Business & Tech

VIDEO: Keeping it Local at the Annual Newton-Needham Chamber Achievement Breakfast

The 97th Annual Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce Achievement Breakfast honored a number of local entrepreneurs and business leaders. State Treasurer Steve Grossman, a Newton resident, was the keynote speaker.

It was all about keeping business local Wednesday morning at the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce 97th Annual Achievement Breakfast. 

The event, which was held at the Needham Sheraton, featured WBUR business & technology reported Curt Nickisch as master of ceremonies and State Treasurer Steve Grossman as the event's keynote speaker. 

Grossman focused on the importance of keeping small businesses strong in the Newton and Needham communities and across the Commonwealth.

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Among the many topics he spoke about, Grossman emphasized the importance of the "main street fairness" campaign, which looks to require online companies to charge the 6.25 percent sales tax to customers in Massachusetts. 

Keeping with the theme of local, small businesses, everyone at the breakfast agreed to sign a copy of the which asks those who sign to purchase at least three items locally during the holiday season, rather than buying those items online or out of town.

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Note: A copy of the Shift Three Pledge is available in the .pdf section above. It can also be found on the Chamber's website

The breakfast also honored a number of local community members, business leaders and young entrepreneurs:

2012 Young Entrepreneur Award

  • Ben Kerrigan, a Needham High graduate
  • Winnie Chen, of Newton North

2012 Commitment to Community Award

  • Tad Staley, of Needham Bikes
  • Diana Robbins, of Newton Public Schools

RL Tennant Award

  • Former Newton-Wellesley Hospital President Dr. Michael Jellinek


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