The Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast

Inside North Central Massachusetts on the Road at Chopsticks Restaurant & Bar

Today we head down Route 2 into Leominster to Chopsticks Restaurant and Bar. Christina Xing talks about her career and experiences that have taken her around the world before settling in the area with her husband as the newest owners of Chopsticks, an area institution that recently celebrated its 40^th anniversary. Hear Christina talk about how her skills in the advertising and fashion world have translated over to the restaurant industry as they work to not only maintain the Chopsticks legacy, but expand their offerings and create new experiences. From traditional Chinese and Japanese dishes, to their Sunday buffet, live entertainment and their new mobile hibachi, its no surprise Chopsticks is a mainstay for so many North Central MA families.

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Inside North Central Massachusetts with MassAbility

As we kick off 2026, we are joined by Michael LoGuidice, Business Relations Specialist with MassAbility. Michael talks about the wide range of services MassAbility offers for people with disabilities with a focus on their career services. Learn about the ways MassAbility helps individuals work towards achieving their goals through some of their career services like job placement assistance, employment counseling, job training, and information about accommodations. Employers will also learn about the ways MassAbility forms relationships with area employers and resources available to employers that include their consultations and trainings, tax incentives and more.  

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Inside North Central Massachusetts with North Central Massachusetts Rides TMA and TransAction Associates, Inc.

We keep the conversation rolling this week as we are joined by Julie Quinn, Senior Program Manager with TransAction Associates, Inc. and Director of the North Central Massachusetts Rides TMA. Julie dives into what a Transportation Management Association (TMA) is and how they work to improve transit in a region. She dives into the process of establishing the new North Central Massachusetts Ride TMA, the stakeholders involved, what drove them to establish this TMA, how it came to be parked alongside other Chamber affiliates, and the role of TransAction in running the TMA. Julie also touches on the current membership, how the services benefit employers, plans to move the needle forward on transportation with future initiatives, and how your business or organization can join.

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Inside North Central Massachusetts with Cordials Catering & Beverages

Join us as we sit down with Sharon Olsen, owner and partner, of Cordials Catering and Beverages based in West Boylston. Sharon talks about Cordial’s approach to ensuring they provide beautifully designed and gorgeously presented meals and bar service within your budget for a special event or any occasion. She also talks about the complete service they offer for weddings, showers, parties, and corporate events. From customizable menus to options for allergies and dietary restrictions, Cordials can even add custom touches recreating family recipes. Plus, find out about the new meeting room Cordials Catering and Beverages offers on site for your smaller gatherings.

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Inside North Central Massachusetts on the Road at the MOC, Inc. Adrian L. Ford Youth Innovation Center

Join us on the road at Making Opportunity Count (MOC) Inc.'s Adrian L. Youth Ford Center for Change's Youth Innovation Center on the heels of its one year anniversary as we sit down with Shana Fitz, Sue Le, and Charlie Barbera. The trio talk about the unique makerspace created for youth, by youth, that helps to foster talents & skills through access to creative space and resources. They talk about the opportunities for hands on learning, exploration and empowerment that center provides as well as opportunities for mentorship with local industry professionals. Listen in and find out how you can make a difference by using your skills to help shape the region's youth and future workforce.

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Inside North Central Massachusetts On The Road at Workers Credit Union

Joins us on the road at Workers Credit Union (WCU) in Littleton this week, as we sit down with Bob Lockett, WCU Chief Revenue Officer, and Mackenson Masse, WCU Director Retail Branches and Market Growth, Branch Administration. Bob provides tips for businesses on how to deal with economic uncertainty and build up resilience while Mackenson talks about what members should be doing on a personal level to shore up their finances. The two of them also talk about the financial education their team provides, the importance of building a relationship with your financial institution, navigating budgets as well as credit and debt, and they dive into what sets credit unions apart from other financial institutions.

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Inside North Central Massachusetts with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Clark University

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 18^th 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

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Inside North Central Massachusetts with MY TURN & The CLI Alumni Non-Traditional Scholarship

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/

 

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Inside North Central Massachusetts On the Road at Sholan Farms

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/ 

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Inside North Central Massachusetts with Garbage Gurus

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.

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