North Central Massachusetts e-Newsletter » North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

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

North Central Massachusetts Chamber Receives 5-Star Accreditation

Publicado el 21 de junio/en Noticias de la Cámara /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

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.

Chamber Hosting Office Hours with Masshire Workforce Official

Posted on junio 20th/en Noticias de la Cámara /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

In a partnership with MassHire, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will be hosting officials from the MassHire Rapid Response team for one-on-one appointments with local employers. The meetings are an opportunity to discuss any specific matters related to a company’s hiring and retention of skilled workers, as well as to review state resources available to support a company’s talent needs.

Scott Percifull, Program Coordinator for MassHire’s Rapid Response team will be available at the Chamber office by appointment on Wednesday, June 28 between 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The appointments are in thirty minute increments and are first come, first serve. The meetings are free and confidential, available on a non-discriminatory basis, and are handicapped accessible.

The MassHire Department of Career Services oversees Massachusetts’s network of MassHire Career Centers that assist businesses in finding qualified workers, providing job seekers with career guidance as well as referrals to jobs and training. Employers can take advantage of employment and training resources, including assistance with recruitment and hiring, job matching with potential hires, tax credit programs, and labor market information.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Terry Young, Manager of Talent and Education Initiatives at the Chamber at (978) 353-7600 ext. 244 or via email at or Maureen Babcock, Executive Assistant at the Chamber at 978) 353-7600 ext. 222 or via email at .

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Institute Class of 2023 Awards Non-Traditional Scholarships

Posted on junio 16th/en Noticias de la Cámara /por Noroeste de Massachusetts

Students were recognized during a luncheon at the Mount Wachusett Community College Leominster Campus on May 24

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Institute (CLI) Class of 2023 recognized the first recipients of the CLI annual scholarship program on May 24 at the Mount Wachusett Community College Leominster Campus.

Seven individuals who are enrolled with MY TURN, an organization that helps people develop their skills, goals and self-confidence through alternative education, post-secondary planning, career exploration and employment training, each received a $2,000 scholarship. The recipients will use the funding to help bridge the financial gap to attend programs in cosmetology, electrical engineering, licensed practical nursing, human services, or toward tuition to attend a community college or four-year university.

“It was an amazing experience working with the CLI members throughout our program year,” said Nicole Conroy, executive director, MY TURN. “The investment in our youth has been priceless and has led to a partnership that will continue into the future, and our students who received the scholarships said they have continued motivation to work hard to reach their goals.”

The event featured remarks from Conroy and Terry Young, manager of talent and education initiatives, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. Maria Milagros, an award-winning speaker, award nominated author, TEDx speaker, storyteller and empowerment life coach, provided the keynote address.

The non-traditional scholarships were an outgrowth of a community project undertaken by the CLI Class of 2023. Funding was provided by local companies and individuals as a result of outreach by the CLI Class. The CLI Scholarship Committee, comprised of eight CLI class members, selected the recipients from applications submitted by individuals participating in the MY TURN, Inc. program who did not qualify for traditional scholarships or other funding opportunities.

The Chamber developed the CLI program in 1988 to inspire a new generation of community leaders to enthusiastically assume important roles in their community while motivating participants from diverse backgrounds to be influential in the region’s future. CLI is dedicated to providing participants with individual leadership skills and a deep understanding of the region. Participants are sponsored for the nine-month program by their business and are seen as leaders or potential leaders within their company and community. In addition to the monthly day-long sessions, participants are required to work in teams on different community projects that can have an impact in the region. Previous CLI projects included the creation of a new non-profit organization to help with holiday gifts for families dealing with a loved one’s cancer diagnosis to a project designed to improve the appearance of vacant business windows in a downtown business district to create interest in future business development and community inclusion.

For more information on the Instituto de Liderazgo Comunitario, through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Commerce, please visit northcentralmass.com or call 978.353.7600, ext. 222. The Chamber is now accepting applications for the Community Leadership Institute Class of 2024.

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