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
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Curtis recognized by fellow ambassadors for decade of outstanding service and dedication to chamber members in the North Central region
Amanda Curtis, Economic Development Coordinator at the City of Leominster, has been named the 2025 Ambassador of the Year by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. The announcement was made during the chamber’s Annual Meeting on June 12, 2025.
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. Curtis was voted Ambassador of the Year by her fellow Chamber Ambassadors at their May meeting.
“We are grateful to Amanda for her extraordinary dedication and active involvement in the Chamber over the past decade 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. “Amanda has been an exceptional Ambassador, known for her tireless energy, infectious sense of humor, and genuine care for our business community. Her commitment has never wavered, even as her career has taken her to different organizations.”
What makes this recognition particularly special is that this marks the second time Curtis has earned the Ambassador of the Year honor during her ten-year tenure with the Chamber. Throughout this time, she has worked at three different companies yet maintained her unwavering dedication to serving as a Chamber Ambassador, demonstrating remarkable loyalty to the organization and the North Central Massachusetts business community.
Curtis currently serves as Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Leominster, where she works to attract new businesses and support existing ones in the community. Her professional experience in economic development, combined with her deep knowledge of the Chamber’s members and programs, makes her an invaluable connector and advocate for regional business growth.
A lifelong resident of the North Central Massachusetts region, Curtis was born in Leominster and grew up in Winchendon, graduating from Murdock High School. She earned an associate degree in Human Services from Mount Wachusett Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Fitchburg State University. Curtis brings extensive experience in community outreach and communications to her role, having previously served as Community Outreach Specialist at UMass HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital and in various roles at LUK, Inc., where she recruited volunteer mentors for local youth. Her commitment to community service extends beyond her professional work – she has served as a personal mentor for over six years, previously chaired the Chamber’s HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Emerge) program, and served on the Board of Trustees for Mount Wachusett Community College from 2016 to 2019. She has also served on various non-profit boards and committees in Leominster and Fitchburg for over 20 years. Curtis joined the City of Leominster staff in 2021, bringing her enthusiasm for connecting people and businesses with her deep love for the community where her extended family has roots.
“Serving as an Ambassador offers me a unique opportunity to connect more deeply with Chamber members while also developing meaningful relationships with businesses throughout our region,” said Curtis. “Through ribbon cuttings, new member events and other networking opportunities, I’m able to see firsthand the incredible advantages and support our Chamber brings to its members and our entire region. It’s been an honor to serve in this capacity for ten years.”
Business leaders interested in learning more about the Chamber’s Ambassador program or becoming involved as volunteers are encouraged to contact the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 978.353.7600 ext. 239. The Ambassador program provides meaningful opportunities to connect with fellow business professionals while supporting the growth and success of the regional business community.
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Organized by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, CLI is the premier community leadership program in North Central Massachusetts. Since 1988, the program has helped to shape over 300 community leaders with immersive educational experiences and engagements.
Starting during the Fall of each year, participants gather monthly for day-long, community educational sessions focused on topics including Personal Leadership; Non-Profit Governance/Volunteerism; Education; Media and Crisis Communications; Healthcare; Law and Justice; Legislation/Public Policy; Arts and Culture; and Economic Development. In addition, the class will break into smaller groups during the year to identify, manage and execute community service projects. The experience culminates with a commencement ceremony at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Business Expo where the class and their service projects are recognized.
Participants are typically nominated and sponsored by their employer. Those who are self-employed may also self-nominate to participate. Successful candidates must demonstrate motivation and potential to lead within their business or community; be considered high performers in their organization and on a leadership track; seek to understand issues facing North Central Massachusetts; be committed to the success of his or her sector and community; be curious and interested in developing new relationships; want to enhance their network of professionals; and be open to challenging their own point of view.
Tuition is $2,050 and includes all program materials and lunches. CLI participants will also receive season tickets to the Chamber’s Good Morning North Central executive breakfast series and other Chamber events for additional educational opportunities. A limited number of half-tuition scholarships are available. Applicants seeking scholarships for the CLI program must provide a letter of request to be considered for one of the scholarships. Those who commit to CLI must fully participate in all sessions, and nominating employers must commit to support their candidate’s participation.
To learn more and apply, visit North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce/CLI. Applications for CLI will be reviewed by the CLI Steering Committee and applicants notified no later than September 26, 2025.
For questions or more information, contact Maureen Babcock at 978.353.7600 ext. 222 or via email at .
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Advocacy continues to remain at the forefront of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to advance the region and support our member businesses.
