The Charles River Chamber celebrated its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts (including the 2023 Most Influential Business Leaders of Color) at its annual breakfast on Friday, June 2 (watch recording by NewTV). More than 300 people attended the event honoring Joe Prestejohn, former owner of Cabot’s Ice Cream, with a keynote speech on housing and other gubernatorial initiatives from Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.
Colette Phillips, Founder and CEO of Get Konnected and CPC Communications, Inc., led the event, urging attendees to look at Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) efforts, not as a means to “being politically correct” but as being “economically smart”.
Congressman Jake Auchincloss presented budget and Congressional updates and discussed his own initiatives, before introducing former Cabot’s Ice Cream owner, Joe Prestejohn. Congressman Auchincloss said, “Joe represents the very best of what it means to be a small business owner,” referring to Prestejohn’s service and commitment to the community, providing jobs for local kids.
Accepting the award, Prestejohn spoke about his life working in the restaurant in a community he loves since he was eleven years old. He thanked the Chamber and his fellow business community. In a surprise breakfast twist, he provided ice cream to all attendees.
Following the award, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll spoke about the Administration’s commitment to housing, and the need to reduce barriers facing housing production and get comfortable with density.
