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
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Most biopharmaceutical companies in Massachusetts expect to grow their workforces over the next year, but many have also had a hard time filling open positions, according to a new industry report.
The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council previously projected that the industry could require up to 40,000 new workers by 2024, and an analysis BW Research Partnership conducted for MassBio calls for the field to “re-think the current workforce development pipeline,” by prioritizing regionalization and diversity.
“Given that employers project to see growth across several different entry- and non-entry-level positions over the next couple years as well as the significant hiring difficulties attributed to a small applicant pool and lack of experienced or qualified applicants, the life sciences industry will require significant workforce development support mechanisms from the state, educational institutions, and other workforce development stakeholders,” reads the report, released Wednesday.
The life sciences sector is a significant force in the state’s economy, with about 106,600 jobs across Massachusetts as of 2021, up by nearly 60,500 jobs since 2006. It’s also been singled out for major state investments — in 2018, Gov. Charlie Baker signed a life sciences bill that called for $473 million in capital spending over five years.
Short-term strategies recommended in the report include adding biopharma-specific courses or modules to existing four-year degrees like accounting or marketing; scaling up short-term, customized certification programs; increasing hands-on and lab experience in educational settings; and expanding internships with life-sciences company.
On the longer-term front, the report suggests partnering with higher education institutions that serve minority populations, developing “a central organizing workforce institute run by MassBio,” and seeking financial support from the state for both of those efforts.
The Elect North Central Coalition, composed of leading business, educational, media and community organizations, will host a forum with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Sonia Chang-Díaz at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 7 at the Fitchburg Access Television studios.
The program, to be moderated by Fitchburg-Leominster All Politics (FLAP-TV) host Kevin Cormier, will be streamed live and then available for viewing on demand atfatv.org. Questions will focus on issues of concern to the diverse communities and businesses of North Central Massachusetts.
The coalition has extended invitations to additional gubernatorial candidates – including Democrat Maura Healey and Republicans Geoff Diehl and Chris Doughty – to participate in similar forums.
State Sen. Chang-Díaz has represented the Second Suffolk District since 2009.
Elect North Central is a coalition of organizations dedicated to making the democratic process accessible and assuring that local and regional issues are examined and addressed by candidates running for office. The coalition plans to invite the Democrat and Republican candidates for governor to debate in advance of the general election in November.
“The members of Elect North Central include a broad cross-section of leaders in media, education, community, and business organizations, and was formed to provide residents an opportunity to hear the candidates on issues affecting them and the region,” said Lea Ann Scales, Vice President of Enrollment and Public Affairs at Mount Wachusett Community College, the chair of Elect North Central. “As we have since coming together in 2018, we will continue to collaborate on projects that will engage candidates and voters, and provide a platform to ensure the voices and concerns of our region are heard.”
The Elect North Central Coalition includes the Clinton Item; Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts; Faith Based Community Coalition of North Central Massachusetts; Fitchburg Access Television (FATV); Fitchburg State University; Gardner News; Leominster Champion; Leominster Access Television (LTV); MassLive; Minority Coalition of North Central Massachusetts; Making Opportunity Count; Mount Wachusett Community College; NewVue Communities; North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce; Spanish American Center; State House News Service; Three Pyramids, Inc; United Way of North Central Massachusetts; Vocero Hispano Newspaper; Worcester Business Journal; Worcester Telegram & Gazette; and WPKZ FM 105.3.
At the time of this writing, candidates’ signatures are being verified for federal and statewide offices as election season continues to shape up. The Chamber has engaged with candidates for the Governor’s race and the major constitutional offices. Efforts have included interviews with the candidates on our Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast: Election Series, which is available on our website as well as Apple and Spotify. The Chamber is also monitoring a number of other races in North Central Massachusetts. The region’s two Congressional delegates are expected to face challengers this November, and in addition to at least two open seats, a number of our State legislative delegation will also face opponents in November.
