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
Not Yet A Member? Join the Chamber
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
An ad in the Johnny Appleseed Visitors Guide is the best marketing decision you will make all year. This publication is the only one reaching visitors and long-time community members on a year-round basis. The publication is distributed at over 350 locations across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Canada. Work is underway now for the Spring edition. Contact Diane Burnette via email at or call 978-534-2829 to reserve your spot today. Space is limited.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the organization has recruited 75 new members as a result of its 2016 New Member Campaign.
The two-week campaign ended on Friday, October 15th and included a mailed invitation to over 3,000 businesses in North Central Massachusetts and personal phone calls from fifty-five business leaders encouraging them to join. Volunteers competed for bragging rights as the top recruiter and some great prizes including overnight trips, gift certificates to restaurants and stores, and much more.
“We are excited to see so many new businesses join and take advantage of the many opportunities available through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber,” said Tony Mercadante, Principal of Mercadante & Mercadante CPAs and Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “The Chamber plays an important role in supporting local businesses and advancing North Central Massachusetts. This new growth will give us an even stronger voice to impact the region.”
The top producing team for the campaign was Workers Credit Union. Tom Littlepage, Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager at Workers Credit Union served as the team captain. The Workers Credit Union team recruited 13 new members and will be recognized with a special award at the Chamber’s next Good Morning North Central Breakfast on Friday, November 18th at the Doubletree in Leominster.
The second place team was the Robert C. Alario CPAs team, captained by Robert Alario, and the third place team was the Vision Payroll team, captained by Greg Mahoney.
The campaign’s top individual recruiter was Robert Alario, President of Robert C. Alario CPAs who personally brought in 11 new businesses to the Chamber. Mr. Alario was recently recognized as the top producer and received a $1,500 travel voucher through Whitcomb Travel for his efforts. Bob Gallo of Workers Credit Union placed second with five new members and Tom Littlepage of Workers Credit Union came in third with four new members. Other top recruiters included Pam Tortora of Fidelity Bank who recruited four new members; Tony Mercadante of Mercadante and Mercadante CPAs and Greg Mahoney and Lisa McKiernan of Vision Payroll who each recruited three new members.
“I want to congratulate our top recruiter Bob Alario and express our heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers and businesses who participated in this campaign,” said Doug Petersen, President & CEO of Workers Credit Union and Chairman of the 2016 New Member Campaign. “Gaining 75 new members is a remarkable achievement and would not have been possible without the time and effort from our many campaign volunteers.”
The Chamber appreciates the efforts of Doug Petersen for serving as Chair of the 2016 New Member Campaign. The Chamber would also like to thank all of the team captains, volunteer recruiters, and the many members who helped support our successful campaign.
In addition, the Chamber would like to recognize the corporate and prize sponsors who contributed to the success of the campaign. The Chamber’s New Member Campaign was sponsored by Heat Trace Products. Supporting sponsors included S.J. Mullaney Engineering, Inc.; Mercadante & Mercadante, P.C., CPAs; and HealthAlliance Hospital. In addition, media sponsors for the Campaign included the Sentinel & Enterprise; Leominster Champion; Worcester Business Journal; WPKZ 105.3 FM, Worcester Telegram & Gazette; AdviCoach; and FATV.
Prize contributors included Aunty Ellen’s Cakes, the Bootlegger Restaurant, the Colonial Hotel, Cutiques, Curves Fitness, ECI Stores, the Fitchburg Art Museum, Gardner Ale House, Il Camino Restaurant, Gariepy Furniture, Great Wolf Lodge, Happy Jack’s Restaurant, North End Diner, Northeast Promotions, Putnam Street Lanes, Roots organic juice bar, Sean Patrick’s restaurant, Settler’s Crossing golf course, Shattuck Photography, Slattery’s restaurant, Starbucks, South Side Grill, Wachusett Mountain, Webster First Federal Credit Union, West End Diner, Workers Credit Union, and Yasmin Loft, realtor.
For a complete list of corporate sponsors and prize contributors please visit www.northcentralmass.com.
Businesses interested in joining the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce should contact Jeff Ardis, Manager of Member Services and Business Development at 978.353.7600, x234 or via email at .
