By Carol Britton Meyer

The Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce is committed to fostering community engagement and economic development initiatives and “identifying opportunities for growth of business and community, both locally and at large,” President Steven Greenberg told the select board last month as part of the Chamber’s annual update.

In his report, Greenberg outlined the Chamber’s 2025 events and initiatives, providing an overview of its activities, achievements, and future projects “to enhance community engagement and economic development in Hull.”

The executive board is comprised of Greenberg, Vice President Jennifer Freedman, Secretary Jim Pitrolo, and Treasurer Kathy Dunn, with Tara Ashe in the role of executive director.

Click here for the Chamber’s report to the select board

The Chamber continues to focus on three major events, all well-attended – the annual townwide yard sale that creates community connections; the Hull Holiday Showcase, featuring unique and affordable holiday gifts, decorations, home decor, coastal holiday arts and crafts created by local professional artists; and Endless Summer – the highly successful end-of-summer celebration that attracts about 2,000 visitors and that highlights community cooperation, with support from the Town of Hull; Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Massachusetts State Police, and local volunteers.

In collaboration with the historical commission, the Chamber is looking toward the creation of a townwide historic preservation plan focused on improving the town’s stewardship of Hull’s historical properties leading up to events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

“We’re proud of our heritage,’’ Greenberg said.

Another historical preservation effort relates to the First Night Baseball Game storyboard located on Cadish Avenue between A and B street, with special 250th-related events planned. One of these will involve the Society for American Baseball Researchers, which contributed to the creation of the storyboard commemorating the first known baseball game played under electric lights that took place in Hull in 1880.

The Chamber’s goal is to look for ways to tie its events to the town’s 250th celebration.

With regard to transportation, the Chamber has been actively engaged with the MBTA and the town focused on upgrading the 714 bus route. As a result, the connection between ferry and bus service has improved – benefiting not only Hull residents but also day-trippers. The organization also facilitated a connection between Shipwreck’d and the MBTA, allowing the restaurant to sell tickets.

Greenberg reported that the Chamber has signed an agreement to lease a 250-square-foot community space from the Procopio Companies (developing the former Paragon Boardwalk property) for $20 a year to establish a welcome center and gathering place.

The Chamber continues to have discussions with the beautification committee about efforts to improve public spaces “and building community pride,” he said.

On the subject of economic development, the Chamber continues to monitor the ongoing Hull Redevelopment Authority meetings and regularly engage with members of the HRA about options “to promote both community and economic development,” according to Greenberg.

In other news, the Chamber is partnering with HullNext, an online guide to Hull, to develop online storyboard strolls showcasing Hull’s character and history.

In addition, the Chamber was involved in the recent creation of a branding and marketing campaign involving Erin Swenson Gorall and Humans Not Consumers that was accepted by the Economic Development Committee and supported by the select board.

“We are in the process of formalizing the relationship between the EDC and the Chamber to make sure the rollout of this campaign goes as planned,” Greenberg said. “Together we will finalize and license a logo and how it can be used. An optimistic expectation is that we can generate an additional 20,000 customers per year spending $50-$100 each to our businesses.”

He also encouraged residents to invite their friends to Hull to take a walk and then have lunch at a local restaurant as an example of a way to support local businesses.

Parking was also a topic, related in part to a planned reduction in parking spaces on the Hull Redevelopment Authority property for the coming season and the new digital metering system, as well as encouraging visitors to take public transportation, with further discussion to come.

Greenberg noted that the Chamber “will continue to cultivate partnerships that support Hull’s interests, with a focus on improving the community through increased local business activity and fostering pride and prosperity for the Town of Hull.”

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