In April, Governor Charlie Baker signed a supplemental budget for FY22. One of the biggest impacts for our members was the extension of outdoor dining and to-go cocktails through April 1, 2023. The midyear spending bill also included an additional $700 million to be directed to the ongoing COVID-19 response and $100 million for road repairs. The Governor also filed a $3.5 billion economic development bill that, if passed, would enable new infrastructure and jobs, and invest in every city and town in the Commonwealth. The proposed Act Investing in Future Opportunities for Resiliency, Workforce, and Revitalized Downtowns (or FORWARD) contains a significant set of opportunities to advance community and economic development, including a number of shovel-ready projects in cities and towns across the Commonwealth, while ensuring that every community would receive at least $250,000 in funding, although a number of communities in our footprint would be poised to receive a larger amount.
After the Governor released his $48.5 billion budget proposal for FY23, the Chamber spent time engaging with House delegates while they crafted their $49.7 billion version of the budget in the latter half of April. The Chamber also attended a roundtable with Senate President Karen Spilka at the MassHire North Central Career Center. The roundtable, organized by Senator John Cronin, provided the region’s stakeholders the opportunity to engage the Senate President on a number of issues facing the region including the need for an increase in resources for English language learners in education, the ongoing shortage of available workers, and the need to further support initiatives to develop the workforce and talent pipeline. In late May, the Chamber engaged the region’s Senate delegation in several priority areas including workforce development, economic development, and tourism before they unveiled their $49.9 billion budget. The budget now moves onto conference committee where differences between the House and Senate will be reconciled.
In addition to the budget discussions, the Chamber continues to monitor Governor Baker’s $700 million tax relief proposal released earlier this year along with his $1.7 billion proposed supplemental budget unveiled in May. While attempts to suspend the state’s gas tax have been thwarted, there is hope that the Governor’s relief package or something comparable could pass in the legislature. The Department of Revenue announced that April tax collections came in more than $3 billion more than what was collected in April 2021 and more than $2 billion above their own monthly benchmark. Other big issues that are still pending before the legislature include sports betting, mental health, round 2 of the ARPA budget, and climate and energy policy.
The Chamber is continuing to work to advance North Central Massachusetts through multiple initiatives contained in the One North Central regional economic development plan. Senator Cronin spearheaded an effort to secure funding in the first round of ARPA funding that will aid us in reconvening the education compact to work on initiatives surrounding workforce development and developing a talent pipeline. Fitchburg and Gardner, along with the Chamber’s economic development arm, are also contributing funds to help with a new initiative aimed at attracting new investment to the region.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Travis Condon, the Chamber’s public affairs manager, at 978.353.7600, ext. 224; or via email at .
Thank you to all our sponsors who help sponsor this past 2025-2026 program year! We are truly honored by your continued support and efforts to continue to make our community thrive! View
Event
Join us for Connect North Central
Friday, November 20, 2026
8am-9am View
Event
Joint Mayor's Meeting
December 4, 2026
Chamber members are provided with the opportunity to engage with the Mayors of Fitchburg, Gardner, and Leominster who provide updates on projects and other things happening in their Cities. These events are by invitation only, please contact Travis Condon for more details. View
Event
Future Leaders of North Central: Annual Holiday Party & Ugly Sweater Competition
December 8, 2026
Bull Run Restaurant
215 Great Rd. Shirly, MA View
Event
Chamber members are provided with the opportunity to engage with the Mayors of Fitchburg, Gardner, and Leominster who provide updates on projects and other things happening in their Cities. These events are by invitation only, please contact Travis Condon for more details. View
Event
Several years ago David was diagnosed with FTD/PSP, a degenerative neurological disease. PSP is a rare, physically debilitating disease and affects all aspects of daily function. There is no known cure.
We are working with the MGH Frontotemporal Disorders Unit to help and support David in the life he loves. Ski with David for PSP will benefit the clinical care and research programs at the MGH FTD Unit, bringing the cure of tomorrow closer to the care of today.
