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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The Healey-Driscoll Administration launched a new AI-powered tool to make it easier for communities to apply for grants. The tool, called GrantWell, was developed by the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office in partnership with Northeastern University’s Burnes Center for Social Change. GrantWell is designed to simplify the process of seeking grant opportunities, understanding their requirements, and writing applications. Access to the tool is free to all Massachusetts communities and available on the Commonwealth’s website here.
“We’ve heard from communities loud and clear that onerous paperwork is a barrier to getting good projects done,” said Governor Maura Healey. “It’s why we’ve launched programs to streamline the process for applying to state grants and established new technical assistance programs through our Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office. Now with GrantWell, we’re making it even easier for communities to take advantage of those opportunities and apply for the funds they need to deliver for their constituents.”
“As a former Mayor, I know that navigating the complexities of federal and state grants pose a significant hurdle to municipal officials getting good projects over the line,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “GrantWell will allow more municipalities to take advantage of funding opportunities, saving them time and capacity—crucial resources in local government.”
“The Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office built GrantWell to respond directly to what we heard from communities all across the state: that they lack the resources and capacity to fully take advantage of funding opportunities available to them. GrantWell will free up time and capacity for local officials to obtain the resources they need,”said Quentin Palfrey, Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure. “Thank you to Northeastern University’s Burnes Center for Social Change for working with us to develop this tool, which showcases Massachusetts’ continued leadership in innovation.”
GrantWell allows communities to more easily find federal and state funding opportunities and develop proposals. The tool will scan a grant opportunity and automatically summarize the grant requirements, eligibility criteria, and key deadlines in layman’s terms. Users can ask GrantWell to begin a draft of a project narrative, saving communities time and capacity in the grant application process. The tool also features a chatbot that communities can use to ask questions about grant requirements and eligibility. Importantly, GrantWell cannot replace the grant-writing process; rather, the tool is designed to support grant-writers and municipal staff to more quickly find grant opportunities and lay the groundwork for an application.
“GrantWell shows how AI can be used to make government work better, by helping public servants quickly find relevant funding, understand complex requirements, and take action. Developed through our AI for Impact initiative, it reflects a practical approach to building tools that strengthen public sector capacity and expand access to resources for communities.” — Beth Simone Noveck, Director of the Burnes Center for Social Change
GrantWell complements existing efforts at the state level to streamline the process for applying to state grants, including MassDOT’s Grant Central portal, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs ECO One Stop, and the Community One Stop program.
The Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office in partnership with the Burnes Center will continue to update the tool based on user feedback. GrantWell users can and are encouraged to provide feedback on how to improve the user experience by submitting comments on the GrantWell homepage.
Chamber President Roy Nascimento testifying before the Fitchburg City Council recently on issues impacting local businesses.
The Chamber’s advocacy work continues to deliver results for members at every level of government
As a member of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, you have a powerful coalition advocating on your behalf every single day. From the halls of the State House to city council chambers and town halls across our 27-community region, your Chamber is working to create a better business climate, find new opportunities for economic growth, and address the challenges you face.
Why Advocacy Matters
In today’s complex regulatory environment, businesses face numerous challenges: rising health insurance costs, burdensome regulations, workforce shortages, tax policies and infrastructure needs that all impact competitiveness and daily operations. Individual businesses simply don’t have the time, resources, or access to effectively advocate for themselves at multiple levels of government.
Through your Chamber, you have a voice to ensure policy makers understand how their decisions can positively (or negatively) affect your business. With advocacy that is practical and not partisan, we are committed to supporting your business success and advancing economic growth across North Central Massachusetts.
Organizations aimed to leverage business interests are important allies on statewide and federal policy, but what they cannot offer is boots-on-the-ground knowledge that makes our region unique. Whether testifying at tax hearings in Lancaster, monitoring City Council meetings in Leominster and Fitchburg, or addressing zoning reforms in Sterling, we represent local employers, entrepreneurs and job creators. It’s this grassroots authenticity, combined with our deep knowledge of regional priorities and our relationships, that makes the Chamber’s advocacy uniquely powerful and an essential resource for your business.
