Believe it or not, CASA Project is already preparing for the next school year! We’re looking ahead to the bright futures of the children we serve. Starting early allows us to gather personal requests, grade-specific classroom lists, and the hundreds of essential supplies needed to ensure each child is set up for educational and social-emotional success.
The youth we serve often face changes in both homes and schools, making access to basic school supplies a challenge. Our goal is to provide every child we advocate for with a brand-new, personalized backpack filled with the tools they need to thrive in the 2025-2026 academic year.
You can help make that possible! By donating items from our thoughtfully curated Wishlist, your gifts will be shipped directly to our office and distributed to the students we serve.
Twenty-four of the region’s up-and-coming leaders recognized for community service, engagement
Twenty-four of the region’s brightest, up-and-coming leaders were honored by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce for completing the Chamber’s annual Community Leadership Institute (CLI) program. The Class of 2025 were recognized during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting held on June 12 at Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg.
CLI is a nine-month program focused on providing local, high-potential professionals who are nominated for participation to enhance individual leadership skills, obtain a stronger understanding of the region, and grow deeper connections to business and community leaders.
“The Chamber developed CLI to inspire a new generation of community leaders to enthusiastically assume important roles in their communities while motivating participants from diverse backgrounds to be influential in our region’s future,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.
Mike Greenwood, Ph.D., chair of the business and technology department at Fitchburg State University and chairperson of the CLI program, was impressed by the caliber of this year’s class. “I am amazed with the dedication, creativity and motivation of our participants,” said Dr. Greenwood. “Programs like CLI are important to our community and help ensure a continuity of leadership, engagement and service as our region’s current leaders pass the baton to the next generation”
The program runs from October through June and includes an orientation and eight, day-long sessions on various topic areas, including Personal Leadership; Non-Profit Governance/Volunteerism; Media and Crisis Communications; Healthcare; Law and Justice; Arts and Culture; Legislation/Public Policy; Manufacturing; and Economic Development.
In addition, participants complete community service projects with a goal of positively impacting the community. This year’s class engaged in numerous initiatives, including organizing food collections for a local food pantry, collecting professional clothing for Fitchburg State University students, supporting a classmate who started a non-profit to benefit cancer patients, and provided numerous financial literacy sessions to students across the North Central Massachusetts region. The group also attended events and advocated on behalf of various local non-profits. Their community engagement continues beyond graduation – the class is currently proposing mental health legislation, creating a support group for mothers and hosting a murder mystery gala on September 27, 2025 to benefit Ginny’s Helping Hand in Leominster. Tickets and sponsorships are available for the gala.
The Class of 2025 found tremendous value in their CLI experience. When asked about their favorite aspects of the program, participants consistently highlighted the relationships with fellow classmates as the most meaningful takeaway. The leadership lessons, site visits, community connections, deeper understanding of the local region, and collaborative community projects were also cited as highly valued components of the program.
Graduates of the CLI Class of 2025 and their sponsors are as follows:
Ely Aguilera, Rollstone Bank & Trust Hannah Bovill, Bemis Associates Stefanae Bowen, Mount Wachusett Community College Marian Colon, Enterprise Bank & Trust Catherine Comerford, Workers Credit Union Travis Condon, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Emily Dewey, IC Credit Union Danielle Duval, All One Credit Union Rosa Fernandez, Health Equity Partnership of North Central Mass Inc Luisa Fernandez, Fitchburg Public Schools Calla, Flannery, Workers Credit Union Jacqui Girouard, AIS, Inc. Nathan Glenny, Fitchburg Access Television Deb Hinkle, Fitchburg Public Library Lauren Howe, empHowered PR Brittany Knowles, Bin There Dump That Meghan Maceiko, Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts Sabbra Reyes, Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center Brandon Robbins, Ginny’s Helping Hand Eladia Romero, Rep. James McGovern Jake Simopoulos, Office of Senator John J. Cronin Kristen Smith, NXT Level Studios Sarah Tavitian, NewVue Communities Lynese Wiafe, Fitchburg State University
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Tomten Biketown in Leominster is expanding its product line with a new inventory of running shoes now available for purchase in the showroom located at 1029 Central Street. The carefully selected collection includes brands such as Altra, Craft, Salomon, Saucony, Topo, and Balega.
