us, we can automate to do more with less, and we can have a stronger culture tied together in a network with the right people.”

For Nascimento and the Chamber team, working with 400 manufacturers that call the region home means taking the Chamber’s commitment to advocating and supporting the industry one step further. In 2024, the Chamber announced the Manufacturing Council of North Central Massachusetts to support the industry and regional economy.

“The Chamber has always been a strong champion of local manufacturing, advocating and supporting the industry in multiple ways,” said Nascimento. “I believe that our strong advocacy and support of the manufacturing industry is one of the things that helps set our Chamber apart. From hosting manufacturing tours to publishing a Manufacturing Directory and supporting workforce efforts for the industry, the Council is a natural extension of our work and reflects our commitment to supporting and growing this important sector of our economy.”

Want to learn more about the Manufacturing Council?

Council members can network with peers, participate in tours of manufacturing facilities to learn best practices, attend quarterly meetings featuring experts in the industry, gain exclusive access to policy leaders, and collectively advocate for the industry. To learn more, call Roy at 978-353-7600, ext. 225.

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Tony Fields, president and CEO of Cleartech Group, an IT solutions provider based in Leominster, Massachusetts has been elected Chair of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce board of directors for 2025-2026. The announcement was made at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting on June 12, 2025. As the Chair of the Chamber’s board of directors, he will work with fellow board members, Chamber staff, and membership, to champion the Chamber in its mission to serve the region’s business community.

Tony brings over three decades of technology industry experience to his new role. Growing up in a family immersed in computing—his father Tim Fields founded TAF Computer Services in the 1980s—Tony enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1992 as a Computer Operator, where he gained experience supporting Novell and Microsoft Networks. After his military service, he advanced through IT roles as a Network Administrator, Project Lead, and Senior Network Engineer before becoming an entrepreneur in 2004 with a Computer Troubleshooters franchise in Leominster.

In 2017, Tony founded Cleartech Group with the mission to “support businesses with technology that will allow them to grow and prosper.” Under his leadership, he grew his business from a home-based operation to a ten-employee Managed Service Provider.

A graduate of Park University, the Goldman Sachs 10KSB and SBA Emerging Leader program, Tony was recognized as the 2020 Massachusetts SBA Minority Owned Business of the Year. He is active in community youth programs and also serves as Chair of the Board of LUK, Inc. Fields joined the Chamber’s board of directors in 2021 and has served in leadership roles including Treasurer.

He succeeds Barbara Mahoney, president and CEO of All-One Credit Union, who now moves to the position of Immediate Past Chair of the board of directors.

“When I started my first business, the Chamber’s support was invaluable to me. Now, as a more seasoned entrepreneur, I have seen firsthand how the Chamber connects businesses and strengthens our communities,” said Fields. “My goal is to continue that momentum—supporting local businesses, attracting visitors to our region, and maintaining the collaborative spirit that makes North Central Massachusetts special.”

“Tony brings exactly what we need in a board chair—entrepreneurial insight, collaborative leadership, and genuine passion for our region,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “He understands both the challenges and opportunities facing our business community.”

In the same election, Allie Catlin, owner, Smith’s Country Cheese, located in Winchendon, was elected Vice Chair. Melissa Glenny, president, Franklin Professional Associates, located in Leominster, was elected to the position of Treasurer.

Board members elected for new terms were

• Joseph Basile, president, Catania Oils, Ayer
• Mark Hettinger, president and CEO, GFA Federal Credit Union, Gardner
• Donna Hodge, president, Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg
• Barbara Mahoney, president & CEO, All-One Credit Union, Leominster
• Alex Matthews, general manager, Great Wolf Lodge New England, Fitchburg
• Kayla Nault, owner of DeBonis & Davin Florist, Fitchburg; Sage Home Collections, Leominster; and Salt + Sage, Townsend

