Mediation Services of North Central MA, Inc. is excited to host a Virtual Round Table bringing together local non-profit and public service professionals for an hour of genuine conversation, idea exchange, and meaningful connection. This event is designed with you in mind whether you’re a community leader, a nonprofit program manager, or someone working on the front lines of public service. In today’s fast-paced and often isolated work environments, it is important to take time to connect with peers, share insights, and support one another’s missions.
In a partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), MassDevelopment, and MassHire, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will be hosting state economic development officials for one-on-one appointments with local developers, manufacturers, and business owners. The meetings are an opportunity to discuss any specific matters related to their business or the expansion of their business, as well as to review state resources available to support business growth and expansion.
Kevin Kuros, Central Massachusetts Director for MOBD; Rob Anderson, Senior Vice President of MassDevelopment; Chuck Merrill, Senior Loan Officer for MassDevelopment; and Scott Percifull, Program Coordinator for MassHire, will be available at the Chamber office by appointment on Wednesday, September 24, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. The appointments are in thirty-minute increments and are first-come, first-served. The meetings are free and confidential, available on a non-discriminatory basis, and are handicapped accessible.
MOBD is the state’s economic development office and manages the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP), which provides tax credits for qualifying business expansion projects. In addition, MOBD directors are navigators in the state’s new Business Front Door portal, through which businesses can manage their interactions with state agencies and related quasi-public agencies. MOBD is also the home of the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO), which provides resources and information for businesses exploring employee ownership models, often as a succession planning strategy.
MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency and land bank, works with businesses, nonprofits, banks, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2023, MassDevelopment financed or managed 545 projects generating investment of more than $2 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 10,522 jobs and build or preserve 1,583 housing units. MassDevelopment has a variety of financing programs to address the needs of small businesses, from equipment to real estate to working capital.
MassHire Rapid Response coordinates state and federal resources for businesses, offering a single point of contact to multiple programs. The MassHire Rapid Response team provides layoff prevention, early intervention re-employment, layoff management, and outplacement services to companies and their employees. Additionally, we offer employment and training resources, including assistance with recruitment, hiring, and tax credit programs.
To schedule an appointment, contact Sandie Cataldo, Senior Economic Development Manager at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 978.353.7600 ext. 232 or via email at .
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At the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, we believe in setting ambitious goals and measuring our progress against them. As we prepare to launch our new three-year strategic plan this fall, we’re taking a transparent look back at how we performed against the measurable objectives we established in our 2022-2025 Strategic Plan.
Why We Measure Our Impact
Strategic planning without accountability is just wishful thinking. By tracking specific metrics across our five core goal areas, we ensure that every initiative, program, and partnership we pursue directly contributes to strengthening the regional economy and creating value for our members.
Our Results: The Full Picture
The comprehensive results below show both our significant achievements and the areas where we continue working toward our ambitious targets. We exceeded expectations in several key areas—including helping facilitate $497M in direct visitor spending (far surpassing our $200M goal) and successfully launching transformative initiatives like the Regional Business Investment Fund and North Central Massachusetts Land Bank.
At the same time, we faced challenges in areas like loan generation and job creation, reflecting the complex economic landscape and resource constraints that many regional organizations navigate. These mixed results provide valuable insights that are directly informing our upcoming strategic framework.
Looking Forward
This honest assessment of our progress demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement and strategic focus—principles that drive our success in delivering measurable impact for North Central Massachusetts. The lessons learned from this three-year period are shaping our next chapter, ensuring we set realistic yet ambitious goals that reflect both our capabilities and our region’s greatest opportunities.
We invite you to review the detailed results here and share your thoughts as we finalize our new strategic direction.
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Care Central VNA & Hospice, a leading provider of community-based home health, hospice, private duty, and adult day care in Central Massachusetts, will be accepting the transfer of care of patients and will be welcoming staff for employment, following the upcoming transition from Overlook VNA & Hospice.
Overlook VNA & Hospice recently announced its decision to transfer operations effective August 28, 2025. In collaboration with Overlook leadership, Care Central is coordinating a compassionate, well-structured transition of care for patients who choose to seamlessly continue with their home health & hospice services.
“Our foremost priority throughout this transition is to ensure patients and families continue to receive uninterrupted, high-quality care,” said Holly Chaffee, President and CEO of Care Central VNA & Hospice. “We are also proud to welcome members of the Overlook team who share our commitment to compassionate, community-focused care.”
