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

As part of national manufacturing month, the Chamber and our economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation will host a series of events and programs to promote manufacturing and highlight the importance of the industry to the economy of the region.
“Manufacturing is alive and well in North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the Chamber. “Supporting careers in advanced manufacturing and serving as fierce advocates for local manufacturers are a priority for our Chamber.”
The Chamber plans on coordinating tours of local manufacturers as well as highlighting how rewarding careers in manufacturing can be through a social media campaign, showcasing Chamber produced manufacturing videos and hosting special events. The Chamber will be partnering with local manufacturers, Mount Wachusett Community College and
MassHire North Central Workforce Board in these efforts. Stay tuned throughout the
month of October for more information on these events. For more information visit
www.NorthCentralMass.com or contact Sandie Cataldo at .
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – North Central Massachusetts Manufacturing Bus Tour
Special manufacturing bus tour for Superintendents, legislators and media in the North Central Massachusetts region. The tour will visit and tour several local manufacturers in the region and showcase the region’s advanced manufacturing, high quality workforce, quality of life and opportunities in North Central Massachusetts.
Thursday, October 11, 2018
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Business After Hours – Fitchburg Art Museum
185 Elm St, Fitchburg, MA
Join us to celebrate the manufacturing industry during a special edition of our Business After Hours series at the Fitchburg Art Museum’s newest exhibit – Furniture. The museum’s newest exhibit pays tribute to region’s industrial heritage of furniture manufacturing and will feature a variety of pieces, both new and antique, that were made locally!
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Manufacturing Tour with Fitchburg and Leominster High School
AIS Inc – 25 Tucker Dr, Leominster, MA
MWCC Devens Campus – 27 Jackson Rd, Devens, MA
Special manufacturing bus tour for students and chaperons of Fitchburg and Leominster High School. The tour will visit local manufacturers in the region and showcase the region’s manufacturing jobs and the options for opportunities in North Central Massachusetts.
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Manufacturing Tour with Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School
Nypro, a Jalib Company – 101 Union St, Clinton, MA
WestRock – 51 Independence Dr, Devens, MA
Special manufacturing bus tour for students and chaperons of Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School. The tour will visit local manufacturers in the region and showcase the region’s manufacturing jobs and the options for opportunities in North Central Massachusetts.
Thursday, October 25, 2018
7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. – CEO Unplugged featuring Ray Martino, President & CEO of Simonds International
The Chamber’s CEO Unplugged series gives young professionals access to local leaders for a chance to connect and learn about their journey to success. Each session provides a chance to meet with a local CEO in their workplace to discuss professional development such as leadership values, entrepreneurship, and investment in community and career paths. In honor of manufacturing month, the October edition features Ray Martino, President & CEO of Simonds International, a global leader in the manufacturing of wood processing equipment and one of the largest manufacturers in Fitchburg. Attendance is open to any young professionals within the Chamber membership. But, seats will be limited to no more than 12 people. The program is free, but pre-registration is required.
Student Manufacturing Tours – Various Dates and Locations
Throughout the month of October, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will be partnering with local manufacturers, Mount Wachusett Community College, the MassHire North Central Workforce Board and other partners to host a series of manufacturing tours for local students from various high schools in North Central Massachusetts. These efforts are intended to showcase careers in advanced manufacturing and dispel old, negative myths and stereotypes that exist about manufacturing jobs.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) granted a $25,000 micro-loan to Derek Johnson, owner of Half Axe located in Marlborough. Half Axe is the premier axe throwing facility and the first of its kind in New England. Once a fun outdoor camping activity, axe-throwing has grown into the newest competitive sport making its way to the US. Located at the new Apex Entertainment Center in Marlborough, Derek offers 2 hour and 45 minute booked sessions for private events, parties, league play, as well as drop-ins. Half Axe is open Tuesday-Sunday. For hours and more info visit www.halfaxe.com. This micro loan was a referral from Community Teamwork and created 4 new jobs.
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Clark University assisted Derek with a business plan and financial package. For more information on the SBDC visit www.clarku.edu/offices/sbdc.
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.

Season Ticket holders enjoy a 20% discount as well as the convenience of being automatically registered for each of these popular events. Season Tickets can be transferred to another colleague within a business as well. Season tickets are on sale at www.northcentralmass.com/news/calendar-of-events at $160 for members and $260 for non members.
Step right up for “Dueling Pianos” – an interactive musical event to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity North Central MA and support the upcoming building projects as well as its critical home repair program. The event will be held on Friday, April 6ta at the Devens Common Center.
Tickets are $70 per person for Dinner and the Show -OR- $40 per person for the show only. The Dinner and Show package includes a three-course plated dinner with choice of Baked Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, Marinated Beef Tips, or a Vegetarian selection. A cash bar will also be available. Dinner will be served at 6:00pm. A Cocktail Hour with complimentary light appetizers and desserts along with the cash bar for “Show Only Patrons” will begin at 7:00pm. The show starts at 7:30pm.
Highlighting the event is a Silent Auction which will be held before the show and during intermission. Gift cards and certificates from several local area restaurants and businesses will be featured including Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort, Great Wolf Lodge, Rye & Thyme, The Natural Café, Lucia’s, Columbia Tavern, and the Habitat Restore in Leominster. Red Sox tickets, a week at a beautiful vacation home in South Carolina, lovely hand-painted bird houses, and many original art pieces will also be on tap for the bidding and more items are being added to the auction daily. Auction winners will be announced during the show’s intermission.
Special thanks to this year’s Event Sponsors: Digital Federal Credit Union, Leominster Credit Union, Mitrano Removal Service LLC, Village Mortgage and Phoenix Park Business Center.
To purchase tickets, please visit www.ncmhabitat.org. Tickets and sponsorship information are also available by calling the Habitat for Humanity NCM office at 978-348-2749. The Devens Common Center is located at 31 Andrews Parkway in Devens, MA.
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts
Habitat for Humanity NCM offers a hand up, not a hand out, to hard-working, low-income central Massachusetts families seeking affordable homeownership. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat NCM builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses alongside our homeowner partner families.
Corte de listón del Laboratorio de Ciencias de la Vida de Goodrich Academy
STEM equipment and supplies grant was awarded by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to Goodrich Academy during the 2016-17 school year. The awarded amount was $105, 345 ($95,795 equipment, $9,550 professional development).
The grant award was announced last February and provided Goodrich with new furniture, lab equipment and technology, which is being used to promote STEM education in the Life Sciences and prepare Goodrich students with skills they can apply in a career in the Life Sciences.
“The life sciences and STEM+ education are a major focus of the Fitchburg Public Schools in all grades as we prepare students for college and careers,” FPS Superintendent Andre Ravenelle said. “This addition to the Goodrich Academy Campus is a good example of a collaboration to enhance this work.”
WHO: Fitchburg Public Schools, Goodrich Academy
WHAT: Corte de listón del Laboratorio de Ciencias de la Vida de Goodrich Academy
WHEN: Friday, March 16 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Goodrich Academy, 111 Goodrich Street, Fitchburg.
Expected speakers:
Andre Ravenelle (Fitchburg Public Schools Superintendent)
Stephen DiNatale (Mayor of Fitchburg)
Ryan Mudawar (Massachusetts Life Sciences Center)
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