[December 21, 2021]  SEED Corporation has selected Chris Cooney of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce as the 2021 recipient of the "Gus Yankopoulos" Regional Business Advocate of the Year Award for his volunteer service to SEED over the last 21 years. Established in 1999 in memory of Gus Yankopoulos, the award is presented annually on a merit basis to an individual who has performed exceptional work on behalf of the region’s economy. For the last 22 years, SEED has presented the winner with a Lucky print by the late local artist Arthur Moniz.

Chris is President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce and has worked in the chamber industry for 32 years. He has received awards for his service from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Cape Cod Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Bridgewater State University, and Rotary International. Chris has also served on numerous regional, state, and national boards and has received gubernatorial appointments to various statewide boards from both Democratic and Republican Governors.

Under Chris's direction, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, chartered in 1913, has evolved into the region's oldest and leading economic development and business advocacy organization. With over 1,000 members, the Metro South Chamber is a charter member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is one of only two five-star accredited Chambers of Commerce in New England. Chris is being recognized for his service to SEED as well as the Metro South region.