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.
June 2026
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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.
The next edition of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber’s popular Good Morning North Central breakfast series is scheduled for Thursday, November 7, 2019 from 6:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Doubletree by Hilton, 99 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA.The November edition is sponsored by Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School.
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.
Chamber members are provided with the opportunity to engage with the Mayors of Fitchburg, Gardner, and Leominster who provide updates on projects and other things happening in their Cities. These events are by invitation only, please contact Travis Condon for more details. View
Event
Future Leaders of North Central: Annual Holiday Party & Ugly Sweater Competition
December 8, 2026
Bull Run Restaurant
215 Great Rd. Shirly, MA View
Event
Connect North Central
December 11, 2026
Join us for our last Connect North Central of the year!
Friday, December 11, 2026
8am-9am View
Event
Chamber members are provided with the opportunity to engage with the Mayors of Fitchburg, Gardner, and Leominster who provide updates on projects and other things happening in their Cities. These events are by invitation only, please contact Travis Condon for more details. View
Event
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.
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.
Member Spotlight
Custom Cleaning Service of Peabody
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.
From Chamber events and ribbon cuttings to community celebrations and regional highlights, stay connected with what’s happening across North Central Massachusetts. Follow us on social media for the latest photos, updates, and stories.
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.
Got a job you want featured? Click here to submit a job posting to our job board or email . This is a member benefit. Post jobs at no extra cost. No algorithms or budgets to manage!
