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.
June 2026
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Founded as Nmdesignz in 2011 and rebranded to Attollo Creative in 2024, this Fitchburg-based business is a marketing firm that specializes in Logo design, brand design, websites, signage, photography, videography and social media management, serving a wide range from industries from Non-Profit to Manufacturing.
Leader Nicole Murphy proudly notes “We are the most creative group you will ever work with. If you need something “out of the box” designed for your business, we are the people to call.” She adds “We are focused on quality, not quantity. Our company is small because we focus on providing a top-notch product as opposed to churning out work.”
Nicole loves doing business in North Central Massachusetts because “You get to see your designs in the field every day. If we lettered a truck, we see it drive by, if we designed a logo, we see it in an advertisement, its great seeing our designs help other businesses grow.” “I especially like doing business with local people,” she added when explaining why she likes being a member of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.
Attollo also proudly supports the community. “We are involved with Non-profits within the NCM area,” adds Nicole, “including the United Way of North Central MA, The Community Foundation of North Central MA and North Star Community Services.”
Attollo Creative shares an office space with one of its beloved clients in Fitchburg. Nicole feels “changing our name from Nmdesignz to Attollo Creative was their biggest professional achievement.” She feels the future is bright for Attollo. “We will continue to grow and provide quality pieces of work that clients love,” she said. “We will be known as the “go to” for any design work in the North Central Massachusetts area.”
Nicole credits her father as her strongest influence in business, “being a business owner himself for over 35 years!” “Also, many of my clients are a strong influence on me,” she adds, “I admire their dedication and passion to their business.”
As a marketing agency, Nicole doesn’t rely on traditional advertising to promote her business. She says the secret of their success is “Word of mouth and the dedication to providing the best possible product.”
Contact information: ; 978.430.1244
North Central Massachusetts | Central Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Community Support | Business Networking | Massachusetts Business | Business Spotlight
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is partnering with multiple regional organizations to host the Work North Central Career and Hiring Event scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440. The event is open to the public and free for job seekers and students. The organizations involved include Fitchburg State University, the MassHire North Central Massachusetts Career Center, MassHire North Central Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board, MassAbility, and Mount Wachusett Community College.
The event will connect students and job seekers with local employers of all sizes and industries to discuss employment and career opportunities available in the region. Employers from diverse industries will be discussing career and employment opportunities for all levels of skill and backgrounds, including entry level, and professional and technical positions in such industries as education, financial services, government, healthcare, hospitality, non-profit, manufacturing and other industries.
In addition, to our main exhibit hall of businesses, the event will also offer various career and training resources available to students and job seekers. Complimentary head shots, campus tours and other informational sessions will be available to all attendees. Other valuable sessions include, resume building do’s and don’ts, interviewing tip and tricks, how to pitch yourself and how to effectively navigate LinkedIn to boost your career. Special sessions planned during this hiring event includes a panel presentation hosted by our Young Professionals of North Central Massachusetts. This panel of successful young professionals will discuss topics such as finding the balance of work and family, best ways to search for a job, dressing for the right job, why networking is important and more. We will also be hosting a high-level overview session of top industries in the region, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and human services.
Students from local high schools will be attending, including Fitchburg High School, Goodrich Academy and Nashoba Tech High School.
“As a leader in helping North Central Massachusetts compete for talent and advance the region’s economic prosperity, we realize there is a critical need to help our local businesses find qualified and skilled talent in order to grow and succeed,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This event is aimed at creating economic opportunity, and a strong and diversified workforce for our employers, while providing local students and job seekers the opportunity to meet with a number of employers in one location.”
The Work North Central Career and Hiring Event is an outgrowth of the North Central Massachusetts Talent Compact, a coalition convened by the Chamber and other major stakeholders to address the complex talent and workforce challenges facing the region. The group consists of a group of prominent business, education, workforce and community leaders who are committed to collective action and leadership. The event also complements the Chamber’s WorkNorthCentral.com Jobs Board, which serves as an online resource to connect job seekers and local employers while also improving the talent pipeline and better connect employers to local schools.
Adult job seekers, high school graduates, college students in the community, retired individuals interested in returning to the workforce or anyone interested in learning about full and part-time employment opportunities or training resources in North Central Massachusetts are invited to attend to connect with participating employers and training providers. Pre-registration is not required, walk-ins are welcome.