“Our members are dealing with real challenges every day, from finding qualified workers to managing rising costs to navigating complex regulations,” says Tony Fields, president, ClearTech Group in Leominster, and chair of the Chamber’s board of directors. “They don’t have time to keep up with what’s happening at City Hall, the State House, and in Washington. That’s exactly what the Chamber does for us, and they deliver results.”
Advocacy Impact
Chamber leadership pictured with members of the Senate delegation and Anne Gobi, now Director of Rural Affairs, following a meeting at the Massachusetts State House.
Over the past two years, we’ve secured important victories and advanced key priorities to directly benefit our members and our region. At the local level, we’ve protected businesses from increased tax burdens by successfully advocating for favorable tax policies. At the federal level, we worked with a coalition of business groups to ensure provisions beneficial to manufacturers and small businesses were included in comprehensive tax legislation.
After extensive advocacy and collaboration with Great Wolf Lodge, we also achieved unanimous Fitchburg City Council approval for the region’s first Tourism Destination Marketing District outside Boston. This groundbreaking initiative will generate sustainable funding for tourism promotion, driving visitor spending to benefit participating hotels, as well as restaurants, retail establishments, and other attractions throughout the region. We’re now working to expand this successful model to additional communities. In the same vein, the Chamber continues advocating for state tourism trust fund reforms that would provide critical resources for regional promotion and support our communities.
We have been at the forefront of efforts to secure economic development funding for the region, working closely with our legislative delegation and state economic development officials, including recent meetings with the Lieutenant Governor and other administration officials, to ensure that North Central Massachusetts receives the resources needed to support business growth and community development projects.
On the Ground, Every Day
While policy wins make headlines, much of our most valuable advocacy work happens behind the scenes. Our staff routinely attends city council meetings in Fitchburg and Leominster to monitor issues affecting our members and provide real-time input on business concerns. But we don’t limit our focus to the region’s two largest communities, we maintain active relationships with municipal leaders across all 27 communities we serve, from Athol to Groton.
In the past year alone, we’ve testified before city and towns during discussions on taxes, zoning reforms, tourism and economic development matters, and provided expert testimony on numerous other local policy issues.
On Beacon Hill, we have testified on rising health insurance rates for businesses, a critical concern for employers trying to provide competitive benefits while managing costs. We’ve also testified in support of legislation that would bring passenger rail improvements and economic development opportunities to North Central Massachusetts and advocated for realistic timelines on electric vehicle mandates that balance environmental goals with practical business concerns.
“People don’t always see the day-to-day work that goes into effective advocacy,” notes Michelle Haggstrom, of Keller Williams North Central, chair of the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee, “but when the Chamber testifies on health insurance costs or works to secure funding for regional economic development, it directly impacts our ability to run successful businesses and strengthen our communities.”
We maintain regular communication with our state legislators, briefing them on regional priorities and connecting them with members. Through state and national chamber networks, including the U.S. Chamber’s Committee of 100, we ensure North Central Massachusetts has a seat at the table where critical decisions are made.
Individual Member Support
Members of the North Central Massachusetts legislative delegation pictured with Chamber leadership following a legislative briefing at the Chamber’s offices.
Beyond big-picture policy advocacy, we provide expert, hands-on support to individual members facing specific regulatory or policy challenges. When members need help navigating permitting processes, resolving compliance issues, accessing tax incentive programs, or connecting with the right officials, we take action.
“When concern grew among plastics manufacturers about proposed legislation to ban single-use plastics, one call to the Chamber was all it took,” says Lisa Rocheleau, treasurer, Rocheleau Tool & Die Company. “They immediately organized meetings with legislators to help them understand how these proposals would impact our local industry and the broader regional economy, and to explore more balanced approaches to sustainability. Rather than waiting for legislation to happen to us, the Chamber’s proactive advocacy helped us get ahead of it and have a constructive dialogue.”
