Fall is here, and with it comes a fresh season of connection, celebration, and big conversations for our Chamber community. I love seeing the energy in the room when our members come together, and the past month reminded me once again just how special this network is. 

First, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at our September Rise & Shine Breakfast. Your engagement and thoughtful conversations set the tone for an exciting season of Rise & Shine breakfasts. And later that same day, our September Social brought incredible energy to the Irish Cultural Center—we were so proud to welcome friends from County Kerry alongside fellow Chambers for an evening of genuine connection. 

Now we’re looking ahead to what’s next. On October 16, we’ll gather at Barnes Air National Guard Base for a Rise & Shine Breakfast focused on its economic and strategic importance. This event will highlight how Barnes contributes to our regional economy, supports workforce development, and plays a vital role in national defense. 

Then on November 7, we’ll celebrate one of our most cherished traditions: the Super 60 Awards. Every year, this event recognizes the businesses and nonprofits driving innovation, growth, and community impact across Western Massachusetts. This year, we’re raising the bar with keynote speaker Jessika Rozki, founder & CEO of Rozki Rides. Jessika’s story is extraordinary—an entrepreneur and leader who saw a need in underserved communities and built a thriving, minority- and woman-owned business that’s reshaping transportation in our region. Her vision, perseverance, and commitment to service make her the perfect voice to inspire us as we honor the standout organizations of 2025. You won’t want to miss this celebration. 

On December 3, at the Marriott Springfield Downtown, we’ll close out the year with another Rise & Shine Breakfast, this time tackling one of the most pressing challenges for employers everywhere: building your bench. From attracting and retaining top talent to succession planning, this session will offer practical strategies to strengthen your organization’s pipeline of leaders. 

Before we turn the page to October, I’ll also be representing our Chamber at the Greater Boston Chamber’s Transportation First event on September 24. I’m honored to join State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver and Greater Boston Chamber President James E. Rooney for a discussion on the future of highways, bridges, and transportation infrastructure across Massachusetts, conversations that matter deeply to the economic future of our region. 

This season reminds us of the value of harvest—gathering what we’ve grown. For our Chamber, that means reaping the rewards of strong connections, new ideas, and shared celebrations. By coming together at events like these, we’re cultivating the growth of our businesses and our region. Let’s make the most of this season of opportunity—so bring a colleague, join the conversation, and be part of the momentum.