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.
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
Gagnon brings entrepreneurial spirit, experience in variety of industries to serve Chamber members
El Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy Gagnon as Manager of Membership Recruitment and Engagement. In this position, she will be responsible for managing marketing and outreach to prospective members while also providing superior service and support for current members.
Gagnon comes to the Chamber with years of experience serving in various roles in sales, hospitality and education. Most recently, she served as the COVID-19 Coordinator for the Town of Lancaster Board of Health. She also worked at the University of New Hampshire on its Keene and Durham campuses where she served in a variety of administrative roles. Earlier in her career, she served as Membership Director at the Dover New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.
“As the child of entrepreneurs and an entrepreneur herself, Tracy has the unique ability to understand the needs of our members,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Her energy, experience and passion for the work of the Chamber and our affiliates made a positive impression during the selection process. She will play an important role in our efforts to engage business leaders in North Central Massachusetts.”
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Daniel Webster College and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership/Counseling from Plymouth State University, where she also obtained certification for K-12 School Counseling.
In addition to her work at the Chamber, she and her husband own and operate several rental properties that they manage. She is also active in the Wachusett Area Rotary Club and the West Boylston Board of Health.
Current members or businesses interested in learning more about the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce can reach out to Tracy Gagnon at 978.353.7600 ext. 239 or via email at .
New program directs $50 million toward businesses reaching underserved markets, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses, and $25 million for businesses that did not qualify for prior MGCC aid
Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the launch of a new $75 million grant program to support Massachusetts small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new program is part of the plan to spend $4 billion in American Rescue Plan funding that was signed into law by Governor Charlie Baker in December 2021. The new program is modeled after Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation’s (MGCC) successful COVID-19 small business relief program. Under that effort, which became the biggest state-sponsored business relief program in the nation, MGCC oversaw the distribution of approximately $705 million to over 15,000 small businesses across Massachusetts. Today’s announcement was made at Luanda Restaurant and Lounge in Brockton, a family-owned business that received financial support through MGCC’s prior COVID relief grant program.
“We have been proud to support small businesses in every corner of the Commonwealth through the MGCC small business program during the pandemic, but we know that some challenges remain for many businesses,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “With the launch of this new effort, we can build on MGCC’s successful work and direct important federal funding to those businesses with the greatest need quickly and effectively.”
“Restaurants like Luanda are fundamental to the character of our neighborhoods, main streets and downtowns in every city and town in Massachusetts,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “This new initiative will ensure that businesses that need help the most will be able to take advantage of additional opportunities.”
The $75 million will be focused on small businesses that employ between two and 50 people, with $25 million directed toward businesses that did not qualify for previous MGCC grants because of a lack of revenue loss in 2020; and $50 million directed to businesses that reach underserved markets and historically underrepresented groups, or are minority-, women-, or veteran-owned businesses, or are owned by individuals with disabilities or who identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Under both categories, grants will range from $10,000 to $75,000, and will be capped at the lesser of $75,000 or three months of operating expenses. Grant funding can be used for employee and benefit costs, mortgage interest, rent, utilities, and interest on debt.
“The challenges faced by Massachusetts’ small businesses during COVID have been enormous, but in my district and across the state I have seen so many entrepreneurs and innovators respond with incredible perseverance and grace. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they deserve our support,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka. “Today’s grants represent a choice by the Legislature to center small businesses in our effort for an equitable recovery. I am grateful to the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation for their work to distribute these funds to so many deserving businesses and I am thankful to all of the small businesses who have done so much for Massachusetts.”
“I am pleased to hear that the small business grant program, created through the Legislature’s ARPA bill, is now accepting applications, and will soon be distributing these funds to our small businesses,” said Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano. “Delivering on the Legislature’s intent to pass a bill truly focused on equity, a significant portion of the funds from the small business program will specifically target minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned small businesses, as well as small businesses that didn’t receive previous grants during the pandemic. Small businesses are oftentimes the backbone of our communities and local economies, and I look forward to seeing these investments remain a priority for the House of Representatives moving forward.”
“When help was needed the most during the pandemic, the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation scaled up a nation-leading program to support our small businesses and the families and entrepreneurs behind them,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “I’m grateful to the MGCC team for once again stepping up to direct vital funding to the neighborhoods and communities that continue to face challenges created by this unprecedented public health crisis.”
“MGCC is pleased to be an instrument of recovery for the smallest of businesses throughout Massachusetts most affected by COVID-19 with these two new grants programs,” said Lawrence Andrews, CEO and President of MGCC. “The Baker-Polito Administration and the Legislature recognize that certain communities have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and the goal of this funding will bring relief and stability to additional businesses throughout the Commonwealth.”
In addition to prioritizing applications from businesses that did not qualify for prior aid and businesses owned by individuals from historically underserved populations or operate in underserved markets, eligible businesses must currently be in operation and based in Massachusetts. Applicants must also demonstrate that business revenues for 2020 were between $40,000 and $2.5 million.
