Greater Hyannis Chamber Honors Community Leaders and Businesses at Annual Meeting

HYANNIS PORT –October 30, 2026, The Greater Hyannis Chamber of Commerce celebrated the accomplishments of the local business community and recognized five individuals and businesses for their contributions to the region during its 44th Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony Thursday evening at the Hyannisport Club.

The event, featuring the theme “A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Coastal,” brought together Chamber members, business leaders and community partners for an evening of recognition, entertainment and a look at the organization’s accomplishments over the past year.
Five awards were presented during the celebration:

• John F. Kennedy, Jr. Community Service Award: Michael Mecenas of the Brazilian Resource Center
• Patrick M. Butler Citizen of the Year: David Kuehn, Cotuit Center for the Arts
• Henry C. Farnham Unsung Hero Award: Barbara-Ann Foley, Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center
• Small Business of the Year: Garbage Gone
• Business of the Year: Contemporary Dermatology

Erica Sterling, chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, thanked the organization’s board members, volunteers, sponsors and staff for their contributions throughout the year.

“Keeping the daily work moving while organizing events and responding to the needs of our business community takes considerable effort,” Sterling said. “Much of that work happens behind the scenes, and tonight is an opportunity to recognize it.”

Sterling also emphasized the importance of collaboration among Chamber members and community partners in supporting the organization’s programs and events.
“You bring valuable experience to our discussions and help us make informed decisions about the Chamber’s future,” Sterling said in recognizing her fellow board members. “I appreciate your willingness to ask questions, consider different perspectives, and keep our members’ interests at the center of our work.”

Chamber President and CEO Marty Bruemmel highlighted the organization’s accomplishments during 2026, including several major events that attracted thousands of visitors and generated economic activity for local businesses.

Among the highlights was the annual Father’s Day Car Show on Main Street in Hyannis, which attracted more than 28,000 people and generated an estimated $2.1 million in direct local business spending over Father’s Day weekend.
Bruemmel also pointed to the success of the Taste of Barnstable event, held in June at Cape Cod Gateway Airport, which showcased local restaurants and hospitality businesses.
The evening included a cocktail reception, dinner and entertainment by Sara Sneed and her band, featuring a Dolly Parton-themed performance.

Major sponsors included Keller Company, Inc., Cape Cod 5 and the Steamship Authority.
The Greater Hyannis Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization serving businesses throughout the Town of Barnstable’s seven villages. The organization supports the local economy through advocacy, marketing, networking opportunities and economic development initiatives.