North Central Massachusetts e-Newsletter » North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

E-Newsletter

An Electronic Publication of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

Inside this edition, you’ll discover the latest Chamber initiatives and success stories from across our region. From economic development projects and upcoming networking events to policy updates and workforce training opportunities, we’re keeping you connected to what matters most for your business and North Central Massachusetts.

June 2026

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Noticias de la Cámara

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

Posted on diciembre 18th/en Noticias de la Cámara, Miembro Destacado /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

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

A Foundation of Trust, Integrity, and Member Service

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

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

A Longstanding Commitment to the Community

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

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

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

Workplace Culture and Professional Development

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

A Notable Piece of Local History

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

Mirando hacia adelante

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

Lancaster Maintains Single Tax Rate Following Chamber Advocacy

Publicado el 15 de diciembre/en Noticias de la Cámara /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

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

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

Why This Matters

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

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

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

Advocacy in Action

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

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

This year alone, Chamber advocacy efforts have included:

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

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

What’s Next

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

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

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

Visita la Actualización Turística del Norte Central de Massachusetts

Publicado el 11 de diciembre/en Noticias de la Cámara, Turismo /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

Un resumen de los esfuerzos realizados durante el otoño por el brazo de marketing de destinos de la Cámara, Visit North Central Massachusetts (VNCM).

Implementación del Plan de Marketing Estratégico y Estado de la subvención estatal

Como informamos en la edición de otoño, Visit North Central Massachusetts completó nuestra estrategia integral de marketing para el año fiscal 2026 y presentó nuestra solicitud anual de subvención de turismo correspondiente a la Oficina de Viajes y Turismo de Massachusetts (MOTT). Recibimos la notificación del monto de nuestra subvención a fines de octubre; sin embargo, a la fecha de impresión, casi cinco meses transcurridos del año fiscal que comenzó el 1 de julio de 2025, aún no hemos recibido nuestro contrato ni los fondos correspondientes.

Esta demora en la contratación y la asignación de fondos impactó nuestros esfuerzos de marketing durante la temporada de otoño. Nos adaptamos cubriendo algunos costos de publicidad por adelantado mientras esperábamos los fondos de contrapartida del estado y posponiendo estratégicamente otras campañas planificadas. Afortunadamente, nuestra subvención Mass250 nos permitió mantener cierto impulso a través de campañas publicitarias activas que ayudaron a cerrar la brecha creada por la demora en nuestra subvención anual regular de contrapartida del fondo fiduciario de turismo del estado. Seguimos comprometidos a ponernos al día durante los meses de invierno y a posicionarnos sólidamente para las temporadas turísticas de primavera y verano.

Agradecemos la colaboración del estado y esperamos recibir nuestro contrato y financiamiento para poder ejecutar plenamente nuestros esfuerzos de marketing que impulsan el impacto económico para nuestros negocios miembros y comunidades.

Por qué el turismo es importante para el centro-norte de Massachusetts

El turismo es mucho más que una sola industria; es un catalizador para la vitalidad de la comunidad. Cuando construyes un lugar que la gente quiere visitar, has construido un lugar donde la gente quiere vivir, trabajar e invertir. Cada visitante que atraemos se convierte en un cliente potencial, un futuro residente o inversionista que experimenta los activos únicos de nuestra región y se convierte en un embajador para el centro norte de Massachusetts. Es por eso que nuestros esfuerzos de marketing estratégico no solo generan un impacto económico inmediato, sino que también crean conciencia y prosperidad a largo plazo para nuestras comunidades y miembros.

Rendimiento del sitio web

Durante los primeros cuatro meses del año fiscal 2026 (del 1 de julio al 31 de octubre de 2025), VisitNorthCentral.com, nuestro sitio afiliado de turismo, atrajo a 18 683 usuarios (una disminución de 68,1% en comparación con el mismo período del año fiscal 25) y generó 34 275 visitas a la página (una disminución de 63,6% interanual). Las impresiones ascendieron a 1,012,127 (una disminución de 22.0% en comparación con el mismo período del año fiscal 25). Estas caídas significativas reflejan directamente el impacto del retraso en los fondos de contrapartida del estado, lo que nos impidió lanzar nuestras campañas de publicidad digital previstas al inicio del año fiscal. A medida que recibamos los fondos y pongamos en marcha nuestras iniciativas de mercadotecnia de invierno y primavera, esperamos ver un aumento en la participación digital.

