Letter from the Outgoing Chamber President

Outgoing Chamber President Catherine Barton Rossetti hands over the gavel to Mike Kirmes

Now that 2023 has ended, it signals the end of my tenure as President of the Reading – North Reading Chamber of Commerce. This year was the first that we could say we are living in a “post-COVID” world, although there are still many small businesses in our community who still feel the effects nearly four years after the world shut down. I’m proud of the work the Chamber did this year to help our local entrepreneurs thrive.

• The Chamber hosted 33 events for our members and the local community.
• Our membership increased by nearly 10%.
• Our Social Media Office Hours, added this year, have helped provide social media marketing training to dozens of local businesses.
• Winterfest, North Reading Town Day, The Sidewalk Stroll, and The Holiday Tree Lightings in both Reading and North Reading have become beloved local traditions, bringing together thousands of people from the two towns and beyond.

What really stood out for me was the spirit of volunteerism that is in the hearts of the people of Reading and North Reading. This became especially evident when our long-time Executive Director, Lisa Egan, stepped down from her position after nine years. Jamie Bradley had just taken the role of Marketing Coordinator that had previously been held by the highly competent Kathy Kinney. With North Reading Town Day only two weeks away, the Chamber Board and many community volunteers stepped in to make sure the day went off without a hitch.

Lisa’s leadership of the Chamber will certainly be missed, but I am excited to see the ideas and initiatives our new Executive Director, Rob Miner, brings to the Chamber. Rob was most recently Executive Director of the Bedford Chamber, where he reestablished their hugely successful “Flavors of Bedford”. Look for some exciting things to be added to our schedule this year.

Being part of the Chamber has been such a great experience for me. Owning your own business presents successes and challenges that family and friends don’t always understand. Being among a friendly group of fellow businesspeople who share that world is a wonderful feeling. Now that my term is ended, I can step back a bit and embrace the enjoyment of simply being a member among friends.

Our incoming President, Mike Kirmes, is no stranger to the Chamber. Mike is General Manager of Doyon’s Kitchen and Appliance in Reading. He has been heavily involved in many events for the Chamber, most notably as the chief organizer and manager of the Holiday Tree Lighting on the Common in Reading. He’s the one standing by the Doyon’s truck handing out the s’mores kits, meanwhile making sure when Santa flips the light switch to illuminate the Common, his team of helpers will be turning on the rest of the lights down Main Street at the same time.

I am grateful to be a part of this wonderful organization. Year after year our members renew their memberships, host our get-togethers, and sponsor our events. It’s a clear example of how your money spent locally stays in the community. I hope you will include our members in your purchasing decisions.

Happy new year to you all.

Catherine Barton Rossetti, Esq.

Past President of the Reading – North Reading Chamber of Commerce

Your Chamber Team L-R: Rob Miner, Executive Director; Mike Kirmes, Chamber President for 2024, Jamie Bradley, Marketing and Administrative Coordinator; Catherine Barton Rossetti, Past President