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
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Massachusetts Education System | Massachusetts Education Investments | Massachusetts Community Investments | Annual Scholars Breakfast
A Meet & Greet was held to foster the connections of our chamber’s businesses within our Sterling area. The attendees included Bill Caldwell the town administration of Sterling; our hosts, Matthew Kooyomjian and Mary Elizabeth Tinervin from MEM Dance Theatre; Robert Jumper and JoLisa Chouinard from LCU; Melissa Gallo, Carol Ann Gjeltema, and Josh Halterman Owner/Interior Designer from Joshua Allen Design (the spotlight company for today); Heidi Bogner from The Organized Duck; and our own Manager of Membership Recruitment and Engagement, Tracy Gagnon. It was nice to have some fun in a relaxing atmosphere with coffee and donuts on hand.
Josh from Joshua Allen Design gave an engaging presentation about 5 of the current design trends for interior design, as many of us fantasized what our new spaces could look like. We learned that:
It was great to learn that:
After the presentation we learned what was upcoming at the Chamber. I’ve already signed up for several things, but there is still plenty of time to get your name in to attend several more events this month and next month. Don’t forget to attend the Kickball Tournament fundraiser on the 17th; the new member orientation on June 6th; and Steve Gross from Life is Good speaking at the NCMCC 39th Annual Business Meeting and Expo on June 15th!
Submitted by: Heidi Duck, Founder of The Organized Duck
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Local Networking Events | Meet & Greet
In a partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), MassDevelopment, and Mass Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC), 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; Rob Anderson, Vice President of MassDevelopment; and Chuck Merrill, Senior Loan Officer for MGCC will be available at the Chamber office by appointment on Wednesday, June 7 between 10:00 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.
MOBD helps businesses relocating to Massachusetts and businesses wishing to expand their current operations here. MOBD is responsible for managing the state’s Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) which provides tax credits for qualifying business expansion projects. In addition, they provide information on other state economic development programs, including the state’s R&D tax credit, the Mass Life Science Center tax incentives, the Workforce Training Fund grant program, the STEP grant offered through the Mass Office of International Trade and Investment and other state resources.
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 FY2022, MassDevelopment financed or managed 356 projects generating investment of more than $1.69 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 11,080 jobs and build or preserve 1,778 housing units.
MGCC was established to help small businesses create and preserve jobs by providing access to working capital, loan guarantees, and targeted technical assistance that solves specific financial and operational problems. MGCC works with traditional financial institutions to turn “un-bankable” businesses bankable, Community Development Centers and non-profits to provide financing for job-producing projects, and directly with businesses to find the growth capital they require. MGCC seeks to assist small businesses in Gateway Cities as well as woman-owned, Veteran-owned, or minority-owned businesses.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please 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 .
Fitchburg, MA | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Massachusetts Business | Economic Development | Massachusetts Business | Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) | MassDevelopment | Mass Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC)
¡Gracias a todos nuestros patrocinadores que ayudaron a patrocinar este pasado año del programa 2025-2026! ¡Nos sentimos verdaderamente honrados por su continuo apoyo y sus esfuerzos para que nuestra comunidad siga prosperando!
View
Event
17 de septiembre de 2026
7:15 a. m. - 9:00 a. m.
View
Event
The reception features an open bar and gourmet appetizers.
View
Event
Join us for Connect North Central
Friday, September 25, 2026
8am-9am
View
Event
North Central Golf Tour Championship: Fore the Future
An FLNC Non-Traditional Scholarship Fundraiser
View
Event
Join us for our 11th Annual
Congressional Luncheon
View
Event
Join us for this in person HR Legal Update
View
Event
November 19, 2026
7:15am - 9:00am
View
Event
Join us for Connect North Central
Friday, November 20, 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
Bull Run Restaurant
215 Great Rd. Shirly, MA
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 City of Fitchburg Health Department invites the public to attend the annual Community Health Resource to be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 4pm – 7pm in O’Neill Hall at the Fitchburg Senior Center, 14 Wallace Ave, Fitchburg.
According to Sue Christensen, Outreach & Prevention Coordinator, “In recognizing the social determinates of health, the annual Resource Fair is an opportunity for residents to visit over 70 different information tables representing a wide variety of local services.” The topics include housing, shelter, elder services, medical care, youth services, mental health, substance use disorder, veterans as well as cultural offerings. Many city departments will be participating including Health, Parks & Recreation, Police, Library, Schools, and others. Fitchburg Commissions representing include Disability and Human Rights. Representatives from the offices of State Senator John Cronin, State Representative Michael Kushmerek and District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. will also be on hand to meet with residents.
Director of Public Health Stephen D. Curry is looking forward to the event, stating that the annual Community Resource Fair “provides an opportunity for members of the community to learn about a variety of local services available – all in one place.”
The Fitchburg Health Department will be offering free flu shots and blood pressure readings. As an affiliate of the Commonwealth Naloxone Purchasing Program, the Health Department will provide Narcan training and distribution.
A free raffle will be held at the event, with many participating organizations donating items. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
The Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner is thrilled to announce the appointment of Barbara Mahoney, the esteemed President & CEO of Leominster Credit Union, as the new Chair of its Board of Directors.
As President & CEO of Leominster Credit Union, Ms. Mahoney has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community growth and development. Her vast experience in leadership roles, coupled with her passion for supporting local causes, positions her perfectly for this new responsibility.
“We are immensely fortunate to have someone of Barbara’s stature and commitment to the community stepping into this vital role,” said Elizabeth Coveney, CEO of The Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner. “Her leadership at Leominster Credit Union and her dedication to enriching our community align perfectly with our mission. I am confident that under Barbara’s guidance, we will continue to empower our youth and further our impact in the region.”
Ms. Mahoney’s association with the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner is not new. Over the years, she has been actively involved in various capacities, contributing her time, insights, and resources to further the Club’s mission.
“I am honored to be elected Chair of an organization that provides high-quality services to youth and families in our communities. I am excited to drive the mission of the club with an engaged board and staff to offer programs that address the needs of our diverse population,
stated Barbara Mahoney, President and CEO, Leominster Credit Union.”
The Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner has long played an essential role in the community by providing a safe space and constructive programs for young people. With Ms. Mahoney at the helm of the Board of Directors, the organization looks forward to strengthening its impact and reaching even greater heights.
David Ginisi
Sr. Director of Development
The Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner
The School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education in collaboration with Career Services is hosting a series of corporate, small business, non-profit and municipal-based drop-in chat sessions designed to answer regional partner questions about:
Drop-in anytime during our chat time 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. on the following Thursdays.
Once registered, a Zoom meeting link will be emailed to you.
Time: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Session I: October 12
Session II: November 9
Session III: December 7
You may “drop-in” virtually at any time during this open session. There is no formal format to this event- we’re here to help you! You can jump in quickly for a few minutes, get your question answered and be on your way or stop in for a longer visit and get general information about all the ways Fitchburg State can partner with your organization.
Questions? Email us at or call the Center for Professional Studies at (978) 665-3636.
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
