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
On Sunday, February 9, President Donald Trump announced a 25% import tax on all steel and aluminum entering the United States. He also noted plans to announce reciprocal tariffs on all countries that tax imports from the U.S. on either Tuesday or Wednesday. Reuters, citing government and American Iron and Steel Institute data, reports that the largest sources of U.S. steel imports are Canada, Brazil and Mexico, followed by South Korea and Vietnam.
The Chamber is continuing to monitor the issue and is engaging with members about the potential impacts. For your convenience, you can provide your thoughts online here or contact Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, directly by phone at 978.353.7600, ext. 225, or via email.
As the news about the tariffs announced by the Trump administration on Saturday, February 1, 2025, continue to be top of mind for our members, the Chamber is providing the below update (current as of February 4, 2025, at 12 p.m. ET):
The tariffs announced for Canada and Mexico are currently postponed for 30 days.
An additional 10% tariff on pre-existing tariffs for imports from China was implemented after midnight on February 4, 2025, and is currently in effect. In response to this action by the U.S., the Chinese government began imposing additional tariffs on natural gas, coal, farm machinery and other products from the United States. Additionally, restrictions on the export of certain minerals, several of which are used in high-tech product manufacturing, were also announced by China.
Media reports indicate punitive tariffs may be forth coming for the 27 members of the European Union.
We will continue to keep you updated on key developments as they become available.
As always, we encourage members to share their feedback on the impacts these tariffs may have on their businesses. For your convenience, you can provide your thoughts online here or contact Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, directly by phone at 978.353.7600, ext. 225, or via email.
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Dear Chamber Members,
On Saturday, February 1, 2025, the Trump administration announced executive orders resulting in tariffs of 25% on imports to the U.S. from Canada and Mexico, 10% on Canadian energy products, and 10% on goods from China, effective February 4, 2025. Following this announcement, Canada announced intentions to place new tariffs of 25% on U.S. goods imported into Canada, also scheduled to be effective February 4, 2025. On Monday, February 3, 2025, it was announced that the new tariffs against Mexico would be paused for one month
As news of the executive orders continue to make headlines, I wanted to reach out to let you know the Chamber is monitoring the situation while also working to understand how the tariffs may impact our regional economy and many of our members’ operations.
While we understand the Trump administration’s focus on addressing critical issues, such as border security and the fentanyl crisis, we have heard from our member manufacturers over the past few days about how these executive orders may affect their business.
From supply chains to business operations, and the potential increase in the cost of goods for consumers, we share their concerns about the potential economic impact these executive orders will have on our local businesses and communities.
In the days ahead, the Chamber will continue to closely monitor this situation and actively gather feedback from members as your perspective is crucial to helping us advocate, communicate and respond. We encourage you to share your feedback as it will help us better understand your business’ needs. For your convenience, you can provide your thoughts online here or contact me directly by phone at 978.353.7600, ext. 225, or via email.
As this situation is ever-changing, we are in regular communication with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, our congressional delegation, and other business organizations to ensure we have the most current information as it becomes available.
Sincerely,
Roy M. Nascimento, CCE, IOM
President and CEO
North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
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Condon only awardee from across Massachusetts on 2024 list
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Travis Condon, public affairs manager for the Chamber, has been named to the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executive (ACCE) 2024 Forty Under 40 list. He is the only awardee from Massachusetts on the 2024 list.
The list, which recognizes emerging leaders shaping the chamber of commerce industry across the country, was announced in December. This annual recognition program showcases 40 of the industry’s top emerging leaders who have demonstrated success in their careers and made significant contributions to the communities they serve. The list includes CEOs and staff professionals from a wide variety of roles and chamber sizes who are honored for their creativity, dedication and commitment to identifying innovative solutions to help shape the future of the chamber profession.
“These remarkable leaders exemplify the talent and commitment that drive meaningful change,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “Their inspiring passion to advance their communities and promote innovation in the chamber profession shape a promising future for those they impact.”
