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 and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) announce the publication of the 2017 edition of the Manufacturers Directory and Industrial Parks Guide for North Central Massachusetts. The publication is designed to promote and connect manufacturers with suppliers as well as serve as a resource for companies looking to relocate or expand throughout the region.
This new version of the directory was nearly a year in the making and represents the first new edition since 2015. Working with multiple sources, the NCMDC confirmed the operating status and primary product line of each company listed in the directory. In addition to the listing of local manufacturers, the publication also includes a section on life science companies, a listing of suppliers and a guide to business and industrial parks in North Central Massachusetts.
“We published this directory to help support our local manufacturers who are so critical to the long term vitality of the North Central economy”, said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. “We hope that this publication will be a resource in connecting manufacturers with their peers and helping them find local suppliers.”
This new publication is part of the Chamber and Development Corporation’s continuing efforts to help promote the region and advance the economy of North Central Massachusetts. In addition to this new manufacturing directory, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation has recently expanded its loan programs to include a new Express Loan program, a Second Chance loan initiative and has grown its technical assistance offerings for new and established small businesses in the region. NCMDC has been expanding its reach to small and growing businesses in neighboring communities through partnerships with local chambers. Partnerships have already been created with the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce. The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation also recently launched the new website ChooseNorthCentral.com and the hashtag #ChooseNorthCentral to promote North Central Massachusetts as a great place to grow or relocate a business and the organization has been engaged in new workforce development initiatives to improve the pipeline of skilled workers for local employers.
The 2017 edition of the publication was supported by advertising and is being circulated to manufacturers throughout the region. For more information, please contact the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 978.353.7600.
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. The NCMDC acts as a connector, facilitator and partner and 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. The NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) program and is a micro-loan intermediary for the U.S. Small Business Administration. Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4.2 million 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 North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation please call 978.353.7607 or visit www.choosenorthcentral.com o www.northcentralmass.com.

El Good Morning North Central series is a high-profile, fast-paced and educational breakfast program geared towards executives, senior managers, professionals and business owners. Each of the programs has a business-oriented focus and features popular speakers to present on topics of interest to local businesses.
The featured local speaker for the March edition is new Mount Wachusett Community College President, Dr. James Vander Hooven who was approved by the Board of Higher Education on Tuesday, January 17, 2017. Dr. Vander Hooven will be only the third president of MWCC since its founding in 1963. The program also includes a presentation by Ashley Ellefson, Director of Operations, of The Drone Racing League.
Dr. Vander Hooven is currently serving as the Vice President for Enrollment Management at Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. In this role, he serves as the College’s chief enrollment officer, manages recruitment activities, enrollment and admissions processes, and administers the Office of Financial Aid. He also oversees the Office of Transfer, Career, and Internship Services.
Prior to joining Landmark College, Dr. Vander Hooven was president of Tohono O’odham Community College, a Tribal College located on the Tohono O’odham Reservation in Arizona. In that role, he oversaw the $9 million construction of a new main campus, strengthened programs in the areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and developmental education, and represented the Tribal Colleges in annual presentations on 
Ashley Ellefson will be presenting on the growing market of E-Sports, how The Drone Racing League (DRL) fits into this emerging market, and how communities can take advantage of this new wave of sports entertainment. DRL launched in January 2016 as the only global professional drone racing organization, hosting five professional races in its inaugural season. They are currently in the middle of filming for their upcoming 2017 Championship Race Series, which includes six races that culminate in a Championship and crowning the World’s Greatest Drone Pilot.
The cost is just $25 for Chamber members/$40 non-members and includes a breakfast buffet. Season Tickets are also available for purchase. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or visit www.northcentralmass.com.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) and the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce have announced a new partnership to bring additional micro lending resources closer to young companies in the North Quabbin area of Massachusetts.
The collaboration involves the NCMDC providing start-up and existing small businesses in the North Quabbin communities with access to its microloan financing programs, which provide loans of up to $150,000 to help businesses that may not meet the traditional lending standards. The North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce will provide the NCMDC with marketing support in their communities and a presence in their office for their loan officers to counsel potential clients.
“We’re really pleased to be able to partner with the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation on this loan program,” said Mark Wright, Executive Director of the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce. “It adds another vital resource for North Quabbin businesses and economic development. The NCMDC’s track record and commitment to growing new and existing businesses in North Central Massachusetts is an important part to our expanding regional renaissance.”
“Our microloan program has had a profound impact on our business community in North Central Massachusetts. We have a long and successful history of supporting small businesses with financial resources and technical assistance,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. “We are excited to partner with the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce to continue to expand our lending and help support the small and emerging businesses that help drive the economy forward.”
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation 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 $4.3 million in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region. In addition, these funds were leveraged with local financial institutions providing $14.8 Million of their funds and local investors and business owners providing another $3.2 Million. Thousands of new jobs have been created in the region as a result of the loans made.
Microloan programs have become increasingly important to the business community since the economic collapse in 2008 that put more restrictions on how banks can serve small business loans. Micro loans made by the NCMDC can be used for working capital, leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures and refinancing of business credit card debt. Eligible businesses include manufacturing, retail, wholesale and service businesses usually having five employees or less at the time of application and meeting the definition of small business. The interest rates are flexible, but generally close to the current fixed market rate.
NCMDC loan officers will be available via appointment to serve the needs of new clients in the North Quabbin area. To schedule an appointment, please contact the NCMDC at 978.353.7607 or contact the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce at 978.249.3849.
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10/25 from 8-9 pm EST Choosing to Shop Better to Feel Better?
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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