Newly sworn-in East Boston Chamber of Commerce President Jim Kearney laid out his vision for the Chamber as he begins his term.
“To the Officers and Board members– it’s a new beginning,” said Kearney at the Chamber’s installation last Wednesday at the Hilton Garden Inn. “I will continue to ask and push you to step up and contribute to the Chamber’s presence in East Boston. Earlier this year, under my leadership, I pledged to increase the Chamber’s visibility and presence in East Boston. I can proudly say we are off to a great start.”
One major initiative Kearney hopes to accomplish is improving the neighborhood shopping districts.
“In collaboration with the Day Square Business District, East Boston Main Streets, and the East Boston Foundation the Chamber plans to fund a plan to improve the physical appearance and enhance the street appeal of the neighborhood’s four major Business Districts of Maverick Square, Central Square, Day Square, and Orient Heights,” he said.
In order to have a physical presence in one of these squares Kearney plans to move the chamber from McClellan Highway and back to Day Square.
“After extended meetings and negotiations with local business owners I am excited to announce tonight the Chamber will be moving its office back into the East Boston Business District, specifically Day Square,” said Kearney. “This move will definitely help to increase the Chamber’s visibility and presence in East Boston. I would like to thank the DiLibero family.”
Kearney also said he has set an Eastie Prosperity Agenda.
“It will be an agenda which cultivates East Boston’s unique local character, and destination as a Boston waterfront neighborhood with an exciting maritime history, spectacular views of the Boston skyline, and easy access to and from downtown Boston,” he said. “The Chamber hopes to strengthen East Boston’s economic vitality by helping to provide capacity building resources and technical assistance to local business. Also, the Chamber hopes to provide resources to educate, advocate, and promote East Boston’s Business Community. We will work closely with the City of Boston to diligently protect and grow the local business base and advocate for benefits to enable East Boston’s business to share fully in the projected economic prosperity of the ongoing development and business opportunities.”
Kearney said the Chamber would lead this Prosperity Agenda to build community collaboration, create momentum and new energy.
“The agenda will also provide a focused plan for Eastie’s success with diverse, attractive, and livable neighborhoods and vibrant, sustainable, and competitive business districts,” said Kearney.