The Highlands Life Care Center is having a kick off of for “Santa’s Highlands Hotline” starting Monday, December 16th at 2pm through Tuesday, December 24 from 3pm – 5pm. The Mayor and her elves will be there to kick off the special holiday event. There will be a dedicated phone number for children to call and talk to Santa, Mrs. Claus or the designated elves.
Event Details:
What: Santa’s Highland Hotline
When: The event runs from Monday, December 16 – December 24, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Phone Line: Dial (978) 353-7344 to call and chat with Santa, Mrs. Claus, or an elf!
Join in the fun and spread the word about Santa’s Highlands Hotline.
As your dynamic partner in North Central Massachusetts, we continue to drive initiatives that strengthen our business community and foster regional growth. Our impact spans from direct business support to innovative community development, and we are pleased to share these updates with you that are not covered elsewhere in the newsletter.
SMALL BUSINESS LENDING: Our commitment to small business remains strong. For FY2024 which ended September 30, 2024, the Chamber’s economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), approved and closed 27 loans to small businesses for a total of $1,101,500. The loans ranged from $1,000 to $250,000 and helped leverage another $2,424,000 in capital from our banking partners and $158,329 in borrower capital. These loans helped create 19.5 new jobs and retained another 29.5 jobs. We currently have a total of 98 loans in our loan portfolio with a total principal balance of $3,149,392.
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE: Beyond lending, our team also provided a total of 2,175 hours of hands on technical assistance in FY2024 to small businesses in the region. We also connected them with resources available through our partners like NewVue Communities, the Small Business Development Center at Clark University (SBDC), SCORE and the Center for Women and Enterprise (CWE). In addition, we continue to connect them as needed with professionals who can provide technical assistance beyond the scope of what we can do directly, including services for marketing, public relations, website/media design, bookkeeping and legal.
INITIATE PROSPERITY: FREE ONLINE RESOURCES: Members have access to Initiate Prosperity, our comprehensive online platform featuring 300+ business resources in English and Spanish. Since launching in October 2023, users have logged 70+ hours accessing interactive tools, templates, videos, and customized technical assistance guides.
Interested in signing up for Initiate? Access is complimentary for members, but pre-registration is required. Contact Sandie Cataldo, Senior Economic Development Manager at or 978.353.7600 ext. 232.
WorkNorthCentral.com: Our online jobs board, WorkNorthCentral.com, continues to be a vital tool for Chamber members. From January 1 to October 31, 2024, we’ve seen impressive engagement with over 1,500 job opportunities posted and more than 22,000 page views. To extend our reach, we also share these listings on our dedicated Work North Central Facebook page.
As a reminder, postings are complimentary for members. You can easily post your employment opportunities directly or email your listings to Sabbra Reyes at .
Take advantage of this powerful platform to connect with top talent in our region. Post your job openings today and tap into our growing network of job seekers!
Lauren Jones, Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, addresses a special joint meeting convened by the Chamber of the Manufacturing Council and the Talent Compact
WORKFORCE & TALENT: The Chamber convened a special joint meeting in September between our Manufacturing Council and North Central Massachusetts Talent Compact. Lauren Jones, Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, shared key insights on the Healey administration’s workforce initiatives and led a discussion on addressing our region’s pressing labor challenges. This strategic dialogue advanced our ongoing efforts to strengthen North Central Massachusetts’ workforce development and enhance regional economic growth.
SOLAR INITIATIVE: Our Pleasant Street solar field, launched in August 2014, continues to deliver significant benefits to participating manufacturers. As of October, 2024 the initiative has produced14,622,546 kWh of Net Metering Credits to the manufacturers participating in the program and a collective savings of $3,106,809 to participants.
This innovative program not only promotes sustainable energy practices but also contributes substantially to cost reduction for local businesses. As we celebrate a decade of operation, these figures underscore the long-term economic and environmental impact of our solar initiative.
SHOP LOCAL GIFT CARD PROGRAM: We currently have 41 member merchants that are participating in the Gift Local eGift Card program. Since January 1, 2024 through the end of October we have sold 59 gift cards valued at $2,600. During the same timeframe, 55 cards valued at $1,787.41 were redeemed at participating small businesses.
As we approach the holiday season—our peak sales period—we invite more businesses to join this free program. Every card redeemed supports our local economy.
Want to participate? Contact Patrick O’Hara: or 978.353.7600 ext. 239.
AMBASSADOR PROGRAM GROWING: Our Chamber Ambassadors—dedicated volunteers who champion member engagement and represent us at key events—continue to expand with two new additions in the last few months. We invite passionate members to join this influential group.
