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
Eric Beaudoin, owner of Beaudoin HVAC, has been working with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) since he was 14 years old. About eleven years ago, he came up with a plan to run his brother’s company for him and on October 30th, 2019, Eric purchased the company in full from his brother Keith.
Business started to grow with the assistance of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and then the pandemic hit shortly after at the beginning of this year, but COVID-19 hasn’t stopped Beaudoin in his tracks.
“We had a two-week furlough, which wasn’t easy to tell new employees, especially after buying the business in October,” Beaudoin said, “but we opened back up after those two weeks, and a lot of clients came back. Our office manager works remotely and our 24/7 emergency line responds quickly.”
Beaudoin HVAC prepared for the “new normal” with pre-screening questions to ensure the safety of their technicians and personal protection equipment (PPE) like masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer.
The company recently became an authorized diamond dealer for Mitsubishi Electric, which allows them to be able to offer better warranties for clients, but they are also fluid in taking care of multiple brand and systems, including Daikin, American Standard, and more.
“We build a relationship with our clients, keeping their best interests in mind and what makes the most sense to solve the problem,” said Beaudoin. “We are transparent at the beginning, with no hidden nonsense. We go to the location, tell you what the problem is, and how to fix it. We aren’t perfect, but we just want to make sure that our clients are happy and satisfied with the service they receive. We love any client who love us, and appreciates the knowledge that we have.”
Masked up and ready to go, Beaudoin HVAC technicians are booked up with a full schedule up until around Christmas time. The fall time is the perfect time to get HVAC systems serviced, and Beaudoin recommends looking into hyper heat system installations, and can run all year instead of using gas or oil boilers.
Beaudoin HVAC can also service a wide variety of winter preparation such as preventing frozen pipes, checking thermostats, and annually following up with clients personally to recommend prepping their houses for winter time.
“We are proactive rather than reactive, which takes out the guess work for everyone,” said Beaudoin.
Pandemic or not, Beaudoin has brilliant plans for the future, such as growing the technician crew to a ten truck crew, so they may be able to care for a larger area of central Massachusetts.
“We want to build the brand so that clients can trust us, as we train ourselves to do the job right and put out the best product possible,” Beaudoin said.
For more information on Beaudoin HVAC, visit their website at www.beaudoinhvac.com or contact them via phone at 978-345-4270.
Article Source: State House News Service
Article By: Michael P. Norton
OCT. 28, 2020…..Home and condo sales and prices skyrocketed across Massachusetts in September, with the median single-family home price surging to $472,000.
The Warren Group on Wednesday reported that nearly 6,400 single-family homes were sold last month, up from just over 5,000 during September 2019. The 27 percent increase in home sales was coupled with an 18 percent increase in the median sale price.
The strong demand for new homes comes as pandemic era unemployment remains high and the state tries to guard against tens of thousands of evictions now that Gov. Charlie Baker and the Legislature have let an eviction moratorium expire. Bills to boost the supply of housing also remain bogged down on Beacon Hill.
The third straight month of large housing market gains followed a sales slump in the earlist months of the pandemic.
Year-to-date, there have been 42,566 single-family home sales, a 4 percent decrease from the first nine months of 2019. The median year-to-date sale price of $440,000 is up 10 percent.
Condo sales are also down year to date, by 7.5 percent. However, nearly 2,500 condos sold last month in Massachusetts, a 26 percent increase over September 2019, and the median condo sale price increased 11.5 percent on a year-over-year basis to $418,000.
Tim Warren, CEO of The Warren Group, said a work-from-home lifestyle for some workers and “rock-bottom mortgage rates” could prolong the sales boom.
“Historically in September we start to see a significant slowdown in single-family home sales, but this proved not to be the case in 2020,” Warren said in a statement Wednesday morning.
Join the discussion on the effects to our mental health and the stress in the workplace related to COVID-19. We will discuss managing the anxiety around reintegration back to the office and the anxiety of uncertainty of how to best proceed.
Kyrah Altman, President and Co-Founder of Let’s Empower, Advocate and Do, Inc. (LEAD) is our presenter for the November edition of the Human Resources Council.
Since its founding, LEAD has transformed into the industry leader in mental health education in the United States. Altman travels the world, speaking about the impact of social entrepreneurship on trauma survivors, the importance of proactive mental health education in schools, and the idea that “while not everyone has a mental illness, everyone can improve their mental health.” Since 2012, Kyrah has been featured in the New York Times, on three national television stations, and was named the nation’s 3rd best student entrepreneur by the EO Global Student Entrepreneurs Award.
Participation in HRC programs is open to all members, but pre-registration is required. The cost is just $10 for members. For more information or to register, please visit www.NorthCentralMass.com.

Najjar has extensive member service experience as well as comprehensive knowledge of leading engaging learning initiatives, maximizing new ways of learning, and emphasizing a strong culture. She has a proven record of coaching and leading staff members, as well as developing strong team-building skills. Prior to joining LCU, Katie was the VP, Market Manager at People’s United Bank overseeing eight branches.
“We are thrilled to have Katie join our team, said John O’Brien, President and CEO. “With her exceptional member service background, innovative retail experience and forward thinking, Katie will make a positive impact at Leominster Credit Union.”
Founded in 1954, Leominster Credit Union (LCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with a full range of deposit, lending and other financial services. Headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, LCU is proud to claim nearly 50,000 members and more than $700 million in assets. LCU has seven branch locations in Leominster, Clinton, Holden, North Leominster, Sterling and Worcester with ATM services at all branch locations. LCU also provides 24 hour banking via Mobile and Online services. Visit leominstercu.com or call 800-649-4646.
FITCHBURG, Ma., September 10, 2019 – Workers Credit Union is pleased to announce its new scholarship program funded in part by retired employee, Herbert White. Herb, who devoted 41 years of his banking career to Workers, donated the funds to the credit union, which will match his donation.
“Years ago, Workers invested in my education by helping with my Bachelors and my Masters in Business Administration from Fitchburg State University. It was important for me to pay it forward and support further investments in education” said Herb.
The Herbert White Scholarship Fund will launch in early 2020, with applications available for the children of Workers Credit Union and Workers Insurance Group employees. Each year, several students will be selected to receive gifts and the remaining funds will be endowed to ensure scholarships are available for years to come.

Herb White sits with WCU Pres Doug Petersen
“Investing in not only our employees, but their children as well, is an important element of the Workers Way. We truly believe that education is the cornerstone of a bright future so we were delighted when Herb approached us to propose setting up this scholarship” said Douglas Petersen, President & CEO of Workers Credit Union. The credit union decided to match Mr. White’s donation in order to increase the number of scholarships awarded each year.
Herb began his employment with Workers Credit Union in 1976 working in personal lending. Through the years, he held various positions at the credit union before retiring as an Assistant Vice President, Business Development Officer in 2017 after 41 years of service. Herb White currently resides in Fitchburg, MA and volunteers often with the Salvation Army.
Workers Credit Union, headquartered in Fitchburg, MA, is a member-owned financial institution with full banking services to meet a lifetime of financial needs including the $3 million GiveBack program. With 15 branches in Athol, Chelmsford, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, Orange, Townsend and Westford, Workers is proud to offer traditional banking channels as well as the latest technologies to more than 104,000 members.
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