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

Regional Career & Hiring Event Connects Students and Job Seekers With Employers

Posted on September 22nd/in Chamber News /by northcentralmass

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is partnering with other regional organizations to host the Work North Central Career and Hiring Event scheduled for Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green Street, Gardner, Mass.

Adult job seekers, high school graduates, college students in the community, retired individuals interested in returning to the workforce, or anyone interested in learning about full and part-time employment opportunities or training resources in North Central Massachusetts, are invited to attend to connect with participating employers and training providers.

The event is open to the public and free for job seekers and students interested in connecting with local employers of all sizes and industries to discuss employment and career opportunities available in the region. Those organization participating include Fitchburg State University, the MassHire North Central Massachusetts Career Center, MassHire North Central Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board, and Mount Wachusett Community College.

In addition to participating organizations, employers from diverse industries will be discussing career and employment opportunities for all levels of skill and backgrounds, including entry level, and professional and technical positions in such industries as construction, distribution, education, financial services, government, healthcare, hospitality, non-profit, manufacturing, restaurants, and others.

In addition, the event will also offer demonstrations and various career and training resources available to students and job seekers. Complimentary head shots, resume review, career coaching and various workshops and seminars will also be available. Mount Wachusett Community College will also be offering informational sessions about free training programs available for individuals interested in pursuing careers in healthcare and manufacturing. Other special sessions planned during the hiring event includes a panel presentation hosted by the Young Professionals of North Central Massachusetts. This panel of successful young professionals will discuss topics such as finding the balance of work and family, the best ways to search for a job, dressing for the right job, talking about employee benefits, why networking is important and more.

Students from local high schools will be attending, including Fitchburg High School, Gardner High School, Leominster School of Excellence, Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, Murdoch High School, Nashoba Tech High School, Sizer School, and the Winchendon School.

“As a leader in helping North Central Massachusetts compete for talent and advance the region’s economic prosperity, we realize there is a critical need to help our local businesses find qualified and skilled talent in order to grow and succeed,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president & CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This event is aimed to create economic opportunity, and a strong and diversified workforce for our employers, while providing local students and job seekers the opportunity to meet with a number of employers in one location.”

The Work North Central Career and Hiring Event is an outgrowth of the North Central Massachusetts Talent Compact, a collective impact coalition convened by the Chamber and other major stakeholders to address the complex talent and workforce challenges facing the region. The group consists of prominent business, education, workforce, and community leaders who are committed to collective action and leadership. The event also complements the Chamber’s WorkNorthCentral.com Jobs Board, which serves as an online resource to connect job seekers and local employers while also improving the talent pipeline and better connecting employers to local schools.

Free parking for job seekers and attendees is available at Mount Wachusett Community College. Public transportation is also available via the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) for anyone who may require it. Check MART’s website for more information at www.mrta.us.

Pre-registration is not required, and walk-ins are welcome.

For more information on the Work North Central Career and Hiring Event, please visit www.northcentralmass.com. Employers interested in participating and reserving a table at the Work North Central Hiring Event should contact Terry Young at 978.353.7600, ext. 244, or Kat Deal at 978.353.7600, ext. 235, to inquire about availability.

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation announces North Central Emergency Relief Loan program

Posted on September 15th/in Chamber News /by northcentralmass

Program offers businesses quick closing loans of up to $10,000 for remediation, losses caused by the September 11 flash floods

Following Monday’s unprecedented flooding in Leominster and surrounding communities, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, today announced the North Central Emergency Relief Loan program.

The program provides up to $10,000 with a 1% interest rate and all fees waived for eligible businesses and offers an expedited approval process with a quick closing. Loans are available up to six months interest only or deferred payments, then up to a 36-month repayment term with no pre-payment penalty. Businesses meeting the loan program criteria can expect to receive funding within two weeks of a completed application.

“We expect some small businesses will need access to immediate funds as they work on remediation efforts or experience closures for an extended period of time while they recover from the historic floods our region faced on September 11,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber and North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. “With the support of our board of directors and the hard work of our staff, we wanted to provide an option for our affected businesses to ensure they are back up and running as quickly as possible.”

