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 Development Corporation (NCMDC) has recently granted four small business loans totaling $85,000 to Rituals Salon in Leominster, Angel Salon & Spa in Leominster, Hailey’s Takeout in Leominster, and Steel Strength and Nutrition in Worcester. The loans enabled these businesses to expand their businesses, create eight jobs, and retain ten jobs.
NCMDC granted a loan to Sarah Hawkins, owner of Rituals Salon and Day Spa, for $25,000 to assist with the purchase of the preexisting business located at 646 Central Street, Leominster. Rituals Salon and Day Spa has been an Aveda Concept Salon for over 10 years. Offering hair, nails, skin and massage services. This loan was in partnership with Workers Credit Union and NewVue Communities.
Angelica Jimenez received a loan from NCMDC for $25,000 to assist with the startup costs associated with Angel Salon and Spa. This new business will be located at 875 Merriam Ave in Leominster. NCMDC partnered with Fidelity Bank and NewVue Communities for this loan.
NCMDC granted a loan to Henry Genao for $15,000 to assist with startup costs associated with opening Hailey’s Takeout. Hailey’s Takeout is located at 301 Lancaster Street in Leominster and is a Spanish-American Takeout Restaurant.
Lauren and Zack Rohacik, owners of Steel Strength and Nutrition, were approved by NCMDC for a loan of $20,000. This loan is to assist with the purchase of inventory and for marketing costs. Small Business Development also assisted Lauren and Zack with a business plan and financial package. Steel Strength and Nutrition is your friendly neighborhood retail supplement store for all of your vitamins, minerals, and clean sports nutrition needs, located at 458 Park Ave in Worcester.
“Small businesses have proven to be the backbone of our economy, creating new jobs and investment and setting the stage for future economic growth for North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. “The NCMDC plays an important role in helping provide these small businesses and entrepreneurs with the financing and technical assistance that they need to grow and create new jobs.”
As an EDA Microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $75,000 for working capital, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts. NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance. Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4,200,000 in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.
For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978-353-7607.

The first Experience North Central featured a cider donut and fudge making lesson at the nationally renowned Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, a 100 year old destination for all things fall. In October, we featured local beer manufacturer, Moon Hill Brewing, in celebration of Manufacturing Month. Both were said to be “the best networking experience ever” by several attendees.
If you’re sick of the same old networking and also looking to learn behind the scenes secrets of local businesses, then Experience North Central is for you! Our next event will be held in January 2018. Have an idea for an Experience? Contact Events & Programs Manager, Maria McCaffrey, at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or
The Chamber’s tourism arm, the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association (JATA) has launched an exciting new advertising campaign aimed towards the affluent jet set of New York City.
From November 21 – November 27 North Central Massachusetts will be featured in the Horizon Travel Show on the dazzling 3,685- square foot ABC Good Morning America Screen in Times Square New York. This world-famous electronic icon with its signature wavy LED ribbons, catches the eyes of over 1.5 million tourists and residents daily, making it the perfect vehicle to spread the word about the North Central Massachusetts.
In addition to being featured digitally in the Horizon Travel Show, the JATA campaign will also promote the region as a great place to visit throughout New York City in print. A half-page write-up highlighting attractions and events in North Central Massachusetts will be featured in the November issue of Horizon Travel Magazine, a magazine that caters specifically towards New York’s discerning travelers. On November 9ta, 100,000 copies of Horizon Travel Magazine were also distributed with The Wall Street Journal, reaching a total readership of 230,000 affluent consumers.
This promotion will also be featured in the Greater Toronto Area through the Toronto Star. A half-page write-up highlighting JATA’s attractions and events will be featured along with a half-page ad under the letter from the editor in the November/December Canadian issue of Horizon Travel Magazine. This issue will go out to their 100,000 subscribers and reach a total readership of 226,000 in Greater Toronto.
This advertising campaign is an example of the many ongoing efforts of the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association to promote the region to visitors and groups in key markets. Ultimately these efforts help generate additional visitors and additional dollars to the communities in our region. In 2016, our collective regional tourism marketing strategy resulted in $131 million economic impact for North Central Massachusetts.

In the same spirit of giving, the employees also donated bags of can goods and non-perishable items to local organizations to assist with meals this holiday season. Ginny’s Helping Hand of Leominster was one of the recipients.
Let’s Fix This – Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Roundtable Friday, January 12, 2018, 8:00-9:30 am: Does your facility have an environmental, health and safety (EHS) challenge you would like to review and discuss with your colleagues? Do you have an EHS success story you can share with the group? This month the group will present and discuss their EHS challenges and successes. This is a great opportunity to partner and learn from your local peers. Meeting to be held at the Devens Eco-Efficiency Center, 33 Andrews Parkway, Devens. RSVP to Tracy Pierce: , members free, nonmembers $30.00.

Deadline for RFP submission is Friday February 16th, 2018. To obtain a copy of the RFP, please contact Town Planner Stephen Wallace (978-874-7414 or ) or visit the Town of Westminster municipal website: www.westminster-ma.gov
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