Continuing current terms on the board of directors are

• Marieke Cormier, owner, Roots Natural Foods, Leominster
• Chris Hendry, president & CEO, IC Credit Union, Fitchburg
• John Heroux, president of Micro Machine & Electronics, Inc., Leominster
• Patrick McCarty, president & CEO, McCarty Companies, Leominster
• Nicole Moorshead, general manager, Chocksett Inn, Sterling and the Colonial Hotel, Gardner
• David Moura, president, Moura’s Cleaning Service, Fitchburg
• Joshua Page, president, JP Electric and Son, Fitchburg
• Rodrigo Souza, owner, Comeketo Catering Services, Fitchburg
• James Vander Hooven, president, Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner

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Curtis recognized by fellow ambassadors for decade of outstanding service and dedication to chamber members in the North Central region

Amanda Curtis, Economic Development Coordinator at the City of Leominster, has been named the 2025 Ambassador of the Year by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. The announcement was made during the chamber’s Annual Meeting on June 12, 2025.

Chamber Ambassadors are valued volunteers to the Chamber 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. Curtis was voted Ambassador of the Year by her fellow Chamber Ambassadors at their May meeting.

“We are grateful to Amanda for her extraordinary dedication and active involvement in the Chamber over the past decade as we work to advance our goals throughout the 27 communities that comprise our region,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Amanda has been an exceptional Ambassador, known for her tireless energy, infectious sense of humor, and genuine care for our business community. Her commitment has never wavered, even as her career has taken her to different organizations.”

What makes this recognition particularly special is that this marks the second time Curtis has earned the Ambassador of the Year honor during her ten-year tenure with the Chamber. Throughout this time, she has worked at three different companies yet maintained her unwavering dedication to serving as a Chamber Ambassador, demonstrating remarkable loyalty to the organization and the North Central Massachusetts business community.

Curtis currently serves as Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Leominster, where she works to attract new businesses and support existing ones in the community. Her professional experience in economic development, combined with her deep knowledge of the Chamber’s members and programs, makes her an invaluable connector and advocate for regional business growth.

A lifelong resident of the North Central Massachusetts region, Curtis was born in Leominster and grew up in Winchendon, graduating from Murdock High School. She earned an associate degree in Human Services from Mount Wachusett Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Fitchburg State University. Curtis brings extensive experience in community outreach and communications to her role, having previously served as Community Outreach Specialist at UMass HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital and in various roles at LUK, Inc., where she recruited volunteer mentors for local youth. Her commitment to community service extends beyond her professional work – she has served as a personal mentor for over six years, previously chaired the Chamber’s HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Emerge) program, and served on the Board of Trustees for Mount Wachusett Community College from 2016 to 2019. She has also served on various non-profit boards and committees in Leominster and Fitchburg for over 20 years. Curtis joined the City of Leominster staff in 2021, bringing her enthusiasm for connecting people and businesses with her deep love for the community where her extended family has roots.

“Serving as an Ambassador offers me a unique opportunity to connect more deeply with Chamber members while also developing meaningful relationships with businesses throughout our region,” said Curtis. “Through ribbon cuttings, new member events and other networking opportunities, I’m able to see firsthand the incredible advantages and support our Chamber brings to its members and our entire region. It’s been an honor to serve in this capacity for ten years.”

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.

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Advocacy continues to remain at the forefront of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to advance the region and support our member businesses.

Federal Affairs

Trade Policy: President Donald Trump continues to utilize increased tariffs as part of his foreign policy, with frequent announcements, retractions, and pauses affecting various industries and countries. In May, the Trump administration backed away from the threat to impose 50% tariffs on imports from the European Union, extending the deadline from June 1 to July 9 to allow for continued negotiations between Washington and the 27-nation bloc. The administration also announced an agreement with China to temporarily suspend most tariffs on each other’s goods, with the trade agreement reducing tariffs between both countries from 145% to 30%. The Chamber actively monitors these rapidly evolving developments through our congressional delegation and partners with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to advocate for member interests in trade policy discussions. We have engaged with member businesses to assess tariff impacts and continue ensuring local business concerns reach federal policymakers as these policies shift.

