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) is proud to announce that Little Explorers Child Care Center, LLC has secured a micro-loan of $39,750 for the purchase of real estate.
Lindsey Page opened the Child Care Center in July of 2012, which is conveniently located off Route 2 in Templeton, and attracts families from surrounding towns. With the help of this loan, Lyndsey plans to purchase the building that she currently leases to accommodate her growing business. Quality care, convenient location, and flexibility to suit the individual family’s needs separates Little Explores Child Care Center from the competition; giving her a huge advantage over her market. This loan was in partnership with Bank Hometown and will create 2 jobs. For more information on Little Explores Day Care call (978) 939-8080.
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.
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 and its loan programs, call 978.353.7607 or visit www.choosenorthcentral.com.

The workshop provides ideas and instruction in the areas of business identity and positioning, store and restaurant design, visual merchandising and retail marketing. Tips, tools, trends and tricks of the trade will be shared — and business owners’ specific questions will be answered. There are even ways to compete with online businesses … come and find out how!
Retail Best Practices – The Power of Presentation is delivered by Christine Moynihan of Retail Visioning. This program has helped hundreds of business owners improve the look and feel of their establishments as well as the customer experience and marketing messages in print and online. Formerly the VP of Retail Marketing for a national footwear brand, Chris has helped launch a number of new store concepts around the country and has worked to support and improve independent retail establishments for over 10 years. Over 1500 retailers have attended her workshops. Every attendee at the workshop will receive a copy of her booklet: A Retailer’s Gut Check, A Self-Assessment Guide for Small Business.
The workshop will be held on April 5, 2017 at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 860 South Street, Fitchburg, MA. The program will run from 8am to 10am. Coffee and an opportunity for business owners to network with one another will begin at 7:30am.
Pre-registration is requested to prepare for the arrival of all of our attendees. Attendance is just $10. Registration is available online at www.northcentralmass.com. For more information, contact Maria McCaffrey, Events & Programs Manager, at 978.353.7600 x. 235 or
We recently welcomed Nutrishop Fitchburg located at 18 John Fitch Highway in Fitchburg.
When Scott Radford (a policeman by trade and a life-long fitness buff) and his wife, Melissa, decided to open a new business, they wanted to establish a wellness center, not just a supplement shop. Frustrated by what he felt were staff lacking product knowledge and offering generic service at national chain shops, Scott set out with Nutrishop to fill a void in the retail nutrition industry locally, by providing health-conscious consumers with a diverse selection of superior supplements at low prices, sold by fitness enthusiasts who could help each customer choose the right products based on body type and workout goals.
Due to the popularity of wellness programs within businesses, Nutrishop offers a “body transformation challenge” for employees of local companies. The points-based contest begins with a weigh-in on advanced In-Body scale, which uses electric impedance to measure a host of fat & strength stats, including “lean analysis” by limb & and by trunk. Participants are consulted on their goals and given guidance on meal planning and exercise (when and how often). Over a 3-month period, they come back to check-in every 2 weeks, and receive points for each pound of fat or % of body fat lost – or pound of muscle gained. Nutrishop does the admin work and the challenge is flexible enough to accommodate other routines as well.
Scott hopes people will appreciate his advice, and offers a discount on supplements (and free samples) for participants. But he makes it clear that supplements aren’t the most important part of a fitness routine: “They really are a niche product, supplements & vitamins may address a deficiency but first you need the foundation of exercising and eating right.”
Please join Nutrishop for their Grand Opening on Friday, April 7th at 11:00 am at 18 John Fitch Highway in Fitchburg. You can call the shop on (978) 516-2476.
LIVE WEBINARS
http://diabeteskareconsulting.eventbrite.com
10/16 from 12-1 pm EST The Secret to Living a Long and Healthy Life is Healthy Eating
You know the saying “You are what you eat?” Well it really is true! In fact, according to the latest research, “about half of American adults have one or more preventable, diet-related chronic diseases and healthy eating is one of the most powerful tools for prevention.” Attend this informative webinar and become educated on what, when and how much to eat! Learn how MyPlate can help you and your family make and enjoy healthy, balanced meals and prevent diet-related chronic disease. Meal planning doesn’t have to be time consuming, costly or frustrating. All you really need is a basic understanding of the food groups, portion sizes and label reading then your equipped and ready to eat healthy, prevent chronic disease and stay within your budget! Make the decision to eat better so you can feel better starting today.
10/25 from 8-9 pm EST Choosing to Shop Better to Feel Better?
You know the old saying ” you can’t judge a book by its cover”, well, that applies to product labels too. The front of the label doesn’t necessarily tell the whole story about the product! Learning to read labels, ingredient lists and navigating the grocery store can help avoid advertising pitfalls and turn unhealthy choices into healthier ones. Attend this webinar, practice while you learn, become an ingredient detective and put your favorite “healthy” product to the test! Make the decision to shop and eat better so you can lower your risk of developing chronic diseases.
11/1 from 8-9 pm EST Prediabetes…Could It Be You?
According to the CDC, “there are 84.1 MILLION adults living in the US with prediabetes and 9 out of 10 don’t know it.” COULD YOU BE ONE OF THEM? Attend this life changing webinar on prediabetes, complete the ADA risk screening questionnaire and learn the simple proven lifestyle changes you can start today to reduce your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and its serious, often life- threatening complications by 58-71%! Diabetes prevention is within your reach! Start today to change your tomorrows. Take the first step now and register today!
11/8 from 8-9 pm EST The Key to Type 2 Diabetes Management is in Your Daily Routine
Ever feel overwhelmed, frustrated and distressed having to live with and manage your Type 2 Diabetes? If so, this webinar is for you! Attend and you will learn that the key to successful management is simply having a basic understanding of Diabetes and following the seven AADE recommended daily self-management behaviors. Making small changes to your daily routine will lead to achieving your blood sugars goals and significantly reducing your risk of developing potentially serious long-term complications! Choose to feel better and live longer! Register today.
11/15 from 8-9 pm EST Living a long and healthy Life with Type 2 Diabetes
Did you know that Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations and adult onset blindness? They result from chronic elevated blood sugars. The good news is you can help decrease your risks of developing these complications by achieving your Diabetes ABC goals and having regular screenings recommended by the American Diabetes Association. Attend this webinar and start taking control of your Diabetes instead of letting your Diabetes take control of you! It is possible to live a long and healthy life with Type 2 Diabetes. Register today
Since 1952, The Arc has been a civil and human rights movement supporting individuals with disabilities and their families in North Central Massachusetts. We invite you to help us celebrate this accomplishment at our Annual Auction fundraiser, directly benefitting the Family Support program.
Join us on November 17, 2017, from 7pm- 10pm at the DoubleTree in Leominster, where supporters of The Arc will come together for a fun night filled with Live Auctions, Silent Auctions, Raffles, Generosity & Hors d’oeuvres!
Some of the auction items available this year:
Please register online at: www.arcofopportunity.org/2017AnnualAuction
to be part of the fun and to “Leave an Impact.”
$25 per person
Sitka Creations
Fall 2017
Video Promotion
Get your first video created at an astoundingly low rate of $500.
This offer expires 12.15.17.
Offer includes:
• 1-Day Shoot with our Video Team
• Production of 1 Video with titles, graphics, music, editing, your branding and publishing to your social media and/or site.
The introductory offer also allows you to sign-up to create, from the 1-day shoot footage, 5 other videos at $250 each. These can be used in your fall or spring marketing campaigns.
($1,750 value)
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