This Week at the Chamber

We know it's the last day of August, and Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of the summer season. But you'll forgive us if we're somewhat excited to turn the calendar to September, as we've got a terrific month planned for our members!

• A fall programs e-mail will be disseminated to all members on Wednesday, highlighting some of the leaders in industry and government who will be featured speakers at Chamber events over the next few months. There will be some terrific networking opportunities coming up!
  
• Chamber Executive Vice President Jim Klocke will be representing the Chamber on Thursday for the weeekly "On the Record" segment on NECN's Business Day at 6:45 p.m.
• Interested in building your brand? Yours truly is rolling out some terrific fall specials on bostonchamber.com advertising campaigns that will help you build your visibility within the region's business community. Send me an e-mail for more details before the formal roll-out, as we can only sell a limited number of ads at this reduced fall rate.
  

As always, thank you for your support of the Chamber!

Race to the Top funding & a new twist in solar power on 'This Week in Business'

Yesterday on 'This Week in Business,' Paul Grogan, president & CEO of The Boston Foundation, joined hosts Paul Guzzi and Mike Nikitas to discuss the $250 million that the Commonwealth is set to receive in Race to the Top funding. Grogan talks about the significant impact that this funding will have on the state's schools.

Click here to view this segment.

In the Briefing Room, Howard Berke, executive chairman and co-founder of Konarka Technologies, joins to discuss renewable energy and the power of the sun. He talks about Konarka's innovative Power Plastic product and how they are shedding new light on solar panels.

Click here to view this segment.

On the Business Beat, NECN business reporter Peter Howe joins to discuss the economic impact of the recent Ultimate Fighting Championship in Boston, and a downturn in the housing market and in NFL team values.

Click here to view this segment.

'On the Record' with Chamber CEO Paul Guzzi

Last night, Chamber CEO Paul Guzzi went 'On the Record' with NECN's Chet Curtis to discuss Mayor Menino's frustration with the stalled Downtown Crossing development project, and a recent Citibank survey indicating that Bostonians are currently less optimistic about the economy than they were a year ago despite some positive economic news. Guzzi also talks about the projected economic impact of the Ultimate Fighting Championship in Boston this weekend, and an expansion of New England's favorite brand - Dunkin' Donuts.

Click here to watch this interview.

Chamber statement on Massachusetts' selection to receive Race to the Top funding

The U.S Department of Education announced today that Massachusetts was selected to receive $250 million funding in the second round of the federal Race to the Top competition. The Chamber congratulates the Legislature and the Administration for having passed significant education reforms that included additional methods to promote innovation, tools to help turnaround underperforming schools, and an increase in the charter school cap. As the top scorer in this round, this funding will help ensure that Massachusetts continues to be a strong leader in education.

The facts about Triple-E & the changing media landscape on 'This Week in Business'

Yesterday on 'This Week in Business,' Massachusetts Department of Public Health Commissioner John Auerbach joined hosts Paul Guzzi and Mike Nikitas to discuss the facts about the Triple-E threat and how employers can prepare. He talks about his reactions to the state's management of the H1N1 epidemic, and a program called Mass in Motion that is focused on giving employers the tools they need to keep their workforce healthy and lower health care costs.

Click here to view this segment.

In the Briefing Room, Dan Kennedy, a professor of journalism at Northeastern University, and Steve Safran, editor of Lost Remote, discuss the changing media landscape. They talk about the Worcester T&G beginning to charge for some online content, and a recent Comcast survey indicating that 70% of Bostonians watch primetime TV on DVR. What are the implications for the newspaper and TV industries?

Click here to view this segment.

On the Business Beat, NECN business reporter Peter Howe discusses a recent jump in Massachusetts' private sector jobs, what a year without Senator Ted Kennedy has meant for Massachusetts and for DC, and the buzz around President Obama's vacation in Martha's Vineyard.

Click here to view this segment.

This Week at the Chamber

This week at the Chamber:

• The Chamber's member services department will be meeting with members all week, as we gear up for the launch of the fall program season in September.
• The Chamber's leadership team is busy reviewing applications received for the inaugural Women's Leadership Program with Simmons College. Thanks to all the terrific applicants! All applicants will be notified of their status within the next few weeks.
  
• Chamber CEO Paul Guzzi will make his regular appearances on WBZ-AM 1030 and New England Cable News on Thursday.
• The Chamber will launch its two newest television spots on New England Cable News - focusing on "Networks" and "Leadership." We will post to the blog shortly.

The September e-Calendar will be mailed during the week of Labor Day. But, why wait until then to get informed? Contact our director of member services, Melanie Axman, and let her put together a membership plan that works for you!

Massachusetts adds more than 19,000 private sector jobs in July

Earlier today, the Chamber released the latest Jobs & Policy Update showing that Massachusetts added more than 19,000 private sector jobs in the month of July - the largest monthly private sector job gain in 20 years.

Click here to read the complete Jobs & Policy Update, including the regional breakdown of jobs figures for July.