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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Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell has issued new guidance clarifying that private sector Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives remain lawful business practices. This document provides important information for employers who maintain or are considering DEIA programs.
The guidance outlines:
The legal framework supporting workplace DEIA programs
How DEIA initiatives differ from unlawful hiring preferences
Best practices for maintaining compliant DEIA policies
Chamber members can download the complete guidance document issued by the Massachusetts Attorney General below to understand how these policies can be implemented while ensuring compliance with state and federal law.
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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved $150,000 in financing for MacMannis Florist & Greenhouses, located at 2108 Main Street in Athol, toward the purchase of the former Brooks-MacMannis Florist and Greenhouse.
Originally founded a century ago as Hamilton Florist, the business was purchased by Charles and May MacMannis in the 1940s. Today, the business is now owned by Beth Jailet, who was employed by Brooks-MacMannis Florist for 20 years. Jailet recently purchased and rebranded the business to MacMannis Florist & Greenhouse.
“I am honored to continue the legacy of the floral shop and greenhouse,” said Jailet. “We have a rich history of being a trusted partner in our customer’s important life moments and celebrations. And with the support of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, our community will continue to have a local florist for years to come.”
The florist is the preferred vendor for several wedding venues and serves many local community churches and organizations in the Athol area. Online ordering for pickup and delivery is available through the business website at https://www.macmannisflorist.com/.
With a degree in soil management, Jailet will also bring her expertise and knowledge to helping customers achieve a green thumb.
As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion, and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.
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Celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2024, Groton-based Fuse Energy has established itself as a comprehensive commercial energy advisory firm serving North Central Massachusetts. Co-Managing Partners Steve Janes and Tom DeFeudis lead the company with decades of combined experience, specializing in helping small businesses, commercial and industrial clients, and municipalities optimize their energy spending while maintaining environmental awareness.
DeFeudis brings over 15 years of experience leading business development teams for direct energy suppliers, serving both public and private sector customers. Janes complements this expertise with his background in international business advisory and development, including work on large-scale manufacturing and municipal projects. Together, they bring a team approach to commercial energy consulting, leveraging their extensive experience in domestic and international infrastructure to guide clients toward optimal energy choices.
“Fuse is a local firm with local roots,” explains Janes. “Our clients become valued partners as our relationship grows.” This partnership approach has yielded impressive results, with success stories ranging from helping a local nonprofit reduce their annual energy spend by 30% to saving a major Boston hospital over $300,000 annually on electricity costs.
What sets Fuse Energy apart is their holistic approach to energy management. Their comprehensive services include Electricity & Natural Gas Procurement, Demand Response, Community Solar programs, and EV Charging Stations. Beyond these core offerings, they help clients secure rebates, utility incentives, and recover overcharged taxes. This comprehensive service is particularly valuable to the manufacturing sector in North Central Massachusetts, where the company has found a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
Community involvement is central to Fuse Energy’s identity. The firm actively supports multiple nonprofits and community service organizations in the region. Both Managing Partners are active Freemasons and Rotarians, personally leading several fundraising events throughout the year. The company has also formed a meaningful partnership with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, helping the organization optimize its own energy expenditure. “As Chamber President, I’ve seen firsthand how Fuse Energy’s expertise benefits our members,” says Roy Nascimento. “They helped us significantly reduce our own energy costs through their thorough analysis and understanding of the market. Their dedication to the North Central Massachusetts business community makes them a valued member and partner.”
Looking ahead, Fuse Energy is positioning itself at the intersection of several transformative trends. “The energy industry is both an important and exciting place to be in these times,” notes Janes. “Global electrification is at a rapid pace. Geopolitical issues are going to have an impact on natural gas in the near future while Artificial Intelligence will become one of the world’s largest consumers of energy.” The partners are particularly passionate about advancing renewable-energy development and reducing their clients’ carbon footprints. In this evolving landscape, Fuse Energy remains committed to helping clients navigate these uncharted waters with both financial and environmental considerations in mind.
For more information about Fuse Energy’s services, contact Steve Janes at or call 978.486.3873.
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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
Event to kick-off the 2025 Relay for Life of Greater Gardner with the Fitchburg community
WHAT:
El Relay for Life of Greater Gardner, one of the largest cancer fighting fundraising events in New England, will be hosting Light the Town Purple, an event to raise awareness about the Relay for Life and to celebrate the lives of those who have been touched by cancer in the community. In addition to music and local organizations providing information for those affected by cancer, the event will also include inspirational stories from cancer survivors and caregivers, as well as the ceremonial lighting of the Upper Common Gazebo in purple to signify unity, hope and survival.
WHERE:
Upper Common Gazebo, Fitchburg (the intersection of Main Street, Mechanic Street and Prospect Street near the Rollstone Boulder)
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
WHO:
Limari Rivera, captain, Team Rosa’s Warriors, and leadership member, Relay for Life of Greater Gardner Luisa Fernandez, family and community engagement coordinator, Fitchburg Public Schools Captain Jeffrey J. Howe, Fitchburg Police Department
Cancer survivors, their caregivers, and families
Relay for Life of Greater Gardner participants and supporters
Local organizations that support cancer patients, survivors, and their families
About the Relay for Life In May 1985, Dr. Gordon “Gordy” Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, raising money to help the American Cancer Society with the nation’s biggest health concern: cancer. Friends, family, and patients watched and supported him as we walked and ran more than 83.6 miles and raised $27,000 through pledges to help save lives from cancer. Since then, the event has raised $3.6 billion across all Relay for Life events. In its 32nd year, the Relay for Life of Greater Gardner has raised approximately $15 million. To learn more about the Relay for Life of Greater Gardner, visit the event website y Facebook.
Clear Path for Veterans New England will host their Annual Charity Golf Tournament. This year, it’s coming to Massachusetts at Juniper Hills Golf Course, a gorgeous course with an easy driving distance centrally located in Northborough, MA.
All proceeds will benefit Clear Path for Veterans New England Veterans. The funds raised will go towards essential services for Veterans and their families, such as housing, wellness events and activities, food and clothing, and service dog training programs.
Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc., a non-profit provider of skilled home care, palliative care, hospice end of life care in ninety-eight towns and cities across five counties in Massachusetts, is pleased to announce the appointment of Vera T. Tice, MSECE as Chair of the Board of Directors, from Vice Chair, effective April 9, 2025
Tice brings extensive experience in corporate governance, digital and cybersecurity risk, corporate strategy and growth, technology and innovation, R&D product/service development, and M&A expertise to her board and advisory work. Prior to this appointment, she served in board chair and committee leadership roles on several corporate and large non-profit boards. Currently, Tice is an advisor to businesses and global and national organizations investing in and commercializing health care innovation. Previously holding senior executive positions in businesses and non-profits creating the future of healthcare, Tice mobilized innovation, developing and delivering digital health, healthcare informatics, patient monitoring, and network security products and services from concept to market.
“I am honored to welcome Vera Tice as the new Chair of the Board. Her vision, integrity, and dedication to our mission inspires confidence and optimism as we look to the future” states Holly Chaffee, MSN, BSN, RN, President & CEO of Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc.
Vera succeeds Norman Sczepanski, who served on the Board of Directors for over 40 years and as Chair of the Board since 2020. Sczepanski played a key role in advancing Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc.’s strategic planning and community partnerships.
Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc. provides compassionate care and trusted support throughout a variety of services to ensure comfort, dignity and expert care at every stage of life. For more information about Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc. and its services, please visit the website (carecentralvnahospice.org ) or contact: Kristin Mattson, PT, Chief Development & Clinical Care Transitions Officer, 508-943-0612, .
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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