Digital marketing leader brings expertise in digital strategy, customer engagement, and data-driven campaigns
NEWBURYPORT, Mass. (October 27, 2026) — River Run Bancorp, MHC, is pleased to announce that Stacey Bennett has joined River Run Services as Vice President, Performance Marketing Manager. River Run Services operates under the umbrella of River Run Bancorp and supports its affiliated banks Newburyport Bank, Pentucket Bank, and Rollstone Bank & Trust.
Stacey joins the River Run marketing organization, bringing more than 20 years of experience in digital marketing, performance strategy and measurement, and client and team leadership to her role. Stacey will lead integrated marketing campaign planning and execution, overseeing project management, marketing collateral, and creative partner relationships across River Run’s affiliated banks. She will work closely with internal teams to align marketing initiatives with business objectives, track key performance indicators and return on investment, and use data-driven insights to measure effectiveness, optimize campaigns, and identify opportunities for growth.
“Stacey understands how to turn marketing insights into meaningful results,” said Vickie Routhier, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer with River Run Bancorp, MHC. “Combined with her agency experience, strategic thinking, and creative approach, our team will continue connecting marketing investments to measurable outcomes. We’re very excited to welcome Stacey to the team.”
Stacey joins River Run from an agency where she was Senior Director, Digital Growth & Client Strategy. Her background will support River Run’s efforts to deliver cohesive, customer-focused marketing initiatives, while maintaining the distinct identities and community connections of its affiliated banks.
“I’m excited to join River Run and contribute to an organization that places such a strong emphasis on relationships and community,” Stacey said. “I look forward to learning more about our banks and the customers they serve, and finding new ways to make our marketing efforts more effective and meaningful.”
Stacey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations. She serves on the Board of the Saint Lawrence Literary Society and is a member of the Massachusetts Chapter of Patriot Riders. A resident of Ipswich, Massachusetts, Stacey enjoys spending time with her family, camping, skiing, traveling, and exploring the outdoors.
Experienced banking professional brings expertise in commercial loan servicing, team development, and process improvement
River Run Bancorp, MHC, is pleased to announce that Renata Dragomaretski has joined River Run Services as Assistant Vice President, Commercial Loan Servicing Manager. River Run Services operates under the umbrella of River Run Bancorp and supports its affiliated banks Newburyport Bank, Pentucket Bank, and Rollstone Bank & Trust.
Renata brings to her new role 17 years of experience in retail banking and more than five years of experience in commercial loan servicing. Renata will manage the commercial loan servicing team, support process improvements and merger-related projects, and collaborate with departments across the organization to strengthen servicing processes and operational efficiency. Her responsibilities also include training and developing new team members, and monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements.
“Renata’s deep operational knowledge and commitment to service are a strong addition to our team,” said Valerie King, Vice President, Head of Loan Servicing with River Run Services. “Her experience across different areas of banking, along with her focus on developing people and improving processes, will help us build a more collaborative and effective servicing team. We’re delighted to welcome Renata to River Run.”
Renata added: “I look forward to finding ways to improve our processes, collaborate with my colleagues, and make a positive difference in the work we do together.”
Renata earned a Bachelor of Science in International Business from Salem State University and an associate degree in Business Management from Marion Court College. A resident of the New Hampshire Seacoast, she enjoys traveling and hiking with her family. Renata supports the Sunflower of Peace organization which helps alleviate poverty in Ukraine through fundraising as well as clothing and medical supplies donations.
About River Run
River Run Bancorp, MHC, is redefining the future of community banking by preserving the mutual banking model while empowering its affiliated banks to maintain their independent brands, local leadership, and deep commitments to the communities they serve. Established in 2023, and with collective assets of approximately $3.6 billion, River Run provides strategic leadership, shared resources, and enterprise capabilities to Newburyport Bank, Pentucket Bank, and Rollstone Bank & Trust.
Through River Run Bancorp and River Run Services, LLC, the organization combines the strength, stability, resources, and capabilities of a larger banking organization with the personal relationships, local decision-making, and community commitment that have long defined its affiliated banks. River Run is committed to strengthening and sustaining mutual community banking for generations to come. Learn more at riverrun.com.
In addition to its direct financial impact, the funding marks a significant step in NCMDC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen economic development and expand lending capacity to support the region’s unique industry mix.
Founded in 2017 by Brianna Drohen and Alec MacLeod, LaunchSpace is a makerspace providing a creative and collaborative ecosystem for makers, artists, the unemployed, small businesses, entrepreneurs, remote workers, and other independent professionals. Drohen worked closely with Ray Belanger of NewVue Communities to develop LaunchSpace’s business plan.
As a non-profit, LaunchSpace supports innovative economic development in post-industrial, semi-rural communities with the opportunity to explore and cultivate hands-on skills.
“We believe in benefitting people and enterprises through collaboration,” said Drohen. “With LaunchSpace, entrepreneurs can access workshop space, a training center, and now a commercial grade kitchen to produce their work and fuel the economy.”
In addition to the kitchen, LaunchSpace will offer a prep kitchen and two storage spaces as well as meeting rooms and offices, with a second phase of the project aimed toward business incubator studios and childcare spaces.
“The demand for locally grown and manufactured food products has increased with the growth of farmers markets, food pantries, and restaurants and retail outlets selling the products,” added MacLeod. “This project is focused on providing resources to serve the needs of food security and offer opportunities for workforce development as we are looking to hire three full-time employees and the potential of 20 to 30 part-time staff.”
