This week, we sit down with Tony Fiore, a Senior Business Advisor with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Clark University. Tony talks about the vital services the SBDC provides provided to small businesses and entrepreneurs to help them start run, or grow their business, while also providing students with an opportunity to gain business, consulting, and research experience. He also spent time discussing how they fall under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), their affiliation with Clark University, as well as their relationship with entities like the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. He also talked about an upcoming roundtable discussion focusing on staffing and retention that is slated for Tuesday November 18th at 10am at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce office. Find out more about the roundtable and register here: https://web.northcentralmass.com/events #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #fitchburg #leominster #gardner #northcentralmassachusetts #clarkuniversity #businesstechnicalassistance #smallbusinessdevelopmentcenter #sbdc #sbdcatclark #smallbusinesssupport #smallbusiness

Joins us on the road as we chat with Nicole Conroy, Director of MA Programs, of MY TURN, Inc. along with Terry Young and Sarah Stebulis, members of the 2023 North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Institute (CLI). Terry and Sarah talk about their community projects that connected them to MY TURN and how that led to the creation of their annual non-traditional scholarship. They also bring Mina Girouard, a scholarship recipient, into the conversation to talk about the impact of MY TURN and the scholarship on her life and career path. Nicole talks about how MY TURN works with vulnerable youth and adult populations to address barriers to success and help them navigate a course to a bright future. Listen in and find out how you can get involved with MY TURN here: https://www.my-turn.org/   #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #fitchburg #leominster #gardner #northcentralmassachusetts #MYTURN #socialservices #scholarship #education #trades #workforce #jobtraining

Today we travel out to Sholan Farms in Leominster to speak with Joanne DiNardo and John Souza with the Friends of Sholan Farms. The two share insight into its history as a community orchard over the past 24 years and how the orchard has incorporated additional fruits to extend their growing season and offer more pick your own options. With apple season upon us, the two spend time talking about the apples available for pick your own and in their farm stand throughout the season. They discussed the volunteers needed to run the orchard and talk about their capital campaign to build a new barn that will greatly improve their operations and community engagement. Find out how you can get involved in their capital campaign or volunteer at: https://www.sholanfarms.com/  #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #fitchburg #leominster #gardner #northcentralmassachusetts #apples #appleorchard #pickyourownapples #communityorchard #sholanfarms #johnnyappleseed

Today we sit down with Joshua Caron, CEO of Garbage Gurus. Joshua talks about how his carpentry and contracting background led him to the world of waste removal and dumpster rentals. He also discussed his entrepreneurial journey, the importance of reading, and working on a business with family and friends. Joshua talked about his passion for recycling and the eco-friendly efforts of Garbage Gurus. For Joshua, their dumpster and junk removal can have a major impact on their customers' lives and on the environment. #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #fitchburg #leominster #gardner #northcentralmassachusetts #Westminster #GarbageGurus #Entrepreneurship #junkremovalservices #recycling

oin us as we venture out to the Treasure Valley Scouting Reservation to speak with Scouting America Heart of New England Council’s new CEO Jason Pigg. As a lifelong scout, Jason talks about the major impact scouting has and continues to have on his professional and personal life. Jason spent time chatting about the different programs offered through Scouting America with the Heart of New England Council and the lifelong skills programs teach the youth. Jason also talks about the importance of volunteers, and ways that you can get involved which also include attending their upcoming Distinguished Citizens Award Dinner on November 13th. Find out more at: https://hnescouting.org/ #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #fitchburg #leominster #gardner #northcentralmassachusetts #Rutland #scoutingamerica #heartofnewengland #youthdevelopment #leadership #scoutingadventure

Join us as we talk about the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Institute (CLI). Travis sits down with three of his classmates and fellow graduates from the most recent CLI class: Calla Flannery of Workers Credit Union, Meghan Maceiko from the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, and Lynese Wiafe of Fitchburg State University. Listen in as they discuss their experiences, their biggest takeaways from the class, their community projects and how they are applying their CLI lessons to the professional and personal lives. Applications for the upcoming class are due by August 15th, and can be found at www.northcentralmass.com.  The Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast is sponsored by Franklin Professional Associates. #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #fitchburg #leominster #gardner #northcentralmassachusetts #communityleadershipinstitute #communityengagement #leadership #fitchburgstateuniversity #cfncm #workerscu

This week we venture to Mediation Services of North Central MA, Inc. to speak with Lisa Wood, Executive Director, and Kathy Hughes, Youth Program Coordinator. The two of them talk about how the services offered over the years have expanded to offer assistance with conflict resolution in a variety of situations. Listen to how mediation can serve as a powerful tool to assist individuals navigate challenging situations like court cases, neighbor disputes, housing issues, and re-entry. Lisa also discusses how mediation can be used to effectively address conflict in the workplace and how their conflict coaching sets up employees and employers for success while Kathy talks about the use of peer mediation in schools and the communication skills students learn from the program that will continue to help them throughout their entire life.   The Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast is sponsored by Franklin Professional Associates. #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #massachusetts #mediation #conflictresolution #talkitoutma #resolutonma #workplaceculture #communitymediation

