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
Why did you open the doors to your business? Today’s business owners often say it’s because they want to make a difference, fill a need, solve a problem, or support their community. There’s little doubt that business ownership isn’t just about making money; it’s about making a difference. What role will your business play in supporting, molding, and developing our community? That’s left up to your goals.
Our members make a difference in many ways. There are countless ways and opportunities to support our community, give back, or open doors for those living here. We’ve seen members take on incredible challenges or offer simply support.
Your business is already doing so. For example, you’re creating jobs for the community, which ensures that people can find a way to support their families and to work towards reaching their financial goals. Sometimes, the jobs our members offer can provide new opportunities not otherwise present in the community.
Our members also empower their employees. Imagine the opportunities to learn, grow, and expand. Some help to support the educational goals of their employees by supporting flexible scheduling, tuition reimbursement, or continuing education access. This can change the future path of an individual, allowing that individual to achieve his or her goals. Many times, they come back to the community to use those new skills to better it as well. It’s comprehensively worth the investment from all sides.
Our members also contribute to the positive culture of the community in many ways. As an independent local association, we help facilitate opportunities to do this by communicating needs. However, many of our members find ways to contribute on their own. They may help to support a sports team by contributing financially or purchasing uniforms. They may help to sponsor an event taking place to raise money for a charity. Though some do so through well-recognized events, festivals, and programs, others do so behind the scenes. They contribute because they believe in supporting the efforts of the organization, residents, employees, or just the community as a whole.
Some entrepreneurs build their businesses themselves as their legacy. They work hard to grow and scale. Others view their greatest impact as what they leave behind within the community. It is the steps they take to make the community better than they found it. Do you hope to leave an imprint? Do you plan to achieve incredible goals?
Many of our members look to find the good and praise it. They volunteer, give away their time, providing discounts on products or services, or simply give their knowledge. They work to support charities, children’s activities, and seniors. They listen, learn, and act to help others in our community to achieve their goals or meet their needs.
As the Chamber of Commerce, we’re proud of the business’s efforts to take these steps. We encourage every member to take another look inside to find out they can build a legacy.
Workers Credit Union is pleased to announce their donation of $10,000 to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank from its annual holiday campaign held in December. During the campaign, WCU members were asked to open a SaveUp savings account or set up an automatic transfer to their WCU savings and the credit union would donate $5 on their behalf to the food bank.

“We can’t thank the Workers Credit Union members enough for their support during these trying times. During the pandemic, the food bank has assisted more than 65,000 people monthly and donations like this helps us continue to serve their needs,” said Amy Pessia, Executive Director of the Merrimack Valley Food Bank.
Workers opened a new Lowell PlanIt at the Sunrise Shopping Center on Bridge Street on April 5, 2021. The new location will support the Workers Way™ financial coaching program which focuses on helping members improve their financial wellbeing. Using a combination of face-to-face coaching and the latest self-serve technology, Workers provides a personal, user-friendly banking experience that helps members pursue their goals with confidence.
Donations can be made to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank at www.mvfb.org.
About Merrimack Valley Food Bank
The mission of the Merrimack Valley Food Bank is to provide adequate nutrition and freedom from hunger. The Food Bank’s programs currently serve up to 80,000 people monthly in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. MVFB has been providing nutritious food to children, veterans, seniors, and working families since 1991. Food is distributed through direct service and a network of partner food pantries, meal programs, schools and senior centers.
About Workers Credit Union
Workers Credit Union (WCU), a member-owned and member-focused $2 billion credit union, is building the financial wellness of its more than 110,000 members through coaching, products and support that empowers them to build a better life for themselves and their families. Headquartered in Littleton, MA, Workers Credit Union has been serving communities in Massachusetts for more than 100 years. Workers Credit Union recently adopted a national charter that enables it to serve a broader set of members wherever they live. Workers Credit Union is a Community Development Financial Institution and Low-Income Designated Credit Union.
Move Aims to Help Businesses during the Covid-19 Pandemic
GARDNER – November 10ta, 2020 – Gardner Mayor Michael J. Nicholson is pleased to announce the City of Gardner is suspending fees for liquor licenses for Gardner businesses that apply for on- premise consumption liquor licenses for the 2021 calendar year.
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses across the City have been forced to adapt to a difficult and ever changing set of circumstances. This was particularly hard for businesses in the restaurant industry that had to close for a portion of the year due to regulations put in place to curb the spread of the virus. It is Mayor Nicholson’s hope to lessen the burden these businesses are facing by temporarily suspending food and liquor license fees.
“I would like to sincerely thank Mayor Nicholson for finding new ways for the City to help alleviate the small business crisis precipitated by the pandemic,” said Rick Walton, owner of Gardner Ale House and Moon Hill Brewing Company “For so many of us, the cash flow just isn’t there; waiving the liquor license fee helps a lot.”
Under Massachusetts General Laws, fees for liquor licenses are set by vote of the License Commission. This group of three individuals are appointed by the Mayor with approval by the City Council. Mayor Nicholson presented the commission with his proposed order suspending these fees for the coming year at their meeting on November 10ta, and they voted unanimously to endorse the Mayor’s proposal.
“This has been a tough year for everyone in the City, particularly for our restaurants who had to close and then were only able to operate on a take-out basis for the majority of this past year. This has only been exacerbated by the cooler temperatures causing many locations to end their outdoor seating option” said Mayor Nicholson. “We are taking this move to help our local businesses get back on their feet and get through this pandemic even with the challenges that we are facing. Thank you to the License Commission for voting to approve this proposal, and I look forward to seeing how it can help our businesses during these trying times.”
Liquor license applications run annually with the calendar year with the License Commission voting to approve applications during the month of December. This proposal would only be in effect for the 2021 calendar year. “I think this is a great way for us to be able to help businesses who have been struggling,” Michael Fitzsimmons, chair of the Gardner License Commission said during the meeting.
Twenty-seven businesses in Gardner annually apply for liquor licenses- including restaurants, social clubs, cafes, and other food establishments across the City. This waiver does not extend for licenses for off- premise consumption, as those establishments were able to remain open during the COVID-19 shut down.
“Holiday” Double IPA features 2020 Veterans Hop Blend by Yakima Chief Hops

“We are so honored to be a part of this project”, said Valerie Brock, Director of Fermentation at Wachusett Brewing Company and a former Sargent in the Army National Guard. “The 2020 blend features five different hops from the Pacific Northwest including Idaho 7, HBC 692, Sabra, Mosaic, and HBC 630 that will give this Double IPA great tropical fruit aromatics and a wonderful citrus profile”.
“Since 2010, it has been our privilege to show our support toward our local US Servicemen, women, and their families by providing Christmas trees at no charge, and to be a conduit for others in our community to show their appreciation as well, for our hero’s. We are honored to have been chosen to participate in the roll out of the Wachusett Brewing Company’s new IPA, and grateful for their support toward our program. We could not ask for a better way to kick off our 10ta year of giving!” said Joe Firmani, Operation Service Director.”
Holiday Double IPA will be released the week of November 9ta on tap at all 3 Wachusett Brew Yards in Westminster, Worcester, and the newly opened Cambridge location and in 16oz cans in Westminster only. A portion of the proceeds at every location will go directly to the Trees For Soldiers Project.
For more information about Wachusett Brewing Company, visit www.wachusettbrew.com
About Wachusett Brewing Company
WBC produces a diverse, award-winning line of beers ranging from their best-selling Blueberry Ale to their highly-rated Wally New England IPA series.
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