Federal Affairs
Trade Policy: President Donald Trump continues to utilize increased tariffs as part of his foreign policy, with frequent announcements, retractions, and pauses affecting various industries and countries. In May, the Trump administration backed away from the threat to impose 50% tariffs on imports from the European Union, extending the deadline from June 1 to July 9 to allow for continued negotiations between Washington and the 27-nation bloc. The administration also announced an agreement with China to temporarily suspend most tariffs on each other’s goods, with the trade agreement reducing tariffs between both countries from 145% to 30%. The Chamber actively monitors these rapidly evolving developments through our congressional delegation and partners with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to advocate for member interests in trade policy discussions. We have engaged with member businesses to assess tariff impacts and continue ensuring local business concerns reach federal policymakers as these policies shift.
Tax Policy Updates: On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (H.R. 1), which now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration. The comprehensive legislation extends and expands many provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including making the 37% top individual tax rate permanent, increasing standard deductions through 2028, and enhancing the Section 199A qualified business income deduction from 20% to 23%. Key business provisions include extending 100% bonus depreciation through 2029, making permanent the Section 163(j) interest deduction improvements, and restoring immediate deductibility of domestic research and development costs under Section 174 for tax years 2025-2029. The bill also raises the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap to $40,000, introduces new $1,000 credits for children, and includes various business-friendly provisions such as increased depreciation limits and expanded opportunity zones. The Chamber has joined a nationwide coalition led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce advocating for key business tax provisions in this legislation. This coordinated effort aims to provide businesses with long-term certainty, encourage continued investment, and support sustained economic growth.
STATE AFFAIRS
State Budget: The Chamber continues to closely monitor and engage the region’s legislative delegation throughout the state budget process to protect business interests and identify opportunities for our regional economy. On May 22, the Massachusetts Senate passed its $61.4 billion FY2026 budget, increasing state spending more than 6% over the current fiscal year, with nearly two-thirds of the increase attributed to higher MassHealth caseloads.
Like the House version, the Senate budget rejected Governor Healey’s proposed tax increases and maintains the state’s $8.1 billion stabilization fund without drawing from it. Both branches proceeded with typical spending approaches despite ongoing concerns about potential federal funding cuts, with Senate leaders stating they would not “freeze in place” waiting for clarity from Washington. Key differences between House and Senate versions include education funding levels, transportation investments, and policy provisions such as prescription drug price controls and liquor license reforms. A Conference Committee will now negotiate the final budget, with the Chamber advocating for provisions that support economic growth in North Central Massachusetts.
Vivienda: The Healey-Driscoll Administration continues implementing initiatives from their Affordable Homes Act to address the Commonwealth’s housing crisis. In April, they established the state’s first-ever Office of Fair Housing to support fair housing initiatives and collaborate with other agencies to advance fair housing policies and programs.
On May 14, the Administration’s Devens Housing Working Group unanimously approved their final report outlining strategies for increased housing production in Devens. The group was tasked with developing a plan to help meet the estimated 6,300 new homes needed in the region by 2035. Their detailed report examines zoning bylaw modifications to allow and promote housing development in the Devens Innovation and Technology Center, including adaptive reuse of historic buildings at Vicksburg Square. Given housing’s critical importance to regional economic development, the Chamber has been actively monitoring this process by attending public meetings and engaging with stakeholders.
The Chamber successfully partnered with the North Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® for our 8th annual Real Estate Summit, working closely with the administration to secure Ed Augustus, Secretary of the Office of Housing and Livable Communities, as a keynote speaker. Secretary Augustus briefed attendees on the Commonwealth’s first comprehensive housing plan and ongoing measures to achieve the ambitious target of creating at least 220,000 new housing units statewide by 2035. This summit provided valuable insights for our members on state housing policies and their potential impact on local development opportunities.
The Chamber attended Governor Healey’s press conference in Leominster unveiling the Energy Affordability, Independence and Innovation Act. With Massachusetts facing the highest energy rates in the nation, this proposal aims to save customers $10 billion over 10 years. The Chamber remains committed to advocating for North Central Massachusetts businesses on this critical economic issue.
Energy: For years, the Chamber has advocated for meaningful solutions to reduce energy costs and increase competitiveness for North Central Massachusetts businesses, as our region continues to face the highest energy rates in Massachusetts. On the heels of an executive order targeting utility costs earlier this year, Governor Healey announced the Energy Affordability, Independence & Innovation Act in May at a press conference in Leominster that was attended by Chamber staff. The bill includes several key reforms: eliminating and reducing certain charges on utility bills, creating more accountability for utilities, preventing unnecessary costs from being passed to customers, and reducing barriers to new nuclear technologies. The administration estimates these changes will save Massachusetts customers approximately $10 billion over 10 years. We’re encouraged to see attention focused on this critical issue affecting both our families and businesses.
