North Central Massachusetts e-Newsletter » North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

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.

June 2026

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Chamber News

Emerging Leaders Graduate from Community Leadership Institute

Posted on September 5th/in Chamber News /by northcentralmass

Nineteen of the area’s brightest, up-and-coming leaders were honored by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce for completing the Chamber’s annual Community Leadership Institute (CLI) program. The Class of 2024 were recognized during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting held on June 20 at Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg.

CLI is a nine-month program focused on providing local, high-potential professionals who are nominated for participation to enhance individual leadership skills, obtain a stronger understanding of the region, and grow deeper connections to business and community leaders.

“The Chamber developed CLI to inspire a new generation of community leaders to enthusiastically assume important roles in their communities while motivating participants from diverse backgrounds to be influential in our region’s future,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.

Mike Greenwood, Ph.D., professor of business at Fitchburg State University and chairperson of the CLI Steering Committee, was impressed by the caliber of this year’s class. “I am amazed with the dedication, creativity and motivation of our participants,” said Dr. Greenwood. “Programs like CLI are important to our community and help ensure a continuity of leadership, engagement and service as our region’s current leaders pass the baton to the next generation”

The program runs from October through June and includes an orientation and eight, day-long sessions on various topic areas, including Personal Leadership; Non-Profit Governance/Volunteerism; Media and Crisis Communications; Healthcare; Law and Justice; Arts and Culture; Legislation/Public Policy; Manufacturing; and Economic Development.

In addition, participants complete a community project with a goal of positively impacting the community while managing and executing the project before the end of the program year. This year’s class worked on five service projects to help teens, veterans, and immigrants.

One of the projects, “Tech for Teens,” consisted of a holiday gift drive for teens who are sometimes overlooked during holiday toy drives. The drive resulted in well over a hundred gifts to local teens, including computers, speakers, headphones, tablets, and hair tools. “Skillful Teens Building Strong Communities” was a three-part program hosted in collaboration with Mount Wachusett Community College. A group of teens received valuable training in life skills that are critical to future independence and success – including lessons on around-the-home maintenance, financial education and more.

A survey of the Class of 2024 revealed the program was a high value experience. When asked about their favorite part of the program, program participants indicated that site visits, community connections, leadership lessons, forming relationships with fellow classmates, learning more about the local community, and working on community projects were all highly valued components.

Graduates of the CLI Class of 2024 and their sponsors are as follows:

Jennifer Armentrout, Rollstone Bank & Trust
Maureen Babcock, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
Lindsay Carpenter Connors, Fitchburg State University
Erin Carr, AIS, Inc.
Aimee Cotnoir, Fitchburg Art Museum
Sonia Demelo, Bemis Associates
Jessica DeRoy, City of Gardner
Joeci Gilchrest, You Name It Creatives
Taylor Healey, Foster-Healey Real Estate
Ralph Hogan, Mount Wachusett Community College
Bob Jumper, Leominster Credit Union
Autumn Kelly, Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School
Ethan Lin-Schwartz, Burkart-Phelan, Inc.
Kat McLellan, Fitchburg State University
Patrick O’Connell, Enterprise Bank and Trust Company
Rosa Rivera, Workers’ Credit Union/UMass Memorial
Nathalie Rivera-Castro, Workers’ Credit Union
Gissaury Rodriquez, IC Federal Credit Union
Shawn Tolf, Fidelity Bank

To learn more about the Community Leadership Institute, please visit www.northcentralmass.com/CLI or contact Maureen Babcock at 978.353.7600, ext. 222 or for more information.

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for Butler Machine and Prototype in Gardner

Posted on September 5th/in Chamber News, NCMDC /by northcentralmass

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved $70,000 in financing to Butler Machine and Prototype, located at 400 Matthews Street in Gardner. The funding will support the purchase of various pieces of equipment, tooling and working capital while also creating one job with two additional jobs planned within the next year. NewVue Communities of Fitchburg assisted with the development of the company’s business plan.

Founded by David Butler, Butler Machine and Prototype is a custom machine shop for small lots and prototype design for machine shops. A graduate of Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School, Butler earned a two-year apprenticeship certificate and has worked at various machine shops gaining professional and leadership experience over the past 30 years. Most recently, he worked for a machine company prototyping and fixturing for medical devices.

“With over 30 years of experience as a Class A Machinist and more than 15 years of experience as a tool and die maker in metal stamping and cold metal framing, I am excited to bring my years of knowledge and experience to my customers,” said Butler. “With the collaboration of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and NewVue Communities, I am able to do what I love to do while achieving the dream of entrepreneurship.”

