On behalf of the Recreation Department and the Town of Lancaster, we invite you to participate in Lancaster Day, a community-wide celebration on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 5:00–9:00 PM at the Lancaster Community Center and back lawn.
Lancaster Day brings together residents, town departments, committees, and local businesses to celebrate our community and kick off the summer season. From 5:00–6:30 PM, businesses and organizations will host tables to connect directly with residents—sharing information, promoting services, and building visibility in a fun, high-energy, start-of-summer atmosphere. It’s a great opportunity to meet families, spark new connections, and put a face to your business before everyone settles in for an evening of live music and community celebration.
This year, we are also featuring an Artisan Market component. Businesses that sell products are welcome to offer items for purchase during the event, providing an excellent opportunity to both generate sales and showcase your work while increasing awareness of your business.
The evening will also include food trucks, Touch-a-Truck, and live music, drawing families and residents from Lancaster and neighboring communities.
Lancaster Day is a celebration of local pride and partnership, and your participation helps strengthen our local economy while highlighting the businesses that support our region year-round.
The United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) is pleased to announce it has received a $15,000 grant from the Worcester County Food Bank to support Phase 2 of its Regional Food Transportation System initiative.
This funding will expand and strengthen a collaborative distribution model designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of food delivery to local pantries across North Central Massachusetts. Building on the success of Phase 1, the next phase will enhance coordination among partner agencies, reduce logistical barriers, and ensure food reaches communities in need more quickly and consistently.
As part of this work, Phase 2 will incorporate a stronger focus on data-driven evaluation to determine which of the three transportation systems is most effective. The models being assessed include direct delivery by the Worcester County Food Bank, delivery through a third-party provider, and the development of a regional sub-hub within North Central Massachusetts—ensuring resources are directed toward the highest-impact approach.
“The partnership and support from Worcester County Food Bank is instrumental in helping us build a more responsive and sustainable food distribution network,” said Judy Tomlinson, Director of Community Impact at UWNCM. “Working closely with Worcester County Food Bank, we have an opportunity to deepen our focus on North Central Massachusetts. This investment allows us to expand our impact and better support food pantries that are working every day to meet rising demand.”
“We are proud to partner with the United Way of North Central Massachusetts to strengthen food access across the region,” said Seana Weaver, CEO of the Worcester County Food Bank. “This investment in Phase 2 of the Regional Food Transportation System will increase collaboration and creative problem solving, helping to ensure that local pantries receive the food they need more efficiently, ultimately supporting individuals and families facing food insecurity.”
The Regional Food Transportation System addresses key challenges faced by local pantries, including limited storage capacity, transportation constraints, and uneven access to resources. By streamlining delivery routes and strengthening collaboration, the initiative maximizes available food supplies while reducing waste and operational strain.
This initiative is part of UWNCM’s broader commitment to ensuring that all residents in North Central Massachusetts have access to nutritious food and essential resources.
Chamber President Roy Nascimento testifying before the Fitchburg City Council recently on issues impacting local businesses.
The Chamber’s advocacy work continues to deliver results for members at every level of government
As a member of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, you have a powerful coalition advocating on your behalf every single day. From the halls of the State House to city council chambers and town halls across our 27-community region, your Chamber is working to create a better business climate, find new opportunities for economic growth, and address the challenges you face.
Why Advocacy Matters
In today’s complex regulatory environment, businesses face numerous challenges: rising health insurance costs, burdensome regulations, workforce shortages, tax policies and infrastructure needs that all impact competitiveness and daily operations. Individual businesses simply don’t have the time, resources, or access to effectively advocate for themselves at multiple levels of government.
Through your Chamber, you have a voice to ensure policy makers understand how their decisions can positively (or negatively) affect your business. With advocacy that is practical and not partisan, we are committed to supporting your business success and advancing economic growth across North Central Massachusetts.
Organizations aimed to leverage business interests are important allies on statewide and federal policy, but what they cannot offer is boots-on-the-ground knowledge that makes our region unique. Whether testifying at tax hearings in Lancaster, monitoring City Council meetings in Leominster and Fitchburg, or addressing zoning reforms in Sterling, we represent local employers, entrepreneurs and job creators. It’s this grassroots authenticity, combined with our deep knowledge of regional priorities and our relationships, that makes the Chamber’s advocacy uniquely powerful and an essential resource for your business.
