By Cindy Zomar, Contributing Writer
Photo/Cindy Zomar
Region – Steve Pickford, the Innkeeper at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury, welcomed the assembly of Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) members to a networking breakfast Jan. 17, reminding them that Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and several United States presidents had been among the various dignitaries who had visited the Inn over the years. Longfellow’s Wayside Inn is nearly 300 years old and is believed to possibly be the oldest operating inn in the United States.
With a cozy fire in the hearth serving as his backdrop, MRCC President and CEO, Robert Schlacter, stressed the importance of change and progress to the group. The traditional Networking Before Hours event took on new importance as Schlacter referred to the MRCC banner emblazoned with the words “Network, Refer, Grow.”
Nearly 20 new Chamber members joined the more veteran members for the breakfast.
“We want to encourage more local aggressive, innovative companies to maximize what the chamber is. The idea is to help generate leads and form partnerships to help each other grow,” Schlacter said.
He promised to hold additional innovative events on the Wayside Inn’s grounds as the year progresses.
Schlacter introduced the Chamber’s new chair of the board of directors, Tim Nelson, who represents Boston Scientific.
“We want to be more visible to business and community, connecting the dots. We will look at how we measure success, because when YOU succeed, WE succeed. And we’ll remember that there is always an opportunity to pivot and re-calibrate,” Nelson said.
For more information on MRCC visit www.marlboroughchamber.org.