As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation provides $12,000 grant for Fitchburg Sign Program

Posted on August 29th/in Chamber News, NCMDC /by northcentralmass

Grant supports opportunity for business and property owners to obtain, improve signage

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, today announced it has granted $12,000 to the City of Fitchburg in support of the city’s sign program.

Since 2022, the NCMDC has contributed a total of $57,000 towards the program, which provides an opportunity for downtown and gateway property owners and businesses to obtain or improve their business signage. The grants help the city retain and attract businesses, strengthen the downtown area, increase utilization of existing business, and enhance property values.

“Part of our Urban Revitalization Plan focuses on supporting a diverse mix of downtown businesses and the facilitation of the redevelopment for significant vacant or underutilized properties,” said Mayor Sam Squailia, City of Fitchburg. “This sign program contributes to our revitalization plan as it affords our city the opportunity to help our downtown business owners make meaningful improvements to their storefronts while also giving our downtown an enhanced opportunity to attract businesses and visitors alike.”

“With the momentum we’re building in downtown Fitchburg, these funds could not have come at a better time,” said Liz Murphy, executive director, Office of Community Development and Planning, City of Fitchburg. “It is our hope that these grants will encourage our new and current businesses to create or upgrade to high quality, attractive signage while also incentivizing commercial occupancy in redeveloped storefronts, many of which have been vacant for a long time.”

“Our One North Central Regional Economic Development Plan identified one of the critical factors for our region’s growth as focusing on our downtown areas,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “With this grant, the city will be able to improve and enhance the exterior of its many historic buildings while positively impacting the downtown’s revitalization.”

The funding is part of a competitive economic development grant secured by the NCMDC from the Executive Office of Economic Development.

Property or business owners interested in applying for a sign program grant should contact the City of Fitchburg Community Development Office to discuss the potential project prior to applying.

Upcoming Events

ALL EVENTS

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
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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
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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!
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WLC Self-Love Mini Series: Reignite Your Wellness

September 9, 2026

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Business Benefit Series: Quarterly Roundtable - Cashflow, Financial Literacy for Small Business Owners

September 15, 2026

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Good Morning North Central Sponsored by Unitil

September 17, 2026

September 17, 2026 7:15am - 9:00am
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Legislative & Candidates Reception

September 24, 2026

The reception features an open bar and gourmet appetizers.
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Connect North Central

September 25, 2026

Join us for Connect North Central Friday, September 25, 2026 8am-9am
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North Central Golf Tour Championship: Fore the Future FLNC Scholarship Golf Classic at Oak Hill

October 5, 2026

North Central Golf Tour Championship: Fore the Future An FLNC Non-Traditional Scholarship Fundraiser
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Women's Leadership Connection Luncheon

October 7, 2026

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Congressional Luncheon Sponsored by Fitchburg State University

October 15, 2026

Join us for our 11th Annual Congressional Luncheon
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Work North Central Massachusetts Career & Hiring Event!

October 27, 2026

FREE for Job Seekers! Walk ins Welcome!!
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Connect North Central

October 30, 2026

Join us for Connect North Central Friday, October 30, 2026 8am-9am
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Business Benefit Series: HR Council Legal Update

November 10, 2026

Join us for this in person HR Legal Update
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6 Chamber B.A.S.H.

November 12, 2026

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Good Morning North Central: Sponsored by IC Credit Union

November 19, 2026

November 19, 2026 7:15am - 9:00am
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Connect North Central

November 20, 2026

Join us for Connect North Central Friday, November 20, 2026 8am-9am
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Women's Leadership Connection Luncheon

January 20, 2027

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Connect North Central

January 29, 2027

Join us for Connect North Central Friday, January 29, 2027 8am-9am
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Winter Reception

February 25, 2027

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Economic Forecast Breakfast

April 15, 2027

Please stay tuned for additional information.
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Annual Scholars Breakfast

May 7, 2027

Annual Scholars Breakfast May 7, 2027 7:15am - 9:30am
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43nd Annual Meeting & Business Expo

June 10, 2027

43st Annual Meeting and Business Expo
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Member News

Board Connection Event

Posted on January 21st/in Member News /by northcentralmass

Are you interested in serving on a non-profit board or committee and making a difference in your community?

This event provides a unique chance to:

Meet non-profits looking for board members and committee participants.
Explore how you can use your skills to serve the community.

