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 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.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will host its first Winter Reception on Thursday, December 6, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Groton Inn, 128 Main Street, Groton, MA 01450. This holiday gathering will provide an opportunity for Chamber members, dignitaries and community leaders from throughout North Central Massachusetts to mingle and foster relationships in a relaxed and upscale setting. AIS, Inc. is the premier sponsor of the Chamber’s 2018 Winter Reception.
Don’t miss this opportunity to kick off the holiday season with complimentary refreshments, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and festivities. Guests will be able to network with the rolling hills of Groton as the beautiful backdrop for this special evening occasion. The Groton Inn reopened its doors May 2018 after a fire destroyed the original, and America’s oldest inn that dated back to 1678. The new building features architecture honoring the original design while offering 21st century amenities. This a wonderful occasion to tour this newly opened treasure in our own backyard.
Many thanks to AIS, Inc for their generous sponsorship of this evening. The Winter Reception will feature complimentary beer, wine and gourmet hors d’oeurves. In addition, the head bartender will be mixing a specialty cocktail created exclusively for this event. This promises to be an evening to remember.
To register for the Winter Reception, please contact Kathleen at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or email or register online at northcentralmass.com/calendar. The cost is just $20 per person for members and $30 per person for non-members. Please RSVP by November 30th.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has been recognized as a finalist in a competition among more than 200 chambers of all sizes from across the U.S. and Canada. Entries were judged on creativity, industry impact, value to members, and replicability.
This latest recognition comes on the heels of other industry recognition, including receiving national accreditation earlier this year and being named an “Award of Excellence” winner in the Communications Excellence awards program presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). The Chamber was also named a finalist for the prestigious National Chamber of the Year recognition by ACCE in 2017, the first chamber of commerce in Massachusetts to have been selected as a finalist.
The 5th annual Chamber Innovation Awards Competition, sponsored by a chamber management software provider ChamberMaster, recognizes chambers of commerce for their innovative programs or projects that help to better their communities and members.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce was recognized for their work in providing micro-loans and technical assistance. Through its economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, the chamber is able to provide financing of up to $150,000 for businesses that are not able to obtain traditional financing through banks or credit unions.
“Although we didn’t win this year, we were nonetheless very honored to have been selected as a finalist,” said Roy Nascimento, chamber president & CEO. “To be recognized among our peers is a great acknowledgment of the innovative and impactful work that we are doing to help advance North Central Massachusetts.
Since the Chamber’s program made the top 10, their micro-loan initiative was one of 20 featured into a book by ChamberMaster titled “The Big Book of Chamber Ideas: 10 Award Winning & Replicable Ideas for Chambers of Commerce,” which is sent to chambers internationally for inspiration and idea gathering.
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