Join us for our conversation with Melissa Glenny of podcast sponsor, Franklin Professional Associates. Melissa talks about why chasing the mythical perfect candidate may be hindering your hiring efforts, and how Franklin Professionals can work with you to identify what really matters when looking for your next hire. She also provides insight into the importance of the skills section of resumes for job seekers, what job seekers are currently looking for with prospective employers, and what the job market looks like. We also touch on the importance of learning to use AI as a tool, how AI is changing the workforce landscape and how companies need to consider policies and procedures for AI use. The Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast is sponsored by Franklin Professional Associates. #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #massachusetts #recruiting #staffing #workforce #careers #resume #AI #AIuse #AIimplementation

We are joined this week by Steve Janes, Founder and Managing Partner, of Fuse Energy. Janes talks about his career in the energy sector and how passion for the community is what led to the founding of Fuse Energy with his business partner, Tom Defeudis. Janes talks about the state of the energy industry and how Fuse works with business and non-profit clients of all sizes to remove some of the volatility and provide peace of mind. He also touches on the multiple state programs that are available to commercial customers and how Fuse can help navigate those programs as part of your energy mix. Find out more about Fuse Energy at fuseenergygroup.com The Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast is sponsored by Franklin Professional Associates. #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #massachusetts #NorthCentralMA #FuseEnergy #EnergySavings #CommercialEnergy #EnergySolutions 

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and today we chat with we Sheila Crowley, Chief Operating Officer, of TaraVista Behavioral Health Center in Devens. Crowley talks about TaraVista’s acute psychiatric care services that they provide to children, adolescents, and adults. She also talks about her background as a first responder and LMHC, her experience working in an emergency department setting and how that has informed her approach to helping patients at TaraVista, and what they look for in those looking to pursue a career in this field. Crowley also talks about mental illness, the stigma around it, and how important it is to treat patients with compassion and maintain their dignity when they arrive at the facility in crises.   TRIGGER WARNING: Contains conversations about mental health, suicide and depression The Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast is sponsored by Franklin Professional Associates. #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #massachusetts #NorthCentralMA #DevensMa #MentalHealth #behavioralhealth #MentalHealthAwareness #TaraVistaCares #MentalHealthJobs

We are joined this week by Winchendon’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Shaina Cunningham to talk about the Robinson and Broadhurst Performing Arts Amphitheater at Winchendon Community Park, and leveraging events to bring more tourism to the Town. Shaina is joined by Jody Mendoza and Richy Peña of Farming is Life who talked about their Sunset Socials planned at the Amphitheater June 14th through October 11th. John Harrington of the band, Sláinte, also pops into the conversation to talk about the Central Mass Irish Festival on September 27th. The Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast is sponsored by Franklin Professional Associates. #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #massachusetts #NorthCentralMA #Winchendon #WinchendonCommunityPark #FarmingIsLife #SunsetSocials #CentralMassIrishFestival

We are joined this week by two members of the North Central Mass Association of Realtors (NCMAR), Michelle Haggstrom (Keller Williams North Central) and Nick Pelletier (Pelletier Properties- Keller Williams North Central). Michelle and Nick talk about their paths to real estate and their involvement in NCMAR. They also dive into the advocacy efforts of NCMAR in addressing issues facing the housing industry in the region and across the State. They also talk about the upcoming 8th Annual Real Estate Summit event with NCMAR and the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce on May 22nd. Learn more about the event and register here: https://web.northcentralmass.com/events/8thAnnual%20North%20Central%20Real%20Estate%20Summit-2778/details The Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast is sponsored by Franklin Professional Associates. #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #massachusetts #NCMAR #NorthCentralMAAssociationofREaltors #MAR #MassachusettsAssociationofRealtors #housing #housingcrisis #realestate #realtors

Join us for our conversation with Kevin Kuros, Central Massachusetts Regional Director for the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) and Interim Director of the Massachusetts Center For Employee Ownership (MassCEO). Kevin talks about his passion for business and economic development and dives into the resources that Massachusetts has for new and existing businesses He also talks about positive changes brought on by the Mass Leads Act and the state's exciting new Business Front Door and how it streamlines access to state economic development programs. He also talks about the MassCEO and their upcoming Central MA Regional Symposium on April 29th. Learn more about the event and register here: https://www.mass.gov/event/mass-center-for-employee-ownership-central-ma-regional-symposium-04-29-2025 The Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast is sponsored by Franklin Professional Associates. #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #massachusetts #teammassachusetts #economicdevelopment #workforcedevelopment #MOBD #MassCEO

