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

Mountainside Bakery and Café honored with the prestigious
Preservation Massachusetts Award for its dedication to historic
preservation and community enrichment
In the heart of North Central Massachusetts, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Wachusett Mountain State Park, stands Mountainside Bakery & Café, a one-of-a-kind venue that has become a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike. Since its opening in January 2015, this charming, historic manor home has evolved into a hub for unique events, providing a perfect blend of exceptional food, beautiful surroundings, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether hosting a corporate retreat, a wedding, or an intimate gathering, Mountainside offers an experience that is unparalleled in the region.
According to owner/operator Katherine Huck, Mountainside Bakery & Café was born from a passion for hospitality and a desire to offer something truly special to the North Central Massachusetts community. The venue offers full catering and bar services for private events, catering, and corporate meetings, with a focus on providing a personalized experience for each guest. Located in a beautifully restored historic manor home, the space exudes charm and character, offering an elegant yet relaxed setting for a variety of gatherings.
As a family-oriented business, the team at Mountainside is committed to delivering high-quality service and food that exceeds expectations. From from-scratch baked goods to carefully crafted cocktails and expertly brewed coffee, every detail is thoughtfully curated. The emphasis on quality ingredients and impeccable preparation ensures that guests leave with not only fond memories but a genuine appreciation for the care that goes into each dish and drink.
What makes Mountainside stand out is the venue’s ability to tailor each event to the unique needs of the host and their guests. Whether it’s a corporate meeting that requires a professional, yet inviting environment, or a wedding celebration that demands beauty and elegance, Mountainside works closely with clients to design custom events that reflect their vision. The versatility of the venue, coupled with a team that is dedicated to providing a seamless and memorable experience, makes it an ideal location for any occasion.
While the food, drinks, and services are undoubtedly exceptional, the location of Mountainside is what truly sets it apart. Surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of Wachusett Mountain State Park, the venue offers an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, making it the perfect backdrop for events of all kinds. According to Ms. Huck, guests can take in the stunning views of the mountain, enjoy the serenity of the surrounding woods, and experience the restorative power of nature – all while savoring delicious food and drinks in an unforgettable setting.
In addition to its natural beauty, Mountainside’s historic location adds a unique layer of character to the venue. The restored manor home is rich with history, allowing guests to connect with the past while enjoying the comforts and conveniences of the present. The blend of history, nature, and hospitality creates an ambiance that is truly magical, allowing people to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect with one another in a meaningful way.
One of the cornerstones of Mountainside’s success is its deep commitment to supporting the local community. Katherine notes, “the word “community” is not just a part of the venue’s logo – it is at the very heart of the business. Mountainside plays an active role in supporting local organizations and businesses through donations, meeting space, and providing food for various community events. Whether it’s hosting a local charity event or offering space for a business meeting, Mountainside remains dedicated to strengthening the ties that bind the people of North Central Massachusetts.”
In a region known for its sense of camaraderie and a strong community spirit, Mountainside serves as a gathering place for locals to come together, share ideas, and celebrate milestones. This sense of connection is at the core of the venue’s philosophy, and it’s something that resonates with both employees and guests. Mountainside truly embodies the spirit of collaboration and togetherness, which is why it’s such a treasured part of the community.
The culture at Mountainside is another key element of its success. The team at Mountainside is made up of energetic, friendly, and supportive individuals who deeply care about what they offer to their guests. The company’s focus on creating a family-like atmosphere ensures that every employee is valued, respected, and encouraged to grow professionally. The venue looks for individuals who have integrity and a desire to learn, recognizing that a strong, dedicated team is essential to providing exceptional service and creating unforgettable experiences for guests.
This positive workplace culture also extends to the guests. Employees at Mountainside go out of their way to ensure that each visitor feels welcome and cared for, making it easy to see why so many people return time and time again. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, you can always count on friendly service, a warm atmosphere, and food that exceeds expectations.
As Mountainside looks to the future, the team is excited about the continued growth and success of the business. There’s a renewed desire among people to connect in person, and Mountainside’s unique venue provides the perfect setting for such gatherings. The team is inspired by the work they do and the opportunity to offer people a place where they can celebrate life’s special moments in a timeless, magical setting.
As more people seek out experiences that are meaningful and personal, Mountainside is poised to meet this demand with its exceptional service, stunning location, and commitment to community. Whether hosting a small, intimate event or a large celebration, Mountainside continues to offer a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave guests with memories that last a lifetime.
