Leominster: Where Innovation Meets Opportunity in North Central Massachusetts

In the heart of North Central Massachusetts lies Leominster, a city that perfectly embodies the region’s rich industrial heritage and dynamic economic future. As the second-largest city in Worcester County, Leominster continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for businesses seeking growth opportunities in Massachusetts.

City of Leominster, Massachusetts

A Legacy of Manufacturing Excellence

Known globally as the “Plastic Capital of New England,” Leominster’s manufacturing prowess extends far beyond its famous pink flamingo lawn ornament, created by local innovator Don Featherstone. Today, over 120 Leominster companies operate in the manufacturing sector, producing everything from medical devices and military equipment to consumer goods and life science products. This diverse manufacturing base demonstrates the city’s ability to adapt and thrive in an evolving economic landscape.

Strategic Location and Accessibility

Leominster’s strategic location provides businesses with unparalleled accessibility for both workforce commuting and logistics operations. The city features:

Six exits from Route 2
Direct access to Interstate 190
Connectivity through Routes 12, 13, 117, and 2A
The Intermodal Transportation Center on the MBTA commuter line
Proximity to three major airports:
- 46 miles to Logan International Airport (Boston)
- 42 miles to Manchester Airport (NH)
- 72 miles to T.F. Green Airport (RI)

Comprehensive Economic Development Resources

As a designated Gateway Community—one of only 26 in Massachusetts—Leominster offers an impressive array of economic development incentives and resources:

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program
Special Tax Assessment (STA) program
Abandoned Building Renovation Tax Deduction (ABRTD)
Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP)
Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP)
Access to workforce resources, including the MassHire North Central MA Career Center and MassHire North Central Workforce Board

A Vibrant Downtown Community

The historic downtown district serves as both the geographic center and cultural heart of Leominster. This thriving area features:

Local boutiques and specialty shops
Art galleries and cultural venues
Diverse dining options
Year-round community events
Historical walking tours
Family-friendly activities

Business-Friendly Environment

Leominster’s commitment to business success is evident through its comprehensive support system and collaborative approach. The city provides:

Customer service excellence: The City of Leominster provides dedicated support through a collaborative effort of local agencies, state offices, and municipal services, ensuring businesses receive comprehensive assistance throughout their growth journey.
Tax incentives: As a Gateway Community, Leominster offers attractive tax incentives through programs like the TIF, STA, and EDIP, that makes it an affordable and attractive option for growing companies.
Competitive tax structure: Leominster offers a single tax rate for commercial, industrial and residential property tax, making it an attractive destination for investment.
Diverse business ecosystem: With over 120 companies in the manufacturing sector alone, Leominster supports businesses across multiple industries including medical, military, household goods, and life sciences, creating a robust network of business opportunities. The city also features a strong retail business cluster, with thriving shopping centers and commercial districts that serve both local and regional consumers.
Workforce development: Strong partnerships with the MassHire North Central Career Center, MassHire Workforce Board, and proximity to educational institutions like Mount Wachusett Community College and Fitchburg State University ensure businesses have access to skilled talent. Leominster’s central location allows companies to draw from a broad workforce pool throughout North Central Massachusetts.

Quality of Life

Recreation and open space: Leominster offers abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including the 4,300-acre Leominster State Forest, miles of hiking and biking trails, and multiple city parks and sports facilities that provide year-round activities for residents and visitors alike.
Cultural amenities: The city celebrates its rich heritage through various cultural institutions and events, including the Leominster Historical Society, the annual Johnny Appleseed Festival, and a vibrant arts scene centered in the downtown district.
Educational excellence: Families benefit from access to quality education through the Leominster Public School system, complemented by nearby higher education institutions and vocational training programs.
Healthcare access: Residents enjoy comprehensive healthcare services through UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital and numerous medical facilities in the region, ensuring excellent healthcare accessibility.
Affordable living: Leominster provides an attractive cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas, offering diverse housing options from historic homes to modern developments, making it an appealing location for workforce recruitment and retention.

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce: Supporting Leominster’s Growth

As a key community within the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s service area, Leominster businesses benefit from comprehensive chamber resources and support. The Chamber actively promotes Leominster as a premier location for business development and works diligently to connect local enterprises with regional opportunities. Services provided by the Chamber include:

Networking events and business matchmaking: Regular opportunities for Leominster businesses to connect with potential partners, customers, and resources throughout North Central Massachusetts.
Talent recruitment & development: Support for workforce needs through partnerships with educational institutions and workforce development programs, helping Leominster businesses attract and retain skilled employees.
Advocacy for business-friendly policies: Strong representation of Leominster business interests at local, state, and federal levels to ensure a favorable business environment.
Educational programs and workshops: Access to professional development opportunities and business education resources designed to help Leominster companies thrive and grow.
Marketing and promotional support: Enhanced visibility for Leominster businesses through Chamber marketing initiatives, digital presence, and regional promotional campaigns.
Manufacturing support: Specialized resources and advocacy for Leominster’s robust manufacturing sector, reinforcing the city’s position as a manufacturing hub in New England.

Businesses in Leominster can leverage these Chamber resources to enhance their growth and success in the region, while benefiting from the Chamber’s established networks and proven track record of supporting economic development in North Central Massachusetts.

Looking to the Future

Economic growth initiatives: Leominster continues to invest in strategic economic development, with focused efforts on expanding its manufacturing base while cultivating new opportunities in emerging industries such as clean energy, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.
Infrastructure investment: The city is committed to maintaining and upgrading its infrastructure to support business growth, including planned improvements to transportation networks, utilities, and digital connectivity to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses.
Downtown revitalization: Ongoing initiatives to enhance downtown Leominster include facade improvement programs, mixed-use development projects, and continued support for small businesses, ensuring the heart of the city remains vibrant and attractive to both businesses and residents.
Workforce development expansion: Building on existing partnerships with educational institutions and workforce development programs, Leominster is actively developing new training initiatives to prepare workers for the jobs of tomorrow, particularly in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.
Sustainable development: The city is embracing sustainable practices and green initiatives, positioning Leominster as an environmentally conscious community that attracts forward-thinking businesses and supports the growing clean technology sector.
Regional collaboration: Through partnerships with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and neighboring communities, Leominster is strengthening its role as a key driver of regional economic growth, creating new opportunities for businesses to thrive in North Central Massachusetts.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce proudly serves Leominster, supporting its continued growth and development. For businesses considering relocation or expansion in North Central Massachusetts, Leominster offers the perfect blend of industrial heritage, modern infrastructure, and economic opportunity.

To learn more about Leominster, Massachusetts or other communities in the North Central Massachusetts region, please contact the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 978.353.7600 or visit www.northcentralmass.com or www.visitnorthcentral.com. You can also learn more by visiting the City of Leominster’s website at https://www.leominster-ma.gov/.