“Our members are dealing with real challenges every day, from finding qualified workers to managing rising costs to navigating complex regulations,” says Tony Fields, president, ClearTech Group in Leominster, and chair of the Chamber’s board of directors. “They don’t have time to keep up with what’s happening at City Hall, the State House, and in Washington. That’s exactly what the Chamber does for us, and they deliver results.”
Advocacy Impact
Chamber leadership pictured with members of the Senate delegation and Anne Gobi, now Director of Rural Affairs, following a meeting at the Massachusetts State House.
Over the past two years, we’ve secured important victories and advanced key priorities to directly benefit our members and our region. At the local level, we’ve protected businesses from increased tax burdens by successfully advocating for favorable tax policies. At the federal level, we worked with a coalition of business groups to ensure provisions beneficial to manufacturers and small businesses were included in comprehensive tax legislation.
After extensive advocacy and collaboration with Great Wolf Lodge, we also achieved unanimous Fitchburg City Council approval for the region’s first Tourism Destination Marketing District outside Boston. This groundbreaking initiative will generate sustainable funding for tourism promotion, driving visitor spending to benefit participating hotels, as well as restaurants, retail establishments, and other attractions throughout the region. We’re now working to expand this successful model to additional communities. In the same vein, the Chamber continues advocating for state tourism trust fund reforms that would provide critical resources for regional promotion and support our communities.
We have been at the forefront of efforts to secure economic development funding for the region, working closely with our legislative delegation and state economic development officials, including recent meetings with the Lieutenant Governor and other administration officials, to ensure that North Central Massachusetts receives the resources needed to support business growth and community development projects.
On the Ground, Every Day
While policy wins make headlines, much of our most valuable advocacy work happens behind the scenes. Our staff routinely attends city council meetings in Fitchburg and Leominster to monitor issues affecting our members and provide real-time input on business concerns. But we don’t limit our focus to the region’s two largest communities, we maintain active relationships with municipal leaders across all 27 communities we serve, from Athol to Groton.
In the past year alone, we’ve testified before city and towns during discussions on taxes, zoning reforms, tourism and economic development matters, and provided expert testimony on numerous other local policy issues.
On Beacon Hill, we have testified on rising health insurance rates for businesses, a critical concern for employers trying to provide competitive benefits while managing costs. We’ve also testified in support of legislation that would bring passenger rail improvements and economic development opportunities to North Central Massachusetts and advocated for realistic timelines on electric vehicle mandates that balance environmental goals with practical business concerns.
“People don’t always see the day-to-day work that goes into effective advocacy,” notes Michelle Haggstrom, of Keller Williams North Central, chair of the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee, “but when the Chamber testifies on health insurance costs or works to secure funding for regional economic development, it directly impacts our ability to run successful businesses and strengthen our communities.”
We maintain regular communication with our state legislators, briefing them on regional priorities and connecting them with members. Through state and national chamber networks, including the U.S. Chamber’s Committee of 100, we ensure North Central Massachusetts has a seat at the table where critical decisions are made.
Individual Member Support
Members of the North Central Massachusetts legislative delegation pictured with Chamber leadership following a legislative briefing at the Chamber’s offices.
Beyond big-picture policy advocacy, we provide expert, hands-on support to individual members facing specific regulatory or policy challenges. When members need help navigating permitting processes, resolving compliance issues, accessing tax incentive programs, or connecting with the right officials, we take action.
“When concern grew among plastics manufacturers about proposed legislation to ban single-use plastics, one call to the Chamber was all it took,” says Lisa Rocheleau, treasurer, Rocheleau Tool & Die Company. “They immediately organized meetings with legislators to help them understand how these proposals would impact our local industry and the broader regional economy, and to explore more balanced approaches to sustainability. Rather than waiting for legislation to happen to us, the Chamber’s proactive advocacy helped us get ahead of it and have a constructive dialogue.”
“The value of the Chamber’s advocacy really hit home for me during the ballot question on tipped wages at the end of 2024,” shares John Amaral, owner, The Groton Inn and Forge and Vine Restaurant. “The Chamber immediately took the time to understand how the question would impact our business and our employees, connected us with the right people locally, and really leaned into educating local stakeholders on the potential impact. That kind of advocacy makes a real difference for our business.”
