The 78th Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Powderhouse Awards event took place on Thursday, December 5.

By Harry Kane

Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne delivered an impactful speech about fostering stronger connections with youth during the 78th Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Powderhouse Awards event on December 5.

Awards were presented to recipients and speakers addressed the Chamber, mentioning their progress and plans for the future to enhance the relationships between the community and local businesses at the Somerville Holiday Inn.

“Our youth are our future,” said Mayor Ballantyne. “We have an opportunity to help their imagination soar when it comes to their futures.”

The city is exploring ways of helping kids connect with the business community through classroom visits, internships and work study programs.

“In the coming year, I ask that you also partner with us to expand our support of youth next year,” Mayor Ballantyne said. “Open your doors to student tours, join our youth job programs, offer internships or demos, get involved with youth initiatives, create student challenges and together we can open doors.”

The Chamber has been going through a transition period. Former Alderman Jack Connolly has been filling in as an interim President/CEO after former President Stephen Mackey retired following 29 years of service. Wendy Dalwin will be the Chamber’s incoming Executive Director.

“We are thrilled to have you at the helm,” said Mayor Ballantyne, pointing at Dalwin, as the crowd applauded.

The mayor acknowledged her economic development team, and then went on to thank the Holiday Inn for their contribution and hospitality. The Inn has been open for 50 years, and the city recognized their “significant contribution” with a Mayoral Citation. General Manager Sean Smith accepted the Mayoral Citation on behalf of the hotel and the Distinctive Hospitality Group.

“The city and our businesses are facing the headwinds of higher interest rates, supply chain issues and lingering pandemic impacts,” Mayor Ballantyne said.

Yet, the mayor said she is “bullish” on Somerville’s financial state for the coming year.

“We’ve got a thriving life science sector and a diverse and growing incubator scene,” Mayor Ballantyne said. “We have a celebrated food scene that offers everything from pupusas and burgers to craft cocktails and celebrity chefs.”

Some 50 small businesses opened their doors in Somerville in the last 11 months, according to the city.

“Somerville is now a solid member of the biotech corridor. Lab buildings now dot our city, retail is expanding; we are the climate tech hub of the Northeast,” Mayor Ballantyne said.

The City of Somerville’s New Small Business Vitality Grant program, which is now finished, was a big success, the mayor explained. Over 90 grants were awarded to small businesses, offering rent support and technical assistance.

“Our arts scene continues to thrive and drive our economy,” the mayor added.

The mayor raised a toast to the incredible businesses that make up Somerville. “Here’s to the continued success and collaboration.”

Chairperson Adam Portney said this year was unique because the Chamber was in transition.

“I want to thank Jack Connolly,” said Portney. “You came out of retirement, punching harder than Mike Tyson this year, buddy. Thank you for stepping back in our ring in the interim.”

The John W. Fitzgerald Lifetime Achievement Award went to Patrick Cain. He formed the Cooper-Cain Group, which is an internet security and technology consultancy based in Boston.

Portney thanked Cain for going above and beyond for the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Somerville.

“Pat, your contributions have shaped the Chamber and the community in ways that are immeasurable,” Portney said. “This lifetime achievement award is just a small token of our appreciation for everything you do.”

Keynote speaker Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio congratulated the award recipients. “Thank you for whatever it is that you’ve contributed to this community. You are in the trenches every single day, making Somerville thrive, not just survive.”

Bunker Hill Community College and Verizon sponsored the event.

“It’s extremely noteworthy to mention the contribution the City of Somerville has had with Bunker Hill Community College,” said Jack Connolly. “There are many success stories.”

This year Bunker Hill Community College is focused on teaching English to non-native speakers and getting them ready for the workplace, said Kristen McKenna, Dean of Development at Bunker Hill Community College.

“I think that is going to be a very positive addition to our program,” said McKenna. “We’re doing it from the very beginning level, so if you just barely speak English, we are still infusing the career readiness and workforce piece into the program all the way up to the higher levels.”

Connolly later introduced Cathleen Finn, a co-sponsor from Verizon, and said she had been a “great community partner here in the city and here at the Chamber.”

“At Verizon we love small business,” Finn said. “I would like to thank the Chamber for its resilience.”

Powderhouse Award Recipients

Ms. Jess Willis
Distinguished Service to the Somerville Chamber

Riverside Community Care Corp.
Distinguished Service to Greater Somerville

The Center for Teen Empowerment
Non-Profit of the Year

Josephine
Excellence in Dining and Nightlife

Diesel Café
Business Neighbor of the Year

Stepwise
Green Business of the Year

Davis Squared
Small Business of the Year

Somerville Police Chief (Ret.) Charles Femino
Excellence in Public Service

Triumvirate Environmental
Excellence in Economic Development

Mr. Patrick Cain
John W. Fitzgerald Lifetime Achievement Award