LaunchSpace, which opened this summer, is currently accepting new kitchen members and continues to build its membership.
As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion, and, working with our banking partners, to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com
We’re getting ready for Fitchburg’s annual Holiday Lights & Tree Lighting Celebration, and we’re reaching out to invite our local businesses and community partners to help make downtown Fitchburg shine this holiday season! 🎄✨
On Sunday, November 29th at 5:30 PM, families will gather at the Historic Upper Common for an evening of holiday music, caroling, hot cocoa, cookies, pictures with Santa and the Grinch, and our annual tree lighting!
Beyond the celebration itself, we’re also working to replace and add holiday decorations and expand the festive lighting throughout downtown Fitchburg. These displays brighten our streets, welcome visitors, support our downtown businesses, and create a holiday atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
Our fundraising goal this year is $15,000, with a focus on purchasing new, reusable decorations that will benefit Fitchburg for years to come.
We’ve created several sponsorship opportunities to make participation accessible to businesses of all sizes:
🎄 Presenting Sponsor: $3,000
✨ Holiday Glow Sponsor: $1,500
🌟 Community Lights Sponsor: $500
❤️ Friends of Holiday Lights: $100–$250
We also have opportunities to sponsor hot cocoa, cookies, new Main Street decorations, or contribute equipment, materials, and services.
Every contribution helps, and we’d love to have your business or organization involved!
We’ve attached our 2026 Sponsorship Package and event flyer with additional information and a sponsorship commitment form.
If you’re interested in participating, please reply all to connect with Chief of Staff Myles Phillips-Wilcox and Recreation Assistant Jainny Andrews en or 978-829-1816.
Fitchburg’s holiday traditions are made possible through the combined efforts of our City departments, volunteers, community organizations, and local businesses. Your support helps us continue these celebrations while investing in a brighter, more welcoming downtown.
Beacon Bank and the bank’s foundation invested more than $460,000 in its communities through charitable giving to over 150 nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont from July to September.
“By investing in local nonprofits, we’re helping build stronger connections, improve lives and foster long-term community growth,” said Darryl Fess, president of the bank’s Boston region. “The strength of a community can be seen in the organizations that work every day to support its residents.”
Examples of nonprofits that received funding in the third quarter include:
• Fenway Community Development Corporation
• Hildebrand Family Self Help Center Inc.
• Just A Start Inc.
• Supportive Living Inc.
• 2Life Communities Inc.
Beacon Bank invests in the success and vibrancy of its local communities by supporting programs and organizations that focus on one of three areas: neighborhood revitalization and preservation, education and critical services.
Learn more by visiting the Community Support page on our website.
In all, 34 of Beacon Bank’s 145 branches are in the greater Boston area, including in Boston (5), Brookline (3), Medford (3), Wellesley (2), Malden, Chelmsford, Lexington, Arlington, Bedford, Burlington, Ipswich, Essex, Gloucester, Rowley, Danvers, Lawrence, Chestnut Hill, Needham Heights, Newton Centre, Newtonville, Chestnut Hill, West Roxbury, Waltham, Brighton and Braintree.
About Beacon Bank
Beacon Bank is a full-service, regional bank serving the Northeast and a subsidiary of Beacon Financial Corporation (NYSE: BBT). Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the bank has $21.9 billion in assets and more than 145 branches throughout New England and New York. The company, through Beacon Bank, offers a full suite of tailored banking solutions including commercial, cash management, asset-based lending, retail, consumer and residential products and services. It also provides equipment financing through its Eastern Funding subsidiary, SBA lending through its 44 Business Capital division and private wealth services through Clarendon Private. To learn more, visit BeaconBank.com and follow Beacon on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Join presenter Adam Ware on November 16, for a practical workshop designed to help small business owners strengthen their negotiation skills, protect profit margins, and secure better deals with customers and suppliers. Through real-world scenarios and interactive exercises, participants will learn strategies to communicate value, defend pricing, manage concessions, and improve purchasing terms. Adam brings over 16 years of experience in strategic marketing, global account management, and commercial negotiations, with a background at companies including Dow, EMD Electronics, and SUEZ Water Technologies.
Fitchburg, MA: The City of Fitchburg Health Department will again partner with the Fitchburg Police Department to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 9am -11am at the Municipal Parking Garage, Upper level, 412 Main Street.
This initiative offers a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of unused prescription drugs and get them out of circulation. Residents are urged to gather unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs and drop them off – you may “drive up and drop off” without leaving your vehicle. Although not required, labels containing personal information may be removed or blackened out. All materials are collected anonymously and will be taken directly by the Police Department to a regional drop off
site to be incinerated.
Held twice a year across the nation, Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. The Drug Enforcement Agency’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.
Fitchburg Outreach & Prevention will have substance use disorder information available as well as Narcan.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and its Future Leaders of North Central (FLNC) committee hosted the inaugural North Central Golf Tour Championship: Fore the Future FLNC Scholarship Golf Classic on Monday, October 5, at Oak Hill Country Club in Fitchburg.
A field of 72 golfers signed up for an afternoon shotgun start, on-course challenges, raffles and a silent auction, followed by an evening reception. Together, players, sponsors and donors raised $10,347.58 for the FLNC Non-Traditional Scholarship Fund, enough to fund five $2,000 scholarships for students across North Central Massachusetts.
Congratulations to our 2026 Champions
The team from Main Street Bank took first place and became the first foursome to bring home the Fore the Future FLNC Scholarship Golf Classic trophy.
