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The June Breakfast Club networking was another positive opportunity to gather with existing acquaintances and friends while also meet new ones. We welcomed another festive group of around 25-30 who came to start their morning off with a smile and a good breakfast. As we are all aware by now, we had to cancel our July monthly Breakfast Club Networking. It seems more than fair that our good friends at Brothers (Jim, Marie, Angie, Arthur and staff) after hosting us so graciously every month for the past year, take the opportunity to enjoy some well-deserved time off to relax and have some time to themselves. Let’s wish them a safe and enjoyable vacation and we look forward to seeing all of them and all of you once again in August on THURSDAY the 3rd!
The Chamber held a spectacular Annual Meeting at the Four Points by Sheraton on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Our very special guest speaker, Consul General Dr. Sonja Kreibich from the Federal Republic of German gave us an amazing address concerning the Russian aggression in their war on Ukraine. She spoke with passion and shared with us the facts regarding the horrible impact this illegal aggression has had on the Country of Germany and the German people as a whole. The Consul General received a standing ovation at the conclusion of her remarks. All of us in attendance were all very fortunate to have the opportunity to listen to such an incredible speaker.
We also presented our Annual Chamber Awards which were as follows:
The Community Service Award was presented to the Wakefield Police Department for all of their incredible support and participation with Chamber programs throughout the year – Deputy Chief Calabrese accepted the award on behalf of the department.
The Chamber “Super Duper Award” which goes to an individual who is recognized for their above and beyond support and participation in Chamber activities and who in the opinion of the Executive Director (that’s me) is deserving of this recognition went to Cheryl Carroll!
The Chamber “Jim Chisholm Businessperson of the Year Award” was presented to WCAT in recognition of all that they did as an organization during and after COVID to keep the Wakefield Community together by providing consistent and unrelenting flows of information from all of the various official Town Council and other committee meetings, town wide organizational meetings and community events taking place.
An election of Officers and Directors with the following individuals being elected to Board officer positions::
Co- Presidents Janice Casoli (First Financial Trust) & Chris Barrett (Christopher J. Barrett Realtors)
1st Vice President Suzanne Bowering (Holiday Travel)
2nd Vice President Ally Houghton (The Savings Bank)
Treasurer/Clerk Cheryl Carroll (Independent Mary Kay)
Lastly, the Chamber Board, wishing to support the continued growth of the Chamber presented to the membership for approval a Chamber By-Law change in a resolution changing the Chamber name to the “Wakefield Area Chamber of Commerce”. There were no objections, and the resolution was passed unanimously.
On Tuesday morning June 13, we held a very successful Breakfast Networking hosted by The Savings Bank to introduce their newly finished addition to the bank Main office. A ribbon cutting was held along with a delicious continental breakfast for all in attendance.
The WIB luncheon was held this past month at one of our member locations - Laurie’s 9:09. The meeting provided the professional women in attendance the perfect opportunity to network with their peers, enjoy a delicious lunch and be captivated by another fabulous speaker. This month, Suzanne Bowering from Holiday Travel speaking regarding "TRAVEL THE WORLD SAFELY WITH SUZANNE'S TRAVEL TIPS" The next Women in Business Luncheon will be held in August at the Quannapowitt Yacht Club located with beautiful vistas on the shores of Lake Quannapowitt. Keep your eyes open for more details to follow very soon.
The Chambers Summer Outing is quickly approaching on Thursday, July 27 from 5:00 pm-7:30 pm. Once again, it will be held at the Quannapowitt Yacht Club and the evening will include music, appetizers, dinner, desert, beer, wine, Sangria and seltzers all with a great view of the lake from the back deck of the yacht club. This is a popular annual event and seating is limited- register here now!
As always, thank you all once again for continuing to support your Chamber.
John
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