Interested in becoming an Ambassador? Contact Patrick O’Hara: or 978.353.7600 ext. 239.
GATEWAY SIGN INITIATIVE EXPANDS: Our commitment to strengthening regional identity continues with the recent addition of attractive welcome signs in Groton and Lancaster. These new installations complement our existing network of gateway signs in communities across North Central Massachusetts, including Fitchburg, Gardner, Hubbardston, Leominster, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Sterling, and Westminster. Beyond beautification, these signs serve as powerful symbols of community pride, enhance visitor navigation, and contribute to economic development by creating a more cohesive regional brand. We hope to sponsor additional signs for other member communities in North Central Massachusetts as funding becomes available.
Chamber staff showcase the new office furniture at our offices. Special thanks to AIS, Inc. for their donation of the new furniture.
DIGITAL REACH EXPANDS: Our strategic focus on fresh content and enhanced SEO practices continues to drive growth across our digital platforms, creating strong visibility for our members and communities. The Chamber’s main website, northcentralmass.com, demonstrated strong performance for fiscal year 2024 (ending June 30, 2024), attracting over 53,500 visitors and generating 137,700 pageviews—a 19.2% increase from the previous fiscal year.
Even more impressive has been the dramatic growth of our tourism platform, VisitNorthCentral.com. The site recorded more than 112,000 visitors and 207,000 pageviews throughout FY2024, representing a remarkable 50% increase in traffic. This momentum has continued into FY2025, with early metrics showing an extraordinary 89% surge in visitors and a 60% increase in pageviews compared to the same period last year.
These significant gains in digital engagement reflect growing interest in our region and demonstrate the effectiveness of our digital marketing strategies in showcasing North Central Massachusetts.
PODCAST HITS NEW MILESTONES: Our Inside North Central Massachusetts podcast has reached new milestones with 147 episodes and 5,800+ downloads—a 25% increase from last year. The series, sponsored by Franklin Professional Associates, continues to spotlight our region’s business leaders and success stories. Want to share your story? Contact Travis Condon at or 978.353.7600 ext. 224 to book your guest spot.
CHAMBER OFFICE GETS UPGRADE: Thanks to AIS, Inc.’s generous $50,000 furniture donation, we’ve modernized our office space with new staff furniture and cubicles. In keeping with our community-focused mission, we donated our previous furnishings to local non-profits, extending the impact of this upgrade throughout North Central Massachusetts.
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The Chamber has maintained an active presence in both federal and state-level advocacy throughout the latter months of 2024, hosting several key events and engaging on critical policy issues affecting our business community and the economic growth of the region.
Federal Engagement
The Chamber has strengthened its federal advocacy efforts this fall. Our annual Congressional Luncheon brought together Congressman Jim McGovern and Congresswoman Lori Trahan for a discussion on federal issues. Made possible through premier sponsor Fitchburg State University and supporting sponsor Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc., the event provided members direct access to their federal representatives.
Further enhancing our federal presence, Chamber President Roy Nascimento represented our region at the prestigious Committee of 100 (CCC100) meeting in October. This select group, convened by the US Chamber of Commerce, comprises the nation’s 100 leading chamber executives. Nascimento’s participation enabled direct engagement with national business leaders, members of Congress, and chamber executives from across the country. His appointment to the CCC100 strengthens our ability to advocate for regional priorities while gaining early insights into federal policies affecting our business community.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are monitoring several critical federal issues that could significantly impact our local economy. These include the upcoming expiration of various provisions within the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, particularly changes to the R&D tax credit and the expiration of the pass-through deduction for small businesses. Additionally, potential new tariff policies under the new Trump administration warrant careful monitoring for their potential effects on our local economy.
Elections and Engagement
Maintaining our non-partisan stance, the Chamber served as an objective resource for both incumbent officials and candidates throughout the election cycle. While we do not endorse candidates, we actively facilitate dialogue between our elected representatives and candidates with the business community to ensure our region’s economic priorities are clearly communicated and understood.
Our Annual Legislative and Candidates Reception exemplified this approach. Thanks to the generous support of premier sponsor Mount Wachusett Community College and supporting sponsor Open Sky Community Services, the event provided a valuable forum for meaningful interaction between our legislative delegation, local officials, candidates, and business leaders.
Throughout the quarter, we also fostered engagement through individual meetings with officials and candidates, as well as focused discussions addressing specific concerns that our members had approached us about. The November election resulted in no changes to the North Central Massachusetts Legislative delegation, with incumbents maintaining their seats.