Thank you to our sponsors
Presenting Sponsors: DMH Electric and Diverdi Property Solutions
Silver Sponsor: Fidelity Bank
Community Sponsors: Main Street Bank, GAMMHA, Rockland Trust, JCW Wealth Management, Kindled Planning, E.L. Harvey & Sons and Pleasant Street Wealth Advisors
Cart Fleet Sponsor: Bin There Dump That
Signage Sponsor: Level Up Promotions
Hole Sponsors: Quinn O’Connell REALTOR®, MOD Creative Studio, Rollstone Bank & Trust, Workers Credit Union, Franklin Professional Associates, Sitka Creations LLC, Aspire Living and Learning, Mount Wachusett Community College, Level Up Promotions, Custom Cleaning Service of Peabody, Inc. and 104.5 XLO
We’re also grateful to Oak Hill Country Club for hosting, Gallery at 759 Main for hosting our silent auction and making a generous donation to the scholarship fund, and Eagle Eye for capturing the day. Our appreciation also goes to every business that donated raffle and auction prizes, and to the volunteers, Chamber staff and FLNC committee members who made the tournament possible.
Every dollar raised supports students pursuing nontraditional educational paths and helps us invest in the next generation of leaders in our region. We hope to see you on the course next year as we continue to tee up the future, one scholarship at a time.
Announced during STEM Week, new grants will expand hands-on training opportunities for approximately 500 additional students each year
FITCHBURG — Governor Maura Healey today announced $14.5 million in new grants to expand career and technical education (CTE) programs at six high schools across Massachusetts, creating opportunities for approximately 500 additional students each year to gain hands-on training and prepare for good-paying jobs. The funding, awarded through the new Career and Technical Education Annex Pilot Program, will help schools build and expand training facilities and offer more programs in high-demand fields including health care, information technology, manufacturing and the skilled trades.
The new grants build on Governor Healey’s efforts to increase access to career and technical education and address growing demand from students and families. The funding will help comprehensive high schools add CTE programs, increase enrollment capacity and partner with vocational schools, employers and colleges to provide students with career-connected learning opportunities, particularly in communities where access has been limited.
“Students across Massachusetts want more opportunities to learn a trade, gain hands-on experience and prepare for good-paying jobs, and we are delivering,” said Gobernadora Maura Healey. “We’ve made major investments to expand career and technical education, and these new grants will create more seats and bring training programs to more high schools. We’re opening doors for students to pursue careers they’re excited about while building the skilled workforce Massachusetts needs.”
“Career and technical education gives students real-world experience and a chance to discover what they’re passionate about,” said Teniente Gobernadora Kim Driscoll. “These investments are bringing schools, employers and communities together to create more opportunities for young people to explore careers, learn valuable skills and build successful futures right here in Massachusetts.”
The announcement was made at the Montachusett Vocational Partnership (MVP) Center in Fitchburg, highlighting how partnerships between comprehensive high schools and CTE schools can expand access to career training. Fitchburg Public Schools is receiving $3.5 million to establish a new Culinary Arts program through the MVP Academy, a partnership with Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School (Monty Tech) and neighboring school districts. The funding will support construction of a new 2,500-square-foot MVP Café, featuring a commercial teaching kitchen and student-operated restaurant, creating 42 CTE seats annually while also supporting evening and weekend workforce training opportunities for adults.
“Too many students who want to pursue career and technical education have been unable to access these opportunities because programs are full or unavailable in their communities,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “These grants will help us change that by creating more seats, modernizing learning spaces and supporting partnerships that bring hands-on STEM learning and career training to more students. The collaboration between Fitchburg Public Schools and Monty Tech is a great example of how schools can work together to expand access and create new pathways to college and careers.”
The investment builds on Governor Healey’s efforts to expand access to career and technical education and create more pathways for students to college and careers. The administration previously announced $70 million to expand career and technical education at 28 schools across Massachusetts, creating up to 2,500 additional seats for students. Together with the new CTE Annex Pilot Program grants, these investments are helping schools increase training capacity, modernize facilities and expand access to hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for careers in high-demand industries.
“As we celebrate STEM Week and lift up careers in STEM-related fields, we’re excited to be able to offer more students access to career and technical education programs,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “CTE programs, whether in CTE schools or more traditional high schools, are great preparation for in-demand fields such as manufacturing, health care and information technology.”
“This grant is an incredible investment in our students and the future of vocational education in North Central Massachusetts. When we created MVP Academy, our goal was simple: to provide more students with opportunities to explore careers and develop skills that will prepare them for life after high school,” said Fitchburg Public Schools Superintendent Jon Thompson. “The addition of a Culinary Arts program is another exciting step forward in that mission. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished through our partnership with Monty Tech, Gardner, and Narragansett, and grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for recognizing the importance of expanding these opportunities. This investment will open new doors for our students and help meet the growing workforce needs of our region.”
“Today was a wonderful display of partnerships that work from schools across the Commonwealth. While we are certainly excited to have an opportunity to expand the MVP Academy to include a Culinary Arts training program, we are delighted to see other schools across the Commonwealth working to develop similar models of their own. From what we have seen, this is the most cost effective way to expand access to vocational training, while remaining true to the rigorous, comprehensive model of vocational education that Massachusetts is known for,” said Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School Superintendent-Director Tom Browne. “Watching Secretary Zrike engage with MVP students reminds us why we do this work, and how these students are engaging with learning on a new level. Discussing their projects, showing such great pride in their work – that is what it is all about. We are grateful for the continued investment in MVP Academy and students across North Central MA.”