Tax Policy Updates: On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (H.R. 1), which now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration. The comprehensive legislation extends and expands many provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including making the 37% top individual tax rate permanent, increasing standard deductions through 2028, and enhancing the Section 199A qualified business income deduction from 20% to 23%. Key business provisions include extending 100% bonus depreciation through 2029, making permanent the Section 163(j) interest deduction improvements, and restoring immediate deductibility of domestic research and development costs under Section 174 for tax years 2025-2029. The bill also raises the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap to $40,000, introduces new $1,000 credits for children, and includes various business-friendly provisions such as increased depreciation limits and expanded opportunity zones. The Chamber has joined a nationwide coalition led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce advocating for key business tax provisions in this legislation. This coordinated effort aims to provide businesses with long-term certainty, encourage continued investment, and support sustained economic growth.

STATE AFFAIRS

State Budget: The Chamber continues to closely monitor and engage the region’s legislative delegation throughout the state budget process to protect business interests and identify opportunities for our regional economy. On May 22, the Massachusetts Senate passed its $61.4 billion FY2026 budget, increasing state spending more than 6% over the current fiscal year, with nearly two-thirds of the increase attributed to higher MassHealth caseloads.

Like the House version, the Senate budget rejected Governor Healey’s proposed tax increases and maintains the state’s $8.1 billion stabilization fund without drawing from it. Both branches proceeded with typical spending approaches despite ongoing concerns about potential federal funding cuts, with Senate leaders stating they would not “freeze in place” waiting for clarity from Washington. Key differences between House and Senate versions include education funding levels, transportation investments, and policy provisions such as prescription drug price controls and liquor license reforms. A Conference Committee will now negotiate the final budget, with the Chamber advocating for provisions that support economic growth in North Central Massachusetts.

Vivienda: The Healey-Driscoll Administration continues implementing initiatives from their Affordable Homes Act to address the Commonwealth’s housing crisis. In April, they established the state’s first-ever Office of Fair Housing to support fair housing initiatives and collaborate with other agencies to advance fair housing policies and programs.

On May 14, the Administration’s Devens Housing Working Group unanimously approved their final report outlining strategies for increased housing production in Devens. The group was tasked with developing a plan to help meet the estimated 6,300 new homes needed in the region by 2035. Their detailed report examines zoning bylaw modifications to allow and promote housing development in the Devens Innovation and Technology Center, including adaptive reuse of historic buildings at Vicksburg Square. Given housing’s critical importance to regional economic development, the Chamber has been actively monitoring this process by attending public meetings and engaging with stakeholders.

The Chamber successfully partnered with the North Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® for our 8th annual Real Estate Summit, working closely with the administration to secure Ed Augustus, Secretary of the Office of Housing and Livable Communities, as a keynote speaker. Secretary Augustus briefed attendees on the Commonwealth’s first comprehensive housing plan and ongoing measures to achieve the ambitious target of creating at least 220,000 new housing units statewide by 2035. This summit provided valuable insights for our members on state housing policies and their potential impact on local development opportunities.

Energy: For years, the Chamber has advocated for meaningful solutions to reduce energy costs and increase competitiveness for North Central Massachusetts businesses, as our region continues to face the highest energy rates in Massachusetts. On the heels of an executive order targeting utility costs earlier this year, Governor Healey announced the Energy Affordability, Independence & Innovation Act in May at a press conference in Leominster that was attended by Chamber staff. The bill includes several key reforms: eliminating and reducing certain charges on utility bills, creating more accountability for utilities, preventing unnecessary costs from being passed to customers, and reducing barriers to new nuclear technologies. The administration estimates these changes will save Massachusetts customers approximately $10 billion over 10 years. We’re encouraged to see attention focused on this critical issue affecting both our families and businesses.

