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
Sorry, no posts matched your criteria
There are only 2 1/2 weeks left before the following A+ Firearms Training “Active Shooter — Civilian Response” classes.
You need to learn now what to do to better your chances of survival when you are caught in an active shooter event; not when you are in the middle of a horrific event.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 26, 2017
WHERE: Hampton Inn & Suites
65 Prescott St,
Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
WHEN: Thursday, April 27, 2017
WHERE: DoubleTree by Hilton
99 Erdman Way
Leominster, MA 01453
TIME: 6:15pm – 9:00pm
COST: $49.99
Call A+ Firearms Training of MA now at 508-864-7473 to register for either of these classes.

We are excited to announce new functionality for those interested in doing business with the City of Fitchburg. Our purchasing page has been redesigned and you can now receive bid documents directly from the website. It’s simple! 1. Go to the City Website and click on “Purchasing” or “Procurement Web Desk.” 2. Click on the item you are interested in quoting or bidding on. 3. Register on the page provided when you click. 4. View, download, or save the documents and forms provided. With the new system, there is no waiting for mailed or emailed documents. You can obtain quote or bid forms at any time, from any computer. We hope the new features will make it even easier for businesses, vendors, consultants, and contractors. Status of each item, as well as results, will be posted regularly to keep everyone up to date and to offer transparency into our procurement process. If you are currently registered to receive notifications from our website, the only step you may need to make is to take a few moments and REGISTER FOR THE CATEGORIES YOU ARE INTERESTED IN.
If you do not have an account with the City, it’s very simple to get on our notification list. Simply go to www.fitchburgma.gov and create an account (purple bar at the very top of the website). You can then choose the notifications you’d like to receive.
We hope this leads to more competition and more local business involvement with the City. Please feel free to contact the Chief Procurement Officer by email at . New City Purchasing Functions on our Website
Habitat for Humanity North Central MA and the Yang family will work alongside Lowe’s volunteers and all-female construction crews for Habitat for Humanity’s 10th annual National Women Build Week, May 6-14. Habitat’s National Women Build Week invites women to help make a difference and devote at least one day to help build decent and affordable housing in their local communities.
More than 17,000 women, including Lowe’s Heroes volunteers, are expected to volunteer at construction sites across the country as part of Habitat’s 2017 National Women Build Week.
“We’re excited to be a part of National Women Build Week again this year and thank Lowe’s for partnering with us for this empowering week of building”, stated Carolyn Read, executive director of Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts.
On Henry Street in Fitchburg, volunteers will work to build an accessible, affordable house for a family of 9. Habitat NCM will welcome teams of local athletes, realtors, faith groups, and students during Women Build Week.
Lowe’s helped launch National Women Build Week in 2008 to empower women to advocate for affordable housing and spotlight the homeownership challenges faced by many. Each year, Lowe’s provides the support of their employee volunteers, Lowe’s Heroes, and conducts how-to clinics at stores to teach volunteers construction skills so they can feel equipped to take part in the builds. Lowe’s Heroes will be among more than 50 volunteers joining to help build decent, affordable housing in froth central Massachusetts as part of National Women Build Week.
“Through our partnership with Habitat and support of National Women Build Week, Lowe’s empowers women to get involved in their communities, learn construction skills and make a meaningful impact,” said James Frison, Lowe’s director of community relations. “We’re grateful to all the women in central Massachusetts who will volunteer this week to help build and repair decent and affordable housing.”
Lowe’s donated nearly $2 million to this year’s National Women Build Week, including a $5,000 store gift card to Habitat NCM. Since 2003, Lowe’s has committed more than $63 million to Habitat’s mission and helped more than 6,500 families improve their living conditions.
Habitat’s first Women Build event was held in 1998. Since then, all-women construction crews have helped build more than 2,500 homes in partnership with families.
For more information on Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program and to learn about Women Build events in communities across the U.S. year-round, visit Habitat.org/wb.
About Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts is a non-profit housing ministry that builds and repairs simple, decent houses with people in need. It is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, serving 25 towns and cities in north central Massachusetts, including Acton, Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Leominster, Maynard, Pepperell, Princeton, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Townsend, and Westminster. Habitat NCM also operates the Leominster ReStore which raises funds through the sale of discounted or recycled materials and furniture.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in nearly 1,400 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.
About Lowe’s in the Community
Lowe’s, a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company, has a 60-year legacy of supporting the communities it serves through programs that focus on K-12 public education and community improvement projects. In the past decade, Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation together have contributed nearly $300 million to these efforts, and for more than two decades Lowe’s Heroes volunteers have donated their time to make our communities better places to live. For the latest news, visit Newsroom.Lowes.com or follow @LowesMedia on Twitter.
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