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
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and North Middlesex Savings Bank are holding two business workshops on January 25, 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, Center For Women & Enterprise, and the Town of Ayer’s Economic Development Office. Both workshops will each run approximately two and a half hours and will be held at the Mount Wachusett Community College Devens Campus, 27 Jackson Rd, Devens on Wednesday, January 25.
“Financial literacy for small business owners is key to making smart business decisions given that financial services are often made in-house by small businesses,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton). “Small businesses are the backbone of local economies across Massachusetts, and workshops like these provide people with the necessary knowledge and tools for financial success.”
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. Continental breakfast will be provided for all participants. Presented by Bob Aspel, 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. 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 northcentralmass.com.

Sports event professionals were asked to nominate destinations and sports venues that they believe display exemplary creativity and professionalism toward the groups they host. Nominations were received from readers throughout the year, and the top picks were selected based on results from an online voting system.
“To be recognized nationally by the industry professionals who plan sporting events every day is very exciting and humbling,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association. “It’s very rewarding to see our hard work to position North Central Massachusetts as a premier destination for amateur sporting events and competitions be recognized with this honor.”
“It is clear, based on our readers’ experiences, that these award winners are willing to go above and beyond typical service levels to help sports event planners produce outstanding events that participants, their families and spectators will want to experience again and again,” said John Rezell, executive editor of SportsEvents
Sporting events is a market that has been targeted for growth in North Central Massachusetts. According to the National Association of Sports Commissions, travel sports spending nationally amounted to nearly $9 billion last year.
Families, athletes and attendees spend nights in hotels, fill restaurants and take in the local sights while attending a tournament or amateur sports event. This generates tax dollars for local communities, creates jobs, and contributes to economic vitality of the communities in the region. Sporting events can have a significant economic impact, but is a highly competitive market. The region is well positioned to benefit from the sporting industry with many high quality sports facilities and amenities.
The Johnny Appleseed Trail Association has worked collectively with local communities, economic development officials and attractions in the region on marketing efforts to target event organizers and other decision makers in the sports industry.
The tourism industry is the third largest industry in Massachusetts, and a major driver for the North Central Massachusetts economy. Tourists spend $127 million a year in North Central Massachusetts, supporting thousands of jobs, local businesses and providing millions of dollars in local tax revenue.

NCMDC granted a loan to Jackie and Scott Cullen to assist with opening River Styx Brewery, a 10-barrel brewery and tap room to be located at 166 Boulder Drive in Fitchburg. The Cullen’s have been small batch brewing as well as traveling the country to different breweries for many years preparing to enter into this growing industry and are scheduled to open next summer joining many new small businesses in downtown Fitchburg. This loan was in partnership with the City of Fitchburg and the Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority and will create four new jobs. The NCMDC funds will be used to assist with the leasehold improvements and equipment.
“We are very excited to welcome River Styx Brewing to downtown Fitchburg, where we have been focusing a great deal of our economic development efforts” said Fitchburg Mayor Stephen L. DiNatale. “River Styx fits well within our creative economy, and we know that it will serve as a catalyst to bring people and tourists into the city to enjoy all that Fitchburg has to offer.”
“Our experience with RiverStyx Brewing was a good reminder that through partnerships and collaborations, we can really make an impact on our regional economy,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation.
For more information about the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation please call 978.353.7607 or visit www.ChooseNorthCentral.com.

Boston, MA (September 15, 2017) – To kick-off the fall season, Mayor Martin J. Walsh and official City Hall Plaza community partner Berkshire Bank are proud to announce that the Wachusett Brewing Company is bringing its Brew Yard to Boston Autumn at City Hall Plaza. The Brew Yard will be open on Thursdays: September 21, September 28 and October 5 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Entry to the Brew Yard at Boston Autumn is free.
Hot off their successful Brew Yard launch at Wachusett’s home Brewery in Westminster, Berkshire Bank and City of Boston are excited to partner together with a local craft brewery to bring this popular concept into the heart of the City.
“We could not be more excited for the opportunity to bring our Brew Yard concept to Boston and create an exciting venue for the local craft beer community” said Christian McMahan, President of Wachusett Brewing Company. “The Brew Yard has been so well received by consumers from all over New England who have come to enjoy great beer, live music, and amazing food. We could not think of a better place than Boston Autumn at City Hall Plaza to continue to deliver this unique experience.”
The Brew Yard at Boston Autumn presented by Berkshire Bank will include Wachusett’s popular ‘City of Champions’ line: Green Monsta IPA, Bella Czech Pils, Brewin’ American Pale Ale, and their new Belgian White Mamba. The Wachusett Brew Yard signature piece, a converted Airstream trailer bar, will be front and center as part of the Boston Brew Yard.
In addition to offering 8 styles of beer, this collaboration between the City of Boston, Berkshire Bank and Wachusett will feature a variety of Food Trucks and to live music from 5:00 to 7:00 PM each Thursday – making this the perfect place for Bostonians and tourists alike to gather with friends or family.
For more information about Boston Seasons presented by Berkshire Bank at City Hall Plaza, a year-round activation to enhance City Hall Plaza, please visit www.cityhallplazaboston.com .
About Wachusett Brewing Company The company produces a diverse, award-winning line of beers ranging from their best-selling Blueberry Ale to their latest introduction, the highly-rated Wally, a New England Style IPA. WBC is the second largest packaging brewer in Massachusetts and was one of the top 10 fastest growing craft breweries in the US in 2016.
Leominster Credit Union is hosting a free, no-obligations seminar “How to Prepare, Pay for and Stay in College.” The seminar will provide valuable information for both students and their parents as they begin to navigate the process of selecting and paying for college. Topics include: Preparing For College; Scholarships (Different types & How to find them); Choosing a College; Financial Aid Overview; FAFSA Process; Understanding the Award Letter; Federal Loans vs. Private Student Loans.
The seminar will take place on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 6:00 pm at the headquarters building of Leominster Credit Union, 20 Adams Street, Leominster MA. Registration is required. To register or for more information visit http://leominstercu.studentchoice.org/seminar/
Founded in 1954, Leominster Credit Union (LCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with a full range of deposit, lending and other financial services. Headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, LCU is proud to claim nearly 50,000 members and more than $600 million in assets. LCU has seven branch locations in Leominster, Worcester, Clinton, Holden, Sterling and North Leominster with ATM services at all branch locations. LCU also provides 24 hour banking via Mobile and Online services. Visit leominstercu.com or call 800-649-4646.

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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