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
As your dynamic partner in North Central Massachusetts, we continue to drive initiatives that strengthen our business community and foster regional growth. Our impact spans from direct business support to innovative community development, and we are pleased to share these updates with you that are not covered elsewhere in the newsletter.
SMALL BUSINESS LENDING: Our commitment to small business remains strong. For FY2024 which ended September 30, 2024, the Chamber’s economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), approved and closed 27 loans to small businesses for a total of $1,101,500. The loans ranged from $1,000 to $250,000 and helped leverage another $2,424,000 in capital from our banking partners and $158,329 in borrower capital. These loans helped create 19.5 new jobs and retained another 29.5 jobs. We currently have a total of 98 loans in our loan portfolio with a total principal balance of $3,149,392.
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE: Beyond lending, our team also provided a total of 2,175 hours of hands on technical assistance in FY2024 to small businesses in the region. We also connected them with resources available through our partners like NewVue Communities, the Small Business Development Center at Clark University (SBDC), SCORE and the Center for Women and Enterprise (CWE). In addition, we continue to connect them as needed with professionals who can provide technical assistance beyond the scope of what we can do directly, including services for marketing, public relations, website/media design, bookkeeping and legal.
INITIATE PROSPERITY: FREE ONLINE RESOURCES: Members have access to Initiate Prosperity, our comprehensive online platform featuring 300+ business resources in English and Spanish. Since launching in October 2023, users have logged 70+ hours accessing interactive tools, templates, videos, and customized technical assistance guides.
Interested in signing up for Initiate? Access is complimentary for members, but pre-registration is required. Contact Sandie Cataldo, Senior Economic Development Manager at or 978.353.7600 ext. 232.
WorkNorthCentral.com: Our online jobs board, WorkNorthCentral.com, continues to be a vital tool for Chamber members. From January 1 to October 31, 2024, we’ve seen impressive engagement with over 1,500 job opportunities posted and more than 22,000 page views. To extend our reach, we also share these listings on our dedicated Work North Central Facebook page.
As a reminder, postings are complimentary for members. You can easily post your employment opportunities directly or email your listings to Sabbra Reyes at .
Take advantage of this powerful platform to connect with top talent in our region. Post your job openings today and tap into our growing network of job seekers!

Lauren Jones, Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, addresses a special joint meeting convened by the Chamber of the Manufacturing Council and the Talent Compact
WORKFORCE & TALENT: The Chamber convened a special joint meeting in September between our Manufacturing Council and North Central Massachusetts Talent Compact. Lauren Jones, Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, shared key insights on the Healey administration’s workforce initiatives and led a discussion on addressing our region’s pressing labor challenges. This strategic dialogue advanced our ongoing efforts to strengthen North Central Massachusetts’ workforce development and enhance regional economic growth.
SOLAR INITIATIVE: Our Pleasant Street solar field, launched in August 2014, continues to deliver significant benefits to participating manufacturers. As of October, 2024 the initiative has produced14,622,546 kWh of Net Metering Credits to the manufacturers participating in the program and a collective savings of $3,106,809 to participants.
This innovative program not only promotes sustainable energy practices but also contributes substantially to cost reduction for local businesses. As we celebrate a decade of operation, these figures underscore the long-term economic and environmental impact of our solar initiative.
SHOP LOCAL GIFT CARD PROGRAM: We currently have 41 member merchants that are participating in the Gift Local eGift Card program. Since January 1, 2024 through the end of October we have sold 59 gift cards valued at $2,600. During the same timeframe, 55 cards valued at $1,787.41 were redeemed at participating small businesses.
As we approach the holiday season—our peak sales period—we invite more businesses to join this free program. Every card redeemed supports our local economy.
Want to participate? Contact Patrick O’Hara: or 978.353.7600 ext. 239.
AMBASSADOR PROGRAM GROWING: Our Chamber Ambassadors—dedicated volunteers who champion member engagement and represent us at key events—continue to expand with two new additions in the last few months. We invite passionate members to join this influential group.
Interested in becoming an Ambassador? Contact Patrick O’Hara: or 978.353.7600 ext. 239.
GATEWAY SIGN INITIATIVE EXPANDS: Our commitment to strengthening regional identity continues with the recent addition of attractive welcome signs in Groton and Lancaster. These new installations complement our existing network of gateway signs in communities across North Central Massachusetts, including Fitchburg, Gardner, Hubbardston, Leominster, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Sterling, and Westminster. Beyond beautification, these signs serve as powerful symbols of community pride, enhance visitor navigation, and contribute to economic development by creating a more cohesive regional brand. We hope to sponsor additional signs for other member communities in North Central Massachusetts as funding becomes available.

