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

Not Yet A Member? Join the Chamber

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is here to help – with trusted resources, a strong business network, and a support system to keep your business and the region moving forward

Unase Ahora Opciones de membresía

Noticias de la Cámara

Las autopistas “se llevan la mejor parte” en el plan de gastos de $15 mil millones

/en /por

Servicio de Noticias de la Cámara de Representantes

Autor: Chris Lisinski

supervisores del Departamento de Transporte estamparon su aprobación el miércoles en un plan de capital quinquenal que propone destinar casi $15 mil millones a mejorar la confiabilidad, modernizar y ampliar el sistema de transporte del estado. La junta directiva del MassDOT votó por unanimidad a favor de una propuesta de $14.9 mil millones que abarca los años fiscales 2023 a 2027, adoptando un plan que, por primera vez desde que se desató la pandemia de COVID-19, tiene una visión a medio decenio en lugar de un solo año. Más de la mitad del gasto se destinaría a proyectos de confiabilidad, como el mantenimiento de rutina y las reparaciones. Un poco más de una cuarta parte se destinaría a iniciativas de modernización, incluidas las mejoras necesarias en materia de accesibilidad y seguridad. El resto se dividiría entre ampliaciones, reembolsos del Capítulo 90 para ayudar a los municipios con el mantenimiento de carreteras y puentes, y otros servicios de planificación. Entre los proyectos financiados por el plan se incluyen la importante obra de rehabilitación del Túnel Sumner, que ya está en curso; el reemplazo del Puente Rourke en Lowell; y el diseño y la obtención de permisos para la iniciativa, que ocurre una vez en una generación, de reorganizar la confluencia de la infraestructura de autopistas, ferrocarriles y vías peatonales en una estrecha franja de tierra en Allston. Las autopistas de todo Massachusetts constituyen el principal objetivo de inversión en el plan quinquenal —o, como lo expresó la directora de Planificación de Capital del MassDOT, Michelle Ho, “las autopistas se llevan la palma”—, con más de $10 mil millones destinados a la fiabilidad, modernización y ampliación de las carreteras del estado. Aproximadamente $1.4 mil millones del plan del MassDOT destinarían fondos estatales a la expansión de la MBTA y a proyectos de mantenimiento, y la agencia de transporte público también cuenta con su propio plan quinquenal de $9.6 mil millones para otros proyectos importantes, entre ellos el South Coast Rail.

Lauren Howe nombrada Embajadora del Año 2022 de la Cámara de Comercio del Centro Norte de Massachusetts

/en /por

Howe recognized at Chamber’s 38ta Annual Meeting

Lauren Howe, principal and owner of empHowered PR, has been named as the 2022 Ambassador of Year by the Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts.   The announcement was made at the chamber’s Annual Meeting on June 9, 2022.

Chamber Ambassadors are valued volunteers to the Chamber 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.  Howe was voted Ambassador of the Year by her fellow Chamber Ambassadors at their May meeting. 

“We are grateful to Lauren for her dedication and support of our Chamber as we work to advance our goals throughout the 27 communities that comprise our region,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “While Lauren is a fairly new member of our business community, she quickly become an engaged business leader across North Central and a sought-after expert in the areas of public relations and communications for a variety of businesses. We are eager to see what the future holds for Lauren, both through her work with the Chamber and with her business.”

Howe founded empHowered PR in March 2020 following an esteemed 23-year career in a variety of communications roles in the health care, manufacturing and non-profit industries.  While her plans to launch her business were delayed due to the pandemic, she currently serves a variety of clients around the region, the country and the world. Her tailored services focus on brand strategy, corporate social responsibility, reputation management and thought leadership to effectively position her clients with key stakeholders to deliver long-term business goals. 

Lauren holds both a master’s degree in Organizational and Professional Communication and a graduate certificate in Health Care Leadership Communications from Regis College.  She received a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and an associate degree in Liberal Arts from Mount Wachusett Community College.  Lauren is a member of the Worcester Business Journal 40 under Forty class of 2014 and a 2017 graduate of the Leadership Worcester program.  She currently serves as Chair of the Public Relations Society of America Independent Practitioner’s Alliance and is a member of the board at the American Red Cross of Central and Western Massachusetts.  She also serves as the regular host of the Chamber’s “Good Morning North Central,” the region’s most popular morning gathering featuring high-profile guests discussing topics of interest with business, civic and community leaders. 

“As a small business owner starting out at the beginning of the pandemic, the Chamber provided me with information and connections to successfully launch my business, literally from my kitchen table,” said Howe. “I am honored to be recognized by my peers as their Ambassador of the Year and look forward to continued collaboration and success with my fellow Ambassadors in the years to come.” 

Sales Tax Holiday Weekend Set For Aug. 13-14

/en /por

Servicio de Noticias de la Cámara de Representantes

Author: Sam Doran

Tarr Says Surplus Shows Holiday Can Be Expanded

The Legislature on Monday set the dates of this year’s sales tax holiday weekend, settling on Aug. 13 and 14, when Massachusetts shoppers will get a break from state sales tax on most retail items less than $2,500.