Last Month the Baker-Polito Administration announced a commitment of $672,637 in grant funds, to help Massachusetts small businesses grow by accessing international trade markets. The grant funds – a $504,478 grant awarded to Massachusetts by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s State Trade and Expansion Program (STEP), and a $168,159 matching contribution from the Commonwealth – will provide support to small businesses in Massachusetts as they pursue strategies to increase export activities.
“Supporting the growth of small businesses is a major focus of this administration’s economic development strategy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Many of the innovative consumer and business products created and manufactured in Massachusetts are ripe for export. Helping companies access foreign markets is one avenue where we can help champion the small businesses that f orm the backbone of our economy.”
“Opening new markets will strengthen small businesses here in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The economic development legislation we signed in August doubled our ability to help finance small business export activity. Now, these STEP grants will build the capacity of small businesses seeking to open new markets. By assisting small businesses in learning how to export, and increasing their exposure to international markets, we are giving small businesses in Massachusetts a global reach.”
“The advanced manufacturing cluster economy we have here in North Central Massachusetts accounts for one in four jobs in the region – support from our state and federal partners is crucial as we seek to recognize the important role that manufacturing plays here in North Central,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.
The Baker-Polito Administration announced the opening of the 2016-2017 STEP grant round at Rocheleau Tool & Die Co., Inc., a Fitchburg manufacturer that participated in the 2015-2016 STEP program. The Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment (MOITI) will administer the STEP grant in partnership with the Massachusetts Export Center (MEC), and provide reimbursements to eligible Massachusetts small businesses for qualified export-promotion expenses. Supported activities may include trade show participation, overseas marketing, and localization services and subscription services from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Participating small businesses are also required to secure matching private funds. MOITI and MEC are currently accepting grant applications from businesses.
“In every region of the Commonwealth, businesses are producing goods that only Massachusetts can create, and ensuring that these small business have access to global markets is an important avenue for growth,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “Leveraging the ingenuity, and uniqueness of Massachusetts products and businesses will continue moving our economy forward, grow jobs and spread prosperity to every corner of the Commonwealth.”
“These grant funds will support the growth of small businesses, whether they are new to exporting, or seeking to expand their export activities,” said Assistant Secretary of Business Development Nam Pham. “I look forward to continued partnerships with the U.S. Small Business Administration, as we work together to spread economic growth across the Commonwealth.”
“The STEP Grant is available to small businesses across Massachusetts,” said Paula Murphy, Director of the Massachusetts Export Center. “The funds are awarded on a competitive basis, and a well-planned international business strategy is critical for a grant award.”
“Last year’s STEP grant program was a great success, with over 60 Massachusetts small businesses using the grant funds to enhance their opportunities in the global marketplace” said MOITI Executive DirectorMark F. Sullivan. “We look forward to continuing that success with this year’s grant round.”
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
at
The Bull Run 215 Great Road, Shirley, MA 01464
a special show: The Scott Willians Collection
A body of work from England. Join us for hors d’oeuvres.
Cash Bar.
Ebenezer Scrooge sums up his feelings about Christmas with a curmudgeonly “Bah! Humbug!” But he’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present, and Future. A Christmas Carol is a spectacular adaptation of Charles Dickens’s most well-known story. Proving its staying power with a decade long run at Madison Square Garden, A Christmas Carol is sure to be fun for the entire family!
DIRECTOR – David Allen Prescott
MUSIC DIRECTOR – David Twiss
CHOREOGRAPHER – Nicole Couture Skorb
CAST REQUIREMENTS – looking for 7 men, 5 women, several children; plus ensemble
(See character descriptions below).
WHERE AND WHEN
WHERE? Mount Wachusett Community College, room 182
WHEN? Adult auditions – Tuesday, September 19 and Wednesday, September 20 at 7:00PM sharp. Children’s auditions – Sunday, September 24 at 4PM. Possible callbacks Sunday, September 25 at 5PM.
*Punctuality will be noted and appreciated – no appointment needed
Prepare a short vocal selection that displays range and ability. Expect a dance/movement audition and readings from the script. (If you can tap dance, please bring tap shoes – this is not a requirement)
Performance Dates: November 24, 25, December 1, 2
at 8:00PM; November 26 and December 3 at 2:00pm
Tentative Rehearsal Schedule:
Sundays from 6PM to 9PM; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7PM to 10PM, beginning September 28
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
Scrooge
A man who lost his father to creditors as a kid and has grown up heeding his father’s advice to save his money. Until he realizes how terrible he’s become, he is grumpy, unsympathetic man and has no time for anyone or anything.