Learn more at EmpoweringSmallBusiness.org.

Hemos añadido el lema “Compartiendo las Artes Juntos” para encapsular de manera concisa nuestra misión principal de ofrecer un entorno accesible e inclusivo para todos; independientemente de si disfrutas tomando una clase ocasional y actuando o si te encanta competir como miembro de nuestra Compañía de Danza. El objetivo es apoyarnos mutuamente y apreciar las diferencias y los talentos que compartimos.
Animamos a los estudiantes a participar en todas las clases y espectáculos a lo largo de su trayectoria en nuestra Escuela. Comenzando con la exposición inicial a la danza y las artes teatrales, los estudiantes continúan aprendiendo sobre las muchas diferencias culturales dentro de los Estados Unidos y en otros países; que a menudo marcan hitos históricos clave a través de la coreografía representada en las actuaciones. Las credenciales académicas, de actuación y de enseñanza de Mary Elizabeth y Matthew, tal como se describen en el sitio web de MEM Dance Theatre, www.memdancetheatre.com brindar a familias y sus hijos durante la adolescencia, y a estudiantes adultos una experiencia segura, divertida y especializada en el estudio de la danza y las artes teatrales. Al hacerlo, continuar ayudando a aprovechar y empoderar las mentes jóvenes, cultivar una amplia base de relaciones comunitarias y sostener un modelo de negocio exitoso que continuará brindando recursos amplios y enriquecedores.

Mary Elizabeth Tinervin, Propietaria, Directora Artística y Maestra de Ballet
Matthew M. Kooyomjian, Propietario y Director Ejecutivo

“Ha sido un honor servir como Presidente de la Junta Directiva de MOC”, dijo O’Connor. “Estoy orgulloso de nuestros muchos logros durante los últimos años y confío en que MOC tiene un futuro brillante bajo el liderazgo de Paul mientras continúan creciendo y expandiendo su impacto en la comunidad.”
MacKinnon es un líder ejecutivo consumado y actualmente es Vicepresidente Corporativo y Director de Operaciones/Directora de Enfermería en Health Alliance Clinton Hospital. MacKinnon obtuvo su Doctorado en la Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad de Massachusetts – Escuela de Posgrado en Enfermería y ha ocupado puestos clave de liderazgo en Saint Vincent Hospital, UMass Memorial Medical Center y Steward Health Care. Como enfermero registrado durante más de tres décadas y enfermero familiar practicante durante más de dos, ha sido miembro de numerosas asociaciones de atención médica, juntas locales y organizaciones comunitarias. MacKinnon se desempeñó recientemente como Tesorero de la Junta de MOC durante los últimos tres años.
“La misión de MOC de empoderar a las familias para que logren la estabilidad económica es más crítica que nunca”, dijo MacKinnon. “Durante años, he sido testigo de cómo el personal y el liderazgo viven la misión de MOC en todo lo que hacen. Me siento honrado y humilde de desempeñar un papel en este inspirador trabajo, y espero liderar este esfuerzo con nuestra experimentada y dedicada junta directiva”.”
El cambio ocurre en un momento de fortaleza y crecimiento para MOC, ya que la organización ha trabajado cada vez más para integrar el acceso a la atención médica en su cartera de servicios humanos.
“Estoy profundamente agradecido con Oscar por su liderazgo, visión y dedicación a nuestra misión que nos ayudó a crecer y ampliar nuestro impacto en la comunidad durante la última década”, afirmó Kevin Reed, director ejecutivo de MOC. “También estoy muy entusiasmado con nuestro futuro bajo el liderazgo de Paul. Su gran experiencia y su defensa están perfectamente alineadas con la visión de MOC para nuestro futuro, mientras nos esforzamos por satisfacer la creciente demanda de servicios que brindan bienestar a nuestros clientes y a la comunidad.”
Sobre Hacer que la Oportunidad Cuente
Making Opportunity Count, Inc. (MOC) se estableció en 1966 con el propósito principal de promover el bienestar de las personas de bajos ingresos en las ciudades y pueblos del centro-norte de Massachusetts. El área de servicio de MOC abarca 30 ciudades y pueblos (Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Barre, Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Hardwick, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Littleton, Lunenburg, New Braintree, Pepperell, Petersham, Phillipston, Princeton, Royalston, Sterling, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster y Winchendon). La misión de MOC es empoderar a las familias para que logren seguridad económica eliminando barreras y creando oportunidades. MOC trabaja para cumplir este propósito brindando servicios directos, colaborando con otras entidades públicas y privadas, y aplicando estrategias integrales que ayudan a abordar los complejos problemas de la pobreza. Los programas principales incluyen Cuidado Infantil y Head Start, North Central WIC, Centro de Recursos Familiares, Meals on Wheels, The Counseling Center at MOC, programas de atención médica y más. Para obtener una lista completa de programas y servicios, visite www.mocinc.org
Grants Distributed to 44 agencies through Community Impact Fund and After School and Out-Of-School Time Program
FITCHBURG, MA: August 16, 2022 — United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) has distributed $1,151,063 in funds to 44 local agencies through two grant programs. The grants will support programs that target pressing community needs and offer after school and out-of-school time activities for children and youth.
