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
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved financing of $50,000 for the purchase of a food trailer to establish HaBBQ, a food truck business based in Rutland. Business planning was provided by the Small Business Development Center at Clark University.
Turning his passion into a business, HaBBQ Owner Jordan El-Qasem wanted to provide a unique flavored BBQ, which blends traditional Texas-style BBQ with Middle Eastern spices, while also offering halal-certified meats. Halal-certified meat adheres to Islamic law and is permissible for Muslims to eat.
“I’ve been working to perfect my recipe for the past five years and I’m looking forward to sharing my unique take on traditional BBQ with foodies, BBQ enthusiasts, and the entire community,” said El-Qasem. “The North Central Development Corporation and the Small Business Development Center made it possible for me to turn my passion into an established business with their expertise, knowledge and guidance toward the financing and business acumen I needed to make my dream come true.”
HaBBQ can be found at various food festivals, breweries, events and venues throughout central Massachusetts every weekend. For more information and a current schedule visit HaBBQ on Facebook
Como entidad de microcréditos, NCMDC puede otorgar préstamos a pequeñas empresas de hasta $250,000 para capital de trabajo, bienes inmuebles, equipo, inventario y expansión, además de colaborar con nuestros socios bancarios para proporcionar financiamiento puente para la etapa final de un proyecto.
For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com
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Throughout the year, we celebrate the businesses and individuals who make North Central Massachusetts a thriving place to live, work, and grow. The Good Morning North Central Recognition Program puts a spotlight on the remarkable achievements and lasting contributions of our Chamber members.
The mission of the Good Morning North Central Recognition Program is to highlight and celebrate Chamber members who make significant contributions to our region. While the Good Morning North Central Breakfast series focuses on learning and networking, the recognition program specifically honors individuals, civic entities, projects, businesses and organizations that are Chamber members for their major contributions to economic growth, improvement of the quality of life in the region, major milestones and other activities that enhance North Central Massachusetts. The goal is to showcase during the breakfast program the full spectrum of our members’ achievements and their positive impact on our communities.
Business Milestone Recognition
Celebrating Chamber member businesses reaching major milestones in 25-year increments: 25, 50, 75, and 100+ years of service to North Central Massachusetts.
Leadership Transitions
Honoring new executive leadership that brings fresh vision and energy to our region, including new Presidents, CEOs, or Executive Directors of major regional employers (25+ employees) and new leadership of educational institutions and significant community organizations.
Major Business Development
Recognizing substantial investments that strengthen our regional economy through significant new business openings with major regional impact, major facility expansions or developments, and substantial workforce growth initiatives.
Individual Achievement & Major Recognition
Celebrating exceptional accomplishments that bring positive recognition to North Central Massachusetts, including major industry awards from recognized organizations, significant civic honors and community leadership, and breakthrough innovations with substantial regional impact.
Community Enhancement
Highlighting projects and initiatives that improve our region through major construction and infrastructure improvements, economic development initiatives, and programs that enhance quality of life in North Central Massachusetts.
Who Can Nominate: Anyone can submit nominations, including self-nominations from Chamber members
Nomination Process: Complete our online nomination form with details about the achievement, milestone, or contribution
Review Process: A committee reviews all nominations based on established criteria, regional impact, and program goals
Recognition Events: Selected honorees are invited to attend a Good Morning North Central Breakfast as guests of the Chamber to accept their recognition
Ready to Nominate?
Know a Chamber member who deserves recognition? We want to hear about their achievements and contributions to North Central Massachusetts.
Nominate NowQuestions about the program? Contact us at or call 978.353.7600 ext. 235.
Q: Can I nominate myself?
A: Yes! Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged.
Q: Would a new small business opening or expansion qualify for recognition?
A: New business openings and expansions are wonderful milestones that we love to celebrate! However, a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony would be the more appropriate option for these occasions. The Chamber offers this FREE service to current and new members who have opened their business in the last 12 months, moved to a new location, changed ownership, or been remodeled/expanded. Ribbon cuttings are specifically designed to help you kick-off your grand opening, meet key community leaders, and get acquainted with your neighbors and fellow Chamber members. We also have other channels to help promote your business through our website, social media, and member communications. For more information about scheduling a ribbon cutting, contact us at or 978.353.7600.