Care Central has initiated onboarding efforts for Overlook clinicians and support staff, many of whom will continue serving the same patients and service areas to preserve continuity and trust. Patients and families will be personally contacted to ease the transition and provide updated information about their new Care Central care team.
“As a proud, free-standing nonprofit organization serving Central Massachusetts, we are thrilled to share a milestone moment in our history—we are doubling in size,” said Holly Chaffee, President & CEO of Care Central VNA & Hospice. “With this expansion, our service territory will reach 128 towns, welcoming 30 new communities into our care. This tremendous growth allows us to touch the lives of even more patients and families with the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve. Equally important, we are honored to welcome talented members of the Overlook team whose dedication to our mission will further strengthen our presence and amplify our impact across the nonprofit community.”
“This transition guarantees that those we have been honored to serve will continue receiving the same high-quality, compassionate care through a trusted organization that shares our values and unwavering commitment to residents and the community. By choosing Care Central VNA & Hospice, patients will not only experience continuity of care but will also be comforted by the familiar faces of staff they already know and trust,” said Tameryn Campbell of Overlook VNA & Hospice.
For more information about Care Central VNA & Hospice or to inquire about services or employment opportunities, please visit www.carecentralvna.org or call 978-632-1230.
Excitement is in the air! Get ready to be part of something extraordinary at Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts’s fundraising event. Enjoy food and drinks from local vendors as well as networking, a silent auction and wine pull. Your admission fee will allow you to taste all of the samplings and help build homes and complete critical home repair projects in our local communities
Time & Location
Oct 04, 2025, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St, Worcester, MA 01610
About The Event
In today’s fast-paced media environment, dominated by social media, how you communicate about a crisis is one of the most important aspects of leading through it. Effective crisis communication begins in the calm before the storm, in developing healthy relationships with reporters, organizing your team to prepare and to act as one, and in putting communication at the very front of your leadership efforts. Admiral John Kirby became the face — and the voice — of numerous high-profile crises, from the Navy Yard shooting of 2013 to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and dozens more. Learn from Admiral Kirby how to prepare for crises and lead — both in action and communication — when they arise.
Register here to attend Admiral Kirby’s keynote speech at Holy Cross (One College Street, Worcester) on Saturday, October 4th at 5:30pm.
This event is hosted by the O’Callahan Society and Holy Cross’ Office of Alumni Relations. Questions may be directed to
Recognition sets Bank apart from the more than 100 banks that call Massachusetts home
Fidelity Bank announced it took the number one spot from the more than 100 banks that call Massachusetts home on the Forbes list of America’s Best-In-State Banks 2025. This prestigious award, which was announced on June 17, is presented in collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.
“This prestigious recognition is a powerful affirmation of what we already know: that our LifeDesign approach, which is grounded in care, clarity, and confidence, is making a real difference in the lives of our clients, colleagues, and communities,” said Joseph Silva, president, Fidelity Bank. “Being selected by Forbes as the top bank in Massachusetts reflects the trust we’ve earned, the service we provide, and the impact we deliver every day.”
America’s Best-In-State Banks 2025 aims to showcase the institutions most valued by residents in each state and to recognize the banks that have excelled in meeting the unique needs and expectations of their local communities. The ranking is based on an independent survey of over 26,000 customers in the U.S. Participants evaluated banks on several criteria, including Trust, Financial Advice, Customer Services, Digital Services, Branch Services, and Terms & Conditions. They also rated the importance of these criteria. A sentiment analysis was conducted using the publicly available reviews and a score.
Founded in 1974, the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association (commonly known as Mass Youth Soccer or MYS) celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024—a milestone commemorating five decades of development, inclusion, and community soccer across the Commonwealth. Spokesperson Jaime Balboni reflects: “This anniversary wasn’t just about looking back—it’s an occasion to reaffirm our mission: to serve, educate, and provide safe soccer play for all.”
Uniting Youth Through Soccer
One of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber’s newest members, Mass Youth Soccer functions as the governing body for soccer in Massachusetts., overseeing programming, policies, and support for more than 100,000 young players and over 20,000 adult volunteers. The organization delivers a wide array of player development programs, coach and referee education, risk management initiatives, and organizational support for affiliated clubs and leagues. Their work structures the backbone of youth soccer throughout the state, ensuring quality and consistency across all levels. Their mission, as stated, is “to serve, educate, and provide safe soccer play for all,” underpinned by a vision to “lead, inspire & unite soccer communities,” and rooted in values like fun, growth, inclusion, integrity, respect, compassion, and belonging—all reaffirmed in a March 2023 update to their mission‑vision‑values platform
Programs That Matter
Mass Youth Soccer offers numerous programs that touch every corner of youth soccer:
TOPSoccer, created for athletes with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities, ensures that no player is excluded from the joy of sport.
