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 announced the 2021 Legislative and Candidates Reception will be held on September 23, 2021, 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.

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 legislators 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.”

“Mount Wachusett Community College, strives to support and meet the strategic goals of our region.  We are fortunate to be part of a local region that values collaboration and partnership,” said MWCC President Jim Vander Hooven. “The connections we make at events such as this legislative reception support our partnership work.  We are delighted to sponsor this opportunity.”

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

As of September 13th, the following officials and candidates have confirmed their attendance:

 

Confirmed Officials:

Senator Harriette Chandler, 1st Worcester District

Senator John Cronin, Worcester and Middlesex District

Senator Anne Gobi, Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Middlesex District

Representative Kim Ferguson, 1st Worcester District

Representative Tami Gouveia, 14th Middlesex District -Candidate for Lt. Governor

Representative Natalie Higgins, 4th Worcester District

Representative Meghan Kilcoyne, 12th Worcester District

Representative Michael Kushmerek, 3rd Worcester District

Representative Danillo Sena, 37th Middlesex District

Representative Jon Zlotnik, 2nd Worcester District

District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr., Worcester County

Adam Costa, Assistant Register of Deeds, Worcester Northern District

Mayor Stephen DiNatale, City of Fitchburg

Mayor Dean Mazzarella, City of Leominster

Councilor Paul Beauchemin, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Andrew Couture, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Thomas Hughes, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Bernard Schultz, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Samantha Squailia, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Elizabeth Walsh, City of Fitchburg

Councilor Thomas Ardinger, City of Leominster

Councilor Mark Bodanza, City of Leominster

Councilor Susan Chalifoux-Zephir, City of Leominster

Councilor David Cormier, City of Leominster

Councilor Peter Angelini, City of Leominster

Councilor Nathan Boudreau, City of Gardner

Acting Town Administrator David Nixon, Town of Hubbardston

Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Town of Lunenburg

Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen, Town of Westminster

Town Manager Justin Sultzbach, Town of Winchendon

Selectwoman Alix Turner, Town of Lancaster

Selectman Anthony Beattie, Town of Pepperell

Selectman Richard Bisk, Town of Princeton

Selectman John Kilcoyne, Town of Sterling

Selectman Salvatore Albert, Town of Westminster

Selectwoman Heather Billings, Town of Westminster

Selectman James DeLisle, Town of Westminster

Nyanna Slaughter, Regional Director, US Senator Elizabeth Warren

 

Confirmed Candidates:

Danielle Allen, Candidate for Governor

Ben Downing, Former State Senator & Candidate for Governor

Bret Bero, Candidate for Lt. Governor

Chris Dempsey, Candidate for Auditor

Andrea Freeman, Candidate for Leominster Mayor

Sally Cragin, Candidate for Fitchburg At-Large City Council

Derrick Cruz, Candidate for Fitchburg Ward 6 City Council

Mark Monahan, Candidate for Gardner At-Large City Council

 

The event will feature an open bar and gourmet appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. Cost for members is $35 and non-members is $45. Registration is available online at www.northcentralmass.com. Please contact Kathleen Deal at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or kdeal@northcentralmass.com for more details.

Additionally, to ensure a safe environment for all, attendees are asked to abide by the COVID-19 mask advisory issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health which advises those who are fully vaccinated wear a mask or face covering if they are at increased risk for severe disease because of age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in their household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is an unvaccinated adult. Visit www.NorthCentralMass.com for the Chamber’s COVID-19 event protocols or to stay informed on any changes to local or state health protocols.