Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce marks 100 years of service to community

168

Michelle Mercier, current president and CEO of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, holds a commemoration for the chamber’s 75th anniversary from 1999. (Photo/Maureen Sullivan)

Michelle Mercier, current president and CEO of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, holds a commemoration for the chamber’s 75th anniversary from 1999. (Photo/Maureen Sullivan)

MARLBOROUGH – Much has changed in the city since the board of trade became a chamber of commerce in 1924.

Shoe factories have made way for biotech and life sciences; farms have turned into residential and business districts; and connections can be made with the click of a button.

Through it all, the main purpose of what is now the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce remains the same.

“It’s people to people. You need that face time,” said Sue Morreale Leeber, who was active in the chamber for more than 30 years.

RELATED CONTENT: Mercier named Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce president

Leeber remembers when the ramp to Route 495 opened in the 1990s, and then-Lt. Gov. Paul Cellucci attended the ribbon-cutting.

“The large companies came in droves,” said Leeber, who was president of the chamber at the time.

She joined the chamber in 1987, became president in 1991 and retired in 2018.

She was there during the creation of Donald Lynch Boulevard; the buildup of the east and west portions of Route 20; and the arrival of several hotels to the city. There was also the construction of the Apex Center.

“That was a huge, huge project, and it’s become a destination,” she said.

During her tenure, Leeber also oversaw the creation of the Marlborough Economic Development Corp. (“It started in my office,” she said), as well as the expansion of the Boys and Girls Club, the United Way and the regional visitors’ bureau.

She’s also overseen the chamber’s change from an all-volunteer organization to having two full-time, paid positions.

Leeber is not the only longtime connection to the chamber. According to current President and CEO Michelle Mercier, the oldest members have been with the chamber since the 1960s.

This includes Douglas Rowe, an attorney who joined in 1964.

“It’s a great way to meet people. It helps you with your business,” said Rowe. “I’ve been there a long time. It’s lots of fun and lots of work.”

One of the reasons Rowe has stayed with the chamber for so long is its commitment to helping the community, he said.

Other longtime members include Central Auto Rebuilders (joined in 1961), Downey Insurance (1964), Boston Edison/National Grid (1965) and St. Mary’s Credit Union (1965).

Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce looks to the future

Mercier considers the chamber to be an ecosystem to nurture local businesses.

“We’re in a position to be a leader in education, to bring economic success to the region,” she said.

In addition to networking opportunities, the chamber offers resources to help with employment and job training.

Through its Marlborough Regional Community Foundation Inc., the chamber offers scholarships for high school students interested in business careers; grants for teachers for continuing education and classroom projects; and scholarships for business people to increase their expertise.

“The chamber will continue to be part of the community,” she said. “There’s no shortage of things happening here.”

The chamber will cap its 100th anniversary (and begin its next 100 years) with a gala on Friday, Jan. 24, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 170 Forest St. The celebration will have a Roaring ‘20s theme; period attire is encouraged.

Tickets are $75 each. For information, contact Jennifer Campbell, 508-485-7746, [email protected].

For information about the chamber, visit https://marlboroughchamber.org/

No posts to display