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
Not Yet A Member? Join the Chamber
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 North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Nicholas Jones of Fitchburg State University as an intern for the summer semester. Nicholas, currently a senior, is majoring in Communications Media with a concentration in Professional Communications and a double major in Graphic Design.His focus on online communications such as interactive social media and other online platforms is what led him to the Chamber. Nicholas is learning a variety of aspects of the Chamber and its affiliates. He has been gaining hands on learning experience by assisting with creating interactive media, and assisting with advertising campaigns.
Mr. Jones has also served our country proudly as an Aviation Ordinance man in the U.S. Navy. Nicholas was a part of the Strike Fighter Wing Pacific Detachment in NAF El Centro, CA.
“We are excited to welcome Nicholas as part of our team this semester,” said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the Chamber.“He is a bright and ambitious student who will benefit from his time working with our members and supporting the advancement of North Central Massachusetts. I have no doubt that he will make a positive contribution to our organization.”
Nicholaswas connected to the Chamber through Fitchburg State University’s Internship program, which allows students to explore a career field and gain relevant work experience, apply academic learning to real world situations, and build critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and professional skills. Please contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 240 for more information.
Christopher McDermott selected for prestigious national program which connects chambers with opportunities to engage on critical education and workforce issues
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is one of 35 state and local chambers chosen to take part in a national program aimed at addressing critical education and workforce issues. Sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips participants with resources, national expertise and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges.
“Businesses in North Central Massachusetts are struggling with the same challenges their peers are throughout the country.” says Christopher McDermott, Public Affairs Manager of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber, who is participating in the third cohort of the program on behalf of North Central Massachusetts. “Recruiting, training and retaining qualified and skilled workers has grown increasingly difficult in recent years. This is a great opportunity for the Chamber to actively contribute to the national conversation while learning best practices from our counterparts in other states that can help us make an impact locally.”
“We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners,” says Cheryl Oldham, Senior Vice President of the Center for Education and Workforce. “They, better than anyone, see the critical link between education and economic development, and we are glad to be able to support them as they take on this critical leadership role in their community.”
The 35 chamber professionals included in the third cohort of Business Leads Fellowship were chosen through a competitive selection process. The four-month fellowship, which concludes in September, 2019, will cover the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12, higher education and workforce development.
The objectives of the program align with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber’s efforts around improving the workforce, which are most recently exemplified by the publication of its recent report Build North Central: Improving the Industrial Heart of Massachusetts.
Upon completion, Business Leads Fellows will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s dedicated network of 200 chambers of commerce and statewide associations from around the nation who regularly engage on education and workforce initiatives.
The 2nd Annual North Central Massachusetts Real Estate Summit is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, 2019 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Way, Fitchburg, MA.The Real Estate Summit is a collaboration between the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Association of Realtors. The program aims to provide a in-depth look at the real estate market in North Central Massachusetts.Principal sponsor for the breakfast is Total Mortgage.Escrow sponsors include the Law Office of David R. Rocheford and Fidelity Bank.Special thanks to The Foster Company for providing a supporting sponsorship.
This year’s program features guest speakers Allan Foster, President of The Foster Company, who will provide an overview and insight into the region’s commercial and industrial market; Gary Bourque, President of Central Mass Appraisals who will provide insight into the residential real estate market; and Kurt Thompson, President-Elect of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, who will review legislative issues that impact the real estate industry.
Allan Foster is President of the The Foster Company, which specializes in real estate appraisal and consulting.He builds on a foundation of being raised as the third generation in a real estate and insurance business. He joined the company full time in 1980 and brings a full perspective of property ownership, permitting, development, finance, appraisal, brokerage, management, insurance, and entrepreneurial skills. Communication skills have been honed through years of marketing, negotiating, management, and public speaking. .
