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 Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center features a popular gift shop that carries many local products including jams, jellies, honey, maple syrup, fudge, chocolates, sparkling cider, donuts and that local icon of American kitsch – the pink plastic flamingo! Visitors to the center can also find a wide selection of books highlighting the history of the region, plus good-quality logo merchandise and souvenir items.
The Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center, considered by many the gateway to North Central Massachusetts, opened in 1996 as a way to welcome people traveling through the region and give them a place to stop, stretch their legs, and learn more about the twenty-seven communities in North Central Massachusetts and what they have to offer for visitors and families. Over 165,000 people walk through the visitor center doors every year.
The Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center is located at 1000 Rte. 2 Westbound, between exit 34 & 35, in Lancaster, MA. It is open 361 days a year. Normal business hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Members with locally produced products that are interested in having them offered at the center should contact Sabbra Reyes, Visitor Center Manager, at 978.534.230
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce unveiled its Public Policy Agenda for the new fiscal year today outlining the Chamber’s legislative priorities on issues important to businesses and the advancement of North Central Massachusetts. The agenda was developed to serve as a blueprint for the Chamber’s government affairs efforts and have been reviewed and approved by the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee and Board of Directors.
“The North Central Massachusetts business community is actively engaged in important, pro-business policy issues,” said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Our public policy agenda is focused on supporting a strong business climate and ensuring that North Central Massachusetts remains a great place to live, work and grow a business.”
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce advocates on behalf of businesses across the region, and the new Public Policy Agenda outlines a platform which builds upon the area’s competitive advantages. The agenda is focused around five priority areas: economic competitiveness; small business; manufacturing; education; and transportation.
“Our 2020 public policy agenda builds off of our successful advocacy efforts in past years ” said Christopher McDermott, the Chamber’s Public Affairs Manager. “We look forward to working with our members to engage elected officials on the issues that matter most to local businesses and the advancement of North Central Massachusetts.”
For more information or to view the Chamber’s Public Policy Agenda please visit www.northcentralmass.com or contact Christopher McDermott, Public Affairs Manager at 978.353.7600 ext. 224.
To view the Chamber’s Public Policy Agenda for 2020, Click Here.




Since the library is chock full of Adventures – this will be our theme for the week of July 23-28. Listen to an adventure story at lunch time on Wednesday, and travel with Bastion to Fantasia for our Friday Film Fest. The Wingmasters will take us on an extra special adventure into the avian world in their program Music to Our Ears, How Birds of Prey Communicate on Thursday evening. Please check our calendar listing for more information. All are free programs. Free parking is available in the lot at the corner of Boulder Drive and Newton Place. F or information about this or other Library programs call 978-829-1780 or visit our website: www.FitchburgPublicLibrary.org.
Matthew McAvoy-LaFlamme accepted the position as Branch Manager of the bankHometown Putnam, Connecticut location on June 4th, 2018. Prior to accepting this position, Matthew was the Branch Manager of the Killingly location, and prior to that role, he was the Branch Supervisor of the Woodstock location.
Currently, Matthew serves as the treasurer for the Killingly Business Association and is a member of the Killingly Business Association Membership Committee. He is an active volunteer in the Killingly community, having participated Town of Killingly Safety Day, Financial Fair at Crabtree & Evelyn, Thompson Community Day, and several other events.
Matthew attended Quinebaug Valley Community College and is currently working toward his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at Eastern Connecticut State University. He enjoys music, hiking, and spending time with his friends and family.
bankHometown has served its communities since 1889 with offices in Massachusetts (Athol, Auburn, Leominster, Oxford, Lancaster, Sturbridge and Webster) and Connecticut (Putnam, Brooklyn, Killingly, Thompson and Woodstock). Depositors of bankHometown have their deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for amounts up to $250,000 with amounts in excess of $250,000 insured in full by the Share Insurance Fund, a private excess insurer.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh start, a better job or a new career direction, job seekers will find a wealth of exciting opportunities at the North Central Career Center’s 8th Annual summer job fair. A variety of employers from both the public and private sectors will be eager to interview for immediate openings in a wide range of fields.
This year’s event will bring together nearly 70 employers with several hundred job seekers and take place at Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg on July 19th, 9AM to Noon.
Job Fairs help local businesses find qualified job seekers within the community, creating opportunities for local residents to work close to home. This not only supports our economy,
it also reduces the need for residents to commute long distances and work outside of their community.
For more information and to see the complete employer list, visit www.ccncm.com or make an appointment to meet with a Career Counselor at 100 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA. The Career Center can be reached at 978-534-1481 or www.ccncm.com
The North Central Career Center provides free services, resources, and tools to assist both job seekers and employers with their job search process, hiring and employment needs.
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