Gender: Male; Age: 45 to 65; Vocal range top: G5; Vocal range bottom: A3
Mr. Cratchit
A father and husband who cares deeply for his family, particularly his youngest son. He works hard to provide for them but is mistreated by his employer, Scrooge.
Gender: Male; Age: 30 to 40; Vocal range top: E5; Vocal range bottom: A3
Mrs. Cratchit
Tiny Tim’s mother and Mr. Cratchit’s wife. She is a loving mother who tries to provide the best for her children with what she’s got.
Gender: Female; Age: 30 to 40; Vocal range top: E5; Vocal range bottom: A3
Tiny Tim
Mr. and Mrs. Cratchit’s youngest son. He is crippled and sick, but is the definition of loving Christmas spirit. He constantly reminds his family that as long as they all have each other, they will be happy.
Gender: Male; Age: 9 to 12; Vocal range top: E5; Vocal range bottom: A3
Fred
Scrooge’s nephew and only living relative. He is a pleasant young man who believes in the good a joyful Christmas spirit can make in the world.
Gender: Male; Age: 25 to 35; Vocal range top: F5; Vocal range bottom: A3
Ghost Of Christmas Present
A jovial, larger-than-life ghost who comes back to show Scrooge all the joy, love, and celebration he his missing out on while those around him celebrate Christmas. Actor doubles as Sandwichboard Man.
Gender: Male; Age: 35 to 45; Vocal range top: G5; Vocal range bottom: A3
Ghost Of Christmas Past
An ever cheerful, sprightly ghost who comes back with the history book of Scrooge’s past to show him the events that led to his current state. Actor doubles as Lamplighter.
Gender: Male; Age: 40 to 60; Vocal range top: G5; Vocal range bottom: A3
Blind Old Hag / Ghost Of Christmas Future
A beautiful, and terrifying wrath, the Ghost of Christmas Future is strong and silent as she shows Scrooge what will happen to him and those around him if he continue down the path he is currently treading.
Gender: Female; Age: 50 to 65; Vocal range top: G5; Vocal range bottom: A3
Marley
Scrooge’s former business partner who, before his death, was exactly like Scrooge. Comes back as a ghost in chains to warn Scrooge of how his life decisions will bind him in the afterlife.
Gender: Male; Age: 45 to 55; Vocal range top: A5; Vocal range bottom: A3
Scrooge’s Mother
Young Scrooge
Fan
Emily
Scrooge’s fiancé from when they were young. She is a beautiful girl, not impressed or in need of money.
Gender: Female; Age: 18 to 25; Vocal range top: B5; Vocal range bottom: A3
Mrs. Fezziwig
The consummate hostess and Mr. Fezziwig’s wife, she loved to help throw the Christmas party every year. She is prideful.
Gender: Female; Age: 50 to 60; Vocal range top: A5; Vocal range bottom: A3
Mr. Fezziwig
A portly, jolly man who used to throw a huge Christmas party every year for the community. He was Scrooge’s first boss and after teaching him all he knew, he became deeply disappointed in the man Scrooge became.
Gender: Male; Age: 55 to 65; Vocal range top: B5; Vocal range bottom: A3
Ensemble
Charity Elves; Bankers; Street Vendors; Sailors; Ghosts; Jailers; Clerks; Monks
This next class coming up, “NRA Home Firearm Safety (with Live-Fire Segment)”, was primarily scheduled during the week for all our real estate, salon, and shift people, or anyone who really needs to work weekends. It is a MA state prerequisite to apply for your LTC/FID.
This class is scheduled for Wednesday, August 30th and runs from 9am to 4:30pm.
COST: $125
LOCATION: South Fitchburg Hunting and Fishing Club
60 Warren Road
Townsend, MA 01469
For those who already have their LTCs, we have the Advanced Handgun Level-1 on Thursday, August 31st from 9am to 1pm.
COST: $90
LOCATION: South Fitchburg Hunting and Fishing Club
60 Warren Road
Townsend, MA 01469
You need your own equipment, including a non-closing OWB holster and 100 rounds of factory-made ammunition for this advanced handgun class.
To register for either of these classes call Bruce at 508-864-7473.
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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