Saugus Business Partnership

Partnership Press Releases

Saugus Business Partnership Holds 2005 Annual Meeting

Saugus, MA

In only two years, the Saugus Business Partnership (SBP) has donated over $50,000 to many Saugus organizations, individuals and groups as part of the SBP's overall mission to improve and enhance the quality of life in Saugus for residents and the business community.

Officers of the Saugus Business Partnership (SBP) recently welcomed Fox 25 sports reporter Mark Okerbloom, second from left, to the organization's recent annual meeting. Okerbloom was welcomed by SBP Treasurer John Smolinsky, left, Clerk Jim McIver, second from right, and President Donald Wong.

SBP Treasurer John Smolinsky delivered that exciting news at the second annual meeting of the SBP help recently at Kowloon Restaurant.

This is an extraordinary accomplishment considering that we've just begun our third year, Smolinsky said in his welcoming remarks. That's a big chunk of change to come from such a small group! We are a small but dedicated and committed group of civic minded business leaders.

In that short period of time, we have also garnered the attention of a great many people within the infrastructure of our community. The Saugus Business Partnership is an organization of 'DOERS', not a lot of talk and fluff. We talk the talk and we walk the walk!, he added.

When we are asked to do something and we say it will be done - it gets done.

Fox 25's Mark Okerbloom, second from left, spoke to members of the Saugus Business Partnership (SBP) about sports in New England and beyond as the guest speaker at the second annual meeting of the SBP. Attorney Bill Doyle, left, SBP Clerk Jim McIver, second from right, and Dean Murphy of Kelly's, right, had an opportunity to ask questions of the guest speaker after the meeting.

Specifically he highlighted some of the financial support and/or donations during the past year:

  • Saugus YMCA
  • Saugus Historical Society
  • Saugus Senior Center
  • Saugus Public Library 2nd annual wine tasting
  • The Saugus Little League World Series Park
  • Saugus High School Hockey team
  • The Adopt-a-School program
  • "Saugus Speaks Out"

In addition to the Saugus organizations, the Partnership is a major sponsor of the North Shore Spirit baseball franchise that provides a family-friendly environment and experience for many local families.

These are the most recent donations and are only a small sampling of the many and various groups we have assisted with the donations of funds during the past two years, Smolinsky continued.

While financial support plays a prominent role in SBP contributions to the community, many of its founding and charter members are active in several community organizations.

  • Adopt-a-School Program
  • Saugus Public Library Board of Trustees
  • Saugus Business Education Collaborative (SBEC)
  • Board of the Saugus Library Foundation
  • The Saugus High School Scholarship Fund Board
  • Saugus Lions Club
  • "Saugus Speaks Out"

Before introducing guest speaker Mark Okerbloom, a sports reporter for Fox 25-TV, Smolinsky recapped the last meeting of the SBP, a meeting which included the presentation of a community service award to North Shore Spirits owner Nick Lopardo.

The recap of the award was a fitting segue to the introduction of the guest speaker. Mark Okerbloom gave a background of his career, providing interesting stories and anecdotes about the New England sports teams and fans. A native of Winchester, Massachusetts, Okerbloom spoke about his career path as well as the opportunities he has had as a sportscaster in his own backyard.


Founded in 2003 by four local business leaders, the Saugus Business Partnership (SBP) was created to improve and enhance the quality of life in Saugus. The SBP works to keep local programs up and running, and is committed to research, analyze and develop policy on issues affecting the economy in Saugus.