About
The NCMCC hosts more than 130 events and programs throughout the year for educational and social advancement of the business community. These programs are dedicated to every sector of the membership including small business education, human resource compliance, networking, legislative awareness and more. Most events can be registered and paid for online and a limited few are for members only.
Annual Business Meeting
Held in June, this event celebrates the work of dedicated volunteers, ambassadors and the Board of Directors as well as serves as the Commencement ceremony for the Community Leadership Institute. The Luncheon program features business meeting followed by a motivational keynote speaker.
Economic Forecast
This breakfast, held in the spring season, and sponsored by Fidelity Bank, presents information about the economic climate at the local, state and federal levels. Prior to the event, a survey will be done of the community and local CEO’s. This event is open to all members wishing to learn more about the region’s economic status.
Good Morning North Central Breakfast
The NCMCC’s longest running program, the Good Morning North Central Breakfast is a fast paced, executive networking and educational event held five times throughout the year. Sponsors and two guest speakers from local and state or national levels are featured during the hour and a half long program which ends by 8:30 am. May’s Breakfast is the Annual Scholarship Breakfast during which area graduating seniors are honored by more than twenty $2,000 scholarships.
Legislative and Candidates Reception
The Legislative and Candidates Reception, held every fall, is intended to offer the region with an upscale networking event that connects business and community leaders with the region’s elected officials, as well as those seeking public office. Recognizing that the business community and legislators are partners in economic vitality and growth, events like these align well with the Chamber’s mission.
Congressional Luncheon
The Congressional Luncheon is held in the Fall and provides an opportunity for members to meet with members of our Congressional delegation and learn about federal issues impacting our business community and region. The interview style luncheon also features an opportunity for questions and answers.
Annual Scholars Breakfast
Each spring, the Chamber Foundation of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce awards scholarships to exceptional high school seniors. At the Scholars Breakfast, attendees get to meet the recipients as a total of $52,000 in scholarships is distributed. These scholarships, totaling 26 at $2,000 each, are generously endowed or funded by various companies and individuals. During the breakfast, each scholarship is presented either by the foundation or by the sponsoring family.
Business After Hours
These casual evening events are held 5 times per year, typically on the 4th Thursday of a month. This event allows for connecting with all types of businesses, members and non members. Introduced in 2014, the Annual 6 Chamber Business After Hours held at Great Wolf Lodge features more than 500 networking partners across 50 communities from the Greater Gardner, Nashoba Valley, North Central MA, Marlborough, Corridor 9 and Worcester Regional Chambers of Commerce.
Experience North Central
Our newest networking program, Experience North Central, is an exciting quarterly series that will offer guests a unique opportunity to experience our local gems while networking with other like-minded professionals. Typically set in the evenings much like our Business After Hours, guests will meet directly with the owners/operators, receive tours and be offered a hands on activity.
Women’s Leadership Connection
The Women’s Leadership Connection, a luncheon event held four times per year in March, June, September and December, focuses on business women empowering women in business. Core topics will include professional development and career advancement as well as social and philanthropic events.
Young Professionals of North Central Massachusetts
Our young professionals program features two styles of events, social and educational. Our social events are just like Business After Hours, but limited to those in the 21-40 age group. Our CEO: Unplugged series features important topic areas for young professionals which will allow attendees to meet and learn from local CEO’s.
Small Business Lunch & Learn
This educational series for small businesses (less than 10 employees) supports the majority of our members. Topics of discussion include creating and revising a business plan, marketing, taxes and more.
Human Resource Council
This program held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at lunch is geared towards the HR professional of larger businesses (10+ employees). Guests speakers discuss laws, policies and changes that are pertinent to HR professionals.
Connect North Central
Connect North Central is a lead referral group that meets on the final Friday of each month from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. It allows for personalized networking, 60 second “commercials” and featured speakers speakers. This event is for members only but open to all industries and members. It is not a single seat style program (such as BNI). Be sure to bring plenty of business cards.
Community Leadership Institute (CLI)
The Community Leadership Institute (CLI) has been the premier community leadership program in North Central Massachusetts since 1989. Graduates of the program are everywhere in our communities, making a difference and helping to advance our region and improve the quality of life for residents.
Community Leadership Institute is a 9-month, community-based, hands-on learning experience for both current and aspiring leaders in the region. Individuals accepted to the program will expand their network; connect with community and business leaders; and learn about local issues, leadership strategies, and volunteerism; as well as participate in hands-on group projects. Learn more and apply here.
Manufacturing CEO Roundtable
Held the second Tuesday of each month, this lunch meeting is for manufacturing CEO’s and is invitation only. Discussion and presenters are geared toward the manufacturing industry, a prevalent source of economic development in North Central. Please click here to learn more.
Ribbon Cutting Events
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce would be delighted to help your business celebrate with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. This is a FREE service available to current and new Chamber members that meet the following criteria:
Opened their business in the last 12 months or moved to a new location.
Changed ownership or is under new management.
Has been remodeled or expanded at its present location.
Why is a Ribbon Cutting important?
A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is an important part of your overall marketing and advertising plan for the local community. It’s also a great way to kick-off a grand opening of a business. It offers the opportunity to meet key leaders in the community and get acquainted with your neighbors and chamber members. The NCMCC would enjoy assisting you in planning a successful event for your company.
Scheduling a Ribbon Cutting
Scheduling a Ribbon Cutting with the Chamber should take place a minimum of two weeks before the event to allow the Chamber time to invite members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, the Ambassadors, and Chamber staff. To schedule a Ribbon Cutting contact our Events Manager, Kat Deal at 978.353.7600 x240.
FAQ
Q: Will local media cover my Ribbon Cutting Ceremony?
A: As a courtesy to our members we will invite local media, if they choose to attend is dependent on many factors such as their schedules, etc.
Q: Will local town officials be present?
A: We always invite city and town mayors to attend an event. Similar to the media, their ability to be in attendence varies on many factors.
Q: Will there be A LOT of people at my ceremony?
A: Your ceremony is as big as you make it. We encourage businesses to invite neighboring businesses, friends, and family. We do announce the event to our members and list them on our website, however as with any event it is voluntary attendence so we cannot promise the attendence of anyone.
Q: Who will be leading the ceremony?
A: The Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies are led by the Chamber’s Sales & Member Services Manager and attending Chamber Ambassadors.
Q: Is it bad if only a few people are in attendence?
A: NOT AT ALL! The ceremony is still covered on our site and often shown in local media to announce a great business in the region!