Ballot Question Advocacy
The Chamber actively engaged in advocacy regarding two significant ballot questions. With Question 2’s passage leaving Massachusetts without statewide graduation standards, we will advocate for thoughtful development of new standards that maintain educational excellence while ensuring student preparedness. We appreciate voters’ rejection of Question 5, recognizing its potential impact on our region’s hospitality sector. Special thanks to our legislative delegation members who opposed Question 5 and our member restaurants for their grassroots advocacy.
2025 Policy Agenda
The Chamber’s Board of Directors approved our Public Policy Agenda for 2025. Developed through stakeholder input and vetted by our Government Affairs Committee, this agenda will guide our advocacy efforts throughout the coming year.
The agenda focuses on six key priorities: economic competitiveness, small business, manufacturing, education, transportation, and real estate. While maintaining our longstanding positions on core issues, the 2025 agenda includes refined policy positions around plastics manufacturing, housing accessibility, and healthcare costs. These updates reflect the evolving needs of our business community while maintaining focus on long-term economic growth.
The complete agenda is available on our website.
State and Local Legislative Update
We recently provided testimony supporting the northern tier rail extension and submitted recommendations for the federally mandated Community Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). On Beacon Hill, we are monitoring the economic development bill and climate legislation during the closing days of informal session, which runs through December.
As Massachusetts operates on a two-year legislative cycle, any bills not passed by session’s end must be refiled in January when the new session begins. The Chamber will closely monitor new legislation affecting our business community as the process restarts in 2025.
For information about the Chamber’s public policy work, contact Public Affairs Manager Travis Condon at 978.353.7600, ext. 224, or .
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North Central Massachusetts continues to grow as a premier New England destination, with visitor spending reaching an impressive $496.9 million in CY2023—a 1.1% increase from 2022 and a remarkable 19.7% jump from 2019. The results come from a new economic impact study recently unveiled by the state. Our thriving tourism sector now supports 4,300 local jobs and generates $117.3 million in direct earnings, while contributing $8.2 million in local tax revenue and $33 million in state taxes. Our tourism impact extends deeper into the local economy through indirect spending, creating a powerful multiplier effect. When local hospitality, restaurants and other businesses in the local visitor economy thrive then they in turn invest in various local services and suppliers further contributing to our region’s economic growth.
Expanding Our Reach & Regional Partnerships & Media Engagement
We have strengthened our “Super Region” collaboration with two neighboring regional tourism councils (Discover Central MA and MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau), launching an innovative off-season marketing campaign. Through partnerships with CM Communications, a specialized Boston-based PR agency, we have hosted regional travel writer press trips and we also participated again in the Dream Destinations Travel Show this past fall, positioning our region as a must-visit destination.
Digital Presence & Engagement
Our social media impact continues to grow. From July 1, 2024 through the first week of November, our Visit North Central Massachusetts Facebook page had a total reach of 470,665, a 24.2% increase over the same timeframe the previous year. Our Facebook channel also attracted 6,000 new followers. In addition, the page also had 9,145 content interactions and 8,767 link clicks during the same timeframe. On Instagram, the page achieved a reach of 19,226 and we gained 167 new followers. We also had 2,323 content interactions and 259 link clicks during the same timeframe. From July 1, 2024 to the end of October, VisitNorthCentral.com saw continued growth with 58,500+ visitors, an 89% increase over the same timeframe the previous year, and 93,700+ pageviews, a 60% increase.
Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center Updates
Thanks to funding from several local cultural councils, we were able to successfully host our “Saturday Showcase” initiative again during weekends this fall season at the Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center. These popular events highlighted local culture and experiences in the region through an engaging mix of activities. Visitors enjoyed musical performances, meet-and-greets with local authors, face painting, arts and crafts demonstrations, and even visits from alpacas from local farms, among many other memorable experiences.
On the infrastructure front, we’ve completed important improvements in partnership with MassDOT to ensure reliable year-round service at the center. Recent upgrades include a new furnace and building generator installation. Additionally, we are excited to announce that several fast-charging EV car stations will soon be installed at the center as part of a national infrastructure initiative to expand charging stations along major highways. This addition will help us better serve the growing number of electric vehicle travelers along Route 2.
Guide to North Central
The Fall/Winter edition of the Guide to North Central Massachusetts was published in September and is continuing to see strong demand. This publication is a glossy, full color magazine which we publish to showcase our region through compelling stories and strong visuals. In collaboration with Sitka Creations, we are currently working on the 2025 Spring/Summer edition. Members interested in advertising should contact the Chamber to reserve an ad.
