Chelsea Chamber installs 2026 board, honors local businesses and volunteers

The Chelsea Chamber of Commerce installed its 2026 board and honored several local businesses and volunteers at an installation and awards reception, where City Manager Fidel Maltz and Chamber leaders highlighted community partnerships and upcoming programs.

Chamber Executive Director Jen (first name only in the transcript) opened the program and thanked members and sponsors, saying, "Serving as your executive director for the past four years has been one of my greatest honors of my career." She reviewed recent Chamber milestones, including the Discover Chelsea initiative and workforce and financial-literacy workshops offered in partnership with Bunker Hill Community College, and noted the organization’s centennial celebration planned for 2027.

City Manager Fidel Maltz told attendees the city values the Chamber’s work and praised Jen’s role on Broadway, saying, "When we are stronger together, Chelsea is prospering." Vice President Haley Desmond (identified in her remarks as a Cohen Hotels representative) read a list of event sponsors and thanked them for supporting Chamber programming.

The program included tributes and multiple awards. Arthur Rasco, introduced as the chamber president and who identifies himself in the transcript as Arthur Rasco, read a memorial for the late Donald Michael Harney, noting Harney’s long tenure as the Chamber’s executive director and his passing on January 8 at age 94.

Joe Vernard received the Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In remarks introducing the honor, Seth Felix of East Cambridge Savings Bank described Vernard’s decades-long banking career and volunteer work. Vernard accepted the award and reflected on his years of service to Chelsea, saying he remains available to help local businesses and organizations.

The Chamber presented its 2026 Legacy Business of the Year award to Cam Foods and the Mockawitz family, recognizing a family business that the program said traces roots in Chelsea back to 1909. A family representative identified as Matt (CEO) accepted the honor and emphasized the company’s long ties to the community.

The Chamber also recognized several small businesses. The evening’s Small Business of the Year award went to a business announced in the program as "Sugalon" with Sue acknowledged for long-standing community involvement and youth support. A separate small-business award was presented to Maline Garcia (real estate), who accepted and thanked the Chamber for the recognition.

David Midland was named a 2026 Legacy Small Business award recipient. Midland spoke about his 47 years practicing in Chelsea, his ongoing Rotary involvement and plans to remain active in local events after retirement.

The Chamber inducted its 2026 board members and held a swearing-in; announced board members included representatives from Eastern Salt, Global Partners, Century 21, East Cambridge Savings Bank, Bunker Hill Community College and others. Jen urged residents to support local businesses, noting economic pressures and upcoming events, including Chamber-sponsored FIFA World Cup viewing parties beginning June 11 and continued language-education cohorts (a "Spanish for English speakers" series the Chamber piloted the prior year).

The program closed with recognition of venue partner Chelsea Station and thanks to sponsors, staff and legacy board members for their support. Attendees were invited to continue socializing after the formal program.

Credits: Remarks and quotes are drawn from the Chamber’s installation and reception program transcript; names and roles are used as stated in the transcript.