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

FITCHBURG, Mass.—Sept. 15, 2026—The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce today announced the 2026 Legislative and Candidates Reception will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, 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 our supporting sponsor.

Held every fall, the Legislative and Candidates Reception connects some of most engaged and community-focused business leaders with the region’s state, county, and local lawmakers and candidates. As one of the Chamber’s signature events, it draws strong attendance and creates opportunities for dialogue on the policies and priorities shaping the regional economy.

“Government affairs and public policy advocacy are central to how the Chamber supports a strong, competitive business climate across the region,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This reception gives our members direct access to the officials and candidates who shape our communities and offers an opportunity to advocate for the issues that matter to employers in our communities.”

“Some of the college’s best work starts with a conversation, and this reception puts us in the room with the business leaders and lawmakers to exchange ideas and build stronger relationships with our city and town halls and Beacon Hill,” said James Vander Hooven, president, Mount Wachusett Community College. “Through receptions like this, we are able to learn how to best prepare students for careers being offered by employers in the region.”

All current elected officials and candidates running for office in the Chamber’s 27 communities are invited and encouraged to attend.

As of September 14^th, the following officials and candidates have confirmed their attendance*:

Officials:

State Senator John Cronin, Worcester and Middlesex District

State Senator Jamie Eldridge, Middlesex and Worcester District

State Senator Robyn Kennedy, First Worcester District

State Representative Natalie Higgins, Fourth Worcester District

State Representative Meg Kilcoyne, 12^th Worcester District

State Representative Mike Kushmerek, Third Worcester District

State Representative Margaret Scarsdale, First Middlesex District

Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis

Governors Councilor, Paul DePalo, District 7

Mayor Sam Squailia, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Paul Beauchemin, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Derrick Cruz, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Marisa Fleming, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Andy Van Hazinga, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Beth Walsh, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Mark Bodanza, City of Leominster

Councilor David Cormier, City of Leominster

Councilor Brandon Robbins, City of Leominster

Councilor Eladia Romero, City of Leominster

Councilor Sue Chalifoux Zephir, City of Leominster

Select Board Member Glenn McCleod, Town of Lunenburg

Select Board Member Maureen Cranson, Town of Sterling

Select Board Member Ron Furmaniuk, Town of Sterling

Select Board Member Kristen Newman, Town of Sterling

Select Board Member David Smith, Town of Sterling

Select Board Member Patricia Ward, Town of Sterling

Select Board Member Mike Cooley, Town of Westminster

Select Board Member Andrew Beauvais, Town of Winchendon

Clinton Town Administrator Karyn Clark

Sterling Town Administrator Bill Caldwell

 

Candidates:

John Deaton for U.S. Senate

Gary Grossi for Congress, Third Congressional District

Anne Brensley for Secretary of State

Elizabeth Dionne for State Treasurer

Margaret Abboud for Governors Council District 7

Krista Ferrante for State Representative, First Worcester District

 

The event will feature an open bar and gourmet appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. Cost for Chamber members is $60 and non-members is $80. Registration is available online at www.northcentralmass.com. Please contact Valerie Bruno at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or for more details.

 

*This list is subject to change