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 Foundation is excited to announce that applications for the 2025 Scholarship Program are now being accepted from local high school students in North Central Massachusetts.
Each year, the Chamber Foundation awards approximately 25 college scholarships to support students continuing their education, made possible by contributions from members of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. Beginning in 2025, the Foundation will also introduce a new non-traditional scholarship specifically for students pursuing trade programs or vocational training, expanding opportunities for diverse career pathways.
Students interested in applying for a scholarship in 2025 should reach out to their high school guidance department. Each school in the Chamber’s service area can submit a limited number of scholarship applicants each year. These applications will be reviewed by a committee of Chamber members. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 3, 2025.
Since establishing its scholarship program, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation has awarded over one million dollars in scholarships. Many of these awards are made possible through contributions from Chamber members. Scholarships offered through the Chamber Foundation are often named in honor of prominent members of the North Central Massachusetts business community, whose philanthropy and commitment have significantly shaped the region.
The Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on improving the area through charitable activities. Funds raised by the Foundation are primarily used for education and workforce development initiatives, as well as charitable activities in North Central Massachusetts. This includes scholarships for eligible applicants pursuing education and grants to support economic and community development projects.
Donations to support the Chamber Foundation’s scholarship program are greatly appreciated. Contributions can be mailed to the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation at 860 South St., Fitchburg, MA 01420, or made securely online at www.northcentralmass.com/donate.
For those interested in endowing a named scholarship in honor of a prominent business or community leader, please contact Teresa Roberts, Director of Finance, or Roy Nascimento, President, at 978.353.7600 ext. 227 or 225.
For more information on the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation’s scholarship program or to view a list of the named scholarships, please visit northcentralmass.com or call 978.353.7600 ext. 222.
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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will host its next Good Morning North Central breakfast program on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 7:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg, MA. The January edition is sponsored by Rollstone Bank and Trust.
The featured speakers will discuss the new professional football team coming to North Central Massachusetts and provide insight into the state’s economic competitiveness.
Andre Reed is a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (Class of 2014) and current Commissioner of the Entertainment Football League Association (ENTFLA) and the Fitchburg Heroes professional football team. During his 16-year NFL career, primarily with the Buffalo Bills, Reed earned seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections and appeared in four Super Bowls. He ranks among the NFL’s all-time leaders in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches. Through his Andre Reed Foundation, he helps underprivileged children reach their full potential. In his current role, Reed leads ENTFLA’s mission to bring professional sports-entertainment to underserved markets through fan-focused events.
Doug Howgate serves as President of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, bringing extensive public policy experience to the role. Prior to joining MTF, he held key positions including Senior Policy Advisor to Senate President Karen Spilka and Budget Director at the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. Howgate holds degrees from Holy Cross and Georgetown’s McCourt School of Public Policy.
La serie de desayunos "Good Morning North Central" es el programa de más larga trayectoria de la Cámara. La serie de desayunos comenzó en 1984 y ha evolucionado hasta convertirse en un programa matutino de alto perfil, dinámico y educativo, dirigido a ejecutivos, gerentes de alto nivel, profesionales y dueños de negocios de todo el centro-norte de Massachusetts. A lo largo de los años, los oradores han incluido gobernadores, senadores, destacados líderes empresariales y cívicos, autores y celebridades.
Pre-registration is required. The cost to attend the event is just $35 for Chamber members/$50 for non-members and includes a breakfast buffet. For more information or to register, please visit www.northcentralmass.com or contact Valerie Bruno at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or via email at .
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Muestre su marca en la próxima Guía Primavera/Verano del Norte Central de Massachusetts, la publicación de estilo de vida y turismo principal de la región que captura la esencia de nuestra vibrante área. Esta impresionante revista a todo color llega a una audiencia comprometida de residentes, visitantes y líderes empresariales que están explorando activamente todo lo que nuestra dinámica región tiene para ofrecer.
¿Por qué anunciarse con nosotros?
No espere, ¡los espacios publicitarios de primera están llenándose rápidamente! Asegure su lugar en esta publicación influyente contactando a Diane Burnette hoy mismo.
Posicione su negocio donde merece estar: a la vanguardia de la guía de excelencia regional más confiable del centro-norte de Massachusetts.
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This upcoming year (2025-2026) the Fitchburg Community Read is trying something new! Instead of selecting one book to read as a community, we will engage with multiple formats such as books, films, articles, podcasts and more! It is our hope that multiple formats will bring more of us together for insightful discussions.
The Committee has chosen REMAINING HOPEFUL IN OUR CHANGING WORLD as our overarching theme for the upcoming year. During this year’s Community Read, we propose to examine what the future will look like, embracing the concerns as well as the possibilities.
Within the theme of REMAINING HOPEFUL IN OUR CHANGING WORLD, the Community Read Committee has selected 6 possible topics. We are asking you to vote on the topics you want to learn about and explore together in the coming year. Here is a link to the voting form: https://forms.gle/cH2mnkBhm4X6nnoM8. We anticipate it will take 5 minutes or less to fill out the form.
Please place your vote by the end of the day April 28, 2025.

Jeff Bercume, CEO of BGCFL, said, “Support like this from Rollstone Bank & Trust helps us open doors of opportunity for hundreds of young people every day. This gift reflects the kind of community partnership that makes our work possible. Together, we’re creating a stronger, more supportive environment for our youth to grow, learn, and thrive.”
The Club aims to offer high quality programming at the Club focused on STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. With a variety of subjects like robotics, environmental education, LEGO design, expressive arts, and more, programs at the BGCFL help empower young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
“The Boys & Girls Club provides a safe and enriching place for young people in our region, helping them overcome obstacles and improve their well-being,” Mary Beth Jokela, COO at Rollstone Bank & Trust. “At Rollstone, we believe in the power of partnership to transform lives and communities; we’re very happy to help the Club in that endeavor.”
In addition to monetary aid, Rollstone Bank & Trust has a longstanding and robust volunteerism program. The Bank’s employees and board members dedicate thousands of hours to help non-profits in the region, including the BGCFL.
About Rollstone Bank & Trust
At Rollstone Bank & Trust, we deliver personalized service that goes above & beyond. Our dedication to providing our customers with superior bank and wealth management solutions, along with the support they need to prosper at work and at home, has enabled us to build one of the most trusted banks in the region. With branches located throughout central Massachusetts, customers have peace of mind knowing we are FDIC & DIF insured, and never far from home. Rollstone Bank & Trust – it’s where you matter most.
The City of Fitchburg Health Department will hold a Community Narcan and Overdose Prevention Training on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the Fitchburg Legislative Building. Resource tables from area providers will be available at 5:30pm, along with refreshments. The training will begin at 6:00pm.
Naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan, is an easy-to-use medication that blocks the effects of opioids (such as heroin, morphine, fentanyl, etc.) and can be used to reverse an opioid overdose. The training will be given by Keith Barnaby, Fitchburg Street Outreach Worker and Recovery Coach. Keith has conducted hundreds of trainings throughout the region and his presentation is both informative and engaging.
Attendees will learn how to recognize an opioid overdose and how to respond, including when and how to use lifesaving Narcan. An opportunity to ask questions will be available.
Narcan will be distributed to anyone attending who is interested. The City of Fitchburg is an affiliate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Community Naloxone Purchasing Program and receives the Narcan at no cost.
This event is free and open to the community and no preregistration is required
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