Rendimiento en redes sociales

Durante los primeros cuatro meses del año fiscal 2026 (del 1 de julio al 31 de octubre de 2025), mantuvimos una fuerte presencia orgánica en redes sociales, construyendo una comunidad que interactúa activamente con contenido sobre atracciones regionales, eventos y empresas miembros. Nuestro número combinado de seguidores en redes sociales, entre Facebook e Instagram, suma ahora más de 49,000 seguidores.

En Facebook, logramos resultados impresionantes con 885 441 impresiones de publicaciones (un aumento de 137% respecto al año anterior) y un alcance total de 45 173 seguidores (un aumento de 9,4% respecto al año anterior). Las reacciones a las publicaciones aumentaron un 56,1% hasta alcanzar las 2.314, los clics en los enlaces se dispararon un 69,4% hasta los 2.060 y los comentarios casi se duplicaron, con un aumento del 93,1% hasta llegar a 195. En Instagram, las impresiones de las publicaciones alcanzaron las 121 148 (un aumento de 85,41 TP3T respecto al año anterior) con 3 821 seguidores (un aumento de 19,71 TP3T respecto al año anterior). Las veces que se compartieron las publicaciones aumentaron un 24,21 TP3T hasta llegar a 221. Estos sólidos resultados orgánicos en redes sociales demuestran la efectividad de nuestra estrategia de contenido, incluso durante un período en el que los retrasos en el financiamiento limitaron las campañas de publicidad pagada.

PlayEasy Rendimiento

A través de nuestra asociación con PlayEasy, la plataforma que conecta a organizadores de deportes juveniles y amateurs con recintos y hoteles regionales, hemos visto una participación continua en noviembre de 2025. El perfil de VNCM recibió 981 visitas con 95 visitantes, los listados de instalaciones generaron 1,586 visitas con 896 visitantes, las páginas de atracciones recibieron 77 visitas con 33 visitantes y los listados de eventos atrajeron 1,227 visitas con 625 visitantes. Esta plataforma especializada de turismo deportivo continúa creando conexiones medibles entre los eventos deportivos y nuestros negocios de hospitalidad miembros.

Centro de Visitantes Johnny Appleseed

El Centro de Visitantes Johnny Appleseed recibió 11.842 visitantes en septiembre y 14.575 visitantes en octubre, lo que elevó el total del año calendario 2025 a 105.493 visitantes hasta el 31 de octubre. Estas cifras impresionantes reflejan el papel del centro como puerta de entrada a nuestra región y un punto de contacto clave para presentar a los visitantes las empresas miembro y las atracciones regionales.

Durante el otoño, organizamos nuestra popular serie de eventos Showcase en el Centro de Visitantes, celebraciones de fin de semana con música en vivo, tatuajes de henna, donas de sidra de manzana, alpacas, artesanías hechas a mano, pintura facial y mucho más. Estos eventos familiares, que tuvieron lugar los fines de semana durante agosto, septiembre y octubre, tuvieron una gran asistencia y exhibieron la rica cultura y el espíritu comunitario del centro de Massachusetts. Agradecemos a los consejos culturales locales del centro de Massachusetts por ayudarnos a patrocinar estos eventos.

Desempeño de hospedaje

Según los últimos informes sobre alojamiento de STR y AirDNA correspondientes al período de julio a septiembre de 2025, el mercado hotelero del centro-norte de Massachusetts enfrentó dificultades. En el caso de los hoteles de la región, la ocupación fue de 71,9% (una disminución de 4,3% respecto al mismo período del año anterior), con una tarifa promedio diaria (ADR) de $164,20 (una disminución de 2,21 TP3T) y un ingreso por habitación disponible (RevPAR) de $117,98 (una disminución de 6,41 TP3T). El mercado hotelero generó $14,7 millones en ingresos, lo que representa una disminución de 6,4% respecto al año anterior.

Los alquileres a corto plazo en la región del centro-norte de Massachusetts mostraron una tendencia más positiva, con una ocupación del 58,0% (una disminución de 4,81 TP3T respecto al año anterior), pero con un ADR de $130,72 (un aumento de 9,41 TP3T) y un RevPAR de $75,85 (un aumento de 4,11 TP3T). Los alquileres a corto plazo de la región generaron $1.9 millones en ingresos, lo que representa un aumento de 21.5% respecto al año anterior.

