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), 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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On Sunday, February 9, President Donald Trump announced a 25% import tax on all steel and aluminum entering the United States. He also noted plans to announce reciprocal tariffs on all countries that tax imports from the U.S. on either Tuesday or Wednesday. Reuters, citing government and American Iron and Steel Institute data, reports that the largest sources of U.S. steel imports are Canada, Brazil and Mexico, followed by South Korea and Vietnam.
The Chamber is continuing to monitor the issue and is engaging with members about the potential impacts. For your convenience, you can provide your thoughts online here or contact Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, directly by phone at 978.353.7600, ext. 225, or via email.
As the news about the tariffs announced by the Trump administration on Saturday, February 1, 2025, continue to be top of mind for our members, the Chamber is providing the below update (current as of February 4, 2025, at 12 p.m. ET):
The tariffs announced for Canada and Mexico are currently postponed for 30 days.
An additional 10% tariff on pre-existing tariffs for imports from China was implemented after midnight on February 4, 2025, and is currently in effect. In response to this action by the U.S., the Chinese government began imposing additional tariffs on natural gas, coal, farm machinery and other products from the United States. Additionally, restrictions on the export of certain minerals, several of which are used in high-tech product manufacturing, were also announced by China.
Media reports indicate punitive tariffs may be forth coming for the 27 members of the European Union.
We will continue to keep you updated on key developments as they become available.
As always, we encourage members to share their feedback on the impacts these tariffs may have on their businesses. For your convenience, you can provide your thoughts online here or contact Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, directly by phone at 978.353.7600, ext. 225, or via email.
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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