Chamber staff showcase the new office furniture at our offices. Special thanks to AIS, Inc. for their donation of the new furniture.
DIGITAL REACH EXPANDS: Our strategic focus on fresh content and enhanced SEO practices continues to drive growth across our digital platforms, creating strong visibility for our members and communities. The Chamber’s main website, northcentralmass.com, demonstrated strong performance for fiscal year 2024 (ending June 30, 2024), attracting over 53,500 visitors and generating 137,700 pageviews—a 19.2% increase from the previous fiscal year.
Even more impressive has been the dramatic growth of our tourism platform, VisitNorthCentral.com. The site recorded more than 112,000 visitors and 207,000 pageviews throughout FY2024, representing a remarkable 50% increase in traffic. This momentum has continued into FY2025, with early metrics showing an extraordinary 89% surge in visitors and a 60% increase in pageviews compared to the same period last year.
These significant gains in digital engagement reflect growing interest in our region and demonstrate the effectiveness of our digital marketing strategies in showcasing North Central Massachusetts.
PODCAST HITS NEW MILESTONES: Our Inside North Central Massachusetts podcast has reached new milestones with 147 episodes and 5,800+ downloads—a 25% increase from last year. The series, sponsored by Franklin Professional Associates, continues to spotlight our region’s business leaders and success stories. Want to share your story? Contact Travis Condon at or 978.353.7600 ext. 224 to book your guest spot.
CHAMBER OFFICE GETS UPGRADE: Thanks to AIS, Inc.’s generous $50,000 furniture donation, we’ve modernized our office space with new staff furniture and cubicles. In keeping with our community-focused mission, we donated our previous furnishings to local non-profits, extending the impact of this upgrade throughout North Central Massachusetts.
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The Chamber has maintained an active presence in both federal and state-level advocacy throughout the latter months of 2024, hosting several key events and engaging on critical policy issues affecting our business community and the economic growth of the region.
Federal Engagement
The Chamber has strengthened its federal advocacy efforts this fall. Our annual Congressional Luncheon brought together Congressman Jim McGovern and Congresswoman Lori Trahan for a discussion on federal issues. Made possible through premier sponsor Fitchburg State University and supporting sponsor Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc., the event provided members direct access to their federal representatives.
Further enhancing our federal presence, Chamber President Roy Nascimento represented our region at the prestigious Committee of 100 (CCC100) meeting in October. This select group, convened by the US Chamber of Commerce, comprises the nation’s 100 leading chamber executives. Nascimento’s participation enabled direct engagement with national business leaders, members of Congress, and chamber executives from across the country. His appointment to the CCC100 strengthens our ability to advocate for regional priorities while gaining early insights into federal policies affecting our business community.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are monitoring several critical federal issues that could significantly impact our local economy. These include the upcoming expiration of various provisions within the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, particularly changes to the R&D tax credit and the expiration of the pass-through deduction for small businesses. Additionally, potential new tariff policies under the new Trump administration warrant careful monitoring for their potential effects on our local economy.
Elections and Engagement
Maintaining our non-partisan stance, the Chamber served as an objective resource for both incumbent officials and candidates throughout the election cycle. While we do not endorse candidates, we actively facilitate dialogue between our elected representatives and candidates with the business community to ensure our region’s economic priorities are clearly communicated and understood.
Our Annual Legislative and Candidates Reception exemplified this approach. Thanks to the generous support of premier sponsor Mount Wachusett Community College and supporting sponsor Open Sky Community Services, the event provided a valuable forum for meaningful interaction between our legislative delegation, local officials, candidates, and business leaders.
Throughout the quarter, we also fostered engagement through individual meetings with officials and candidates, as well as focused discussions addressing specific concerns that our members had approached us about. The November election resulted in no changes to the North Central Massachusetts Legislative delegation, with incumbents maintaining their seats.
Ballot Question Advocacy
The Chamber actively engaged in advocacy regarding two significant ballot questions. With Question 2’s passage leaving Massachusetts without statewide graduation standards, we will advocate for thoughtful development of new standards that maintain educational excellence while ensuring student preparedness. We appreciate voters’ rejection of Question 5, recognizing its potential impact on our region’s hospitality sector. Special thanks to our legislative delegation members who opposed Question 5 and our member restaurants for their grassroots advocacy.
