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
North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce announces Manufacturing Council of North Central Massachusetts
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce today announced the launch of the Manufacturing Council of North Central Massachusetts to enhance the Chamber’s support of the manufacturing industry and the regional economy.
The Council, which is open to Chamber members and non-members working or interested in learning more about the manufacturing industry, will provide knowledge, resources, and support to create a stronger and prosperous manufacturing sector in North Central Massachusetts.
“The Chamber has always been a strong champion of local manufacturing, advocating and supporting the industry in multiple ways,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “I believe that our strong advocacy and support of the manufacturing industry is one of the things that helps set our Chamber apart. From hosting manufacturing tours to publishing a manufacturing directory and supporting workforce efforts for the industry, the Council is a natural extension of our work and reflects our commitment to supporting and growing this important sector of our economy.”
While the economy in North Central Massachusetts is diverse, the region has a rich and proud manufacturing history, and continues to play an integral role in the regional economy. Manufacturing is the third largest industry in North Central Massachusetts, with more than 400 manufacturers in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and electronics. It also accounts for 15 percent of the region’s total employment and one-third of all private wages paid in the region. North Central Massachusetts is unique in that manufacturing in the region is twice as concentrated when compared to the U.S. average.
Council members will have the opportunity to network with peers, participate in tours of manufacturing facilities to learn best practices, attend quarterly meetings featuring experts in the industry, gain exclusive access to policy leaders, and collectively advocate for the industry. Additionally, connections to workforce and talent leaders, as well as the eligibility to participate in the Chamber’s CEO Manufacturers’ Roundtable Program, will be offered.
There is no fee to join the Council for Chamber members, however fees related to meetings or programming may apply, depending on the program.
The first meeting of the Manufacturing Council of North Central Massachusetts is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. at Burkart-Phelan, Inc, located at 2 Shaker Road, #D107
Shirley, MA. Christine Nolan, director, Massachusetts Center for Advanced Manufacturing, and acting hub program director, Northeast for the Microelectronics Coalition, will be the featured speaker at the March meeting. In addition, Lillian Burkart, founder and president, Burkart-Phelan, Inc., will provide an overview of the company and a tour for attendees.
Coffee and continental breakfast will be provided. There is no cost for Chamber members to participate. Non-members are welcome to attend for a $35 registration fee.
To register, please visit www.northcentralmass.com or call 978.353.7600 ext. 235. Pre-registration is required, space is limited.
For more information about the Council, contact Roy Nascimento at 978.353.7600, ext. 225.
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | North Central Massachusetts Economic Development | Manufacturing Council of North Central Massachusetts | Massachusetts Innovation
Upcoming Events
Sponsors Reception: Old Mill
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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Event
Business Benefit Series: Quarterly Roundtable - Cashflow, Financial Literacy for Small Business Owners
Legislative & Candidates Reception
The reception features an open bar and gourmet appetizers.
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Event
Connect North Central
Join us for Connect North Central
Friday, September 25, 2026
8am-9am
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Event
North Central Golf Tour Championship: Fore the Future FLNC Scholarship Golf Classic at Oak Hill
North Central Golf Tour Championship: Fore the Future
An FLNC Non-Traditional Scholarship Fundraiser
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Event
Congressional Luncheon Sponsored by Fitchburg State University
Join us for our 11th Annual
Congressional Luncheon
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Business Benefit Series: HR Council Legal Update
Join us for this in person HR Legal Update
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Business Benefit Series: Quarterly Roundtable - Work Smarter, Not Harder: Tools That Give You Back Your Time
Good Morning North Central: Sponsored by IC Credit Union
November 19, 2026
7:15am - 9:00am
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Event
Connect North Central
Join us for Connect North Central
Friday, November 20, 2026
8am-9am
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Event
Joint Mayor's Meeting
Chamber members are provided with the opportunity to engage with the Mayors of Fitchburg, Gardner, and Leominster who provide updates on projects and other things happening in their Cities. These events are by invitation only, please contact Travis Condon for more details.
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Future Leaders of North Central: Annual Holiday Party & Ugly Sweater Competition
Bull Run Restaurant
215 Great Rd. Shirly, MA
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Event
Joint Mayor's Meeting
Chamber members are provided with the opportunity to engage with the Mayors of Fitchburg, Gardner, and Leominster who provide updates on projects and other things happening in their Cities. These events are by invitation only, please contact Travis Condon for more details.
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Event
Member News
Fitchburg Public Library celebrates beginning of historical renovation, construction project
The Fitchburg Public Library building project, a transformative effort that will create a community resource and destination for the next several decades, commemorated the beginning of the renovation and construction of the library building, located at 610 Main Street, Fitchburg, with a celebratory groundbreaking earlier today.