The annual sales-tax-free weekend was made permanent by a 2018 law, which calls on the Legislature to set the dates by June 15 each year, otherwise the Department of Revenue gets to pick.

As part of the “grand bargain” law, retailers in 2018 dropped their push for a ballot question lowering the 6.25 percent sales tax to 5 percent. That law also raised the minimum wage will rise from $11 to $15 an hour over a five-year period, phased out time-and-a-half pay for workers on Sundays and holidays over that same period, and solidified the launch of a paid family and medical leave program overseen by the state government and backed by a payroll tax.

Economic Development Committee co-chairs Sen. Eric Lesser and Rep. Jerry Parisella sponsored the date-setting measures in their respective branches Monday.

Prior to the Senate’s vote, Minority Leader Bruce Tarr said the Legislature was being “proactive” and setting the date, but he found it “unfortunate” no other tax relief steps had yet been taken.

“While we are here to at least accomplish two days of sales tax relief, I would hope with the remaining time in this session that we would consider still expanding this sales tax holiday,” Tarr said, “as one of the best ways to be able to give tax relief to the citizens of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, who are watching these debates, and asking themselves — repetitively — if we have billions of dollars in surplus, and we are properly funding all of our accounts, then why is it that we cannot find the ability to reach consensus on offering substantial, responsible tax relief?”

The holiday does not apply to purchases of some specific goods or services: motor vehicles, motorboats, meals, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, marijuana products, telecommunications services like prepaid calls, natural gas, steam, or electricity.

Eventos próximos

TODOS LOS EVENTOS

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
View Event

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!
View Event

WLC Self-Love Mini Series: Reignite Your Wellness

September 9, 2026


View Event

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

September 15, 2026

 
View Event

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.
View Event

Legislative & Candidates Reception

September 24, 2026

The reception features an open bar and gourmet appetizers.
View Event

Connect North Central

September 25, 2026

Join us for Connect North Central Friday, September 25, 2026 8am-9am
View Event

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  
View Event

Women's Leadership Connection Luncheon

October 7, 2026


View Event

Congressional Luncheon Sponsored by Fitchburg State University

October 15, 2026

Join us for our 11th Annual Congressional Luncheon
View Event

Work North Central Massachusetts Career & Hiring Event!

October 27, 2026

FREE for Job Seekers! Walk ins Welcome!!
View Event

Connect North Central

October 30, 2026

Join us for Connect North Central Friday, October 30, 2026 8am-9am
View Event

Business Benefit Series: HR Council Legal Update

November 10, 2026

Join us for this in person HR Legal Update
View Event

6 Chamber B.A.S.H.

November 12, 2026

 
View Event

Good Morning North Central: Sponsored by IC Credit Union

November 19, 2026

November 19, 2026 7:15am - 9:00am  
View Event

Connect North Central

November 20, 2026

Join us for Connect North Central Friday, November 20, 2026 8am-9am
View Event

Women's Leadership Connection Luncheon

January 20, 2027


View Event

Connect North Central

January 29, 2027

Join us for Connect North Central Friday, January 29, 2027 8am-9am
View Event

Winter Reception

February 25, 2027

 
View Event

Economic Forecast Breakfast

April 15, 2027

Please stay tuned for additional information.
View Event

Annual Scholars Breakfast

May 7, 2027

Annual Scholars Breakfast May 7, 2027 7:15am - 9:30am
View Event

43nd Annual Meeting & Business Expo

June 10, 2027

43st Annual Meeting and Business Expo
View Event

Noticias para miembros

Pulling 4 Paws – NEADS Truck Pull 2023

/en /por

Pulling 4 Paws Truck Pull
Sunday, April 23, 11 am – 4 pm
Polar Park, Worcester, MA

Put your strength to the test and fundraise for NEADS at the same time by taking part in NEADS Pulling 4 Paws Truck Pull. Money raised by participating teams support our mission of providing independence to more clients through our World Class Service Dogs.

Teams of 15 will compete at Polar Park to see who can pull an 18-wheeler – sponsored by Polar Beverages – the fastest. There’s some friendly competition among different divisions – police, fire, businesses, schools (sports teams, clubs, or other groups are welcome!), to name a few. The winners score bragging rights, and everyone helps NEADS provide life-changing Service and Assistance Dogs to those who need them most.

  • Enter a team We invite you to bring a team of 15 colleagues and friends together and see if you’ve got what it takes. Entry fee is $500 with a recommended fundraising goal of $2,500. NEADS staff will be working closely with each team to help them make their goal. Space is limited, so sign up soon while there’s still room to participate.
  • Become a sponsor Sponsorships at levels from $500 to $5,0000 are available—check the website for more information.

