Most Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Chamber office open?
Our office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for holidays.

What is a Chamber of Commerce?
A chamber of commerce is a voluntary organization of business and professional people who pool resources in order to foster economic development and the quality of life in a particular community. Just as a professional association promotes a specific industry, a chamber of commerce nurtures the economy of a specific, geographic area.As the primary business advocacy organization of a region, the chamber helps local firms and business people succeed. Funded by membership investments, a chamber is not affiliated with government, nor is it accountable to any other organization. Through a board of directors, funds are used to support an office site and hire staff to meet the needs of members-carrying out programs and goals.

What does the Chamber do?
Chamber staff and committee people are working continuosly to stay on top of all issues which impact members, whether it be tax rates, environmental regulations, transportation, employment law, tourism, international trade regulations or a host of others. As the voice of the business community, it represents the interests of business to the media, at city halls and at the Statehouse. Chamber programs support small and large businesses alike. The chamber is a business information source and referral service. It is also a business networking group and a voice promoting the community in general.The North Central Mass Chamber covers the area of Fitchburg and Leominster and 13 surrounding areas of: Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Groton, Harvard, Lancaster, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Princeton, Shirley, Sterling, Townsend and Westminster.

What are the goals of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber?
Some of our Chamber's most important goals are to retain existing business and promote the region as a site for business relocation. Seminars are offered on: starting a business, issues of human resources, encouraging and training a new generation of community leaders, providing opportunities for networking, informing companies about updates in state and local regulations as well as the latest information about international trade opportunities. The NCMCC supports a scholarship fund, it produces a trade show every 18 months for the plastics industry and, in addition to its other publication, it biannually prints and distributes the Guide to the Johnny Appleseed Trail. The Chamber also oversees a development corporation which can broker grants and business loans.

What is the number for the local Better Business Bureau?
(508) 754-4158 or (866) 566-9222 - They can also be found at www.cne.bbb.org

Good place to meet someone along Rte 2 for something to eat?
www.appleseed.org

Name of hotel in our area and if any are dog friendly?
www.appleseed.org - Please check with each one individually for their latest policies regarding pets.

Directions to the Chamber off Rte 2?
Route 2 West - Take Exit 30. Take a quick right to lights then take a left at lights. The Chamber will be about a half mile down the road on your right. Across from the Twin Cities Animal Hospital. 
Route 2 East - Take Exit 30. Take a right at the end of the off ramp. Go through two sets of lights. The Chamber will be on your right across from the Twin Cities Animal Hospital.

How can we find out if a business is still "in business?"
First, you can check to see if the company is a member of our Chamber by viewing our member directory. Second, you can check online to search for businesses nationwide. Third, you can check with the Town or City Clerk in the community in which you believe that business is or may have been located. In Massachusetts, virtually all businesses are required to file a Business Certificate with the Clerk in the community in which their business is located. If that doesn't work, just send us an email and we'll see if anyone on staff has ever heard of that company.

How can I get in touch with the Massachusetts Attorney General?

Boston

One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-2200
TTY: (617) 727-4765

100 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 727-2200

You can register a consumer complaint by calling: (617) 727-8400

What is the phone number for the Labor Department?
(617) 727-3476

What are the recognized legal holidays in Massachusetts?

New Years Day - Jan 1
Martin Luther King Day - Jan 21
Presidents' Day - Feb 18
Evacuation Day - Mar 17
Patriots' Day - Apr 21
Memorial Day - May 26
Bunker Hill Day - Jun 17
Independence Day - Jul 4
Labor Day - Sep 1
Columbus Day - Oct 13
Veterans' Day - Nov 11
Thanksgiving - Nov 27
Christmas - Dec 25 

Under the provision of Chapter 4, Section 7, Clause Eighteen, legal holidays that fall on Saturday shall be observed on that day. All offices under the jurisdiction of any department of state government shall be open to the public for business on the Friday preceding any Saturday holiday. However, as many employees as possible should be given that Friday off. Employees assigned to work shall be given an additional day off as the law and applicable collective bargaining agreements allow. Whenever possible the following Monday should be use as the alternative day off. Chapter 30, Section 24. provides for the action to be taken in case of persons employed by the Commonwealth when any legal holiday falls on Saturday. In Addition, Section 11 of the Red Book and Collective Bargaining Agreements currently in effect cove this subject. A legal holiday shall be observed the day following when said holiday shall occur on Sunday (Chapter 4, Section 7, clause Eighteen)

How can I make an appointment for the FREE business counseling offered by the Chamber?
Call (978) 353-7600 - or click here to learn more about the Chamber's business counseling programs and other member services.

Can I get Health Insurance from the Chamber?
If you own and/or operate a business in one of the 14 local communities served by the Chamber, you are eligible to become a member and to obtain group health insurance rates provided that you meet certain specific criteria. For more information, please contact (978) 353-7600 x228 or go to the Chamber's health insurance page.

How can I join the Chamber of Commerce?
Click here to view the "Join The Chamber" page on this website or call (978) 353-7600 x236.

When will the next MassPLASTICS trade show take place?
The MassPLASTICS Trade Show will be held at the Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center, in Fitchburg, on October 21 & 22, 2009. For exhibitor information call (978) 353-7600 or check out www.massplastics.com.

What is the train schedule to Boston on the MBTA?
Check any one or more of the following links for information about specific stations in the North Central Massachusetts' region.
Fitchburg Station
North Leominster Station
Shirley Station
Ayer/Devens Station

Does Massachusetts have a website?
Yes, www.mass.gov 

How can we locate other Chambers of Commerce?
If you need information about other chambers of commerce outside of North Central Massachusetts, we hope you will find the following links helpful.
US Chamber of Commerce (with a link to other state chambers)
American Chamber of Commerce Executives(with similar links)
Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (with links to other Massachusetts chambers)

Are Chamber membership dues tax deductible?
Contributions or gifts to the Chamber are not tax deductible for income tax purposes. However, they may be tax deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses subject to restrictions imposed as a result of association lobbying activities. The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce estimates that the nondeductible portion of your dues - the portion which is allocated to lobbying - is 15 percent.