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
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.”
It’s a straightforward mission, but one that requires a level of trust that goes well beyond a mop and a vacuum. And for nearly five decades, Custom Cleaning Service has been earning that trust.
A Legacy Built on Reliability
The company was founded in 1977 by Jean and David Carlucci of Peabody, MA, and has since grown into a regionally recognized name in commercial cleaning and janitorial services. Today, it has established a footprint in North Central and Western MA, in addition to the company’s Peabody location. Adam Paicos, Jean’s son-in-law lives in Templeton with his wife and two young boys. The family ownership structure reflects something the company takes seriously: a personal stake in every client relationship.
Custom Cleaning serves a wide range of commercial environments, including financial institutions, professional offices, medical and dental practices, and commercial properties. The company specializes in multi-location accounts and currently services multiple branches for regional financial institutions. It also handles parking lot and structure cleaning for large businesses and works with general contractors on post-construction cleanups.
Consistency as a Competitive Edge
In an industry where quality can vary widely from one visit to the next, Custom Cleaning Service has made consistency its calling card. The company uses modern technology systems to track employee performance, verify time on site, and confirm that all tasks are completed to standard, complemented by routine supervisory inspections and quality control checks.
“This allows us to deliver dependable, high-quality service across multiple locations, which is something many companies struggle to maintain,” Paicos explains.
That commitment extends to the company’s workplace culture as well. Employees are expected to show up consistently, take pride in their work, and understand the stakes of operating in environments where trust is critical. Those who identify and report security risks at client sites, communicate effectively, and perform at a high level are recognized and rewarded.
The approach is working. One of the company’s proudest recent achievements has been earning the confidence of a large financial institution and delivering consistent service across 10 branch locations under a multi-year contract.
Rooted in North Central Massachusetts
Custom Cleaning Service has deep ties to the region it serves. Through involvement with local chambers and networking events, Paicos has built strong relationships with business owners and decision makers throughout Central Massachusetts. The company supports local recreation departments through youth sports sponsorships and extends discounts to fellow chamber members as a way of investing in the small business community.
“Relationships matter here,” Paicos says of North Central Massachusetts, “and that creates an environment where trust, reliability, and reputation carry real value.”
Mirando hacia adelante
The company’s growth trajectory is pointed firmly westward and outward. Custom Cleaning Service is investing in the systems and processes needed to scale across Central and Western Massachusetts, while maintaining the same standard of quality its clients have come to rely on. Radio advertising and digital marketing have recently been added to the mix to expand brand awareness, complementing the chamber and networking connections that have long been the company’s most effective growth engine.
For a business that has been quietly keeping offices clean and clients confident since 1977, the future looks bright.
Custom Cleaning Service of Peabody, Inc. is locally operated in Templeton, MA. For more information, contact Adam Paicos at or 978-894-6969.
Governor Maura Healey to Deliver Keynote Address
The 42nd Annual Business Meeting and Luncheon for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg.
As the region’s cornerstone annual event, the Chamber’s Annual Business Meeting brings together hundreds of business and community leaders from across North Central Massachusetts to honor the people and accomplishments that are moving North Central Massachusetts forward. In addition to the Chamber’s annual recognition awards and commencement for the Community Leadership Institute Class of 2026, the event will also feature a tabletop Business Expo to showcase local businesses. The expo will provide exhibitors with a unique opportunity to reach business and community leaders from throughout North Central Massachusetts attending the event. The Business Expo will begin at 10:30 a.m.; the Annual Meeting and Luncheon will run from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; and the Business Expo will close out the day from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m.
The Chamber’s Annual Meeting celebrates businesses and leaders working together to ensure a prosperous future for North Central Massachusetts, and is funded by the generous support of businesses and organizations who are committed to that goal, including:
Annual Meeting Sponsor: Fidelity Bank
Business Expo Sponsors: Fitchburg State University and Workers Credit Union
Supporting Sponsors: Great Wolf Lodge; Guild of St. Agnes of Worcester, Inc., Mount Wachusett Community College; Rocheleau Tool & Die; and Rockland Trust
Media Sponsor: FATV
This year’s keynote speaker is Governor Maura Healey, the 73rd Governor of Massachusetts. First elected in 2022, Governor Healey made history as the first woman elected Governor in Massachusetts history and the first openly lesbian Governor elected in the United States. Prior to serving as Governor, she served two terms as Massachusetts Attorney General. Since taking office, Governor Healey has focused on lowering the cost of health care, housing and energy, creating jobs, and growing Massachusetts’ economic leadership in cutting-edge sectors like life sciences, climatetech, advanced manufacturing and applied AI. She will speak to the strength of Massachusetts’ economy, especially in the North Central region, and the urgency behind her efforts related to affordability and business growth.