The Value Proposition
Your Chamber membership strengthens the collective voice of more than 650 individual members, helping to effectively engage with policymakers. For most businesses, maintaining relationships with officials, monitoring legislation, and testifying at hearings would be impossible individually. Together, we make it work.
Your Role
Effective advocacy requires your engagement, input and expertise about your industry and business needs. Throughout the year, we host forums, breakfast meetings, and legislative events to bring policymakers directly to you.
We encourage you to maximize the value of the Chamber’s advocacy efforts by staying informed through our updates and meetings, sharing your story when we ask for examples of how policies impact real businesses, participating in our events to build relationships with policymakers,
responding when we issue calls to action on critical legislation, and letting us know when you’re facing a regulatory or policy issue.
The Bottom Line
Every day, your Chamber is working to create a better business climate in North Central Massachusetts. From testifying on health insurance costs at the State House to monitoring local zoning discussions, from securing funding for regional initiatives to helping members navigate bureaucratic challenges, we’re your voice wherever it matters most.
“This is what sets great chambers apart,” says Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “It’s not just about ribbon cuttings and networking events, although those matter too. It’s about showing up wherever decisions are being made that affect our members’ ability to succeed. That’s the commitment we make to each member every single day.”
This is advocacy in action. This is what your membership supports. This is what makes the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce an essential partner in your business success.
Have a policy issue affecting your business? A question about upcoming legislation? Want to connect with a specific elected official?
Contact Travis Condon, director of public affairs, at or call (978) 353-7600.
Your voice matters, and we’re here to amplify it.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce represents nearly 700 member businesses across 27 communities, serving as the region’s leading business advocacy organization at the local, state, and federal levels.
The awards celebrated entrepreneurship in the region and showcased successful NCMDC clients who are helping to advance the region’s economy and communities.
“Our entrepreneurs represent the very best of what North Central Massachusetts has to offer, including the determination, innovation, and grit that make our regional economy thrive,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. “With so many outstanding nominees this year, selecting our honorees was no easy task. Every one of them has a story worth telling, and we are proud to recognize those whose contributions to their communities and to our regional economy are nothing short of remarkable.”
Nellye Molina / Dream Big Award Pictured Left to Right: Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation; Nellye Molina, owner of Lov’n Donuts in Leominster and recipient of the NCMDC’s Dream Big Award; and Dr. Mahmoud Al – Odeh, Dean of Business and Technology at Fitchburg State University
The Dream Big Award recognized Nellye Molina, owner of Lov’n Donuts, located in Leominster. This award recognizes a business owner from a traditionally underserved community or population, including low-income communities, minority-owned businesses, or women-owned businesses. Lov’n Donuts has been a beloved community gathering place since 1987. In 2023, Molina took ownership of the woman-owned small business and began writing its next chapter, one defined by growth, vision, and heart. Molina spent nearly two decades building expertise in the restaurant and hotel industries before taking the leap to business ownership, bringing that dedication to Lov’n Donuts and continuing to create a welcoming space for her community.
Marieke Cormier / Community Impact Award Pictured Left to Right: Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation; Marieke Cormier, owner of Roots Natural Foods in Leominster and recipient of the NCMDC’s Community Impact Award; and Dr. Mahmoud Al – Odeh, Dean of Business and Technology at Fitchburg State University.
The Community Impact Award recognized Marieke Cormier, owner of Roots Natural Foods, located in Leominster. This award recognizes a business providing needed services in the community. Roots Natural Foods was founded in 2002 by Cormier’s mother, offering organic groceries, vitamins and supplements, catering, and a beloved café. Cormier took the reins in 2011 and has grown the business into a community institution, serving as a gathering place, wellness hub, and supporter of local suppliers and causes for nearly a quarter century. Cormier has built a workplace grounded in respect and teamwork and has been instrumental in cultivating connection, health, and local pride in the Leominster community. She has not just run a business; she has helped cultivate connection, health, and local pride, one cup of coffee and one conversation at a time.
Beth Jaillet / Entrepreneur Success Award Pictured Left to Right: Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation; Jocelyn Jaillet, accepting on behalf of her mother Beth Jaillet, owner of MacMannis Florist & Greenhouse in Athol and recipient of the NCMDC’s Entrepreneur Success Award; and Dr. Mahmoud Al – Odeh, Dean of Business and Technology at Fitchburg State University.
