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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Building Businesses, Building Communities™

North Central Mass.—Applications for the Instituto de Liderazgo Comunitario (CLI) Class of 2027 are now being accepted through Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Organized by the Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts, CLI is the premier community leadership program in North Central Massachusetts. Since 1988, the program has helped to shape over 350 community leaders with immersive educational experiences and engagements.

Starting during the Fall of each year, participants gather monthly for day-long, community educational sessions focused on topics including Personal Leadership; Non-Profit Governance/Volunteerism; Education; Media and Crisis Communications; Healthcare; Law and Justice; Legislation/Public Policy; Arts and Culture; and Economic Development. In addition, the class will break into smaller groups during the year to identify, manage and execute community service projects. The experience culminates with a commencement ceremony at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Business Expo where the class and their service projects are recognized.

Participants are typically nominated and sponsored by their employer. Those who are self-employed may also self-nominate to participate. Successful candidates must demonstrate motivation and potential to lead within their business or community; be considered high performers in their organization and on a leadership track; seek to understand issues facing North Central Massachusetts; be committed to the success of his or her sector and community; be curious and interested in developing new relationships; want to enhance their network of professionals; and be open to challenging their own point of view.

Tuition is $2,050 and includes all program materials and lunches. CLI participants will also receive season tickets to the Chamber’s Good Morning North Central executive breakfast series and other Chamber events for additional educational opportunities. A limited number of half-tuition scholarships are available. Applicants seeking scholarships for the CLI program must provide a letter of request to be considered for one of the scholarships. Those who commit to CLI must fully participate in all sessions, and nominating employers must commit to support their candidate’s participation.

To learn more and apply, visit Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts/CLI.  Applications for CLI will be reviewed by the CLI Steering Committee and applicants notified no later than September 25, 2026.

For questions or more information, contact Jessica Yakusik at 978.353.7600 ext. 222 or via email at .

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

El Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts and the Corporación de Desarrollo del Norte Central de Massachusetts (NCMDC) today announced the publication of the 2026 Manufacturers Directory and Industrial Parks Guide for North Central Massachusetts.

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

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

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