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
Chamber to spotlight manufacturers with special events
With the largest concentration of manufacturers in Massachusetts, North Central Massachusetts is no stranger to the importance of careers in advanced manufacturing. Throughout October, as part of national manufacturing month, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation will host several events and programs to promote manufacturing and highlight the importance of the industry to the economy of the region.
“Manufacturing is alive and well in North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Promoting and supporting this critical industry is important to ensuring employers and jobs remain in Massachusetts.”
The region’s 445 manufacturing firms account for one fourth of the jobs in the region. Companies range from the world class plastics industry cluster of more than 140 companies to pharmaceuticals to photonics and paper, as well as biomedical devices. Manufacturers today are some of the most well-paid, highly trained and in demand employees in the workforce, working on advanced equipment and technology. Supporting careers in advanced manufacturing and serving as fierce advocates for local manufacturers are a priority for the Chamber.
Friday, October 6, 2017
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Manufacturing Tour: BJA Magnetics
17 Moore Street, Leominster, MA
Tour with U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern, Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella, economic development officials and students from the Leominster Public School System.
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – North Central Congressional Luncheon*
Great Wolf Lodge New England, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg, MA
Luncheon program with U.S. Representatives Jim McGovern and Niki Tsongas.
*Open to the public. Pre-registration Required
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – North Central Massachusetts International Economic Development Tour
Bus tour organized in cooperation with the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment for diplomats and business representatives involved in the New England Consular Corps. The tour will visit and tour several local manufacturers in the region and showcase the region’s advanced manufacturing, high quality workforce, quality of life and opportunities in North Central Massachusetts.
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
5:30pm to 7:30pm – Experience North Central Event: Moon Hill Brewing*
74 Parker St, Gardner, MA
Special experiential networking event sponsored by the Chamber and the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association to showcase local businesses. The October 18th event showcases Moon Hill Brewing, a new craft beer manufacturer located in Gardner, MA.
*Open to the public. Pre-registration Required
Friday, October 20, 2017
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Manufacturing Tour: Advanced Cable Ties, Inc.
245 Suffolk Lane, Gardner, MA
Tour and media event with North Central Massachusetts Legislative Delegation to highlight legislation to eliminate the manufacturing inventory tax.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Little Leaf Farm
105 Walker Road, Devens, MA
Tour of Little leaf farms with students from the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg/Leominster. Little Leaf Farms is the most technologically advanced, lettuce growing greenhouse in the world.
Please visit www.northcentralmass.com for more information on these events or contact Maria McCaffrey at .
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce unveiled its Public Policy Agenda for the new fiscal year today outlining the Chamber’s legislative priorities on issues important to businesses and the advancement of North Central Massachusetts. The agenda was developed to serve as a blueprint for the Chamber’s government affairs efforts and have been reviewed and approved by the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee and Board of Directors.
“The passing of a new budget and opening of the fall legislative session presents us with new challenges and opportunities” Christopher McDermott, the Chamber’s Public Affairs Manager, explained. “We look forward to facing these head on and this document provides the road map we’ll use to do so.”
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce advocates on behalf of businesses across the region, and the new Public Policy Agenda outlines a platform which builds upon the area’s competitive advantages. The agenda is focused around five priority areas: economic competitiveness; small business; manufacturing; education; and transportation.
“Our public policy agenda is focused on supporting a strong business climate and ensuring that North Central Massachusetts remains a great place to live, work and grow a business,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the Chamber. “We look forward to working with our legislative delegation to advocate these priorities.”
“There aren’t many places that host the range of businesses and industries you find in North Central Massachusetts” McDermott stated. “We want to use our presence in the community and on Beacon Hill to ensure that public officials recognize this region’s potential and work with us to realize it.”
Click to view the Chamber’s Public Policy Agenda, or contact Christopher McDermott, Public Affairs Manager at 978.353.7600 ext. 224.

The Chamber is the leading business and economic development organization in North Central Massachusetts and provides numerous services for members, including networking, professional development, low cost marketing, health and dental insurance, as well as government affairs and economic development programs to encourage a positive business climate for the region. In 2017 the Chamber was recognized for its work by being the first Chamber from New England to be named a finalist for the prestigious ACCE Chamber of the Year Award.

“The Chamber is an important element in the fabric of the community and has a tremendous impact supporting North Central Massachusetts,” said Mark Freeman, President of Steel Fab, Inc. and Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “This is a great opportunity to tell our story and engage businesses throughout the region.”
The campaign will feature several “Join Now” incentives for businesses and organizations that enroll with the Chamber, including digital, print, radio and TV advertising, web site listings, admission to Chamber networking programs and more.
Highlighting the campaign will be a referral effort among existing members. Each member referral can potentially earn the referring member a $25 Gift Local gift card that can be used at many of the finest restaurants, shops and attractions in the region.

There will also be a grand prize given to the top business or organization that has referred the most new members that have joined the chamber during this time period. The grand prize is a luxurious getaway vacation for two, to the Outer Banks, located in North Carolina.
Membership in the Chamber is a great way to become involved with the business community, support the North Central region and help your organization grow and save money. The Chamber supports member businesses of all sizes and industries through leadership in public advocacy, economic development, education, technical assistance, discount programs, networking opportunities and more. Our member benefits are diverse and extensive.
Media sponsors for the Campaign include the Sentinel & Enterprise; Leominster Champion; Worcester Business Journal; WPKZ 105.3 FM; and FATV.
For more information please visit www.northcentralmass.com/membership-information/2017-membership-campaign. Businesses interested in joining the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce should contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 222.

Viktor Toth, Superintendent, along with Wendy Durand, WMS Principal and Crystal Adams, Woodstock Playground Committee Chair, recently received a check for $1,000 from bankHometown’s Woodstock Branch Manager George Dimopoulos.
With this donation, the Woodstock Playground Committee is now over half of the way to their $100,000 goal. The playground will be located behind the Woodstock Middle School and is well designed for older children. It will also be available for area families and children to enjoy when classes are not in session. In addition, families at the adjacent sports fields will be able to use the playground during practices and games.
“We are very grateful for the support and trust bankHometown has shown us,” said Adams. “They have also generously allowed us to use their coin-counting machine during our recent Pennies for Playground’s fundraiser. We look forward to inviting them next year to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the playground.”

Karla worked for bankHometown for two years as the Oxford Branch Manager, beginning in 2013 before leaving to work as a VP Relationship Manager for a bank in the Eastern, MA area.
CEO Hewitt stated “We are pleased to welcome her back as one of our bankHometown team members and we are proud of her performance and accomplishments.” He added, “bankHometown is a community bank truly caring about the communities we serve with a focus on providing the best customer service. With over 33 years of banking experience of which 25 of those years include management positions Karla has earned the recognition for the execution of that charge and we look forward to many more years of her exemplary service.”
Karla grew up in Brookfield and graduated from Tantasqua Regional High School in Sturbridge. She is a member of the local Chamber of Commerce and is Treasurer for the Central New England Equine Rescue. She also owns the Cardinal Ridge Equestrian Center in Barre.
Karla resides with her family in Charlton, MA.
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