More than 400 Chamber members, supporters and community members gathered Thursday at Danversport for the 104th Annual Dinner.
The crowd was addressed by keynote speaker Josh Kraft, president of The New England Patriots Foundation, who praised the Chamber for its advocacy, collaboration and educational initiatives. Highlighting Thrive’s “Networking for a Cause” nights, and the Chamber’s longstanding tradition of recognizing the top scholars from around the North Shore, Kraft commended the business community for making an impact on the region.
“You act, unite, and bring people together, and that’s really what drives all philanthropy,” Kraft told the audience.
Before sharing his reflections on social justice, Kraft thanked Chamber President and CEO Karen Andreas for issuing a statement condemning the abhorrent acts of terrorism committed by Hamas. The Jewish community needs everyone to step forward with their support and condemn antisemitism, he said.
Kraft stressed the underlying importance of maintaining compassion and respect for those around us.
“Compassion is the cornerstone of civilization,” he noted.
The Chamber also celebrated this year’s Distinguished Leader award recipients: Bernadette Butterfield, Senior Vice President, Business Strategy & Development, Groom Construction; David Eidle, SVP-Regional Manager/Massachusetts Business Banking, M&T Bank, and David Morales, General Manager, UniCare.
New Board of Directors member Jeff Doherty, Senior Counsel at MacLean Holloway Doherty and Sheehan, was announced, and the new managing board and Chamber officers were installed.