The Olympic Development Program (ODP) aims to identify and nurture elite players, focusing on individual growth and holistic development through rigorous tryouts and seasonal camps
The Districts (formerly District Select Program), launched each summer, provides pressure‑free competition across seven districts, leading up to a community event at Progin Park. The 2025 season began July 6, with district games followed by a culminating event in early August
The Town Select League (TSL) works in partnership with town-based soccer organizations to give players a higher level of development and select-level competition. TSL practices weekly and plays Sunday matches, offering structured development with minimized travel and cost
Futsal programming through affiliated leagues such as the Coastal Youth Futsal League provides year-round, small-sided indoor soccer opportunities
Resources such as session planning guides for volunteer coaches—covering U6 to U12 levels—and user-friendly educational tools like Play‑Practice‑Play methodology support effective grassroots coaching across the state
Empowering Coaches, Referees & Organizations
Mass Youth Soccer emphasizes education and certification:
Coach education includes workshops, certification courses, survival guides, and technical resources that equip volunteers to be effective mentors.
Referee development and risk management are central, especially with the enforcement of U.S. Soccer’s Policy 531‑9 (misconduct toward officials) beginning March 1, 2025, which governs all Mass Youth Soccer‑sanctioned play . All adult volunteers must complete SafeSport, concussion awareness training, and pass CORI and national background checks
They provide a Member Toolkit—a comprehensive administration guide for club officers, helping organizations comply with governance best practices, waivers, financial guidelines, and safe operations
Governance is provided by a volunteer Board of Directors, elected at the Annual General Meeting, which helps steer strategy, policy, and organizational direction
Culture & Organizational Values
“Our workplace culture is collaborative, mission‑driven, and grounded in values of fun, growth, inclusion, and integrity,” says Balboni. The team is committed to creating a supportive environment where staff feel valued, respected, and empowered—a reflection of the culture Mass Youth Soccer encourages across its broader community. In hiring, Mass Youth Soccer seeks individuals who are passionate about youth development, collaborative in spirit, committed to diversity, and aligned with their core organizational values.
Community Impact & Influence
Mass Youth Soccer’s impact is felt statewide. Through TOPSoccer, thousands of youth with disabilities gain structured and supportive play opportunities. Their partnerships with local clubs, leagues, and partner organizations help deliver programming in both urban and underserved communities. The organization’s influence is rooted in the hundreds of volunteers, coaches, and referees—the backbone of local soccer—who bring passion and commitment every day. National and international soccer organizations shape the association’s standards in safety, inclusion, and player development. Most importantly, the families and communities who participate continually influence how programs evolve to remain relevant and accessible.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
“Our future is bright,” Balboni affirms. Mass Youth Soccer is focused on:
Enhancing player development structuring across programs like Districts, TSL, ODP, and TOPSoccer.
Advancing coach and referee education, leveraging technology and streamlined access to certification courses.
Expanding access to the game—particularly in underserved and urban areas—via outreach efforts and inclusive programs.
Strengthening community partnerships, enhancing collaboration with clubs, leagues, schools, and local organizations that share the mission.
Their goal is to grow the game in a manner that stays true to their core values: fun, growth, inclusion, and integrity.
Why It Matters
In an age where youth involvement in sports is often challenged by cost, safety concerns, and access barriers, Mass Youth Soccer stands out as a state-level organization purpose-built to tackle these issues head-on. They provide programming that is affordable, inclusive, and grounded in player-centered development. By supporting coaches and referees, educating volunteers, ensuring compliance and safety, and championing inclusive initiatives like TOPSoccer, Mass Youth Soccer plays a critical leadership role in making soccer a positive, community-building experience across Massachusetts. As Balboni summed it, “Our 50-year milestone is not the end of our journey—it’s a launching pad. We remain committed to shaping soccer environments where every youth can play, grow, and belong.” This forward-looking perspective, rooted in a legacy of service since 1974, positions Mass Youth Soccer to continue strengthening communities, empowering volunteers, and connecting children with the joy and lifelong benefits of the beautiful game.
