North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce to host Legislative and Candidates Reception

Premier event connects elected officials, candidates for office, with local business and community leaders

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Legislative and Candidates Reception will be held on September 26, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Chocksett Inn, 59 Laurelwood Road in Sterling. Mount Wachusett Community College is the premier sponsor for the event while Open Sky Community Services will serve as supporting sponsor.

The Legislative and Candidates Reception, held every fall, is one of the region’s premier events intended to offer local business and community leaders the opportunity to connect with the region’s elected officials, as well as those seeking public office.

“Government affairs and public policy advocacy are key components in our efforts to promote a healthy, active business climate throughout the region,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This reception offers direct access to our elected officials and candidates running for office in a casual environment where our members can ask questions and learn more about the issues and opportunities for businesses in our region.”

“We understand the importance of engaging with the region’s business and legislative leaders as these connections and insights help guide the college in various areas, such as programming and outreach,” said James Vander Hooven, president, Mount Wachusett Community College. “It is crucial for our region’s business leaders, legislators, and policy-makers to have this opportunity to meet and network so they can engage and learn from each other. I am thrilled to once again be able to support this important event.”

All officials representing, and candidates running for office, in the Chamber’s 27 communities are encouraged to attend.

**As of September 19, the following officials have confirmed their attendance*:**

State Auditor Diana DiZoglio
Senator John Cronin, Worcester and Middlesex District
Senator Peter Durant, Worcester and Hampshire District
Senator Jamie Eldridge, Middlesex and Worcester District
Representative Kim Ferguson, 1st Worcester District
Representative Natalie Higgins, 4th Worcester District
Representative Meg Kilcoyne, 12th Worcester District
Representative Mike Kushmerek, 3rd Worcester District
Representative Susannah Whipps, 2nd Franklin District
Representative Jon Zlotnik, 2nd Worcester District
Mayor Sam Squailia, City of Fitchburg
Mayor Mike Nicholson, City of Gardner
Councilor Andrew Couture, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Paul Beauchemin, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Sally Cragin, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Derek Cruz, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Marisa Fleming, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Peter Angelini, City of Leominster
Councilor Frank Ardinger, City of Leominster
Councilor Mark Bodanza, City of Leominster
Councilor Sue Chalifoux-Zephir, City of Leominster
Councilor David Cormier, City of Leominster
Councilor Claire Freda, City of Leominster
Councilor Bob Tocci, City of Leominster
Town Administrator Andrew McClean, Town of Pepperell
Assistant Town Administrator, Logan Bries, Town of Shirley
Town Administrator Bill Caldwell, Town of Sterling
Town Administrator, Stephanie Lahtinen Town of Westminster
Selectman Peter Cunningham, Town of Groton
Selectman Ralph Gifford III, Town of Lancaster
Selectwoman Nicole Gough, Town of Phillipston
Selectman Salvatore “Sam” Albert, Town of Westminster
Selectman Michael Cooley, Town of Westminster

*This list is subject to change

The event will feature an open bar and gourmet appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. Cost for members is $45 and non-members is $55. Registration is available online at www.northcentralmass.com. Please contact Valerie Bruno at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or for more details.

**As of September 19, the following officials have confirmed their attendance*:**

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

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