The Mashpee Chamber of Commerce Announces its 2024 Annual Award Winners

Mashpee, MA – The Mashpee Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its 2024 Citizen of the Year, along with all of its award winners. All award winners will be recognized at the Mashpee Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting Dinner at The Club at New Seabury on March 27th at 5:30 pm. All are invited to attend and celebrate the Award Winners at the event and can register online at: https://mashpeechamberofcommerce.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/G2HEmG8HktxCK

This year, the Mashpee Chamber is excited to announce its Citizen of the Year: Cyndy Jones, President of Heroes in Transition, Inc.  On October 26, 2009, Cyndy and her late husband Kenneth lost their only son, Marine Captain Eric Jones, when he was killed in a helicopter crash, while flying a combat mission in Afghanistan. It was a sudden, horrific loss that would have left many people unable to move forward with their lives. But Cyndy and Ken did. They showed tremendous courage, love, and faith in forming the Mashpee-based nonprofit, HIT, that would forever honor Eric’s life, service, and sacrifice. It is a nonprofit that continues to this day, carrying on Eric’s mission of assisting his fellow troops. Cyndy devotes so much time, energy, and passion into the work that HIT does to assist local service members, veterans, and their loved ones. It’s an organization that has grown by leaps and bounds, serving nearly 1,500 individuals on an annual basis through 14 unique programs.

HIT’s growth and longevity is a direct result of Cyndy’s work. She is dedicated to giving back and ensuring that individuals and families who sacrifice so much for our country, for our community, and for our freedoms are taken care of.  The organization has saved the lives of a number of veterans. It has saved the marriages of many military couples. And it has empowered countless individuals — many of whom are suffering from the invisible wounds of service and combat — to move forward with their lives in a positive, healthy manner. None of this would be possible without Cyndy’s leadership, and without the strength she showed in October 2009 following her son’s death. She is driven to give back to others, and to give back to our community. She has made and continues to make Mashpee as well as Cape Cod a better place through her work.

The Business of the Year Award goes to Botello Lumber Company, a well-oiled machine and a Mashpee cornerstone company.  They are business savvy, proving year-after-year their business acumen.  But more than that,  they champion their employees by showing them kindness and respect throughout each day.  Botello Lumber realizes that without their employees they are unable to be who they are.  Moreover, Botello Lumber gives back to its community.  They realize that in order to make Mashpee strong, it is necessary to give back and do just that.  From donating to Cape Abilities, the Mashpee School system, the Mashpee Chamber of Commerce and more, Botello Lumber is supercharging these nonprofits to do their necessary work.  Their philanthropic perspective and business abilities in Mashpee prove that they are a force to be reckoned with.

The Start-Up Business of the Year belongs to Ashley Irene Boutique. This retail store is a welcoming store for women of all shapes, sizes, and ages. Ashley’s personality will brighten your day and her expertise in fashion will make you feel beautiful about yourself. Ashley has created a much needed community on Cape Cod where women support women and small businesses collaborate rather than divide. This size inclusive store offers amazing styles from XS – 3X and Ashley is always looking to bring in new styles and unique outfits. The outfits can be business casual, fun night out, or just a fun simple cute outfit. Ashley’s brought in a number of small businesses to help them grow and carries products from a number of small local businesses.

The Community Impact Award winner is not just a place to get craft beer! Naukabout Brewing Company has created weekly and market events in both of its locations to support locals and local vendors alike, while collaborating with various businesses and organizations to provide quality community events throughout the year. Their family friendly events create opportunities for families to spend quality time together, and are geared to each age level. By brewing and sharing Naukabout Beer, they help commemorate, cultivate and celebrate once-in-a-lifetime moments. Naukabout always looks forward to supporting and donating to many local nonprofits to bolster its surrounding community.  They are strategic in how they partner with nonprofits to help them make additional funds and truly care about other’s success.

The Mashpee Chamber recognizes its Unsung Heroes, awarding and honoring essential individuals that serve the public’s needs on the frontlines every single day, caring for us in ways big and small. We would like to recognize these often-overlooked Unsung Heroes of Mashpee. These are people that go above and beyond their day job to be exceptional, caring for others, being role models in the community, and exuding excellence. The Mashpee Chamber congratulates the following Unsung Heroes in no particular order:

This year we also Honor in Memoriam Nick Markantonis. Estia was not the owner’s first business. The Markantonis Family originated from Belmont Massachusetts, where Nick Markantonis, owner of Estia, bought his first restaurant from his family at 19 years old. He went away from the traditional educational path and built a career in business. The business started as a tiny pizza house and over the years expanded until it was a staple restaurant in the town of Belmont. The Pizza House at that time was considered the oldest continually owned and operated restaurant in Belmont. Mr. Markantonis’ love for making pizzas was incorporated into creating Estia; Cape Cod’s first upscale Greek restaurant. Estia is a combination of Traditional Greek Cuisine as well as coal-fired pizza and inspired cocktails. The restaurant in Mashpee became so popular that he opened a sister location in Falmouth.  The attention to detail and quality of food is unparalleled and a treat that all look forward to.  Sadly, this past year Nick passed away after a battle with cancer. He will be remembered for his hands-on leadership, his sense of humor, his unwavering optimism, and most importantly the care he showed for his many employees. Nick’s recent years were full of joy spending time on vacation with his family and close friends.  But his work journey was one that we won’t forget.  He created a magnificent product, while giving back to his community.  He was always willing to help others and showed support for many.  His memory will live on.

About the Mashpee Chamber of Commerce

The Mashpee Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic organization and growing non-profit organization that works diligently to promote both its year-round business and seasonal tourism economy. Through membership, local businesses can expand their reach and grow their business via networking events, referrals, educational seminars, insurance benefits and promotional avenues in digital and print media, while simultaneously strengthening the Mashpee community.  Additionally, the Mashpee Chamber works closely with the local school system to assist in the development of the next generation of employees through scholarships, job fairs, and internships.

Contact: Julie Quintero-Schulz, 508-477-0792, info@mashpeechamber.com