Free parking for job seekers and attendees is available at Mount Wachusett Community College. Public transportation is also available via the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) for anyone who may require it. Check MART’s website for more information, www.mrta.us.
For more information on the Work North Central Career and Hiring Event, please visit www.northcenralmass.com. Employers interested in participating and reserving a table at the Work North Central Career & Hiring Event should contact Valerie Bruno at 978.353.7600, ext. 235, to inquire about availability.
North Central Massachusetts | Central Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Job Seeker | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Community Support | Business Networking | Local Networking Events | Workforce Development | Hiring Event
Celebración reconoce a pionero estadounidense, héroe popular de Massachusetts nacido en Leominster
Sabbra Reyes, Subgerente del Centro de Visitantes Johnny Appleseed, y Diane Burnette, Gerente del Centro de Visitantes Johnny Appleseed, se unen a dos alpacas y al personal de Plain View Farm, Hubbardston, Massachusetts.
Funcionarios estatales y locales, y líderes comunitarios, empresariales y turísticos se unieron a miembros de la Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts y Visita el centro-norte de Massachusetts para conmemorar el 250º cumpleaños de John Chapman (conocido como “Johnny Appleseed”), nacido en la ciudad de Leominster el 26 de septiembre de 1774.
Si bien Appleseed nació y creció en Leominster, es considerado el héroe popular oficial de la Commonwealth y un pionero ecologista. Viajó durante casi 50 años por todo el país plantando estratégicamente semillas de manzano con la vista puesta en un futuro mercado para los cultivos, y vendió o a menudo regaló semillas y plántulas a los colonos en las comunidades.
Mark Bodanza, historiador local y autor de “Johnny Appleseed – el hombre detrás del folklore”, habló durante el evento sobre la historia de Johnny Appleseed y su significado no solo en la región, sino también en todo el mundo.
“Johnny Appleseed podría ser una de las figuras más enigmáticas de la historia estadounidense”, dijo Bodanza. “Personas cercanas y lejanas de su lugar de nacimiento en Leominster conocen su viaje. Esas expediciones no solo incluyeron la siembra de plántulas de manzano para los pioneros, sino también la difusión de sus creencias religiosas y su estilo de vida minimalista. Johnny Appleseed, uno de los personajes más insólitos de Estados Unidos, nos habla hoy con su legado como un suave recordatorio de tomarnos las cosas con calma, consumir solo lo necesario y mantenernos firmes en las creencias personales a pesar de la opinión popular”.”
El evento se llevó a cabo en el Centro de Visitantes Johnny Appleseedque es considerada por muchos la puerta de entrada al centro norte de Massachusetts y la última parada antes de entrar en Leominster, el pueblo natal de Appleseed.
Entre los asistentes al evento de hoy se encontraban la representante estatal Natalie Higgins; la representante estatal Meg Kilcoyne; y Jonathan Gulliver, del Departamento de Transporte de Massachusetts. Miembros de la Banda de Marcha de la Escuela Secundaria de Leominster interpretaron clásicos estadounidenses, y hubo una aparición especial de “Johnny Appleseed”, quien interactuó con los asistentes y disfrutó de una rebanada de pastel de cumpleaños.
Durante la celebración de hoy, se plantó un nuevo manzano en el centro para conmemorar el 250.º cumpleaños de Appleseed.
Miembros de la Banda de Marcha de Leominster High School
“Mientras todos tenemos la imagen de Johnny Appleseed usando un sombrero de olla de sopa con una bolsa en la espalda esparciendo semillas de manzana por el campo, también fue un exitoso hombre de negocios que ayudó a florecer a muchas comunidades nuevas”, dijo Roy M. Nascimento, presidente y director ejecutivo de Visit North Central Massachusetts y la Cámara de Comercio de North Central Massachusetts. “Hoy celebramos su nacimiento plantando un manzano para que los visitantes de nuestra región disfruten y recuerden su legado de apoyar a los pioneros y plantar semillas para proporcionar alimentos nutritivos para las generaciones”.”
El Centro de Visitantes Johnny Appleseed, operado por la Johnny Appleseed Trail Association (que opera como Visit North Central Massachusetts), está lejos de ser un típico área de descanso. Este destino único exhibe el legado de Johnny Appleseed y la rica herencia agrícola e industrial del centro de Massachusetts a través de una colección curada de objetos históricos, arte local y exhibiciones atractivas.
