LYNN — More than 250 business and leaders throughout the Lynn community recently celebrated the Annual Meeting & Business Excellence Awards. Hosted by the The Greater Lynn Chamber of Commerce, the event spotlighted those who are making a monumental impact as innovators.
This year’s recipients exemplify excellence in terms of both leadership and their commitment to service. Santiago Aguilar, who founded King Movers & Storage in 2019 and has decades of experience in the industry, was named Businessman of the Year, adding yet another distinctive honor after winning the Bill Terlecky Rookie of the Year Award just last year.
Suzanne Iovanna, president of Pride Motor Group, was awarded Businesswoman of the Year for her continued work as a pioneer for women in the industry as one of the few women who own car dealerships in the country. She took over the business after her husband Michael tragically passed away in 2014.
Individual recipients also include Michael Lucerto of Inc.ubate Coworking, who was given the honor of the David Solimine Sr. Community Service Award. As both the founder and the Community Manager for their Winthrop and Lynn location, which is located on Washington Street, Lucerto’s work extends to both business and his commitment to serving the community, and he’s both a member of EforAll Lynn’s Board, as well as the Lynn Main Streets Board and is the co-founder of the Lynn Film Festival.
Christine Pierce, director of Business Development at Columbia Insurance Agency, was given the Chairperson’s Award. The organizers of the Shoe City Race Series were awarded the Lynn City Pride award, having celebrated their second-ever Lynn Hibernian 5K just last year.
Eastern Bank was named the Large Business of the Year, while McGrath Enterprises was named the Small Business of the Year.
The Greater Lynn Senior Services, which has served elderly residents for 50 years and partners with local organizations including Element Care and the members of Greater North Shore Link, was given the Non-Profit Recognition Award.
La Copa Café & Restaurant, a unique Mexican and Italian fusion spot on Central Avenue, was this year’s Bill Terlecky Rookie of the Year recipient. The Kowloon Restaurant, an iconic establishment who celebrated 75 years last August, was recognized as the Buddy Fennell Hall of Fame and hosted the event.
Town pride award winners include: Lynnfield Selectman Phil Crawford (Lynnfield), Calvin & Marrit Hastings of the Nahant Village Church (Nahant), Rep. Donald Wong (Saugus), and Big Blue Bargains, a thrift store run by parent volunteers that raises funds for local charities (Swampscott).
Employees of the Year include Ryan Sullivan of the Lynn Community Health Center, Tracy Cutillo of Rick’s Auto Collision, Yamily Baez of Healing Abuse Working for Change (HAWC), Lisa McFadden of LEO Inc., and John Hatch at the Beauport Ambulance Service.
