Breaking down Chamber walls

Here's a great story from today's Globe: the East Boston Chamber of Commerce is embracing the Latino business community in this neighborhood.

Anyone who is familiar with the lower half of Eastie knows that there are dozens and dozens of Central and South American-owned businesses, including many restaurants that cater to the area's huge Spanish-speaking population. It makes sense for the Chamber to integrate these businesses; otherwise, they'd eventually form their own group.

After initially feeling unwelcome by established East Boston business owners, one proprietor of a Latino eatery in Day Square said in the story, "I feel really comfortable here, now I have this kind of support."

Props to John Dudley, the Chamber's executive director (and a former student of mine), and others who saw the wisdom in reaching out. This is how community is formed and cultivated.