En la entrada, los visitantes son recibidos por una popular escultura de bronce del joven Johnny Appleseed, obra del artista local Peter Cote. Los terrenos del centro cuentan con 91 manzanos, incluyendo tres manzanos Rambo que son descendientes directos del último árbol conocido plantado por el propio Appleseed. Una réplica de una casa de la época colonial, representativa de los aposentos de Appleseed, añade contexto histórico. Los terrenos también presumen de bancos artísticos, incluyendo una silla de telesilla inspirada en Johnny Appleseed, donada por Wachusett Ski Area y convertida en una zona de asientos única, y otro banco de madera tallada a mano, creado por un escultor de madera local y representativo del orgullo del patrimonio en la industria del mueble.
En el interior, el centro expone artesanías locales, murales de temporada, objetos históricos de toda la región y recuerdos de la época de Johnny Appleseed. Una popular tienda de regalos vende artículos locales, incluyendo mermeladas, jaleas, dulces, productos relacionados con las manzanas y una variedad de libros sobre Johnny Appleseed y la historia de la región.
Quizás lo más llamativo sea la “Manzana Grande de Nueva Inglaterra”, la estructura de manzana más grande de su tipo en la región, que se ha convertido en un lugar favorito para los visitantes que se toman selfies.
El Centro de Visitantes Johnny Appleseed abre los siete días de la semana, 361 días al año, de 9:00 a. m. a 5:00 p. m. Solo cierra los días de Acción de Gracias, Navidad, Pascua, Día de la Independencia y temprano en la víspera de Navidad.
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Chamber members are provided with the opportunity to engage with the Mayors of Fitchburg, Gardner, and Leominster who provide updates on projects and other things happening in their Cities. These events are by invitation only, please contact Travis Condon for more details. View
Event
Future Leaders of North Central: Annual Holiday Party & Ugly Sweater Competition
December 8, 2026
Bull Run Restaurant
215 Great Rd. Shirly, MA View
Event
Connect North Central
December 11, 2026
Join us for our last Connect North Central of the year!
Friday, December 11, 2026
8am-9am View
Event
Chamber members are provided with the opportunity to engage with the Mayors of Fitchburg, Gardner, and Leominster who provide updates on projects and other things happening in their Cities. These events are by invitation only, please contact Travis Condon for more details. View
Event
The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts today announced the election of three new members to its Board of Directors: Leah M. Bradley, LCSW, CEO of Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance; Arthur O. DuBois, LICSW, MSW, a licensed clinical social worker; and Morgan A. Russell, Esq., an attorney specializing in child welfare litigation and real estate transactions.
Five current directors were also re-elected to new three-year terms: Diane E. Gould, LICSW, MSW; Lindsay F. Greenfield, MBA; J. Michael Grenon, CIMA; Kathryn Y. Lee, MD; and Carole M. Steen, MSA.
“We are thrilled to have both new and returning leaders from across the region helping to guide The Health Foundation’s initiatives,” said Dr. Amie Shei, President and CEO of The Health Foundation. “The knowledge and dedication of each Director allows us to be strategic in responding to the health needs of Central Massachusetts communities and ensures that we are optimizing our investments to improve health, address upstream social drivers of health and advance health equity.”
New Board Member Background
Leah M. Bradley
Bradley has dedicated her career to strengthening social services and housing stability across the region. At Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, she leads a collaborative response to homelessness that fosters long-term housing stability through prevention, quality services, education and advocacy. “It is an honor to join the Board of The Health Foundation,” said Bradley. “Their investments in the community continue to improve the systems of care for people in our community. I am excited to be a voice at the table bringing housing expertise to The Health Foundation’s mission of addressing social drivers of health and advancing health equity.” Bradley holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Connecticut and a bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University. The North Brookfield resident has spent over two decades in strategic planning, system change and program development and her experience in housing stability will bring valuable insight to the board.
