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

This publication is the region’s most comprehensive collection of this specialized information, outlining available industrial sites and local manufacturing related businesses, describing products, contact information and more. The directory is designed to promote and connect manufacturers with suppliers as well as serve as a resource for companies looking to relocate or expand throughout the region. Ad rates start at just $350. Please email Yasmin Loft at for more information or to reserve your advertisement.
Fitchburg’s City Council took a historic step this past October, voting to close the gap between commercial and residential property tax rates by an unprecedented six points. This brought the business community’s share of Fitchburg’s property tax burden to 106 percent of the residential levy. Massachusetts allows two models for property taxes: single and dual rates. The single rate means that both residential and commercial properties are taxed at the same level. Meanwhile, a dual rate system dictates that one group – typically businesses- shoulders more of the burden and pays a higher share of taxes based on a property’s assessed value.
A single rate tax system has come to be recognized as a key indicator that a community is open for business, and the Council acknowledged this at their annual tax classification hearing. Through a spirited discussion, a number of councilors pointed out that that seventy eight percent of Fitchburg’s property fell under a residential use. If Councilors hoped to reduce the tax share carried by voters, the only responsible method would be to attract new commercial investment, as had been done with Great Wolf Lodge and GameOn Fitchburg. Maintaining a dual rate would only serve to discourage such efforts and perpetuate the root problem.
As always, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce was present at the meeting and attested to the importance of this shift. In particular, they spoke to the impact felt by the types of small businesses which make Fitchburg unique. “Though some would argue that business owners can afford a higher levy,” stated Chamber President Roy Nascimento in his testimony, “these taxes can prove a serious hardship to the local businesses which typify Main Street.” He went on to argue that it placed an additional hurdle before investors who might otherwise take interest in the community.
Ultimately, the Council voted 7-3 in favor of reducing the burden on commercial property owners. Commercial property tax owners will still see modest increases, but at a lower value than if there had been no change. Overall, this reduced the tax burden on businesses by $702,836. The Chamber would like to thank Councilors Kushmerek, Green, Clark, Donnelly, Zarrella, Kaddy, Fleming, and Walsh for supporting this historic action.
The Chamber announces the recent departure of Events and Programs Manager Maria McCaffrey and Marketing and Communication Manager Matt Myers.
Maria, who worked at the Chamber for over six years, left to accept a position with Workers’ Credit Union as a Project Manager. Matt who began as an intern at the Chamber and worked for over five years as Marketing and Communications Manager recently accepted a new position as Marketing Manager at Method Machines, a Sudbury based manufacturer.
“Maria and Matt’s contributions to the Chamber and our affiliates have been significant. We are going to miss them and wish them well in their new positions.” said Roy Nascimento, Chamber President & CEO.
FREE
HEALTH & WELLNESS
COMMUNITY DAY
Saturday May 19, 2018
10:30am – 1:30pm (rain or shine)
Healthy Living & Wellness Information
Teddy Bear Clinic by HealthAlliance
Fitchburg Family Practice
Screenings
Food Trucks available for food purchases
Raffles
Demonstrations including:
– Fitchburg Fire Department Fire Safety Trailer
– UMass Memorial Life Flight
– Simonds-Hurd Complementary Care
– Free chair massage and reiki
Giveaways
…and much more!
UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital
Burbank Campus
275 Nichols Road
Fitchburg, MA 01420
Questions? Call 978-466-2341
Event
5K G R E A T F U T U R E S
RUN
WALK
JUNE 10, 2018
and
Location: Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster
365 Lindell Ave, Leominster, MA
Date: Sunday, June 10
Race Day Registration: 9:00 am
Race Start Time: 10:30 am
Pre- Registration Fee:
▪ Adults 18+ ($30)
▪ Seniors 60 + ($10)
▪ Masters 40+ ($30)
▪ Elementary, Middle
and High School ($15)
▪ Corporate Cup: visit greatfutures5k.com/corporatecup
Race Day Registration Fee: $40
Fun, community event open to children, teens and adults!
Fundraiser to directly bene t the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster.
WILL YOU HELP SUPPORT GREAT FUTURES?
Free T-Shir t
and BBQ
for participants!
Contact:
Kelly Hartnett
(978) 534-8358 x11
khartnett@bgc .org
REGISTER ONLINE:
GreatFutures5k.com
A special Journey for a Cure Event will be held to support the American Cancer Society Relay For Life®. The event will be held in Clinton MA and will provide everyone the opportunity do their part and take personal action in the fight against cancer.
Entertainment will be provided by The Great Escape, A Journey Tribute Band. Learn more about the band at http://www.thegreatescapemusic.com Tickets are $15.00 and they include food/snacks. We will also have raffles, t-shirts, and other items for sale throughout the night.
Last year, Leominster Credit Union’s Willie’s Warrior’s was one of top Fundraisers and raised over $8,000.00 for the event. The total combined donations from Leominster Credit Union since becoming involved with the Gardner Relay for Life has just been over $80,000.00. The event will be held at Breakaway Billiards in Clinton MA on Saturday, May 5th at 8pm.
Anyone desiring to “fight back” may do so by participating in our event or by visiting our website at www.willieswarriors.org Many local business have reached out supporting this cause. Lydia Vazquez states “Events like this cannot happen without the help of small businesses and the community”. Please visit our website for a list of our sponsors. Attending the event or making a donation helps the American Cancer Society achieve its mission of saving lives by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back against the disease.
The event will be hosted by Willie’s Warriors. An organization created by Lydia Vazquez who currently resides in Lancaster MA. She created the group to remember her father, Wilfredo Vazquez-Pol who lost his 10 year battle against cancer on April 8, 2010. This event marks the 8th year anniversary of his death. Lydia Vazquez and Breakaway Billiards have been hosting this event for 8 years. Lydia states “The event is successful because it is not just about my dad, we honor several other “Warriors”, all local members of the community, we all come out to remember many of our loved one through this group. Lydia Vazquez is the Assistant Vice President of Residential Lending at Leominster Credit Union.
See our website and facebook page to learn more about our Willie’s Warriors. Information about purchasing tickets is available by calling 508-414-7421, at Breakaway Billiards in Clinton, Ciccone Family Fitness and Anytime Fitness in Clinton MA. Tickets can also be purchased from any Willie’s Warrior Team Member.
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