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 Chamber of Commerce will host its first Winter Reception on Thursday, December 6, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Groton Inn, 128 Main Street, Groton, MA 01450. This holiday gathering will provide an opportunity for Chamber members, dignitaries and community leaders from throughout North Central Massachusetts to mingle and foster relationships in a relaxed and upscale setting. AIS, Inc. is the premier sponsor of the Chamber’s 2018 Winter Reception.
Don’t miss this opportunity to kick off the holiday season with complimentary refreshments, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and festivities. Guests will be able to network with the rolling hills of Groton as the beautiful backdrop for this special evening occasion. The Groton Inn reopened its doors May 2018 after a fire destroyed the original, and America’s oldest inn that dated back to 1678. The new building features architecture honoring the original design while offering 21para century amenities. This a wonderful occasion to tour this newly opened treasure in our own backyard.
Many thanks to AIS, Inc for their generous sponsorship of this evening. The Winter Reception will feature complimentary beer, wine and gourmet hors d’oeurves. In addition, the head bartender will be mixing a specialty cocktail created exclusively for this event. This promises to be an evening to remember.
To register for the Winter Reception, please contact Kathleen at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or email or register online at northcentralmass.com/calendar. The cost is just $20 per person for members and $30 per person for non-members. Please RSVP by November 30th.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has been recognized as a finalist in a competition among more than 200 chambers of all sizes from across the U.S. and Canada. Entries were judged on creativity, industry impact, value to members, and replicability.
This latest recognition comes on the heels of other industry recognition, including receiving national accreditation earlier this year and being named an “Award of Excellence” winner in the Communications Excellence awards program presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). The Chamber was also named a finalist for the prestigious National Chamber of the Year recognition by ACCE in 2017, the first chamber of commerce in Massachusetts to have been selected as a finalist.
The 5th annual Chamber Innovation Awards Competition, sponsored by a chamber management software provider ChamberMaster, recognizes chambers of commerce for their innovative programs or projects that help to better their communities and members.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce was recognized for their work in providing micro-loans and technical assistance. Through its economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, the chamber is able to provide financing of up to $150,000 for businesses that are not able to obtain traditional financing through banks or credit unions.
“Although we didn’t win this year, we were nonetheless very honored to have been selected as a finalist,” said Roy Nascimento, chamber president & CEO. “To be recognized among our peers is a great acknowledgment of the innovative and impactful work that we are doing to help advance North Central Massachusetts.
Since the Chamber’s program made the top 10, their micro-loan initiative was one of 20 featured into a book by ChamberMaster titled “The Big Book of Chamber Ideas: 10 Award Winning & Replicable Ideas for Chambers of Commerce,” which is sent to chambers internationally for inspiration and idea gathering.
At its September meeting, the Board of Directors of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce adopted a new strategic plan designed to serve as a roadmap for the future success of the Chamber and its affiliate organizations over the next three years.
“Our new strategic plan is crafted to take a look towards the future and ensure that we are continuing to meet the needs of our members and region,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO of the Chamber. “We have set some very aggressive goals around economic development, membership, programming, micro-lending, and regional promotion. Our goals and focus are to make North Central Massachusetts the best region in the state to live, work, raise a family, or build a business.”
The Chamber’s new strategic plan is focused on promoting the region’s strengths, expanding existing businesses and business opportunities, and significantly improving the economic future for all who call North Central Massachusetts home. The strategic plan was prepared as a result of a comprehensive planning process that included input provided by members, the Board, staff and other stakeholders. The plan, vision, and mission serve as a blueprint for the future success of the Chamber and its affiliate organizations as well as help drive programs, services and value the Chamber is creating for members. The new plan includes areas of focus, goals and quantifiable metrics and targets.
Members can view the new strategic by visiting www.northcentralmass.com/ncmcc-strategic-plan. Programs and projects will be undertaken with care and consideration of actual resources of the Chamber and its members. The plan is also a fluid document that the Chamber will update as needed to reflect the changing world.
A special thanks to all those members who assisted with the development of the business plan, either by completing a membership survey, participating in a meeting, or providing input. Members are encouraged to contact Roy Nascimento at 978.353.7600 or via email at with any questions or feedback on the strategic plan.
Are you looking for help finding a job?
The U.S. Department of Labor has granted funds to Massachusetts to help evacuees
of Hurricane Maria and Irma find employment.
Do you need?
You may be eligible for these services if you:
Priority of service for Veterans and assistance for individuals with disabilities
Equal opportunity employer program
To learn more about this opportunity please contact:
Lucy Croteau at the North Central Career Center; 978-534-1481, X257
Join us for an exciting evening as we honor Stuart “Bob” McDermott, the 2018 Annual Boulder Award recipient: This year’s award dinner will be held Thursday, May 10ta 5:30-9:00 PM at Oak Hill Country Club, 840 Oak Hill Road, Fitchburg, MA.,
The Annual Boulder Award is presented by the Board of Directors of Fitchburg Access Community Television (FATV) to recognize a local citizen for their outstanding contribution to civic life through the use of public communications. “We are thrilled to be honoring such a deserving and dedicated citizen,” stated Bill Gates, FATV President.
For over forty years. “Bob” was an integral part of Fitchburg’s General Electric manufacturing of steam turbines and generators. He began his career in the testing division. Bob McDermott has been community focused with decades of service in our city. He went on to become a leader in service throughout Fitchburg including Fitchburg State Universities ALFA program, Treasurer of the Alumni Association, The Exchange Club of Fitchburg currently serving as President, and many years of dedication to his duties as Treasurer at Fitchburg Access Television. He is married to Jeannette and raised six children, have ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
In addition to our Annual Boulder Award winner, we will be honoring the recipients of other awards including: Excellence Award Jarrod Roberts Presented by Alexandra Cardinale, On Air Personality Dave Clark, Presented by Dave Svens, Producer of the Year Kevin Cormier, Presented by Stephanie Savoie
Romolo Testarmata Award, Robyn Comeau, Presented by Glenn Fossa and the long-standing Robert Wilson Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to a student at Fitchburg State University in the Communications program. The scholarship is awarded annually and winner will be announced at the dinner.
Tickets are on sale and are available at:
FATV, 175 Kimball Street, Fitchburg, MA.
Tickets are $30
For more information contact:
Anne Bisbee, Operations Manager of FATV at 978-343-0834
or email
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