“The value of the Chamber’s advocacy really hit home for me during the ballot question on tipped wages at the end of 2024,” shares John Amaral, owner, The Groton Inn and Forge and Vine Restaurant. “The Chamber immediately took the time to understand how the question would impact our business and our employees, connected us with the right people locally, and really leaned into educating local stakeholders on the potential impact. That kind of advocacy makes a real difference for our business.”
The Value Proposition
Your Chamber membership strengthens the collective voice of more than 650 individual members, helping to effectively engage with policymakers. For most businesses, maintaining relationships with officials, monitoring legislation, and testifying at hearings would be impossible individually. Together, we make it work.
Your Role
Effective advocacy requires your engagement, input and expertise about your industry and business needs. Throughout the year, we host forums, breakfast meetings, and legislative events to bring policymakers directly to you.
We encourage you to maximize the value of the Chamber’s advocacy efforts by staying informed through our updates and meetings, sharing your story when we ask for examples of how policies impact real businesses, participating in our events to build relationships with policymakers,
responding when we issue calls to action on critical legislation, and letting us know when you’re facing a regulatory or policy issue.
The Bottom Line
Every day, your Chamber is working to create a better business climate in North Central Massachusetts. From testifying on health insurance costs at the State House to monitoring local zoning discussions, from securing funding for regional initiatives to helping members navigate bureaucratic challenges, we’re your voice wherever it matters most.
“This is what sets great chambers apart,” says Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “It’s not just about ribbon cuttings and networking events, although those matter too. It’s about showing up wherever decisions are being made that affect our members’ ability to succeed. That’s the commitment we make to each member every single day.”
This is advocacy in action. This is what your membership supports. This is what makes the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce an essential partner in your business success.
Have a policy issue affecting your business? A question about upcoming legislation? Want to connect with a specific elected official?
Contact Travis Condon, director of public affairs, at or call (978) 353-7600.
Your voice matters, and we’re here to amplify it.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce represents nearly 700 member businesses across 27 communities, serving as the region’s leading business advocacy organization at the local, state, and federal levels.
The awards celebrated entrepreneurship in the region and showcased successful NCMDC clients who are helping to advance the region’s economy and communities.
“Our entrepreneurs represent the very best of what North Central Massachusetts has to offer, including the determination, innovation, and grit that make our regional economy thrive,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. “With so many outstanding nominees this year, selecting our honorees was no easy task. Every one of them has a story worth telling, and we are proud to recognize those whose contributions to their communities and to our regional economy are nothing short of remarkable.”
Nellye Molina / Dream Big Award Pictured Left to Right: Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation; Nellye Molina, owner of Lov’n Donuts in Leominster and recipient of the NCMDC’s Dream Big Award; and Dr. Mahmoud Al – Odeh, Dean of Business and Technology at Fitchburg State University
The Dream Big Award recognized Nellye Molina, owner of Lov’n Donuts, located in Leominster. This award recognizes a business owner from a traditionally underserved community or population, including low-income communities, minority-owned businesses, or women-owned businesses. Lov’n Donuts has been a beloved community gathering place since 1987. In 2023, Molina took ownership of the woman-owned small business and began writing its next chapter, one defined by growth, vision, and heart. Molina spent nearly two decades building expertise in the restaurant and hotel industries before taking the leap to business ownership, bringing that dedication to Lov’n Donuts and continuing to create a welcoming space for her community.
Marieke Cormier / Community Impact Award Pictured Left to Right: Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation; Marieke Cormier, owner of Roots Natural Foods in Leominster and recipient of the NCMDC’s Community Impact Award; and Dr. Mahmoud Al – Odeh, Dean of Business and Technology at Fitchburg State University.