As Public Affairs Manager, Condon spearheads the Chamber’s government affairs programs, managing legislative and municipal outreach across 27 cities and towns, while coordinating strategic communications and events. He has helped secure grant funding for key chamber priorities and hosts “Inside North Central Massachusetts,” a weekly podcast featuring conversations with regional leaders that has become a valuable resource for members and the community. Beyond his work with the Chamber, his leadership extends to board service with North Star Family Services, and volunteering as emcee for a number of community events, including the City of Fitchburg’s annual Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies, and the popular Fourth of July parade.
“Travis brings dedication and initiative to everything he does,” said Roy Nascimento, CCE, IOM, president & CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “His ability to forge meaningful connections across our communities while advancing important regional priorities has significantly strengthened our mission. He exemplifies the innovative leadership that chambers need in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.”
ACCE has over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry.
Eligible chamber professionals must be nominated by their chamber’s president/CEO, direct supervisor or board chair. Candidates must demonstrate meaningful involvement in the advancement of their community and proven professional success within their chamber.
The full 2024 Forty Under 40 list was announced publicly in Chamber Executive, ACCE’s digital magazine in December. View all the honorees online at https://magazine.acce.org/.
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This upcoming year (2025-2026) the Fitchburg Community Read is trying something new! Instead of selecting one book to read as a community, we will engage with multiple formats such as books, films, articles, podcasts and more! It is our hope that multiple formats will bring more of us together for insightful discussions.
The Committee has chosen REMAINING HOPEFUL IN OUR CHANGING WORLD as our overarching theme for the upcoming year. During this year’s Community Read, we propose to examine what the future will look like, embracing the concerns as well as the possibilities.
Within the theme of REMAINING HOPEFUL IN OUR CHANGING WORLD, the Community Read Committee has selected 6 possible topics. We are asking you to vote on the topics you want to learn about and explore together in the coming year. Here is a link to the voting form: https://forms.gle/cH2mnkBhm4X6nnoM8. We anticipate it will take 5 minutes or less to fill out the form.
Please place your vote by the end of the day April 28, 2025.

Jeff Bercume, CEO of BGCFL, said, “Support like this from Rollstone Bank & Trust helps us open doors of opportunity for hundreds of young people every day. This gift reflects the kind of community partnership that makes our work possible. Together, we’re creating a stronger, more supportive environment for our youth to grow, learn, and thrive.”
The Club aims to offer high quality programming at the Club focused on STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. With a variety of subjects like robotics, environmental education, LEGO design, expressive arts, and more, programs at the BGCFL help empower young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
“The Boys & Girls Club provides a safe and enriching place for young people in our region, helping them overcome obstacles and improve their well-being,” Mary Beth Jokela, COO at Rollstone Bank & Trust. “At Rollstone, we believe in the power of partnership to transform lives and communities; we’re very happy to help the Club in that endeavor.”
In addition to monetary aid, Rollstone Bank & Trust has a longstanding and robust volunteerism program. The Bank’s employees and board members dedicate thousands of hours to help non-profits in the region, including the BGCFL.
About Rollstone Bank & Trust
At Rollstone Bank & Trust, we deliver personalized service that goes above & beyond. Our dedication to providing our customers with superior bank and wealth management solutions, along with the support they need to prosper at work and at home, has enabled us to build one of the most trusted banks in the region. With branches located throughout central Massachusetts, customers have peace of mind knowing we are FDIC & DIF insured, and never far from home. Rollstone Bank & Trust – it’s where you matter most.
The City of Fitchburg Health Department will hold a Community Narcan and Overdose Prevention Training on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the Fitchburg Legislative Building. Resource tables from area providers will be available at 5:30pm, along with refreshments. The training will begin at 6:00pm.
Naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan, is an easy-to-use medication that blocks the effects of opioids (such as heroin, morphine, fentanyl, etc.) and can be used to reverse an opioid overdose. The training will be given by Keith Barnaby, Fitchburg Street Outreach Worker and Recovery Coach. Keith has conducted hundreds of trainings throughout the region and his presentation is both informative and engaging.
Attendees will learn how to recognize an opioid overdose and how to respond, including when and how to use lifesaving Narcan. An opportunity to ask questions will be available.
Narcan will be distributed to anyone attending who is interested. The City of Fitchburg is an affiliate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Community Naloxone Purchasing Program and receives the Narcan at no cost.
This event is free and open to the community and no preregistration is required
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