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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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
Connect North Central
December 11, 2026
Join us for our last Connect North Central of the year!
Friday, December 11, 2026
8am-9am 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
Believe it or not, CASA Project is already preparing for the next school year! We’re looking ahead to the bright futures of the children we serve. Starting early allows us to gather personal requests, grade-specific classroom lists, and the hundreds of essential supplies needed to ensure each child is set up for educational and social-emotional success.
The youth we serve often face changes in both homes and schools, making access to basic school supplies a challenge. Our goal is to provide every child we advocate for with a brand-new, personalized backpack filled with the tools they need to thrive in the 2025-2026 academic year.
You can help make that possible! By donating items from our thoughtfully curated Wishlist, your gifts will be shipped directly to our office and distributed to the students we serve.
Tomten Biketown in Leominster is expanding its product line with a new inventory of running shoes now available for purchase in the showroom located at 1029 Central Street. The carefully selected collection includes brands such as Altra, Craft, Salomon, Saucony, Topo, and Balega.
This expansion is a natural fit for the expertise of the shop’s staff, who have been dedicated to helping customers enjoy a great cycling experience. Dustin and Andrew bring a background in sports shoe sales, while Jim serves as a track coach. They are all equipped to assist customers in finding the right shoe for various needs, whether for road running, trail running, competition, or casual use. The shop’s convenient location makes it easy for customers to stop by and leave ready to run.
Tomten Biketown has been an integral part of the Leominster community since 2016. With a vibrant population passionate about outdoor recreation, Tomten is committed to helping its customers stay active, healthy, and enjoy their time outdoors.
As part of a statewide initiative to support students historically underrepresented in higher education, Clinton High School, Fitchburg State University, and Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner have entered into a collaboration allowing students to complete college-level coursework while earning their high school diplomas.
Through the partnership, Clinton High School seniors will be able to participate in dual enrollment courses at FSU and MWCC. The collaboration looks to significantly reduce the cost and time to earn a college degree while providing greater access to career readiness programs, according to a Wednesday press release from MWCC.
Participating students will receive guidance and direction in navigating college life, preparing for college coursework, and exploring career options.
The trio’s partnership is part of Massachusetts’ Early College Initiative, the brainchild of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Launched in 2017, the program provides students across the state, particularly prospective first-generation college students, with access to college completion and career success, according to the program’s website.
“Early College programs are a key component of providing equitable access to higher education. This partnership allows us to reach more students in the region and provide them with the tools and support they need to succeed in their academic and career pursuits,” MWCC President James Vander Hooven said in the release.
Clinton High School seniors will be able to start taking courses at MWCC’s Leominster campus this fall.
The state’s Early College program includes 55 other partnerships throughout the commonwealth, including nine in Central Massachusetts, according to the website. MWCC participates in four other Early College programs with eight high schools, and FSU participates in three programs with seven high schools.
MWCC and FSU began jointly participating in the Early College program in 2019, Nia Carignan, MWCC associate director of public relations and communications, said in an email to WBJ.
“We are deeply grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for investing in Early College opportunities that open doors for students at Clinton High School,” FSU President Donna Hodge said in the release. “We know Early College works, and at Fitchburg State, we’re proud to stand alongside our K–12 partners to expand access, increase opportunity, and help students see college as part of their future.”
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.
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.
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