Berkshire Bank’s Foundation Announces Nearly $3 Million in Contributions During 2022

/en /por

Pittsfield, MA –Berkshire Bank, a leading socially responsible community-dedicated bank with financial center locations in New England and New York, announced more than $2.8 million in Foundation philanthropic investments during 2022. During the fourth quarter of 2022 (October 1- December 31), more than $764,000 was contributed to help the communities Berkshire Bank serves. The grants awarded cover a wide range of projects that help foster upward economic mobility, support overall well-being, and enhance opportunities for individual and small business success, particularly for underrepresented populations. The investments also support the Company’s BEST Community Comeback which includes a planned $15 million in community contributions by the end of 2024.

In total, Berkshire’s Foundation assisted 155 nonprofit organizations during the fourth quarter of 2022 through grants supporting a wide range of critical projects like food insecurity, health, wellness, homelessness, educational advancement, arts, culture, diversity, and inclusion. The Berkshire Bank Foundation is committed to supporting programs that work toward providing equitable opportunities for economic prosperity. In addition, the Foundation supports programs that align with Berkshire Bank’s Center for Women, Wellness, and Wealth (CWWW) to provide opportunities for women to build a future enriched with financial stability, balance, and growth.

“We are so proud of the impact we have made collectively at Berkshire Bank through our financial support and volunteer service,” said Lori Gazzillo Kiely, Director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. During 2022, Berkshire Bank employees donated more than 23,000 volunteer hours to help our communities,” she added. Kiely continued, “We are pleased to continue to support non-profits doing great work to positively impact individuals, families, and small businesses within our Berkshire Bank footprint.”

The grant recipients listed below are just a sample of the projects Berkshire Bank has supported to strengthen organizations throughout MA, NY, CT, RI, and VT. They include:

  • Berkshire Resources for the Integration of Diverse Groups and Education, Inc. (MA)
  • Berkshire Black Economic Council, Inc. (MA)
  • Bennington Museum, Inc. (VT)
  • Columbia County Recovery Kitchen (NY)
  • Catholic Charities Worcester County (MA)
  • Cradles to Crayons (MA)
  • Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Foundation, Inc. (CT)
  • Disability Policy Consortium (MA)
  • Double H Ranch (NY)
  • Fenway Community Development Corporation (MA)
  • Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell (MA)
  • Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective (CT)
  • Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless (NY)
  • Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection (NY)
  • Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art Foundation, Inc. (MA)
  • Peoples Equal Action And Community Effort (PEACE) Inc (NY)
  • Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation (CT/RI)
  • Rhode Island Black Storytellers (RI)
  • Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (RI)
  • Rescue Mission of Syracuse (NY)
  • Salve Regina University (CT/RI)
  • Sculpture Now (MA)
  • Springfield Museums (MA)
  • Thames Valley Council for Community Action, Inc. (CT/RI)
  • The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Inc. (MA)
  • The Reading League, Inc. (NY)
  • The Springfield Puerto Rican Parade (MA)
  • The Vermont Food Bank (VT)
  • UMass Memorial Health Care (MA)
  • Urban League of Greater Hartford, Inc. (CT)
  • YMCA of Greater Boston (MA)
  • Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VT)
  • Women’s Business Development Council (CT/RI)

Additional details on the Foundation’s grant programs and focus areas can be found at berkshirebank.com/foundation.

ASNCM RECOGNIZES 2022-2023 VALUES AWARD WINNER

/en /por
2022 Values Award Winner

2022-2023 Values Award recipient, Leeanne Kelly, poses with her award

Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts (ASNCM) has recognized a staff member, Leeanne Kelly, Protective Services Manager as the 2022-2023 Values Award winner. The core values of ASNCM are excellence, integrity, respect, innovation, and teamwork- all of which Kelly personifies on a daily basis.

“I am honored and humbled to have received the ASNCM Values Award,” said Leeanne Kelly. “My work is a direct result of the tremendous support and respect given to all employees within this organization, from top to bottom, that allow us all to best serve the elders within our community. I feel truly lucky to be part of ASNCM.”

“Leeanne makes a positive contribution day in and day out and has a tenacity to support our older adults in North Central Massachusetts,” said Lori A. Richardson, Chief Executive Officer. Leeanne frequently says, “I’ll do whatever I can to help out our agency, our team and our older adults.” Richardson added, “Leeanne Kelly is the ultimate professional and team player, her actions speak to why she is deserves this recognition.”

To learn more about the Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts—including programs and services being offered, ways you can donate or volunteer, please visit www.AgingServicesMA.org or contact David Ginisi, Chief Marketing Officer, at (978) 466-1571 or by email at .

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.

Listen to the Podcast

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

Read More on Facebook

Discover Your Leadership Potential with CLI

Read More on LinkedIn

Cinco de Mayo Business After Hours Recap

View on Instagram

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.

View All Jobs

Got a job you want featured? Click here to submit a job posting to our job board or email . This is a member benefit. Post jobs at no extra cost. No algorithms or budgets to manage!

Desplazarse hacia arriba