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
On October 1, 2019, collection of the payroll tax associated with the state’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave Program went into effect. All employees and employers are impacted by this tax, unless they have instituted a comparable and state approved private plan in the program’s place. Below is some further information regarding your rights and obligations as an employer under this program.

Videos:

The Good Morning North Central series is a high-profile, fast-paced and educational breakfast program geared towards executives, senior managers, professionals and business owners. Each of the programs has a business-oriented focus and features popular speakers to present on topics of interest to local businesses.
The featured speakers for the November edition are Governor Charlie Baker and local author and lawyer, Mark Bodanza.
Charles Duane Baker Jr. is an American businessman and politician serving as the 72nd Governor of Massachusetts since January 8, 2015. A Republican, he was a cabinet official under two Governors of Massachusetts and served ten years as CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.
Raised in Needham, Massachusetts, Baker graduated from Harvard and obtained an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. In 1991, he became Massachusetts Undersecretary of Health and Human Services under Governor Bill Weld. In 1992, he was appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services of Massachusetts. He later served as Secretary of Administration and Finance under Weld and his successor, Paul Cellucci.
Mark C. Bodanza is a Leominster resident, accomplished writer, avid historian and successful trial lawyer. He has previously published eight books and numerous newspaper columns, and he has been a guest commentator on radio and television programs nationwide. Mark has also appeared as a lecturer at schools and colleges throughout the country. Risk Takers and History Makers is his ninth book. Mark’s interest in Leominster’s history is as strong as his participation in the city’s present: Mark served as Leominster’s city solicitor from 1990 to 1994 and is currently a city councilor and chairman of the council’s finance committee. He also serves as the chairman of the Leominster Board of Library Trustees.
The cost is just $27 for Chamber members/$42 non-members and includes a breakfast buffet. Tables of ten are also available. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact Kathleen Deal at 978.353.7600 ext. 235, or click here.
Need furniture? The non-profit Devens Eco-Efficiency Center will host a Great Exchange Furniture Event at the Bob Eisengrein Community Center, 100 Sherman Ave, Devens, from 9 a.m. – noon and again from 2 – 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 12. Desks, chairs, bookcases, cabinets, tables, shelves, bulletin boards, whiteboards, artwork and more will be offered for less than half their value! See photos of some of the available items at www.tinyurl.com/TGEFurniture. Large items may need to be picked up at a different location. RSVP for this unique savings opportunity at www.tinyurl.com/TGERSVP.

Festival runs from 11am-5pm.
Food Trucks Attending (more to be added):
Craft Beers Offered(4 beer trucks – stay tuned for more to be added):
Live Music:
The Bohemians will play 11 to 2
Dan Cormier and Ethan Caouette will play 2 to 5
Festival Pricing:
Adults: $5 advance, $7 door
Kids 6-12: $3 advance, $5 door
5 & Under Free
Festival Package Pricing:
(Admission plus one trip on the SkyRide)
Adults: $13 Advance, $15 Door
Ages 6-12: $9 Advance, $11 Door
*Please note: SkyRide requires an additional fee for those ages 6 and over. At the door, $10 adults and $8 ages 6-12
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