Event Details:

Date: February 25, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Devens Common Center, 31 Andrews Pkwy, Devens
Cost: FREE to attend

The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts Announces 2025 Activation Fund Grant Opportunity

Posted on January 21st/in Member News /by northcentralmass

The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts announced the opening of its 2025 Activation Fund grant opportunity, which provides capacity-building support for organizations working to address the community-identified health needs of Central Massachusetts residents and workers.

With grants typically ranging between $60,000 and $125,000, the Activation Fund supports discrete, one-year projects in Central Massachusetts aimed at helping organizations advance to their next level of capacity and effectiveness that can be sustained over time. The deadline for submission of a brief concept paper to express interest is Feb. 28. Organizations invited to apply will be notified in April so that they can submit full applications; final funding decisions will be made in late June so that projects can launch in July.

“Through the Activation Fund, we seek to offer grants that enable organizations to seize strategic opportunities for growth, address emerging challenges, purchase equipment, or improve facilities, thereby facilitating activities and outcomes beyond the status quo” said Dr. Amie Shei, President and CEO of the Foundation. “Over the past 25 years, nearly $12 million in Activation Fund grants has been awarded to 117 unique organizations with positive and lasting ripple effects on health throughout the region.”

Those interested in applying for an Activation Fund grant should visit the Foundation website at www.thfcm.org to access information on the application guidelines and register for a virtual information session to learn about the geographic focus and other eligibility requirements, types of support considered, and examples of previous grants.

Examples of 2024 grant recipients include Growing Places, which received a $110,000 grant for development of a customized IT solution to enhance efficiency and expand its capacity to serve local food consumers, buyers and small farmers in North Central Massachusetts, and Quinsigamond Community College, which received a $125,000 grant to replace outdated dental chairs and equipment stations at its Worcester-based dental clinic that prioritizes underserved patients.

Joseph Silva promoted to President at Fidelity Bank

Posted on January 16th/in Member News /by northcentralmass

Silva previously served as Bank’s Chief Lending Officer

Fidelity Bank announced it has promoted Joseph Silva to President from his current role as the Bank’s Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer. As President, Silva will be responsible for driving the growth and success of Fidelity Bank across all markets and oversee all client services while also driving the Bank’s community engagement and philanthropic efforts.

“Joe embodies our LifeDesign Banking brand promise in a way that few others have,” said Ed Manzi, Jr., chairman and CEO, Fidelity Bank. “He is a true advocate for our clients, our communities, and our colleagues, and his ability to lead with care, collaboration, and competence makes him the perfect candidate to take on this role at this moment in Fidelity Bank’s journey.”

The promotion comes following the retirement of Christopher W. McCarthy last year. Silva began working at Fidelity Bank in May 2021 as Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Banking Officer, and was promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer in 2022.

Since 2022, Silva has led the commercial, mortgage, and consumer lending business and had an important role in strategic development, including the ongoing integration of the mutual holding company with Cape Cod 5. He also has executive leadership responsibility for the Exchange Authority, a Section 1031 qualified intermediary wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity Bank. Silva has also consistently engaged within the community, volunteering of his time and attending events to support clients and colleagues alike. Prior to Fidelity Bank, he worked at Pawtucket Credit Union and Bank Rhode Island in various lending roles.

“Fidelity Bank is known for its unwavering commitment to delivering on our LifeDesign promise—providing care, clarity, and confidence to our clients, colleagues, and communities,” said Silva. “As President, I am dedicated to advancing this promise across every aspect of our business and empowering our colleagues as we continue to grow and serve with purpose.”

A resident of Uxbridge, Mass., Silva received a bachelor’s degree in Interpersonal Communications from the University of Rhode Island and is also a graduate of the Bank Leadership Program from the Darden School at the University of Virginia.

A search is underway for the position of Chief Commercial Banking Officer to oversee all commercial lending.

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.”

Read Member Spotlight

Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast

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.

Listen to the Podcast

Out & About

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.

Celebrating Great Wolf Lodge’s $30 Million Investment in North Central Massachusetts

Discover Your Leadership Potential with CLI

Cinco de Mayo Business After Hours Recap

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Job Board Postings

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.

Maintenance Technician
CapEx Facility Services & Construction · Leominster, MA
Mental Health Counselor Adult Inpatient Psych
TaraVista Behavioral Health Center · Harvard, MA
Supervisor Operations, 1st Shift
DRS Power Technology, Inc. · Fitchburg, MA
Quality Inspector
AIS · Leominster, MA

View All Jobs

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