By Cindy Zomar, Contributing Writer
Marlborough – Under bright blue skies July 29 102 golfers converged on the Marlborough Country Club to participate in the 45th annual Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament (MRCC), and between the dry weather and the playful camaraderie, President and CEO Rob Schlacter felt that the day was a huge success. Even a heat index nearing triple digits did nothing to put a damper on the outing.
“Since I came on board in January, I have been listening to the members and have determined that the value proposition for the new chamber is networking. It is the most effective way to grow a business. The events we are having provide that opportunity to our members, so that, by reaching out to and interacting with other businesses, their own businesses can grow accordingly. Working together does mean working better, ” explained Schlacter.
“Watching folks come off the course and gather around the hospitality area and just talk with each other, that’s what it is all about,” he added. “This is the second event we have had this year that affords that opportunity, the first being our annual Awards dinner.
“We have another event planned for Thursday, Aug. 22, as Bobby Kays, Don Landers and Doug Rowe are working hard to bring back our Steak and Lobster dinner event. Again, networking will be the key.”
The golf tournament featured a scramble start and best ball format. There were no winners on the Hole in One contests on four separate holes. Longest Drive (men) was won by John Callahan and (women) Larissa Thurston. Closest to the line was Jim Blanchino, while Closest to the Pin was won by Garrett Butt. The tournament was won by a team from Main Street Bank comprised of Matt Sullivan, Dave McCabe, Bill Poutre and Wally Dwyer, with a score of 17 under par. Second place finishers, at 16 under par, were the team of Nicholas Poirier, Jeffrey Walker, Tim Ervin and Andy Tanner. Coming in at 12 under par for third place was the team consisting of Jim Garvey, Larissa Thurston, Tom Seymour and John Hendrikse.
Burgers and hot dogs were available for lunch as golfers pulled into the snack shack area during their round, and then a buffet dinner was served at the Country Club after everyone had finished golfing. The Rolling Stogies, a wholesale distributor of classic cigars, had their traveling humidor trailer parked onsite if golfers were so inclined, while Medusa Brewing Company offered samples of their craft beers. Topping off the day after dinner, participants listened for their name to be called for raffle prizes and silent auctions. Schlacter reminded the gathering that the funds raised through the tournament will serve to offset operating costs and allow more programs to be made available for free to chamber members.
“As a nonprofit, we don’t qualify for grant funding, so we must raise the money necessary to be able to offer free seminars and other resources to our members throughout the year, giving them value-added for their membership. We are hoping to increase the number of programs offered as we go forward from here,” he added.
Major sponsors for the event included Hologic, Garden Remedies, Boston Scientific, Thrive, St. Mary’s Credit Union, Main Street Bank, Middlesex Savings Bank, BBA, DCU, The Branches, MultiSource Finance, Main Street Café, Triton Financial, S & L Sales, and Orangetheory Fitness, as well as numerous hole and cart sponsors.
Photos/Cindy Zomar
