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

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Chamber News

Reopening, Temporary Capacity and Gathering Limits Update

Posted on February 4th/in Chamber News /by 3mediaweb

Today at 12:30pm, Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito made an announcement relative to reopening and the temporary capacity and gathering limits:

1. Temporary Capacity Limits Lifted – The 25% temporary capacity limits order will expire on February 8^th at 5:00 AM.

All businesses in the list below, currently limited to 25% capacity, will return to 40% capacity, as previously allowed (industry guidance effective in December 2020 will apply).

· Arcades and Recreational Businesses

· Driving and Flight Schools

· Gyms/Health Clubs

· Libraries

· Museums

· Retail

· Offices

· Places of Worship

· Lodging (common areas)

· Golf (indoor areas)

· Movie theaters (no more than 50 people per theater)

· Restaurants will now be limited to 40% of their seated capacity, but as under the 25% capacity rule, employees will not count toward their capacity limit

· Close Contact Personal Services will now be limited to 40% capacity, but as under the 25% capacity rule, employees will be not count toward their capacity limit

· A limit of 8 people per 1000 sq. feet applies for smaller businesses without an available fire occupancy capacity limit

2. Gatherings Order – Gatherings remain at no more than 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

3. The Commonwealth remains in Phase 3 Step 1 of Reopening (Order No. 58) – Indoor performance venues and indoor recreation businesses like roller rinks and trampoline parks remain closed

All sector specific guidance will be updated at www.mass.gov/reopening.

Teams play follow the leader

Posted on February 4th/in Chamber News /by 3mediaweb

Teamwork is critical for businesses in just about every industry, so it is likely that you will work as part of a team at some point in your career. Depending on your position within your organization, you may be called upon as a team leader as well. Here’s what you need to know to keep your team members in line and ensure they follow your instructions willingly.

Take Command

When you first form your team, you need to establish yourself as the leader right from the start. Make sure that you are well-prepared for your first meeting so you can drive discussions and answer your team’s questions. Let your team know that you are available to help whenever they need. Remember, you are the guiding light for your team members throughout the project, so stay on top of your tasks so that you team can follow you.

Listen as Much as You Talk

Of course, you’ll do plenty of talking as the team leader, but it is just as important that you listen to your team. Because they are the ones who will be doing most of the work as you manage, they can provide unique insight as to how the project is progressing and any trouble areas that might arise. Take your team’s feedback to heart, but always keep your mind on the bigger picture as well. Your team members are each dealing with individual aspects of the project, and it is up to you to keep everyone on track towards your common goal.

Focus on the Business

While you may be able to choose the members of your team, this is not always the case, and you may be required to work with people with whom you don’t necessarily get along as friends. Although it is difficult, do your best to set your personal feelings aside. Keep your focus on the task at hand. Even if you don’t like a team member on a personal level, that doesn’t mean that you can’t still work successfully together.

Be Willing to Take the Blame

Just as the captain goes down with a sinking ship, you are the responsible party as the team leader. While it may be easier to place blame on your team members for any mishaps, at the end of the day, it is you who is responsible for the successful completion of the project. Your team looks to you for direction, so if something goes wrong, you need to take responsibility.

Practice What You Preach

No matter what type of project you are working on, you need to show your team that you are in it with them. No one likes to see their team leader sitting back while they do all the work, so you need to be working just as hard as your team members. At each meeting, review their progress, but also show them your progress. This way, they’ll see that you are working just as hard as they are, encouraging them to work harder for you.

Managing a team is not easy, but with careful planning and preparation, as well as a good dose of respect for your team members, you can give yourself your best chance of delivering your project successfully.

Cult of Personality: Building a more positive workplace culture in 90 days

Posted on February 3rd/in Chamber News /by 3mediaweb

Building a positive workplace culture results in happier employees, which in turn, increases your production rates. Basically, a happy workplace is good for everyone. The question is, how can you create a positive, supporting workplace culture quickly. Check out these tips to get started.

Design an Open Floor Plan

Having a large, open floor plan lets your employees communicate with each other easily. This creates stronger team bonds and work friendships — and that alone can make your employees happy. While work shouldn’t be all about socializing, it is an important part of making your employees happy, and happier employees get more work done.

