The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce unveiled its Public Policy Agenda for the new fiscal year today outlining the Chamber’s legislative priorities on issues important to businesses and the advancement of North Central Massachusetts.  The agenda was developed to serve as a blueprint for the Chamber’s government affairs efforts and have been reviewed and approved by the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee and Board of Directors.

“The passing of a new budget and opening of the fall legislative session presents us with new challenges and opportunities” Christopher McDermott, the Chamber’s Public Affairs Manager, explained. “We look forward to facing these head on and this document provides the road map we’ll use to do so.”

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce advocates on behalf of businesses across the region, and the new Public Policy Agenda outlines a platform which builds upon the area’s competitive advantages.  The agenda is focused around five priority areas: economic competitiveness; small business; manufacturing; education; and transportation.

“Our public policy agenda is focused on supporting a strong business climate and ensuring that North Central Massachusetts remains a great place to live, work and grow a business,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the Chamber. “We look forward to working with our legislative delegation to advocate these priorities.”

“There aren’t many places that host the range of businesses and industries you find in North Central Massachusetts” McDermott stated. “We want to use our presence in the community and on Beacon Hill to ensure that public officials recognize this region’s potential and work with us to realize it.”

Click to view the Chamber’s Public Policy Agenda, or contact Christopher McDermott, Public Affairs Manager at 978.353.7600 ext. 224.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is hosting a New Member Campaign from September 25 through October 20, 2017.  This awareness campaign will include direct outreach to prospective members, a referral promotion to existing members, and a targeted social media effort that includes video testimonials.

The Chamber is the leading business and economic development organization in North Central Massachusetts and provides numerous services for members, including networking, professional development, low cost marketing, health and dental insurance, as well as government affairs and economic development programs to encourage a positive business climate for the region. In 2017 the Chamber was recognized for its work by being the first Chamber from New England to be named a finalist for the prestigious ACCE Chamber of the Year Award.

“The Chamber is an important element in the fabric of the community and has a tremendous impact supporting North Central Massachusetts,” said Mark Freeman, President of Steel Fab, Inc. and Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.  “This is a great opportunity to tell our story and engage businesses throughout the region.”

The campaign will feature several “Join Now” incentives for businesses and organizations that enroll with the Chamber, including digital, print, radio and TV advertising, web site listings, admission to Chamber networking programs and more.

Highlighting the campaign will be a referral effort among existing members.  Each member referral can potentially earn the referring member a $25 Gift Local gift card that can be used at many of the finest restaurants, shops and attractions in the region.

There will also be a grand prize given to the top business or organization that has referred the most new members that have joined the chamber during this time period.  The grand prize is a luxurious getaway vacation for two, to the Outer Banks, located in North Carolina.

Membership in the Chamber is a great way to become involved with the business community, support the North Central region and help your organization grow and save money.  The Chamber supports member businesses of all sizes and industries through leadership in public advocacy, economic development, education, technical assistance, discount programs, networking opportunities and more.  Our member benefits are diverse and extensive.

Media sponsors for the Campaign include the Sentinel & Enterprise; Leominster Champion; Worcester Business Journal; WPKZ 105.3 FM; and FATV.

For more information please visit www.northcentralmass.com/membership-information/2017-membership-campaign. Businesses interested in joining the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce should contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 222.

Johnny Appleseed Trail Association and Chamber offer new experiential networking series

The Johnny Appleseed Trail Association (JATA) and the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the launch of their newest networking program, Experience North Central!  This new quarterly series offers guests a unique opportunity to experience local businesses and attractions while networking with other like-minded professionals.  The first session will be held from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Thursday, September 28th, 2017 at Red Apple Farm located at 455 Highland Avenue, Phillipston, MA.

Each session of the Experience North Central will offer a non-traditional networking opportunity with a fun, experiential learning twist.  The first edition of the new series hosted by Red Apple Farm will feature a farm tour, discussion with the fourth generation owner and operator, Al Rose, and the hands on experience of making and eating Red Apple’s famous cider donuts!  Red Apple Farm will also offer farm oriented refreshments and a cash bar during the event.

“We’re excited to launch this unique new event series as a way to help connect members through these fun shared experiences,” said Roy Nascimento, President of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association.  “Experience North Central is a great way to meet other professionals and leaders in the community while also promoting the great attractions and businesses that we have to offer here in the region.”

The 105 year old Red Apple Farm opened in 1912 with beginnings in wholesale apples.  Now a destination for everything autumn oriented, Red Apple Farm has three locations: the Farm, Wachusett Mountain, and the City of Boston: opening one of the largest stalls at Boston Public Market two years ago.  Their famously delicious cider donuts are made daily and sold at each location.

The next Experience North Central is scheduled for October 18^ta with a beer tasting at Moon Hill Brewing and will include a discussion of the micro-brew industry with owner Rick Walton and their head brewer.  Upcoming Experience North Central events will offer behind the scene tours of local companies and attractions; and other interactive and experiential networking events.

The cost of the September event is $15 for Chamber and JATA members and $25 for non members. For registration, please visit www.northcentralmass.com or contact Maria McCaffrey at 978.353.7604 x. 235 or

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will host “Getting to Know Your Chamber” on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, 860 South Street, Fitchburg, MA.  This presentation is designed to help new members navigate the perks and programs of Chamber membership, but is equally valuable for current members who want to get the most value from their membership, or those interested in learning if chamber membership is right for them.

Chamber staff will explain the many benefits and programs of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce including networking events, government affairs, educational workshops and seminars, advertising opportunities and health insurance, to name just a few.  There is no cost to attend the “Getting to Know Your Chamber” meeting, but pre-registration is required.  Register online at www.NorthCentralMass.com/news/calendar-of-events/. For more information or to register visit www.NorthCentralMass.com/news/calendar-of-events/ or contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 235.

Business owners unable to attend but interested in learning more about Chamber membership may contact Jeff Ardis, Manager of Member Services and Business Development or David Ginisi at 978.353.7600 or by sending an email to o to schedule a one-to-one meeting.