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 – with trusted resources, a strong business network, and a support system to keep your business and the region moving forward
The logic is sound: if our community is better educated, it’s better for everyone, correct? Although it makes sense, the national tide of funding is actually flowing away from education in favor of other things. Programs are being cut, and students are receiving less academic and personal support than they have for years. Here’s a simple fact:
Good Education and Good Communities Go Hand-in-Hand
This doesn’t mean one strong school as a flagship, as it is in many larger communities. It means significant investment in education across states, cities, towns, rural areas, and communities until children in our community and our country receive the education they deserve.
Why? The answer is simple. Education is the economic driver of success and production in our communities. It starts in Kindergarten, and on up to 12th grade. When students receive support at the beginning, they’re more likely to pursue higher education, whether as part of a trade program or a university. They’re more likely to understand civic responsibility and community engagement.
On the other side of the coin, areas where schools have been underfunded for a long time see disengaged citizens. Unsupported students grow up with a mindset that they are not highly regarded by the decision-makers in their area, because frankly, they aren’t.
What Can We Do About It?
It’s not complicated. As business owners and citizens, we often ignore the lasting effects of a strong education system in terms of our own lives. But consider this: a larger crop of successful students in our community will mean a larger pool of potential employees. The business community will benefit when strong students stay around. The ones that leave will benefit other communities near and far.
So what’s the solution? Support your local education system. Vote in favor of funding bills for education. If you run a business, use education as your outlet for philanthropy whenever possible. Ensure that the students in your community have access to school supplies, books, and other tools to maximize their education, because when the education system is strong, the community grows as a whole and becomes a better place to live.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is partnering with other regional organizations to host the Work North Central Hiring Event scheduled for Tuesday, September 28, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg, MA. The regional organizations involved include Fitchburg State University, the MassHire North Central Massachusetts Career Center, the MassHire North Central Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board, and Mount Wachusett Community College.
The event, which is free for job seekers, will connect potential applicants with local employers of all sizes and industries to discuss employment and career opportunities available in the region. Employers from diverse industries will be seeking candidates with all levels of skill and backgrounds, including entry level, and professional and technical positions in such industries as construction, distribution, education, financial services, government, healthcare, hospitality, non-profit, manufacturing, restaurants and other industries. Additionally, some employers will be offering hiring on-site, and may provide signing bonuses and other incentives.
In addition to networking and learning about available positions across the region, attendees can also take advantage of a full day of programming, including complimentary professional headshots, free career counseling, sessions on careers in advanced manufacturing and health care, and workshops on resume writing, using social media to help with your job search and how to improve your interview skills. The Chamber will also be hosting a $100 gift card prize raffle every hour throughout the event.
“As a leader in helping North Central Massachusetts compete for talent and advance the region’s economic prosperity, we realize there is currently a critical need to help our local businesses find qualified and skilled talent in order to grow and succeed,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This event is aimed to create economic opportunity, and a strong and diversified workforce for our employers, while providing the unemployed and underemployed the opportunity to meet with a number of employers in one location.”
The Work North Central Hiring Event is a complement to the Chamber’s WorkNorthCentral.com Jobs Board, which serves as an online resource to connect job seekers and local employers while also improving the talent pipeline and better connect employers to local schools.
Walk-ins are welcome, but job seekers can also pre-register by visiting the Chamber’s website at www.NorthCentralMass.com. Free parking for job seekers and attendees is available at Great Wolf Lodge, and the Montachusett Area Transit Authority will be offering an extended schedule for the event throughout the day on their Fitchburg/Route 11 that runs to Great Wolf Lodge.
Employers interested in participating and reserving a table at the Work North Central Hiring Event should contact Lauren Goulet at 978-353-7600, ext. 222, or Kat Deal at 978-353-7600, ext. 235, to inquire about availability.
As the Chamber wants 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.
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 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.
Fore Then Pore: Golf Clinic, 9 Hole Play & End of Summer Bash
August 21, 2026
Golf Clinic, 9 Hole Play & End of Summer Bash
August 21, 2026
The Woods of Westminster
Event Start at 1:00pm View
Event
Sponsors Reception: Old Mill
August 26, 2026
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
Resource Management, Inc. (RMI) names Rachel Lopez CEO of RMI effective September 1st, 2021. Founder and current CEO of RMI, Rey Lopez is transitioning to Director of Sales.
RMI, a family-owned HR outsourcing company and Professional Employer Organization has appointed Rachel Lopez as the new President and CEO of the company. For more than 25 years, Reinaldo “Rey” Lopez held the title as Founder and CEO and will continue serving RMI on the Board of Directors as well as the new Director of Sales to focus his attention on sales management.