Gary Bourque is a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser and President of Central Mass Appraisals, Inc., a real estate appraisal company specializing in residential valuation since 1986.He is also President of Bourque Realty, Inc., a real estate sales firm located in Leominster 30 years and a real estate instructor in multiple states. Gary currently serves as the Chair of the Professional Standards Committee of the North Central Massachusetts Association of Realtors having served as Treasurer and a member the Finance and Education Committees over the years. Gary has been a certified instructor for over 20 years teaching real estate and real estate appraisal qualifying and continuing education classes throughout New England for multiple State Realtor Associations, Boards and private educational companies.
As president-elect of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors Kurt Thompson will participate at all levels of the association’s decision-making process, represent the association at meetings and business functions, and serve as a spokesperson for the association on real estate industry-related matters. Mr. Thompson will continue to serve as a member of the MAR executive committee and board of directors as a result of this election. Prior to his election, Mr. Thompson served as the 2018 MAR treasurer and the 2017 MAR professional development vice president, and other MAR positions over the years. On the local
level, Mr. Thompson was the 2011 President of the North Central Massachusetts Association of Realtors.
The Second Annual Real Estate Summit is a great opportunity to connect with real estate professionals and gain insight into the current and future real estate market in North Central Massachusetts. This event is of interest to anyone involved in real estate, including developers, residential and commercial realtors, lenders, property owners and professional service providers.
The cost is just $25 for members/$40 non-members and includes breakfast.Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact Kathleen Deal at 978.353.7600 ext. 235, or register here.
The North Central Golf Tour: Friday on the Fairway at Templewood Golf Course
July 31, 2026
Friday on the Fairway at Templewood Golf Course
July 31, 2026
Templewood Golf Course
Event Start at 1:00pm View
Event
Fore Then Pore: Golf Clinic, 9 Hole Play & End of Summer Bash
August 21, 2026
Golf Clinic, 9 Hole Play & End of Summer Bash
August 21, 2026
The Woods of Westminster
Event Start at 1:00pm View
Event
Sponsors Reception: Old Mill
August 26, 2026
Thank you to all our sponsors who help sponsor this past 2025-2026 program year! We are truly honored by your continued support and efforts to continue to make our community thrive! View
Event
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and Department of Career Services (DCS) through the network of One Stop Career Centers working closely with local agencies, primarily the Family Resource Centers, are charged with reaching out to and helping evacuees secure employment as quickly as possible before their disaster assistance funding runs out.
The North Central Career Center’s newest effort is a Job Fair in partnership with Centro, Inc. on June 5th 2018 -10am to noon- for those hurricane impacted individuals whom are looking to work and live in our region. The job Fair will be at Centro, Inc. located at 437 Main Street, Fitchburg from 10-12pm. We currently have 13 employers that will be recruiting for multiple industries including healthcare, manufacturing and communications. Job opportunities include full time, part time, permanent and temporary positions. Visit www.ccncm.com as regular updates for the job fair will be posted including employers that will be participating. MART will also be on hand to assist with transportation questions and issues.
Centro, Inc. established in 1977, CENTRO, formerly Centro Las Americas, is the largest minority led, community based, multiservice, multicultural, multilingual, nonprofit organization in Central Massachusetts with their second site opening in Fitchburg in early 2018. CENTRO’s primary purpose is to assist individuals and families striving to reach self-sufficiency while promoting social responsibility, fostering cultural identity, and encouraging families to be significant contributors to the community as a whole.
The North Central Career Center has also partnered with Mount Wachusett Community College to provide intensive English-language instruction and occupational training choices designed to prepare students for employment in retail, hospitality, service and other industries. This is a federally funded program at no cost to eligible participants. Eligibility can be determined by meeting with Career center staff.
The North Central Career Center is located at 100 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA and is open M, T, W and F 8-4pm and Thursdays 9-4pm. Please check our website often for free workshop calendars and potential changes in office hours.
Our 5th annual Cosplay Day at the Fitchburg Public Library! Join us for anime, snacks, and makeup. We’ll have fabric, a sewing machine, and seamstress help from 2-4pm. This event is free and open to ages 10 – 18.Supported by the Friends of the Fitchburg Public Library.
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!
