E-Newsletter

An Electronic Publication of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

Inside this edition, you’ll discover the latest Chamber initiatives and success stories from across our region. From economic development projects and upcoming networking events to policy updates and workforce training opportunities, we’re keeping you connected to what matters most for your business and North Central Massachusetts.

June 2026

Not Yet A Member? Join the Chamber

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is here to help โ€“ with trusted resources, a strong business network, and a support system to keep your business and the region moving forward

Chamber News

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 today announced the 2022 Legislative and Candidates Reception will be held on September 22, 2022, 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 regionโ€™s premier events intended to offer local business and community leaders the opportunity to connect with the regionโ€™s elected officials, as well as those seeking public office.

โ€œGovernment affairs and public policy advocacy are key components in our efforts to promote a healthy, active business climate throughout the region,โ€ said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. โ€œThis 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.โ€

โ€œAt Mount Wachusett Community College, we understand the importance of engaging with the regionโ€™s business and legislative communities. These connections and insights help guide the college in various areas such as programming and outreach,โ€ said MWCC President James Vander Hooven. โ€œIt is vital for our regionโ€™s business leaders, legislators, and policy-makers to meet and network so that they can engage and learn from each other. I am delighted that we will be gathering in person again this year for this important event.โ€

All legislators representing, and candidates running for office, in the Chamberโ€™s 27 communities are encouraged to attend.

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

Confirmed Officials:
Senator Jo Comerford, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester District
Senator John Cronin, Worcester and Middlesex District
Senator Diana DiZoglio, 1st Essex District
Senator Anne Gobi, Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Middlesex District
Representative Natalie Higgins, 4th Worcester District
Representative Meg Kilcoyne, 12th Worcester District
Representative Michael Kushmerek, 3rd Worcester District
Representative Dan Sena, 37th Middlesex District
Sheriff Lew Evangelidis., Worcester County
Adam Costa, Assistant Register of Deeds, Worcester Northern District
Governorโ€™s Councillor Paul DePalo, 7th District
Mayor Stephen DiNatale, City of Fitchburg
Mayor Mike Nicholson, City of Gardner
Councilor Paul Beauchemin, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Andrew Couture, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Sally Cragin, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Andrew Couture, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Bernard Schultz, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Samantha Squailia, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Andrew Van Hazinga, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Peter Angelini, City of Leominster
Councilor Mark Bodanza, City of Leominster
Councilor William Brady, City of Leominster
Councilor Susan Chalifoux Zephir, City of Leominster
Councilor David Cormier, City of Leominster
Councilor Todd Deacon, City of Leominster
Councilor Claire Freda, City of Leominster
Town Manager Shaun Suhoski, Town of Athol
Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Town of Lunenburg
Town Administrator Bill Caldwell, Town of Sterling
Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen, Town of Westminster
Selectman Peter Cunningham, Town of Groton
Selectwoman Alix Turner, Town of Lancaster
Selectman Michael-Ray Jeffreys, Town of Lunenburg
Selectwoman Heather Sroka, Town of Lunenburg
Selectman John Kilcoyne, Town of Sterling
Selectman Sam Albert, Town of Westminster
Selectwoman Melissa Banks, Town of Westminster
David Quiroa, Regional Director, US Senator Ed Markey
Nyanna Slaughter, Regional Director, US Senator Elizabeth Warren

The event will feature an open bar and gourmet appetizers and hors dโ€™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 for more details.

Register Now

North Central Massachusetts Chamber Welcomes Tippawong and Young to its Professional Staff

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition to its professional staff of Vicky Tippawong as Marketing Manager and Terry Young as Manager of Talent and Education Initiatives.

Tippawong will be responsible for the marketing and communications efforts of the Chamber and its affiliate organizations โ€“ Visit North Central Massachusetts and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. This includes managing its multiple websites, social media, media buys, PR and our other marketing channels. Tippawong has broad experience in graphic design and marketing. She comes to the Chamber from NEWW Packaging and Display in Gardner. Earlier in her career she also worked for Checkerboard, LTD; LCI Paper; and the Merrimack Repertory Theatre. She lives in Leominster and holds an Associate degree from Mount Wachusett Community College in Graphic Design. She is also the owner and designer of her own small business which offers custom party decorations.

In the newly created position of Manager of Talent & Education Initiatives, Young will be working with employers, regional partners and education leaders on developing strategies and programs to build and strengthen the regionโ€™s current and future workforce. She comes to the Chamber with 25 years of experience in non-profit management, program development and community organizing. She joins the Chamber from Maine General Hospital, where she served as the Program Director for their Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. Prior to Maine General, she worked at the Community Health Network of Connecticut Foundation, Inc. where she oversaw multiple grants, capacity building and in-kind programs as well as project development as Director of Programs. She holds a Bachelor degree in Natural Health Sciences/Nutrition and lives in Ayer.