Grant recipients include:
Everett High School — $1,014,000: To modernize and expand its Medical Assisting and Programming and Web Development programs through renovated instructional spaces, a new clinical simulation laboratory and upgraded technology. The improvements will create approximately 95 additional seats, increasing capacity from 105 to 200 students and expanding opportunities for hands-on training and industry credentials.
Fitchburg High School — $3,500,000: To establish a new Culinary Arts program through the Montachusett Vocational Partnership (MVP) Academy, including construction of a 2,500-square-foot MVP Café with a commercial teaching kitchen and student-operated restaurant. Developed in partnership with Monty Tech and neighboring school districts, the program will provide 42 vocational seats annually and support evening and weekend workforce training for adults.
Haverhill High School — $3,210,056: To expand Health Assisting and Information Support Services and Networking programs through approximately 3,828 square feet of new instructional space, including a health care simulation center and technology innovation laboratory. The expansion will create approximately 140 additional vocational seats and support a satellite technology repair program where students gain experience maintaining municipal technology.
Newburyport High School — $3,101,500: To expand Advanced Manufacturing and Health Assisting programs through specialized training facilities, including a health care laboratory and advanced manufacturing equipment for CNC machining, 3D printing and fabrication. The investment will expand access to hands-on learning and industry-recognized credentials, preparing students for careers in health care, engineering and advanced manufacturing.
North Middlesex Regional High School — $675,000: To establish new Public Safety and Construction Craft Laborer programs, providing hands-on training in emergency response, firefighting, law enforcement and the building trades. The programs will strengthen partnerships with employers and labor organizations and prepare students for apprenticeships, further training and careers in high-demand fields.
Watertown High School — $3,000,000: To establish new Carpentry and Electrical programs through specialized instructional facilities and hands-on training environments. The programs will expand access to skilled trades education and prepare students for apprenticeships and careers in construction, electrical services and related industries.
The CTE Annex Pilot Program is funded through the Fair Share surtax and supports capital improvements, facility expansions, long-term leasing of additional space and other investments needed to increase access to career and technical education. Projects are expected to be completed by June 2028.
The announcement is part of Massachusetts STEM Week, taking place October 19–23, with this year’s theme, “STEM Starts Now.” The statewide celebration brings together schools, colleges, employers and community organizations to highlight STEM education and career opportunities for learners of all ages.
The administration is also marking the second day of STEM Week with events highlighting hands-on science education and workforce development opportunities. Following the announcement in Fitchburg, Education Secretary Zrike visited Sky View Middle School in Leominster, an early adopter of OpenSciEd, to observe students participating in the curriculum. OpenSciEd is a research-based, open-source science curriculum that engages students in hands-on investigations, scientific inquiry and real-world problem-solving. Later in the day, administration officials also visited Middlesex Community College to highlight expanded Pathmaker workforce training opportunities in industries including advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, defense, climatetech and life sciences.
Statements of Support:
Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland):
“Career and technical education has the power to reshape Massachusetts. Quality education supported by grants like these can prepare our young people to fill high-paying jobs in parts of the economy where skilled workers are sorely needed. At the same time, this kind of education lifts people up and closes the opportunity gaps that divide us. I’m thankful to my Senate colleagues who joined me in pushing for these investments, and I’m grateful to Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll for putting this program into action.”
Senator John Cronin:
“Every student deserves the opportunity to explore their interests and see a future for themselves in a career they’re excited about. I am deeply grateful to the Healey-Driscoll administration for investing in our students and supporting partnerships like the one here in Fitchburg. The new MVP Café will give students the chance to put their culinary skills to work in a restaurant setting, serving their community as they learn. This investment will help young people pursue rewarding careers and contribute to a stronger local economy here in North Central.”
Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education:
“Expanding career and technical education programs creates opportunities for students to develop the skills and hands-on experience they need to pursue their chosen careers. These grants are an investment not only in our students’ futures, but also in strengthening workforce development across the Commonwealth.”
Representative Michael Kushmerek:
“This $3.5 million investment for Fitchburg Public Schools will expand career and workforce training opportunities for students and adults, particularly those most marginalized in our community, while strengthening our regional economy. Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for your commitment to career and technical education and for investing in opportunities that help ensure that every single student has access to the life changing opportunities of vocational education”
Representative Margaret Scarsdale:
“When I toured the MVP Academy last year, I saw firsthand the incredible work being done to help students discover their interests and fine-tune valuable skills for their futures. I am thrilled to see these opportunities expand through the addition of a new Culinary Arts program. Career and technical education create paths to rewarding careers, and I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the partnership between Fitchburg Public Schools and Monty Tech for this investment in our students and workforce.”
Representative Aaron Saunders:
“This Funding has been a game changer for hundreds of families in Western Mass and provided our students the opportunity to pursue the educational path they wanted. The grant from Governor Healey not only eliminated the waitlist, but also kept our community from having to shutter a school building in the center of town. This is a win across the board.”
Representative Meghan K. Kilcoyne:
“Vocational education is an essential aspect of our public school system. I am excited to see expanded access to career training to better prepare individuals to enter the workforce and contribute to local communities and economies.”
A multi-pronged approach to solving the region’s talent puzzle
Ask any business owner in North Central Massachusetts about their workforce needs, and you’ll likely hear a complicated picture. Manufacturing and healthcare continue to report real difficulty finding and retaining workers, while other industries navigate a shifting landscape as hiring patterns evolve and technology changes the nature of entry-level roles. But even as short-term conditions fluctuate, the region’s long-term workforce challenges remain, driven by an aging population, persistent skills gaps, and barriers like transportation and childcare that keep otherwise capable workers out of the labor pool.