Email Newsletter
Our new quarterly visitor opt-in electronic newsletter now reaches over 3,200 subscribers, maintaining an impressive 44% open rate and 8% click-through rate—above industry standards.
Branding & Advertising
We are launching two exciting tourism campaigns for North Central Massachusetts, supported by grants from the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism and the Massachusetts 250th Anniversary celebration. Running from January through June 2025, these strategic initiatives will showcase our region’s unique attractions and rich heritage to visitors from both nearby states and across the region.
Our Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism campaign leverages an integrated approach combining targeted print and digital media. The campaign’s messaging continues to emphasize our region’s convenient location and authentic New England charm with compelling taglines such as “Everything You Love About New England… A Lot Closer to Home” and “Drive To, Not Through, North Central MA.” These messages position our region as a destination worth exploring rather than simply passing through.
In parallel, our Massachusetts 250th Anniversary campaign celebrates our region’s revolutionary spirit and ongoing transformation. Through carefully crafted messaging like “North Central Massachusetts is Revolutionary” and “North Central Massachusetts: A Region in Revolution,” we’ll highlight our area’s significant role in both historical and modern revolutions. From our pivotal contributions to the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions to today’s vibrant economic and cultural renaissance, the campaign tells the story of a region that continues to evolve while honoring its historic roots in the agricultural and industrial revolution.
Photography & Visual Content
We coordinated a series of professional photo shoots to capture the authentic character and vibrant offerings of North Central Massachusetts. Our shoots showcased four of the region’s most iconic attractions and fourteen distinctive local restaurants, creating a rich library of compelling visuals. These new images beautifully portray the unique experiences awaiting visitors to our region, from historic landmarks to contemporary dining destinations. The fresh photography will enhance our marketing efforts across our website, social media channels, email campaigns, and printed materials, helping us tell our region’s story in a more engaging and visually appealing way.
We’re always eager to expand our visual storytelling capabilities. If your business or attraction has high-quality photos that capture the spirit of North Central Massachusetts, we’d love to feature them in our marketing initiatives. Whether it’s seasonal events, behind-the-scenes moments, or stunning views of your location, sharing your images helps us showcase the full breadth of experiences our region offers. Please contact the Chamber to learn more.
New Sports Tourism Opportunity
We have partnered with Playeasy, a comprehensive digital platform connecting sports event organizers with local venues and businesses. This “one-stop shop” streamlines event planning—from venue selection to hotel bookings—while showcasing our region’s facilities and attractions to organizers nationwide. The platform generates qualified leads for our member venues and businesses, creating new opportunities for our members.
We invite you to join us in promoting our region’s unique attractions and experiences. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved!
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The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts is pleased to announce the launch of the FY2025 Nashoba Valley Community Health Grant Program.
This grant program aims to advance the community health of residents in 12 communities: Ashby, Ayer, Bolton, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Lancaster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, and Townsend.
Priority will be given to, but not limited to, proposals pertaining to (in no particular order):
Healthy living and preventative care
Access to healthcare services (including prenatal/maternity care, emergency medical services, and health-related support services)
Elder Health
Youth and adolescent health
Behavioral Health
Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000; however, larger-scale collaborative projects with requests exceeding $20,000 will be considered if the impact justifies the funding request.
Requirements
All proposals will be reviewed and considered for funding based on each proposal’s ability to:
Clearly and concisely articulate the expected impact of the grant on the community
Meet well-defined and documented community needs
Provide strategic and achievable goals (that can be measured and reported within and/or at the conclusion of the grant period)
Provide a clear project budget (statement of revenue sources and uses of funds)
Provide evidence of suitable measurement tools to adequately track outcomes, evaluations of change and/or return on investment
Proposals for the following will not be considered:
Projects that do not directly benefit the geographic service area of the Fund
Organizations that are currently receiving Nashoba Valley Community Healthcare awards from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Multi-year grants
Loans, capital campaigns, attempts to influence legislation and support where the Community Foundation may become the predominant long-term source of revenue
Individuals or for-profit entities
Informational sessions for interested grantees will be held on December 12, at 10:00 a.m. and December 19, at 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. (https://zoom.us/j/9452255403)
The application deadline is Friday, January 3. Award decisions will be announced by Friday, February 7.
Please note: we recently migrated to a new online grant portal, so you will need to create a new account if you haven’t done so already.
