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
El Cámara de Comercio del Norte Central de Massachusetts and the Corporación de Desarrollo del Norte Central de Massachusetts will host the 3rd Annual Small Business Showcase & Entrepreneur Awards Reception on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Leominster. The evening will spotlight the hard work, creativity, and successes that drive our regional economy. With more than two dozen small businesses and resource providers exhibiting, the showcase offers an exceptional opportunity for meaningful connections with entrepreneurs, startup businesses, small business owners, and community partners.
Guests will enjoy an evening of networking, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar, while exploring exhibits from local small businesses showcasing their products and services. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Entrepreneur Awards, recognizing individuals, startup businesses, and established small businesses that have demonstrated exceptional vision, resilience, and impact within our communities. Tatra Lappas will serve as emcee for the evening.
Sponsors include Premier and Award Recipient Sponsor Fitchburg State University; Corporate Sponsors Fidelity Bank and Workers Credit Union; Partner Sponsors Bay State Savings Bank, Main Street Bank and TD Bank; and Bag Sponsor Beacon Bank. Resource partners include MassDevelopment, NewVue Communities, Wachusett Business Incubator, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Massachusetts Office of Business Development, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
The event is open to the general public and all businesses and entrepreneurs in the region, including those just starting out. Chamber members holding Business After Hours season tickets may use them for this event. Tickets are just $15 per person. Pre-registration is required. For more information about the event or to register online, please visit northcentralmass.com or contact Valerie Bruno at 978.353.7600, ext. 235, or at . Sponsorship and exhibitor table opportunities are also still available.
“The Small Business Showcase is a great opportunity for anyone in our community to meet and support the local entrepreneurs and small businesses that are driving our regional economy. From early-stage startups to established businesses, and the resource partners that help them succeed, it’s all under one roof for one evening, and everyone is welcome.” said Valerie Bruno, programs and events manager, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce announces that its Future Leaders of North Central Massachusetts (FLNC) will host their second annual Beyond the Runway: Empowerment Through Style fashion show on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 3:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg. Proceeds will benefit the Chamber Foundation’s scholarship program, supporting the next generation of leaders across North Central Massachusetts.
This year’s Carnival theme invites bold colors, dramatic silhouettes, dynamic movement, and imaginative storytelling to take center stage. Guests can expect a high-energy evening of fashion, live entertainment, carnival games, raffles, and community connection. The event is recommended for guests ages 13 and above.
“Our goal with Beyond the Runway is to create a space where creativity and leadership come together. Seeing young designers, students, and professionals collaborate on something exciting & elaborate while supporting the scholarship fund is a powerful reminder of the talent and potential we have right here in our region.” said Quinn O’Connell, Chair of the Future Leaders of North Central Massachusetts Leadership Committee and a Realtor with Keller Williams North Central. “I hope these students continue to pursue amazing things and maybe one day even return to the Chamber to get involved in a group like FLNC themselves. This organization has done so much for our community and has also had a meaningful impact on my own business, and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of it.”
Now in its second year, the fashion show will feature nine designers and more than 30 models, including high school students from Ayer-Shirley Regional High School, Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School, Leominster High School, and St. Bernard’s High School.
Featured designers include Vieira Luxe Couture, Janini Designs, Michaela Lee Designs, S’mbles Designs, Make Shift Studios, LLeya P, Bella Donna Consignment Boutique, Daumos, and a collection by Zoe Kerr, a student designer from Ayer-Shirley Regional High School.
The evening will be emceed by Erin Logan, reporter for NBC 10, and David De Matteis, Venezuelan journalist and reporter for Noticiero Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra, airing on WNEU Telemundo Boston. Entertainment includes mentalist Shawn Mullins, aerial artistry by Aerialicious Entertainment’s Gina DeFretas, carnival games, a photo booth, and live DJ music by 603 Beat Collaborative. Doors open at 3:45 p.m., with games and entertainment beginning at 4:00 p.m., the fashion show taking the stage at 5:30 p.m., and the evening concluding at approximately 8:00 p.m.
Raffle prizes include a ski and stay package from Great Wolf Lodge and Wachusett Ski Mountain, a dumpster rental from Bin There Dump That (valued at over $500), pickleball packages from Rt. 12 Pickle, spa prizes from Revital Med Spa (valued at over $200), golf at Ellinwood Country Club, Hanover Theater tickets, wellness packages from Empower Collective, an Adirondack chair, restaurant gift card, and automotive detail contributed by Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, with more prizes to be announced!
All proceeds from the event will be dedicated exclusively to the Chamber Foundation’s Young Professional Scholarship program, which works to remove financial barriers and open doors for the next generation of community leaders across the region.
