CAMBRIDGE — Business leaders gathered Thursday evening at the Hyatt Resort for the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce’s 73rd Annual Membership Meeting and Dinner. On the menu were remarks by 2019 Chairman of the Board Lori Nagel, the presentation of the inaugural C. Robert “Bob” Spedden Award, and a Keynote Panel discussion featuring notable figures in the medical cannabis industry.

Ms. Nagel told the assembly of nearly 300, “We continue to run the Chamber of Commerce like a business,” noting that the organization’s revenue was up by 112 percent over 2017. In 2018, she said, the Chamber:
Worked to promote “Dorchester Goes Purple,” a campaign against opiate abuse;
Added a boat-docking contest and a golf event to its calendar of events;
Tracked and reported on more than 100 bills during last year’s Legislative Session; and
Awarded scholarships

There’s plenty more for current and new members to do. “The Chamber is only as strong as its members, and we need you,” Ms. Nagel said.
Gerry Boyle said since he moved to the area 30 years ago, much has happened, and progress achieved “that we cannot allow to stop.” Mr. Boyle said, “Together, we can be a positive force for progress.”
One way to keep the momentum going is to recognize those who labor to maintain it. The C. Robert Spedden Service Award was presented for the first time on Thursday, to Frank Narr.

Mr. Narr is an executive in the insurance industry and has a background in accounting. Among his extensive volunteer work, he has given his time and expertise to the YMCA and youth causes.
Mr. Spedden, who died last year, was president of the Chamber in 1980-81, and spent many years working for commercial and community progress.
“Bob was a well known and respected leader,” a statement from the organization said. “He demonstrated a real passion for the revitalization of Dorchester County and Cambridge. The objective of this award is to recognize those individuals who share a similar passion to Bob’s and are working to advance the economic well being of our community.”

Mr. Narr and his wife, Dr. Lois Narr, moved to Cambridge about 25 years ago, expecting to stay a short time. But they soon found themselves deeply involved in making their new home a better place for themselves and others.

“We believe God kept us here for a reason - to serve,” Mr. Narr said. He remembered fondly his time collaborating with the namesake of the award, saying it had been a privilege “to learn from a truly good man, Bob Spedden.”

To learn more about the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce, call 410-228-3575, log on to www.dorchesterchamber.org or visit their office at 528 Poplar St. in Cambridge.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dorchester Banner was a Diamond Sponsor of this event.