The Chamber’s own research, including a comprehensive regional workforce study conducted with the UMass Donahue Institute, has long identified these barriers as significant obstacles to full workforce participation in North Central Massachusetts, findings consistent with what we hear directly from members and with other state and national research. Regardless of where any individual business stands today, these structural issues require sustained, long-term investment rather than a response to any single moment in the hiring cycle.
Your Chamber has taken this challenge seriously, building a comprehensive toolbox of programs and partnerships designed to address workforce development from every angle: building pathways into careers, removing barriers to employment, advocating for systemic change, and keeping talent here for the long term.
“Workforce isn’t a single problem with a single solution,” says Melissa Glenny, President of Franklin Professional Associates, Inc. and Vice Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “It’s transportation, it’s childcare, it’s education, it’s skills training. Every day in my own work, I see employers dealing with all of these challenges at once, and that’s exactly why the Chamber has to stay engaged on so many fronts.”
Building Pathways Early
For many students, the path to a career starts long before graduation, and the Chamber’s scholarship programs are designed to invest in that pipeline early. Through both traditional scholarships for graduating high school seniors and industry pathway scholarships for adult learners, career-changers, and those pursuing vocational or technical training, the Chamber Foundation helps remove the financial barriers that keep talented individuals from pursuing further education or credentialing.
“A scholarship like this is workforce development, not philanthropy. When the Chamber removes the cost barrier for someone pursuing technical training, that person often ends up building things for a company like ours a few miles away,” said Mark Dyment, President & CEO of YMC America. “We’ve expanded our Devens facility because demand is growing, and we need the talent pipeline to grow with it.”
Removing Barriers to Employment
Beyond scholarships, the Chamber has invested in removing systemic barriers that prevent qualified individuals from entering the workforce. Through a partnership with the Spanish American Center y Mount Wachusett Community College, the Chamber supports an equitable pathways and micro-credentialing initiative designed to help underrepresented job seekers access short-term, industry-recognized credentials that lead directly to employment.
[Photo caption: Job seekers gain industry-recognized credentials through the Chamber’s partnership with Mount Wachusett Community College and the Spanish American Center.]
“So many people in our region have the skills and the work ethic, but they hit roadblocks navigating traditional education and training systems,” says Jim Vander Hooven, President of Mount Wachusett Community College. “Our partnership with the Chamber and the Spanish American Center meets people where they are and gets them into good jobs faster, and it’s just one of the many ways our college and the Chamber are working together to strengthen the region’s workforce.”
Job seekers with disabilities are an often-overlooked part of the regional talent pool. To help close that gap, the Chamber has helped connect employers with MassAbility and the region’s network of supported employment agencies.
The Chamber also recently convened a Talent Compact roundtable, bringing together representatives from higher education, workforce boards, municipalities, and community organizations to listen, identify shared challenges, and align efforts around real employer needs.
“Workforce challenges don’t belong to any one organization, they’re shared across employers, educators, and workforce partners,” says LeeAnn Johnson, Executive Director of the MassHire North Central Workforce Board. “When the Chamber steps into that convening role, whether it’s through the Talent Compact, hosting manufacturing tours, or bringing employers and job seekers together, it helps all of us move in the same direction instead of working in isolation.”
Practical Tools for Members
The Chamber also provides members with practical, everyday tools to find and hire talent. The Work North Central Jobs Board connects member businesses directly with job seekers across the region, and is free for members. Over the past year alone, the board has hosted more than 1,000 job postings and attracted nearly 30,000 page views.
[Photo caption: Employers and job seekers connect at a past Chamber hiring event, one of the many tools helping members find and hire local talent.]
These tools aren’t just for large employers. Whether you’re hiring one person or fifty, the jobs board, manufacturing tours, workforce convenings, and the Career & Hiring Event are designed to work for businesses of every size, and opportunities like sponsoring a scholarship in your company’s name remain accessible and affordable regardless of size.
This coming spring, the Chamber will also debut a redesigned Career & Hiring Event, merged with the popular Small Business Showcase and moved from its traditional October date to March, giving job seekers and entrepreneurs a single, high-energy venue to connect with employers and explore career pathways.
Advocating for Systemic Change
Beyond direct programs and partnerships, the Chamber has been an active voice at the state and federal levels for policies that better prepare students for the workforce our employers actually need, including expanded industry pathways within our school systems and greater access to vocational and technical training, work-based learning, and career exposure well before graduation. At the state level, the Chamber has pushed for increased investment in vocational-technical education and policy changes that align funding and curriculum requirements with real employer needs, while in Washington, the Chamber has advocated for federal workforce development funding and policies that support employer-driven training models.
“We can build all the partnerships and programs in the world, but if state and federal policy isn’t aligned with what employers actually need, we’re fighting an uphill battle,” says Travis Condon, the Chamber’s Director of Public Affairs. “Advocacy is how we make sure the systems producing our future workforce are actually built around real jobs in our region.”
Solving the “Whole Person” Barriers
Finding a job is only part of the equation, keeping it often depends on factors that have nothing to do with skills or qualifications. The North Central Massachusetts Rides Transportation Management Association (TMA) was created to address the “last mile” problem, connecting workers to jobs in communities where public transit options are limited or nonexistent. For many employers, workforce transportation is the difference between a fully staffed shift and a chronic vacancy.