Businesses eligible for the North Central Emergency Relief Loan program must be in operations at the time of the disaster, with funding utilized for losses caused by the flooding in North Central Massachusetts and for flood remediation expenses. Businesses meeting the loan program criteria can expect to receive funding in as quickly as one week of a completed application.

“Should businesses incur expenses above and beyond this loan, we can work with them using our traditional loan programs and full underwriting practices,” added Nascimento.

Assistance in recovery efforts is also available through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, which reactivated its dedicated email helpline at for businesses to contact with requests for immediate assistance. Additionally, an online resources page has been developed at www.northcentralmass.com/flood-resources providing the latest guidance and resources from local, state and federal authorities when it becomes available.

The Chamber is committed to keeping its members and the public informed and will be posting on the website as well as its various social media platforms as new information becomes available. Businesses and the public can follow the Chamber on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

For additional information or questions about the North Central Emergency Relief Loan program, please contact 978.353.7607 or visit www.choosenorthcentral.com.

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North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce to host Legislative and Candidates Reception

Posted on September 14th/in Chamber News /by northcentralmass

Premier event connects elected officials, candidates for office, with local business and community leaders

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce today announced the 2023 Legislative and Candidates Reception will be held on September 21, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Chocksett Inn, 59 Laurelwood Road in Sterling. Mount Wachusett Community College is the premier sponsor for the event.

The Legislative and Candidates Reception, held every fall, is one of the region’s premier events intended to offer local business and community leaders the opportunity to connect with the region’s elected officials, as well as those seeking public office.

“Government affairs and public policy advocacy are key components in our efforts to promote a healthy, active business climate throughout the region,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This reception offers direct access to our elected officials and candidates running for office in a casual environment where our members can ask questions and learn more about the issues and opportunities for businesses in our region.”

“We understand the importance of engaging with the region’s business and legislative leaders as these connections and insights help guide the college in various areas, such as programming and outreach,” said James Vander Hooven, president, Mount Wachusett Community College, and chair, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce board of directors. “It is crucial for our region’s business leaders, legislators, and policymakers to have this opportunity to meet and network so they can engage and learn from each other. I am thrilled to once again be able to support this important event.”

All officials representing, and candidates running for office, in the Chamber’s 27 communities are encouraged to attend.

As of September 13, the following officials have confirmed their attendance*:

State Auditor Diana DiZoglio
Senator John Cronin, Worcester and Middlesex District
Representative Peter Durant, 6th Worcester District
Representative Kim Ferguson, 1st Worcester District
Representative Natalie Higgins, 4th Worcester District
Representative Meg Kilcoyne, 12th Worcester District
Representative Mike Kushmerek, 3rd Worcester District
Representative Margaret Scarsdale, 1st Middlesex District
Representative Susannah Whipps, 2nd Franklin District
Representative Jon Zlotnik, 2nd Worcester District
Kathleen Reynolds Daigneault, Register of Deeds, Worcester Northern District
Adam Costa, Assistant Register of Deeds, Worcester Northern District
Governor’s Councillor Paul DePalo, 7th District
Mayor Stephen DiNatale, City of Fitchburg
Mayor Mike Nicholson, City of Gardner
Councilor Andrew Couture, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Derek Cruz, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Marisa Fleming, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Samantha Squailia, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Anthony Zarrella, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Mark Bodanza, City of Leominster
Councilor David Cormier, City of Leominster
Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Town of Lunenburg
Town Administrator Bill Caldwell, Town of Sterling
Interim Town Manager Bill McKinney, Town of Winchendon
Selectman Peter Cunningham, Town of Groton
Selectman Michael-Ray Jeffreys, Town of Lunenburg
Selectman Mark Mathews, Town of Pepperell
Selectwoman Theresa Morse, Town of Townsend
Selectman Chaz Sexton-Diranian, Town of Townsend

*This list is subject to change

The event will feature an open bar and gourmet appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. Cost for members is $35 and non-members is $45. Registration is available online here. Please contact Kathleen Deal at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or for more details.

