MARBLEHEAD — The Chamber of Commerce recognized eight Marblehead individuals and businesses at its Community Awards Celebration and 70th annual meeting at the Corinthian Yacht Club Tuesday.
Each year, the chamber recognizes individuals and businesses that have given back to the Marblehead community. This year, the Chamber of Commerce gave out six awards to the recipients. This year’s Rey Moulton Person of the Year is Brian Wheeler, a musician who has helped plan the Festival of the Arts for decades. Melissa Stacey of Discover Marblehead received the Frank Regan Community Service Award.
“This event is a chance for us to recognize outstanding service and commitment to our community,” said Katherine Koch, the chamber’s Executive Director. “It’s a really fun night, and it’s a privilege to be able to do this.”
The chamber recognized Mud Puddle Toys as its Business of the Year and Marblehead Dollars for Scholars as its Non-Profit Organization of the Year. The Marblehead Disabilities Commission and Marblehead Harbors and Waters Board received this year’s Harbor Award. Special recognition was given to Town Planner Becky Curran Cutting and Adam Moore of Academy Mortgage.
Award recipients and about 100 of their friends and family dressed up and filled the tables in Corinthian Yacht Club’s indoor dining room Tuesday evening. Notably, 8th Essex District State Rep. elect Jenny Armini and Marblehead Select Board Chair Moses Grader were in attendance.
Guests heard speeches from award recipients as well as from Chamber of Commerce members, including President Michael Pelletier. He said the chamber is in the best financial position it has ever been in its 74 years of existence and ended his speech with a toast to “74 more.”
“We need to educate people on what the Chamber of Commerce is all about and teach them to shop local,” Pelletier said. “Small businesses are the backbone of this town and they will continue to be.”
The chamber’s Person of the Year award is given to a person who has made a positive impact on the community and “embodies the definition of a true leader,” according to the 2022 community awards nomination form. Koch said Wheeler received dozens of nominations and that selecting him as Person of the Year was a “no brainer.”
“My message is very simple: be of service,” Wheeler said. “Find a void and fill it. …I invite you all to be of service and if you get lucky like me, you will have a wonderful life.”
The Frank Regan Community Service Award went to Stacey, whose love of Marblehead is “contagious,” according to Koch. Stacey said she started Discover Marblehead four years ago to be a “nonstop shop” for tourists, locals, and those new to town.
“My grandpa grew up in Marblehead. He loved this town, and he instilled that in me,” Stacey said. “I believe that rising tide lifts all boats and that’s why we do what we do. …Thank you very much for the award but also thank you so much for your support over the last four years.”
Rachel Barber can be reached at [email protected].