The Chamber is also a member of the Employers & Childcare Coalition of North Central Massachusetts, an initiative launched by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, with infrastructure support from the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, to develop sustainable models for accessible, employer-supported childcare. As a coalition member, the Chamber supports this broader regional effort to address a barrier that keeps parents, particularly mothers, out of the workforce or limits the hours they’re able to work.
“Transportation and childcare aren’t side issues, they’re workforce issues,” says Rozanna Penney, President & CEO of Heywood Healthcare. “As a founding member of the TMA and a participant in the new Childcare Coalition’s employer-supported childcare pilot, we’re seeing firsthand how removing these barriers helps us recruit and retain the people we need to care for our community.”
Each October, the Chamber also hosts a manufacturing bus tour for regional superintendents, media, and public policy leaders, building awareness and support among decision-makers for the modern manufacturing careers available right here in North Central Massachusetts.
“The outdated image of the dusty assembly line is holding our workforce back,” says Kevin Kassekart, President & CEO of VulcanForms. “When local leaders walk our smart factory floors and see data-driven production in action, it instantly changes the narrative. They see that modern manufacturing demands advanced technological proficiency, highlighting exactly what our educational pipelines need to be teaching right now.”
Keeping Talent Here
Solving the workforce challenge isn’t just about getting people into jobs, it’s about building a region where people want to stay and grow their careers long-term. Through programs like the Chamber’s Community Leadership Institute (CLI) y Future Leaders of North Central group (FLNC), the Chamber invests in developing the next generation of regional leadership, ensuring that talented individuals see a future for themselves in North Central Massachusetts rather than looking elsewhere.
Connecting the Dots
None of these programs work in isolation. Scholarships build the pipeline. Credentialing partnerships remove barriers to entry. Convening employers, educators, and workforce partners helps align efforts with real needs on the ground. The jobs board and hiring event connect employers with candidates. The TMA and childcare coalition address the barriers that keep people out of the workforce even after they’re hired. Advocacy at the state and federal level works to align policy and funding with what employers actually need. And CLI and Future Leaders keep talent invested in our region for the long haul.
“Workforce development isn’t a problem any one organization solves alone,” says Roy Nascimento, President & CEO. “It takes partnership, schools and colleges, employers, municipalities, along with workforce and community organizations all pulling in the same direction. Our role is to help connect those dots and ensure North Central Massachusetts has the talent pipeline it needs to compete and grow.”
This is workforce development in action. This is what your membership supports.
Put These Tools to Work
Post job openings on the Chamber’s Jobs Board
Sponsor a Traditional or Industry Pathways Scholarship through the Chamber Foundation
Connect with the Chamber’s workforce and education partners
Join a workforce convening or roundtable discussion
Participate in the Career & Hiring Event to connect with students and job seekers
Host a tour for students, educators, or policy leaders
Partner with the Chamber to advocate for education and training policy reforms
Host interns or co-op students
Work with MassAbility or agencies that help place workers with disabilities
Sponsor a CLI participant or get a rising team member involved with Future Leaders
Have a workforce challenge affecting your business? Interested in getting involved with any of the opportunities above? Contact Cory Wells, Community Economic Development & Loan Operations Administrator, at or call (978) 353-7600 ext. 228.
This update originally appeared in the Fall 2026 edition of The Chamber Report, mailed in September.
As we head into the fall, the Chamber has stayed active on behalf of our members at the federal, state, and local levels. We testified to protect regional funding, advocated on major energy legislation, and deepened our work with municipalities across North Central Massachusetts. We also have two signature events this season that connect our members directly with the officials and candidates who shape the policies affecting their bottom line: our Legislative & Candidates Reception on September 24 and our 11th Annual Congressional Luncheon on October 15. Details on both are below.
Federal Affairs
Congressional Luncheon. We are pleased to host our 11th Annual Congressional Luncheon on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton. This popular event gives members the opportunity to hear directly from Congressman Jim McGovern and Congresswoman Lori Trahan about the issues being worked on in Washington and what they mean for our region’s business community. We are grateful to our Premier Sponsor, Fitchburg State University, and our Supporting Sponsor, GAAMHA, for making this event possible, and we thank Matthew Bruun for serving as emcee.
Races we are watching. Our region spans both the 2nd and 3rd Congressional Districts, so we are following this fall’s federal races closely. At the top of the ticket, U.S. Senator Ed Markey faces a challenge from John Deaton. In the 2nd Congressional District, Congressman McGovern advanced without a primary opponent and currently faces no Republican challenger in November. In the 3rd Congressional District, Congresswoman Trahan was unopposed in her primary and faces Republican Gary Grossi of Acton, who also had no primary opponent. We will keep monitoring these races given how much the delegation matters to our region’s businesses.
State Affairs
Energy legislation. Energy affordability remains a top concern for our member businesses. This session, the Chamber supported the House’s energy affordability bill (H.5151), which aimed to address rising costs. We opposed the Senate’s competing measure, S.3166. Our concerns centered on the costs to ratepayers and businesses, the loss of consumer choice, open-ended new government spending, and new risks to grid reliability and Massachusetts jobs. We continue to push for energy policy that puts affordability and reliability first for the employers and families of our region.
State budget. Governor Healey signed the $63.4 billion Fiscal Year 2027 state budget into law on July 9, a roughly 4 percent increase over the prior year that raises no new taxes or fees. The budget makes targeted investments in economic development, workforce, education, and housing, and delivers increased support for cities and towns, including a $40 million increase in Unrestricted General Government Aid, and $30 million in new funding distributed by population to better support small and rural communities. We were especially glad to see funding for the Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO) program included in the final version, and we appreciate our regional delegation’s support for this vital program that supports regional partnerships and technical assistance that helps our businesses grow.