This expansion is a natural fit for the expertise of the shop’s staff, who have been dedicated to helping customers enjoy a great cycling experience. Dustin and Andrew bring a background in sports shoe sales, while Jim serves as a track coach. They are all equipped to assist customers in finding the right shoe for various needs, whether for road running, trail running, competition, or casual use. The shop’s convenient location makes it easy for customers to stop by and leave ready to run.
Tomten Biketown has been an integral part of the Leominster community since 2016. With a vibrant population passionate about outdoor recreation, Tomten is committed to helping its customers stay active, healthy, and enjoy their time outdoors.
As part of a statewide initiative to support students historically underrepresented in higher education, Clinton High School, Fitchburg State University, and Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner have entered into a collaboration allowing students to complete college-level coursework while earning their high school diplomas.
Through the partnership, Clinton High School seniors will be able to participate in dual enrollment courses at FSU and MWCC. The collaboration looks to significantly reduce the cost and time to earn a college degree while providing greater access to career readiness programs, according to a Wednesday press release from MWCC.
Participating students will receive guidance and direction in navigating college life, preparing for college coursework, and exploring career options.
The trio’s partnership is part of Massachusetts’ Early College Initiative, the brainchild of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Launched in 2017, the program provides students across the state, particularly prospective first-generation college students, with access to college completion and career success, according to the program’s website.
“Early College programs are a key component of providing equitable access to higher education. This partnership allows us to reach more students in the region and provide them with the tools and support they need to succeed in their academic and career pursuits,” MWCC President James Vander Hooven said in the release.
Clinton High School seniors will be able to start taking courses at MWCC’s Leominster campus this fall.
The state’s Early College program includes 55 other partnerships throughout the commonwealth, including nine in Central Massachusetts, according to the website. MWCC participates in four other Early College programs with eight high schools, and FSU participates in three programs with seven high schools.
MWCC and FSU began jointly participating in the Early College program in 2019, Nia Carignan, MWCC associate director of public relations and communications, said in an email to WBJ.
“We are deeply grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for investing in Early College opportunities that open doors for students at Clinton High School,” FSU President Donna Hodge said in the release. “We know Early College works, and at Fitchburg State, we’re proud to stand alongside our K–12 partners to expand access, increase opportunity, and help students see college as part of their future.”
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved financing of $122,500 for costs associated toward the purchase of Country Pizza, located at 6 Ashby State Road in Fitchburg. NewVue Communities assisted with developing the business plan for the ownership transition.
Established in 1989, Country Pizza has been serving the Fitchburg community for over 35 years, becoming a trusted neighborhood destination for families and pizza lovers alike. The business was recently sold to Sara J. Clark and Murry W. Clark, who plan to operate Country Pizza as a family business along with their son and daughter, who both currently work at the business.
Sara began working in the pizza industry as a teenager and has been serving customers at Country Pizza the past 15 years. Since 2022, she has served as manager of the business, which offers pizza, a variety of sandwiches, salads, subs, and traditional Italian dishes.
“The pizza business has been part of my life for a number of years, and I’m thrilled with the opportunity to continue serving our customers as the new owner of this long-standing business in Fitchburg,” said Sara Clark. “Country Pizza has been like a home to me, and I am grateful to the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, NewVue Communities, and my family for not only supporting me in this endeavor but also believing in me and providing guidance so I could officially purchase the business that has given so much to me and my family over the years.”
As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.
