North Central Massachusetts e-Newsletter » North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

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.

June 2026

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Chamber News

Music Schedule Released for the Appleseed Country Fair

Posted on August 27th/in Chamber News /by northcentralmass

Visit North Central Massachusetts just released the music schedule for the 7th Annual Appleseed Country Fair. The Appleseed Country Fair is set for Labor Day weekend running from Saturday September 1^st to Monday September 3^rd. The Appleseed Country Fair will feature over 50 vendors that range from artisans and crafters to food, beer and wine.

Running the full length of the fair we will have music on stage that ranges from blue grass and fiddlers to hard and 90s rock. Saturday and Monday will feature bands from all over New England, while Sunday is reserved for our fiddlers. Our FiddleFest is quickly turning into one of the biggest fiddle competitions in New England. Last year we had 27 fiddlers with ages ranging from 5 to 68, and we are expecting bigger numbers for this year!

“We are excited to bring back the music tent again this year” said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Our bands set the mood as people flock to the farm from all over New England for some old fashioned country fun.”

MAIN STAGE

Saturday September 1, 2018

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Bees Deluxe
11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Derek Curtis
12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Monica & Friends
2:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Andy Fichtel / Dan Villani
4:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Grin Whistle

Sunday, September 2, 2018

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Wootan
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Fiddle Contest
Contestant check in starts at noon
Cash Prizes Awarded. No Registration Fee to Participate.
The 4th Annual FiddleFest, one of the most popular musical segments of the Appleseed Country Fair returns on Sunday, September 2^nd. FiddleFest is one of the largest fiddle competitions in New England and promises to be a lot of fun!
This is a North American Fiddlers Judges Association (NAFJA) sanctioned Fiddle Contest. NAFJA has been providing skilled judging for fiddle contests throughout New England and other parts of the Northeast since 1977. It is most important to have judges whom the fiddlers can trust to provide knowledgeable, fair and unbiased adjudication. Because of their training and experiences, NAJFA judges can do just that.

Monday, September 3, 2018

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Olivia Francis
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – The Green
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. – Just Rita
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – The Definite Maybes

SIDE STAGE – BREW BARN

Saturday, September 1, 2018

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Ray Hendricks
1:30 p. m. – 3:30p.m. – Melissa Gates
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Bridge Street

Sunday, September 2, 2018

No live music on the side stage

Monday, September 3, 2018

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Corey Knapp
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. – The West Limerick Ramblers

For more information check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/events/1282705238435317 or by visiting at visitnorthcentral.com/7th-annual-appleseed-country-fair-scheduled-september-1-2-3-2018/

September Women’s Leadership Connection features First Lady of Massachusetts, Lauren Baker.

Posted on August 22nd/in Chamber News /by northcentralmass

Staff photo by Arthur Pollock

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is hosting its quarterly Women’s Leadership Connection on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 featuring the First Lady of Massachusetts, Lauren Baker. The program, sponsored by Fidelity Bank, runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg, MA.

Lauren Schadt Baker became the First Lady of Massachusetts when her husband, Gov. Charlie Baker, was sworn in as Governor in January, 2015. As First Lady, Lauren works to improve the lives of the children of Massachusetts, focusing in particular on the children served by their Department of Children and Families, through her work with the Wonderfund, a private, nonprofit she helped launch.

Lauren earned a bachelor’s degree and MBA from Northwestern University. She is a veteran of the advertising world where she managed many brand campaigns for consumer products. She then she spent several years working in higher education at Marian Court College where she served as Board Chair and Director of Institutional Advancement. Currently, Mrs. Baker works as a marketing communications consultant for The Baker Group serving independent schools across the country.

She also serves on the boards of the Wonderfund, the American Red Cross New England Region, Phoenix Academy Charter School Foundation and the Care Institute. The Bakers reside in Swampscott, Massachusetts. Their proudest accomplishments are their three incredible children who are now all grown up.

The Women’s Leadership Connection, a luncheon event held four times per year in, September, December, March and June, focuses on business women empowering women in business. Core topics will include professional development and career advancement as well as social and philanthropic events.

Pre-registration is required and easy. Simply call the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 235, email or register online at www.northcentralmass.com. The cost is $35 for members and $50 for non-members.

MATTHEW MYERS, IOM GRADUATES FROM INSTITUTE FOR ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT

Posted on August 21st/in Chamber News /by northcentralmass

A Leadership Training Program Produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Matthew Myers, IOM has graduated from the Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation program, and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually.

Myers started working at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce in 2013 as a marketing intern while completing his communications degree from Fitchburg State University and was subsequently hired as marketing coordinator for the Chamber’s tourism arm, the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association. He was promoted to marketing and communication manager in 2016. He is responsible for managing the marketing initiatives for the Chamber and its affiliate organizations.

“My time at Institute has been an incredible learning experience,” said Matthew Myers, marketing & communications manager of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “The lessons learned in the classroom and from my fellow peers have been valuable to my growth as a professional and have been things that I have been able to take back to the Chamber to help improve upon the work that we are doing.”

“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at five different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.

Upcoming Events

ALL EVENTS

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

WLC Self-Love Mini Series: Reignite Your Wellness

September 9, 2026

E-Newsletter

June 2026

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Chamber News

Upcoming Events

Sponsors Reception: Old Mill

WLC Self-Love Mini Series: Reignite Your Wellness

Meet & Greet: Plain View Farm

Business Benefit Series: Quarterly Roundtable - Cashflow, Financial Literacy for Small Business Owners

Good Morning North Central Sponsored by Unitil

MassHire Lunch and Learn: Building our Future Workforce

Legislative & Candidates Reception

Connect North Central

Meet & Greet: The Farm Stand Winchendon

Leominster Mayor's Meeting

North Central Golf Tour Championship: Fore the Future FLNC Scholarship Golf Classic at Oak Hill

WLC Luncheon | Women of Impact: Leading Through Awareness & Action

Fitchburg Mayor's Meeting

Congressional Luncheon Sponsored by Fitchburg State University

Business After Hours: RC Excitement Halloween BAH

Connect North Central

Business Benefit Series: HR Council Legal Update

6 Chamber B.A.S.H.

Fitchburg Mayor's Meeting

Business Benefit Series: Quarterly Roundtable - Work Smarter, Not Harder: Tools That Give You Back Your Time

Good Morning North Central: Sponsored by IC Credit Union

Connect North Central

Joint Mayor's Meeting

Future Leaders of North Central: Annual Holiday Party & Ugly Sweater Competition

Leominster Mayor's Meeting

Women's Leadership Connection Luncheon

Connect North Central

Fitchburg Mayor's Meeting

Winter Reception

Leominster Mayor's Meeting

Fitchburg Mayor's Meeting

Economic Forecast Breakfast

Annual Scholars Breakfast

Leominster Mayor's Meeting

Joint Mayor's Meeting

43nd Annual Meeting & Business Expo

Member News

Member Spotlight

Custom Cleaning Service of Peabody

Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast

Out & About

Celebrating Great Wolf Lodge’s $30 Million Investment in North Central Massachusetts

Discover Your Leadership Potential with CLI

Cinco de Mayo Business After Hours Recap

Job Board Postings

Regional Leaders

Chamber Partners

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

Affiliates

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