Q: Can businesses nominate their employees for recognition?
A: Yes! While Leadership Transitions recognition is reserved for top organizational leaders only, all employees of Chamber member businesses are eligible for our other recognition categories. The key requirement is that their achievement must be exceptional and bring significant positive recognition to both North Central Massachusetts and their employer. Examples of qualifying achievements include receiving major national awards, developing breakthrough patents, or earning prestigious industry recognition that elevates our region’s reputation. Personal milestones like new degrees, professional certifications, or internal promotions are wonderful accomplishments that we’d be happy to celebrate through our social media, member newsletters, and other promotional channels, but they don’t meet the criteria for breakfast recognition.
Q: I am a senior-level official at my company and was recently promoted. Would I qualify for Leadership Transitions recognition?
A: Congratulations on your promotion! While the Leadership Transitions category is specifically limited to top leaders (Presidents, CEOs, Executive Directors), we have other great ways to recognize your career advancement. We’d love to feature your promotion in our member news, social media channels, or through other promotional opportunities. Your achievement is definitely worth celebrating, and we’ll help you find the right channel to do so!
Q: Will honorees need to give a speech?
A: No speech is required. They simply need to be present to accept their recognition. We will take pictures during and after the program to share on our channels, and we may ask for a quote from the honoree to help share their story, but there’s no pressure to speak publicly. The focus is on celebrating your achievement, not putting you on the spot!
Q: Who attends the Good Morning North Central Breakfasts?
A: Our breakfast events attract business leaders, community officials, Chamber members, and other professionals from across North Central Massachusetts. It’s an excellent networking opportunity where you’ll be recognized in front of influential members of our regional business community.
Q: How will my recognition be promoted beyond the breakfast event?
A: We’ll highlight your recognition across our media channels, including our website, newsletters, and social media platforms where we have a strong following of over 50,000 followers. This extends the reach of your recognition well beyond the breakfast attendees.
Q: When are the breakfast events held?
A: Good Morning North Central Breakfasts are held in September, November, January, and March. We do not present recognition awards in May since we focus on our scholarship recognition that month.
Q: What qualifies for Individual Achievement & Major Recognition?
A: This category is for exceptional achievements that bring positive recognition to North Central Massachusetts. Examples that would qualify include major industry awards from recognized organizations (like “National Manufacturer of the Year,” “Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year,” or “Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies”), significant civic honors (like Presidential Medal of Freedom, Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award, or being appointed to a federal commission), or breakthrough innovations with substantial regional impact (like developing a patented technology that creates significant local jobs or receiving national recognition for environmental innovation). Personal achievements like earning a new degree, professional certifications, completing training programs, or being appointed to a nonprofit board are wonderful accomplishments that we’d love to help you celebrate through other channels, but they wouldn’t meet the criteria for breakfast recognition since they don’t have the broader regional impact we’re highlighting at these events.
Q: What qualifies for Community Enhancement recognition?
A: This category recognizes substantial projects or initiatives that improve quality of life across North Central Massachusetts. Examples that would qualify include major infrastructure projects (like building a new community center or recreational facility), significant economic development initiatives, or large-scale construction projects that benefit the broader region (like developing a major mixed-use development or industrial park). Smaller community contributions like sponsoring a local event, volunteering for a charity drive, or donating to a nonprofit are valuable community support that we appreciate, but they would be better recognized through other channels as they don’t represent the major regional enhancement projects this category is designed to highlight.
Q: What if my nominee isn’t selected?
A: We appreciate every nomination we receive! Since we limit recognition to 3-5 honorees at each breakfast to ensure meaningful focus on each recipient, we may hold your nomination for a future breakfast event when the timing and program balance work better. Alternatively, we may reach out to suggest that your nominee would be an excellent fit for another Chamber recognition program that might be more appropriate for the specific achievement, such as our ribbon cutting ceremonies, member spotlights, or other promotional channels. Our goal is to celebrate all our members’ successes through the most fitting recognition opportunity.
Q: How often are recognitions presented?
A: We target 3-5 recognitions at select breakfast events throughout the year, maintaining geographic and category diversity.
Q: Do nominees have to be Chamber members?
