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.

June 2026

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Noticias de la Cámara

Chamber Welcomes Babcock to its Professional Staff

Bids Fond Farewell to Cruz and Goulet

The Chamber is pleased to announce the addition of Maureen Babcock to the professional staff in the role of Executive Assistant. She will be responsible for managing the Chamber’s database, providing administrative and operational support, and coordinating special projects. Maureen lives in Devens and has been very active in the community, including volunteering with the Boy Scouts and Harvard Parks & Recreation. She has also served as the Chair of the Educational Advisory Committee that advises MassDevelopment on education related matters in the Devens community. She holds a Bachelor degree in Political Science/Business from Mount Saint Mary’s College and is a Certified Financial Planner. Members can contact Maureen Babcock at 978.353.7600 ext. 222 or via email at .

“Maureen brings a wealth of skills and experience to this dynamic and essential role, including over a decade of experience in project management, registration and program coordination,” said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the Chamber. “We are excited to have her join our team and contribute towards our efforts to support our members and advance our communities.”

The Chamber also announces the recent departure of Maribel Cruz and Lauren Goulet. Cruz has served as Economic Development Manager for the Chamber for over two years and recently accepted the position of Housing and Community Development Director for the City of Fitchburg. Lauren Goulet worked for the Chamber for nearly fifteen years as Operations Manager and recently accepted a position with the Azzur Group, a life sciences company expanding in Devens.

“We are saddened to lose Maribel and Lauren, but also excited for them and these new opportunities,” said Nascimento. “They have been important and dedicated members of our team and contributors to our success. I want to thank them for their hard work and commitment to the Chamber and wish them well in their new positions.”


Fitchburg | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | Chamber Updates | New Staff Addition | Maureen Babcock | Executive Assistant

Local Students Awarded Scholarships through the Chamber Foundation of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

More than $50,000 awarded to the region’s most outstanding high school seniors

Families, friends, fellow graduates, and business and community leaders recently gathered for the annual Chamber Foundation of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce scholarship program to recognize the region’s most outstanding high school seniors. The awardees were acknowledged during the Annual Scholar’s Breakfast held on Friday, May 12, at Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg.

Proceeds from the breakfast program benefit the Chamber Foundation and help support Chamber scholarships in future years. Maria Milagros, an award-winning speaker, award nominated author, TEDx speaker, storyteller and empowerment life coach, led the ceremony and delivered the keynote address for the event.

For the Class of 2023, a total of $52,000 in scholarships were awarded from either endowments or funds provided by local companies and individuals. The Scholarship Committee selected the recipients from among college-bound seniors who live in one of the 27 communities served by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce based on a student’s overall merit, including academics, sports, volunteer work and employment.

Twenty-six scholarships of $2,000 were provided to the following seniors during the Scholar’s Breakfast:

Since the establishment of its scholarship program, the Chamber Foundation of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has awarded more than a million dollars in scholarships to more than 680 students. Many of these awards are made possible through contributions from members of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, with scholarships endowed through the Chamber Foundation often named in honor of prominent members of the North Central Massachusetts business community whose philanthropy and commitment to the community have helped shape the region.

“The North Central region is exceptional in its generosity, investment and commitment to supporting its future leaders,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “These scholarships are one way we can recognize local students as they continue their education through the support of organizations and individuals who help make these scholarships possible for our graduating seniors.”

The Chamber wishes to thank the Scholar’s Breakfast Premier Sponsor: Rollstone Bank & Trust; Recipient Ticket Sponsor: Great Wolf Lodge; Supporting Sponsors: AIS, Inc. and Steel-Fab Inc.; Program Sponsor: North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation; Center Piece Sponsor: Leominster Credit Union; Gift Sponsor: Fitchburg State University; as well as the many Chamber members who contributed towards the scholarships.

The Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization focused on assisting in the betterment of the region through charitable activities. Funds raised by the Chamber Foundation are utilized primarily for education and workforce development initiatives and charitable activities in North Central Massachusetts.

For more information on the Chamber Foundation of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce scholarship program or to view a list of the named scholarships, please visit northcentralmass.com or call 978.353.7600, ext. 225


Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Massachusetts Education System | Massachusetts Education Investments | Chamber Foundation Scholarships

North Central Massachusetts Chamber Receives 5-Star Accreditation

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a 5-star Accreditation as a result of its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community by the Accrediting Board of the United States Chamber of Commerce. The announcement was made to an audience of nearly 300 business and community leaders at the Chamber’s Annual Business Meeting earlier this month.

Accreditation is the only national program to recognize chambers of commerce for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to achieve this recognition, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, communications and technology. This comprehensive self-review was conducted over a four-month period and required preparation of an extensive application, including compilation and review of volumes of materials required by the Accrediting Board, and demonstration of competency in nine core areas ranging from finance to facilities.

Of the approximately 7,000 chambers in the U.S., there are currently only 140 5-Star rated chambers, which represent the top three percent of all chambers in the country. In Massachusetts, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber is one of only two chambers with this prestigious accreditation.

“When chambers of commerce earn the distinction of becoming accredited, it is a mark of excellence for the organization, its staff, and its leadership” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber vice president, Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “This rigorous review includes all aspects of a chamber’s policies, operations, and programming. Accredited chambers are recognized for their continued advocacy of free enterprise, and for their commitment to serving members and their local business communities. Congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment.”

“We are incredibly honored to receive this national designation which places us among the best chambers of commerce in the country,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president & CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We challenged ourselves to improve our Chamber for the betterment of our members and our region. Receiving this accreditation only motivates us to continue to remain engaged, active and innovative on behalf of our members and communities in North Central Massachusetts.”

Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. State chambers are recognized as either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board.

