The Brookline Chamber of Commerce recently gathered members, local businesses and non-profit leaders to celebrate the Chamber’s Annual Award winners for Business of the Year, New Business of the Year and Community Service Award at the VineRipe Grill of Brookline.

The Bank of Canton was honored as Business of the Year; Assistant Vice-President and Brookline Branch Manager Elaine Joseph accepted the award for the Bank. During her acceptance speech she informed her listeners by recounting the long history of the Bank of Canton, which was America’s 23rd financial organization, founded in 1835 and has links to both Paul Revere and his son.

According to Brookline Chamber of Commerce President Lea Cohen, “The Brookline Bank has taken a leadership role throughout the Town, contributing broadly to Brookline’s nonprofits, and actively supporting its businesses.”

The New Business of the Year award was given to Brookline’s Osaka Japanese Sushi and Steak House, which expanded recently to Coolidge Corner from its original location in Northampton. The Award was accepted by Jeanne Jiang, who urged the evening’s attendees to visit the restaurant for its signature hibachi dinner parties.

Brookline High School senior Jonah Morgenstern-Gaines received the 2nd Annual Business Student Achievement Award, a scholarship that is funded by the Brookline Chamber of Commerce. Jonah will attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall and plans to study business and international relations.

The Brookline Community Mental Health Center was honored with the Chamber’s Community Service Award. Brookline realtor and philanthropist Chobee Hoy, a board member at both the Brookline Chamber of Commerce and the Brookline Community Mental Health Center, presented the award, which was accepted by Dr. Cindy Price and Dr. Robin Atlas.

During the evening’s Annual Meeting, a new Board of Directors and slate of officers was elected for the Brookline Chamber of Commerce. The new Chamber President will be Fran Berger, Principal at Writeaway Communications and Marketing Director at the University of Massachusetts, Boston; Jim Solomon, owner of The Fireplace Grill, will serve as Senior Vice President; and Elaine Joseph, of the Bank of Canton, will return as the organization’s Secretary.

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