A: Yes, this program exclusively recognizes current Chamber members and their achievements.
Q: What makes a strong nomination?
A: Focus on achievements with clear regional impact, specific details about the contribution or milestone, and how it enhances North Central Massachusetts.
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Actualización Legislativa para Miembros de la Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts
Resumen
La Ley "One Big Beautiful Bill" (Un Gran y Hermoso Proyecto de Ley) es un proyecto de ley de conciliación presupuestaria que reduce impuestos, modifica el gasto para diversos programas federales, aumenta el límite legal de la deuda y aborda agencias y programas en todo el gobierno federal, que fue promulgada por el presidente Trump el 4 de julio de 2025. Este paquete de conciliación presupuestaria consolida las prioridades políticas de 10 comités del Senado en un marco legislativo único y de gran alcance, con 870 páginas de disposiciones que impactan significativamente la política fiscal, las operaciones comerciales y el gasto federal en múltiples sectores.
Disposiciones fiscales clave para empresas
Beneficios de Pequeñas Empresas
Deducción por Ingresos Calificados de Negocios (Sección 199A)
Gastos empresariales mejorados
Investigación y Desarrollo
Deducción de Intereses Comerciales
Alivio en la deducción del impuesto estatal y local (SALT, por sus siglas en inglés)
Informe de Alivio
Cambios en el Impuesto sobre la Renta Individual que Afectan a los Propietarios de Negocios
Tasas de Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas
Disposiciones sobre el Impuesto de Sucesiones
Disposiciones relacionadas con empleados
Sin impuestos sobre propinas y horas extras
Crédito Tributario por Hijos
Crédito fiscal mejorado por licencia familiar y médica
Beneficios de cuidado infantil proporcionados por el empleador
Asistencia para Préstamos Estudiantiles
Análisis de Impacto Económico
Según la Oficina de Presupuesto del Congreso, la legislación aumentaría el déficit en $2.4 billones en un plazo de 10 años, con costos adicionales por el servicio de la deuda de $551 mil millones, lo que elevaría el impacto total en el déficit a $3.0 billones. Un análisis independiente estima que la ley aumentaría el PIB a largo plazo en un 1,2 por ciento, al tiempo que reduciría los ingresos fiscales federales en $5 billones durante la próxima década.
Posibles desafíos para las empresas
Costos de Atención Médica y Mano de Obra
Cambios en el Sector Energético
Consideraciones Regionales para el Norte Central de Massachusetts
Beneficios de Fabricación y Producción
Las disposiciones mejoradas para la deducción de gastos empresariales y los incentivos de I+D beneficiarán particularmente al sector manufacturero de la región, permitiendo la deducción inmediata de la compra de equipos e inversiones en investigación a nivel nacional.
Impacto del Sector de Servicios
La deducción permanente por ingresos comerciales calificados 20% seguirá beneficiando a muchas empresas de servicios de la región. Las disposiciones de exención fiscal sobre las propinas y las horas extras beneficiarán principalmente a los trabajadores de ingresos medios en ocupaciones que cumplan con los requisitos, ya que los trabajadores con propinas de ingresos más bajos a menudo ya deben poco o ningún impuesto federal sobre la renta. Los trabajadores que reciben propinas y tienen ingresos más altos (más de $150,000) verán cómo este beneficio se va reduciendo gradualmente. El crédito fiscal mejorado de la FMLA y las disposiciones sobre el uso compartido de servicios de cuidado infantil crean nuevas oportunidades para que las pequeñas empresas colaboren en materia de prestaciones para los empleados.
Apoyo a Pequeñas Empresas
Los límites de deducción de la Sección 179 aumentados y la depreciación adicional mejorada ofrecen ventajas fiscales significativas para las pequeñas y medianas empresas que buscan invertir en equipos y expansión. La disposición de agrupación de cuidado infantil es particularmente beneficiosa para las pequeñas empresas del centro-norte de Massachusetts que buscan mejorar el reclutamiento y la retención de empleados. Permite que varios empleadores pequeños trabajen juntos para proporcionar servicios de cuidado infantil que podrían ser inasequibles individualmente, mientras que todos los participantes siguen siendo elegibles para el crédito fiscal mejorado, lo que ayuda a abordar uno de los mayores desafíos que enfrentan los padres que trabajan al elegir empleadores.