Tourism funding. We continue to advocate for strong, predictable tourism funding for our region. The FY2027 budget moves the share of state gaming revenue dedicated to tourism from 1 percent to 2 percent, a change expected to represent roughly a $2.5 million increase for tourism efforts statewide. On a separate track, we are also working to secure language in legislation that will ensure the state tourism grant marketing dollars are distributed in full by a date certain, giving regions like ours the timing and certainty needed to run effective marketing campaigns.
State races we are watching. In addition to the race for Governor between Governor Maura Healey and challenger Mike Minogue, a number of state representative and state senate districts across our region feature contested races this fall, including two open state representative seats. We are following these closely, as the outcomes will shape the legislative delegation that represents North Central Massachusetts on Beacon Hill and advocates for our business community.
Local Affairs
Municipal engagement. Our staff continued to meet with local officials throughout the region this summer and fall. We provided testimony in Fitchburg that successfully fended off a proposed 50 percent reduction to our tourism funding during the city’s budget process. In Leominster, after the $15,000 supplemental appropriation restored to our funding earlier this year, we again saw a $15,000 reduction for the FY27 budget. We are actively engaging the Mayor to restore that funding and hope to see it solidified in the budgeted amount going forward. We also met with the Town Administrator in Templeton to share the Chamber’s economic development and tourism resources, and we are exploring ways to further partner on economic development with Ayer. Our staff continued to attend city council meetings in both Fitchburg and Leominster, which keeps us in the room when decisions that affect our members are being made.
A regional milestone in Lancaster. In August, we joined local officials in Lancaster to recognize the new “Welcome to Lancaster” sign installed by the Chamber, the 10th welcome sign sponsored across the region as part of our One North Central economic development plan. See page 26 for the full story.
Legislative & Candidates Reception. Our signature Legislative & Candidates Reception returns on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Chocksett Inn in Sterling. This event puts our members in the room with local officials, mayors, our legislative and congressional delegation, statewide constitutional officers, and those running for office for an evening of networking and conversation. We thank our Premier Sponsor, Mount Wachusett Community College, and our Supporting Sponsor, Open Sky Community Services. This is an open invitation to candidates. Any candidate who has not yet signed up is welcome to contact Travis Condon to take part.
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, ext. 224, or via email at .
The following is an update from Visit North Central Massachusetts, the Chamber’s tourism promotion arm, on the region’s tourism marketing, visitor data, and related initiatives. This update originally appeared in the Fall 2026 edition of The Chamber Report, mailed in September.
Wrapping Up FY26, Looking Ahead to FY27
Visita el centro-norte de Massachusetts closed out Fiscal Year 2026 in June, a year that brought mixed results for the region’s tourism industry, and has since finalized its annual marketing plan for the year ahead. In July, we presented our FY27 funding request to the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT), which provides annual grant funding to regional tourism councils like ours, funding Visit North Central Massachusetts matches dollar for dollar to maximize our promotional reach, prioritizing the advertising and media outlets that delivered the strongest results for the region last year.
Fitchburg TDMD: Building the Foundation
This past year also brought the region’s first Tourism Destination Marketing District (TDMD) outside of Boston, following unanimous approval from the Fitchburg City Council and officially launching January 1, 2026. A TDMD works by adding a small assessment to a guest’s stay at a participating hotel, funds paid by visitors themselves, not businesses or local taxpayers, and reinvested directly into marketing and promoting that destination. It’s a self-sustaining model already used successfully in tourism destinations across the country: the more visitors a property attracts, the more resources are available to market the community and its destinations and attract even more visitors. Great Wolf Lodge is the District’s first participating property, and for our region, that means a new, sustainable tool to drive visitation and strengthen the broader visitor economy that benefits restaurants, retailers, and attractions well beyond the property itself.
Over the summer, the Chamber worked closely with Great Wolf Lodge to establish a budget framework and develop a preliminary marketing plan for the District. While we had initially expected to launch our first marketing campaign under the District this past July, that timeline shifted slightly as planning continued, and we’re now finalizing the plan and rolling out our first campaign this fall, starting with a video and content campaign produced with WCVB Hearst (see below). This work is separate from, and in addition to, our broader regional tourism marketing efforts, the TDMD is specifically focused on driving visibility and visitation tied to Fitchburg and Great Wolf Lodge, while our other tourism marketing continues to promote North Central Massachusetts as a whole.
Advertising & Marketing Update
This fall, we are producing two video content campaigns with WCVB Hearst, building on our WCVB advertising campaign from last year, which significantly exceeded its goals with 1.3 million impressions and more than 21,000 engagements.
One of this year’s campaigns, funded through the Fitchburg TDMD, will promote Great Wolf Lodge, while the other promotes the region as a whole, meaning every member business benefits from this campaign’s reach, regardless of industry.
We’re also continuing to work with the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) throughout the year to reach new audiences, from a summer social media collaboration spotlighting the region’s farms and orchards to an October content creator visit and a fall presence at the Big E, where we’ll distribute our regional guides to the millions of visitors who attend from across New England.
And speaking of guides: our newly released Fall/Winter edition of the Guide to North Central Massachusetts is now in circulation, distributed locally and throughout New England as one of the region’s primary tools for reaching prospective visitors.
Digital & Social Media: FY26 Recap and a New Fiscal Year Underway
VisitNorthCentral.com attracted more than 63,000 users and generated over 107,000 page views in FY26, with 2.9 million impressions.
