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 Development Corporation (NCMDC) granted a micro-loan to Angelica Jimenez for $25,000 to assist the purchase of equipment and the costs associated with starting Angel Salon and Spa in Leominster. Angelica has over 15 years of experience in the industry. Angel Salon is a professional salon and spa offering services to men, women and families conveniently located at Twin City Plaza, 875 Merriam Ave. in Leominster.
This loan was a gap loan in partnership with Fidelity Bank. NewVue Communities assisted the new owner with a business plan and financial package. For more information please visit www.angelsalonandspa.com/.
As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $150,000 for working capital, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
The new Elect North Central Coalition will host a debate for the candidates vying to represent the 3rd Congressional District at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18 on the Fitchburg State University campus.
Democratic candidate Lori Trahan, Republican candidate Rick Green and Independent candidate Mike Mullen have been invited to debate at Fitchburg State’s Kent Recital Hall in the Conlon Fine Arts Building, 367 North St. Admission is free and open to the public.
Elect North Central is a coalition of organizations dedicated to making the democratic process accessible and assuring that local and regional issues are examined and addressed by candidates running for office.
“The members of Elect North Central represent a broad cross-section of leaders in media, education, community, and business organizations, and was formed to provide residents an opportunity to hear the candidates on issues affecting them and the region,” said North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce President Roy Nascimento, the chair of Elect North Central. “The coalition members plan to continue collaborating on projects that will engage candidates and voters, and provide a platform for the voices of our region to be heard.”
Charles St. Amand, practitioner in residence in the Communication and Journalism Department at Suffolk University, will moderate the debate.
Panelists will include:
– Cassparina Carlson, student representative, Mount Wachusett Community College
– Sherman Whitman, radio host, WPKZ 105.3 FM and AM 1280
– Gary Hutner, general manager, Gardner News and Clinton Item
– Cliff Clark, city editor, Sentinel & Enterprise
– Irene Hernandez, president, Minority Coalition of North Central Massachusetts
The organizers will also solicit questions from the public in advance for possible inclusion in the debate.
The Elect North Central Coalition includes Fitchburg Access Television, Fitchburg State University, Gardner News, The Item, Leominster Champion, Lowell Sun, Minority Coalition, Mount Wachusett Community College, NewVue Communities, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, Sentinel & Enterprise, Spanish American Center, Suffolk University, Telegram & Gazette, Three Pyramids, United Hmong of Massachusetts, Worcester Business Journal and WPKZ Radio.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of AIS Inc., the largest office furniture manufacturing firm in the Northeast, as its newest Leadership Level member.
AIS, Inc. based in Leominster, is one of an elite group of prominent businesses and organizations to hold the prestigious position of Leadership Level member. Leadership level members make a vital commitment to the economic development of the region through their enhanced investment in the Chamber. They also serve as key advisors and maintain a close relationship to the organization. Their support helps shape the future of North Central Massachusetts by providing resources and the benefits of their advice and wisdom.
“We are very excited to welcome AIS as our newest Leadership Level member,” said Roy M. Nascimento, CCE, IOM, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We greatly appreciate their confidence and commitment in the Chamber and we look forward to working with their leadership in our collective efforts to advance North Central Massachusetts.”
Bruce Platzman, President and CEO of AIS, Inc., explained, “The North Central Massachusetts Chamber is an outstanding organization with a clear record of advancing economic opportunity in the region. We like their consistent advocacy for all businesses in North Central Massachusetts. And, in particular, the Chamber’s recognition of the key role manufacturing plays in our local economy is very appealing. AIS is pleased to partner with them and help further their mission.”
¡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
Community Health Connections (CHC) welcomes Julia Shirk Williams, LMHC, as the organization’s newest Director of Behavioral Health Services. Ms. Williams was chosen for the position for her significant leadership, management, mentoring skills and extensive clinical background.
Before joining CHC’s staff, Ms. Williams was the Director of Outpatient Services – Community Services and Partial Hospitalization Programs at Lowell Treatment Center. There she was responsible for the clinical, managerial and financial oversight of its behavioral health practitioners, Case Management, Therapeutic Monitoring, In-Home Therapy, the Family Stabilization Team, and Community Support Services. Previously Ms. Williams worked for Eliot Community Human Services, The Children’s Room, The Gifford School, Acton Cooperative School, and the Parental Stress Line developing strategies, providing support and directly engaging clients of all ages in behavioral health treatment.
Ms. Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Lesley University, Cambridge, Massachusetts. She also is a Certified Paralegal/Legal Assistant and describes herself as a “curious, life-long learner”.
Community Health Connections is the federally-qualified health center serving the communities of North Central Massachusetts. It provides primary medical, dental, behavioral health, optometry and substance abuse treatment services, for all ages, and accessible to anyone regardless of income or insurance status. Sites include Fitchburg Community Health Center, Greater Gardner Community Health Center, and Leominster Community Health Center and ACTION Community Health Center. CHC also provides preventive dental services at more than 55 schools in the region through its Caring For Kids program. More information may be found on the website www.chcfhc.org or by calling 978-878-8100.
Leominster Credit Union is joining with credit unions throughout Massachusetts to collect new and gently used books during the month of April in association with the Cooperative Credit Union Association Annual Book Drive. The books will be donated to local organizations providing an educational resource for many children. Books may be dropped off at any Leominster Credit Union Office by April 27, 2018. For more information contact Kathy Hurley at 978-466-7242 or .
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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