Saugus Chamber of Commerce elects new directors

For The ItemSAUGUS – At the Saugus Chamber of Commerce annual meeting before a group of 50 comprising of individuals from business, economic development and government, members of the Saugus Chamber of Commerce were elected to a Board of Directors.In attendance were state Sen. Thomas McGee and Bill Luster, presient of the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development (NSAED), who discussed many of the issues facing the business community.McGee said that the North Shore has been overlooked for a long time when it comes to state infrastructure and economic development resources. As the newly appointed chairperson to the Transportation Committee, McGee pledged to highlight the many opportunities the North Shore has to offer, and specifically how to address the transportation infrastructure that has for far too long been neglected.McGee said progress is being made as he mentioned the upcoming project to widen Route 1 on the Revere/Malden line, but he also said you only need to look to Saugus and the troubles with Route 1 and realize there’s much to be done.Luster said it’s essential the entire North Shore is taken into account regarding infrastructure/transportation improvements. He said in the past Route 128/95 has been the focus on accessibility to the North Shore, but that Route 1A also needs attention.Luster said the NSAED will also look to help small businesses find solutions, from health and workmen’s compensation insurance to regulatory issues.Town Manager Andrew Bisignani said the Saugus Chamber of Commerce will have a key role in economic development.”In order for Saugus to achieve the goals of economic development we will need the various constituencies in Saugus to work together and with this positive step of the reorganization of the Chamber it will add to the efforts already undertaken by the Board of Selectmen,” Bisignani said.The following were elected to the Board of Directors of the Saugus Chamber of Commerce for 2011: Richard Magnan of Richard Magnan Law, Steven Castraberti of Prince Pizza, John Smolinsky of Saugus Federal Credit Union, Kevin Tierney of Saugusbank, Peter A. Rossetti Jr. of Peter A. Rossetti Insurance Agency, Denise M. Selden of Salon 345, Susan Yee of Square One Mall, John Vasapolli of Vasapolli & Ricciardelli, Anthony Speziale of Tax Shop, Steve Castinetti of Yellow Book, John Macauda of Geriatric Assistance, Inc. and Angelo Agganis of Hammersmith Inn.