By Carol Britton Meyer

The Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce is working on several initiatives to promote the community and enhance the local economy, President Steven Greenberg told the select board this week.

Greenberg presented a 2024 year in review, along with a 2025 planning update – with a focus on enhancing community engagement and economic development in town. He prefaced the update by holding up a ledger book that detailed an April 1, 1947, meeting “of some businessmen of the town of Hull held at the Veterans Building for the purpose of creating and laying the foundation of an organization similar to a chamber of commerce or board of trade. That’s how it all started, although there may have been a merchants association before that,” he said.

The overview featured events and initiatives that were undertaken last year, along with the 98-member Chamber’s achievements.

Community events included the St. Patrick’s Day Pot of Gold; the townwide Stem-to-Stern yard sale; and the Endless Summer Waterfront Festival and Hull Holiday Showcase, which each attracted about 2,000 visitors and local customers, respectively.

“The lights are on in Hull is the message,” Greenberg said. “We’re open for business,” with a focus on the shoulder season to help maintain a vibrant economy year-round.

**NIGHT LIGHTS.** As part of its effort to promote local history, the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce will install an informational marker on Cadish Avenue near A & B Streets to commemorate the first baseball game played under electric lights. Two teams played there, on the grounds of the Sea Foam House, on September 2, 1880.

‘People love history’

Historical preservation efforts included collaboration with the historical commission in applying for a $25,000 Community Preservation Act grant to fund an historic preservation plan for the town, with the intention of applying for a matching grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

“People love history,” Greenberg said. “We are focused on improving our stewardship of Hull’s historical properties leading up to the [celebration of America’s] 250th anniversary.”

Other initiatives include creating a “first night baseball game” storyboard to commemorate the first baseball game held under artificial light – marking the inception of “night baseball” –played on September 2, 1880 on the back lawn of the then-Sea Foam House resort in Hull. The planned location is on Cadish Avenue near A & B Streets, where the hotel was located.

Employees from two prominent Boston department stores – Jordan Marsh & Co. and R. H. White & Co. (later to become Filene’s) – competed in a nine-inning match that ended in an exciting 16-16 tie.

Chamber transportation efforts include engagement with DPV Transportation, which offers ground transportation for businesses and communities, to discuss strategies for increasing bus usage and promoting mass transit in Hull and working with the MBTA to upgrade the 714 bus route, with a focus on Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and clearly marked bus stops. The Chamber has also discussed with the MBTA promoting increased use of public transportation leading up to the 250th anniversary celebration.

‘Community amenity space’

The Chamber was also involved with securing a 250-square-foot “community amenity space” as part of the Procopio Companies’ Paragon Dunes development “for welcoming community interaction,” Greenberg said.

In addition, the Chamber continued discussions with Hull Garden Club President Betsy Russo about reestablishing the beautification committee – which was recently accomplished – focused on “improving public spaces and community pride.”

Partnering with HullNext (a town-focused website) to develop online strolls showcasing Hull’s character and history and ongoing engagement with the Hull Redevelopment Authority to promote community and economic development were among other Chamber activities last year.

The Chamber is also partnering with Humans, Not Consumers to develop a marketing plan for the town, with a “buy local” component starting in 2026.

Fostering community engagement, economic development

“The Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce is committed to fostering community engagement and economic development initiatives,” Greenberg said. “We 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.”

Some Chamber members also participate in economic development committee meetings.

“How do the Chamber and the EDC work together [to avoid duplicating efforts]?” select board Chair Irwin Nesoff asked.

“We’re one town, one economy,” Greenberg responded.

Select board member Greg Grey suggested the Chamber host a forum with participation from residents and businesses from all parts of town to brainstorm and talk about things they would like to do and see happen.

“Many people have a lot of ideas and just need a little guidance,” he said, while suggesting a fish fry or lobster bake to build community spirit. “We do live in a coastal community, and residents and visitors would flock to town for such events. We just need someone to run them.”

‘It’s a paradise here’

Holding events for residents is “great,” Greenberg said, “but they don’t necessarily fuel the local economy. I’d like to see the creation of a visitor economy that adds $1.5 million a year to the local economy, creating more jobs. Take the boat to the bus to the beach and back would be a one-day Nantasket excursion. It’s a paradise here, and we already have the boat and the bus.”

Greenberg said he prefers “to pick our customers rather than have them pick us. I want to attract small groups of people who want to come here to enjoy the town and spend money.”

Recommendations for further Chamber consideration include continued collaboration with local organizations; increased community participation in Chamber functions and events; and a focus on public transportation enhancements to support local businesses.

Plans for 2025 will be presented at the Chamber’s annual meeting and holiday party on Tuesday, January 14. Those who are not members but who would like to attend should contact Greenberg at president@hullchamber.com.

Besides Greenberg, the Chamber’s executive board consists of Julie Barros, Jim Pitrolo, and Kathy Dunn.

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