Shirley Fabbo, President, East Boston Chamber of Commerce
In an interview with Invest:. Shirley Fabbo, president of the East Boston Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the organization’s commitment to strengthening the local business landscape. Additionally, it spearheaded community events to boost spirit and visibility, demonstrating a proactive approach in adapting to demographic changes and infrastructural challenges.
What is the objective of the East Boston Chamber of Commerce?
The East Boston Chamber of Commerce serves as the voice of the business community in East Boston, focusing on networking, collaboration, and promotion. In response to COVID-19, we concentrated on assisting businesses with grants and programs for sustainability. Post-COVID, we’ve been analyzing changes and new operational methods to optimize support for the local business community. We’ve launched a newsletter for communication, and we are updating our website to provide current information. We are a smaller entity compared to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, and we maintain a small-business mindset, actively participating in events and supporting local nonprofits. Our goals include encouraging local shopping and facilitating a thriving business environment. The area has seen an influx of higher-income residents, increasing competitiveness among businesses. We’re also addressing challenges such as traffic congestion due to tunnel closures, viewing them as opportunities to capture a more localized customer base.
East Boston is home to a variety of businesses, including professional services, restaurants, and more, all catering to a residential clientele. We also have Logan Airport, which is like a city within a city, influencing our local economy. We’re always on the lookout for trends to ensure our businesses align with consumer needs. The goal is to create an environment where people want to stay and shop locally, leveraging any situation, such as the tunnel closures, to our advantage.
Can you elaborate on the organization’s programs and events to boost community spirit and business visibility?
Our efforts are multifaceted, encompassing collaboration with local cultural and multicultural organizations. We actively participate in festivals and events across the community to promote a vibrant cultural scene. Our partnerships with nonprofits, like the Salesians Boys and Girls Club and the Y, focus on supporting children’s, educational, and recreational programs, including summer and swim programs.
We recently hosted a networking and movie night featuring the 2004 movie “Miracle,” which celebrates the U.S. Men’s Olympic hockey team’s victory in the 1980 Winter Olympics. This event was not just about entertainment but also about fostering community connections and supporting Zumix, a local cultural center dedicated to dance, music, and various cultural performances.
Moreover, we facilitate ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new and reopening businesses, like the transition of Javelin’s to Rose Tapas, and celebrate local business anniversaries. These events are attended by local officials and serve to highlight the unique offerings of East Boston businesses, fostering a supportive business community.
We’re also launching a new initiative to empower our Latin community with social media and AI tools, aimed at enhancing their online presence. This will eventually extend to the English-speaking population, ensuring all businesses have access to effective branding and marketing resources. Our goal is to promote growth, visibility, and awareness of local services and products, especially in times of need, like when the tunnel is closed.
Given the ongoing labor constraints, how is your organization assisting businesses in attracting and retaining skilled labor?
We’ve been proactive in addressing these issues. Our members have been promoting specific certifications for businesses, like those in the restaurant sector, to enhance their appeal. Additionally, we’ve facilitated access to job boards through the chamber, aggregating listings from various sources to help local businesses connect with potential employees.
For instance, a local bakery is remodeling to cater to the next generation of cafe-goers. They aim to introduce offerings that resonate with younger customers, including a transformation from a traditional Italian bakery to a multicultural coffee shop with seating and entertainment options. The bakery, in anticipation of its reopening, encountered a setback with their pastry chef returning to a former employer. Through the chamber, they were able to quickly find a replacement by leveraging job boards. This is just one example of how we connect businesses with necessary resources, addressing both supply and demand issues.
Beyond individual cases, we’re also focusing on broader issues like supply and demand imbalances and logistical challenges affecting the supply chain. East Boston’s strategic location, with its robust transportation and infrastructure network, makes it an attractive hub for businesses needing efficient supply chain solutions. Despite these advantages, the skills gap in the labor market remains a challenge. We’re actively engaging with initiatives, including those by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to learn and share strategies for addressing these workforce development issues.
Considering the broad economic landscape, how have market changes affected your members and the organization?
Businesses must remain lean to thrive. We focus on understanding the successes across businesses of all sizes, sharing insights with those facing challenges in efficiency and resource management. It’s crucial for businesses to align their resources and investments for the best return. Sometimes, expanding rapidly or opening new locations without careful consideration can be detrimental. We share examples of both successes and missteps to guide companies in making informed decisions.
How is the chamber helping its members adopt sustainable practices?
Our chamber actively encourages members and local businesses to adopt sustainable practices, emphasizing recycling, net-zero targets, and efficient resource utilization. Recently, we supported a member-initiated recycling event, aligning with spring cleaning efforts to promote sustainability. We also highlight the Massachusetts Port Authority’s aggressive net-zero goals as a model for others. By directing members to resources and successful examples, we aim to foster a culture of sustainability while ensuring businesses remain profitable.
What advice would you offer to entrepreneurs looking to start their journey in the East Boston region?
For newcomers to East Boston, we guide them through the necessary processes, starting with the East Boston Main Streets organization for permits and signage. We connect them with commercial realtors from our membership to find suitable spaces. Additionally, we encourage participation in networking events to meet important stakeholders like banks, real estate firms, and local businesses. This community engagement is vital for branding and establishing business connections.
What are the chamber’s priorities for the next few years?
Our focus is on maintaining our brand and deepening partnerships within our rich community. We’re planning forums to prepare businesses for upcoming challenges, such as tunnel closures, and celebrating our history by honoring past chamber presidents. These initiatives aim to foster a collaborative business environment, ensuring open communication and shared success. Our ongoing commitment is to remain vigilant, keeping open lines of communication to address any emerging issues collaboratively. By engaging with elected officials and the community, we aim to resolve problems efficiently, fostering an environment where businesses can thrive and contribute positively to our region.
