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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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of Timothy Hartigan to its professional staff in the position of Membership Sales Manager.
In this position, Mr. Hartigan will be responsible for managing the Chamber’s membership recruitment and retention efforts. His mission will be to raise the Chamber’s visibility and educate businesses in the region about the Chamber’s service offerings, promoting the benefits of membership and ensuring that current members enjoy maximum value for their investment.
“We are excited to have Tim join our team and help lead our member relations efforts,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO. “His experience will be a tremendous resource for our members and a great help in our work to advance the North Central Massachusetts economy.”
Hartigan is a native of Leominster and is active in the community, including coaching youth sports and fundraising for local schools. He brings to the Chamber a broad background in sales and business, including experience owning and operating two local small businesses.Most recently, he served as a client advisor for the Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Maserati Dealership of Wayland.Hartigan is a graduate of Mount Ida College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration
“I am thrilled to be a part of this chamber team that is so passionate about supporting local businesses and improving the quality of life in the region.North Central Massachusetts is such a unique and special place due to its geographic location, rich history and wonderful diversity,” said Timothy Hartigan, Membership Sales Manager. “I am grateful for the opportunity to help contribute towards making the region a better place to live, work and grow a business.”
His early goals will be to expand the Chamber’s presence in communities across North Central Massachusetts and find the best ways to help members grow their business with assistance from the Chamber and its affiliates.
Existing members or businesses interested in learning more about the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce can reach Tim at 978.353.7600 ext. 244 or via email at .
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Annual North Central Massachusetts Congressional Luncheon on Thursday, October 10, 2019 featuring the Honorable Jim McGovern, United States Representative for the Second Congressional District and the Honorable Lori Trahan, United States Representative for the Third Congressional District of Massachusetts.The program, sponsored by Fitchburg State University, runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg, MA.
This event will provide Chamber members and community leaders the opportunity to hear directly from members of the U.S. House of Representatives regarding business issues and critical matters facing the nation.
Currently serving his twelfth term in Congress, Congressman Jim McGovern serves as the Chair of the House Rules Committee, which sets the terms for debate and amendments on most legislation; and a member of the House Agriculture Committee.In 2014, McGovern was named Democratic Ranking Member on the House Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Nutrition.The Subcommittee’s jurisdiction includes policies and statutes relating to nutrition, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and domestic commodity distribution and consumer initiatives.
Before his election to Congress, McGovern spent 14 years working as a senior aide for the late U.S. Representative John Joseph Moakley (D-South Boston), former dean of the Massachusetts delegation and Chairman of the House Rules Committee.He was born in Worcester, the son of two successful small business owners.His two sisters are elementary school teachers in Worcester’s public school system.
McGovern earned his Bachelor of Arts (‘81) and Masters of Public Administration (‘84) degrees from The American University, working his way through college by serving as an aide in the office of U.S. Senator George McGovern (D-SD).
Congresswoman Trahan was elected to the House of Representatives this past year following Congresswoman Tsongas’ decision to not seek reelection. She has since
been appointed to the House Committees on Education and Labor and Armed Services, has played an active role in securing federal designation of the Nashua River as a scenic waterway, and has filed legislation addressing the opioid epidemic and supporting career readiness programming in public high schools. Part of the vaunted “Pink Wave”- the largest female caucus elected to the US Congress to date- the Congresswoman holds the distinction of being the first Portuguese American woman ever to serve on Capitol Hill.
Prior to her election, Trahan served in Congressman Meehan’s office- the same office she now holds- for nearly a decade, rising to become his chief of staff. She went on to take an executive’s post in the technology sector before cofounding the woman owned and operated consulting firm, Concire. In this role, she provided client companies advice on business strategy and steps they could take to ensure staff success- with a particular focus on female employees.
The daughter of working class parents, she was the first in family to graduate from college, attending George Mason University on a Volleyball scholarship.
Make sure that you reserve your spot early to hear from our congressional delegation on the many critical issues facing the business community in Washington D.C.
Pre-registration is required and easy. Simply call the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 222, or register here.
On Wednesday, July 10, 2019, the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association (DBA Visit North Central Massachusetts) and over seventy-five local dignitaries and community leaders officially unveiled the “Big Apple of New England” outside the Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center on Route 2 in Lancaster, Massachusetts.This giant red apple structure, which stands at 10 feet tall, is the largest apple sculpture of its kind in all of New England.The apple was installed outside the visitor center to honor the region’s strong agricultural heritage and connection to apples and that icon of American folk history – Johnny Appleseed.American pioneer and folk hero John Chapman (AKA Johnny Appleseed) was born locally in Leominster, Massachusetts.He is the official state folk hero for Massachusetts.The Big Apple of New England is part of an effort to promote North Central Massachusetts to travelers and visitors.
The Big Apple of New England joins a growing collection of unique items at the center that showcase the twenty seven communities of North Central Massachusetts.These include the bronze sculpture of the young Johnny Appleseed that greets visitors outside the doors of the Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center and 91 apple trees located on the premises, including three Rambo trees that are direct descendants of the last remaining tree known to be planted by Johnny Appleseed.These three trees were planted from saplings from a 200+ year old tree in Nova, Ohio that is the last known tree planted by Johnny Appleseed.The American Historical Forestry provided the saplings from the tree in 2003.
The Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center also includes a hand-painted mural of the four seasons in its interior, as well as a large collection of historical items that showcase the region’s heritage. Unique historical items in the center’s collection include a vintage Iver Johnson Bicycle, pieces of equipment from the region’s agricultural past, old Wachusett Mountain Ski Area items, and a large collection of Johnny Appleseed memorabilia.In addition, the grounds of the center feature a plaque honoring Johnny Appleseed and a unique commemorative bench made from a ski chair contributed by Wachusett Mountain Ski Area.The chair was donated in 2014 and refurbished and hand painted with a Johnny Appleseed mural by local students.
The center also features a popular gift shop that carries many local products including jams, jellies, honey, maple syrup, fudge, chocolates, cheese, sparkling cider, donuts and that local icon of American kitsch – the pink plastic flamingo! Visitors to the center can also find a wide selection of books highlighting the history of the region, plus good-quality logo merchandise and souvenir items.
“We are blessed to live in an area steeped in heritage, culture and the great outdoors. We hope this apple serves as a beacon for travelers looking to explore the wonderful communities we call North Central Massachusetts for many years to come. It’s location at the Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center solidifies its destination status and local landmark for Route 2 travelers,” said Al Rose, Owner of Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, Massachusetts and Chair of the Board of Visit North Central Massachusetts.“Stop in, take a picture with the biggest apple in New England!”
“The Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center is not your run of the mill rest stop!The center has evolved into a one of a kind destination that helps to welcome, engage and promote the twenty seven communities that comprise North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President and CEO of Visit North Central Massachusetts.“We are excited to unveil this new attraction at the center that helps to tell the story of this dynamic and beautiful region.We are very grateful for the strong partnerships that we have with our local communities, businesses and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation that helped to make this project a reality.”
“The Big Apple of New England is a great addition to North Central Massachusetts!” said Mayor Dean Mazzarella of the City of Leominster, Massachusetts.“We are very excited to have this incredible monument that connects back to our heritage as the birthplace of Johnny Appleseed and that welcomes visitors to our region.We wholeheartedly support the efforts of Visit North Central Massachusetts and think this will be a fun and unique addition to the visitors center.”
“As Mayor of Fitchburg, our City takes great pride in our North Central Massachusetts culture. The revealing of The Big Apple of New England is a symbol of our pride, promotes our region, and is a welcoming addition to the Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center!” said Mayor Stephen DiNatale of the City of Fitchburg, Massachusetts.“Fitchburg is thankful to have a partner like Visit North Central Massachusetts to showcase all the wonderful attributes our region has to offer.”
“All across America the roadsides are dotted with interesting attractions, oddities and draws.As the home of the Big Chair, I am excited that our area will also be home to the Big Apple,” said Mayor Mark Hawke of the City of Gardner, Massachusetts. “This adds another reason to stop in and see all the wonderful offerings of North Central Massachusetts showcased at the Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center.”
The Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center, considered by many the gateway to North Central Massachusetts, opened in 1997 as a way to welcome people traveling through the region and give them a place to stop, stretch their legs, and learn more about the twenty-seven communities in North Central Massachusetts and what they have to offer for visitors and families.Over 165,000 people walk through the visitor center doors every year.
The Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center is located at 1000 Rte. 2 Westbound, between exit 34 & 35, in Lancaster, MA.It is open 361 days a year.Normal business hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.For more information, please call 978.353.7604 ext. 225 or visit www.visitnorthcentral.com.
El North Central Golf Tour: Viernes en la Cancha del Templewood Golf Course
31 de julio de 2026
Viernes en la Cancha en el Campo de Golf Templewood
31 de julio de 2026
Campo de Golf Templewood
El evento comienza a la 1:00 p.m. View
Event
Clínica de Golf Fore Then Pore, Juego de 9 Hoyos y Fiesta de Fin de Verano
21 de agosto de 2026
Clínica de Golf, Juego de 9 Hoyos y Gran Final de Verano
21 de agosto de 2026
The Woods of Westminster
Inicio del evento a la 1:00pm View
Event
Sponsors Reception: Old Mill
26 de agosto de 2026
¡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 in Gloucester at Rocky Neck for a 1 Week Pop-up Art Exhibition! Our Fitchburg Gallery will be closed and we will be at the coast! Come by to see a collection of our represented artist’s work! More details to come.
July 12 – July 17
Jul 12 at 10 AM to Jul 17 at 5 PMpin
Rocky Neck Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930, United States
Summer Reading Program Week 1 – Drama & Poetry Week
Our first full week (July 2-8, 2018) is Drama and Poetry Week. Join us for Poetry and Puppets at Maker Monday and practice your poetry on a Therapy Pet on Saturday morning. Sally Cragin will be presenting Marionettes and More on Thursday with a chance for you to make your own working marionette! Please check our calendar listing for more information. All are free programs. Free parking is available in the lot at the corner of Boulder Drive and Newton Place. F or information about this or other Library programs call 978-829-1780 or visit our website: www.FitchburgPublicLibrary.org.
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.
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