With gratitude & 2025 highlights
A message from Chamber Board Chair Angela Pitter

Dear chamber members:

As we close out 2025, I want to thank each of you for your participation and commitment to the Charles River Regional Chamber and the communities we serve.

This was a year that tested adaptability, reinforced our relevance, and demonstrated the value of steady, engaged leadership.

2025 Highlights

2025 was a landmark year for the chamber. Under Greg Reibman's leadership as president and CEO, we celebrated our 110th anniversary at the historic Nathaniel Allen House, welcomed Attorney General Andrea Campbell to our Fall Business Breakfast honoring Amy Schectman of 2Life Communities, and hosted Governor Healey, further elevating the Chamber's regional visibility and influence.

Our programming continued to deliver meaningful value. Signature events included the 27th Annual Spring Seasonings, the Annual Transportation Forum featuring MBTA General Manager Phil Eng, and the ongoing Real Estate series addressing critical housing and development challenges.

In June, we launched the Chamber's Inaugural Women's Conference, Momentum, at Wellesley College. The conference significantly exceeded expectations in both attendance and engagement, confirming strong demand and establishing a powerful new platform for the Chamber's future programming and partnerships.

Initiatives such as the Gift Card Give Back program and the Small Shops Program strengthened local businesses across Newton, Needham, Watertown, Wellesley, and surrounding communities, reinforcing the Chamber's role as both advocate and connector.

Meanwhile, our Small Networking Groups program grew to 16 active groups, expanding year-round opportunities for member-to-member relationship building.

Strength in numbers

Once again, the Boston Business Journal reported that we were the state’s 4th-largest chamber. While we said goodbye to some members during what has been, for many, a financially challenging year, we also welcomed 271 new members. Citizen memberships nearly doubled—offering a way for residents and community members (not just businesses) to be part of the chamber and support our work.

We’ve also benefited from the tremendous generosity of our annual partners, along with many individual program and event sponsors, whose commitment to the chamber is truly a commitment to our communities’ strength, vitality, and future.

Welcoming New Leadership

In January, we will welcome two exceptional new members to our board of directors. Susanne Salerno, founder of Salerno Consulting and a strategic philanthropy expert, is already serving as a Chamber Ambassador. Joe Frias, President and CEO, North Hill Communities, brings experience and insight that will further strengthen our board. Both bring the expertise and community engagement we need at this stage of the Chamber’s growth.

With Gratitude to Kent Gonzales

As we welcome new leaders, we also recognize Kent Gonzales of Northland Investment Corporation, who concludes two full terms, six years, of service to this board. Kent is one of those rare leaders who bridge design and development, with training in environmental design and architecture and a degree in real estate development from MIT.

When Kent talks about sustainability, it is not a buzzword. He is LEED-accredited, a Certified Passive House Designer, and actively engaged with Passive House Massachusetts. At Northland, he has helped advance a landmark, all-electric, neighborhood-scale Passive House development in Newton that brings together housing, affordability, open space, and community life in a meaningful way.

Kent, thank you for your leadership, clarity, and calm problem-solving. The chamber is stronger because you showed up consistently, and we are deeply grateful.

Appreciation for Greg Reibman

I also want to express our collective gratitude to Greg for his steady executive leadership and strategic vision. Greg’s ability to connect business leaders with elected officials, partners, and one another has positioned the chamber as a credible and influential voice for regional economic development. His leadership continues to strengthen our impact across all four communities, and we are fortunate to have him guiding the organization forward.

And to the Chamber Team

None of what we’ve accomplished would have been possible without the best chamber staff in the state, under the direction of VP of Operations Katherine Herer and VP of Membership & Development Lise Elcock.

My thanks to Katherine and Lise, along with Director of Membership Engagement Tracey Antaya, Member Services Manager Maxime Isaac, Public Policy & Government Affairs Manager Max Woolf, and our newest team member, Programs & Events Coordinator Gabby Mantello.

Looking Ahead

Thank you again for being part of our chamber community of more than 1,200 businesses, nonprofits, and citizen members. As the year comes to a close, I hope you find time to rest, celebrate with family and friends, and recharge for a prosperous and meaningful 2026.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful holiday season.

See you in 2026.

With gratitude,
Angela Pitter
Board Chair
Charles River Regional Chamber