The Chamber has also been engaged on the state’s electric vehicle mandate, known as the Advance Clean Cars II (ACC II) rule. This rule originally required that 35% of new vehicle sales be electric or hybrid starting with 2026 models. In response to concerns raised by the Chamber and other business groups about market readiness and charging infrastructure, the state announced in May 2025 that it will provide manufacturers with a two-year grace period for 2026 and 2027 model years. During this period, manufacturers must still make traditional vehicles available to dealers and report on their efforts to promote electric vehicles and expand charging networks. The state will also provide additional funding for public fleet electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. The Chamber continues to monitor to ensure it balances environmental goals with practical business and consumer needs.
Workers’ Compensation: In Mid-May, the Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance Issued a decision rejecting a proposed 7.1 % increase in the cost of workers’ compensation insurance in Massachusetts for the period beginning July 1, 2025. According to the Healey-Driscoll Administration is expected to save Massachusetts businesses nearly $80 million.
State Elections: The 2026 Massachusetts gubernatorial race continues developing with Governor Maura Healey announcing her reelection bid in February, followed by two former Baker administration officials launching Republican campaigns: Mike Kennealy in April and Brian Shortsleeve in May. Kennealy, former Housing and Economic Development Secretary, focuses on affordability, education, and transportation issues, while Shortsleeve, former MBTA chief administrator, emphasizes cutting spending and reducing taxes. Other potential Republican candidates include Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis and attorney John Deaton. State Senator Peter Durant has confirmed he will not pursue a gubernatorial run, choosing instead to focus on his reelection to the legislature. The election is scheduled for November 2026.
Civic Engagement Programs: In April, our Community Leadership Institute class participated in an immersive State House experience, including tours of both legislative chambers guided by Senator Cronin and Representatives Higgins, Kilcoyne, and Zlotnik. The class engaged with high-ranking officials including Secretary of State Bill Galvin, former Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao, Tourism Director Kate Fox, and former legislator Jen Flanagan during a leadership roundtable discussion. Additionally, our Director of Public Affairs, Travis Condon, participated in the 89th Citizens’ Legislative Seminar at the State House after being nominated by Senator John Cronin. The two-day program covered legislative history, processes, budgeting, and included simulated hearings and Senate sessions. These educational opportunities strengthen our understanding of the legislative process and enhance our advocacy efforts on behalf of regional business interests.
LOCAL AFFAIRS
Sterling Zoning: Following a detailed process that included resident and stakeholder input, Sterling’s town planner and Planning Board developed updated zoning to enhance economic development, aligned with One North Central priorities. The Chamber submitted testimony supporting three key changes to streamline permitting and double potential commercial space through updated performance zone regulations. Town residents voted in favor of the changes at their Annual Town Meeting in May.
The Fairgrounds: In April, the Chamber announced support for the proposed Fairgrounds development in Leominster. Support for the project came following a review of the economic impact analysis, infrastructure improvements, traffic studies, and current project plans, and its alignment with our One North Central Regional economic development plan. The project has the potential to serve as an anchor attraction to support tourism growth, offer economic competitiveness with infrastructure improvements and transportation enhancements, and transform an environmental liability into a community asset while generating economic activity for the region.
Building Business, Building Communities! Our Legislative Briefing in March brought together members of the North Central Massachusetts Legislative Delegation to discuss the Chamber’s impact and One North Central initiatives. We presented FY26 priorities focused on small business, manufacturing, tourism, and workforce development, while emphasizing fiscal restraint amid economic uncertainties. We appreciate our delegation’s continued support in driving growth and opportunity across the region
Government Affairs Committee: The Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee is reviewing the current public policy agenda and will present potential changes at their next meeting with the intention of bringing an updated version, if necessary, before the Chamber’s Board of Directors in September.
Stay Informed and Engaged: The Chamber’s advocacy work on federal, state, and local levels directly impacts your business environment. We continuously represent member interests in policy discussions to foster economic growth and reduce regulatory burdens. We encourage you to stay engaged with these important issues and share your feedback on how government policies affect your business.
For more information about any of these government affairs updates or to discuss specific policy concerns, please contact Travis Condon, Director of Public Affairs at 978.353.7600 or via email at .