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For businesses across the region seeking efficient and stress-free freight solutions, Casey Brokerage in Leominster, MA, is a trusted partner. Though the company was originally established in 1984, it began a new chapter in January 2025 when Justin Boucher and his father took over operations. With decades of entrepreneurial experience under their belts, the Bouchers are dedicated to solving logistics challenges with a personal touch.
So, what exactly does Casey Brokerage do? As a freight brokerage firm, they connect shippers with carriers, ensuring that goods move smoothly, quickly, and reliably. But Justin is quick to point out that they’re “more than just a middleman.”
“We’re problem solvers,” says Boucher. “Our goal is to simplify freight logistics by providing reliable, personalized solutions that save time and reduce stress for our clients.”
At the core of Casey Brokerage is a strong commitment to customer service. The team prides itself on being available 24/7 by phone or email, providing peace of mind to clients who know help is always just a call away.
Though Casey Brokerage is their newest venture, Justin and his father are no strangers to running a business. They’ve co-owned and operated several successful companies together over the years, including:
Eastern Carrier Service – a same/next-day New England delivery service founded in 1994.
Leominster Transmission – which they managed for ten years before transitioning to new opportunities.
The father-son team brings a proven track record of dependable service and a collaborative, hands-on approach to everything they do. That experience has shaped the workplace culture at Casey Brokerage, one that values responsiveness, innovation, and integrity.
While they’re still settling into their latest role as freight brokers, Justin and his father are excited for what lies ahead. Their deep roots in North Central Massachusetts and decades of logistics experience position them well for growth and impact.
If you’re a business looking to streamline your shipping process or solve complex logistics challenges, Casey Brokerage is ready to help. For more information or to get in touch, reach out to Justin directly at or call 508-572-3822.
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Tony Fields, president and CEO of Cleartech Group, an IT solutions provider based in Leominster, Massachusetts has been elected Chair of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce board of directors for 2025-2026. The announcement was made at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting on June 12, 2025. As the Chair of the Chamber’s board of directors, he will work with fellow board members, Chamber staff, and membership, to champion the Chamber in its mission to serve the region’s business community.
Tony brings over three decades of technology industry experience to his new role. Growing up in a family immersed in computing—his father Tim Fields founded TAF Computer Services in the 1980s—Tony enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1992 as a Computer Operator, where he gained experience supporting Novell and Microsoft Networks. After his military service, he advanced through IT roles as a Network Administrator, Project Lead, and Senior Network Engineer before becoming an entrepreneur in 2004 with a Computer Troubleshooters franchise in Leominster.
In 2017, Tony founded Cleartech Group with the mission to “support businesses with technology that will allow them to grow and prosper.” Under his leadership, he grew his business from a home-based operation to a ten-employee Managed Service Provider.
A graduate of Park University, the Goldman Sachs 10KSB and SBA Emerging Leader program, Tony was recognized as the 2020 Massachusetts SBA Minority Owned Business of the Year. He is active in community youth programs and also serves as Chair of the Board of LUK, Inc. Fields joined the Chamber’s board of directors in 2021 and has served in leadership roles including Treasurer.
He succeeds Barbara Mahoney, president and CEO of All-One Credit Union, who now moves to the position of Immediate Past Chair of the board of directors.
“When I started my first business, the Chamber’s support was invaluable to me. Now, as a more seasoned entrepreneur, I have seen firsthand how the Chamber connects businesses and strengthens our communities,” said Fields. “My goal is to continue that momentum—supporting local businesses, attracting visitors to our region, and maintaining the collaborative spirit that makes North Central Massachusetts special.”
“Tony brings exactly what we need in a board chair—entrepreneurial insight, collaborative leadership, and genuine passion for our region,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “He understands both the challenges and opportunities facing our business community.”
In the same election, Allie Catlin, owner, Smith’s Country Cheese, located in Winchendon, was elected Vice Chair. Melissa Glenny, president, Franklin Professional Associates, located in Leominster, was elected to the position of Treasurer.
