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 staff will explain the many benefits and programs of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce including networking events, government affairs, educational workshops and seminars, advertising opportunities and health insurance, to name just a few. Attendees will also learn about the different affiliate organizations under the Chamber umbrella that focus on specialty areas and allow the Chamber to achieve more for its members and for the advancement of North Central Massachusetts. There is no cost to attend the “Getting to Know Your Chamber” meeting, but pre-registration is required. Register online at www.NorthCentralMass.com/news/calendar-of-events/.
The Chamber will also be hosting a Business After Hours event at the Devens Common Center immediately following the orientation from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Chamber’s Business After Hours series provides an opportunity for members and non-members to mingle and build business relationships in an informal relaxed business setting. These networking mixers are held throughout the year in partnership with member businesses
Business owners unable to attend but interested in learning more about Chamber membership may contact Jeff Ardis, Manager of Member Services and Business Development or David Ginisi at 978.353.7600 or by sending an email to or to schedule a one-to-one meeting.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and Bank Hometown are holding two business workshops on May 4, 2017 aimed at assisting potential and existing entrepreneurs.
These free workshops are approximately 2 hours each and are being held in partnership with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, SCORE, NewVue Communities, and City of Fitchburg and Leominster’s Economic Development Office. Both workshops will each run approximately two and a half hours and will be held at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, 860 South Street in Fitchburg on Thursday, May 4.
Session I: Fundamentals in Planning, Preparing, and Financing Your Business will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and will focus on evaluating and understanding the fundamentals of owning one’s own business. Information on how to get started, where and how to get financing and the loan application process will be presented. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Continental breakfast will be provided for all participants. Presented by Bob Aspell, SCORE
Session II: Understanding the Purpose of Financial Statements and How They Can Help Determine the Health of Your Business will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will focus on understanding a balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement. The workshop will also explain how a small business owner can anticipate financial needs in order to operate his/her business more efficiently. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Presented by Robert C. Alario, CPA
To register, please contact Sandie Cataldo at 978.353.7607 ext. 232 or . You may also register online at www.NorthCentralMass.com.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts. NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance. Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4,200,000 in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.
For more information about the NCMDC loan or technical assistance programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit www.choosenorthcentral.com.
The tourism industry celebrated its economic impact and its legislative champions at the annual Massachusetts Tourism Day at the State House on Thursday, April 6, 11am-1pm, in the Great Hall.
Hosted by the 16 Regional Tourism Councils (RTCs) of Massachusetts, in partnership with the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development and the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT), Massachusetts Tourism Day included a mid-day program that featured presentations of the Champion of Tourism awards to Sen Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) and Rep. Mathew Muratore (R-Plymouth).
Other speakers included Joint Committee Co-chairs Rep. Cory Atkins and Sen. Adam Hinds. Francois Laurent-Nivaud, director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT).
The third largest industry in the Commonwealth, tourism accounts for 135,000 jobs, thanks in large part to the direct spending by 23.5 million visitors to Massachusetts. In 2015, for example, visitors to the state spent $20.2 billion on lodging, meals, culture and recreational attractions, transportation, and retail. That spending yielded $1.3 billion in local and state tax revenue.
“Tourism plays a major role in the North Central Massachusetts economy, accounting for over $127 million in direct spending in the region,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO of the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association. “The visitor industry is not something we should take for granted – we need to continue partnerships with state and local government, together with the private sector, to leverage investments in the tourism industry that will help grow our economy.”
As part of Thursday’s celebration, the RTCs offered food samples representing the culinary traditions of their regions, ranging from chowder to maple and apple products.
“The Regional Tourism Councils have a deep understanding of their unique regions coupled with marketing know-how. Their promotional efforts showcase all that Massachusetts has to offer, “said Representative Cory Atkins. “Over 23 million visitors frequent our restaurants, hotels, museums, cultural institutions, and attractions. The economic impact of a robust tourism industry is a boon to the Massachusetts economy.”
Thursday, December 7, 2017
7:30 AM to 8:30 AM
In the Clinton High School Library
A Hot Breakfast will be served
The purpose of this breakfast is to gather input from local employers to help Clinton Public Schools ensure that our graduates are college and career ready.
Our goals are to identify:
• The skills that all of our students need to be ready to enter the workforce
• Any specific vocational or early college program which would make our students more ready to enter the local workforce
• Opportunities for work-based learning experiences for our students
Please RSVP by November 30th
To Mary at (978)365-4200 or
We look forward to meeting with you and thank you for your support of the Clinton Public Schools
New Beginnings Home Care would like to share this exciting news with all of you. We are so happy to announce that we are officially moving to a bigger space. Since growing so rapidly and adding more staff to the office, and hiring more aides. This building is going to be perfect and this will be our new home for a long time. With this move we are going to be able to accommodate every need that is requested.
We are officially moving as of this weekend. We will definitely be up and running for Monday, October 30th, 2017. We will not be interrupting any services for all the care we provide to our elders.
Our telephone number and fax number is going to stay the same.
Our new address is:
368 Central Street
Leominster, Ma 01453
Once we are all settled in we will be scheduling an open house for all of the case managers, supervisors and also including our aides. It’ll be coming soon.
Feel free to stop by before then to check out our new home.
I would just like to thank you so much for your support.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Bercume Associates, Inc. partners with PXT Select™ to help organizations make smarter hiring decisions.
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“Selecting, onboarding, and developing talent are crucial for the success of your business, as well as, for attracting and retaining top talent. PXT Select provides effective tools for leaders at all levels and sizes of organizations.” said Deb Bercume, Executive Coach & Consultant, Bercume Associates, Inc.
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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