โ€œWe are very excited to have Vicky and Terry join our growing team and help contribute to the Chamberโ€™s work of improving the business climate and advancing the economy of North Central Massachusetts.โ€ said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.

Vicky Tippawong can be reached at 978.353.7600 ext. 240 or via email at and Terry Young at 978.353.7600 ext. 244 or via email at .

Chamber Welcomes New Members at The Barn Door

*The new member reception is being postponed to the rain date Tuesday, September 27, 2022

(North Central, MA) โ€“ The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will host a new member orientation and reception on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the outdoor patio area at The Barn Door located at 51 South Road, Pepperell, MA.

The Barn Door is a gourmet grocery store and a destination in the community for local gatherings and culinary experiences. The Barn Door features several beautiful outdoor patios, nestled under a pergola with an open-air pizza oven and prep kitchen. Inside the store you will find farm fresh seasonal vegetables, gourmet food items and an extensive selection of beers, wines along with coffee and tea products.

Chamber staff will explain the many benefits and programs of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce including networking events, government affairs, educational workshops and seminars, advertising opportunities and health insurance, to name just a few. The orientation is geared towards new members, but is equally valuable for current members who want to get the most value from their membership, or those interested in learning if chamber membership is right for them. The orientation will be followed by a reception for new members to connect and engage with other business and community leaders. Light refreshments and appetizers will be provided.

“This is a great opportunity for members and non-members to learn about the dynamic nature of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce,โ€ said Roy Nascimento, president & CEO. โ€œAttendees will learn about the important work that we do advancing the region as well as the tremendous resources we offer for businesses of all sizes and industries.โ€

There is no cost to attend the new member reception, but online pre-registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, please visit www.northcentralmass.com or contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 235.

Business owners unable to attend but interested in learning more about chamber membership may contact Tracy Gagnon at 978.353.7600 ext. 239 or via email at to schedule a brief introduction to the programs and services.

Register Now

Upcoming Events

Member News

Berkshire Bank Announces Nearly $600k in Community Investments in Q1 2023

Berkshire-XTEAM-Volunteers-assist-with-Habitat-for-Humanity-build-in-Rhode-Island

Caption: Berkshire XTEAM volunteers assist with Habitat for Humanity build in Eastern CT

Pittsfield, MA โ€“ Berkshire Bank, a leading, socially responsible community bank with financial centers in New England and New York, announced its foundation provided $584,361 in philanthropic investments during the first quarter of 2023 (January 1- March 31) to foster upward economic mobility, racial equity, and enhance opportunities for success in the regions Berkshire Bank serves. The investments also support the companyโ€™s BEST Community Comeback which includes a planned $15 million in community contributions by the end of 2024.

In total, the Berkshire Bank Foundation assisted 120 nonprofit organizations during the quarter with grants to support a wide range of critical projects including small business entrepreneurship, housing, food insecurity, homelessness, educational advancement, youth, arts, culture, diversity, and inclusion. Ultimately, funding helped support the overall health and well-being of communities across New England and New York, particularly for underrepresented populations.

โ€œWe are proud to continue our strong support of the communities that Berkshire Bank serves. Beyond our financial contributions, we continue to amplify our impact though our XTEAM employee volunteer program, regularly assisting with projects to help those in need in our communities,โ€ said Lori Gazzillo Kiely, Managing Director of Berkshire Bank Foundation. She continued, โ€œWe are pleased to make these contributions to support individuals, families, and small businesses within our markets.โ€

The grant recipients listed below are just a sample of the projects Berkshire Bank supported to strengthen organizations throughout Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont. They include:
Angel of Edgewood, Inc. (CT)
Berkshire Immigrant Center Inc (MA)
Berkshire Resources for the Integration of Diverse Groups and Education, Inc. (MA)
Berkshire Pride (MA)
Berkshire Agricultural Ventures (MA)
Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation (MA)
Boys & Girls Club of Worcester (MA)
Capital District Womenโ€™s Employment & Resource Center, Inc. (known as WERC) (NY)
Community Access to the Arts (MA)
Community Catalyst, Inc. (MA)
Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region, Inc (NY)
CNY Jazz Central (NY)
Economic Mobility Pathways (MA)
Enfield Pride (CT)
Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires & Southern Vermont, Inc (VT)
Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut (CT)
Hillcrest Educational Centers, Inc.
Homeless and Travelers Aid Society (NY)
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford (CT)
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island (MA & RI)
Make-It Springfield (MA)
Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance (MA)
Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition Inc (MA)
Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires (NPC) (MA)
Rhode Island Community Food Bank (RI)
Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center Foundation (CT)
Senior Citizens Center of Saratoga Springs Inc (NY)
Seven Hills Foundation (MA)
Soldier On, Inc. f/k/a United Veterans of America, Inc. (MA)
State University Of New York Polytechnic Institute Foundation (NY)
ToLife! Inc (NY)
The Arc Eastern Connecticut (CT)
The Stratton Mountain & Valley Community Benefit Foundation (VT)
UMass Medical School Foundation (MA)
Vermont Green-up Inc (VT)
Vermont Works for Women (VT)
Wildwood Foundation (NY)
Why Me, Inc (MA)

