Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce holds Annual Meeting; Suzanne Bowering receives the James Chisholm Leader in Business Award

Suzanne Bowering of Holiday Travel was the recipient of the Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce James Chisholm Leader in Business Award. The award was presented to Suzanne at the organization’s recent annual meeting at the Lakeside Inn in Wakefield. The event was sponsored by The Savings Bank and P.F. Bruno & Co. The James Chisholm Leader in Business Award is an annual award presented by the Chamber to a business leader in memory of the founder of JC Marketing Associates who died in 2012. The recipient exemplifies the spirit of Jim’s generosity, guidance, and support of local business and organizations. Past recipients include Ann Hadley of JC Marketing Associates, and The Savings Bank. Suzanne, was selected to receive the award based on her involvement and support of community events, organizations, local businesses and programs, according to Chamber co-Presidents Cheryl Carroll and Tom Mullen. In addition to the presentation of the James Chisholm Leader in Business Award, the annual meeting also included the election of officers and directors, including newly elected co-President Mullen, the re-election of co-President Carroll, 1st Vice President Chris Barrett, 2nd Vice President Bob Sardella and Treasurer Joyce Grasso. Newly elected directors Bill Tarpey of Tarpey Insurance and Sarah McDonald of Edward Jones were welcomed to the Board. Awards to local businesses and individuals for their efforts on behalf of Wakefield and Lynnfield businesses and residents were presented. Award recipients included HD Physical Therapy, Business of the Year, Wakefield; Village Pharmacy, Business of the Year, Lynnfield; The Italian Kitchen, New Business of the Year, Wakefield; King's Bowl, New Business of the Year, Lynnfield; Unsung Hero, Patrick Sullivan, 4th of July Independence Day Committee. The Chamber also recognized outgoing co-President Suzanne Bowering for her leadership for the past five years, as well as outgoing directors and attorneys Mark Simeola and John Foley who were both named as Director Emeritus. The guest speaker for the evening was Wakefield native Tom Grilk, Executive Director of the Boston Athletic Association. During his remarks, Grilk talked about his involvement with the BAA since 1987, and as president of the B.A.A. Board of Governors from 2003 until 2011. He has served as Executive Director since 2011. In addition to his duties as Executive Director, Grilk has been the marathon's finish line announcer since 1979. He spoke about the 2013 Boston Marathon and the turmoil that followed after two bombs exploded at the finish line, as well as the heroic efforts of first responders and marathon staff and volunteers. “Congratulations to all the award recipients, officers and directors,” co-Presidents Tom Mullen and Cheryl Carroll said. “A special thank you to our guest speaker for his insightful talk about the Boston Athletic Association and the Boston Marathon.” Suzanne Bowering, (second from left) outgoing co-President of the Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce, was the recipient of the Chamber’s James Chisholm Leader in Business Award. Suzanne received the award during the recent annual meeting from Tom Mullen (left), newly elected co-President; Cheryl Carroll, co-President; and Director Ann Hadley who presented the award in memory of her father. The James Chisholm Leader in Business Award is presented to an individual or business who is a modest leader who gives all for the business community, someone who is a motivator, inspires great community vitality and is a mentor to other business leaders. Tom Grilk, (third from left) a Wakefield native and Executive Director of the Boston Athletic Association, was the guest speaker at the recent annual meeting of the Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce. Welcoming him are Chamber officers and representatives (from left) First Vice President Chris Barrett, Second Vice President Bob Sardella, Executive Director Marianne Cohen, co-President Cheryl Carroll, and co-President Tom Mullen. The Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce recognized several local businesses and individuals during its annual meeting held at the Lakeside Inn in Wakefield. The awards were presented by co-Presidents Cheryl Carroll, left, and Tom Mullen, right. Recipients included (second from left to second from right) Brian Ambrefe Village Pharmacy, 2015 Business of the Year – Lynnfield; Ed Harding and Glenn D’Addario HD Physical Therapy, 2015 Business of the Year – Wakefield; Ralph Caira Italian Kitchen, 2015 New Business of the Year – Wakefield; and Patrick Sullivan, Independence Day Parade Chair, 2015 Unsung Hero. (Not pictured is Coy Whiting Kings Bowl, 2015 New Business of the Year – Lynnfield. Wakefield native and Lynnfield resident Tom Grilk, Executive Director of the Boston Athletic Association, was the guest speaker at the Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marianne Cohen (second from right), extends her thanks to annual meeting sponsors Pat Bruno (left), PF Bruno & Co., and Janice Casoli (right), The Savings Bank and First Financial Trust, and guest speaker Tom Grilk (second from left), Executive Director of the Boston Athletic Association.