RACE TO CURE PSP
Race Fee: $25 / 2 runs (LIFT TICKET CAN BE PURCHASED SEPERATELY)
3 Categories:
18 and Under “Guppies”
Under 45 “Millennials”
45 and Older “Old Timers”
Race Date & Location:
Sunday, February 12, 2023
Wachusett Mountain Ski Area
499 Mountain Rd, Princeton MA 01541
Race Schedule:
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Registration
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Race on Challenger
2:00 PM – Awards
Please Note: Each racer will be limited to 2 runs. Fastest Run Wins! Separate lift ticket purchase necessary for non-passholders.
The day will also feature a fundraising raffle. Raffle tickets will be sold at the registration table.
Rent a part of history in the restored Abijah Wyman House located in Ashby Center; 10 Common Road, Ashby, MA. In need of office space? Retail space? A place to meet with your clients? In the heart of beautiful downtown Ashby, a classic New England village. Second floor and mezzanine, 2,270 square feet. Great space with many possibilities for professional, showroom or retail use. Price per square foot negotiable. Gross rent plus utilities. Water and sewer included. Tenant responsible for electric and gas. Owner may consider subdividing or other lease arrangements. Elevator on site. Multiple tenant building including the Ashby Post Office. Building is meticulously maintained with ample parking on site. On street signage is available. High visibility in town and easily accessible. Just minutes away from the Fitchburg Commuter Rail and the New Hampshire border. To check out the space please reach out to Michelle Haggstrom at 978-660-9912 or email mahaggstrom@gmail.com.
The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts announces the opening of its 2023 Synergy Initiative and Activation Fund grant opportunities to target community-identified health issues and support innovative approaches to addressing health issues in the region. The deadlines for submission of initial application materials are April 12 for the Activation Fund and July 12 for the Synergy Initiative.
The Synergy Initiative provides multiple years of funding (approximately $2 million in total funding over roughly five years) for collaborative projects that address complex health issues in Central Massachusetts with integrated, comprehensive strategies focused on systems change. The Synergy Initiative typically opens every four to five years, with the last round opening in 2019. The Activation Fund supports discrete, one-year projects in Central Massachusetts (typically between $60,000 and $120,000) aimed at helping to move an organization to its next level of capacity and effectiveness that can be sustained over time. The Activation Fund usually accepts applications annually. The Foundation does not name specific health issues or priority areas, instead looking to community-based organizations to define health issues and potential solutions. Funding guidelines and answers to frequently asked questions for each program may be found on the Foundation’s website at hfcm.org.
INFORMATION SESSIONS & STAFF CONSULTATIONS
A series of virtual and in-person information sessions outlining each program’s funding goals, eligibility criteria, and application processes will be held in February and March. To register for an upcoming session, please complete this Registration Form. Foundation staff is available to discuss project ideas and provide feedback. To schedule a consultation for the Synergy Initiative, please contact Dr. Kathy Mills, Vice President for Programs (); for the Activation Fund, please contact Jennie Blake, Senior Program Officer ().
PILOT EQUITY INITIATIVES
In 2023, the Foundation is also piloting several equity-related initiatives aimed at increasing access to the Foundation’s Activation Fund grant opportunity and helping smaller organizations build capacity. Each initiative will be evaluated to assess effectiveness and to inform future implementation.
For those with limited English proficiency, the Foundation is partnering with the Center for Health Impact to make interpretation and translation services available during virtual information sessions if requested in advance through the registration process.
Organizations with annual operating budgets less than $500,000 will be eligible to request up to 10% of direct project costs for unrestricted, supplemental support aimed at building capacity during the grant period.
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. “We operate as our clients’ silent partner after business hours,” says Adam Paicos, of Templeton, who now serves as Director of Operations and oversees the company’s expansion into North Central MA. “We 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.”
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.
From Chamber events and ribbon cuttings to community celebrations and regional highlights, stay connected with what’s happening across North Central Massachusetts. Follow us on social media for the latest photos, updates, and stories.
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