The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will host its Legislative and Candidates Reception on September 22, 2016 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Chocksett Inn on 59 Laurelwood Road in Sterling, MA. The event is intended to offer the region with an upscale networking event that connects business and community leaders with the region’s elected officials, as well as those seeking public office.

“This is a great opportunity for our business and community leaders, as well as our public officials to gather for an evening of networking and collegial discussion,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to joining our legislators at a unique venue like the Chocksett Inn.”

The Legislative and Candidates Reception is one of the Chamber’s premier events of the season, with over 125 federal, state, and local elected officials invited. Mount Wachusett Community College joined the event as premier sponsor. “Connecting our community and those in a position to effect change is important to Mount Wachusett Community College,” said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino. “We are delighted to support this opportunity for engaged business leaders, legislators, and policy-makers to meet and network in our region.”

“Gaining access to legislators and those who seek public office is just as important for small business owners as it is for CEO’s in the region,” said Ken Gurge, Esq., Chamber Board Member and Chair of the Government Affairs Committee. “This will be a tremendous opportunity for anyone with passion for North Central Massachusetts.”

Tara Williams, the Chamber’s young professionals committee Chairwoman and Assistant Branch Manager at Worker’s Credit Union, takes an active role in the Chamber’s various events. “As a young professional, it’s important for me to get to know my legislators and make changes in my community. I look forward to discussing how we can work together for the future of North Central with them at the Legislative and Candidates Reception.”
Confirmed elected officials and candidates scheduled to attend as of August 22, 2016 are: Attorney General Maura Healey; Worcester County Sherriff Lewis Evangelidis; State Senator James Eldridge; State Senator Jennifer Flanagan; State Representative Jennifer Benson; State Representative Kim Ferguson; State Representative Stephan Hay; State Representative Susannah Whipps Lee; State Representative Jon Zlotnik; Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale; Gardner Mayor Mark Hawke; Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella; Fitchburg City Councilor Jeffrey Bean; Fitchburg City Councilor Angelo Bisol; Leominster City Councilor Sue Chalifoux Zephir; Groton Selectman Peter Cunningham; Leominster City Councilor John Dombrowski; Leominster City Councilor Gail Feckley; Lancaster Selectman Mark Grasson; Fitchburg City Councilor Amy Green; Fitchburg City Council President Michael Kushmerek; Leominster City Councilor James Lanciani; Leominster City Councilor & Candidate for State Representative Rick Marchand; Lancaster Selectman Stanley Starr; Fitchburg City Councilor Dean Tran; and Candidate for State Representative Thomas “Frank” Ardinger.

Government affairs and public policy advocacy is a key component to the Chamber’s efforts to promoting a healthy and active business climate throughout the region. Recognizing that the business community and legislators are partners in economic vitality and growth, events like these align well with the Chamber’s mission.

Sponsored by Mount Wachusett Community College, the event will feature an open bar and gourmet appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. Cost for members is $20 and non-members is $30. Registration is available online at www.northcentralmass.com. Please contact Maria McCaffrey at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or
for more details.