October 26, 2006
For Immediate Release

Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce 2006 Annual Breakfast Meeting and Awards Ceremony Details
Wednesday, November 15, 2006, 7:30am
Pleasant Valley Country Club, Sutton, MA

Short Bio: Thomas Cahir
Deputy Secretary
Massachusetts Department of Transportation

Thomas S. Cahir, Deputy Secretary of Transportation, joined the Massachusetts Department of Transportation in 1999. He is personally responsible for the oversight of the 15 Regional Transit Authorities throughout the Commonwealth, water transportation and freight rail capital program, bicycle and pedestrian access and all aspects of the Executive office of Transportation's rail initiatives.

He was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1985 to represent the 3rd Barnstable District. He served as State Representative for 14 years. During his tenure in the House, Representative Cahir held numerous leadership positions, which include serving as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Transportation.

While serving as Chairman, Mr. Cahir was actively involved in such issues as commuter rail expansion, the Sagamore Rotary grade separation and many other road and bridge projects across the Commonwealth. He was also the primary author of the Seaport Bond Bill, Transportation Bond Bills and the Metropolitan Highway legislation. He was instrumental in fully funding the Regional Transit Authority Capital Improvement Plan through the Transportation Bond Bill.

Mr. Cahir has been designated by the Secretary to implement the State's United We Ride and human service transportation coordination initiative and acts as the Secretary's designee, chairing the statewide Metropolitan Planning Organizations.

Blackstone Valley Farm Fresh Breakfast will be served!

We will be serving waffles, bacon, and eggs, jam, honey, whipped cream, breads, jams, maple syrup, and stewed apples donated from Blackstone Valley area farms including Houlden Farm in Grafton, Keown Orchards in Sutton, Maple Farms in Mendon, and Whittier Farms in Sutton. Some of the farms will be on hand to take holiday orders as well. Don't miss this special treat!

Don't Miss Your Chance To Win Fabulous Door Prizes and 50/50 raffle

Throughout the morning at the Annual Meeting, we will be giving away great door prizes donated by some of our members including: 2 family packs of 4 tickets to A Christmas Carol from the Stadium Theatre; 2 ornaments from Vaillancourt Folk Art; 2 sets of 4 passes for miniature golf from West End Creamery; Family Fun Pass for 16 admissions from Southwick's Zoo; $50 Gift Basket from Holiday Inn Express; Overnight Weekend Stay with Breakfast Buffet for 2 from Boston Milford Courtyard by Marriott; Box of Assorted Chocolates from Eaton Farm Confectioners; Gifts from Whittier Farms; Greenway Challenge Jacket, Hat, and Calendar from the National Park Service; and more. We will also have 50/50 raffle. Don't miss your chance to win these fabulous prizes and maybe get a jump start on some holiday shopping!

2006 Award Winners

Gerry Gaudette Extra Mile Award Scott Rossiter In recognition for his tireless efforts for education, volunteer leadership as the Chair of Alternative's Capital Campaign, and numerous contributions to the Valley community.

Economic Development Award Paula Brouillette In recognition for her vision, leadership, and tenacity in advancing the formation of the 4 Town Collaborative to support economic development in Douglas, Northbridge, Sutton, and Uxbridge.

Tourism Award Jesse Deacon In recognition of his wisdom, commitment, and integrity in advancing tourism in the Blackstone River Valley region.

Cornerstone Award Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School In recognition of the energy-efficient and benchmark-setting expansion of their facilities in Upton.

Cornerstone Award Millbury Savings Bank In recognition of the significant renovation of their historic building and providing Millbury another wonderful asset for years to come.

Cornerstone Award WB Smith Companies In recognition of their exceptional renovation of a Victorian home into new office space to stay on Grafton Common

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