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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In what has come to be an unprecedented political and social time in our world, thinking about how members of the community can create change could not have come at a better time. In a panel discussion, local leaders, joined by members of the community discussed strategies for making the most out of community engagement.
The panel discussion, moderated by Lea Ann Scales of Mount Wachusett Community College, featured State Representative Jen Benson, Fitchburg City Councilor Mike Kushmerek, Joana Dos Santos of the United Neighbors of Fitchburg and Charlie St. Amand of the Sentinel and Enterprise.
The discussion focused around the importance of being an active and involved member of your community, whether you are advocating for an issue, or thinking about running for office. Both the audience and panelists noted the need to get more youth involved in civic engagement.
“Technology has changed the way I interact with my constituents, and it has made me more accountable to them,” said Benson. St. Amand, editor of the Sentinel and Enterprise noted that the advent of technology has increased everyone’s ability to participate in government and the media.
As part of the Chamber’s public policy agenda, it will continue to create programming that builds consensus on community building, inclusion in the public process, and creating meaningful bonds between government and the business community.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome David Ginisi as an intern at the Chamber’s headquarters this semester. Ginisi is currently a senior at the Fitchburg State University majoring in communications with a concentration in professional communications. His interest in public relations and marketing drew him to the Chamber for his internship.
David is a native of Worcester and graduated from Holy Name High School. He is a member of the dean’s list at Fitchburg State University and also volunteers at Special Olympics. As part of his internship, David is learning a variety of aspects of the Chamber and its affiliates. He has been gaining hands on learning experience by assisting with drafting press releases, helping to organize special events and supporting the launch of the Chamber’s new Gift Local Initiative.
“We are excited to welcome David as part of our team this semester,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the Chamber. “He is a bright and ambitious student who will benefit from his time working with our members and supporting the advancement of North Central Massachusetts. I have no doubt that he will make a positive contribution to our organization.”
David was connected to the Chamber through Fitchburg State University’s Internship program, which allows students to explore a career field and gain relevant work experience, apply academic learning to real world situations, and build critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and professional skills. Please contact the Chamber at 978-353-7600 ext. 244 for more information.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association are pleased to announce the launch of the Gift Local Gift Card program. This economic development initiative was established to focus on engaging local businesses in the growing gift card market and encouraging residents to shop locally. Similar programs launched by other chambers of commerce and merchants groups throughout the country have been successful in bringing in significant new dollars and generating increased sales at participating merchants.
Gift Local cards are available for sale to the public in any amount and are used like cash exclusively at participating businesses in North Central Massachusetts. The card is the perfect gift for the upcoming holidays, or for birthdays, employee recognition programs, teacher appreciation gifts, graduations, or just to say thank you. Gift card recipients can redeem their cards at nearly 40 local establishments, including many of the finest restaurants, retail stores, salons, service providers, and more in North Central Massachusetts. The cards may be reloaded for convenience and used throughout the year.
“This is a great resource for small businesses throughout North Central, we’re thrilled to be part of a program that can help grow our business and support the local economy,” said Rick Walton, owner of the Gardner Ale House.
“Signing up to participate in the Gift Local Gift Card program was a no-brainer for us,” said Steven Duvarney, owner of Duvarney & Company Jewelers in Clinton and Fitchburg “We’re excited to participate and think it’s a great opportunity to engage new customers as well as support the local economy.”
Participating merchants will be featured in the Gift Local’s marketing program and on the website www.giftlocalmass.com. Gift cards are also the gift of choice among many employers looking for gifts for their employees and clients. The Chamber will also be introducing a bulk Gift Local Gift Card purchasing program that helps local businesses better reward and incentivize their employees.
The typical profile for a Gift Local Card buyer would be someone who is looking to support local businesses, but may not know the recipient’s taste in food, fashion or merchandise and wants to give the recipient the gift of choice among various options throughout the community. Gift cards overall have also been growing in popularity as gifts with over $138 billion spent annually on them in the United States. Research shows that 93% of U.S. Shoppers receive or buy a gift card every year and gift card users tend to spend 25% more at locations when using a gift card in comparison with shopping with cash or a regular credit/debit card.
