Lee — In a packed banquet hall, Lee Chamber of Commerce members celebrated the organization’s past year of success, reviewing its last 12 months of activities while looking ahead to future projects and honoring five individuals who made exceptional contributions to the community in 2025.
The group met November 3 at the Greenock Country Club, 220 West Park Street, for a dinner catered by KJ Nosh followed by its annual meeting hosted by Executive Director Alex Heddinger, who assumed the organization’s top spot earlier this year.
Chamber President Doug Bagnasco presented the new board members who will serve three-year terms beginning in January: Brett Larmon (Oldcastle Lawn & Garden Northeast), Andy Consolati (Amicon Capital LLC), and Kerry McGinn (YogaLee Studio). Those newcomers join the group’s current dais of Erik Williams (Canna Provisions), Vern Kennedy (The Morgan House), and Dave Eisenberg (formerly of Adams Savings Bank).
According to Williams, who serves as the Chamber’s vice president, the organization boasts 126 members to date, an uptick of 20 percent year over year, and a tally that surpassed their 2025 goal. “As we close out another remarkable year, I’m so proud to share how far we’ve come together,” he said. “Our focus of the past few years has been growing for our membership.”
Bagnasco noted the Chamber’s recent accomplishments, including launching the town’s first Pride Day in partnership with Berkshire Pride, Lee Restaurant Week, and All Hallows Lee, “initiatives that increased participation and helped our local businesses thrive.” The group’s Flower Fund Drive added floral color to Main Street, he said, and members were responsible for renovating the Chamber’s visitor booth with the assistance of a state grant, coordinating the 2025 Founder’s Day Weekend and sponsoring an annual golf tournament resulting in three $1,000 scholarships for graduating high school seniors. Williams broke news that the organization just received a 2026 grant to revamp the Chamber’s website.
Heddinger announced upcoming projects involving the group, including hanging garland on Main Street, Small Business Saturday on November 29, and a December 6 Lee Holiday Shop Hop followed by the town’s Tree Lighting and Remembrance ceremonies.
“Here’s the thing: Keeping the Chamber strong is up to all of us,” Heddinger said. “Show up. Every mixer, every workshop and event, like a dinner, that you attend helps our community grow stronger, more connected, and more vibrant. Together, we will really make Lee shine.”
Attendees applauded the efforts of five individuals recognized for their contributions to the organization and the town of Lee, including Corporate Citizen awardee John Toole, president and CEO of Acrisure (formerly Toole Insurance Agency); Distinguished Service awardee and retired Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy DeVarenness, market manager of Lee Farmer’s Market; Lifetime Achievement for Contributions to the Lee Community awardee Susie Brown, a 38-year Lee Bank employee who is currently the company’s senior vice president of human resources and administration; Lifetime Achievement for Contributions to the Cultural Landscape of the Berkshires awardee Laurie Norton Moffatt, the retiring director and CEO of the Norman Rockwell Museum; and Volunteer of the Year awardee Joshua Bloom, who serves and has served on multiple local boards including the Lee Youth Commission.
Heddinger told The Berkshire Edge that the evening’s turnout was “more than what we were anticipating,” attributing the 110 attendees to “community support and the buzz about Lee.”
