QCC Adjunct Professor, Businesswoman Named Chamber of Commerce Chairman

Mary Simone, general manager of the Marlborough Courtyard by Marriott, has been appointed the new chairman of the board of directors for the Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce for a two-year term.

Ms. Simone has served on the chamber’s executive committee for two years and has been an active member of the board for 15 years. She has also served as the chair of the chamber’s tourism and hospitality committee.

“As one of Corridor Nine’s top business leader in the region, Mary shares the Chamber’s passion for strengthening our business climate and driving growth and innovation in the region,” said Karen Chapman, the chamber’s president. “As the general manager of the Marlborough Courtyard by Marriott for the past 11 years and previous position of area general manager for 13 years, her expertise about the region and business development will be instrumental in helping the chamber achieve its mission to promote growth, prosperity, and quality of life for our members and communities.”

Ms. Simone also is an adjunct professor at Quinsigamond Community College where she teaches hospitality and recreation management.

“My students get first-hand knowledge of well-rounded business model, the day-to-day of the hotel operations and how networking and volunteering with the Chamber are an important part of the business model,” she said. “I am also able to make connections with my contacts for my students when they are interested in companies or career choices. Between my hotel experience and chamber experience, the students are exposed to all challenges that small and large businesses face in this ever-changing world.”

Ms. Simone has been involved with various community organizations throughout her career. Since 2005, she has been a true champion of the MOVE program with Shrewsbury High School. This program gives students with special needs an opportunity to become involved in a vocational training program. The primary goal of MOVE is to help students develop independence, self-confidence, and socially acceptable behaviors in order to function successfully in competitive employment.

“I am honored and excited to serve as the new chairman of the Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce,” Ms. Simone said. “Representing a diverse membership base, including small and emerging businesses, mid-market companies, and large corporations, the chamber has a special opportunity to build on that legacy and make a lasting impact as it begins its next chapter of growth and innovation. I look forward to working with the executive committee, the board, chamber staff, and members to increase membership and grow revenues in order to add more programs and resources that will add value for our members and strengthen the Corridor Nine business community.”