On social media, our Facebook and Instagram following grew to more than 49,000 followers generating 2.62 million impressions and 2.2 million views over the course of the year, with a 3.35% engagement rate.
The new fiscal year is off to a start as well: this summer, our social media content generated more than 310,000 views and over 10,000 engagements, a 3.18% engagement rate, while our website drew more than 10,000 active users, up 2.2% year-over-year, and logged more than 47,000 visits. Organic search traffic declined notably year-over-year, consistent with a broader industry trend toward “zero-click” searches, where users get the information they need directly from search results without visiting a website.
Desempeño de hospedaje
Fiscal Year 2026 (July 2025 – June 2026) closed with regional lodging occupancy at 63.2%, down 8.4% from the prior year, and total lodging revenue of $61.4 million, down 4.9% year-over-year. The most recent quarter (April–June 2026) showed a similar pattern, with occupancy at 62.7% (down 11.4%) but average daily rates up slightly (+1.1%), suggesting properties are holding pricing even as occupancy softens.
The new fiscal year opened with July 2026 occupancy at 70.1%, still down 6.2% from July 2025, consistent with the softer trend seen throughout FY26. For our hospitality members, this data helps inform where we focus advertising dollars and outreach in the months ahead, and it’s part of why our marketing plan continues to prioritize driving overnight stays, not just day visits, to the region.
Recaudación de impuestos de opción local
Local option meals tax collections across the region totaled $3.99 million in FY26, up significantly from $2.13 million in FY25, though much of that increase reflects several larger communities implementing a local option meals tax for the first time this year rather than organic growth in spending. While meals tax reflects both resident and visitor dining, we track it as a key indicator of visitor spending and overall restaurant industry health. With a full fiscal year of data now in hand, FY26 will serve as a more accurate baseline for tracking meals tax trends going forward.
Local option room tax collections totaled $2.91 million in FY26, compared to $3.07 million in FY25, a modest decline consistent with the softer lodging occupancy numbers reported above.
Visitor Center Update
El Centro de Visitantes Johnny Appleseed welcomed more visitors this past fiscal year than the year before, with total traffic for FY26 (July 2025–June 2026) reaching 124,568 visitors (up approximately 3,000, or about 2.5%, compared to FY25). June was a particularly strong month, and July carried that momentum into the new fiscal year with another year-over-year increase of about 6.7%. August saw a dip of about 6.6% compared to last year, but the overall trend for the year remains positive.
[Photo caption: In The Meadow Alpacas at the Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center.]
After a long-awaited process, the EV charging station project at the state-owned Visitor Center property, which the Chamber operates, is finally moving forward. The state’s Request for Response (RFR) officially closed in late August, and a contractor is expected to be selected by mid-September. We’ll continue to share updates as this project progresses.
Looking ahead this fall, the Chamber is continuing two of the Visitor Center’s favorite seasonal traditions. As part of our annual celebration of the region’s apple heritage, we’re once again handing out fresh apples to everyone who stops by the Visitor Center, generously donated by member orchards Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, Sholan Farms in Leominster, and Hollis Hills Farm in Fitchburg. Thank you to all three for helping us share a taste of North Central Massachusetts with our visitors.
We’re also kicking off our popular Showcase Events series, running Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from September 12 through October 12. Each Saturday brings a different lineup of local musicians, crafters, farms, and authors to the Visitor Center, including a return visit from Plain View Farm’s alpacas. Thank you to the Ashby, Clinton, Fitchburg, Lancaster, y Royalston Cultural Councils, whose support helps make this programming possible each fall.
[Photo caption: Musician Jae Mannion performs (left) and Plain View Farm’s alpacas greet visitors (right) at past Showcase Events at the Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center.]
Data in this update reflects the most current figures available at time of publication; lodging data in particular typically lags by one to two months, so more recent figures may be available by contacting us directly.
Por qué el turismo es importante para el centro-norte de 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.
Want to get involved? Whether it’s being featured in the Guide to North Central Massachusetts, participating in a Visitor Center Showcase Event, or learning more about our marketing initiatives, we’d love to hear from you. For more information on the Chamber’s tourism and marketing initiatives, contact Jon Ashley, Marketing Manager, at or 978.353.7600, ext. 240.
When employers and policymakers talk face to face, good things follow. That is the idea behind the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s annual Legislative and Candidates Reception, which returned to the Chocksett Inn in Sterling on September 24.
Chamber members spent the evening with candidates in federal and statewide races, members of our state legislative delegation, county officials, and city and town leaders from across the Chamber’s 27 communities.
The reception’s relaxed, social atmosphere gave business owners and executives the chance to connect one-on-one with the people who represent them, or hope to, and to share what’s on their minds as employers in North Central Massachusetts.
“Government affairs and public policy advocacy are central to how the Chamber supports a strong, competitive business climate across the region,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This reception gives our members direct access to the officials and candidates who shape our communities and offers an opportunity to advocate for the issues that matter to employers in our communities.”
Connections like these are at the heart of the Chamber’s advocacy work. When policymakers hear directly from those who invest in our communities and keep our economy moving, the entire region benefits. Thank you to every member, official, and candidate who took part. Your participation helps keep the business community and our policymakers connected.
Special thanks to our Premier Sponsor, Mount Wachusett Community College, and our Supporting Sponsor, Open Sky Community Services.
The Chamber’s advocacy doesn’t end when the reception does. To learn more about our legislative priorities, see where the Chamber stands on key issues, or find out who represents you, visit our Government Affairs page.