For more information
Contact: Jaime Balboni, Mass Youth Soccer Association, Lancaster, MA
Website: www.mayouthsoccer.org
Phone: (978) 466‑8812
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Looking to make a change? The Fitchburg Arts Community (FAC) has immediate availability of just a few remaining two-bedroom apartments renting for $1494/month with heat and hot water included. Are you an artist? Join other like-minded individuals looking to foster their creativity with gallery and studio space next door to the Fitchburg Art Museum. The FAC features unique apartments as part of a beautiful renovation of the historic former BF Brown School, High School Annex and City Stables. Wingate, the property manager for these apartments, is willing to work with housing authorities on a mutually agreeable rent should you have a mobile voucher. Whether you are an artist or not, ACT NOW, as there are only a few apartments remaining.
LUK, Inc. recently learned that one of the founders of the organization and retired Chief Executive Officer, Punky Pletan-Cross, passed away on August 5, 2025 after a sudden illness. He was surrounded by his life partner and wife of 52 years, Cris Pletan-Cross who also worked for LUK for 26 years.
Punky came to Fitchburg MA in January 1970 as a Vista Volunteer and with co-founder Eric “Ric” Walen partnered with the community to identify needs and to take collective action to meet those needs as a human service organization. At the time, the answer was to launch a 24-hour, all-volunteer “hotline” and Let Us Know (LUK) Crisis Center, Inc. was formed accepting the first hotline call on June 26, 1970. Punky was always clear that it was the efforts of many community members bringing their unique strengths and diverse perspectives that lead to the initial creation and subsequent flourishing of LUK over the years. Punky became LUK’s first CEO and served the communities of Central MA until his departure to Hawaii in 1998. As a CEO he was passionate about LUK adapting and creatively providing services to those community members who needed it the most. Punky was a dynamic and talented leader who worked to develop organizations in which people could maximize their talents, learn, grow and be of service to others.
After leaving LUK, Punky and his wife Cris relocated to O’ahu, Hawaii and he became the Chief Executive Officer of Hale Kipa, a non-profit human service agency serving the state of Hawaii through a network of services and programs across four islands—offering outreach, housing counseling, foster care and more. He retired from Hale Kipa in 2022. Taken together, Punky served as a CEO for over 50 years to two non-profit organizations that have helped multiple communities, served countless children, youth, adults, and families and continue to make a difference in people’s lives. Punky cared deeply about his relationship with his wife and life-partner, Cris and was a devoted husband. He was a mentor, a friend, a teacher to many, and a gifted athlete who connected with all types of people and was endlessly curious about the world.
Punky remained connected to LUK throughout the years often providing mentoring to key leaders of the organization. Beth Barto, LUK’s current President and CEO shared “Punky was the type of person who you immediately felt at ease with. He understands what it is like to have the responsibility of an organization and those we serve forefront in the mind. He had the ability to ask the right type of questions to help leaders find a way forward that always kept the mission at the center. He will be missed by many but his memory lives on in the strong foundation he built at LUK which continues to help the Central Massachusetts community today.” The community can learn more about Punky and his remarkable contribution through his obituary on-line: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/honolulu-hi/punky-pletan-cross-12480015
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!
Ginny’s Helping Hand, Inc., a food pantry and thrift shop located on Mechanic Street dedicated to providing a “Hand Up” to those in need, today announced it will hold its Second Annual Murder Mystery Dinner and Silent Auction. This year’s event is in partnership with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Institute Class of 2025, which selected Ginny’s as their community beneficiary.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 27 at 6 p.m. at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg, and will feature the murder mystery performance, “A High School Reunion…with a Deadly Twist,” presented by Brickroad Productions. In addition to an interactive mystery experience, a cocktail reception, dinner, and silent auction will be provided.
“The need at our food pantry has reached unprecedented levels,” said Brandon L. Robbins, executive director, Ginny’s Helping Hand. “By joining us at the event, people will enjoy a night of entertainment while helping ensure Ginny’s can continue its mission of providing a ‘hand up’ to our neighbors in need. We invite everyone to join us in being part of something special.”
“Our community’s need for support is undeniable, and we felt called to stand alongside Ginny’s Helping Hand to help bring relief and comfort where it matters most. This opportunity has allowed us to turn leadership into action and action into meaningful impact. Together, we’re helping to rewrite stories of hunger and hardship into stories of dignity, strength, and renewed possibility,” said Lynese Wiafe, help desk coordinator, Fitchburg State University, and member of the Community Leadership Institute Class of 2025. “We hope our family, friends, and colleagues will join us in supporting this event so no one in our community experiences food insecurity. Our deepest wish is that this event reminds every person facing hardship that they are seen, valued, and surrounded by a community that truly cares and that they are never alone. We want to give everyone the chance to believe in a brighter tomorrow and know that brighter days are within reach.”
