A Year of Recognition: OpenCape Named 2025 Business of the Year and awarded Dual State Citations

Marie Oliva Chamber President & CEO presenting 2025 Business of the Year Award to Rob Bateman CFO and Interim CEO of OpenCape

BOURNE, MA – January 21, 2026 

OpenCape is proud to announce a triple honor that highlights its role as a cornerstone of digital infrastructure and economic growth in the Cape Cod and Canal Region. We were named 2025 Business of the Year by the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce and received official citations from both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the State Senate recognizing our contributions to the local economy.

The awards were celebrated at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting at the Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School in Bourne, where community leaders, innovators, and businesses came together to honor outstanding regional contributions.

Commitment to Connectivity and Economic Growth

This recognition reflects OpenCape’s mission as a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering ultra-reliable, high-speed fiber internet while fostering economic development across Southeastern Massachusetts.

Bicameral Support: State Citations

State Support for Regional Impact: State Senator Dylan Fernandes (left) addresses the audience while State Representative Steve Xiarhos (center) looks on as OpenCape Interim CEO Rob Bateman (right) holds the official Senate citation.

Following remarks from Marie Oliva, Chamber President and CEO (see video below), State Representative Steve Xiarhos spoke about the importance of OpenCape’s work with public safety, first responders, and the military before presenting an official citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

State Senator Dylan Fernandes also presented a citation from the Massachusetts Senate, his presentation highlighted the positive impact OpenCape connectivity has had on Falmouth’s downtown business district. These dual honors from both legislative chambers underscore a shared recognition of OpenCape’s role in regional prosperity and technological advancement.

OpenCape extends its gratitude to the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce, State Representative Steve Xiarhos, State Senator Dylan Fernandes, Marie Oliva, and the entire community for this meaningful acknowledgment. We look forward to continuing our mission of building a better-connected Region.