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 Chamber of Commerce and its economic development affiliate the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation are pleased to announce the launch of a targeted social media campaign to promote careers in manufacturing to young people and their parents. This new campaign is designed to reach audiences that are not typically associated with careers in manufacturing and aims to target a new audience for a potential future workforce.
The awareness campaign, part of the Chamber’s “Amp It Up!” initiative, highlights the exciting, technology-driven, well-paying career options in manufacturing, dispels common myths about the industry, and bolsters the prospective employee base for these quality jobs with North Central Massachusetts companies. The campaign includes short videos, infographics and news reports highlighting manufacturing careers and posted on popular social media channels including Facebook, YouTube and twitter. The campaign is expected to run from late February through the end of May and is directed towards millennials and their parents.
North Central Massachusetts boasts the largest concentration of manufacturing in the state. Fully one-third of all private wages paid in the region are from manufacturing jobs. Companies range from the world class plastics industry cluster of more than 140 companies to pharmaceuticals to photonics and paper, as well as biomedical devices.
Manufacturers today are some of the most well-paid, highly trained and in demand employees in the workforce, working on advanced equipment and technology. However, many manufacturers have been challenged recruiting the workers they need. Despite the high wage potential and increasing employer demand, there is both a need for more young workers and a skills gap among an existing and a transitioning workforce.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation remain committed to supporting and growing this critical sector of the region’s economy.
The purpose of the “AMP it up!” initiative is to leverage new and existing resources to continue ongoing efforts to reach career counselors, community organizations, youth-serving organizations, teachers, and most importantly students throughout North Central Massachusetts. The Chamber’s “Amp It Up!” initiative is funded in part through a matching grant from MassDevelopment. Other partners include Fitchburg State University, Mt. Wachusett Community College and school systems throughout the region. Ongoing efforts to promote manufacturing careers have also included engaging the schools and offering career exploration activities to students such as manufacturing tours and participating in career day activities in the schools.
For more information on the social media awareness campaign or the “Amp It Up!” Initiative, please contact the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at (978) 353-7600.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with U.S. Representative Niki Tsongas will travel to Washington D.C. this April to meet with federal officials and attend briefings on high-profile policy issues. The “D.C. Fly-in” will connect business and community leaders from the region to elected officials and policy shapers in order to deepen their understanding of national policy issues as well as advocate for advancement of the North Central Massachusetts region. The trip is scheduled for April 13-14.
“This is a great way for our members to grow their understanding of complex issues and hear from those with the experience and influence over the challenges businesses face on a daily basis,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We are very grateful to Congresswoman Tsongas for her commitment to her district and helping us plan this great opportunity.”
“Third District Day is a unique opportunity for residents to interact with lawmakers, public officials, media personalities, business leaders and more, as well as provide a firsthand look at how the Capitol works,” said Congresswoman Tsongas. “This is a great tradition, which was started almost two decades ago to engage interested citizens. It reflects the spirit of community involvement running throughout the Third District.”
The fly-in will include policy briefings at the United States Chamber of Commerce, meetings with Congressman James McGovern, Congresswoman Tsongas, and a panel of speakers. Past speakers have included members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, legislative leadership, nationally renowned journalists, business leaders, and thought leaders and experts on high profile topics like consumer finance and national security.
The two-day, high impact schedule will take Chamber members throughout the nation’s capital focusing on a variety of issues like workforce development, health care and energy. The D.C fly-in is part of the chamber’s efforts to increase advocacy and government relations at all levels of government.
For more information or to register for the Chamber’s D.C. Fly-In, please fill out the REGISTRATION FORM or contact the Chamber at 978-353-7600 ext. 224.
The next edition of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber’s popular Good Morning North Central breakfast series is scheduled for Friday, March 11, 2016 from 6:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Doubletree by Hilton, 99 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA. The March edition is sponsored by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts.

Sheriff Evangelidis was elected Worcester County Sheriff on November 2, 2010, after having served eight years 
The Good Morning North Central series is a high-profile, fast-paced and educational program geared towards executives, senior managers, professionals and small business owners. Each of the programs has a business-oriented focus and features popular speakers to present on topics of interest to local business and community leaders.
Don’t miss the region’s best morning gathering. The cost is just $25 for Chamber members/$40 non-members and includes a breakfast buffet. Season Tickets are also available for purchase. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact the Chamber at 978-353-7600 ext. 235 or visit www.northcentralmass.com
The NORTH CENTRAL CAREER CENTERS (a non-profit agency) and the North Central MA Chamber of Commerce have partnered for a July 19th job fair at the Doubletree Hotel in Leominster. All of the 70 companies who will participate are hiring – the Career Center estimates there will be well over 200 jobs posted for this event.
Job fairs provide a tremendous networking opportunity for job seekers and employers to discuss current openings and potential future prospects. Employers have the opportunity to encounter several hundred diverse candidates with a variety of skill sets.
To help job seekers prepare to meet employers, the Career Center offers a full calendar of workshops, including Preparing for a Job Fair in their Leominster and Gardner locations.
To pre-register or questions, please contact the North Central Career Center at 978-534-1481, X209 or 978-632-5050.
An updated list of employers is available at www.ccncm.com
Job Fair details:
WHEN: Wednesday, July 19, 2017 9:00AM to 12PM
WHERE: Doubletree Hotel, 99 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA
COST: Free for job seekers / $75 for employers

The essay contest was open to all Massachusetts seventh and eighth grade students. The students were asked to submit an essay on “Save, Spend, Share and Learn. What could you teach an adult to form better savings and spending habits.”
John O’Brien, President and CEO of Leominster Credit Union stated, “LCU is proud to sponsor this essay contest. The students did a great job. We congratulate all who participated.”
The Basics
Score: Wachusett Dirt Dawgs 8, Pittsfield Suns 4
Records: Wachusett Dirt Dawgs (17-8) | Pittsfield Suns (12-14)
How it Happened
Edward Baram (Adelphi) turned in a solid outing on the hill for the Dawgs tossing 6 innings and giving up three earned runs. Sam Steeves (Franklin Pierce) picked up the win in relief for the Dawgs tossing one inning and picking up three strikeouts. Kyle Cala (Wagner) came through with the big bat for the Dirt Dawgs and was 3/5 with 7 RBIs and two runs scored. Cala launched two three-run home runs, while also mixing in an RBI single. Kyle Pangallo (SNHU) also chipped in with the bat going 2/3 with an RBI single and three runs scored.
Pittsfield struck early in the game taking a 1-0 lead on a solo shot by Justin Cook (Oklahoma) in the third then chipping two more runs across in the fifth with a pair of RBI singles by Kevin Donati (SUNY Albany) and Sean Phelan (Pennsylvania).
The Dirt Dawgs wasted no time answering and tied the game in the bottom of the fifth on one of Cala’s three-run dingers. After a quiet sixth for both teams Cala struck again for a three-run homer and doubled the Dawgs lead to 6-3. Then once again the Dawgs struck in the seventh notching two runs on an RBI single by Pangallo and another by Cala.
The Suns would notch one more run in the ninth on an RBI single by Scott Holzwasser (Northeastern) but that would be all as Joe Simeone (UConn) would finish the game by way of the K striking out 3/5 batters he faced in the last inning.
Inside the Numbers
The Dirt Dawgs have fared well on their late Sunday games winning both games they have played. The Dawgs look to build up another win streak on the season and have another full week of games in which they play six games in the next seven days.
Up Next
The Dirt Dawgs return to action tomorrow night hosting the Seacoast Mavericks at 6:35. Pittsfield returns home to play the Brockton Rox on the 4th of July at 6:35.
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