The ceremony featured remarks from several elected officials and guests, including U.S. Congresswoman Lori Trahan, Massachusetts State Senator John Cronin, Massachusetts State Representative Michael Kushmerek, Fitchburg Mayor Samantha Squailia, and Fitchburg City Council President Anthony Zarella, as well as Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioner George Comeau, Fitchburg Public Library Director Deb Hinkle, and Honorary Co-Chair of the Offering a World of Learning (OWL) Capital Campaign Bob Antonucci. Matt Bruun, chair, Library Trustees, served as master of ceremonies.
“Today is a wonderful day for the City of Fitchburg,” said Hinkle. “As we formally recognize the groundbreaking of this historic project, the future is bright for our library and our community. The new, state-of-the-art library will dramatically improve the space for our children to learn, and our community to engage, create and study. It will truly offer a world of learning for all!”
The project encompasses two major changes, including the renovation of the existing Wallace Library, which was first built in 1967, and the creation of an entirely new children’s space and community learning center. The library will offer a new community room, a variety of meeting and conference spaces, a learning computer lab, a Makerspace, improved access to the library collection, and various seating areas throughout the building to study and engage.
“Our library stands as a cornerstone of education, supporting skill development and sparking a lifelong interest of reading and learning for our children. It serves as a true community hub where everyone is welcome, and we are committed to investing in this essential resource for future generations,” said Mayor Squailia. “While today marks the start of construction, this project is the result of years of collaboration between the city of Fitchburg, the MBLC, our dedicated library staff, and the many supporters of our public library over the years. Together, we have added a new exciting chapter for our community, and I can’t wait to see how this story unfolds.”
Foundational support from the project is provided through a variety of funds, including a $12.5 million total grant award from the MBLC through the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program. Additional funding is from a combination of the City of Fitchburg’s American Rescue Plan Act funding, which will provide $12 million, and the City of Fitchburg will provide $12 million as part of the city’s capital budget of which the library is included. These commitments cover more than 90 percent of the total project cost, while the remaining $3.5 million will come from private sources through the OWL Capital Campaign.
In addition to the formal speaking event, a traditional groundbreaking ceremony with elected officials, and business and community leaders, as well as members of the Library Trustees and the OWL Capital Campaign Committee, was held.
To learn more about the building project, please visit; https://www.fitchburgma.gov/1028/Building-Project.
Fitchburg to hold Community Health Resource Fair
The City of Fitchburg Health Department invites the public to attend the annual Community Health Resource to be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 4pm – 7pm in O’Neil Hall at the Fitchburg Armory located at 14 Wallace Ave, Fitchburg.
According to Sue Christensen, Outreach & Prevention Coordinator, “Addressing the social determinates of health, the annual Community Resource Fair is an opportunity for residents to visit over 70 different information tables representing a wide variety of local services.”
Participants include housing, shelter, elder services, medical care, youth services, mental health, substance use disorder, veteran services as well as many cultural offerings. Many city departments will be participating including Health, Fire, Police, Library, Schools, Community Development, Emergency Management and others. Representatives from the offices of State Senator John Cronin, State Representative Michael Kushmerek and District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. will also be on hand to meet with residents.
Director of Public Health Stephen D. Curry is looking forward to the event, stating that the annual Community Resource Fair “provides an opportunity for members of the community to learn about the many agencies available to help residents – all in one place.”
A free raffle will be held at the event, with many participating organizations donating items. Friends of the Fitchburg Senior Center will be selling pizza & snacks.
A Walk-in Flu Clinic and COVID Vaccine Clinic will be held by the Fitchburg Health Department and the Montachusett Public Health Network. Residents are asked to bring an insurance card if they have one. As an affiliate of the Commonwealth Naloxone Purchasing Program, the Health Department will provide Narcan training and distribution.
Rollstone Bank & Trust to Join River Run Bancorp, MHC
Rollstone Bank & Trust becomes the third River Run Bank, joining Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank under a single mutual holding company.
River Run Bancorp, MHC (“River Run”) proudly announces that Rollstone Bank & Trust will be joining its network of mutual community banks through the merger of Rollstone Bancorp, MHC, the mutual holding company parent of Rollstone Bank & Trust, with and into River Run. Rollstone Bank & Trust (“RBT”) will become the third bank of River Run, alongside Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank.
This strategic partnership represents a significant step in bolstering and sustaining the mutual community banking model amid the evolving financial services landscape. The combined assets of Newburyport Bank, Pentucket Bank, and RBT will exceed $3.5 billion, enhancing their collective ability to serve the Northeastern and Central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire markets.
River Run was established in 2023 by Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank to create a multi-bank mutual holding company, which allows the banks to consolidate back-office operations, offer additional products and services, and achieve scale and efficiencies, all while continuing to prioritize customer and community engagement.
The addition of RBT further strengthens River Run as a prominent mutual community banking organization. Each bank will continue to operate under its established name and brand, retaining its local headquarters, management, retail and lending organizations, and charitable foundations. Each bank also will maintain its own Board of Directors. The River Run charter has provisions designed to ensure Newburyport Bank, Pentucket Bank, and Rollstone Bank & Trust will remain part of a mutual banking organization.
