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.
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 Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved financing of $122,500 for costs associated toward the purchase of Country Pizza, located at 6 Ashby State Road in Fitchburg. NewVue Communities assisted with developing the business plan for the ownership transition.
Established in 1989, Country Pizza has been serving the Fitchburg community for over 35 years, becoming a trusted neighborhood destination for families and pizza lovers alike. The business was recently sold to Sara J. Clark and Murry W. Clark, who plan to operate Country Pizza as a family business along with their son and daughter, who both currently work at the business.
Sara began working in the pizza industry as a teenager and has been serving customers at Country Pizza the past 15 years. Since 2022, she has served as manager of the business, which offers pizza, a variety of sandwiches, salads, subs, and traditional Italian dishes.
“The pizza business has been part of my life for a number of years, and I’m thrilled with the opportunity to continue serving our customers as the new owner of this long-standing business in Fitchburg,” said Sara Clark. “Country Pizza has been like a home to me, and I am grateful to the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, NewVue Communities, and my family for not only supporting me in this endeavor but also believing in me and providing guidance so I could officially purchase the business that has given so much to me and my family over the years.”
As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.
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For businesses across the region seeking efficient and stress-free freight solutions, Casey Brokerage in Leominster, MA, is a trusted partner. Though the company was originally established in 1984, it began a new chapter in January 2025 when Justin Boucher and his father took over operations. With decades of entrepreneurial experience under their belts, the Bouchers are dedicated to solving logistics challenges with a personal touch.
So, what exactly does Casey Brokerage do? As a freight brokerage firm, they connect shippers with carriers, ensuring that goods move smoothly, quickly, and reliably. But Justin is quick to point out that they’re “more than just a middleman.”
“We’re problem solvers,” says Boucher. “Our goal is to simplify freight logistics by providing reliable, personalized solutions that save time and reduce stress for our clients.”
At the core of Casey Brokerage is a strong commitment to customer service. The team prides itself on being available 24/7 by phone or email, providing peace of mind to clients who know help is always just a call away.
Though Casey Brokerage is their newest venture, Justin and his father are no strangers to running a business. They’ve co-owned and operated several successful companies together over the years, including:
The father-son team brings a proven track record of dependable service and a collaborative, hands-on approach to everything they do. That experience has shaped the workplace culture at Casey Brokerage, one that values responsiveness, innovation, and integrity.
While they’re still settling into their latest role as freight brokers, Justin and his father are excited for what lies ahead. Their deep roots in North Central Massachusetts and decades of logistics experience position them well for growth and impact.
If you’re a business looking to streamline your shipping process or solve complex logistics challenges, Casey Brokerage is ready to help. For more information or to get in touch, reach out to Justin directly at or call 508-572-3822.
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Tony Fields, president and CEO of Cleartech Group, an IT solutions provider based in Leominster, Massachusetts has been elected Chair of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce board of directors for 2025-2026. The announcement was made at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting on June 12, 2025. As the Chair of the Chamber’s board of directors, he will work with fellow board members, Chamber staff, and membership, to champion the Chamber in its mission to serve the region’s business community.
Tony brings over three decades of technology industry experience to his new role. Growing up in a family immersed in computing—his father Tim Fields founded TAF Computer Services in the 1980s—Tony enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1992 as a Computer Operator, where he gained experience supporting Novell and Microsoft Networks. After his military service, he advanced through IT roles as a Network Administrator, Project Lead, and Senior Network Engineer before becoming an entrepreneur in 2004 with a Computer Troubleshooters franchise in Leominster.
In 2017, Tony founded Cleartech Group with the mission to “support businesses with technology that will allow them to grow and prosper.” Under his leadership, he grew his business from a home-based operation to a ten-employee Managed Service Provider.
A graduate of Park University, the Goldman Sachs 10KSB and SBA Emerging Leader program, Tony was recognized as the 2020 Massachusetts SBA Minority Owned Business of the Year. He is active in community youth programs and also serves as Chair of the Board of LUK, Inc. Fields joined the Chamber’s board of directors in 2021 and has served in leadership roles including Treasurer.
He succeeds Barbara Mahoney, president and CEO of All-One Credit Union, who now moves to the position of Immediate Past Chair of the board of directors.