Impacto en el Gobierno y los Programas del Estado de Massachusetts
Basado en las estimaciones de la Oficina de Presupuesto del Congreso y la legislación oficial, Massachusetts enfrenta varios impactos significativos de la Ley "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" que van más allá de las disposiciones comerciales descritas anteriormente.
Cambios en el Sistema de SaludLa Oficina de Presupuesto del Congreso estima que 11.8 millones de estadounidenses perderán la cobertura de seguro médico para 2034 debido a nuevos requisitos de trabajo de Medicaid, cambios en la elegibilidad y modificaciones en el mercado. Massachusetts, que ha ampliado Medicaid bajo la Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio, enfrentará nuevos requisitos federales de trabajo para adultos no discapacitados de 19 a 64 años en la población de expansión. El estado también experimentará una capacidad limitada para financiar la parte estatal de Medicaid y una disminución general de la financiación federal para los programas estatales de Medicaid, junto con una mayor carga administrativa para el personal estatal de elegibilidad.
Cambios en el Programa de Asistencia AlimentariaA partir de 2028, Massachusetts deberá pagar una parte de los beneficios de SNAP según las tasas de error de pago del estado, lo que representa un cambio del sistema actual donde el gobierno federal paga el costo total. Este cambio requerirá que el estado aumente la financiación para la asistencia alimentaria o reduzca potencialmente los beneficios si no se pueden cubrir las brechas de financiación federal.
Financiamiento de la educación superiorLa legislación modifica los requisitos de elegibilidad para las Becas Pell y elimina por completo las becas para estudiantes que asisten a la universidad a tiempo parcial (menos de la mitad de tiempo), lo que afectará de manera desproporcionada a los colegios comunitarios. Sin embargo, la Ley también crea nuevas “Becas Pell para la Fuerza Laboral” para estudiantes inscritos en programas de fuerza laboral elegibles que brindan de 150 a 600 horas de instrucción durante un mínimo de 8 semanas, lo que podría beneficiar a los colegios comunitarios y a otros proveedores de capacitación acreditados que ofrecen programas de fuerza laboral de corto plazo. Estos cambios podrían afectar a miles de estudiantes de Massachusetts, en particular a aquellos en programas de desarrollo de la fuerza laboral y educación continua.
Respuesta Fiscal EstatalSegún el análisis de distribución de la Oficina de Presupuesto del Congreso, la legislación afectará las respuestas fiscales de los estados a través de cambios en los impuestos y el gasto estatales como resultado de los cambios en la financiación de programas federales. Massachusetts deberá tomar decisiones políticas sobre si compensar las reducciones de financiamiento federal o permitir que los recortes en los programas surtan efecto.
Cronograma de Implementación
Qué deben hacer las empresas ahora
Conclusión
La Ley "The One Big Beautiful Bill Act" representa la legislación fiscal más importante en años, con cambios sustanciales que afectan a las empresas a través de deducciones mejoradas, reducciones permanentes de las tasas impositivas y mejores incentivos para la inversión de capital. La legislación también presenta desafíos, particularmente en torno a los costos de atención médica, los créditos fiscales de energía y los cambios en los programas federales. El impacto en las empresas del centro norte de Massachusetts variará significativamente según el sector industrial, el tamaño de la empresa y las circunstancias individuales, y algunas empresas se beneficiarán sustancialmente, mientras que otras pueden enfrentar mayores costos o desafíos operativos.
Los propietarios de negocios deben trabajar estrechamente con sus asesores fiscales y legales para comprender y optimizar completamente su posición bajo la nueva ley.
Disclaimer: This summary is provided for informational purposes only and is based on official sources including Congressional Budget Office reports, the official legislation text, and government publications. This information does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information. Tax laws are complex and subject to interpretation and change. Members should consult with qualified attorneys, certified public accountants, or other professional advisors before making any business decisions based on this information. The Chamber strongly recommends that businesses seek professional guidance to understand how these legislative changes may specifically impact their individual circumstances.
