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
COVID-19 hasn’t stopped Chris Urbine, owner of Mattress by Appointment (MBA) in Fitchburg, MA, in his tracks. In fact, he says there has been an influx of new customers since the Baker-Polito’s reopening plan was released back in May 2020.
“People have been home a lot more, which makes them realize ‘I might need a new mattress,’” Urbine states. “They’ve been banging down our doors [in a good way] to get a new mattress!”
Mattress by Appointment is a parent company based out of Greensville, SC. Urbine’s brother started a MBA in Florida. He saw how successful his brother was, and opened a location in Fitchburg, MA this past year. Urbine’s drive was to have a successful business that provided opportunities for him to support his family and lifestyle.
Urbine also mentioned that there hasn’t been a “new” normal when it comes to “the new normal.”
“The ‘new normal’ is what we’ve been doing anyway pre-pandemic,” Urbine said. As the name implies, MBA Fitchburg is open by appointment only. “Customers always have the whole store to themselves to get that one-on-one experience with us. Mattresses have always been sanitized in between appointments. We always planned ahead to have mattresses in the store for customers to take home. Right now, there’s a 6-8 week manufacturing delay, but we order everything ahead of time for customers to take home the same day, so there’s no delay due to COVID-19 manufacturing shortages. The only thing that’s really different is the social distancing and requiring a face covering in the store.”
Video appointments are also available for customers if they do not feel comfortable going in the store. They are a virtual way to shop for a new mattress, while still obtaining a personalized experience with MBA.
“Every day is a holiday at our store,” Chris Urbine, dealer of MBA Fitchburg, exclaimed. “Being open by appointment only and having no employees, we are able to keep the lowest possible prices year-round, so that our customers get the best price without having to sacrifice quality.”
Urbine looks forward to expanding a relationship with an existing vendor to add brand new contemporary, cost effective bed sets and adjustable bases. He expects these to roll out at MBA within the next 4 to 6 weeks and is very excited to share this with his customers looking to get a better mattress for themselves.
Mattress by Appointment is a member of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and looks forward to meeting their customers, either virtually on video, or in-person. They are located at 28 Ashby State Road, Fitchburg, MA, and you can schedule your appointment by texting or calling 978-400-0393.

This grant will be used to capitalize and administer a new Revolving Loan Fund to provide loans to coronavirus-impacted small businesses in North Central Massachusetts. This new loan fund will help supplement the NCMDC’s existing efforts to provide support to local businesses and spur investment in the region.
With these funds, the NCMDC will provide fixed rate loans of up to $150,000 to start-up and existing small businesses in the region. The loans will be provided with flexible terms, low fees and interest rates as low as 1% for existing businesses and 5% for start-up businesses. Monthly payments will be deferred for up to one year on the loans, depending on the situation. Each loan offered will be tailored to the needs of the borrower after careful analysis and underwriting. Loan amortization will vary based on use of funds and underwriting with monthly repayment terms up to ten years. At maturity, loans may be extended for up to five years by modifying note terms at market rates and recasting or restructuring payments.
Loans made by the NCMDC can be used for working capital; operating expenses and costs; leasehold improvements; machinery and equipment; furniture and fixtures; start-up costs for a new business; purchasing or expanding real estate related to the business; and the refinancing of existing business debt. To be eligible, a loan applicant must be a for-profit enterprise; be located in one of the NCMDC service communities; create or retain at least one job for each $20,000 of funds provided; and show economic injury or funding needed for re-opening and recovery as a result of COVID-19. In addition, start-up businesses are required to provide a 10% equity injection.
“This infusion of capital will reinforce our lending capacity and allow us to continue to support the economic recovery of North Central Massachusetts with low interest loans.” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. “We are appreciative of the Economic Development Administration for their confidence in us. These funds will go a long way in helping many vulnerable small businesses regain their footing from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
For more information or to inquire about a loan, please contact Sandie Cataldo, Economic Development Manager at 978.353.7600 or email .

