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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After earning recognition as 2023 Chamber of the Year, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce sets ambitious targets to strengthen regional economy, member services and quality of life
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and its affiliates have adopted an ambitious three-year strategic plan that builds on recent successes while charting new territory in workforce development, advocacy, and regional competitiveness.
Approved in September 2025, the plan represents the Chamber’s continued commitment to strategic, measurable growth – building on the momentum and achievements of previous strategic plans
“This plan isn’t just about what we’re going to do – it’s about the measurable impact we’re going to have on North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy M. Nascimento, IOM, CCE, President & CEO.
“We’ve proven we can deliver results. Now we’re raising the bar even higher.”
Game-Changing New Initiatives
Manufacturing Council Expansion: Specialized working groups will address sector-specific challenges in advanced manufacturing, food processing, and precision manufacturing.
Transportation Management Association: A new Chamber affiliate will address regional transportation gaps that serve as barriers for workers and residents.
Tourism Destination Marketing District: Partnering with lodging members to leverage resources and dramatically expand destination marketing efforts.
Regional Business Investment Fund: Recapitalization will support priority real estate development projects, including utilizing the newly established North Central Massachusetts Land Bank.
Workforce Development: Enhancing workforce programming to strengthen employer partnerships and increase regional talent pipeline effectiveness
Expanded Inclusion Initiatives: Targeted recruitment and engagement of young professionals, women, Latinos, and underrepresented populations as members and leaders, with a target of 15% increase.
Tony Fields, Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors, emphasized the plan’s measurable approach: “We’re not just setting aspirational goals, we’re committing to specific targets that will hold us accountable. This ensures we’re always focusing our energy where it will have the greatest impact.”
“We’re committed to ensuring that the Chamber reflects the full diversity of North Central Massachusetts,” said Allie Catlin, Vice-Chair of the Board. “These values keep us grounded while we pursue ambitious goals.”
As the Chamber embarks on this three-year journey, success will require continued partnership from the entire regional community.
“With this strategic plan as our roadmap, and with the continued support of our members and regional partners, North Central Massachusetts will continue to strengthen its position as the best region in the state to live, work, raise a family, or build a business,” Nascimento said.
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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation is excited to announce that applications for the 2026 Scholarship Program are now being accepted from local high school students in North Central Massachusetts.
Each year, the Chamber Foundation awards approximately 25 college scholarships to support students continuing their education, made possible by contributions from members of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. In 2025 the Foundation also introduced a new non-traditional scholarship specifically for students pursuing trade programs or vocational training, expanding opportunities for diverse career pathways.
Students interested in applying for a scholarship in 2026 should reach out to their high school guidance department. Each school in the Chamber’s service area can submit a limited number of scholarship applicants each year. These applications will be reviewed by a committee of Chamber members. The deadline to apply is Saturday, February 28, 2026.
Since establishing its scholarship program, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation has awarded over one million dollars in scholarships. Many of these awards are made possible through contributions from Chamber members. Scholarships offered through the Chamber Foundation are often named in honor of prominent members of the North Central Massachusetts business community, whose philanthropy and commitment have significantly shaped the region, or companies that have sponsored a scholarship.
The Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on improving the area through charitable activities. Funds raised by the Foundation are primarily used for education and workforce development initiatives, as well as charitable activities in North Central Massachusetts. This includes scholarships for eligible applicants pursuing education and grants to support economic and community development projects.
Donations to support the Chamber Foundation’s scholarship program are greatly appreciated. Contributions can be mailed to the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation at 860 South St., Fitchburg, MA 01420, or made securely online at www.northcentralmass.com/donate.
For those interested in sponsoring or endowing a named scholarship in honor of a prominent business or community leader, please contact Teresa Roberts, Director of Finance, or Roy Nascimento, President, at 978.353.7600 ext. 227 or 225.
For more information on the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation’s scholarship program or to view a list of the named scholarships, please visit northcentralmass.com or call 978.353.7600 ext. 222.
North Central Massachusetts | Central Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Chamber of Commerce Membership | Chamber of Commerce Member Benefits | Chamber of Commerce near me | North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation | Blog | Scholarship 2026 | Scholarship Opportunity 2026
Last month, the Clinton Select Board held their annual tax classification hearing to set residential and commercial property tax rates for FY26. The North Central Massachusetts Chamber’s Director of Public Affairs Travis Condon testified on behalf of businesses, urging the Board to work toward a more competitive tax structure that would help Clinton attract business investment and create local jobs.