The Entrepreneur Success Award recognized Beth Jaillet, owner of MacMannis Florist & Greenhouse, located in Athol. This award recognizes a business that has demonstrated growth by providing quality jobs and increasing revenue MacMannis Florist has been a trusted community landmark since the 1940s. After spending 20 years working within those walls, Jaillet purchased the business, rebranded it as MacMannis Florist & Greenhouse, expanded its offerings, and has continued to build on the shop’s legacy while adding hands-on workshops that bring community members together.
In addition to the recognition, these three small business clients of the NCMDC also took home cash awards of $500 each.
During the program, the Chamber also presented its Community Partner of the Year and Banker of the Year awards.
Kevin Kuros / Community Partner of the Year Pictured Left to Right: Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation; Kevin Kuros, Central Massachusetts Regional Director of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development and recipient of the NCMDC’s Community Partner of the Year Award; and Dr. Michael Greenwood, Business Department Chair at Fitchburg State University.
Kevin Kuros, Central Massachusetts Regional Director of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, was recognized as the Community Partner of the Year for his support and active partnership with the NCMDC in supporting start-up businesses. Kuros has hosted office hours alongside the NCMDC team, connecting entrepreneurs directly to state programs for capital access, permitting, and site selection, and has been an active partner in business expansion projects across the region. He has also been a consistent referral source for the NCMDC’s microloan program, accompanying staff on site visits and bringing a hands-on, collaborative approach to his work with the region’s entrepreneurs.
Martin F. Connors, Jr. / Banker of the Year Pictured Left to Right: Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation; Martin F. Connors, Jr., Executive Chair of the Rollstone Bank & Trust Board of Directors and recipient of the NCMDC’s Banker of the Year Award; and Dr. Michael Greenwood, Business Department Chair at Fitchburg State University.
Martin F. Connors, Jr., former President and CEO of Rollstone Bank & Trust, was honored with the Banker of the Year Award in recognition of his exceptional and long-standing commitment to the NCMDC and the small business community. Under Connors’ leadership, Rollstone agreed to serve as the administrator of the NCMDC’s revolving microloan fund, providing the billing and operational infrastructure that keeps the program running. The bank also made direct financial contributions to the NCMDC over the years, support that has helped sustain a program that has deployed over $27 million in microloans and helped create thousands of jobs across the region. Connors recently retired as President and CEO and now serves as Executive Chair of Rollstone’s Board and Vice Chair of the River Run Board, Rollstone’s parent company. He has also served as a past Chair of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and as a board member of United Way and HealthAlliance Hospital, among others.
The event also featured a Small Business Showcase with more than 25 exhibitor tables, giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect with business owners, lenders, and professional service providers. Attendees voted for their favorite table display, with the winner receiving a $100 Gift Local gift card.
Special thanks to Premier and Award Recipient Sponsor Fitchburg State University; Corporate Sponsors Fidelity Bank and Workers’ Credit Union Partner Sponsors Main Street Bank, TD Bank, and Bay State Bank; Bag Sponsor Beacon Bank; and sound production by Central Mass Productions.
Green Leaf Construction today announced it has earned a National Health and Safety Merit Award from Associated Builders and Contractors, which was presented at the 36th annual Excellence in Construction® Awards during ABC Convention 2026 in Salt Lake City on March 19.
Presented to just 59 contractors nationwide, Green Leaf Construction earned the award for their excellence in health and safety on a National level.
“This award is a testament to all of the team members at Green Leaf; without their knowledge, expertise and ongoing commitment to doing things right while sending everyone home safe at the end of the day, we would not have achieved this recognition”, said Andy McBeth, President of Green Leaf.
The 2025 National Health and Safety Excellence Award winners were selected from ABC member firms that achieved Diamond, Platinum or Gold status in ABC’s STEP® Health and Safety Management System in 2025, reflective of their 2024 safety performance data. During the selection process, contractors were judged on self-evaluation scores, lost workday case rates, total recordable incident rates, leading indicator use, process and program innovations and interviews conducted by members of ABC’s National Health and Safety Committee.
“The safety record of Green Leaf speaks for itself, setting the standard for a culture of care for its people,” said 2026 Chair of the ABC National Board of Directors Thomas “Murph” Murphy, vice president of Power & Construction Group, Scottsville, New York. “Safety values remain consistent for Green Leaf, which are nearly seven times safer than the industry average. They are employers of choice because they refuse to compromise on health and safety for every single employee. Thank you to these safety leaders for transforming the status quo.”