The Community Impact Award recognized Marieke Cormier, owner of Roots Natural Foods, located in Leominster. This award recognizes a business providing needed services in the community. Roots Natural Foods was founded in 2002 by Cormier’s mother, offering organic groceries, vitamins and supplements, catering, and a beloved café. Cormier took the reins in 2011 and has grown the business into a community institution, serving as a gathering place, wellness hub, and supporter of local suppliers and causes for nearly a quarter century. Cormier has built a workplace grounded in respect and teamwork and has been instrumental in cultivating connection, health, and local pride in the Leominster community. She has not just run a business; she has helped cultivate connection, health, and local pride, one cup of coffee and one conversation at a time.
Beth Jaillet / Entrepreneur Success Award Pictured Left to Right: Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation; Jocelyn Jaillet, accepting on behalf of her mother Beth Jaillet, owner of MacMannis Florist & Greenhouse in Athol and recipient of the NCMDC’s Entrepreneur Success Award; and Dr. Mahmoud Al – Odeh, Dean of Business and Technology at Fitchburg State University.
The Entrepreneur Success Award recognized Beth Jaillet, owner of MacMannis Florist & Greenhouse, located in Athol. This award recognizes a business that has demonstrated growth by providing quality jobs and increasing revenue MacMannis Florist has been a trusted community landmark since the 1940s. After spending 20 years working within those walls, Jaillet purchased the business, rebranded it as MacMannis Florist & Greenhouse, expanded its offerings, and has continued to build on the shop’s legacy while adding hands-on workshops that bring community members together.
In addition to the recognition, these three small business clients of the NCMDC also took home cash awards of $500 each.
During the program, the Chamber also presented its Community Partner of the Year and Banker of the Year awards.
Kevin Kuros / Community Partner of the Year Pictured Left to Right: Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation; Kevin Kuros, Central Massachusetts Regional Director of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development and recipient of the NCMDC’s Community Partner of the Year Award; and Dr. Michael Greenwood, Business Department Chair at Fitchburg State University.
Kevin Kuros, Central Massachusetts Regional Director of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, was recognized as the Community Partner of the Year for his support and active partnership with the NCMDC in supporting start-up businesses. Kuros has hosted office hours alongside the NCMDC team, connecting entrepreneurs directly to state programs for capital access, permitting, and site selection, and has been an active partner in business expansion projects across the region. He has also been a consistent referral source for the NCMDC’s microloan program, accompanying staff on site visits and bringing a hands-on, collaborative approach to his work with the region’s entrepreneurs.
Martin F. Connors, Jr. / Banker of the Year Pictured Left to Right: Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation; Martin F. Connors, Jr., Executive Chair of the Rollstone Bank & Trust Board of Directors and recipient of the NCMDC’s Banker of the Year Award; and Dr. Michael Greenwood, Business Department Chair at Fitchburg State University.
Martin F. Connors, Jr., former President and CEO of Rollstone Bank & Trust, was honored with the Banker of the Year Award in recognition of his exceptional and long-standing commitment to the NCMDC and the small business community. Under Connors’ leadership, Rollstone agreed to serve as the administrator of the NCMDC’s revolving microloan fund, providing the billing and operational infrastructure that keeps the program running. The bank also made direct financial contributions to the NCMDC over the years, support that has helped sustain a program that has deployed over $27 million in microloans and helped create thousands of jobs across the region. Connors recently retired as President and CEO and now serves as Executive Chair of Rollstone’s Board and Vice Chair of the River Run Board, Rollstone’s parent company. He has also served as a past Chair of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and as a board member of United Way and HealthAlliance Hospital, among others.
The event also featured a Small Business Showcase with more than 25 exhibitor tables, giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect with business owners, lenders, and professional service providers. Attendees voted for their favorite table display, with the winner receiving a $100 Gift Local gift card.
Special thanks to Premier and Award Recipient Sponsor Fitchburg State University; Corporate Sponsors Fidelity Bank and Workers’ Credit Union Partner Sponsors Main Street Bank, TD Bank, and Bay State Bank; Bag Sponsor Beacon Bank; and sound production by Central Mass Productions.