Tickets are $85 per person or $650 per table. All ticket sales and sponsorships will benefit the organization’s programs and services, which include providing groceries for more than 1,800 households and 5,000 individuals every month.
Local businesses, organizations and individuals have committed to supporting the event as sponsors, including All One Credit Union, Bin There Dump That, Brennan Staffing Group, Country Bank, empHowered PR, Fidelity Bank, Fitchburg State University, Great Wolf Lodge, IC Credit Union, Congressman Jim McGovern, Madore Photography, Magic Lamp Consulting, Main Street Bank, Mount Wachusett Community College, Reliant Medical Group, Rollstone Bank & Trust, Ron Bouchard Auto Stores, Workers Credit Union.
Additional sponsorships opportunities are still available.
Partnership to provide Chamber members with exclusive training discounts and professional development
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Dynamics, Inc. today announced they have partnered to develop an Affinity Program for Chamber members designed to enhance professional leadership development and training opportunities. Additionally, participants may qualify for reimbursement through the existing Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund.
“This partnership addresses an important business need to develop strong leadership capabilities and improve workforce productivity for our region’s employers,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “In addition to offering substantial discounts, the program will empower members with the leadership tools and training they need to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace while also building stronger internal teams.”
Key features of the affinity program include:
20% exclusive discount on all Leadership Dynamics training programs
Access to live, interactive virtual-based training utilizing cutting-edge educational platforms
Potential tuition reimbursement through the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund (up to $3,000 per person, $15,000 annual company cap)
A variety of public, exclusive company or chamber-exclusive cohorts
Programs designed for companies seeking to grow sales, expand operations, navigate change, or enhance team performance
With more than 30 years of experience, Leadership Dynamics specializes in helping companies develop leadership teams, improve employee productivity, and increase profitability. The company offers two flagship programs: Workplace Productivity (foundational training covering goal setting, time management, communication, and delegation) and Workplace Leadership and Coaching (advanced program focusing on developing coaching skills and talent retention strategies).
Paul Brown, president, Leadership Dynamics, said of the partnership, “We are thrilled to partner with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce to bring our comprehensive leadership development programs to the local business community. Having worked with hundreds of companies from startups to Fortune 500 organizations, we understand the critical role that effective leadership plays in business success. This partnership allows us to extend our expertise to support the economic vitality of North Central Massachusetts.”
All programs are offered in a virtual setting and delivered live with instructor feedback and mentorship coaching throughout the program duration. The training is especially valuable for companies that want to grow sales or productivity, are hiring or expanding, face management challenges, are navigating growth or reorganization, or have previously invested in training and development.
Chamber members can access these exclusive benefits by completing the registration process. Leadership Dynamics will then work directly with the Chamber to verify membership and apply the appropriate discounts. Members are encouraged to explore grant funding opportunities through the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund.
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Mediation Services of North Central MA, Inc. is excited to host a Virtual Round Table bringing together local non-profit and public service professionals for an hour of genuine conversation, idea exchange, and meaningful connection. This event is designed with you in mind whether you’re a community leader, a nonprofit program manager, or someone working on the front lines of public service. In today’s fast-paced and often isolated work environments, it is important to take time to connect with peers, share insights, and support one another’s missions.
Looking to make a change? The Fitchburg Arts Community (FAC) has immediate availability of just a few remaining two-bedroom apartments renting for $1494/month with heat and hot water included. Are you an artist? Join other like-minded individuals looking to foster their creativity with gallery and studio space next door to the Fitchburg Art Museum. The FAC features unique apartments as part of a beautiful renovation of the historic former BF Brown School, High School Annex and City Stables. Wingate, the property manager for these apartments, is willing to work with housing authorities on a mutually agreeable rent should you have a mobile voucher. Whether you are an artist or not, ACT NOW, as there are only a few apartments remaining.
LUK, Inc. recently learned that one of the founders of the organization and retired Chief Executive Officer, Punky Pletan-Cross, passed away on August 5, 2025 after a sudden illness. He was surrounded by his life partner and wife of 52 years, Cris Pletan-Cross who also worked for LUK for 26 years.