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
Season Ticket holders enjoy a 20% discount as well as the convenience of being automatically registered for each of these popular events. Season Tickets can be transferred to another colleague within a business as well. Season tickets are on sale at www.northcentralmass.com/news/calendar-of-events at $160 for members and $260 for non members.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will host its Legislative and Candidates Reception on September 20, 2018 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Chocksett Inn on 59 Laurelwood Road in Sterling, MA. The event is intended to offer the region with an upscale networking event that connects business and community leaders with the region’s elected officials, as well as those seeking public office.
“This is a great opportunity for our business and community leaders, as well as our public officials to gather for an evening of networking and collegial discussion,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to joining our legislators at a unique venue like the Chocksett Inn.”
The Legislative and Candidates Reception is one of the Chamber’s premier events of the season, with over 125 federal, state, and local elected officials invited. Mount Wachusett Community College is the premier sponsor for the event. “At Mount Wachusett Community College, we understand the importance of engaging with the region’s business and legislative communities. These connections and insights help guide the college in various areas such as programming and outreach,” said MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “It is vital for our region’s business leaders, legislators, and policy-makers to meet and network so that they can engage and learn from each other. I am happy to support this important event.”
“Gaining access to legislators and those who seek public office is just as important for small business owners as it is for CEOs in the region,” said Ken Gurge, Esq., Chamber Board Member and Chair of the Government Affairs Committee. “This will be a tremendous opportunity for anyone with passion for North Central Massachusetts.”
Government affairs and public policy advocacy is a key component to the Chamber’s efforts to promote a healthy and active business climate throughout the region. Recognizing that the business community and legislators are partners in economic vitality and growth, events like these align well with the Chamber’s mission.
The event will feature an open bar and gourmet appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. Cost for members is $20 and non-members is $30. Registration is available online at www.northcentralmass.com. Please contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 or for more details.
As of September 5th, the following legislators and candidates have confirmed their attendance:
Confirmed legislators:
Confirmed Candidates:
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 reception features an open bar and gourmet appetizers.
View
Event
Join us for Connect North Central
Friday, September 25, 2026
8am-9am
View
Event
North Central Golf Tour Championship: Fore the Future
An FLNC Non-Traditional Scholarship Fundraiser
View
Event
Join us for our 11th Annual
Congressional Luncheon
View
Event
Join us for this in person HR Legal Update
View
Event
November 19, 2026
7:15am - 9:00am
View
Event
Join us for Connect North Central
Friday, November 20, 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
Bull Run Restaurant
215 Great Rd. Shirly, MA
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
Step right up for “Dueling Pianos” – an interactive musical event to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity North Central MA and support the upcoming building projects as well as its critical home repair program. The event will be held on Friday, April 6th at the Devens Common Center.
Tickets are $70 per person for Dinner and the Show -OR- $40 per person for the show only. The Dinner and Show package includes a three-course plated dinner with choice of Baked Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, Marinated Beef Tips, or a Vegetarian selection. A cash bar will also be available. Dinner will be served at 6:00pm. A Cocktail Hour with complimentary light appetizers and desserts along with the cash bar for “Show Only Patrons” will begin at 7:00pm. The show starts at 7:30pm.
Highlighting the event is a Silent Auction which will be held before the show and during intermission. Gift cards and certificates from several local area restaurants and businesses will be featured including Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort, Great Wolf Lodge, Rye & Thyme, The Natural Café, Lucia’s, Columbia Tavern, and the Habitat Restore in Leominster. Red Sox tickets, a week at a beautiful vacation home in South Carolina, lovely hand-painted bird houses, and many original art pieces will also be on tap for the bidding and more items are being added to the auction daily. Auction winners will be announced during the show’s intermission.
Special thanks to this year’s Event Sponsors: Digital Federal Credit Union, Leominster Credit Union, Mitrano Removal Service LLC, Village Mortgage and Phoenix Park Business Center.
To purchase tickets, please visit www.ncmhabitat.org. Tickets and sponsorship information are also available by calling the Habitat for Humanity NCM office at 978-348-2749. The Devens Common Center is located at 31 Andrews Parkway in Devens, MA.
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts
Habitat for Humanity NCM offers a hand up, not a hand out, to hard-working, low-income central Massachusetts families seeking affordable homeownership. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat NCM builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses alongside our homeowner partner families.
Goodrich Academy Life Science Lab Ribbon Cutting
STEM equipment and supplies grant was awarded by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to Goodrich Academy during the 2016-17 school year. The awarded amount was $105, 345 ($95,795 equipment, $9,550 professional development).
The grant award was announced last February and provided Goodrich with new furniture, lab equipment and technology, which is being used to promote STEM education in the Life Sciences and prepare Goodrich students with skills they can apply in a career in the Life Sciences.
“The life sciences and STEM+ education are a major focus of the Fitchburg Public Schools in all grades as we prepare students for college and careers,” FPS Superintendent Andre Ravenelle said. “This addition to the Goodrich Academy Campus is a good example of a collaboration to enhance this work.”
WHO: Fitchburg Public Schools, Goodrich Academy
WHAT: Goodrich Academy Life Science Lab Ribbon Cutting
WHEN: Friday, March 16 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Goodrich Academy, 111 Goodrich Street, Fitchburg.
Expected speakers:
Andre Ravenelle (Fitchburg Public Schools Superintendent)
Stephen DiNatale (Mayor of Fitchburg)
Ryan Mudawar (Massachusetts Life Sciences Center)
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