Through its Community Impact Fund for 2022-23, UWNCM awarded $599,663 to 30 organizations, funding 40 programs. The Community Impact Fund is a long-standing UWNCM initiative that supports programs that address the region’s highest priorities in the areas of Early Education and Youth Development, Basic Needs and Economic Opportunity/Financial Literacy.
This year’s grants are expected to create positive impacts for nearly 70,000 people, spanning the entire North Central Massachusetts region. Recipients range from Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Devens to the Wendell Clark YMCA in Winchendon. Donna Bulger, Vice President of grant recipient Clear Path for Veterans New England, says she appreciates the grant as well as on-going assistance from UWNCM.
“Clear Path is pleased to have the support of UWNCM, which includes funding that helps us extend the impact we have in the community, serving a population that includes elders, disabled veterans, children and families,” says Bulger. “What has meant the most to us is the spirit of collaboration we have with UWNCM staff. They reach out frequently with opportunities to supplement our materials, partner with other nonprofits and just to check in with us.”
UWNCM also recently distributed $551,400 to 17 agencies through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) After School and Out-of-School Time (ASOST) program. Funds were made available through a $4.5 million grant awarded by DESE to a regional effort of United Ways located in Central, North Central and South-Central Massachusetts with the goal of helping after school and out-of-school time programs rebound from impacts of COVID-19.
Through the program, UWNCM previously distributed $398,800 in funding to 18 local agencies for 2022 spring and summer programs at non-profit organizations, public school systems and towns and municipalities. The latest round funds 2022 school-year programs ranging from camping opportunities for disabled youth to teaching young people about film making and media production.
Kelli Feigley, Founder and Managing Director/Executive Producer of grant recipient Fresh Films, says, “Thanks to this grant, Fresh Films is able to continue helping transform the lives of underserved diverse youth at Fitchburg High School and the Boys and Girls Clubs in Fitchburg and Leominster. This amazing grant funds our weekly after school film program that teaches filmmaking fundamentals as part of our year-round career pathway for training youth to enter the fast-growing and very lucrative media and entertainment industry. Our expanded learning programs are critical while students are still in high school, so they can have equal access to college and career opportunities.”
Speaking about both recent grant distributions, UWNCM President Kory Eng adds, “We appreciate the opportunity to support these critical programs through our Community Impact Fund. We are further appreciative of our expanded partnerships with DESE and Central Massachusetts United Way, which have enabled us to nearly double our investments in community programs when the demand for services is at an all-time high. We thank our volunteers, donors, and community partners for their dedication and look forward to our continued work together to support those most in need.”
United Way of North Central Massachusetts serves the communities of Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Leominster, Littleton, Pepperell, Lunenburg, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.
Community Impact Fund Recipients
Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts
Athol Area YMCA
Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg & Leominster
Boys & Girls Club of Lunenburg
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Worcester
Clear Path for Veterans New England
Community Health Connections, Inc.
Gardner Community Action Committee
Ginny’s Helping Hands, Inc.
Girls Scouts of Central & Western Massachusetts
Growing Places Garden Project, Inc.
House of Peace & Education, Inc.
L.U.K. Crisis Center, Inc.
Literacy Volunteers of Athol – Orange
Literacy Volunteers of the Montachusett Area
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry
Making Opportunities Count, Inc.
Mass 2-1-1
New Vue Communities
North Star Family Services
Our Father’s House
Pathways to Change
Spanish American Center, Inc.
The Arc of Opportunity, Inc.
The Salvation Army of Athol
The Salvation Army of Fitchburg
United Way of North Central Mass – Footsteps2Brilliance
Wendell P. Clark YMCA
YMCA of Central Massachusetts
YWCA of Central Massachusetts
After School and Out-Of-School Time Program
Boy Scouts of America
City of Leominster
Fresh Films
Girl Scouts of Central & Western Mass
Girls On The Run
Growing Places Garden Project
Innovation Learning Center
Just Understand My Potential, Inc.
LUK Crisis Center, Inc.
Mass Audubon Society, Inc.
Montachusett Opportunity Council, Inc.
Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation, Inc.
Spanish American Center, Inc.
St. Bernard’s High School
The Shine Initiative, Inc.
Town of Littleton Parks, Recreation and Community Education
Townsend Recreation Dept.
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.”
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.
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.
CapEx Facility Services & Construction · Leominster, MA
TaraVista Behavioral Health Center · Harvard, MA
DRS Power Technology, Inc. · Fitchburg, MA
AIS · Leominster, MA