Registrations for the Annual Business Meeting and Luncheon are being accepted through June 10. The cost is $65 per person for members and $80 per person for non-members and includes lunch. Reservations are required. Supporting sponsorships, expo tables and tables of ten are also available. For more information about the event, contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600, ext. 222 or ext. 235, or via email at .
Behind every strong local economy are the tools, resources, and partnerships that help businesses grow and that’s exactly where our work continues to make an impact.
Expanding Access to Small Business Funding
Through the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), we’re helping entrepreneurs access the capital they need to succeed, especially those who may not qualify for traditional financing.
Right now, the NCMDC manages 90 active loans totaling over $3.3 million, representing a significant investment in our local business community. Since October 2025 alone, we’ve closed 5 new loans totaling more than $280,000, supporting projects that have helped create or retain 49 jobs across the region.
These investments go even further by leveraging additional private funding, amplifying the impact of every dollar. And with more than $1.4 million currently in the pipeline, we’re seeing strong momentum continue into the year ahead.
Providing Hands-On Business Support
Access to funding is just one piece of the puzzle. Our economic development team also works directly with businesses to help them grow and succeed.
In just the first quarter of the fiscal year, we’ve delivered over 400 hours of technical assistance to local entrepreneurs, from startups to established companies looking to scale. This includes support with loan preparation, marketing strategies, and connecting businesses with the right partners and resources.
By combining direct support with a strong network of resource partners, we’re helping create long-term, sustainable growth across our region.
Launching a New Era for Tourism
We also marked a major milestone this year with the launch of North Central Massachusetts’ first Tourism Destination Marketing District on January 1, 2026.
This new, business-led initiative gives participating hotels a stronger voice in how tourism marketing funds are used, creating a more sustainable and locally driven approach to attracting visitors. While funding will begin rolling out later this spring, planning is already well underway.
This model not only strengthens our tourism strategy but also positions the region to compete more effectively for visitor spending, bringing new energy and economic activity to our communities.
Rollstone Bank & Trust is proud to announce a $100,000 sponsorship of the Fitchburg Art Museum. The gift will ensure that every visitor to FAM can experience the Museum free of charge through 2029, the final year of FAM’s Centennial celebration.
“Rollstone Bank has been part of this community for 180 years, and supporting the Fitchburg Art Museum’s mission to make art accessible to everyone is exactly the kind of investment we believe in,” said Rollstone President and COO Mary Beth Jokela. “As both FAM and Rollstone mark milestone anniversaries, we are proud to help open the Museum’s doors, free of charge, to every family, student, and neighbor in our region. Art and culture are at the heart of a thriving community, and we are honored to play a role in FAM’s next century.”

FAM Director Nick Capasso expressed deep gratitude for the partnership. The Museum, founded in 1925 and the only art museum in North Central Massachusetts, currently serves approximately 14,000 visitors annually. With free admission now in place, FAM expects that number to grow significantly during the Centennial period, running from 2026 through 2029, as all financial barriers to attendance are removed.
“The Fitchburg Art Museum’s new free admission policy is based on the strongly held belief that a community-oriented art museum should work to make our mission and programs as accessible as possible to everyone, just like public libraries,” said Capasso. “Rollstone Bank has been a longtime corporate member and community partner. Together, we are thrilled to offer this special gift to our community to celebrate our institutional anniversaries.”
Prior to the launch of the free admission program, roughly 45% of visitors were already admitted free through various categorical programs. Rollstone’s sponsorship replaces that complexity with a single, unambiguous commitment to universal access: one consistent with both institutions’ deep roots in Fitchburg and North Central Massachusetts.