How to Grow When It’s Slow: Remote Hiring
“Hire the best talent for the best compensation plan – the people that work best with your company and your culture – regardless of where they live,” advises business consultant Cameron Herold, co-author of The Miracle Morning for Entrepreneurs. He’s the mastermind behind hundreds of companies’ exponential growth and teaches today’s most dynamic business leaders.
Inspired by Cameron Herold’s recent podcast interview on Real Estate Rockstars Radio, we put together a list of hiring suggestions for a remote workplace.
Hire the best talent for the best compensation
Cameron Herold advises businesses to focus on hiring the best talent and offering the best compensation plan. According to the business expert, you should recruit employees who will work best with your company and culture regardless of where they live. They should be able to fit into the business culture and work with minimal help and supervision.
Train employees to do job interviews
One of the mistakes that most businesses make when it comes to hiring is failing to train employees to do job interviews. Today, companies are competing for top talent, making it essential to create a recruitment process that will help you attract the best employees. The interviewers will know how to ask the right questions and understand the importance of job relevance during the interviews.
Work with freelance recruiters
When looking to hire remote talent, you should cast your net wide. Working with freelance recruiters can help you find employees with the capabilities you need during tough times. The recruitment specialist will play a big role in outsourcing talent, effectively making the hiring process fast and easy. You can also make use of social media to reach a wider audience.
Help candidates self-decide if they fit in the setup
Since remote working is not for everyone, you should actively help candidates to determine if they fit in the setup. During the recruitment process, we suggest that you give the candidates an insider look into what working remotely involves. Sharing an insider perspective will not only prepare them for their work environment but also help you make the most of the skills they offer.
Offer a paid work trial
Once you have identified the best candidate for the job, you can offer a paid work trial before making an offer. This period will give you a chance to see how skilled they are, whether they fit into your business, and how well they can learn. We recommend that you give candidates actual work during the trial process and provide flexible work schedules.
Running a business and guiding your team through uncertain times is a huge challenge. Growing your business when it is slow, will be even more challenging. You will need to boost revenue and ensure that all your employees are protected from tough times. As a chamber of commerce, we believe that only true leadership can help navigate a crisis. Business leaders can use these tips to help their companies survive and thrive.
This has been Part 6 of 6 in the series How to Grow When It’s Slow, inspired by author and speaker Cameron Herold. For information about how to become a better business owner or operator, check out the Second In Command Podcast at CameronHerold.com/podcast.
And that’s the download!
Fitchburg Public Library presents
Irish Concert with Kate Chadbourne March 10, 2019, 1:30-3:30 PM, Auditorium
Please join us at the Fitchburg Public Library (610 Main St.) on SUNDAY afternoon, March 10, 2019 from 1:30-3:30 PM in the auditorium for free concert for all ages in the Irish Tradition. The concert will be performed by Kate Chadbourne an award winning songwriter, poet and performer. She brings to her audiences the sounds of the harp, tin whistle, Irish flute, and melodeon, a deep love and knowledge of traditional Irish stories, and a warm and welcoming presence. This is a free program. Free parking is available in the lot at the corner of Boulder Drive and Newton Place. For information about this or other Library programs call 978-829-1780 or visit our website:www.FitchburgPublicLibrary.org.
Orangetheory Fitness is seeking sponsorships for Run for Opportunity event to benefit our friends at the Arc of Opportunity. Please click here to see the form and to find out more information!
Fitchburg, MA February 5, 2019 — ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, announced today that Moura’s Cleaning Service, Inc. achieved ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) and CIMS-Green Building (GB)certification.
Compliance with the standard shows that a cleaning organization has the systems in place to deliver consistent, professional services designed to meet customer needs and expectations and is prepared to deliver a comprehensive green cleaning program based on LEED EB: O&M green cleaning criteria. CIMS and CIMS-GB certification are required in many cleaning service bid specifications as customers look for an effective way to identify high-quality providers committed to customer satisfaction.
“We are proud to service our customer’s and all the hard work that our employees do,” says David M. Moura President Moura’s Cleaning Service, Inc. “all our employees work hard every day to make sure that our customer is take care of”
Independent, accredited assessors verify CIMS and CIMS-GB certified firms meet the industry standard for:
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