2025 Policy Agenda
The Chamber’s Board of Directors approved our Public Policy Agenda for 2025. Developed through stakeholder input and vetted by our Government Affairs Committee, this agenda will guide our advocacy efforts throughout the coming year.
The agenda focuses on six key priorities: economic competitiveness, small business, manufacturing, education, transportation, and real estate. While maintaining our longstanding positions on core issues, the 2025 agenda includes refined policy positions around plastics manufacturing, housing accessibility, and healthcare costs. These updates reflect the evolving needs of our business community while maintaining focus on long-term economic growth.
The complete agenda is available on our website.
State and Local Legislative Update
We recently provided testimony supporting the northern tier rail extension and submitted recommendations for the federally mandated Community Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). On Beacon Hill, we are monitoring the economic development bill and climate legislation during the closing days of informal session, which runs through December.
As Massachusetts operates on a two-year legislative cycle, any bills not passed by session’s end must be refiled in January when the new session begins. The Chamber will closely monitor new legislation affecting our business community as the process restarts in 2025.
For information about the Chamber’s public policy work, contact Public Affairs Manager Travis Condon at 978.353.7600, ext. 224, or .
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Crecimiento Turístico Récord
El centro-norte de Massachusetts sigue creciendo como uno de los principales destinos de Nueva Inglaterra, con un gasto de los visitantes que alcanzó la impresionante cifra de $496.9 millones en el año civil 2023 —un aumento de 1.1% respecto a 2022 y un notable incremento de 19.7% en comparación con 2019—. Estos resultados provienen de un nuevo estudio de impacto económico dado a conocer recientemente por el estado. Nuestro próspero sector turístico ahora genera 4,300 empleos locales y produce $117.3 millones en ingresos directos, al tiempo que aporta $8.2 millones en recaudación tributaria local y $33 millones en impuestos estatales. El impacto de nuestro turismo se extiende más profundamente en la economía local a través del gasto indirecto, creando un poderoso efecto multiplicador. Cuando prosperan la hotelería local, los restaurantes y otros negocios de la economía turística local, estos a su vez invierten en diversos servicios y proveedores locales, lo que contribuye aún más al crecimiento económico de nuestra región.
Ampliando nuestro alcance y Alianzas Regionales y Participación Mediática
Hemos fortalecido nuestra colaboración de “Super Región” con dos consejos regionales de turismo vecinos (Discover Central MA y MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau), lanzando una innovadora campaña de marketing fuera de temporada. A través de asociaciones con CM Communications, una agencia de relaciones públicas especializada con sede en Boston, hemos organizado viajes de prensa para escritores de viajes regionales y también hemos participado nuevamente en la Dream Destinations Travel Show el otoño pasado, posicionando nuestra región como un destino de visita obligada.
Presencia Digital e Interacción
Nuestro impacto en las redes sociales sigue creciendo. Desde el 1 de julio de 2024 hasta la primera semana de noviembre, nuestra página de Facebook «Visit North Central Massachusetts» tuvo un alcance total de 470 665, lo que representa un aumento del 24,2% con respecto al mismo período del año anterior. Nuestro canal de Facebook también atrajo a 6,000 nuevos seguidores. Además, la página registró 9,145 interacciones con el contenido y 8,767 clics en enlaces durante ese mismo período. En Instagram, la página alcanzó un alcance de 19,226 y ganamos 167 nuevos seguidores. También tuvimos 2,323 interacciones con el contenido y 259 clics en enlaces durante el mismo período. Desde el 1 de julio de 2024 hasta finales de octubre, VisitNorthCentral.com experimentó un crecimiento continuo con más de 58 500 visitantes, lo que representa un aumento del 89% respecto al mismo período del año anterior, y más de 93 700 visitas a la página, lo que supone un aumento del 60%.
Actualizaciones del Centro de Visitantes Johnny Appleseed
Gracias a la financiación de varios consejos culturales locales, pudimos organizar con éxito nuestra iniciativa “Saturday Showcase” (Escaparate de los Sábados) nuevamente durante los fines de semana de esta temporada otoñal en el Centro de Visitantes Johnny Appleseed. Estos populares eventos destacaron la cultura y las experiencias locales de la región a través de una atractiva combinación de actividades. Los visitantes disfrutaron de actuaciones musicales, encuentros con autores locales, pintura de rostros, demostraciones de arte y manualidades, e incluso visitas de alpacas de granjas locales, entre muchas otras experiencias memorables.