“Currently there is nothing like the Gift Local Gift Card in North Central Massachusetts. It’s an exciting opportunity for local businesses to grow their customer base as well as broaden their appeal,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This program is a perfect way to support small businesses while still giving people the flexibility to shop around as they please.”
Gift Local Cards can be purchased at the Chamber office located at 860 South Street in Fitchburg), Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the Johnny Appleseed Visitors’ Center located on Route 2 West in Lancaster, Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and online at www.giftlocalmass.com.
For more information or to enroll in this exciting new program, please contact Lauren Goulet at 978.353.7600 ext. 222 or at .
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
Five Wachusett Dirt Dawgs players were recognized by the Futures Collegiate Baseball League office on Wednesday afternoon, as the conference announced its 2017 All-FCBL teams. The individuals chosen for the First and Second teams are those who have showed excellent skill on the field throughout the 2017 summer season. The First team is comprised of 18 players: 13 from the East and five from the West. 21 players represent the Second Team: nine from the East and 12 from the West.
Zack Tower (Franklin Pierce) was the lone Dirt Dawgs on the first team with his appearance at first base/DH. Tower’s bat was the offensive driving force for the Wachusett offense. Earlier this off season, the Auburn native was named the FCBL MVP, and was one of the Collegiate Summer Baseball’s Top National hitters this summer. He paced the FCBL with a team record 18 homeruns and 50 RBI’s, while finishing in the top 15 in batting average with .319. Tower also lead the league with a 1.079 on-base percentage over the course of the season.
On the second team, Wachusett had four members represented. Bradley Wood (Northern Ill) maintained a .319 batting average, with five homeruns and 22 runs batted in. The Husky had 13 games this season with multiple hits, including a stretch of 8 out of 10 games that he had multiple hits. Joining Wood on the second team, was leadoff hitter Jack Gethings (Fairfield). Gethings had three five or more game hitting streak. He lead the Dirt Dawgs and finished 11th in the FCBL with his .323 batting average, which included five homeruns and 32 RBI. He finished eighth in the league with 23 walks, while also the third Wachusett player with 15 or more stolen bases.
Kyla Cala (Wagner) got the call to the second team with an outfield position. Cala batted .313 with five longballs and 27 RBI. In the field, he had a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage with 47 putouts and a pair of outfield assists. On the hill, Mike Demarest (Adephi) got the nod. In 20 appearances in the regular season, Demarest pitched 24.0 innings and had a team record 0.75 ERA with 32 strikeouts to just nine walks. All season long, the right hander only allowed one extra base hit to go along with one save.
The Fitchburg Historical Society has announced the date of its Annual Meeting, which will be Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.The meeting is open to the public, and free to attend.
The Fitchburg Historical Society has been welcoming the public to learn more about local history for 125 years. The Annual Meeting is a wonderful way for Fitchburg residents to learn something new about their city, and meet new people who are interested in local history. A longtime leader in documenting the history of culture and industry in central Massachusetts, the Fitchburg Historical Society has been based in new headquarters in the historic Phoenix Building at 781 Main Street since 2012.
The new exhibition hall has allowed the Historical Society to offer new changing exhibitions on Fitchburg history, drawn mainly from its large collection of documents, artifacts, and photographs. This fall, the exhibition is entitled “Fitchburg Immigrant Experience.” Visitors to the exhibition can learn more about their Fitchburg’s history of immigration and the way it shaped Fitchburg’s neighborhoods throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The exhibition will highlight new acquisitions in the Fitchburg Historical Society collections.
The Fitchburg Historical Society is located at 781 Main Street, Fitchburg in the historic Phoenix building. There is abundant on-street parking near the Historical Society and free parking behind the building. The building is handicapped accessible.
A slate of officers that will be considered at the Annual Meeting elections and two new Board members will be voted upon. Current board member Kay Alverson-Hillman, a Fitchburg resident and retired Spanish and History teacher from the Lunenburg Public Schools, will stand for re-election.
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.
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