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

Not Yet A Member? Join the Chamber

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

Chamber News

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce to celebrate accomplishments at 39th Annual Business Meeting and Luncheon

The 39th Annual Meeting and Business Luncheon for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Thursday, June 15, 2023, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg.

This annual event celebrates business people working together to ensure a bright future for North Central Massachusetts and presents an opportunity for the region’s business and community leaders to build camaraderie among peers. In addition to the Chamber’s annual recognition awards and commencement for the Community Leadership Institute Class of 2023, a tabletop Business Expo will also be offered to showcase local businesses. The expo provides an opportunity for exhibitors to reach hundreds of business and community leaders from throughout North Central Massachusetts. The Business Expo will begin at 10:30 a.m.; the Annual Meeting and Luncheon will run from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; and the Business Expo will close out the day from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m.

The event is funded by the generous support of various businesses and organizations, including Premier Sponsor: Fidelity Bank; Business Expo Sponsors: MassHire North Central Workforce Board and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation; and Supporting Sponsors: AIS, Inc.; Enterprise Bank; Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority; Fitchburg State University; Great Wolf Lodge; IC Credit Union; and Rollstone Bank & Trust.

This year’s keynote speaker is Steve Gross, Founder and Chief Playmaker of the Life is Good Kids Foundation, a non-profit that spreads the power of optimism to kids who need it most. Steve’s signature approach has been widely adapted across the country and throughout the world in response to the social and emotional needs of children who are deeply impacted by poverty, violence and illness. In addition to his work in the social sector, Steve has worked with many corporations, such as Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Million Dollar Roundtable Club, and IBM, to demonstrate how optimistic leaders can inspire people and organizations through times of change.

Registrations for the Annual Business Meeting and Luncheon are being accepted through June 12 by contacting the Chamber at 978.353.7600, ext. 222 or ext. 235, or via email at . Registration is also available online at northcentralmass.com. The cost is just $55 per person for members and $70 per person for non-members and includes lunch. Reservations are required. Supporting sponsorships, expo tables and tables of ten are also available.


Fitchburg | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | 39th Annual Meeting and Business Luncheon | Local Networking Events

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing to Scarlet Spa and Wellness Center

Funding supports business growth of Grafton spa

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $32,000 loan to Scarlet Spa and Wellness Center, located at 12 Grafton Commons in Grafton.

The loan funds helped with the purchase of new spa equipment and supplies for the expansion of the personal wellness business at its new location.

Owner Jennifer Lachapelle is a licensed esthetician who opened Scarlet Spa and Wellness Center in 2014. The center offers many opportunities for relaxation, such as massage therapy, Reiki, aromatherapy, waxing, salt therapy, and eyelash and skincare treatments.

“As a proud spa owner, I am happy to offer my customers quality services,” Lachapelle said. “With the support of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, my business has a new place to call home and will offer me opportunities for continued growth.”. Jennifer was referred to the NCMDC from bankHometown. She also received assistance with her business plan from the Small Business Development Center at Clark University. For more information visit https://scarletspa.org.

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.


Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | Scarlet Spa and Wellness Center| Microloan Lender

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing to Renew You MedSpa

Funding to support expansion of specialty medical spa in Hudson

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $75,000 loan to Renew You MedSpa, located at The Landing at Hudson Mills, 43 Broad Street in Hudson.

Funding will enable Renew You MedSpa to design its new location and build initial inventory as well as hire one part-time employee. Founded in March 2021, the aesthetic injectables practice previously delivered services to clients’ homes before moving to its new location at The Landing. Renew You MedSpa specializes in aesthetic injectables such as Botox, derma fillers, PRP/PRF, Vitamin Therapy micro needling, and IV infusions.

Anh To Keuttner and Elizabeth LaPointe are certified aestheticians who founded Renew You MedSpa. Together, the medical spa duo has more than 30 years of medical experience. “As trained aestheticians, we are both excited at the prospect of growing our business and serving even more clients with our unique and high-quality treatments,” said Keuttner. Added LaPointe, “With the support of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, we are able to finish our new location, expand our business hours, and grow our team.” Anh and Elizabeth worked with NewVue Communities to develop their business plan. Visit https://renewyoumedspama.com for more information.

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.


Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | Renew You MedSpa | Microloan Lender

Upcoming Events

Member News

Own Your Story Workshop

Own Your StoryDate: December 7, 2023
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: LaCava Center, 175 Forest St, Waltham, MA 02452

Own Your Story – The most powerful things we have are the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, what that means, and what we’re capable and deserving of. That story informs all of our decisions, our actions, our interactions, and our relationships. In this talk Maria shares relatable pieces of her own story to connect to attendees and she shares relevant tools to help others shift their stories to align with a more positive mindset that will create healthier dynamics within themselves first. When we are able to do that, we cultivate healthier dynamics within every area of our lives- personal, business, and otherwise.