Board members elected for new terms were
Joseph Basile, president, Catania Oils, Ayer
Mark Hettinger, president and CEO, GFA Federal Credit Union, Gardner
Donna Hodge, president, Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg
Barbara Mahoney, president & CEO, All-One Credit Union, Leominster
Alex Matthews, general manager, Great Wolf Lodge New England, Fitchburg
Kayla Nault, owner of DeBonis & Davin Florist, Fitchburg; Sage Home Collections, Leominster; and Salt + Sage, Townsend
Continuing current terms on the board of directors are
James Vander Hooven, president, Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner
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Governor Maura Healey announces the initiative. (HEC photo)
This is the latest Advancing Heath Equity in Massachusetts (AHEM) to be announced by the Healey-Driscoll administration and the first one in Central Massachusetts.
The Health Foundation has awarded a three-year, $250,000 grant to the Health Equity Partnership to support this work, which was covered by the State House News Service.
The summit was the third such event hosted by the Health Equity Compact, which brings together over 85 leaders of color who aim to advance health equity in Massachusetts. Compact members are high-level executives and experts from a diverse set of health, business, labor, and philanthropic organizations, including hospitals, health centers, payers, academic institutions, and public health.
(L-R) Health Equity Partnership Executive Director Chelsey Patriss, Executive Office of Health and Human Services Director of Health Policy and Strategic Initiatives Eliza Lake, and Foundation President and CEO Dr. Amie Shei. (THFCM photo)
LUK, Inc. was recently awarded the $10,000 Impact Award from the 100 Women Who Care of Greater Westford.
Launched in 2022, 100 Women Who Care is a Giving Circle comprised of women from Greater Westford with a desire to support nonprofits in the local community. The group gives to nonprofits quarterly and is one of more than 650 chapters of the 100+ Who Care Alliance across the globe.
LUK was nominated as the recipient of the award to support their Community Behavioral Health Clinic. The funds will help to provide safe and comforting spaces for therapy services and to offset LUK’s free care pool.
“LUK is so appreciative of the 100 Women Who Care,” says LUK President, Beth Barto. “Their donation will help children, youth, and families heal from challenging life events in a safe and supportive environment.”
LUK, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the safety, health, and well-being of youth, families, and adults in Central Massachusetts. As a community-based organization, LUK’s mission is to challenge and inspire youth, adults, and families to realize their unique potential through community-based prevention, intervention, education, and support services.
For more information about LUK, Inc., visit www.LUK.org, call (800) 579-0000, or find us on Facebook (@LetUsKnowINC). Join us in building stronger communities, family by family!
The United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) has successfully completed its annual April Foods Drive, distributing more than 7,500 pounds of food—valued at $14,625—to local agencies. The drive provided essential nutrition to 900 families and a total of 2,250 individuals across the region.
From April through June, donation boxes were placed in libraries, schools, grocery stores, and partner businesses throughout North Central Massachusetts. Community members responded generously, filling the boxes with nutritious, non-perishable items for local families in need. In addition to community donations, UWNCM partnered with local food pantries to distribute the food and teamed up with Growing Places to include fresh, locally grown produce such as apples, lettuce and asparagus. To ensure a balanced supply of food, UWNCM also purchased additional staple items.
Volunteers from The Club: Lunenburg Teen Center — Mackenzie, Charlotte, Molly, Jules, and Andy — loaded donations into the car of Julie Meehan, Executive Director of the Gardner Community Action Committee, during the April Foods 2025 Drive.
The overall impact of the drive totaled $26,533, thanks to $10,332 in in-kind donations and the efforts of 21 volunteers, who contributed 52 hours of service—valued at $1,650.
UWNCM also extends special thanks to Local Roots Cannabis Crafted and Christ Church Fitchburg for their donations toward fresh produce, Catania Oil for contributing two pallets of cooking oil (110 cases), and Point32Health for providing bags and hand sanitizer to support the drive.