“We formed River Run to secure the independent community banking model for the future,” said Lloyd Hamm, President & CEO of River Run. “As community banks face challenges that could impact their long-term sustainability, River Run provides the structure for them to not only survive but thrive. We are thrilled to welcome Rollstone to the River Run family and are confident that, together with Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank, we will continue to support the evolution of community banking.”
Community mutual banks offer many benefits to consumers and businesses that differentiate them from other financial institution models. They offer competitive rates and fees and personalized service, and are committed to bettering the regions they serve.
In tandem with this announcement, RBT announces the upcoming retirement of its current President & CEO, Martin F. Connors, Jr., effective mid-2025, after which he will serve as the Executive Chairman of the Board for RBT for a two-year term. Connors will serve a Vice Chair and fill one of the four seats created on the River Run Board for RBT Directors.
“Since our founding as Fitchburg Savings Bank in 1846, the banking industry has evolved greatly and is currently undergoing tremendous consolidation. Through it all, we have served our customers and community with pride. Our dedication has never wavered, nor has our commitment to maintaining our mutuality,” said Connors. “Joining forces with Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank, and becoming part of the River Run family, will afford us the opportunity to enhance our service offerings and build an even stronger Bank for the future.”
RBT and River Run are excited to announce that upon Connors’ retirement, Mary Beth Jokela will be named President of Rollstone Bank & Trust, the first female President in RBT’s history. Mary Beth’s experience and leadership in her current role as Chief Operating Officer, and her relationships with the team and the community, have prepared her to pioneer RBT into this next chapter in the evolution of Rollstone.
Connors continued, “As I look forward to retirement in 2025, I can rest easy knowing RBT is in the capable hands of Mary Beth Jokela. As my successor, she will leverage the benefits of being part of the River Run family, lead the Bank in a positive direction, and ensure we maintain our mission to help families, businesses, and communities flourish.”
“I’m grateful to the Rollstone Board of Directors for giving me the opportunity to take on the role of President at Rollstone Bank & Trust. I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Marty for his 20 years of leadership,” said Jokela. “The River Run partnership will benefit our customers and community, and I’m excited to lead the RBTeam through the transition.”
RBT also brings an established Wealth Management and Trust Services division to River Run. The division offers an array of Trust, Investment Management, and Estate Planning services to assist clients in planning their financial futures. Currently, RBT is the only locally-based bank in North Central Massachusetts to provide this comprehensive suite of services. The opportunity to expand this unique service offering to customers of all River Run banks further strengthens the River Run model for community banking.
RBT, chartered in 1846 and headquartered in Fitchburg, MA, brings over $900 million in assets to River Run. As a customer and community-focused institution, Rollstone Bank & Trust joins Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank in serving the region with dedication and excellence.
The merger has been unanimously approved by the boards of River Run, Rollstone Bancorp, MHC, and Rollstone Bank & Trust. The transaction is anticipated to close in the first half of 2025, subject to the receipt of all required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
K&L Gates LLP served as legal counsel to River Run while Loomis & Co. provided financial advice for the transaction. Luse Gorman, PC served as legal counsel to RBT.
About River Run Bancorp, MHC
River Run was established in 2023 to unite leading mutual community banks under a single holding company. River Run’s mission is to foster a sustainable and independent community banking model for the benefit of its customers, employees, and communities. The River Run portfolio includes Newburyport Bank, Pentucket Bank, and will include Rollstone Bank & Trust, collectively serving the Northeastern and Central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire regions. Since its formation, River Run has served as a model for other mutual banks across New England and beyond. For more information, please visit www.riverrunmhc.com.
About Newburyport Bank
Newburyport Bank is a Massachusetts-chartered savings bank headquartered in Newburyport, MA. Founded in 1854, the Bank operates 11 locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and holds over $1.6 billion in assets. Deposits at Newburyport Bank are federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), with excess insurance provided by the Depositors Insurance Fund (DIF). Newburyport Bank, along with Pentucket Bank, is supported by the shared services organization of River Run. For more information, please visit www.newburyportbank.com.
About Pentucket Bank
Pentucket Bank is a Massachusetts-chartered savings bank headquartered in Haverhill, MA, that was founded in 1891 and has assets of over $1 billion. The Bank operates six community banking locations in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Along with Newburyport Bank, Pentucket Bank is supported by the shared services organization of River Run. For more information, please visit www.pentucketbank.com.
About Rollstone Bank & Trust
Rollstone Bank & Trust, headquartered in Fitchburg, MA, was established in 1846 and is a Federal Savings Bank with assets over $900 million. The Bank offers a wide range of banking services through branches in Fitchburg, Leominster, Harvard, Townsend, and Groton. For more information, please visit www.rollstonebank.com.
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.”
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.
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
Regional Leaders
Chamber Partners
