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 North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of our comprehensive regional Manufacturing Directory!
After nearly four years since our last edition in 2022, we’re bringing back this valuable resource—now in full color—to showcase the vibrant manufacturing sector in our region. This directory will serve as an essential guide for businesses, economic development professionals, and organizations looking to connect with local manufacturers.
Why Advertise in the Manufacturing Directory?
Targeted Exposure: Reach decision-makers, potential customers, and partners in the manufacturing industry
Regional Impact: Connect with the North Central Massachusetts business community
Lasting Value: A reference guide that will be used throughout the yearEnhanced Visibility: Full-color format makes your business stand out
Advertising Opportunities Available
Whether you’re a manufacturer, supplier, or service provider to the manufacturing industry, this directory offers an excellent opportunity to promote your business and capabilities.
For more information about advertising rates and specifications, please contact:
Diane Burnette
Project Coordinator
978.353.7600
Deadline to advertise in the North Central Massachusetts Manufacturing Directory is October 20, 2025.
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Chamber member Fuse Energy is offering local small businesses an opportunity to save money on electricity while supporting clean energy in our community.
Through their Massachusetts Community Solar program, Unitil and National Grid small business customers can:
Save up to $1,000 annually on electric bills
Receive a 10% discount on solar energy credits
Enroll with no buy-in or subscription fees
Support local solar farm development
There’s no installation required and no interference with your current utility service. Businesses simply enroll in a local solar farm and receive monetary credits on their monthly electric bills.
Program Details: The program has a 20-year term, but businesses can opt out with 360 days’ notice after the first year. There are no early termination fees.
Giving Back to the Community: As a gesture of their commitment to the local business community, Fuse Energy will make a $300 donation to the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation for every small business that enrolls in this program.
Due to limited solar credit availability, this is a first-come, first-served opportunity.
Click here to learn more or Contact Fuse Energy Directly at 978.486.FUSE (3873) for a savings estimate
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Ribbon cutting ceremony marked exciting step toward a greener future for the region
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting on September 30, to commemorate the installation of two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The event, which was held at the Chamber’s headquarters located at 860 South Street in Fitchburg, featured a luncheon with the region’s business, civic and community leaders.
The project was a collaboration with Unitil, DMH Electric and Fuse Energy. Unitil provided a grant to fund a majority of the project while DMH Electric performed the installation and Fuse Energy helped with negotiating the energy contract. All of the companies are Chamber members and sponsors of the charging stations.
“This project represents exactly what makes our region special—Chamber members stepping up to support one another and invest in our shared future,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “By working together to install these EV charging stations near major travel routes, we’re enhancing our commitment to sustainability while making North Central Massachusetts more accessible to electric vehicle drivers. I’m grateful to DMH Electric for their exceptional project management and generous sponsorship, and to Unitil and Fuse Energy for making this vision a reality. When our members collaborate like this, we all win.”
The EV charging stations are available for EV drivers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The two chargers provide space for up to four EVs to charge at the same time. Payment can be made via an app, contactless card or QR code, and pricing varies based on charging speed, energy and/or time.
“Establishing a comprehensive regional network of EV charging stations is essential for promoting sustainable transportation for the region, which reduces carbon emissions and enhances access to electric vehicles. We are pleased to have provided technical assistance during the planning and implementation phases, as well as financial support through a rebate. By working collaboratively, these types of initiatives become feasible for businesses and local governments to invest in this vital infrastructure,” said Arianna MacNeill, municipal and community services executive for Unitil.
“DMH Electric is happy to support the Chamber on this project,” said David Hinckley Jr., director of EV sales and operations, DMH Electric. “Installing these charging stations was a great collaboration, and we appreciate working with Fuse Energy to help power these units and make EV charging more accessible in our region. It’s rewarding to work on infrastructure that benefits our community.”
“At the heart of Fuse Energy is our commitment to making a difference in our communities and supporting organizations committed to a more sustainable world,” said Steve Janes, founder and managing partner, Fuse Energy. “We are proud to be part of this project with the Chamber to advance renewable energy in the North Central Massachusetts region through the installation of these EV charging stations.”
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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
Connect North Central
December 11, 2026
Join us for our last Connect North Central of the year!
Friday, December 11, 2026
8am-9am 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
Growing Places, in partnership with the City of Gardner, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the new Waterford Street Regional Food Center, located at 62 Waterford Street, Gardner, MA.
The ceremony featured remarks from Representative Jonathan Zlotnik, Mayor Mike Nicholson of Gardner, Steve Adams, President of the North Central Massachusetts Community Foundation, Farmer John Gove, and Ayn Yeagle, Executive Director of Growing Places. Together, they marked this significant milestone in strengthening the regional food system, supporting local farmers, and expanding equitable food access across North Central Massachusetts. All speakers emphasized the project’s importance for Gardner and the North Central MA’s region’s economic and community health.