“No one in our community should have to worry about their next meal. This food drive is a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can make a real difference. Every donation, big or small, helps put food on someone’s table and hope in their heart,” said Judy Tomlinson, UWNCM Director of Community Impact.
Among the many dedicated volunteers were staff from The Club: Lunenburg Teen Center, who have supported the food drive for several years.
“We’ve been volunteering for UWNCM’s food drive twice a year for the past four years,” said Michelle Belleza, Executive Director of the Club. “It’s one way we can ‘LIVE UNITED’ and give back for all the support we receive—from funding to volunteers to training. Helping load up hundreds of pounds of food makes us feel like partners in this work, not just beneficiaries. The UWNCM is a vital part of our village, and we’re proud to support the broader community it serves.”
To learn more or find ways to support future food drives, visit www.uwncm.org.
Agencies receiving donations:
Catholic Charities Worcester County
Clear Path for Veterans New England
Community Pantry at Athol High School
Gardner CAC
Ginny’s Helping Hand, Inc.
Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, Inc.
Lunenburg Community Food Pantry
The Society of St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry at St. Joseph Church Fitchburg
Saint Leo’s Parish Church Food Pantry
The Salvation Army Athol Corps
The Salvation Army of Fitchburg/Leominster
The Spanish American Center, Inc.
Winchendon CAC
YMCA of Athol Food Pantry
Knowles honored at North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting for exceptional service as program chairperson
Brittany Knowles, owner of Bin There Dump That – Central Massachusetts, was recognized for her exceptional leadership as outgoing chairperson of the Chamber’s Connect North Central networking program during the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on June 12, 2025.
Connect North Central is the Chamber’s monthly networking program that meets the last Friday of each month, providing opportunities for business professionals to build relationships, share ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that benefit the regional business community.
“Brittany has led our Connect North Central program with incredible enthusiasm and energy,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “She doesn’t just show up—she shows up ready to connect, collaborate, and champion other businesses in our region. Her genuine passion for building relationships and supporting fellow entrepreneurs embodies exactly what our Chamber is all about.”
Together with her husband Anthony, Knowles operates Bin There Dump That – Central Massachusetts, a locally owned and operated business that is both veteran and woman-owned. The company is dedicated to providing residential-friendly roll-off dumpster rentals throughout the region, serving homeowners and contractors with reliable waste management solutions.
Knowles’ involvement with the Chamber extends well beyond her leadership of Connect North Central. She also serves as a Chamber Ambassador, welcoming new members and representing the organization at ribbon cuttings and community events. Additionally, she is a 2025 graduate of the Chamber’s prestigious Community Leadership Institute, a nine-month program that develops emerging leaders through education on community issues, personal leadership development, and collaborative community projects.
Under Knowles’ leadership, the Connect North Central program has continued to thrive as a vital networking opportunity for Chamber members. Her commitment extends far beyond her role as chairperson—she is known as an enthusiastic Chamber member who regularly attends events, participates in various programs, and actively promotes networking opportunities to fellow business owners.
“Being involved with the Chamber and leading Connect North Central has been incredibly rewarding,” said Knowles. “There’s something special about bringing business leaders together and watching new relationships and collaborations form. Our region has so many talented entrepreneurs and business owners, and programs like Connect North Central help us support each other’s success.”
Knowles’ impact on the program reflects her broader commitment to the North Central Massachusetts business community. Her approach to leadership—focused on connection, collaboration, and genuine support for fellow businesses—has made Connect North Central a valuable resource for networking and professional development in the region.
The Connect North Central program continues to welcome new participants interested in expanding their professional networks and contributing to the regional business community. Business professionals interested in attending Connect North Central meetings or learning more about Chamber networking opportunities are encouraged to contact the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 978.353.7600 ext. 239 or visit northcentralmass.com.
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Join MassCEO on July 30th at Framingham State University to learn more about employee ownership models and how they may help your business!