About Maria Milagros

Maria Milagros (Vazquez) is an award winning keynote speaker, award nominated author, 2x TEDx speaker, storyteller, personal growth & development expert, empowerment life coach, and love activist. Whether sharing her life experiences and knowledge through impactful talks, workshops, leadership training, life coaching or videos, Maria uses stories to bring encouragement, education, and love to empower others to get out of their way and break free from hindering thoughts or beliefs, so that they can live amazing lives and leave their unique and positive mark on the world. She is passionate about living with intention, creating spaces of love, joy and fun, connecting with others, overall health, and empowerment.

A survivor of abuse, depression, and a childhood accident that should’ve left her immobile, Maria embraces her past to create a present of health, happiness, fun, love, and abundance. She believes that she is able to thrive in life not in spite of, but because of, every aspect of her story. She knows that no matter where you come from, what you’ve been through, or what you have done, a healthy mindset shift, rooting into love, and taking personal responsibility, can change every area of your life, as it has for her.

With over 15 years of leadership and personal development education in her pocket, Maria leaves audiences with relevant tools and shifted mindsets that last well after she steps off the stage. Her authentic congruence, infectious energy, and ability to teach from a relatable and positive perspective leave attendees feeling like they had a fun and deep conversation with a trusted friend.

When not speaking or coaching, Maria can usually be found making memories with her incredible daughter, meditating, dancing in public places, leading group fitness classes, reading, or watching a Marvel movie.

To inquire about her speaking availability, one-on-one coaching, or book “Super Sparkly Everything”, or to sign up to get the free weekly email, please visit her website at www.mariamilagros.net.

Local Food Works Annual Partnership Meeting

A “Let’s Be The Region That Food Built” Event
Friday, October 20, 2023, 9 – 11:30 a.m.
Perry Auditorium – 95 Pleasant Street, Gardner, MA

Parking is in the back of City Hall

Agenda

8:30 AM  |  Registration

9:05 AM  |  State of the State, Ayn Yeagle, LFW Steering Committee Member & Executive Director, Growing Places, Leominster

9:20 AM  |  Local Food System Panel
Focus: The importance of agriculture and local food in North Central MAvand how each sector contributes to the local economy

Featuring:

Mike Pineo, Farmer, Pineo Family Farms, Sterling
Erica Bosse, Farmer, Flicker Hill Homestead, Gardner
Roy Nascimento, President & CEO, North Central MA Chamber of Commerce, Fitchburg
Steve Adams, President & CEO, Community Foundation of North Central MA, Fitchburg
Chris Hendry, President & CEO, IC Federal Credit Union, Fitchburg

10:10 AM  |  Anchor Institution Local Purchasing, Ruben Dario Taborda, CEO, Automation & Validation Solutions, Pennsylvania
Focus: Why and how to break down barriers to local procurement

10:40 AM  |  Group Activity: Building Bridges by Breaking Barriers

11:10 AM  |  Food System Affinity Tables and Tangible Asks

11:30 AM  |  Closing Remarks by, Ayn Yeagle, LFW Steering Committee Member & Executive Director, Growing Places, Leominster

This event is hosted by Local Food Works, a network of farmers, nonprofits, businesses, and residents seeking to build a more equitable, sustainable, and accessible local food system in North Central MA. We’re working to make healthy, local food accessible to all by providing training and support to help local farms scale up; creating a food hub to aggregate, store, and distribute food in the region; and strengthening coordination and communications among all sectors of the NCMA food system.

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 19, 2023 from 4pm – 7pm in O’Neill Hall at the Fitchburg Senior Center, 14 Wallace Ave, Fitchburg.

According to Sue Christensen, Outreach & Prevention Coordinator, “In recognizing the social determinates of health, the annual Resource Fair is an opportunity for residents to visit over 70 different information tables representing a wide variety of local services.” The topics include housing, shelter, elder services, medical care, youth services, mental health, substance use disorder, veterans as well as cultural offerings. Many city departments will be participating including Health, Parks & Recreation, Police, Library, Schools, and others. Fitchburg Commissions representing include Disability and Human Rights. 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 a variety of local services available – all in one place.”

The Fitchburg Health Department will be offering free flu shots and blood pressure readings. As an affiliate of the Commonwealth Naloxone Purchasing Program, the Health Department will provide Narcan training and distribution.

A free raffle will be held at the event, with many participating organizations donating items. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

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.

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.

Discover Your Leadership Potential with CLI

Read More on LinkedIn

Cinco de Mayo Business After Hours Recap

View on Instagram

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.

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!

Scroll to top