The North Central Golf Tour: Friday on the Fairway at Templewood Golf Course
July 31, 2026
Friday on the Fairway at Templewood Golf Course
July 31, 2026
Templewood Golf Course
Event Start at 1:00pm View
Event
Fore Then Pore: Golf Clinic, 9 Hole Play & End of Summer Bash
August 21, 2026
Golf Clinic, 9 Hole Play & End of Summer Bash
August 21, 2026
The Woods of Westminster
Event Start at 1:00pm View
Event
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
The Fitchburg Housing Authority is preparing for its 5th Annual Block Party at the Green Acres community, led by Resident Services Coordinator Michael Chernoch, and invites local businesses, organizations, and community partners to help make this year’s event a success through sponsorships, donations, and participation opportunities.
The event will take place on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This community is home to approximately 225 children ages 0–17, and the event brings families together for food, fun, and connection.
We are seeking donations of goods, services, or monetary support to help provide food, activities like a bounce house and face painting, and raffle prizes for both youth and adults. We also welcome local businesses to participate with a table to engage with residents and share resources.
As a Resident Services Coordinator, I work to connect families with essential supports and opportunities. Contributions from community partners like you help make events like this possible.
Any support is greatly appreciated. Charitable contributions to governmental units may be tax-deductible under Section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code when made for a public purpose.
For more information or to get involved, please contact: Michael Chernoch Resident Services Coordinator, Fitchburg Housing Authority
All One Credit Union (formerly known as Leominster Credit Union) will hold a Shred-A-Thon at its 20 Adam Street, Leominster MA location on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 9:00AM – Noon.
Members and non-members can get rid of old, sensitive documents by shredding and recycling them at the Shred-A-Thon. All items will be shredded on site by a secure shredding service, New England Security Shredders.
Members of the community can bring up to three legal size file boxes or three 13-gallon kitchen trash bags to be shred for free. However, we will be accepting donations for Habitat for Humanity during the event. The Shred-A-Thon helps raise awareness about recycling and of course the importance of shredding personal documents to protect against identity theft.
Important documents to bring to the Shred-A-Thon include bank statements, tax returns, medical bills, credit card statements and other personal documents.
For more information contact Joanne Lattanzi, VP/Marketing .
Fidelity Bank today announced it has appointed Sean J. O’Connell to President in addition to his current role as the Bank’s Chief Lending Officer. As President, O’Connell will oversee all client-facing business lines, community engagement, and philanthropic initiatives, while helping to drive continued growth across all markets.
“Sean is a trusted and forward-thinking leader who understands what it means to build strong relationships – with clients, colleagues and our communities,” said Matt Burke, Chairman and CEO of Mutual Bancorp, Fidelity Bank’s parent company. “His ability to connect strategy with execution, combined with his deep commitment to community banking, positions him well to lead Fidelity Bank in its next chapter. We’re fortunate to have strong leadership in place with Sean, along with Tom Galvani, Chief Retail Banking Officer, and our entire team committed to serving clients and communities in our region.”
“Fidelity Bank has long been a cornerstone of the communities we serve, and I’m honored to serve as the next leader of the institution,” said O’Connell. “We have a tremendous opportunity to build on our legacy – expanding how we support local businesses, investing in our communities, and continuing to deliver the personalized, relationship-driven banking our clients value.”
With more than two decades of experience in community and regional banking, O’Connell came to Fidelity Bank in 2025 from UniBank, where he spent nine years in progressive senior leadership roles and oversaw lending operations supporting 13 retail banking locations. Earlier in his career, he held a variety of leadership and client-facing roles at Citizens Bank and Barre Savings Bank.
O’Connell earned a master’s degree in business administration from Nichols College, and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Westfield State College. He is also Omega Credit Certified and completed credit training from the Massachusetts Bankers Association.
He is actively engaged in the community and currently serves on the board
Member Spotlight
Custom Cleaning Service of Peabody
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.
From Chamber events and ribbon cuttings to community celebrations and regional highlights, stay connected with what’s happening across North Central Massachusetts. Follow us on social media for the latest photos, updates, and stories.
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.
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