The National Health and Safety Excellence Awards are presented in three major North American Industry Classification System code categories: NAICS 236—Construction of Buildings; NAICS 237—Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction; and NAICS 238—Specialty Trade Contractors.
STEP provides contractors and suppliers with a robust, no-cost framework for measuring safety data and benchmarking with peers in the industry, which enables top-performing ABC members to achieve incident rates 658% safer than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics construction industry average. The self-assessment tool helps participants identify real opportunities for scalable growth in their health and safety programs to lower their total recordable incident rates.
CNA, ABC’s longest-standing strategic partner, is the presenting sponsor of the National Health and Safety Excellence Awards. CNA’s dedicated construction team delivers a deep understanding, attentive approach and carefully tailored solutions that help contractors navigate unique and evolving risk management and insurance needs.
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.”
It’s a straightforward mission, but one that requires a level of trust that goes well beyond a mop and a vacuum. And for nearly five decades, Custom Cleaning Service has been earning that trust.
A Legacy Built on Reliability
The company was founded in 1977 by Jean and David Carlucci of Peabody, MA, and has since grown into a regionally recognized name in commercial cleaning and janitorial services. Today, it has established a footprint in North Central and Western MA, in addition to the company’s Peabody location. Adam Paicos, Jean’s son-in-law lives in Templeton with his wife and two young boys. The family ownership structure reflects something the company takes seriously: a personal stake in every client relationship.
Custom Cleaning serves a wide range of commercial environments, including financial institutions, professional offices, medical and dental practices, and commercial properties. The company specializes in multi-location accounts and currently services multiple branches for regional financial institutions. It also handles parking lot and structure cleaning for large businesses and works with general contractors on post-construction cleanups.
Consistency as a Competitive Edge
In an industry where quality can vary widely from one visit to the next, Custom Cleaning Service has made consistency its calling card. The company uses modern technology systems to track employee performance, verify time on site, and confirm that all tasks are completed to standard, complemented by routine supervisory inspections and quality control checks.
“This allows us to deliver dependable, high-quality service across multiple locations, which is something many companies struggle to maintain,” Paicos explains.
That commitment extends to the company’s workplace culture as well. Employees are expected to show up consistently, take pride in their work, and understand the stakes of operating in environments where trust is critical. Those who identify and report security risks at client sites, communicate effectively, and perform at a high level are recognized and rewarded.
The approach is working. One of the company’s proudest recent achievements has been earning the confidence of a large financial institution and delivering consistent service across 10 branch locations under a multi-year contract.
Rooted in North Central Massachusetts
Custom Cleaning Service has deep ties to the region it serves. Through involvement with local chambers and networking events, Paicos has built strong relationships with business owners and decision makers throughout Central Massachusetts. The company supports local recreation departments through youth sports sponsorships and extends discounts to fellow chamber members as a way of investing in the small business community.
“Relationships matter here,” Paicos says of North Central Massachusetts, “and that creates an environment where trust, reliability, and reputation carry real value.”
Looking Ahead
The company’s growth trajectory is pointed firmly westward and outward. Custom Cleaning Service is investing in the systems and processes needed to scale across Central and Western Massachusetts, while maintaining the same standard of quality its clients have come to rely on. Radio advertising and digital marketing have recently been added to the mix to expand brand awareness, complementing the chamber and networking connections that have long been the company’s most effective growth engine.
For a business that has been quietly keeping offices clean and clients confident since 1977, the future looks bright.
Custom Cleaning Service of Peabody, Inc. is locally operated in Templeton, MA. For more information, contact Adam Paicos at or 978-894-6969.
The 42nd Annual Business Meeting and Luncheon for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg.
As the region’s cornerstone annual event, the Chamber’s Annual Business Meeting brings together hundreds of business and community leaders from across North Central Massachusetts to honor the people and accomplishments that are moving North Central Massachusetts forward. In addition to the Chamber’s annual recognition awards and commencement for the Community Leadership Institute Class of 2026, the event will also feature a tabletop Business Expo to showcase local businesses. The expo will provide exhibitors with a unique opportunity to reach business and community leaders from throughout North Central Massachusetts attending the event. The Business Expo will begin at 10:30 a.m.; the Annual Meeting and Luncheon will run from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; and the Business Expo will close out the day from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m.
