Premier event connects elected officials, candidates for office, with local business and community leaders

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce today announced the 2022 Legislative and Candidates Reception will be held on September 22, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Chocksett Inn, 59 Laurelwood Road in Sterling. Mount Wachusett Community College is the premier sponsor for the event.

The Legislative and Candidates Reception, held every fall, is one of the region’s premier events intended to offer local business and community leaders the opportunity to connect with the region’s elected officials, as well as those seeking public office.

“Government affairs and public policy advocacy are key components in our efforts to promote a healthy, active business climate throughout the region,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This reception offers direct access to our legislators and candidates running for office in a casual environment where our members can ask questions and learn more about the issues and opportunities for businesses in our region.”

“At Mount Wachusett Community College, we understand the importance of engaging with the region’s business and legislative communities. These connections and insights help guide the college in various areas such as programming and outreach,” said MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “It is vital for our region’s business leaders, legislators, and policy-makers to meet and network so that they can engage and learn from each other. I am delighted that we will be gathering in person again this year for this important event.”

All legislators representing, and candidates running for office, in the Chamber’s 27 communities are encouraged to attend.

As of September 13th, the following elected officials have confirmed their attendance:

Confirmed Officials:
Senator Jo Comerford, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester District
Senator John Cronin, Worcester and Middlesex District
Senator Diana DiZoglio, 1st Essex District
Senator Anne Gobi, Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Middlesex District
Representative Natalie Higgins, 4th Worcester District
Representative Meg Kilcoyne, 12th Worcester District
Representative Michael Kushmerek, 3rd Worcester District
Representative Dan Sena, 37th Middlesex District
Sheriff Lew Evangelidis., Worcester County
Adam Costa, Assistant Register of Deeds, Worcester Northern District
Governor’s Councillor Paul DePalo, 7th District
Mayor Stephen DiNatale, City of Fitchburg
Mayor Mike Nicholson, City of Gardner
Councilor Paul Beauchemin, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Andrew Couture, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Sally Cragin, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Andrew Couture, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Bernard Schultz, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Samantha Squailia, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Andrew Van Hazinga, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Peter Angelini, City of Leominster
Councilor Mark Bodanza, City of Leominster
Councilor William Brady, City of Leominster
Councilor Susan Chalifoux Zephir, City of Leominster
Councilor David Cormier, City of Leominster
Councilor Todd Deacon, City of Leominster
Councilor Claire Freda, City of Leominster
Town Manager Shaun Suhoski, Town of Athol
Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Town of Lunenburg
Town Administrator Bill Caldwell, Town of Sterling
Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen, Town of Westminster
Selectman Peter Cunningham, Town of Groton
Selectwoman Alix Turner, Town of Lancaster
Selectman Michael-Ray Jeffreys, Town of Lunenburg
Selectwoman Heather Sroka, Town of Lunenburg
Selectman John Kilcoyne, Town of Sterling
Selectman Sam Albert, Town of Westminster
Selectwoman Melissa Banks, Town of Westminster
David Quiroa, Regional Director, US Senator Ed Markey
Nyanna Slaughter, Regional Director, US Senator Elizabeth Warren

The event will feature an open bar and gourmet appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. Cost for members is $35 and non-members is $45. Registration is available online at www.northcentralmass.com. Please contact Kathleen Deal at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or for more details.