The accreditation report noted the North Central Massachusetts Chamber has demonstrated an excellent track record of operating a successful chamber and achieving desirable results for its members. Several of the Chamber’s programs, events and initiatives were highlighted for special recognition, including its leadership role in helping members and the community navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Chamber’s leadership in talent and workforce development. The Chamber also received special recognition for its thoughtful and impactful efforts around government affairs and volunteer recognition, and for investments it has made in technology.


Fitchburg | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | 5-Star Accreditation | United States Chamber of Commerce

Eventos próximos

Noticias para miembros

Main Street Bank Wins Banky Award and is Named a Top 3 Extraordinary Bank in Nation

Main Street Bank, a local Massachusetts icon, was just named among the top three extraordinary banks in the United States by The Institute for Extraordinary Banking. The bank has been honored with two distinguished awards: The Institute’s Banky™ Award for its unwavering commitment to community banking and the Overall Excellence Banky™ Award for exemplary performance in five critical areas of banking.

The Institute for Extraordinary Banking™, a leading authority in recognizing outstanding community banks, has selected Main Street Bank as a recipient of a Banky™ Award. This accolade is bestowed upon exceptional community banks throughout the United States, with the aim of helping consumers identify the best banking institutions in their local communities.

The Extraordinary Banking™️ Awards emphasize the indispensable contribution community banks have on their communities—how deeply woven into the fabric of the community they are. Their role in elevating the national economy is profound yet often misunderstood. Community banks are the beacon that illuminates their local communities and the pillar of small business success.

Main Street Bank’s exceptional dedication to community banking is evident through its continuous support and engagement within the local Massachusetts communities it serves. This award underscores the bank’s commitment to fostering strong relationships with its customers and making a positive impact on the communities it serves.

Main Street Bank’s CEO, Walter Dwyer, expressed pride in the recognition, saying, “At Main Street Bank, we’ve always believed that our success is intertwined with the prosperity of our community. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, who go above and beyond to ensure that we remain a trusted partner for our customers and communities. We are deeply committed to supporting local businesses, providing outstanding customer service, and promoting financial literacy in our region. These values drive our mission to be an extraordinary community bank.”

Main Street Bank has also been honored with the Overall Excellence Banky™ Award, recognizing the bank’s outstanding performance in five key areas: philanthropy, customer service, thought leadership, workplace culture, and financial literacy education. This prestigious award underscores the bank’s holistic approach to banking excellence and its multifaceted contribution to the well-being of its communities.

“This recognition renews our inspiration in our mission to serve the people and businesses of our communities and invigorates us to continue delivering an exceptional banking experience. We are committed to ensuring that Main Street Bank remains the bank of choice for our customers, where excellence is not just a goal but a way of life,” says Ellen Dorian, Main Street Bank’s President & COO.

Roxanne Emmerich, Chair and Founder of The Institute for Extraordinary Banking™️, proclaimed during the awards ceremony: “Community banks recognize aspirations, dreams, and silent hopes of small businesses and individuals within their communities. The heart and soul of an extraordinary community bank is the visionary blueprint for the community’s success and ability to enact that plan. Those banks were chosen to receive this year’s Banky awards.”

Main Street Bank is proud to be recognized for its unwavering commitment to excellence in community banking. The bank’s dedication to its customers and communities continues to be at the forefront of its mission, and it looks forward to further strengthening these bonds in the years to come.

Fitchburg to host Prescription Drug Take Back Day

The City of Fitchburg Health Department will again partner with the Fitchburg Police Department to hold Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 9am -11am in front of the Fitchburg Legislative Building, 700 Main Street.

This initiative offers a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of unused prescription drugs and get them out of circulation. Residents are urged to gather unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs and drop them off – you may “drive up and drop off” without leaving your vehicle. Although not required, labels containing personal information may be removed or blackened out. All materials are collected anonymously and will be taken directly by the Police Department to a regional drop off site to be incinerated.  Residents are also reminded that there is a permanent kiosk located in the lobby of the Police Station located at 20 Elm Street which is accessible 24/7.

Held twice a year across the nation, Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. The Drug Enforcement Agency’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths. At Fitchburg’s Take Back Day in October of 2022, 113 pounds of medication was dropped off for disposal.

Fitchburg Outreach & Prevention will have substance use disorder information available as well as Narcan. Concurrent with this event, the Outreach & Prevention division will be holding a drive to benefit students at Fitchburg Public Schools. Residents are invited to drop off new, in the package underwear of all sizes. These donations will be given to the Fitchburg Public Schools for students in need.

For information please contact:

City of Fitchburg Receives $450,000 Massworks Grant

This morning, the City of Fitchburg was honored to attend the One Stop for Growth Awards event with Governor Healey, Lt. Governor Driscoll, and administration officials to receive a $450,000 Massworks Design Grant from the Commonwealth. These funds will pay for the design work for the Moran Square Improvement Project. Moran Square is a heavily traveled intersection and gateway to downtown where Main Street, Summer Street, Lunenburg Street, Myrtle Avenue, and Sawyer Passway intersect.

The Project design will look to reconfigure the intersection for safer vehicular and pedestrian use, upgrade sidewalks and crosswalks and support the connection of the Twin Cities Rail Trail terminus with Main Street. The final construction project will include upgrading water and wastewater infrastructure, specifically the replacement of aged water line and sewer pipe relining to support the on-going growth of the area. The funding will be combined with the FY2024 State earmark of $125,000, received through Representative Kushmerek’s office to improve storm-water management including potential green infrastructure, as this intersection has experienced recent flooding during extreme rain events.

 “This long overdue funding positions the city, in a future round of grants, to receive a Massworks construction grant to implement this design. With the increased development in downtown, and the significant flood events we continue to experience this project is desperately needed,” said Mayor Stephen L. DiNatale.

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.”

Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast

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.

Out & About

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.

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