"There is an unknown, yet common thread that connects us all together and even though we have our own 'networks' we need to choose to recognize it and benefit from it," says Dean Coe, Sandwich Chamber of Commerce charter member and membership committee chairman.

Although not wanting to 'wane philosophical,' he says he's thrilled with this amazing sense of caring and support that is the fabric of our society and easily found in our community. It not only applies in the business world but in our personal lives as well. Soon after talking with Dean, you realize he is exactly one of those people you want to be connected with!

Most agree that the strength and success of the Sandwich Chamber has come from the combined efforts of many people. The creation of the organization came about to serve the local needs of the businesses in Sandwich. It was a natural evolution. Everyone soon realized that the town was big enough to support the venture and now, almost 3 years later the Chamber is fast approaching 300 members!

Dean is currently a realtor for Sotheby's Real Estate in Sandwich where he works with 'extremely smart, credible individuals.' He also owns an executive recruiting firm in Sandwich. "For the past 20 years, I've been a professional matchmaker - connecting people with cultures, whether it's matching them with a new employer or with a residential or commercial property!"

Community activism isn't new for Dean or his family. When the no name hurricane wiped out the Sandwich Boardwalk in 1991, he stepped up to the plate (or the boardwalk in this instance) and became the Chairman of the Sandwich Boardwalk Reconstruction Committee. "It was just great to see everyone respond to our efforts." Dean has also volunteered his time for the United Way.

He and his daughter, Wendy trained to become spokes people for the New England Organ Bank (NEOB). Last month, Dean and his wife, Ley spoke to a crowd of over 300 at a 'Go Red' luncheon for the local chapter of the Heart and Stroke Association. At one time Ley was on an organ donor list for a new heart. Like her husband, Ley has deep ties to the Cape where she has been a social worker, active with Hospice and the housing assistance corporation, a volunteer at Heritage Museums and Gardens and an itinerate organist at several churches on the Upper Cape.

Dean and his family have called Sandwich home for almost 25 years. He moved to Sandwich in part for easy off-Cape access. He also loves the water and has been an active sailor and kayaker.

Dean and Ley have two children. His son, Scott and his family live in Boulder, Colorado and their daughter Wendy lives in nearby Plymouth with her family.

P. Pry, 3.11.07