Small Businesses Recognized at Third Annual North Central Massachusetts Small Business Showcase and Entrepreneur Awards Reception

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and its economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), recognized several small businesses and individuals at the Third Annual Small Business Showcase and Entrepreneur Awards Reception, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Leominster on April 1, 2026.

The awards celebrated entrepreneurship in the region and showcased successful NCMDC clients who are helping to advance the region’s economy and communities.

“Our entrepreneurs represent the very best of what North Central Massachusetts has to offer, including the determination, innovation, and grit that make our regional economy thrive,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. “With so many outstanding nominees this year, selecting our honorees was no easy task. Every one of them has a story worth telling, and we are proud to recognize those whose contributions to their communities and to our regional economy are nothing short of remarkable.”

The Dream Big Award recognized Nellye Molina, owner of Lov’n Donuts, located in Leominster. This award recognizes a business owner from a traditionally underserved community or population, including low-income communities, minority-owned businesses, or women-owned businesses. Lov’n Donuts has been a beloved community gathering place since 1987. In 2023, Molina took ownership of the woman-owned small business and began writing its next chapter, one defined by growth, vision, and heart. Molina spent nearly two decades building expertise in the restaurant and hotel industries before taking the leap to business ownership, bringing that dedication to Lov’n Donuts and continuing to create a welcoming space for her community.

The Community Impact Award recognized Marieke Cormier, owner of Roots Natural Foods, located in Leominster. This award recognizes a business providing needed services in the community. Roots Natural Foods was founded in 2002 by Cormier’s mother, offering organic groceries, vitamins and supplements, catering, and a beloved café. Cormier took the reins in 2011 and has grown the business into a community institution, serving as a gathering place, wellness hub, and supporter of local suppliers and causes for nearly a quarter century. Cormier has built a workplace grounded in respect and teamwork and has been instrumental in cultivating connection, health, and local pride in the Leominster community. She has not just run a business; she has helped cultivate connection, health, and local pride, one cup of coffee and one conversation at a time.

The Entrepreneur Success Award recognized Beth Jaillet, owner of MacMannis Florist & Greenhouse, located in Athol. This award recognizes a business that has demonstrated growth by providing quality jobs and increasing revenue MacMannis Florist has been a trusted community landmark since the 1940s. After spending 20 years working within those walls, Jaillet purchased the business, rebranded it as MacMannis Florist & Greenhouse, expanded its offerings, and has continued to build on the shop’s legacy while adding hands-on workshops that bring community members together.

In addition to the recognition, these three small business clients of the NCMDC also took home cash awards of $500 each.

During the program, the Chamber also presented its Community Partner of the Year and Banker of the Year awards.

Kevin Kuros, Central Massachusetts Regional Director of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, was recognized as the Community Partner of the Year for his support and active partnership with the NCMDC in supporting start-up businesses. Kuros has hosted office hours alongside the NCMDC team, connecting entrepreneurs directly to state programs for capital access, permitting, and site selection, and has been an active partner in business expansion projects across the region. He has also been a consistent referral source for the NCMDC’s microloan program, accompanying staff on site visits and bringing a hands-on, collaborative approach to his work with the region’s entrepreneurs.

Martin F. Connors, Jr., former President and CEO of Rollstone Bank & Trust, was honored with the Banker of the Year Award in recognition of his exceptional and long-standing commitment to the NCMDC and the small business community. Under Connors’ leadership, Rollstone agreed to serve as the administrator of the NCMDC’s revolving microloan fund, providing the billing and operational infrastructure that keeps the program running. The bank also made direct financial contributions to the NCMDC over the years, support that has helped sustain a program that has deployed over $27 million in microloans and helped create thousands of jobs across the region. Connors recently retired as President and CEO and now serves as Executive Chair of Rollstone’s Board and Vice Chair of the River Run Board, Rollstone’s parent company. He has also served as a past Chair of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and as a board member of United Way and HealthAlliance Hospital, among others.

The event also featured a Small Business Showcase with more than 25 exhibitor tables, giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect with business owners, lenders, and professional service providers. Attendees voted for their favorite table display, with the winner receiving a $100 Gift Local gift card.

Special thanks to Premier and Award Recipient Sponsor Fitchburg State University; Corporate Sponsors Fidelity Bank and Workers’ Credit Union Partner Sponsors Main Street Bank, TD Bank, and Bay State Bank; Bag Sponsor Beacon Bank; and sound production by Central Mass Productions.