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 Chamber of Commerce unveiled its Public Policy Agenda for the new fiscal year today outlining the Chamber’s legislative priorities on issues important to businesses and the advancement of North Central Massachusetts. The agenda was developed to serve as a blueprint for the Chamber’s government affairs efforts and have been reviewed and approved by the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee and Board of Directors.
“The passing of a new budget and opening of the fall legislative session presents us with new challenges and opportunities” Christopher McDermott, the Chamber’s Public Affairs Manager, explained. “We look forward to facing these head on and this document provides the road map we’ll use to do so.”
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce advocates on behalf of businesses across the region, and the new Public Policy Agenda outlines a platform which builds upon the area’s competitive advantages. The agenda is focused around five priority areas: economic competitiveness; small business; manufacturing; education; and transportation.
“Our public policy agenda is focused on supporting a strong business climate and ensuring that North Central Massachusetts remains a great place to live, work and grow a business,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the Chamber. “We look forward to working with our legislative delegation to advocate these priorities.”
“There aren’t many places that host the range of businesses and industries you find in North Central Massachusetts” McDermott stated. “We want to use our presence in the community and on Beacon Hill to ensure that public officials recognize this region’s potential and work with us to realize it.”
Click to view the Chamber’s Public Policy Agenda, or contact Christopher McDermott, Public Affairs Manager at 978.353.7600 ext. 224.

The Chamber is the leading business and economic development organization in North Central Massachusetts and provides numerous services for members, including networking, professional development, low cost marketing, health and dental insurance, as well as government affairs and economic development programs to encourage a positive business climate for the region. In 2017 the Chamber was recognized for its work by being the first Chamber from New England to be named a finalist for the prestigious ACCE Chamber of the Year Award.

“The Chamber is an important element in the fabric of the community and has a tremendous impact supporting North Central Massachusetts,” said Mark Freeman, President of Steel Fab, Inc. and Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “This is a great opportunity to tell our story and engage businesses throughout the region.”
The campaign will feature several “Join Now” incentives for businesses and organizations that enroll with the Chamber, including digital, print, radio and TV advertising, web site listings, admission to Chamber networking programs and more.
Highlighting the campaign will be a referral effort among existing members. Each member referral can potentially earn the referring member a $25 Gift Local gift card that can be used at many of the finest restaurants, shops and attractions in the region.

There will also be a grand prize given to the top business or organization that has referred the most new members that have joined the chamber during this time period. The grand prize is a luxurious getaway vacation for two, to the Outer Banks, located in North Carolina.
Membership in the Chamber is a great way to become involved with the business community, support the North Central region and help your organization grow and save money. The Chamber supports member businesses of all sizes and industries through leadership in public advocacy, economic development, education, technical assistance, discount programs, networking opportunities and more. Our member benefits are diverse and extensive.
Media sponsors for the Campaign include the Sentinel & Enterprise; Leominster Champion; Worcester Business Journal; WPKZ 105.3 FM; and FATV.
For more information please visit www.northcentralmass.com/membership-information/2017-membership-campaign. Businesses interested in joining the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce should contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 222.
Johnny Appleseed Trail Association and Chamber offer new experiential networking series
The Johnny Appleseed Trail Association (JATA) and the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the launch of their newest networking program, Experience North Central! This new quarterly series offers guests a unique opportunity to experience local businesses and attractions while networking with other like-minded professionals. The first session will be held from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Thursday, September 28th, 2017 at Red Apple Farm located at 455 Highland Avenue, Phillipston, MA.