Join us for a fun-filled day of pickleball to support Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Mass MetroWest! Whether you’re a seasoned player or curious beginner, come enjoy friendly competition, great company and a chance to make a difference in our community. With each serve and volley, you’ll be helping to provide mentorship and support to local youth in need.
The Big Dill Pickleball Tournament
Saturday, January 4, 2025
Doors Open at 7:30AM | First Play at 8:00AM
Pickle-It Pickleball
471 Lancaster Street | Leominster, MA
Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation invite you to be a sponsor for our upcoming “Into the Woods” dinner and show gala, taking place on February 28,2025 at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner. This magical evening promises to be an unforgettable experience that brings together our community to celebrate the arts and support our educational initiatives.
The gala will feature a delightful dinner followed by a live performance of “Into the Woods,” a beloved musical that intertwines the tales of various fairy tale characters. This event aims to raise critical funds for student scholarships, program enhancements, and campus development projects that are vital to the success of our students.
As a valued community partner, your support as a sponsor will significantly impact our efforts. Here are some key ways your sponsorship will help:
Empower Students: Your contribution will directly fund scholarships and resources for students, providing them needed financial support to pursue their education.
Community Engagement: Your involvement will showcase your commitment to education and the arts, reinforcing your organization’s reputation for community leadership.
Marketing and Visibility: As a sponsor, your organization will gain exposure before, during, and after the event through our marketing materials, press releases, and social media campaigns.
We have several sponsorship levels available, we would be thrilled to discuss how we can tailor a partnership that aligns with your organization’s goals.
The Fairy Godmother – PRESENTING SPONSOR $10,000 (one available)
Into the Woods Fundraising Gala presented by [Your Company Name]
Premium logo placement on all event materials
VIP seating for 16 guests
Special acknowledgment during opening remarks
Presenting Sponsor designation in all media and press releases
The Royal Feast – DINNER SPONSOR-$5,000 (two available)
Featured logo on all event materials
VIP seating for 8 guests
Special acknowledgment during dinner
Prominent placement in all media and press releases
The Glass Slipper – Theatre Sponsor- $5,000 (two available)
Featured logo on event materials
VIP seating for 8 guests
Special acknowledgment during dinner
Prominent placement in all media and press releases
The Woodland Spirits Sponsor – Cocktail Hour Sponsor- $1,500
UNAVAILABLE
THANK YOU TO STERLING CONSTRUCTION!
Logo on all event materials
VIP seating for 4 guests
Recognition in all media and press releases
The Baker & His Wife- Dessert Table Sponsor- $1500 (One Available)
Logo on all event materials
VIP seating 4 guests
Recognition in all media and press releases
The Jack & The Beanstalk – $500- Centerpiece sponsor (20 available)
Logo featured in the event program
Recognition on social media and at the event
Purchase a table of 8 for a donation of $2,500
Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a lasting impact on our community. I will follow up with you next week to discuss this further, but please feel free to reach out to me anytime at (978) 630-9276 or .
Christmas is a time of magic, and for many, this year, the need is greater than ever. The Salvation Army, in partnership with our community, is committed to rescuing Christmas for those in need. We’ve been working on this holiday effort since August, and with your support, we can bring the joy of Christmas to children and families who desperately need it.
Last year, the Chamber of Commerce graciously took our Special Angels—children with special needs of all ages. When we visited these families this year, they shared the joy your generous donations brought to the children and adults in care facilities. It was heartwarming to witness, and we hope to bring that same joy again this year.
Here’s how you can help:
When you select an angel from the tree, know that the gift you choose will go directly to that child. Your kindness will make a real difference!
All gifts should be returned to the Chamber no later than December 10th to allow us time to pack and distribute them to the families and children in need.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to serving local families this holiday season. Your generosity is a blessing to many!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Envoy Lynnette Valentine at 978-342-3300 or 330-388-0451.
Together, we can make this Christmas brighter for so many families. Thank you for your heart and your help.
You’re invited to Bitcoin Ben’s Crypto Club’s Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner Open House! This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow crypto enthusiasts, network with club members, and get your questions answered by Bitcoin Ben himself. Whether you’re just starting to explore the world of cryptocurrency or you’re already a seasoned pro, you’ll find insightful discussions and a welcoming atmosphere for all. Bring all your Bitcoin questions and dive into the lates trends and developments in the world of Bitcoin. Enjoy a delicious dinner, catered by IL Camino Restaurant, while diving into the latest trends and developments in the world of Bitcoin and beyond.
