I have to say that I love this time of year and share with you that autumn is by far my favorite season. The weather is moderate, dry and comfortable- we still get warm days but without the summer’s humidity. The fresh, crisp smell of the air and the foliage all around seems to put everyone in a pleasant mood. Everything seems to come so alive – it seems that every civic organization in world comes out to play in some form or another to enjoy the autumn sun. The schools are bustling with fairs, fundraisers and outings. There are sports of all types for our young men and women athletes - soccer, cross country, golf, field hockey and football just to name a few. Lastly, apple picking! Who doesn’t enjoy taking some time with the family to going apple picking? I know I enjoy it with my daughters and grandchildren! So, do what I do and grab your favorite walking stick and head out to one of the many state parks around us for a brisk autumn walk. I guarantee you will be doing yourself a favor and feel great afterwards! Did I mention- I really enjoy this season?!
Bright and unusually early this month on October 1st (the first Thursday), we hosted our monthly Breakfast Club Networking at Brothers Restaurant on Main Street. Attendance – well I mean participation, as we really don’t take attendance - increased once again this month and I am pleased to see so many smiling faces first thing in the morning! This is certainly a trend I look forward to continuing into the latter months of the year. As those of you who attended can attest to, it’s always an enjoyable and worthwhile way to start any day. So be sure not to miss out for next month’s Breakfast Club Networking. Put a mark on your calendar or place a reminder onto your phone for Thursday November 4 – the first Thursday in November to join in the networking and make some new contacts and possible a new friend or two for your business!
On Tuesday September 14, we hosted a very informative Legislative Breakfast session with Congressman Seth Moulton at the Four Points Sheraton. The Congressman was very open in his comments and political insight and spent time sharing his thoughts and opinions on a number of very important topics including Afghanistan, the Congressional Relief Bill and a number of other serious areas of concern for all Americans. We want to thank the Congressman for taking the time to join us and we look forward to hopefully having him again in the near future to another Chamber event.
We participated in an absolutely wonderful Multi- Chamber Networking event at the Stone Zoo. If you missed it, you cheated yourself out of a terrific night! We had over 150 people registered from all of the participating Chambers and the night’s weather was perfect for a visit to the zoo and networking with other local Chamber members. A big “thank you” to our friends at the Stoneham Chamber for making all of the arrangements in order for us to enjoy this wonderful evening together. Also, a big “thank you” to the Stone Zoo for graciously welcoming us into their facility.
I want to highlight for you a very important upcoming event – The 2021 Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting – Tuesday October 19, at Prince Restaurant (a Chamber member) Arrival will be at 5:30 pm and the meeting will begin at 6:00 pm. This is a perfect opportunity for you come out and listen to the wonderful things happening here locally within your Chamber, while getting to meet and mingle with your peers. Additionally, meet and converse with members of the Chamber Board of Directors and share your thoughts and insights on the Chamber with them. Hope to see many of you at the Annual Meeting! Contact the Chamber office for additional details.
As I hope you are aware by now, the Chamber is once again promoting the importance of supporting local businesses. This year’s promotion is called “SHOP LOCAL SATURDAYS”! This year’s program began in August on the sales tax holiday weekend and will run on alternating weekends straight through to December . We are encouraging all to shop at local merchants anywhere in the Town of Wakefield. Then, for every $50 spent by an individual with one of our local Wakefield merchants during one of our “Shop Local Saturdays” they will be awarded a $10 gift coupon from the Chamber. This coupon can then be used at any one of almost 30 participating restaurants. Please see Chamber web site for the most up to date list of participating local Wakefield restaurants.
Stay safe everyone,
John