Estas tendencias subrayan la importancia de nuestros esfuerzos de marketing para mantener la participación de los visitantes y apoyar a los negocios de hotelería locales en un entorno desafiante.

Recaudación de impuestos de opción local

La recaudación del impuesto local sobre las comidas, correspondiente al período de julio a septiembre de 2025, ascendió a $723,100, lo que representa un aumento de 46.2% respecto al mismo período del año anterior, mientras que la recaudación del impuesto sobre el alojamiento alcanzó $799,500, con un aumento de 13.7% respecto al mismo período del año anterior. Es muy probable que estos aumentos se deban a que varias comunidades adoptaron impuestos locales opcionales sobre las comidas y aumentaron sus tasas de impuestos sobre el alojamiento en 2025, lo que tiene un impacto significativo en las comparaciones interanuales. Estos ingresos fiscales respaldan directamente los servicios de los gobiernos locales y los monitoreamos como indicadores de los patrones de gasto de los visitantes y del impacto económico del turismo en nuestras comunidades.

Perfil del Visitante

Los nuevos datos sobre visitantes, correspondientes al período comprendido entre julio y septiembre de 2025, ofrecen información valiosa sobre quiénes visitan el centro-norte de Massachusetts. Los visitantes nacionales permanecieron un promedio de 1,3 días; de ellos, 66,5% pernoctaron y 44,5% eran visitantes habituales. Los principales estados de origen de los visitantes fueron Massachusetts (15,5%), Connecticut (11,3%), Nueva York (9,7%) y Maine (9,4%). El área metropolitana de Boston-Cambridge-Newton representó 8,1% de los visitantes, seguida por la de Nueva York-Newark-Jersey City (7,3%) y la de Providence-Warwick (6,8%).

Los visitantes internacionales entre enero y septiembre de 2025 se quedaron más tiempo, con un promedio de 2,2 días y 79,6% pernoctando. Canadá lideró los mercados internacionales con una tasa de pernoctación de 81,2%, seguido por Brasil, México y el Reino Unido. Estos perfiles de visitantes nos ayudan a refinar nuestras estrategias de mercadotecnia para llegar a audiencias de alto valor y alinearnos mejor con las prioridades turísticas del estado.

Mirando hacia adelante

Al adentrarnos en 2026, nos enfocamos en ejecutar el plan de marketing que desarrollamos para el año fiscal 2026, con un énfasis particular en recuperar terreno por la financiación estatal demorada. Nuestras campañas MA250 continúan entregando resultados, mostrando la historia revolucionaria de la región, la escena culinaria, la recreación al aire libre y las comunidades innovadoras a audiencias de toda Nueva Inglaterra.

Las alianzas estratégicas de medios con AAA, Hearst, Boston Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Edible Boston, TripAdvisor y PlayEasy amplificarán nuestras campañas de invierno y primavera. Estamos aprovechando nuestro impulso digital con contenido mejorado para viajes grupales, turismo deportivo y atracciones de temporada.

Eventos próximos

TODOS LOS EVENTOS

El North Central Golf Tour: Viernes en la Cancha del Templewood Golf Course

31 de julio de 2026

Viernes en la Cancha en el Campo de Golf Templewood 31 de julio de 2026 Campo de Golf Templewood El evento comienza a la 1:00 p.m.
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Clínica de Golf Fore Then Pore, Juego de 9 Hoyos y Fiesta de Fin de Verano

21 de agosto de 2026

Clínica de Golf, Juego de 9 Hoyos y Gran Final de Verano 21 de agosto de 2026 The Woods of Westminster Inicio del evento a la 1:00pm
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Sponsors Reception: Old Mill

26 de agosto de 2026

¡Gracias a todos nuestros patrocinadores que ayudaron a patrocinar este pasado año del programa 2025-2026! ¡Nos sentimos verdaderamente honrados por su continuo apoyo y sus esfuerzos para que nuestra comunidad siga prosperando!
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WLC Self-Love Mini Series: Reignite Your Wellness

September 9, 2026

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Serie sobre beneficios empresariales: Mesa redonda trimestral — Flujo de caja y educación financiera para propietarios de pequeñas empresas

September 15, 2026

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Buenos días, North Central, presentado por Unitil

17 de septiembre de 2026

17 de septiembre de 2026 7:15 a. m. - 9:00 a. m.
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Legislative & Candidates Reception