Arthur O. DuBois
DuBois, a resident of Uxbridge, is a licensed clinical social worker with a background in supporting individuals with mental health conditions, emotional difficulties and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Most recently, he retired from working with the Committee for Public Counsel Services as a supervising social worker assisting persons who are indigent. “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to provide input to The Health Foundation and support its philanthropic efforts,” said DuBois. “I am especially pleased to represent the Blackstone Valley and Milford areas.” DuBois’ experience also includes prior roles at Seven Hills Foundation, where he provided counseling for individuals with IDD. He holds a master’s degree in social work from Rhode Island College, a bachelor’s degree from Salem State University and a certificate in contemplative clinical practice from the Smith College School of Social Work.
Morgan A. Russell
Russell, who lives in Berlin, is a practicing attorney specializing in child welfare litigation and real estate transactions. She founded her own law firm and also has experience with foreclosure defense, housing law, adult guardianship and conservator cases. “Being part of a board that is actively working to improve health and expand opportunities for people in Central Massachusetts is incredibly meaningful to me,” said Russell. “I look forward to contributing my perspectives and legal expertise to The Health Foundation and working alongside others who share this commitment.” She earned her juris doctor degree, magna cum laude, from Massachusetts School of Law, where she was recognized for her legal writing and advocacy, and her bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University. Russell’s insights will help the Board recognize the legal hardships that financial security and the effects these deficits have on families in the Central Massachusetts community.
Event highlights a fourth generation family business that focuses on viable and sustainable farming.
The ninth TD Bank Small Business Takeover Initiative will take place at TD Garden on Tuesday, March 11, when the Boston Bruins host the Florida Panthers at 7 p.m.
For the Small Business Takeover, TD Bank turns over all possible advertising “real estate” at TD Garden to a local small business for the duration of the game. This includes the 360 LED screens, dasher boards, video walls, roster card, digitally enhanced dasher boards shown during the broadcast, TD Bank corporate suite in addition to digital support from Bruins social channels.
The March 11 Small Business Takeover will feature Red Apple Farm, a multigenerational family business that includes a pick-your-own apple orchard in north central Massachusetts, a retail stall at the Boston Public Market and farm-fresh fare at Wachusett Mountain’s base lodge and slope-side Bullock lodge.
“Small businesses like Red Apple Farm are the foundation of New England’s economy, and TD Bank is committed to doing all we can to help our business customers grow and achieve their goals,” said Sheryl McQuade, Regional President of New England Metro, TD Bank. “-For generations, the Rose family has welcomed visitors to Red Apple Farm, providing an authentic New England farm experience that creates lasting memories. They were also able to build on their success as a seasonal business to one with a year-round operation with three locations across Massachusetts.”
TD Bank’s Small Business Takeover initiative began in 2017 to promote New England small businesses on a larger scale at TD Garden during a Bruins home game. Previous participants of the initiative include Alternative Transportation Systems, Pain D’Avignon, Energy Shield of New Hampshire, Black Earth Composting, Day’s Jewelers, The Barkery, Bay State Cruise Company and Sunbug Solar.
“The Small Business Takeover has provided great support for several local business over the years and we are proud to continue this impactful collaboration with TD Bank,” said Chris Johnson, Boston Bruins Senior Vice President, Partnerships.
The Fitchburg East Rotary Club invites the community to its 44th Annual Brunch, now rescheduled as a St. Patrick’s Day Brunch after inclement weather led to the postponement of the originally planned Super
Bowl Brunch.
This beloved annual event will take place on:
Date: Sunday, March 16, 2025 Time: 8:30 AM – Noon Location: Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School (Monty Tech) Address: 1050 Westminster Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420
For more than four decades, this brunch has served as a key fundraiser to support scholarships for Fitchburg students and community development initiatives. Guests will enjoy a hearty breakfast, basket raffles, silent auctions, and a chance to connect with friends and neighbors while supporting an important cause.
Admission:
Adults: $18
Seniors & Students: $15
Children under 10: $9
The Fitchburg East Rotary Club is dedicated to serving the local community through various initiatives, including scholarships, volunteer projects, and fundraising efforts to support educational and civic programs. We are excited to bring the community together for this rescheduled event and look forward to a fun morning of great food and fundraising. Proceeds from the event will directly support scholarships for local students and various community service projects.
Join us in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day while making a difference!
Miembro Destacado
Custom Cleaning Service of Peabody
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.
From Chamber events and ribbon cuttings to community celebrations and regional highlights, stay connected with what’s happening across North Central Massachusetts. Follow us on social media for the latest photos, updates, and stories.
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.
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