As the exclusive sponsor of the Free Admission for All program, Rollstone Bank & Trust will be recognized across FAM’s website, print materials, social media, lobby signage, and at public events through 2029, and will receive Corporate Membership benefits at the Patron level for the duration of the sponsorship.
The Fitchburg Art Museum’s Centennial celebration will feature major exhibitions, special programming, and community events including the current “FESTIVAL: A Celebration of African Art” and “Kaleidoscope: 100 Years of Collecting for Our Community.”
About Rollstone Bank & Trust
Founded in 1846, Rollstone Bank & Trust is a trusted community banking partner committed to strengthening the financial well-being of individuals, families, and businesses throughout North Central Massachusetts. Headquartered in Fitchburg, MA, the Bank provides a full range of personal and business banking services through multiple community banking locations. Guided by a long-standing tradition of service, relationships, and local investment, Rollstone Bank & Trust is dedicated to helping communities thrive. Alongside Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank, Rollstone Bank & Trust is supported by River Run Bancorp, MHC. With collective assets of $3.6 billion, River Run ensures shared strength and resources in support of our banks and the communities they serve.
About the Fitchburg Art Museum
The Fitchburg Art Museum is the leading cultural institution in North Central Massachusetts. Founded in 1925, FAM plays a vital role in the cultural life of the region and is committed to community access and service. FAM uses its artistic and educational resources to aid in the economic revitalization of Fitchburg, and the Museum maintains active educational partnerships with the local school systems, as well as Fitchburg State University. FAM is located at 185 Elm Street, Fitchburg, MA. For more information, visit fitchburgartmuseum.org or call 978.345.4207.
O
n Saturday, May 16, from 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM at the Gardner Farmers Market, located at 62 Waterford St. in Gardner, for a fun and welcoming outdoor community event!
Support local farmers and small businesses while shopping for fresh, locally grown produce and other farm-fresh goods. Farmers markets are an important part of strengthening our local economy, and every visit makes a difference!
SNAP/HIP benefits, cash, and cards are all accepted.
Be sure to stop by and learn more about our programs, including how you can have fresh, locally sourced produce conveniently delivered right to your door!

RT.12 Pickle will host the LIV STRONG Paddle Battle, an all-day pickleball fundraiser on Saturday, June 13 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, bringing the community together in support of Shrewsbury resident Liv Zerwas and her recovery journey.
This high-energy event will feature an eight-hour pickleball marathon where players participate in two-hour waves of continuous play. Participants will rotate partners and opponents throughout each session, creating a dynamic and inclusive experience for all skill levels from 2.0 through 4.0+.

Each level will be led by dedicated court captains responsible for organizing play, tracking scores, and energizing participants throughout the day. Players and teams will compete not only on the court but also in a spirited fundraising effort, earning points for performance, participation, and team spirit. Prizes will be awarded for top fundraisers, longest win streaks, and more. “All of the proceeds from this event will go directly to Liv and her recovery,” said RT.12 Pickle owner, Ben Minsk. “This is an opportunity for our community to come together, play the sport we love, and make a meaningful impact.”
Event highlights include:
● Level-based play with organized rotations
● Team-based fundraising competition
● Event t-shirt included with registration
● Community-driven atmosphere supporting a local family
The event schedule is as follows:
● Wave 1: 8:00–10:00 AM
● Wave 2: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
● Wave 3: 12:00–2:00 PM
● Wave 4: 2:00–4:00 PM
Participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $250 per level, with friendly competition to exceed fundraising goals.
Players can register by submitting payment through PlaybyPoint and completing the official registration form. Community members who are unable to attend are encouraged to support the cause through direct donations.
Registration and donation links:
● PlaybyPoint Registration: https://rt12pickle.playbypoint.com/programs/liv-strong-paddle-battle
● Donation Page: https://gofund.me/c3e22dffc
To learn more about Liv Zerwas and her story, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-olivia-and-the-zerwas-family
About RT.12 Pickle RT.12 Pickle is a premier indoor pickleball facility located in West Boylston, Massachusetts, dedicated to building community through sport, competition, and connection.
Contact:
Ben Minsk
508-735-5054
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