En el frente de infraestructura, hemos completado importantes mejoras en asociación con MassDOT para garantizar un servicio confiable durante todo el año en el centro. Las mejoras recientes incluyen la instalación de un nuevo horno y un generador para el edificio. Además, nos complace anunciar que pronto se instalarán varias estaciones de carga rápida para vehículos eléctricos en el centro como parte de una iniciativa nacional de infraestructura para expandir las estaciones de carga a lo largo de las principales autopistas. Esta adición nos ayudará a servir mejor al creciente número de viajeros con vehículos eléctricos en la Ruta 2.
Guía del Norte Central
La edición de Otoño/Invierno de Guía del centro-norte de Massachusetts fue publicado en septiembre y continúa teniendo una gran demanda. Esta publicación es una revista brillante a todo color que editamos para mostrar nuestra región a través de historias cautivadoras y excelentes imágenes. En colaboración con Sitka Creations, estamos trabajando actualmente en la edición Primavera/Verano 2025. Los miembros interesados en anunciarse deben contactar a la Cámara para reservar un anuncio.
Boletín por correo electrónico
Nuestro nuevo boletín electrónico trimestral, al que los visitantes se suscriben voluntariamente, ya llega a más de 3,200 suscriptores y mantiene una impresionante tasa de apertura de 44% y una tasa de clics de 8%, cifras que superan los estándares de la industria.
Marca y Publicidad
Lanzaremos dos emocionantes campañas turísticas para el centro-norte de Massachusetts, apoyadas por subvenciones de la Oficina de Turismo de Massachusetts y la celebración del 250 aniversario de Massachusetts. Estas iniciativas estratégicas, que se desarrollarán de enero a junio de 2025, mostrarán las atracciones únicas y la rica herencia de nuestra región a visitantes tanto de los estados cercanos como de toda la región.
Nuestra campaña de la Oficina de Viajes y Turismo de Massachusetts aprovecha un enfoque integrado que combina medios impresos y digitales dirigidos. El mensaje de la campaña continúa enfatizando la ubicación conveniente de nuestra región y el encanto auténtico de Nueva Inglaterra con lemas convincentes como “Todo lo que amas de Nueva Inglaterra… mucho más cerca de casa” y “Conduce hacia, no a través de, el centro-norte de Massachusetts”. Estos mensajes posicionan nuestra región como un destino que vale la pena explorar en lugar de simplemente atravesar.
Paralelamente, nuestra campaña del 250 aniversario de Massachusetts celebra el espíritu revolucionario y la transformación continua de nuestra región. A través de mensajes cuidadosamente elaborados como “North Central Massachusetts es Revolucionario” y “North Central Massachusetts: Una Región en Revolución”, destacaremos el papel significativo de nuestra área tanto en las revoluciones históricas como en las modernas. Desde nuestras contribuciones fundamentales a las revoluciones agrícola e industrial hasta el vibrante renacimiento económico y cultural de hoy en día, la campaña cuenta la historia de una región que continúa evolucionando mientras honra sus raíces históricas en la revolución agrícola e industrial.
Fotografía y contenido visual
Coordinamos una serie de sesiones fotográficas profesionales para capturar el carácter auténtico y la oferta vibrante del centro-norte de Massachusetts. Nuestras sesiones mostraron cuatro de las atracciones más emblemáticas de la región y catorce restaurantes locales distintivos, creando una rica biblioteca de imágenes convincentes. Estas nuevas imágenes retratan maravillosamente las experiencias únicas que esperan a los visitantes de nuestra región, desde monumentos históricos hasta destinos gastronómicos contemporáneos. La nueva fotografía mejorará nuestros esfuerzos de marketing en nuestro sitio web, canales de redes sociales, campañas de correo electrónico y materiales impresos, ayudándonos a contar la historia de nuestra región de una manera más atractiva y visualmente atractiva.
Siempre estamos deseosos de ampliar nuestras capacidades de narración visual. Si su negocio o atracción cuenta con fotos de alta calidad que capturan el espíritu del norte central de Massachusetts, nos encantaría presentarlas en nuestras iniciativas de marketing. Ya sean eventos de temporada, momentos detrás de escena o vistas impresionantes de su ubicación, compartir sus imágenes nos ayuda a mostrar la amplitud total de las experiencias que ofrece nuestra región. Por favor, póngase en contacto con la Cámara para obtener más información.