The Chamber’s Annual Meeting celebrates businesses and leaders working together to ensure a prosperous future for North Central Massachusetts, and is funded by the generous support of businesses and organizations who are committed to that goal, including:
Annual Meeting Sponsor: Fidelity Bank
Business Expo Sponsors: Fitchburg State University and Workers Credit Union
Supporting Sponsors: Great Wolf Lodge; Guild of St. Agnes of Worcester, Inc., Mount Wachusett Community College; Rocheleau Tool & Die; and Rockland Trust
Media Sponsor: FATV
This year’s keynote speaker is Governor Maura Healey, the 73rd Governor of Massachusetts. First elected in 2022, Governor Healey made history as the first woman elected Governor in Massachusetts history and the first openly lesbian Governor elected in the United States. Prior to serving as Governor, she served two terms as Massachusetts Attorney General. Since taking office, Governor Healey has focused on lowering the cost of health care, housing and energy, creating jobs, and growing Massachusetts’ economic leadership in cutting-edge sectors like life sciences, climatetech, advanced manufacturing and applied AI. She will speak to the strength of Massachusetts’ economy, especially in the North Central region, and the urgency behind her efforts related to affordability and business growth.
Registrations for the Annual Business Meeting and Luncheon are being accepted through June 10. The cost is $65 per person for members and $80 per person for non-members and includes lunch. Reservations are required. Supporting sponsorships, expo tables and tables of ten are also available. For more information about the event, contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600, ext. 222 or ext. 235, or via email at .
Behind every strong local economy are the tools, resources, and partnerships that help businesses grow and that’s exactly where our work continues to make an impact.
Expanding Access to Small Business Funding
Through the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), we’re helping entrepreneurs access the capital they need to succeed, especially those who may not qualify for traditional financing.
Right now, the NCMDC manages 90 active loans totaling over $3.3 million, representing a significant investment in our local business community. Since October 2025 alone, we’ve closed 5 new loans totaling more than $280,000, supporting projects that have helped create or retain 49 jobs across the region.
These investments go even further by leveraging additional private funding, amplifying the impact of every dollar. And with more than $1.4 million currently in the pipeline, we’re seeing strong momentum continue into the year ahead.
Providing Hands-On Business Support
Access to funding is just one piece of the puzzle. Our economic development team also works directly with businesses to help them grow and succeed.
In just the first quarter of the fiscal year, we’ve delivered over 400 hours of technical assistance to local entrepreneurs, from startups to established companies looking to scale. This includes support with loan preparation, marketing strategies, and connecting businesses with the right partners and resources.
By combining direct support with a strong network of resource partners, we’re helping create long-term, sustainable growth across our region.
Launching a New Era for Tourism
We also marked a major milestone this year with the launch of North Central Massachusetts’ first Tourism Destination Marketing District on January 1, 2026.
This new, business-led initiative gives participating hotels a stronger voice in how tourism marketing funds are used, creating a more sustainable and locally driven approach to attracting visitors. While funding will begin rolling out later this spring, planning is already well underway.
This model not only strengthens our tourism strategy but also positions the region to compete more effectively for visitor spending, bringing new energy and economic activity to our communities.
This spring marks a strong return to momentum for Visit North Central Massachusetts (VNCM), the Chamber’s destination marketing arm, as we continue working to showcase everything our region has to offer.
Building Momentum for the Season Ahead
After a delayed start to the fiscal year due to state contract timing, our team hit the ground running in December, launching winter and spring marketing efforts designed to regain momentum and position the region for a successful tourism season.
Our strategy remains focused on highlighting North Central Massachusetts as an accessible, high-value New England destination. Campaigns centered around messages like “Everything You Love About New England… A Lot Closer to Home” and “Drive to, not through, North Central MA” continue to reinforce that our region is a destination worth exploring, not just passing through.
With strong media partnerships and renewed advertising efforts now underway, we’re building visibility at a critical time as we head into spring and summer.
Supporting Local Businesses Through Tourism
Tourism plays a key role in strengthening our communities, by bringing visitors to local shops, restaurants, attractions, and events that make our region unique.
While early winter performance reflected the impact of delayed funding, severe weather, and broader travel trends, our website and digital platforms continue to serve as important tools for connecting visitors with local experiences. From seasonal guides to an up-to-date events calendar, we’re helping showcase the people, places, and businesses that define North Central Massachusetts.