Sources
Primary Legislative Sources:
Congressional Budget Office Reports:
Additional Official Sources:
Recognition sets Bank apart from the more than 100 banks that call Massachusetts home
Fidelity Bank announced it took the number one spot from the more than 100 banks that call Massachusetts home on the Forbes list of America’s Best-In-State Banks 2025. This prestigious award, which was announced on June 17, is presented in collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.
“This prestigious recognition is a powerful affirmation of what we already know: that our LifeDesign approach, which is grounded in care, clarity, and confidence, is making a real difference in the lives of our clients, colleagues, and communities,” said Joseph Silva, president, Fidelity Bank. “Being selected by Forbes as the top bank in Massachusetts reflects the trust we’ve earned, the service we provide, and the impact we deliver every day.”
America’s Best-In-State Banks 2025 aims to showcase the institutions most valued by residents in each state and to recognize the banks that have excelled in meeting the unique needs and expectations of their local communities. The ranking is based on an independent survey of over 26,000 customers in the U.S. Participants evaluated banks on several criteria, including Trust, Financial Advice, Customer Services, Digital Services, Branch Services, and Terms & Conditions. They also rated the importance of these criteria. A sentiment analysis was conducted using the publicly available reviews and a score.
To view the entire list, visit https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-in-state-banks/
Looking to make a change? The Fitchburg Arts Community (FAC) has immediate availability of just a few remaining two-bedroom apartments renting for $1494/month with heat and hot water included. Are you an artist? Join other like-minded individuals looking to foster their creativity with gallery and studio space next door to the Fitchburg Art Museum. The FAC features unique apartments as part of a beautiful renovation of the historic former BF Brown School, High School Annex and City Stables. Wingate, the property manager for these apartments, is willing to work with housing authorities on a mutually agreeable rent should you have a mobile voucher. Whether you are an artist or not, ACT NOW, as there are only a few apartments remaining.
For more information, visit fitchburgarts.com or Contact:
LUK, Inc. recently learned that one of the founders of the organization and retired Chief Executive Officer, Punky Pletan-Cross, passed away on August 5, 2025 after a sudden illness. He was surrounded by his life partner and wife of 52 years, Cris Pletan-Cross who also worked for LUK for 26 years.
Punky came to Fitchburg MA in January 1970 as a Vista Volunteer and with co-founder Eric “Ric” Walen partnered with the community to identify needs and to take collective action to meet those needs as a human service organization. At the time, the answer was to launch a 24-hour, all-volunteer “hotline” and Let Us Know (LUK) Crisis Center, Inc. was formed accepting the first hotline call on June 26, 1970. Punky was always clear that it was the efforts of many community members bringing their unique strengths and diverse perspectives that lead to the initial creation and subsequent flourishing of LUK over the years. Punky became LUK’s first CEO and served the communities of Central MA until his departure to Hawaii in 1998. As a CEO he was passionate about LUK adapting and creatively providing services to those community members who needed it the most. Punky was a dynamic and talented leader who worked to develop organizations in which people could maximize their talents, learn, grow and be of service to others.
After leaving LUK, Punky and his wife Cris relocated to O’ahu, Hawaii and he became the Chief Executive Officer of Hale Kipa, a non-profit human service agency serving the state of Hawaii through a network of services and programs across four islands—offering outreach, housing counseling, foster care and more. He retired from Hale Kipa in 2022. Taken together, Punky served as a CEO for over 50 years to two non-profit organizations that have helped multiple communities, served countless children, youth, adults, and families and continue to make a difference in people’s lives. Punky cared deeply about his relationship with his wife and life-partner, Cris and was a devoted husband. He was a mentor, a friend, a teacher to many, and a gifted athlete who connected with all types of people and was endlessly curious about the world.
Punky remained connected to LUK throughout the years often providing mentoring to key leaders of the organization. Beth Barto, LUK’s current President and CEO shared “Punky was the type of person who you immediately felt at ease with. He understands what it is like to have the responsibility of an organization and those we serve forefront in the mind. He had the ability to ask the right type of questions to help leaders find a way forward that always kept the mission at the center. He will be missed by many but his memory lives on in the strong foundation he built at LUK which continues to help the Central Massachusetts community today.” The community can learn more about Punky and his remarkable contribution through his obituary on-line: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/honolulu-hi/punky-pletan-cross-12480015
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!
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