Each session of the Experience North Central will offer a non-traditional networking opportunity with a fun, experiential learning twist. The first edition of the new series hosted by Red Apple Farm will feature a farm tour, discussion with the fourth generation owner and operator, Al Rose, and the hands on experience of making and eating Red Apple’s famous cider donuts! Red Apple Farm will also offer farm oriented refreshments and a cash bar during the event.
“We’re excited to launch this unique new event series as a way to help connect members through these fun shared experiences,” said Roy Nascimento, President of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association. “Experience North Central is a great way to meet other professionals and leaders in the community while also promoting the great attractions and businesses that we have to offer here in the region.”
The 105 year old Red Apple Farm opened in 1912 with beginnings in wholesale apples. Now a destination for everything autumn oriented, Red Apple Farm has three locations: the Farm, Wachusett Mountain, and the City of Boston: opening one of the largest stalls at Boston Public Market two years ago. Their famously delicious cider donuts are made daily and sold at each location.
The next Experience North Central is scheduled for October 18ta with a beer tasting at Moon Hill Brewing and will include a discussion of the micro-brew industry with owner Rick Walton and their head brewer. Upcoming Experience North Central events will offer behind the scene tours of local companies and attractions; and other interactive and experiential networking events.
The cost of the September event is $15 for Chamber and JATA members and $25 for non members. For registration, please visit www.northcentralmass.com or contact Maria McCaffrey at 978.353.7604 x. 235 or

“We are delighted to have Joyce join the LCU Board of Directors. She and her family have a long history in the local community, and as the daughter of one of LCU’s founders, she has a very personal tie to the Credit Union,” said Michael J. Sauvageau, Chairman of the Board. “We will look to Joyce to offer a fresh perspective on what today’s consumers want from their financial institution.”
Prior to her appointment to the Board, Leger served on the LCU Advisory Committee. She also volunteers her time with several organizations. Her previous activities include working with the Montachusett Interfaith Hospitality Network, and she co-chaired the Summer Experience of Greater Lowell. She currently serves on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell.
“Three generations of my family were born and raised in Leominster. I am very excited about the opportunity to be more involved in my home town,” Leger commented. “My father, Nick Gorgoglione, was a founder of LCU. I feel that joining the LCU Board offers me a way to both carry on his legacy, and to give back to the local community.”
Leger is the Director of Human Resources at Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc. in Billerica, MA. She holds a BA from the College of the Holy Cross and an MA from the University of Baltimore.
Fundada en 1954, Leominster Credit Union (LCU) es una cooperativa financiera sin fines de lucro, de propiedad de sus socios, que ofrece una gama completa de servicios de depósito, crédito y otros servicios financieros. Con sede en Leominster, Massachusetts, LCU se enorgullece de contar con casi 50,000 socios y más de $600 millones en activos. LCU cuenta con siete sucursales en Leominster, Worcester, Clinton, Holden, Sterling y North Leominster, todas ellas con servicios de cajero automático. LCU también ofrece servicios bancarios las 24 horas a través de sus servicios móviles y en línea. Visite leominstercu.com o llame al 800-649-4646.
2017 is over… We did our best this year to bring you great art from local artists, a few from NYC and some international artists. We have worked very hard to make our Gallery Sitka, in Fitchburg, a success. We will continue to work hard in this endeavor in 2018. However, we cannot do it without your help.
In Central Mass. there are more artists than you can even imagine, all types, talented professional artists and beginners, musicians, printmakers, painters, photographers, encaustic artists, ceramic artists, jewelers and more! Most of them work full-time day jobs — all of them dreaming to be full-time artists.
Our Gallery is also a dream. The gallery model does not work like it once did and we know that many of you would prefer to buy directly from the artists, which we understand. However, if would like to support what we have been doing, we encourage you to drop by our Shirley location on Sunday (or to Memories on Main in Fitchburg on Saturday) and support us and the artists we represent by spending your dollars locally on local art, made by local hands (all work in Shirley on Sunday will be under $200). Your support in this way will go far towards our gallery remaining “local.”
We want to thank all of you for sharing our posts, forwarding our emails, coming to our shows, buying the work we carry, for your notes, cards, letters, and emails. We especially thank both our landlords: The Lexvest Group y Shacks, INC. for your support and willingness to work with us. We thank the City of Fitchburg and their team: Mayor DiNatale, MaryJo Bohart, AJ and Tom (HUGS), NewVue y ReImagine North of Main as well for their support, the North Central Chamber of Commerce for bringing guests by, the projects you’ve given us, the clients you’ve sent us, the press, your presence (THANK YOU!), and finally Lorraine at Expressive Print in Ashburnham for so much support on framing, hiring us to run an art auction and more! Lastly, we thank all of our artists (their names can be found on our website) and I thank my team. Thank you all for 2017!
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