The Commonwealth Institute, Boston, which is a major developer and supporter of women entrepreneurs and women leaders of corporate businesses, works in association with Babson College's Center for Women's Leadership, in Wellesley, to annually choose Massachusetts' best businesswomen.

Each year the Institute and the college identify the Top 100 Woman-owned or Woman-Led businesses in Massachusetts. This year, East Coast Petroleum has been so honored.

East Coast Petroleum of 235 Atlantic Street, North Quincy, a full-service, 24 hour company, is a major supplier of #2 heating fuels, diesel fuels and gasoline to residential and commercial customers, #4 and #6 residual fuels and lubricants and premium Eastline and Texaco motor oils and other products. With its licensed and trained technicians, the company also installs and services heating and air conditioning systems in more than 30 area communities.

In 1985, with women owners being almost non-existent in the oil business, Ms. DeGrazia launched her own company, East Coast Petroleum, which has grown to a business with $4.8 million dollars in annual sales, 17 employees and 7 trucks. Sales, installation and service are all meticulously looked after and guaranteed by East Coast Petroleum. The customer is the paramount concern of the company.

With its commitment to worthy social causes and goals, as well as to workplace diversity and affirmative action, East Coast has also been a good neighbor to communities. It has been a long time supporter of Father Bill's Place for the Homeless, the Marie Curry Walk Against Breast Cancer, the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, the Italian Home for Children, the Quincy School-Community Partnership and oil purchasing cooperatives in both Quincy and Dorchester.

The company, certified by the State Office of Women and Minority Business Assistance, has been the previous recipient of several honors. In 1998, Ms. DeGrazia was named New England Businesswoman of the Year by New England Women Business Owners Association. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded her its National Blue Chip Enterprise Initiative Award. Holy Cross College has recognized her achievements with its Woman of Distinction Award.

Contact Person:
Bernice Mader, Consultant for Business Development
East Coast Petroleum
(617) 773-6881
bernicemader1@comcast.net