Following discussion, the Select Board voted unanimously in favor of maintaining Clinton’s current tax shift at 1.5 or 150 percent. The vote came after two separate motions for alternative shifts failed: one to increase the shift to 155 percent, supported by Vice-Chair Matthew Kobus and member Mary Dickhaut; and another to reduce the shift to 148 percent, supported by Select Board Clerk Sean Kerrigan and member William Connolly. Chair Julie Perusse served as the tiebreaking vote in both votes before the unanimous decision. At the 150 percent, the residential tax rate will be $12.98 per thousand and the commercial and industrial will be $21.58 per thousand.
Understanding Tax Classification in Massachusetts
Tax classification often causes confusion among residents and business owners alike. Here’s how it actually works:
Massachusetts allows municipalities to choose between two property tax systems: a single rate or a dual rate (also called a “split rate”). Under a single rate system, both residential and commercial properties are taxed at the same rate per thousand dollars of assessed value. Under a dual rate system, first allowed in the state in 1979, commercial and industrial properties are taxed at a higher rate than residential properties, meaning businesses pay significantly more in taxes on the same property value.
The “shift” percentage refers to how much of the tax burden is moved from residential properties onto commercial and industrial properties. When Clinton maintains a 150 percent shift, it’s shifting a substantial portion of the tax burden onto the business community. Massachusetts law allows municipalities to shift up to 175 percent of the burden onto commercial and industrial properties.
In Clinton, at the current 150 percent shift, the residential tax rate is $12.98 per thousand dollars of assessed value, while commercial and industrial properties pay $21.58 per thousand – a significant premium that applies before a business owner invests a single dollar in improvements or hires a single employee.
Why Balance Matters for Everyone
The question isn’t whether to shift a few dollars between property classes in any given year. The question is: What tax policy will help Clinton grow its commercial tax base, attract investment, and create jobs?
Communities with more competitive tax rates attract more business investment. More businesses mean more jobs for Clinton residents, more customers for other local businesses, and ultimately a larger commercial tax base. When the commercial tax base grows, it generates more total revenue for the town – which benefits everyone, including residential taxpayers.
Right now, Clinton’s split rate puts businesses at an immediate competitive disadvantage. A commercial property owner in Clinton pays higher property taxes than they would for the same property in a neighboring community with a lower shift or single tax rate – before making any improvements, before hiring any employees, before generating any economic activity. That higher tax burden exists simply because of the property’s classification, making Clinton less attractive for business investment compared to surrounding communities.
Over time, maintaining a high split rate creates a troubling cycle: the higher tax rate discourages commercial property owners from investing in improvements or expansions to their properties, knowing any increase in value will be taxed at the premium rate. Meanwhile, businesses choose to locate or expand elsewhere, existing businesses leave or close, and new investment goes to more competitive communities. As the commercial and industrial tax base shrinks, the town must either cut services or shift even more burden onto remaining taxpayers – including residents. This is exactly why other North Central Massachusetts communities have been moving toward single tax rates or more balanced splits: they recognize that attracting and retaining businesses ultimately eases the tax burden for everyone.
Moving toward a single tax rate isn’t about giving businesses a break – it’s about creating a level playing field that helps Clinton compete for the investment and economic growth that strengthens the entire community. A growing commercial base means a more stable revenue source for the town and less pressure on residential taxpayers to make up shortfalls.
Why Tax Competitiveness Matters
In his testimony, Condon emphasized that Clinton’s tax structure directly impacts the town’s ability to compete for business investment. The economic landscape has become increasingly challenging for local businesses, with rising costs, tight labor markets, and competition from other states making it harder to attract and retain businesses.
The Chamber has consistently advocated for Clinton to narrow the gap between commercial and residential tax rates over time. In 2018, a special tax classification task force recommended that Clinton gradually reduce the split with the long-term goal of reaching a single tax rate to make the town more competitive for business investment.
Several years ago, the Select Board had been moving in that direction, gradually reducing the shift. However, recent votes over the past several years have maintained the gap rather than continuing progress toward greater tax competitiveness.
The Path Forward
The Chamber recognizes the difficult decisions facing Clinton’s elected officials and appreciates the town’s ongoing efforts to support economic development. While we appreciate the Select Board’s decision to maintain the current split for FY26 rather than to adopt the earlier motion to increase the rate, we believe that narrowing the commercial/industrial tax gap is essential for Clinton’s economic future.
A more competitive tax structure helps attract business investment, creates employment opportunities for Clinton families, grows the commercial tax base, and ultimately provides a more stable financial foundation for the entire community. As Condon emphasized in his testimony, “This isn’t just about businesses—it’s about employment opportunities for Clinton families, growing the commercial tax base through new development, and easing the tax burden on residents.”