“This center is more than a facility—it’s a bridge,” said Ayn Yeagle during her remarks. “A bridge between our farms, families, and providers that feed our community – between opportunity and equity – between health and economic growth. It strengthens our regional food system, a hidden gem of North Central MA, and ensures that the food grown here in North Central Massachusetts feeds the people who live here.”
“This has really been a labor of love on the part of Growing Places but a labor of love for the people of our region,” said Gardner Mayor Mike Nicholson. “Growing Places providing the food for several of our students in the schools, expanding their programming now with our after-school program about different ways that food can be prepared. This really is something that’s very positive for this region, positive for the city and I’m very excited to see the great work that’s happening.”
“Just about three years ago exactly, the mayor, Ayn and I stood in the corner just over there and announced what our vision was for repurposing the former Waterford Street School,” remarked State Representative Jon Zlotnik recalling the steps taken to get to the opening of the new Food Center. “Then last year at the other end of this room, we signed a lease with Growing Places to really kick off this adventure in earnest and now that the processing center for Growing Places is fully operational, we are so proud to be here celebrating another milestone and cutting a ribbon. This is a major benefit to our residents and our region as a whole, and I am glad that we were all able to work together to get us to this point today to connect our local agriculture economy directly to people’s tables right here in Gardner.”
About the Regional Food Center
The Waterford Street Regional Food Center was developed through the Local Food Works Coalition, coordinated by Growing Places, with support from local farmers, the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and numerous community partners and funders.
Designed to address barriers that have historically limited small and underserved local farmers and community members from fully benefiting from the region’s agricultural potential, the new center purchases produce at fair prices from farmers and provide light processing such as peeling, chopping, freezing, and dehydrating local fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
Food from the center is distributed to community members across the region’s 27 cities and towns through Growing Places’ home delivery program, as well as to schools, colleges, hospitals, restaurants, and grocery stores across the state. The center currently supports 30+ farmers through purchasing programs that ensure fair compensation and consistent demand.
About Growing Places
About Growing Places Established in 2001, Growing Places is a regional nonprofit food system organization based in North Central Massachusetts, serving 27 cities and towns that are home to over 180 small and underserved farms and more than 275,000 residents. Our mission is to actively engage in the North Central MA regional food system and strengthen community capacity to transform that system into one that promotes equity, fosters collective well-being, nurtures economic resilience, and sustains the environment.
The United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) has awarded $307,800 in grantsto23 local agencies, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the well-being and development of young people across the region.
Provided through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) After School and Out-of-School Time (ASOST) Program and in partnership with the United Ways of Central and South Central Massachusetts, the funding supports a wide range of after-school and out-of-school initiatives that help youth learn, grow, and thrive beyond the classroom.
Funded projects include equine-assisted therapy programs that help youth build coping skills and resilience, as well as martial arts programs for low-income youth that foster confidence, discipline, and leadership.
“Every young person deserves access to safe, supportive spaces where they can explore their potential and build essential life skills,” said Judy Tomlinson, Director of Community Impact for the United Way of North Central Massachusetts. “Through the ASOST program, we’re proud to partner with organizations that are helping our youth thrive beyond the classroom.”
Through this partnership with DESE, UWNCM has distributed more than $1.8 million to local agencies over the past several years, including nonprofit organizations, public school systems, and municipalities. This latest round marks the tenth distribution and will fund 2026 school-year programs at agencies including High Ridge Harmony Farm in Westminster, which received support for Harmony with Horses.
Barbara Cudak, Owner and Founder of High Ridge Harmony Farm, says, “This grant from the United Way of North Central Massachusetts allows us to strengthen the mental and emotional well-being of local youth through our animal-assisted and nature-based programs. Together, we’re helping young people find peace, purpose, and belonging.”
LUK, Inc. was recently awarded $25,000 in funding from the Amelia Peabody Foundation to support their Mentoring program.
LUK Mentoring pairs caring, responsible adults with youth age 6-17 in the community who would benefit from having an additional trusted adult in their life. Mentors serve as positive role models for the youth, encouraging healthy behavioral and social development.
The organization has received funding from the Amelia Peabody Foundation for Mentoring since 2013. These funds will directly support providing site-based and community-based mentors for new youth in the program.
“We have been fortunate to be a recipient of Amelia Peabody Foundation funds for several years and they are instrumental for us to help sustain our programming,” said Assistant Director of Community Engagement and Support Services, Shawn Fleurie. “We have a waitlist of 75 or more youth seeking a mentor, and these funds will help us to recruit, onboard, train, and match mentors to 13 of those youth throughout Worcester County.”
LUK is grateful for the ongoing support of the Amelia Peabody Foundation in helping them build stronger communities.
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.
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Chamber member Fuse Energy is offering local small businesses an opportunity to save money on electricity while supporting clean energy in our community.