The Chamber has also been engaged on the state’s electric vehicle mandate, known as the Advance Clean Cars II (ACC II) rule. This rule originally required that 35% of new vehicle sales be electric or hybrid starting with 2026 models. In response to concerns raised by the Chamber and other business groups about market readiness and charging infrastructure, the state announced in May 2025 that it will provide manufacturers with a two-year grace period for 2026 and 2027 model years. During this period, manufacturers must still make traditional vehicles available to dealers and report on their efforts to promote electric vehicles and expand charging networks. The state will also provide additional funding for public fleet electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. The Chamber continues to monitor to ensure it balances environmental goals with practical business and consumer needs.

Workers’ Compensation: In Mid-May, the Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance Issued a decision rejecting a proposed 7.1 % increase in the cost of workers’ compensation insurance in Massachusetts for the period beginning July 1, 2025. According to the Healey-Driscoll Administration is expected to save Massachusetts businesses nearly $80 million.

State Elections: The 2026 Massachusetts gubernatorial race continues developing with Governor Maura Healey announcing her reelection bid in February, followed by two former Baker administration officials launching Republican campaigns: Mike Kennealy in April and Brian Shortsleeve in May. Kennealy, former Housing and Economic Development Secretary, focuses on affordability, education, and transportation issues, while Shortsleeve, former MBTA chief administrator, emphasizes cutting spending and reducing taxes. Other potential Republican candidates include Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis and attorney John Deaton. State Senator Peter Durant has confirmed he will not pursue a gubernatorial run, choosing instead to focus on his reelection to the legislature. The election is scheduled for November 2026.

Civic Engagement Programs: In April, our Community Leadership Institute class participated in an immersive State House experience, including tours of both legislative chambers guided by Senator Cronin and Representatives Higgins, Kilcoyne, and Zlotnik. The class engaged with high-ranking officials including Secretary of State Bill Galvin, former Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao, Tourism Director Kate Fox, and former legislator Jen Flanagan during a leadership roundtable discussion. Additionally, our Director of Public Affairs, Travis Condon, participated in the 89th Citizens’ Legislative Seminar at the State House after being nominated by Senator John Cronin. The two-day program covered legislative history, processes, budgeting, and included simulated hearings and Senate sessions. These educational opportunities strengthen our understanding of the legislative process and enhance our advocacy efforts on behalf of regional business interests.

LOCAL AFFAIRS

Sterling Zoning: Following a detailed process that included resident and stakeholder input, Sterling’s town planner and Planning Board developed updated zoning to enhance economic development, aligned with One North Central priorities. The Chamber submitted testimony supporting three key changes to streamline permitting and double potential commercial space through updated performance zone regulations. Town residents voted in favor of the changes at their Annual Town Meeting in May.

The Fairgrounds: In April, the Chamber announced support for the proposed Fairgrounds development in Leominster. Support for the project came following a review of the economic impact analysis, infrastructure improvements, traffic studies, and current project plans, and its alignment with our One North Central Regional economic development plan. The project has the potential to serve as an anchor attraction to support tourism growth, offer economic competitiveness with infrastructure improvements and transportation enhancements, and transform an environmental liability into a community asset while generating economic activity for the region.

Government Affairs Committee: The Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee is reviewing the current public policy agenda and will present potential changes at their next meeting with the intention of bringing an updated version, if necessary, before the Chamber’s Board of Directors in September.

Stay Informed and Engaged: The Chamber’s advocacy work on federal, state, and local levels directly impacts your business environment. We continuously represent member interests in policy discussions to foster economic growth and reduce regulatory burdens. We encourage you to stay engaged with these important issues and share your feedback on how government policies affect your business.

For more information about any of these government affairs updates or to discuss specific policy concerns, please contact Travis Condon, Director of Public Affairs at 978.353.7600 or via email at .

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