September 24, 2026

The reception features an open bar and gourmet appetizers.
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Connect North Central

September 25, 2026

Join us for Connect North Central Friday, September 25, 2026 8am-9am
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North Central Golf Tour Championship: Fore the Future FLNC Scholarship Golf Classic at Oak Hill

October 5, 2026

North Central Golf Tour Championship: Fore the Future An FLNC Non-Traditional Scholarship Fundraiser
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Women's Leadership Connection Luncheon

October 7, 2026

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Congressional Luncheon Sponsored by Fitchburg State University

October 15, 2026

Join us for our 11th Annual Congressional Luncheon
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Work North Central Massachusetts Career & Hiring Event!

October 27, 2026

FREE for Job Seekers! Walk ins Welcome!!
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Connect North Central

October 30, 2026

Join us for Connect North Central Friday, October 30, 2026 8am-9am
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Business Benefit Series: HR Council Legal Update

November 10, 2026

Join us for this in person HR Legal Update
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Good Morning North Central: Sponsored by IC Credit Union

November 19, 2026

November 19, 2026 7:15am - 9:00am
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Connect North Central

November 20, 2026

Join us for Connect North Central Friday, November 20, 2026 8am-9am
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Women's Leadership Connection Luncheon

January 20, 2027

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Connect North Central

January 29, 2027

Join us for Connect North Central Friday, January 29, 2027 8am-9am
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Winter Reception

February 25, 2027

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Economic Forecast Breakfast

April 15, 2027

Please stay tuned for additional information.
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Annual Scholars Breakfast

May 7, 2027

Annual Scholars Breakfast May 7, 2027 7:15am - 9:30am
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43nd Annual Meeting & Business Expo

June 10, 2027

43st Annual Meeting and Business Expo
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Noticias para miembros

Tough Stuff Recycling Participates in Boston Children’s Hospital Sustainability Fair

Posted on diciembre 2nd/en Noticias para miembros /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

Tough Stuff Recycling, the leading provider of environmentally responsible mattress recycling services in Massachusetts, is pleased to share its successful participation in Boston Children’s Hospital’s employee led Sustainability Fair.

“It was an honor to be included in this small but mighty event,” said Mary Horsman, Northeast Manager of Sales and Marketing of Tough Stuff Recycling. “This gathering was a fantastic example of the difference a small group of committed individuals can make. Participating was a perfect opportunity to let people who care know that Tough Stuff is a resource for mattress and box spring recycling, for both individuals and institutions.”

Tough-Stuff-Recycling-Participates-in-Boston-Children's-Hospital-Sustainability-Fair-1

Every Choice Matters

The Sustainability Fair provided Boston Children’s employees an opportunity to learn about sustainability initiatives, discover eco-friendly products and services and connect with others who are making strides on issues that matter to them.

This unique event empowered employees with knowledge and connections that can help them make earth-friendly decisions both at work and at home.

Many attendees were glad to learn how to recycle their mattresses and box springs, in keeping with the Massachusetts Waste Ban of these items.

Tough Stuff Recycling in Good Company

In addition to interacting with Sustainability Fair attendees, exhibitors were able to connect with each other and encourage the good work that each group is contributing to a more sustainable world.

Fellow participants included Boston Children’s Hospital Green Labs, Boston Children’s Hospital Blood Donor Center, Partners for World Health, Longwood Collective, Boston Climate Action Network, Medline, Medzah Industries, Mothers Out Front, Mass Save, Neeeco, Polycarbin and Brookline Pollinator Pathway.

Tough-Stuff-Recycling-Participates-in-Boston-Children's-Hospital-Sustainability-Fair-2

About Tough Stuff Recycling

Tough Stuff Recycling helps Massachusetts residents, businesses, and municipalities responsibly dispose of old mattresses in compliance with the state’s Mattress Waste Ban. We specialize in efficient mattress pickups, drop-off locations, and municipal partnerships that promote landfill diversion and material recovery. Find out more at Tough Stuff Recycling

LUK, Inc. Advocacy and Advisory Board Hosts Legislative Breakfast

Posted on noviembre 25th/en Noticias para miembros /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

LUK Inc.’s Advocacy and Advisory Board (LAAB) and Beth Barto, President & CEO, hosted a Legislative Breakfast on the morning of Friday, November 7th to introduce local and state representatives to LUK’s policy standpoints and to discuss pressing local matters. In attendance were Representative Natalie Higgins, Representative Michael Kushmerek, Senator John Cronin, Representative Meghan Kilcoyne, a representative of Senator Robyn Kennedy, and others involved in local and state politics.