“As founder of RMI, he was the first salesperson. It’s his passion. He really enjoys the business development side of things.” Rachel said when she spoke about her father’s new role.
Rachel looks forward to leading the company and continuing the RMI family legacy her father has built over the years. In her executive role, Rachel envisions the company will evolve to meet clients’ needs in the future.
Rachel stated, “I am very honored and excited for this new opportunity; I look forward to continuing my father’s legacy and remain a trusted partner to our clients. My vision is to continue adding value to our clients and their employees as their dedicated HR partner, so they can focus on what they love to do and continue to be successful.”
Rey looks forward to seeing Rachel lead the future generations of the RMI team.
“I believe that Rachel will continue to provide the excellent leadership that has gained the respect and appreciation of all our team members. I am both proud and excited that she will be continuing the RMI legacy,” Rey said. “She is very driven and goal oriented. She is relentless at providing excellent service and while maintaining a great work environment within the office.I see Rachel and the entire team reaching plateaus that were only a dream for me. RMI could not have a better leader at this moment than Rachel.”
Ms. Lopez began her journey with RMI in 1995. She was RMI’s first employee and started when she was 15 years old in the Payroll Department, processing payrolls. She then moved to the Human Resources and Compliance department where she learned every part of the business.
Rachel’s passion and drive goes far beyond just helping her clients grow.
“I like the role we play in the success of other businesses. I like that we can help owners of small and medium-sized businesses achieve goals by helping them manage their risk and liability. I love that we’re able to put them in a position where they can be competitive in their marketplace, offering benefits to their employees and making everyone’s lives better.”
RMI is family-owned business consisting of Rachel’s brother Alex Lopez, Vice President, Naldi Lopez, Director, and Rey Lopez, newly Sales Director.
“I would like to thank my father for his leadership and commitment to RMI for these past 25 years. His level of dedication and expertise in the industry has transformed the company to become one of the largest Hispanic-owned businesses in the nation,” said Rachel. “My vision is to continue leading RMI in the right direction and positioning the company as a PEO industry leader for many years to come.”
This exciting Zoom program is appropriate for adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up. Please register to be sent the Zoom link! https://tinyurl.com/fplweather
Bitter cold, dense fog, heavy snow, and record winds: Mount Washington is known worldwide for its unpredictable and dangerous weather. For a mountain its size, why is Mt. Washington called the “Home of the World’s Worst Weather”? While many places on Earth experience severe weather, few are inhabited by humans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Mount Washington Observatory has been operating a continuously-staffed scientific outpost on this remote peak since 1932, providing the Observatory many remarkable stories and an intimate knowledge of the mountain.
Join Mount Washington Observatory’s Brian Fitzgerald on Zoom for an investigation into the unique life and work of weather observers stationed at the observatory year-round. We will explore how the mountain’s weather works and what it can tell us about New England’s own weather patterns. This program will include interactive demonstrations, weather instruments, stunning photography, and video footage from the summit.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Fitchburg Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
This is a free program. For information about this or other Library programs call 978-829-1780 or visit our website: www.FitchburgPublicLibrary.org.
Pacheco brings expertise to help small business owners meet their goals through Fidelity Bank’s LifeDesign approachto banking
Fidelity Bank today announced the appointment of John P. Pacheco Jr. to Vice President, Business Development Officer for the bank’s service areas in North Central and Central Massachusetts. In his new role, he will work with local businesses, both large and small, by partnering with Fidelity Bank’s caring team of commercial lenders, cash management specialists, and our local banking centers to connect clients with financial tools that will help their businesses grow.
“John’s ability to connect with people enables him to provide personal attention to business owners who are seeking a friendly, trusted advisor when making financial decisions to bring their business to the next level,” said Sheila King-Goodwin, Senior Vice President, Chief Community Banking Officer, Fidelity Bank.
Pacheco has been with Fidelity Bank for nearly four years, most recently as Manager of the Leominster Connector Banking Center. In addition to his professional role at the bank, he also serves as a member of the bank’s Inclusion and Diversity Council.
“For the past several years, I have experienced the success of the Fidelity Bank LifeDesign approach to banking when working with my clients,” said Pacheco. “I have experience working directly with our small business owners, to give them clarity, confidence and care as a partner in helping them achieve their goals.”
A resident of Lancaster, he is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Sociology. He was recently recognized by the Worcester Business Journal asa 40 Under Forty recipient for the class of 2021.
In addition to his work at Fidelity Bank, he is a Founding Member of Impact Networking, a network of Leominster area business leaders, Secretary of the board for World Farmers, Inc., a member of the Advisory Council Board at Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts, and director of the New England Pride Colorguard LBTQI+ Performance Ensemble. He is also Past President of the Montachusett Rotary Club and serves as a coach for the Mansfield High School Fine Arts Department.
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!