Join us for our conversation with Dr. Jon Hogue and Shauna Neidigh of North Star Family Services, Inc. while we take a tour inside their Journey Home supportive housing as construction nears completion. Listen in as they discuss the years of work and partnerships that have led to the development of this 15-unit affordable housing building, how this project aims to make an impact in the housing crisis found here in the region and across the state, and the supportive services they will provide with partners that include MOC. Learn how you can get involved in supporting their efforts to address homelessness by volunteering or attending upcoming fundraising events including an Adam Ezra Group show at the Bull Run in Shirley on April 13th. The Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast is sponsored by Franklin Professional Associates. #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #massachusetts #leominster #fitchburg #gardner #homelessness #unhoused #socialservices #affordablehousing #housingcrisis #housing #homelessshelter #volunteering #adamezragroup #bullrun #moc

Join us for our conversation with Valerie Housser, owner of Pickle-It Pickleball Club in Leominster. Valerie talks about how quickly she fell in love with the sport of pickleball and how she parlayed her past business experiences along with her family’s sports business background into this brand new venture. Listen in as Valerie talks about the courts, how you can get a crash course if you’ve never played or join one of their leagues. Hear her talk about the facility, other indoor sports they are offering, plus their indoor golf simulator, and activities for kids during April vacation. The Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast is sponsored by Franklin Professional Associates. #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #massachusetts #leominster #northcentralmassachusetts #pickleball #pickleballislife #pickleballclub #sport #pickleballcourt #pickleball #fitness #pickleballclub

Join us for our conversation with Audrey and Natalie, owners of Eagle Trophy in Fitchburg. The two of them talk about the history of entrepreneurship in their family and how Eagle Trophy became their family’s most recent endeavor. Hear how their backgrounds in graphic design and nursing translate into laser engraving, trophies, awards and personalization. Listen in as the siblings talk about the ways they connect with clients and work to capture their clients’ vision and preserve their special moments and memories. The Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast is sponsored by Franklin Professional Associates. #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #massachusetts #fitchburg #northcentralmassachusetts #eagletrophy #familybusiness #entrepreneurship #awards #personalization #trophies

Join us for our conversation with Erin Thomason from the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts (CFNCM). Erin talks about the establishment and goals of the North Central MA Women’s Fund and the CFNCM’s upcoming event on March 26th aimed at supporting the initiative, Ignite & Elevate: The Women’s Fund Annual Celebration. Erin also spends time speaking about some of their other initiatives like the Nashoba Valley Community Health Grants, their impact on the North Central Massachusetts region, and how you can get involved. The Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast is sponsored by Franklin Professional Associates. #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #massachusetts #fitchburg #gardner #leominster #northcentralmassachusetts #communityengagement #communityfoundation #cfncm #communityimpact #communityengagement #empoweringwomen #philanthropy #nonprofit

Join us for our conversation with Stacey Hyland, employee benefits practice leader, for HUB International New England. Stacey talks about the services they provide at HUB International New England and focuses on their 2025 employee benefit outlook. She spends time talking about trends affecting healthcare benefits and costs, mental health benefits, leveraging AI and data to ensure you are maximizing efficiency with your benefit offerings, benefits for different generations in the workplace, and utilizing benefits to retain talent. The Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast is sponsored by Franklin Professional Associates. #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #massachusetts #hubinternational #hubinternationalnewengland #employeebenefits #insurance #ai #workforce 

Join us for our conversation with Ed Albert, co-owner, of Bitcoin Ben’s Crypto Club Massachusetts in Leominster. Ed talks about what drew him to cryptocurrency, why he prefers bitcoin, and how he got involved with Bitcoin Ben’s Crypto Club Massachusetts. Ed talks about the basics of bitcoin and the importance of keeping your bitcoin secure. He also talks about membership to the club and the amenities they provide including educational and social opportunities. The Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast is sponsored by Franklin Professional Associates. #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #massachusetts #entrepreneur #entrepreneurialjourney #leominster #bitcoin #cryptocurrency #bitcoinben  

Join us for our conversation with Sallie Ricardo of Ricardo Bookkeeping Solutions. Sallie talks about her entrepreneurial journey and launching her own business for the second time. Listen as she talks about her business background, how you learn from every job you have, making the leap to opening and running your own business, why she doesn’t believe in imposter syndrome, and the importance of finding your why. She also spends time talking her bookkeeping services and how they help others pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. The Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast is sponsored by Franklin Professional Associates. #podcast #podcaster #podcastshow #podcastlove #businesspodcast #newpodcast #podcastnetwork #podcastcommunity #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podernfamily #podbean #newepisode #insidenorthcentralma #insidenorthcentralmassachusettspodcast #mylocalma #visitma #massachusettspodcast #massachusetts #entrepreneur #entrepreneurialjourney #smallbusiness #bookkeeping #bookkeepingsolutions