Through questions posed by LUK’s Youth Leaders and references to current happenings, the legislators and LAAB members had thoughtful discussions about community access to resources, the voices of young people in policy making, and education accessibility. Legislators carefully considered every aspect of these broad topics to deliver insightful perspectives on how the Massachusetts State government is handling the issues presented. They gave information on timelines, specific budget numbers, and legislative bills that are being processed that align with the Leaders’ questions, providing a glimpse into how legislation is considered and discussed. The breakfast was a productive, informative, and worthwhile event for all and LUK is grateful for the opportunity to discuss the LAAB’s priorities.

The LAAB serves as LUK’s key resource to guide the agency’s values in action regarding social issues and to promote public policy advocacy to advance and uphold the agency’s sense of Mission.

“It felt empowering to have my voice heard, especially knowing that the people in the room were genuinely listening and interested in what youth had to say. It made me feel like my opinions mattered and that I was contributing to something bigger,” said Youth Leader, Alicia Hernandez.

Sarah Gregory, LUK’s Career Development and Event Coordinator, added “I am incredibly proud of the youth Leaders and all of the work and research they have done for this event. I am glad that they were able to have their voices heard and ask about current issues that were important to them.”

LUK, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the safety, health, and well-being of youth, families, and adults in Central Massachusetts. As a community-based organization, LUK’s mission is to challenge and inspire youth, adults, and families to realize their unique potential through community-based prevention, intervention, education, and support services.

For more information about LUK, Inc., visit www.LUK.org, call (800) 579-0000, or find us on Facebook (@LetUsKnowINC). Join us in building stronger communities, family by family!

Inversión de la Mancomunidad en el Proyecto de Servicios Públicos de Fitchburg Road Acerca más Opciones de Vivienda Asequible a la Realidad en Ayer

Posted on noviembre 22nd/en Noticias para miembros /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

The Town of Ayer received a huge treat from the Healey-Driscoll Administration. Through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ FY26 Community One Stop Grant, Ayer’s Fitchburg Road Sewer Main Extension project received $500,000. This investment will allow the town to bring its existing sewer main further down Fitchburg Road, opening up not only future economic development opportunities but brand-new affordable housing options for Ayer via one particular project: Ayer Commons.

Massachusetts-based nonprofit and community development corporation Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH) owns a parcel of land along Fitchburg Road planned to be developed under the direction of MA Chapter 40B into 106 affordable housing units bearing the name Ayer Commons. Previously, NOAH’s site had no access to town wastewater service. As a result, NOAH would have been required to install an expensive onsite wastewater treatment system, which ultimately could have impacted the success and outcomes of the project.

“Ayer Commons will serve as a model of Passive House Design principles and traditional neighborhood design while being multi-modal transit-oriented,” shared NOAH Executive Director Phil Giffee. “Through the housing we build, NOAH increases access to affordable housing, creates social and economic opportunities, and empowers residents to be leaders of change. This could not be truer for Ayer.”

For major employers like Catania Oils, brand new affordable housing options in Ayer may greatly impact the quality of life for their employees and stability of business operations.

“Our hourly employees, particularly those working in manufacturing and in the warehouse, are essential to our operations,” Catania President Joseph Basile said. “They face unique challenges, including the physical demands of their roles and the need for affordable housing close to their workplace. These factors underscore the urgent need for affordable housing options in Ayer to support our workforce and ensure the sustainability of our business.”

A fourth-generation family-run business, Catania Oils employees close to 300 people with many travelling significant distances to come to work each day – for some this commute is over an hour each way.

“Ayer is proud to be a community that many people can call home,” Town Manager Robert Pontbriand said. “We consider ourselves a leader in creating and developing opportunities to increase affordable housing options so that our community remains accessible to all. We applaud the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for making this investment, and are encouraged by the public-public partnerships involved in this project to make it a success.”

