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
For anyone who has ever treasured a signed jersey, a piece of Hollywood history, or a photograph capturing an iconic moment, the Gallery at 759 Main Street in Fitchburg is a destination unlike any other. Just over two and a half years into its home on Main Street, this one-of-a-kind memorabilia shop is already becoming a landmark in a city on the rise.
The Gallery specializes in custom framed Sports, Hollywood, Music, and Historical memorabilia, serving collectors and enthusiasts both through its brick-and-mortar store and through its online presence. With over 1,000 pieces on display, the sheer breadth of the collection is something co-owner Roy Crawford is proud of. “If you collect any of the above,” he says, “this is the place you would want to visit for sure.” Co-owner John Sepulveda puts it just as simply: “A visit to our store is like taking a walk down memory lane.”
What sets the Gallery at 759 apart is its commitment to unique, iconic custom framing — pieces you simply won’t find anywhere else. The team prides itself on creating a space that is, as Crawford describes it, “consumer friendly, comfortable, warm and inviting.” Every member of the staff is knowledgeable about the products they offer and ready to answer any question a visitor might have. “We have fun talking to our customers regarding their passions,” Sepulveda adds, capturing the spirit of a shop where the love of collecting is always front and center.
There’s plenty to discover beyond the framed collectibles as well. Visitors will find embedded video memorabilia capturing singular moments in sports and cinema, and an eye-catching collection of Pop Art; something unexpected waiting around every corner.
The story behind the Gallery is as compelling as the items on its shelves. Sepulveda, a lifelong resident of Fitchburg, has practiced medicine in the city for 50 years, following in the footsteps of his father, the late Dr. Robert Babineau Sr., a renowned physician in the community. Opening the Gallery at 759 Main has been, in his words, “a labor of love” — a second career built on four decades of buying and collecting memorabilia alongside his business partner Crawford.
Both owners are excited about what lies ahead for the Gallery and for Fitchburg itself. Sepulveda sees the store as part of the city’s broader revitalization: “As a lifelong resident of ‘The Burg,’ I wanted our unique memorabilia store to be part of the change — bringing big city quality retail to our town.” Crawford echoes that sentiment, describing the Gallery’s location right on Main Street as central to offering “a very unique shopping experience.” Both are confident that as word spreads, new visitors will be amazed by what they find.
And word is spreading. Crawford notes that while the Gallery maintains a website and advertises across social media platforms, their biggest and best advertiser has turned out to be word of mouth — a testament to the impression the store leaves on everyone who walks through the door.
Community involvement is a priority for both owners going forward. The Gallery is looking forward to hosting charity auctions, fundraisers, silent auctions, and after-hours meet-and-greet events, bringing the community together around a shared love of sports, history, and culture.
As new members of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, Crawford and Sepulveda are eager to connect with the broader business community. Crawford is particularly excited to meet and network with fellow business owners at Chamber events, while Sepulveda hopes to collaborate on joint events at the Gallery and at the Wine Bar next door.
The future is bright for the Gallery at 759 Main Street. As more people discover what Fitchburg has to offer — and what this remarkable store has in store — the walk down memory lane is only going to get better.
To learn more, visit the Gallery at 759 Main Street in Fitchburg or explore their collection online at or by calling 978-503-0901.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 13, 2026
Contact: Roy Nascimento, President & CEO
Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts
Telephone: 978.353.7600 ext. 225
(North Central, MA) – In a partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), MassDevelopment, and MassHire, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will be hosting state economic development officials for one-on-one appointments with local developers, manufacturers, and business owners. The meetings are an opportunity to discuss any specific matters related to their business or the expansion of their business, as well as to review state resources available to support business growth and expansion.
Kevin Kuros, Central Massachusetts Director for MOBD; Anne Szender McCarthy, Vice President, Business Development of MassDevelopment; Chuck Merrill, Senior Loan Officer for MassDevelopment; and Scott Percifull, Program Specialist for MassHire, will be available at the Chamber office by appointment on Wednesday, February 25, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. The appointments are in thirty-minute increments and are first-come, first-served. The meetings are free and confidential, available on a non-discriminatory basis, and are handicapped accessible.
MOBD is the state’s economic development office and manages the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP), which provides tax credits for qualifying business expansion projects. In addition, MOBD directors are navigators in the state’s new Business Front Door portal, through which businesses can manage their interactions with state agencies and related quasi-public agencies. MOBD is also the home of the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO), which provides resources and information for businesses exploring employee ownership models, often as a succession planning strategy.
MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency and land bank, works with businesses, nonprofits, banks, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2025, MassDevelopment financed or managed 409 projects generating investment of more than $4.65 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 25,246 jobs and build or preserve 2,867 housing units. MassDevelopment has a variety of financing programs to address the needs of small businesses, from equipment to real estate to working capital.
The MassHire Rapid Response team provides layoff prevention, early intervention re-employment, layoff management, and outplacement services to companies and their employees. Additionally, they offer employment and training resources, including assistance with recruitment, hiring, and tax credit programs.
To schedule an appointment, contact Sandie Cataldo, Senior Economic Development Manager at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 978.353.7600 ext. 232 or via email at .
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Kat Deal will be serving as coordinator for the Community Leadership Institute (CLI) in a part-time capacity.
Kat returns to the Chamber after previously serving for over five years as Programs and Events Manager, during which she successfully managed the CLI program working alongside Dr. Michael Goodman Greenwood. Her extensive experience with leadership development and deep knowledge of the CLI program will ensure strong continuity for this signature initiative.
“We’re thrilled to have Kat back leading our Community Leadership Institute,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Her passion for leadership development, knowledge of leading community initiatives, and her proven track record with CLI make her the ideal person to guide this important program.”
The Community Leadership Institute is a comprehensive leadership development program designed to cultivate emerging leaders in North Central Massachusetts. Through interactive sessions, community projects, and networking opportunities, participants develop the skills and connections needed to make meaningful contributions to the region.
For more information about the Community Leadership Institute, visit www.northcentralmass.com/community-leadership-institute or contact Kat Deal at .
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Tough Stuff Recycling, the leading provider of environmentally responsible mattress recycling services in Massachusetts, is pleased to announce that it is now a Massachusetts Municipal Association Partner.
“It’s an honor to service the municipalities of Massachusetts,” said Mary Horsman, Northeast Manager of Sales and Marketing of Tough Stuff Recycling. “This partnership with the Massachusetts Municipal Association makes it easier for Towns and Cities to benefit from our services and forward our mission to provide outstanding customer service along with mattress and box spring recycling to the Municipalities of Massachusetts.”
A Practical Partnership
This announcement supports ongoing efforts to improve landfill diversion and advance circular economy goals across Massachusetts municipalities. It’s important that Towns and Cities offer residents affordable access to mattress recycling because of the Massachusetts DEP Waste Ban, enacted in November 2022.
Tough Stuff Recycling Offers Solutions
Offering both aggregate and curbside pickup solutions, depending on the volume and needs of a community, Tough Stuff Recycling provides a custom solution for each partner City or Town.
About Tough Stuff Recycling
Tough Stuff Recycling provides Massachusetts residents, businesses, and municipalities with a way to responsibly dispose of old mattresses in compliance with the state’s Mattress Waste Ban. We specialize in efficient mattress pickups, drop-off locations, and municipal partnerships that promote landfill diversion and material recovery. To find our more, please visit: Tough Stuff Recycling
Celebrate friendship, community, and impact at Rt. 12 Pickle Galentine’s Night fundraiser supporting the American Breast Cancer Foundation.
🏓 Round Robin Format: Players will be grouped by level for competitive, rotating match play. All levels welcome!
🎁 Craft Vendors On-Site: Enjoy a little shopping while you’re on a bye — local makers will be set up with gifts, treats, and more.
💖 Give Back: A portion of every registration fee will be donated directly by RT.12 Pickle. Players may also contribute any amount through this link.
👚 Show Support: Players can also purchase branded clothes to wear to the event. Thanks to BSN Sports, a portion of all clothing proceeds will also go to the ABCF. Shop here
🌸 Special Event Bonus: ABCF has also partnered with Franklin Sports to provide pink X-40 pickleballs exclusively for this event!
Join us on the courts as we play with purpose and raise funds for a cause that matters.
Registrarse ahoraHannigan Engineering, Inc. is pleased to announce the formal integration of the historic James E. Gaffney Co. Plan File, a significant collection of regional land surveying records representing several decades of local surveying history across North Central Massachusetts.
The consolidated archive includes:
This archival integration strengthens Hannigan Engineering’s commitment to maintaining the region’s surveying legacy, improving access to historical land records, and supporting property owners, municipalities, attorneys, and land-use professionals who rely on these important documents.
“Preserving and organizing historical survey records is vital to the accuracy and continuity of land-use decisions in our communities,” said owner Bill Hannigan. “We are proud to carry forward the legacy of the surveyors who came before us and to make these resources available to future generations.”
For inquiries regarding access to the James E. Gaffney Co. Plan File or related survey records, please contact Hannigan Engineering at or at 978.534.1234.
Más informaciónWhen 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