“When I started my first business, the Chamber’s support was invaluable to me. Now, as a more seasoned entrepreneur, I have seen firsthand how the Chamber connects businesses and strengthens our communities,” said Fields. “My goal is to continue that momentum—supporting local businesses, attracting visitors to our region, and maintaining the collaborative spirit that makes North Central Massachusetts special.”
“Tony brings exactly what we need in a board chair—entrepreneurial insight, collaborative leadership, and genuine passion for our region,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “He understands both the challenges and opportunities facing our business community.”
In the same election, Allie Catlin, owner, Smith’s Country Cheese, located in Winchendon, was elected Vice Chair. Melissa Glenny, president, Franklin Professional Associates, located in Leominster, was elected to the position of Treasurer.
Board members elected for new terms were
Continuing current terms on the board of directors are
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Believe it or not, CASA Project is already preparing for the next school year! We’re looking ahead to the bright futures of the children we serve. Starting early allows us to gather personal requests, grade-specific classroom lists, and the hundreds of essential supplies needed to ensure each child is set up for educational and social-emotional success.
The youth we serve often face changes in both homes and schools, making access to basic school supplies a challenge. Our goal is to provide every child we advocate for with a brand-new, personalized backpack filled with the tools they need to thrive in the 2025-2026 academic year.
You can help make that possible! By donating items from our thoughtfully curated Wishlist, your gifts will be shipped directly to our office and distributed to the students we serve.
Shop school supply deals for a GREAT cause!
DONATION DEADLINE: Monday, August 11
Shop our Wishlist HERE!Monetary donations or gift cards for school supplies can be mailed to:
100 Grove Street, Suite 403, Worcester, MA 01605.
THANK YOU for believing in brighter futures!
Tomten Biketown in Leominster is expanding its product line with a new inventory of running shoes now available for purchase in the showroom located at 1029 Central Street. The carefully selected collection includes brands such as Altra, Craft, Salomon, Saucony, Topo, and Balega.
This expansion is a natural fit for the expertise of the shop’s staff, who have been dedicated to helping customers enjoy a great cycling experience. Dustin and Andrew bring a background in sports shoe sales, while Jim serves as a track coach. They are all equipped to assist customers in finding the right shoe for various needs, whether for road running, trail running, competition, or casual use. The shop’s convenient location makes it easy for customers to stop by and leave ready to run.
Tomten Biketown has been an integral part of the Leominster community since 2016. With a vibrant population passionate about outdoor recreation, Tomten is committed to helping its customers stay active, healthy, and enjoy their time outdoors.
Source: Worcester Business Journal
Author: By Mica Kanner-Mascolo
As part of a statewide initiative to support students historically underrepresented in higher education, Clinton High School, Fitchburg State University, and Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner have entered into a collaboration allowing students to complete college-level coursework while earning their high school diplomas.
Through the partnership, Clinton High School seniors will be able to participate in dual enrollment courses at FSU and MWCC. The collaboration looks to significantly reduce the cost and time to earn a college degree while providing greater access to career readiness programs, according to a Wednesday press release from MWCC.
Participating students will receive guidance and direction in navigating college life, preparing for college coursework, and exploring career options.
The trio’s partnership is part of Massachusetts’ Early College Initiative, the brainchild of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Launched in 2017, the program provides students across the state, particularly prospective first-generation college students, with access to college completion and career success, according to the program’s website.
“Early College programs are a key component of providing equitable access to higher education. This partnership allows us to reach more students in the region and provide them with the tools and support they need to succeed in their academic and career pursuits,” MWCC President James Vander Hooven said in the release.
Clinton High School seniors will be able to start taking courses at MWCC’s Leominster campus this fall.
The state’s Early College program includes 55 other partnerships throughout the commonwealth, including nine in Central Massachusetts, according to the website. MWCC participates in four other Early College programs with eight high schools, and FSU participates in three programs with seven high schools.
MWCC and FSU began jointly participating in the Early College program in 2019, Nia Carignan, MWCC associate director of public relations and communications, said in an email to WBJ.
“We are deeply grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for investing in Early College opportunities that open doors for students at Clinton High School,” FSU President Donna Hodge said in the release. “We know Early College works, and at Fitchburg State, we’re proud to stand alongside our K–12 partners to expand access, increase opportunity, and help students see college as part of their future.”
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.
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.
CapEx Facility Services & Construction · Leominster, MA
TaraVista Behavioral Health Center · Harvard, MA
DRS Power Technology, Inc. · Fitchburg, MA
AIS · Leominster, MA