The event is made possible through the generous support of Community Champion Sponsor Great Wolf Lodge; Spotlight Sponsors Edward Jones and DMH Electric; Catering Sponsor E.L. Harvey & Sons; Carnival Sponsor Creative Events; and additional sponsors Fitchburg Access Television, 603 Beat Collaborative, Pop by Posh, and Hillside Florist & Gifts.
Tickets are on sale now. General admission is $35. A VIP Half Table (seats 4) is $125 and a VIP Table of 8 is $200, with appetizers, performances, the fashion show, and a cash bar included. To register online or for more information, please visit www.northcentralmass.com.
About Future Leaders of North Central Massachusetts (FLNC)
Future Leaders of North Central Massachusetts is a program of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce dedicated to connecting, developing, and fostering the next generation of regional leaders. Through networking events, professional development opportunities, and community engagement initiatives, FLNC empowers young professionals to grow personally and professionally while strengthening the future of North Central Massachusetts.
About the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is a business advocacy and economic development organization. The Chamber’s mission is to advance the economy of North Central Massachusetts and strengthen its quality of place by connecting businesses, people, and ideas. The Chamber is the largest chamber of commerce in the region, serving hundreds of member businesses of all sizes from virtually all industries in the twenty-seven communities that comprise North Central Massachusetts. The Chamber was named 2023 Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and also received a five-star accreditation from the accrediting board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Find the Chamber online at northcentralmass.com or on Twitter at @NCMChamber.
Building Businesses.
Building Communities.
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.
Tough Stuff Recycling, is pleased to share that it was a sponsor of the MassRecycle Conference and Trade Show again this year. Participating in this annual event promotes the company’s mission to keep mattresses and box springs out of the landfill.
“The fact that this year’s Conference was held in a larger venue and drew a bigger crowd than ever is a testament to the vital role recycling plays in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” said Mary Horsman, Northeast Manager of Sales and Marketing of Tough Stuff Recycling. “The educational presentations from both local and national experts keeps recyclers on the cutting edge of industry developments and offers opportunities to connect and collaborate for the greatest possible impact and support of waste diversion.”
Coming together for a day of learning, roundtable discussions, and networking lets participants connect with existing customers and meet new groups and individuals who share a common interest. Together, we can do more to engage the public and draw inspiration from successful projects that demonstrate best practices in the field.
As Sponsors of the Conference, Tough Stuff proudly supports the accomplishments of the MassRecycle community and promotes the continued growth of the circular economy. To get involved, visit massrecycle.org
At the exhibit table, Tough Stuff Recycling was able to share our famous “cube of mattress” that shows the valuable resources (Fabric, foam and steel) that we can keep in circulation through the recycling process.
Tough Stuff Recycling, provides environmentally responsible recycling solutions for mattresses, box springs, and select furniture and e-waste items.
Serving residents, businesses, and municipalities, TSR helps divert waste from landfills through compliant recycling operations, drop-off locations, and municipal partnerships across the Northeast.
Tough Stuff Recycling, is pleased to announce that the company is now a Recycle Smart MA Partner. This affiliation reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to improve sustainability, compliance, and waste diversion across the communities it serves.
“We are pleased to support and promote Recycle Smart MA, which does such vital work in recycling education,” said Mary Horsman, Northeast Manager of Sales and Marketing, at Tough Stuff Recycling. “This partnership aligns with our commitment to connect Massachusetts residents and businesses with easy ways to do the right thing for the environment and their communities. You can find fantastic educational resources such as the Smart Recycling Guide, available in 12 languages, as well as the Recyclopedia search tool.”
This announcement highlights critical efforts to make accurate information available to individuals and organizations regarding recycling resources and aligns with Tough Stuff Recycling’s mission to reduce landfill waste and adhere to Massachusetts Waste Bans.
Tough Stuff Recycling will share helpful information and ensure those looking to properly dispose of mattresses, box springs, and other challenging waste items know their options. Tough Stuff Recycling is committed to sustainability and the circular economy, providing services that support landfill diversion and resource recovery.
Tough Stuff Recycling, a leading provider of recycling services, provides environmentally responsible recycling solutions for mattresses, electronics, and bulky waste.
Serving residents, businesses, and municipalities, TSR helps divert waste from landfills through compliant recycling operations, drop-off locations, and municipal partnerships across the Northeast.
Join us for a flower arranging class on Thursday, March 19 at Victoria Coffee in Gardner.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn the basics of floral design in a fun, hands-on setting while creating their own arrangement. The event is hosted by Victoria Coffee, sponsored by Fidelity Bank, and presented by HealthAlliance Guild, bringing together local partners for an evening of creativity and community connection.
To learn more or reserve your seat call:
978-265-8724
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