Mountainside uses primarily social media platforms to promote. “On Youtube we have a full series of our renovation videos, a healthy following on Facebook, a growing following in Instagram and a regular contingent who receive our newsletter,” said Huck. “We stopped using print adverstising years ago, but know new online forms of advertising are essential for us.”
Mountainside Bakery & Café is more than just a place to dine or host an event – it’s a destination where food, history, nature, and community come together to create an unforgettable experience. With a focus on exceptional service, quality ingredients, and a commitment to supporting the local community, Mountainside has become a beloved part of North Central Massachusetts. As the business continues to grow and evolve, one thing remains certain: Mountainside will always be a place where people can gather, connect, and create memories that will last for years to come.
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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 $32,000 to support the startup of Best Family Fitness, a new fitness center located at 360 High Street in Clinton.
Serving patrons of all athletic backgrounds, Best Family Fitness will focus on clients seeking more stamina, improved sleeping, and decreased feelings of stress and anxiety. Programs specific to weight loss, improved mobility, conditioning, and nutritional guidance will also be offered. A comprehensive business plan developed with the assistance of NewVue Communities helped secure the financing needed to bring this vision to reality.
Eric Machuca, owner of Best Family Fitness, is a Personal Trainer certified through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) and has been in the personal and physical training field for a decade.
“A big part of what makes Best Family Fitness different from other fitness centers is our unique approach to ensuring our program offerings fit each client’s individual goals,” said Machuca. “I am grateful to the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation for their guidance and support in helping me achieve entrepreneurship so I can bring my knowledge and expertise in physical fitness and nutrition to those seeking a healthier, more active lifestyle right here in Clinton.”
Best Family Fitness will operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to personal training, group morning and afternoon classes will be available.
Como entidad de microcréditos, NCMDC puede otorgar préstamos a pequeñas empresas de hasta $250,000 para capital de trabajo, bienes inmuebles, equipo, inventario y expansión, además de colaborar con nuestros socios bancarios para proporcionar financiamiento puente para la etapa final de un proyecto.
For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.
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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:
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The City of Fitchburg is designing improvements for Coolidge Park to reduce downstream flooding, improve water quality in Falulah Brook, and enhance the park for the community. The project will focus on sections of the park near Falulah Brook and will aim to help reduce the downstream flooding along John Fitch Highway, which frequently occurs during heavy rainstorms.
The proposed improvements will use nature-based solutions to better manage stormwater and create flood storage, and may involve increasing green space. Planned features include a floodable field, a redesigned Wallace Civic Center parking lot with stormwater improvements, and a permeable parking lot with bioretention areas to collect and treat runoff from John Fitch Highway.
The City is asking park users and residents for input to help shape these designs. Community feedback is essential to understand exactly how the park is used by residents. This will help the design team to figure out the best ways to incorporate stormwater management and flood control techniques into the landscape without negatively impacting the existing uses of the park.
“We encourage everyone who uses Coolidge Park or lives nearby to share their experiences and ideas,” said Nick Erickson, Commissioner of Public Works. “This input will directly help shape the design of this project.”
Residents are invited to complete a short survey by May 3 to share their thoughts on flooding, recreational needs, and ideas for improving the park. Take the survey here at https://tinyurl.com/CoolidgeSurvey.
Once community input is collected, the City and project team will prepare draft designs to share with the public later this year.
This project is supported by a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, which aims to help communities reduce the risks of climate change impacts such as flooding and extreme heat.
For questions, contact Nicholas J. Erickson, Commissioner of Public Works, .

Date: Tuesday, June 3rd
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts
Address: 860 South Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420
Light refreshments will be served.
Join us for our presentation, Retirement by Design. We’ll discuss how you can translate your vision for retirement into tangible goals.
Whether you are 10 or 40 years from retirement, you’ll learn investment strategies you can use now to help design the retirement you want tomorrow.
We hope you and a guest will join us. Please call Eric Chouinard at 978-630-8670 or email by 05/27/2025.
Do you have a disability, have a loved one with a disability, or advocate for accessible outdoor spaces? Join us for this virtual event on May 8th to share your experiences on Massachusetts trails and ideas for making trails more accessible.
Hosted by the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation, this session is part of the Trails for All statewide initiative to improve outdoor accessibility and ensure everyone can enjoy Massachusetts’ trails.
Registrarse ahoraWhen 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