Look for New Hires That Fit In

To create a positive work culture, your employees need to get along. So it’s important for hiring managers to look for qualities in job applicants that would help them fit in at your company. For example, if most of your employees are the more casual, chatty type, you don’t want to hire someone who seems tightly wound. If you did, he or she would have a hard time working with and building relationships with your current employees. It might take you a bit longer to find someone to fill a job that will be a good fit, but finding someone who “gets” your company’s culture is worth the wait.

Be Approachable

You might tell your employees that you have an open-door policy, but do you really make them feel comfortable approaching you? Take a few minutes each day to interact with your employees. Listen to their ideas, and help them solve problems they’re having. When you show genuine interest in your employees, they know that you care about them and appreciate the work they do — and they’ll be a lot more comfortable entering your office to have a chat when needed. Also, say “hi” to people you pass in the hallways and smile frequently — it’s important for the boss to lead the way and small gestures like this show your employees that you’re happy and they should be too.

Have Some Fun

Don’t be afraid to let loose once in awhile. It’s good to have some fun with your employees. It shows them that you’re just a regular person, not someone who’s powerful and scary. Host company-wide events such as a family picnic or an office holiday party. You can also host team-building events for each team. Simply choose fun activities that require team members to work together such as a trip to the nearest escape room facility.

Recognize Accomplishments

Set reachable goals for your employees each month an give recognition awards to employees who meet or exceed their goals. Alternatively, start an Employee of the Month program and let your employees nominate their co-workers for the award. Also, when an employee reaches a small milestone, be sure to let them know that they did a great job.

Creating a positive work environment doesn’t have to be difficult. The key to success is getting your employees to bond and interact with each other and ensure they feel valued and supported.

Upcoming Events

ALL EVENTS

WLC Self-Love Mini Series: Reignite Your Wellness

September 9, 2026

E-Newsletter

June 2026

Not Yet A Member? Join the Chamber

Chamber News

Take Command

Listen as Much as You Talk

Focus on the Business

Be Willing to Take the Blame

Practice What You Preach

Upcoming Events

WLC Self-Love Mini Series: Reignite Your Wellness

Meet & Greet: Plain View Farm

Business Benefit Series: Quarterly Roundtable - Cashflow, Financial Literacy for Small Business Owners

Good Morning North Central Sponsored by Unitil

MassHire Lunch and Learn: Building our Future Workforce

Legislative & Candidates Reception

Connect North Central

Meet & Greet: The Farm Stand Winchendon

Leominster Mayor's Meeting

North Central Golf Tour Championship: Fore the Future FLNC Scholarship Golf Classic at Oak Hill

WLC Luncheon | Women of Impact: Leading Through Awareness & Action

Fitchburg Mayor's Meeting

Congressional Luncheon Sponsored by Fitchburg State University

Meet & Greet: [RE]Architect

Business After Hours: RC Excitement Halloween BAH

Connect North Central

Business Benefit Series: HR Council Legal Update

6 Chamber B.A.S.H.

Fitchburg Mayor's Meeting

Business Benefit Series: Quarterly Roundtable - Work Smarter, Not Harder: Tools That Give You Back Your Time

Good Morning North Central: Sponsored by IC Credit Union

Connect North Central

Joint Mayor's Meeting

Future Leaders of North Central: Annual Holiday Party & Ugly Sweater Competition

Leominster Mayor's Meeting

Women's Leadership Connection Luncheon

Connect North Central

Fitchburg Mayor's Meeting

Winter Reception

Leominster Mayor's Meeting

Fitchburg Mayor's Meeting

Economic Forecast Breakfast

Annual Scholars Breakfast

Leominster Mayor's Meeting

Joint Mayor's Meeting

43nd Annual Meeting & Business Expo

Member News

SHOP NOW

Member Spotlight

Custom Cleaning Service of Peabody

Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast

Out & About

Celebrating Great Wolf Lodge’s $30 Million Investment in North Central Massachusetts

Discover Your Leadership Potential with CLI

Cinco de Mayo Business After Hours Recap

Job Board Postings

Regional Leaders

Chamber Partners

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

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