Joeci Gilchrest, You Name It Creatives LLC, Lunenburg, MA: 2023 Rising Star Winner

โ€œCWE has given me an opportunity to be part of a community of like-minded individuals who are all pulling in the same direction as me and to also finally find the answers to questions I have been asking for a long time.โ€ – Joeci Gilchrest

What inspired Joeciโ€™s Business?
Joeci started her business, You Name It Creatives, the day after Gov. Baker declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts due to the Covid-19 pandemic as a way to spend more time with family. She believes all families, no matter their socioeconomic situation, deserve to live in a home that makes them proud. She offers quality craftsmanship and education to families that need help keeping their homes safe and beautiful. Joeci feels that no matter the socioeconomic situation, all families deserve to live in a home that makes them proud.

Business Highlight
Joeci has gained an applicable understanding of what it takes to operate and scale a small business. By discovering her true value is family and community, she was able to transition from scaling her business toward major projects to focusing on lower-income households that other companies wonโ€™t consider. She offers home and office improvement through maintaining, repairing, or even replacing your home or office. Her services include carpentry, painting, gutter cleaning, and pressure washing. She specializes in basement finishing, deck building, and interior/exterior painting and also maintains relationships with her clients through her ongoing handyman services!

How Has CWE Helped Her in Her Journey?
Joeciโ€™s connection with CWE helped her finally find the answers to questions she had been looking for and was not able to find anywhere else. Her coursework, student interaction and experiences with CWE have provided her with a better understanding of what it takes to operate a small-scale business and have also enabled her to discover a community of supportive and like-minded individuals who are pulling in the same direction as her. With CWE, Joeci has discovered that her true value is family and community and this knowledge has helped her transition from scaling her business towards major profits to focusing on lower-income households that other companies do not consider.

First Line Supervisor Training

Front Line Supervisor TrainingUpskill Your Employees, Build Your Supervisory Pool

This 90-hour, practical supervisory course takes strong performers and develops them into strong leaders. This course is designed for employees that were promoted to supervisor as well as those employees you are cultivating to a supervisory position.

Key topics include:

  • Effective Communication
  • Team Building
  • Time Management
  • Planning and Goal Setting
  • Problem Solving and Decision Making
  • Performance Management

100% grant reimbursement is available for companies with fewer than 100 employees or 50% reimbursement for those with greater than 100 employees.

The course is offered in either a 90-hour or 150-hour length, with live instructor-led sessions via Zoom.

The next open session runs from June 20 through October 26. Donโ€™t wait! Contact us today to sign up!

Contact Kristine Asselin at 978-630-9156 or emailย .

Member Spotlight

Custom Cleaning Service of Peabody

When the workday ends and the lights go down, Custom Cleaning Service of Peabody, Inc. gets to work. โ€œWe operate as our clientsโ€™ silent partner after business hours,โ€ says Adam Paicos, of Templeton, who now serves as Director of Operations and oversees the companyโ€™s expansion into North Central MA. โ€œWe are not often seen, but we ensure facilities are clean, secure, and ready for business each day while serving as the eyes and ears for our clients when they are not on site.โ€

Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast

Discover local business stories through our Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast series. Listen as Chamber members share their journeys, insights, and contributions to our thriving regional business community.

Out & About

From Chamber events and ribbon cuttings to community celebrations and regional highlights, stay connected with whatโ€™s happening across North Central Massachusetts. Follow us on social media for the latest photos, updates, and stories.

Discover Your Leadership Potential with CLI

Read More on LinkedIn

Cinco de Mayo Business After Hours Recap

View on Instagram

Job Board Postings

Looking for your next opportunity? Explore current job openings from employers across North Central Massachusetts on our Jobs Board. Whether youโ€™re starting a new career or making a change, youโ€™ll find a variety of local positions available to help you take the next step.

Got a job you want featured? Click here to submit a job posting to our job board or email . This is a member benefit. Post jobs at no extra cost. No algorithms or budgets to manage!

Scroll to top