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¡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
Join us for Connect North Central
Friday, November 20, 2026
8am-9am View
Event
Joint Mayor's Meeting
December 4, 2026
Chamber members are provided with the opportunity to engage with the Mayors of Fitchburg, Gardner, and Leominster who provide updates on projects and other things happening in their Cities. These events are by invitation only, please contact Travis Condon for more details. View
Event
Future Leaders of North Central: Annual Holiday Party & Ugly Sweater Competition
December 8, 2026
Bull Run Restaurant
215 Great Rd. Shirly, MA View
Event
Chamber members are provided with the opportunity to engage with the Mayors of Fitchburg, Gardner, and Leominster who provide updates on projects and other things happening in their Cities. These events are by invitation only, please contact Travis Condon for more details. View
Event
Governor Maura Healey announces the initiative. (HEC photo)
This is the latest Advancing Heath Equity in Massachusetts (AHEM) to be announced by the Healey-Driscoll administration and the first one in Central Massachusetts.
The summit was the third such event hosted by the Health Equity Compact, which brings together over 85 leaders of color who aim to advance health equity in Massachusetts. Compact members are high-level executives and experts from a diverse set of health, business, labor, and philanthropic organizations, including hospitals, health centers, payers, academic institutions, and public health.
(L-R) Health Equity Partnership Executive Director Chelsey Patriss, Executive Office of Health and Human Services Director of Health Policy and Strategic Initiatives Eliza Lake, and Foundation President and CEO Dr. Amie Shei. (THFCM photo)
LUK, Inc. was recently awarded the $10,000 Impact Award from the 100 Women Who Care of Greater Westford.
Launched in 2022, 100 Women Who Care is a Giving Circle comprised of women from Greater Westford with a desire to support nonprofits in the local community. The group gives to nonprofits quarterly and is one of more than 650 chapters of the 100+ Who Care Alliance across the globe.
LUK was nominated as the recipient of the award to support their Community Behavioral Health Clinic. The funds will help to provide safe and comforting spaces for therapy services and to offset LUK’s free care pool.
“LUK is so appreciative of the 100 Women Who Care,” says LUK President, Beth Barto. “Their donation will help children, youth, and families heal from challenging life events in a safe and supportive environment.”
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!
The United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) has successfully completed its annual April Foods Drive, distributing more than 7,500 pounds of food—valued at $14,625—to local agencies. The drive provided essential nutrition to 900 families and a total of 2,250 individuals across the region.
From April through June, donation boxes were placed in libraries, schools, grocery stores, and partner businesses throughout North Central Massachusetts. Community members responded generously, filling the boxes with nutritious, non-perishable items for local families in need. In addition to community donations, UWNCM partnered with local food pantries to distribute the food and teamed up with Growing Places to include fresh, locally grown produce such as apples, lettuce and asparagus. To ensure a balanced supply of food, UWNCM also purchased additional staple items.
Volunteers from The Club: Lunenburg Teen Center — Mackenzie, Charlotte, Molly, Jules, and Andy — loaded donations into the car of Julie Meehan, Executive Director of the Gardner Community Action Committee, during the April Foods 2025 Drive.
The overall impact of the drive totaled $26,533, thanks to $10,332 in in-kind donations and the efforts of 21 volunteers, who contributed 52 hours of service—valued at $1,650.
UWNCM also extends special thanks to Local Roots Cannabis Crafted and Christ Church Fitchburg for their donations toward fresh produce, Catania Oil for contributing two pallets of cooking oil (110 cases), and Point32Health for providing bags and hand sanitizer to support the drive.
“No one in our community should have to worry about their next meal. This food drive is a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can make a real difference. Every donation, big or small, helps put food on someone’s table and hope in their heart,” said Judy Tomlinson, UWNCM Director of Community Impact.
Among the many dedicated volunteers were staff from The Club: Lunenburg Teen Center, who have supported the food drive for several years.
“We’ve been volunteering for UWNCM’s food drive twice a year for the past four years,” said Michelle Belleza, Executive Director of the Club. “It’s one way we can ‘LIVE UNITED’ and give back for all the support we receive—from funding to volunteers to training. Helping load up hundreds of pounds of food makes us feel like partners in this work, not just beneficiaries. The UWNCM is a vital part of our village, and we’re proud to support the broader community it serves.”
To learn more or find ways to support future food drives, visit www.uwncm.org.
Agencies receiving donations:
Catholic Charities Worcester County
Clear Path for Veterans New England
Community Pantry at Athol High School
Gardner CAC
Ginny’s Helping Hand, Inc.
Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, Inc.
Lunenburg Community Food Pantry
The Society of St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry at St. Joseph Church Fitchburg
Saint Leo’s Parish Church Food Pantry
The Salvation Army Athol Corps
The Salvation Army of Fitchburg/Leominster
The Spanish American Center, Inc.
Winchendon CAC
YMCA of Athol Food Pantry
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.”
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.
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.
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