The Chamber was the only business and economic development organization to testify at the hearing, ensuring that businesses had a voice in this critical conversation about Clinton’s economic competitiveness. We will continue to advocate for policies that position Clinton—and all communities in North Central Massachusetts—to compete for the investment and jobs that strengthen our regional economy.
The Chamber would like to thank Select Board Clerk Sean Kerrigan and member William Connolly for their support of working toward a more competitive tax structure.
For more information, please contact Travis Condon, Public Affairs Director at 978.353.7600 ext. 224 or via email at .
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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
The City of Gardner has been awarded $365,000 through the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program to purchasenew fire-rated radio systems for all 42 members of the Gardner Fire Department. The grant will replace the Department’s 15-year-old portable radios, which are beyond their life expectancy and no longer supported by the manufacturer. Parts for the current models are often unavailable, and the units do not meet modern fire service standards for heat and water resistance.
Mayor Michael J. Nicholson expressed his gratitude for the support of federal partners and the continued investment in Gardner’s public safety infrastructure.
“This grant is another great example of how federal, state, and local partnerships work together to strengthen our communities,” said Mayor Mike Nicholson. “By investing in the safety of our first responders, we’re also investing in the safety of our residents. These new radios will ensure that our firefighters can communicate clearly and effectively during emergencies, helping them protect the people of Gardner while also keeping each other safe.”
Portable radios are among the most critical pieces of safety equipment for firefighters. They provide a vital communication link during emergencies—especially when operating in immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environments—ensuring that firefighters can stay connected toeach other and to command staff while working to protect residents.
“Gardner’s firefighters represent the best of what it means to serve: courage, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to protecting others,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “Securing this federal investment through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is exactly why I fight to strengthen and expand these initiatives in Congress, because they deliver real results for communities like Gardner. These new, state-of-the-art radios will enhance communication, improve safety, and ensure that our firefighters have the reliable tools they need to do their jobs effectively and return home safely after every call.”
“This investment in the Gardner Fire Department is an investment in its firefighters and the whole community,” said US Senator Edward J. Markey. “Communication is key when responding to emergencies, and I was proud to fight for this funding alongside Mayor Nicholson, Chief Lagoy, and our partners at the federal, state, and local level. I will continue toadvocate with Senator Warren and Representative Trahan to expand funding for FEMA’s AFG program and other firefighting grant programs so that every department gets the federal support they need.”
“It’s about time we upgrade our firefighters’ 15-year-old communication systems,” said US Senator Elizabeth Warren. “Modern equipment is an investment in Gardner families’ safety, so I’m going to keep fighting hard toprotect the Assistance to Firefighters Grants and Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response programs.”
Gardner Fire Chief Greg Lagoy emphasized how essential clear communication is in emergency situations.
“The Gardner Fire Department currently uses portable radios that are over 15 years old –well beyond their estimated service life, and do not meet current standards,” said Chief Greg Lagoy. “This much-needed funding from the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant program will be used topurchase new P-25 compliant, fire service-rated portable radios. These new radios are designed to perform under the harsh conditions in burning buildings, including extreme high temperatures and large volumes of water. Firefighters regularly operate in hazardous atmospheres, and having reliable portable radios are a mission-critical lifeline to ensure their safety. The benefits of this grant funding align with FEMA’s goals of improving firefighter and public safety, enhancing the Gardner Fire Department’s daily operations, and addressing equipment failures and service issues. The project addresses a critical gap in communication equipment, replacing outdated and unreliable technology to meet current safety standards, such as those set by the National Fire Protection Association. Without this award, the GFD would face continued challenges, including potential safety risks from communication failures and escalating maintenance costs for obsolete equipment. This also meaningfully helps to alleviate a significant financial burden on the City.”
City Councilor Craig Cormier, who chairs the City Council’s Public Safety Committee also expressed their appreciation for the continued investments in public safety.
“The Assistance To Firefighters Grant will significantly enhance the safety and efficacy of the Gardner Fire Department,” said Councilor Craig Cormier. “The department has encountered challenges with its end-of-life model radios, resulting in a growing number of breakdowns. We are pleased to learn that the grant will enable the department to maintain uninterrupted communication, ensuring the safety of both the firefighters and the individuals they serve.”
State Representative Jon Zlotnik praised the City’s ongoing efforts tomodernize its public safety infrastructure and support its first responders.
“The Gardner Fire Department has consistently demonstrated its commitment to professionalism, preparedness, and public service,” said State Representative Jon Zlotnik. “This grant builds on the City’s ongoing efforts to ensure that our first responders have the modern tools and equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. I’m proud tosee continued investment in the safety of both our firefighters and the residents they protect every day.”