At the same time, our social media presence continues to grow, with a highly engaged audience of more than 49,000 followers across platforms. Even during slower periods, organic content highlighting local businesses, events, and experiences has remained strong keeping our communities front and center.
Looking Ahead
As marketing campaigns ramp up this spring, we expect to see continued growth in visibility, engagement, and visitation. More importantly, that growth translates into real impacts supporting small businesses, driving foot traffic, and bringing new energy into our downtowns and communities.
Because at the end of the day, tourism isn’t just about attracting visitors, it’s about creating vibrant places where people want to explore, connect, and come back to again and again.
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.”
The Power of Connection
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.
Tough Stuff Recycling’s Contribution
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.
About Tough Stuff Recycling
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.
Our advocacy work is rooted in something simple but powerful; building strong communities by supporting the businesses, policies, and partnerships that help our region thrive.
From Local Conversations to Regional Impact
We kicked off the year by connecting with newly elected leaders in Fitchburg and Leominster, an important step in building relationships that ensure the Chamber and our members are part of the conversation from the start. These early connections help position us as a trusted resource and partner as communities plan for the future.
That work continues on the ground every day. We stay actively engaged by attending city council meetings, monitoring local issues, and providing input on key decisions that impact both businesses and residents. Recent conversations around local tax policies in Clinton and Lancaster are a good example, while technical on the surface, these decisions play a major role in long-term community stability. Supporting balanced, sustainable approaches helps create an environment where businesses can grow, invest, and remain rooted in the region.
At the same time, we’re continuing to advocate for restoring tourism funding in Leominster. Tourism plays an important role in supporting small businesses, bringing energy to downtowns, and driving local economic activity, benefiting the broader community in the process.
Bringing Our Region’s Voice to Beacon Hill
Our advocacy efforts extend beyond the local level as we work closely with state leaders on issues that matter to North Central Massachusetts.
A key priority continues to be regional economic development funding, which supports small business lending, workforce development programs, and technical assistance across the region. These resources are essential to helping businesses start, grow, and succeed, while also strengthening the overall economic health of our communities.
We’re also advocating for updates to the state’s Tourism Trust Fund to ensure it keeps pace with today’s economy and continues to support effective destination marketing. Investments like these help bring visitors to the region, supporting local businesses and creating a ripple effect across the economy.
In addition, we collaborate with coalitions across the state to weigh in on broader policy issues that impact businesses and communities alike. Whether it’s tourism investment, economic development, or emerging legislation, our goal is to help shape solutions that balance growth, sustainability, and long-term success.
At the Chamber, we’re focused on more than just supporting businesses, we’re building connections, creating opportunities, and celebrating the people and organizations that make our region thrive.
Making Connections More Accessible
Our Meet & Greets initiative continues to grow as a simple but impactful way for local businesses to connect. These smaller, more relaxed gatherings give members the chance to network with peers, meet Chamber staff, and stay up to date on programs and resources, all in a more approachable setting than our larger events.
We’ve intentionally hosted these events in communities outside our larger cities to make participation easier across the region. This past fall, Meet & Greets were held at Templewood Golf Course in Phillipston, Settlers Green in Lunenburg, and Ellinwood Country Club in Athol.
In January, we brought the event to downtown Athol in partnership with Athol Credit Union and the Polus Center, with a focus on local revitalization efforts. It was a great opportunity to connect businesses, community leaders, and local officials around shared goals.
Interested in hosting a future Meet & Greet? We’d love to hear from you.
Recognizing the People Behind the Progress
In 2025, we launched our Member Recognition Series as part of the Good Morning North Central breakfast program and it’s quickly become a favorite.
The series highlights businesses and organizations making a real impact, from milestone anniversaries to major community projects. So far, we’ve celebrated companies like Catania Oils (125 years), Fitchburg Art Museum (100 years), and Foster-Healey Real Estate (100 years), along with many others.
We’ve also presented Community Enhancement Awards to standout projects, including NewVue Communities’ , Fitchburg Arts Community, The Tocci Group’s redevelopment of the Foster-Healey Building, and Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School’s MVP Academy.
With new honorees featured at each breakfast, this program continues to spotlight the innovation, dedication, and growth happening across North Central Massachusetts.
Nominations are open year-round so if you know a business or organization making a difference, be sure to submit them!
