Hundreds of business owners, civic leaders, and elected officials gathered Friday morning at the Newton Marriott for the Charles River Regional Chamber’s Fall Business Breakfast, celebrating the organization’s 110th anniversary. The event featured remarks from outgoing Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller and a conversation with Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, who spoke about housing affordability, immigration enforcement, and ongoing economic challenges.
The breakfast served as both a reflection on the Chamber’s 110-year history and a look ahead at how local business leaders hope to navigate economic and political uncertainty in the years to come.
Recognizing who came before
Chamber President Greg Reibman opened the program with a nod to the organization’s early days, sharing archival photos of storefronts and businesses from across the region. He reflected on how the business climate has evolved over the past century — and how today’s economic headwinds pose new challenges for local employers.
In one of her last addresses to Newton’s business community, Mayor Fuller reflected on lessons from her time in office, urging continued innovation, collaboration, and civic engagement across the city.
Reflecting on the city’s leadership transition, Fuller closed her remarks by saying, “God bless Setti Warren and godspeed to Mayor-elect Marc Laredo.”
Rachel Heller presented the R.I. Tenant Award to Amy Schectman, president and CEO of 2Life Communities, recognizing her leadership in expanding affordable housing for older adults. Schectman urged continued investment in programs that foster connection and economic security among seniors.
“When older adults live with joy, dignity, and community, we all benefit,” Schectman said.
The Conversation
The morning’s main event featured NBC10 Boston’s Latoyia Edwards in conversation with Attorney General Campbell, who discussed housing, immigration, and the economic challenges shaping life in Massachusetts.
Campbell criticized recent federal decisions to withhold or partially fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“We see hunger not as a political pawn, but as a human rights issue,” Campbell said.
Campbell highlighted her office’s ongoing legal efforts to preserve federal benefits in the face of lawsuits involving the Trump administration. To date, she said, the Attorney General’s Office has filed 41 suits aimed at protecting Massachusetts residents and securing billions in federal funding.
She also addressed recent workplace raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), noting the tension between state and federal authority. Campbell said her office is working to increase transparency around these actions, citing reports of masked agents detaining individuals in unmarked vehicles that an audience member brought up in the question and answer section. Campbell said these types of incidents have rattled local employers and communities alike.
Edwards noted that NBC10 Boston recently reported on a similar situation at the Allston Car Wash, where several employees were detained by ICE agents.
Campbell also addressed the state’s housing crisis, calling affordability “the number one issue” facing Massachusetts residents.
“It is too expensive to rent or buy a home,” she said. “People who are working two or three jobs, and maybe even making a reasonable salary, can’t afford to live in Massachusetts.”
Looking Ahead
The breakfast also offered attendees from across industries a chance to reconnect and build relationships. Rob Fujiwara, a development associate at the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton, said he enjoys attending Chamber events because they help him put faces to names in the local business community.
He said he felt reassured hearing how deeply community members value education and youth development, which align with the mission of the Boys & Girls Club.
“Youth is still at the forefront of people’s minds,” Fujiwara told Fig City News.
After the event, Attorney General Andrea Campbell told Fig City News she was honored to join the Chamber’s milestone celebration and connect with local business and civic leaders.
“I was delighted to be here with the Chamber celebrating 110 years, and to lift up the work we’re doing to hold the Trump administration accountable to ensure billions of dollars continue to come to Massachusetts,” Campbell said.
See NewTV’s video of the event.