Over the last five years, the City of Gardner has made significant investments in the Fire Department, including the purchase of new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units for all firefighters, two newengine trucks, a new heavy rescue vehicle, a new ambulance, and the necessary equipment to outfit each of these vehicles. Additionally, the City purchased new EMS protective jackets for all firefighters responding to ambulance calls and provided each firefighter with a second set of turnout gear to ensure readiness and safety during back-to-back responses. The City has also recently ordered a new ladder truck set tobegin construction in 2027 and a new backup ambulance expected toarrive in early 2026.
These collective efforts continue to strengthen the Gardner Fire Department’s ability to protect the community with the highest level of service, safety, and professionalism.
“By replacing outdated technology with modern, fire-rated radios that meet today’s safety standards, Gardner is continuing its commitment toinvesting in the safety of both its residents and first responders,” added Mayor Nicholson. “Reliable communication is essential in every emergency, and this investment ensures that the City’s firefighters have the tools they need to serve the community safely and effectively.”
When: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 3PM EST.
Duration: 60-minutes
Cost: Free
Discover SEO for AI — a digital marketing strategy to boost brand visibility, website visitors and increase sales leads.
As AI search becomes the way people find and evaluate companies, products, and services, teams should add SEO for AI (Generative Engine Optimization or GEO).
This free 60-minute session shows how to structure pages, entities, and content so AI systems can understand, index, and present your brand when buyers compare options. You will learn practical steps for schema, internal linking, and on page signals that improve visibility at the moments people search on AI platforms.
Building on the SEO for AI (Generative Engine Optimization or GEO) approach, we will show how AI Search Optimization is reshaping how brands are discovered, evaluated, and recommended across channels, and what signals AI systems prioritize when surfacing credible, trustworthy businesses so you can position your brand to drive potential sales.
You will leave with a clear framework for brand clarity, structured messaging, and data driven consistency that uses agility, focus, and strong content foundations to attract more qualified visitors and convert them into loyal customers.
Fidelity Bank announced it has granted $15,000 to three local non-profits focused on food insecurity, personal hygiene and veterans outreach programs and services. The grants stem from an annual opportunity through the endowment fund for Fidelity Bank colleagues to nominate and vote for local nonprofits that are making a difference in the regions the Bank serves.
The donations were awarded to the following organizations:
Hope and Comfort (Needham) received a $5,000 donation to support the organization’s Hygiene Hub, the largest known hygiene bank in the country. The hub provides sustained access to hygiene essentials such as soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and menstrual products.
“Hygiene insecurity is tied to economic hardship, and individuals and families often prioritize other necessities like food and shelter over hygiene products,” said Kerry Carter, CEO, Hope and Comfort. “Through the generosity of Fidelity Bank, we will be able to purchase thousands of products which will provide people across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut with improved health, self-esteem, dignity and confidence.”
7th Annual PFC Keely Walsh Ride for Veterans (Clinton) received a $5,000 donation to support the memorial motorcycle ride with proceeds benefiting Clear Path for Veterans. The organization is a wellness-based Veteran’s Community Center to reconnect veterans to their communities upon their return home from deployment.
“Every year, the PFC Keely Walsh Ride for Veterans selects a local organization assisting veterans with wellness services, housing, food and other needs,” said Wanda Walsh, Keely’s mother. “This memorial ride honors all veterans, including my daughter, Keely. A member of the Army National Guard, she was killed in a single vehicle accident on her way to National Guard Drill in Belchertown on December 14, 2014. Through the generosity of Fidelity Bank, we are able to ensure all our veterans have access to the services they need and deserve now and in the future.”
Spanish American Center (Leominster) received a $5,000 donation to support the Center’s programs and services, such as afterschool activities, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, domestic violence support and counseling, legal advocacy clinics, online voter registration, elder referrals and advocacy, and a food pantry.
“We are in a crisis right now with our funding, especially in our food pantry,” said Neddy Latimer, executive director, Spanish American Center. “As our overall funding has decreased due to budget cuts across the country, this donation comes at such an important time and will allow us to continue offering meals and food to our clients. We are grateful to Fidelity Bank and their employees for selecting our organization with this generous donation as it will go a long way toward helping those who need it most.”
“As part of our LifeDesign brand promise, it’s our mission to provide care for our communities, and through our new Charitable Endowment Fund we can live our values and make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve,” said Towma Rastad, community engagement manager, Fidelity Bank. “The Spanish American Center, Hope for Comfort and PFC Keely Walsh Ride for Veterans are all pivotal to our community. We hope these donations will help them respond to the social, health, housing, and hunger needs of the communities we serve.”
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.
Looking for your next opportunity? Explore current job openings from employers across North Central Massachusetts on our Jobs Board. Whether you’re starting a new career or making a change, you’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!
When: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 3PM EST.