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
View Event

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!
View Event

WLC Self-Love Mini Series: Reignite Your Wellness

September 9, 2026

View Event

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

September 15, 2026

View Event

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.
View Event

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

View Event

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

View Event

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

View Event

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

View Event

Economic Forecast Breakfast

April 15, 2027

Please stay tuned for additional information.
View Event

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

HUB Outlook 2024

Posted on April 5th/in Member News /by northcentralmass

Hub International Massachusetts, global insurance brokerage, has released its outlook for insurance for 2024.

The report, complemented by 14 in-depth industry- and sector-specific assessments, is based on insights from HUB’s proprietary survey of 900 executives and 200 high net worth individuals and their advisors. Amid elevated risk factors — from geopolitical instability, natural disasters and labor disruptions to the rapid evolution of AI — many companies and high net worth individuals still rely on legacy risk mitigation, insurance and employee engagement strategies, resulting in a false sense of preparedness. Organizations with a forward-looking and comprehensive approach can seamlessly navigate risks. On the contrary, those lacking such actions and initiatives tend to overestimate their readiness or possess a false sense of preparedness and expose their businesses to risks.

Click here to learn more.

Berkshire Bank Recognized Among Top 10 Most Trusted Banks in America

Posted on April 4th/in Member News /by northcentralmass

3rd Consecutive Year on Newsweek’s Most Trustworthy Companies in America List

Berkshire Bank, a relationship-driven, community-focused bank in New England and New York, has been recognized as one of the top 10 most trusted banks in America by Newsweek magazine.

It’s the third consecutive year Berkshire Bank has been on the list of Newsweek’s Most Trustworthy Companies in America. It is the only bank recognized this year that is headquartered in Massachusetts.

Newsweek’s Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2024 includes 700 companies across 23 industries that were evaluated by U.S. customers, employees, and investors. Results were based on an independent survey from a sample of about 25,000 people who evaluated publicly and privately held companies based in the United States with revenues over $500 million. Respondents rated companies on customer, employee, and investor trust. Results also reflect a survey of what was said about a company in various media online.

Newsweek partnered with Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and provider of industry rankings, to issue its ranking of America’s most trustworthy companies.

Community Development Week

Posted on April 3rd/in Member News /by northcentralmass

The National Community Development Association (NCDA) has recognized April 1-5, 2024, as National Community Development Week. This week provides the opportunity for communities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. Member communities are also recognizing the work of the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program. The programs are critical to the development of local strategies and initiatives to provide affordable housing, critical services, community infrastructure, and economic development in low- and moderate-income areas.

Enacted by Congress in 1974 under the Housing and Community Development Act, the primary goal of the CDBG program is simple yet profound: to empower local communities, providing them with the resources and tools necessary to enhance the quality of life for all residents. Over 1,250 state and local governments receive CDBG allocations to support housing rehabilitation programs, public infrastructure projects, small business assistance, emergency housing assistance, and a broad range of public service programming.

From FY2005 to FY2023, CDBG facilitated the creation and retention of 563,236 economic development related jobs, contributed to infrastructure developments benefitting approximately 57 million persons, assisted over 189 million persons through public service activities, and met the housing needs of over 1.9 million households. Since 1992, the HOME program has produced more than 1.37 million affordable housing units and assisted more than 387,000 households through tenant-based rental assistance.

National Community Development Week provides the opportunity for Congressional members to see first- hand the results of these programs and to learn from grantees, program subrecipients and beneficiaries why more program funding is needed. We support National Community Development Week and value the impact the CDBG and HOME programs have made in our community.

Community Development Week 2023 Newsletter

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

Got a job you want featured? Click here to submit a job posting to our job board or email . This is a member benefit. Post jobs at no extra cost. No algorithms or budgets to manage!