The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s funding for the Fitchburg Road Utility Project compliments another major investment made by the Commonwealth this year to preserve over 100 existing affordable homes in Ayer at Devenscrest Village; 34 units will be at 60% AMI (area median income) and the remaining 79 units will be at 80% AMI. Along with the over $10 million in funding invested by the state towards Devenscrest, the Town of Ayer’s Affordable Housing Trust contributed $170,000 while the Ayer Voters approved committing $400,000 from the Community Preservation Fund at the 2025 Fall Town Meeting.

Construction of Phase I of the Ayer Commons project is anticipated to begin in 2027. More information can be found by visiting www.ayercommons.org.

Miembro Destacado

Custom Cleaning Service of Peabody

When the workday ends and the lights go down, Custom Cleaning Service of Peabody, Inc. gets to work. “We operate as our clients’ silent partner after business hours,” says Adam Paicos, of Templeton, who now serves as Director of Operations and oversees the company’s expansion into North Central MA. “We are not often seen, but we ensure facilities are clean, secure, and ready for business each day while serving as the eyes and ears for our clients when they are not on site.”

Read Member Spotlight

Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast

Discover local business stories through our Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast series. Listen as Chamber members share their journeys, insights, and contributions to our thriving regional business community.

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Out & About

From Chamber events and ribbon cuttings to community celebrations and regional highlights, stay connected with what’s happening across North Central Massachusetts. Follow us on social media for the latest photos, updates, and stories.

Celebrating Great Wolf Lodge’s $30 Million Investment in North Central Massachusetts

Discover Your Leadership Potential with CLI

Cinco de Mayo Business After Hours Recap

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Job Board Postings

Looking for your next opportunity? Explore current job openings from employers across North Central Massachusetts on our Jobs Board. Whether you’re starting a new career or making a change, you’ll find a variety of local positions available to help you take the next step.

Maintenance Technician
CapEx Facility Services & Construction · Leominster, MA
Mental Health Counselor Adult Inpatient Psych
TaraVista Behavioral Health Center · Harvard, MA
Supervisor Operations, 1st Shift
DRS Power Technology, Inc. · Fitchburg, MA
Quality Inspector
AIS · Leominster, MA

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E-Newsletter

June 2026

Not Yet A Member? Join the Chamber

Noticias de la Cámara

A Foundation of Trust, Integrity, and Member Service

A Longstanding Commitment to the Community

A Notable Piece of Local History

Mirando hacia adelante

Why This Matters

Advocacy in Action

What’s Next

Implementación del Plan de Marketing Estratégico y Estado de la subvención estatal

Por qué el turismo es importante para el centro-norte de Massachusetts

Rendimiento del sitio web

Rendimiento en redes sociales

PlayEasy Rendimiento

Centro de Visitantes Johnny Appleseed

Desempeño de hospedaje

Recaudación de impuestos de opción local

Perfil del Visitante

Mirando hacia adelante

Eventos próximos

El North Central Golf Tour: Viernes en la Cancha del Templewood Golf Course

Clínica de Golf Fore Then Pore, Juego de 9 Hoyos y Fiesta de Fin de Verano

Sponsors Reception: Old Mill

WLC Self-Love Mini Series: Reignite Your Wellness

Serie sobre beneficios empresariales: Mesa redonda trimestral — Flujo de caja y educación financiera para propietarios de pequeñas empresas

Buenos días, North Central, presentado por Unitil

Legislative & Candidates Reception

Connect North Central

North Central Golf Tour Championship: Fore the Future FLNC Scholarship Golf Classic at Oak Hill

Women's Leadership Connection Luncheon

Congressional Luncheon Sponsored by Fitchburg State University

Work North Central Massachusetts Career & Hiring Event!

Connect North Central

Business Benefit Series: HR Council Legal Update

Good Morning North Central: Sponsored by IC Credit Union

Connect North Central

Women's Leadership Connection Luncheon

Connect North Central

Winter Reception

Economic Forecast Breakfast

Annual Scholars Breakfast

43nd Annual Meeting & Business Expo

Noticias para miembros

Every Choice Matters

Tough Stuff Recycling in Good Company

About Tough Stuff Recycling

Miembro Destacado

Custom Cleaning Service of Peabody

Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast

Out & About

Celebrating Great Wolf Lodge’s $30 Million Investment in North Central Massachusetts

Discover Your Leadership Potential with CLI

Cinco de Mayo Business After Hours Recap

Job Board Postings

Líderes Regionales

Socios de Cámara

Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts

Afiliados

Buzón de sugerencias

Solicitud de Membresía