Nueva Oportunidad de Turismo Deportivo
Nos hemos asociado con Playeasy, una plataforma digital integral que conecta a los organizadores de eventos deportivos con lugares y negocios locales. Esta “ventanilla única” simplifica la planificación de eventos, desde la selección de sedes hasta las reservas de hoteles, al tiempo que promociona las instalaciones y atracciones de nuestra región entre organizadores de todo el país. La plataforma genera prospectos calificados para nuestros lugares y negocios miembros, creando nuevas oportunidades para ellos.
Te invitamos a unirte a nosotros en la promoción de las atracciones y experiencias únicas de nuestra región. ¡Mantente atento para más actualizaciones y oportunidades de participar!
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Habitat – Carolyn Read, Executive Director of NCM Habitat; Martin F. Connors, Jr., President & CEO of Rollstone Bank & Trust.
Rollstone Bank & Trust, through its Charitable Foundation, provided $10,000 to Habitat for Humanity North Central MA for its Critical Repair program. Proceeds will support projects across the region that allow low-income homeowners to maintain a safe place to live so they may stay in their homes. It also provided $10,000 to North Star Family Services to continue its work serving homeless families in Northern Worcester County.
“Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts (Habitat NCM) is very grateful for the financial support we have received from Rollstone for our Critical Home Repair Program (CHR)”, states Carolyn Read, executive director of Habitat NCM. “Through the years, this funding has allowed us to dramatically grow the CHR program and help low-income homeowners who struggle to maintain the safety and integrity of their homes. Through this program, homeowners have been able to remain in their homes and in many cases, age in place.”

North Star – Wayne Carney, Senior VP of Wealth Management at RBT and North Star Board member; Connors; Jon Hogue, President & CEO of North Star; Mary Beth Jokela, Chief Operating Officer at RBT; Shauna Neidigh, Director of Development at North Star
Jon Hogue, President & CEO of North Star Family Services, Inc., said, “Rollstone Bank & Trust has been one of our strongest supporters and advocates for more than a decade. Marty and his team readily provide donations, education, and guidance. RBT has been a key partner in our shelter operation as well as the development of our new Journey Home supportive housing project.” Hogue continued, “We are so fortunate to have Rollstone as our friend.”
Martin F. Connors, Jr., President & CEO of Rollstone Bank & Trust, said, “Habitat and North Star are great organizations, providing our neighbors with the most basic necessity – a roof over their heads.” Connors added, “It’s the mission of RBT to help families, communities, and businesses flourish, so we’re proud to support programs that are vital to the health and well-being of families in our community.”
Sheila King-Goodwin, chief community banking officer for Fidelity Bank, was recently recognized by the New England Women in Banking as one of the 2025 Northeast Women in Banking and Mortgage. The award was given during the New England Women in Banking Conference held on January 15, at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.
The award recognizes women in the banking industry who have achieved success and are trailblazers in representing women not just in the boardroom, but in the communities where they live, work and play.
“At Fidelity Bank, we realize a great client experience is made possible by our incredible colleagues who make financial success more accessible,” said Joseph Silva, president, Fidelity Bank. “Sheila embodies our LifeDesign promise of caring for our clients and providing the clarity and confidence to support families and businesses, foster generational wealth, and drive sustainable economic growth by building stronger communities. We are all proud of Sheila and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.”
A resident of Worcester, King-Goodwin currently serves on the Fitchburg State University Board of Trustees, Massachusetts Bankers Diversity Council, the Community Foundation of North Central MA, Racial Equity Fund Committee, and the United Way of Central Massachusetts Women’s Initiative and Diversity Council. She is also a member of Yes We Care, which provides basic financial literacy skills and development programs for high school girls to support their college, career, and life plans.
King-Goodwin earned a master’s degree in business administration from Assumption University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science and business from the University of South Carolina. She is also a graduate of the Stonier National School of Banking.

Please RSVP here to be entered into a chance to win season tickets for the 2025 season; the winner will be announced at the press conference and must be present to win. There will be free Heroes promotional item giveaways and delicious food provided by Pizza King.
Special guest speakers include the Mayor of Leominster, Dean Mazzarella; Mayor of Fitchburg, Sam Squailia; Fitchburg Heroes General Manager, Jim Hadayia; and the guest of honor, the new head coach of your Fitchburg Heroes…! While at city hall, be sure to check out the art displays of the Leominster Youth Art Show.
“We are very excited to introduce our new head coach to the Fitchburg and Leominster communities,” said Doug Freeman, ENTFLA Founder and President. “Coach brings a passion for the game, a championship caliber coaching pedigree, and will be very involved in the community, come meet them on March 25th!” added Jim Hadayia, Fitchburg Heroes General Manager.
Learn more at: www.fitchburgheroes.com
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