Hughes recognized for selling Lynn every day

By Henry J. Collins / The Daily Item
Friday, December 16, 2005

LYNN-Dave Hughes of Century 21 Hughes says his company has a belief they have roots and not just branches in the city and is proud to exclaim that he has had only one office for his real estate business for 30 years and that it has always been in Lynn. 

Hughes was honored Thursday morning by the Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce as its businessman of the year, and he said he was humbled by the recognition. 

"In my business we sell Lynn every day, and with the work of the Chamber and city officials that job is becoming easier with the promise the city has now," Hughes said. "I am greatly humbled with this honor. There are many great business people in the city and that is what makes this award so meaningful."

Hughes employs 30 full-time workers for his real estate business and 45 in property management. He is the largest seller of real estate in Lynn and ranks near the top in Century 21 sales in New England. 

This year he has sold $130 million in properties in the Lynn area.

"I am proud of my longtime involvement with the Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce and how well the Chamber works to promote local business," Hughes said. "I have seen many positives because of the work of the chamber and local officials that result in making Lynn a better place to live and work."

In addition to Hughes being named businessman of the year, several other Chamber members were recognized during the awards breakfast at the Porthole.

David J. Solimine Sr. and Alex Struzziero were presented with hall of fame awards. The hall of fame award is given to a business leader with a lengthy career of success in business and commitment to the Lynn area business community.

Lynn City Councilor-elect Paul Crowley was given the community service award. The recognition is given to a member who has an outstanding record of community service including volunteer participation in community improvement organizations.

The Lynn Police Department and Capt. Lenny Desmaris were given the good neighbor award. The award is presented to a non-profit organization or government agency that has been effective in improving the quality of life in the community it serves.

Don Baker, Steve Feldman, Omar Guerrero, Lowell Gray and John Olson were singled out for the community commitment awards. The recognition is for member businesses that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to doing business in Greater Lynn.

The Richard J. Rehal President's Award, presented by the Chamber president to a Chamber member who has shown a great commitment to the LACC, went to Richard J. Rehal who is retiring from Eastern Bank on Dec. 23.

Rehal, who delivered his short acceptance speech as he was returning to his seat, said, "I am retiring but that does not mean I am going anywhere. I will continue to work to improve the city and everyone has to realize how important civic work is."