Mayor Menino Declares Snow Emergency Effective Tomorrow at 9AM

Yes, more snow is on the way! Important update for Chamber members on the latest snow storm to hit our region. Mayor Menino has declared a snow emergency in Boston, and a parking ban will go into effect on the city streets effective at 9 a.m. tomorrow. Commuters are advised to use public transportation tomorrow where possible.

For more information, visit the city of Boston snow information web page.

New England Cable News has the latest weather forecast below:

Governor Patrick to Address Government Affairs Forum on Feb. 17 - UPDATE: DATE MAY CHANGE

This just in, Governor Deval Patrick will be the featured speaker at our next Government Affairs Forum on Thursday, February 17.

We'll have more info shortly, including a link to register for the breakfast event.


** IMPORTANT UPDATE ** We are in contact with the Governor's office about possibly re-scheduling this breakfast event. We will send around more information as soon as it's available.

Business & government working together to create jobs

Yesterday's Boston Globe featured a great article by Secretary Greg Bialecki, Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, titled "Investments Play to Stength of Commonwealth."

The article provides examples of how Governor Patrick's targeted investments in innovation, education, and infrastructure are accelerating Massachusetts' economic recovery.

Click here to read more.

Chamber Honors 8 Outstanding Women at the 2011 Pinnacle Awards

We just finished uploading more than 150 pictures from yesterday's Pinnacle Awards luncheon to the Chamber online photo album.


More than 800 Chamber members braved the snow yesterday to join us at the 2011 Pinnacle Awards. Master of ceremonies Lisa Hughes of WBZ-TV joined Women's Network chair Penni Conner of NStar and Chamber CEO Paul Guzzi to present the awards to eight deserving women leaders in Greater Boston:

• Lifetime Achievement: Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall (Retired), Supreme Judicial Court;
• Achievement in Entrepreneurship: Sandy Lish, Co-Founder & Principal, The Castle Group;
• Achievement in Management, Private Sector: Pam Hamlin, President, ArnoldWorldwide
• Achievement in Management, Government: Dr. Carol Johnson, Superintendent, Boston Public Schools;
• Achievement in Management, Non-Profit: Frederica Williams, President & CEO, Whittier Street Health Center;
• Achievement in the Professions: Santa Sasena, Partner, PwC;
• Excellence in Arts & Education: Dr. Katherine Sloan, President, Massachusetts College of Art & Design; and
• Emerging Executive: Esther Lopez, Executive Director, Martha Eliot Health Center, Children’s Hospital Boston.
  

Those in attendance were treated to some inspiring speeches from each of the honorees, who conveyed stories of the inspirations and motivations in their lives while encouraging those in the audience to act as mentors in the community. Special guests included students from Wayland High School, members of the Chamber's inaugural Women's Leadership Program, past Pinnacle Awards honorees, and elected officials including Senate President Therese Murray.

Read the live recap of the event on the Chamber's #2011Pinnacle Twitter feed. And view pictures on the Chamber's online photo album.

The Chamber would like to thank the sponsors who made this event possible.– Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, Seyfarth Shaw LLP, and the TJX Companies.

"On the Record" With Chamber CEO Paul Guzzi

Last night, Chamber president & CEO Paul Guzzi went "On the Record" with NECN's Latoyia Edwards, where he discussed the latest budget proposal by Governor Patrick, a potential merger of health insurance companies, and the plans for a Vertex Pharmaceuticals move to Boston's waterfront. Watch the video below.

Pinnacle Awards Attendee Information

The snow has stopped, and we're heading over to the Westin Boston Waterfront shortly to set-up for today's Pinnacle Awards luncheon. We look forward to seeing many of you today!

As a reminder, the complete list of honorees and their profiles can be found here.

Registration will open at 11:30 a.m. There is a convention being held next door at the BCEC, so we do encourage folks to allow a few extra minutes for transportation, and to take public transportation whenever possible. The hotel's transportation options web page has all the details on parking and public transportation options.

Also, walk-in registrants are welcomed! There are more than 800 people already registered to attend, and the event is open to both members and non-members. This is a terrific networking opportunity, and a chance to hear from some of our region's most accomplished female leaders!

Lastly, if you're planning on tweeting from the luncheon, use the hashtag #pinnacle so we can re-tweet your updates! If you're not already, follow @bostonchamber on Twitter. We'll post pictures from the event tomorrow to the Chamber's online photo album.

Video of This Morning's Government Affairs Forum with Martha Coakley

More than 200 Chamber members attended this morning's Government Affairs Forum with Attorney General Martha Coakley. Watch the entire program below - Martha Coakley's remarks begin at the 3:30 mark of the video.

Tomorrow's Pinnacle Awards Luncheon Will Proceed as Scheduled

Are you one of the 800 Chamber members signed up to attend tomorrow's Pinnacle Awards luncheon? We’re looking forward to seeing you tomorrow! Fortunately, the latest forecast shows that the snow will cooperate with our celebration and stop falling by tomorrow morning.

As a reminder, the Pinnacle Awards will be held tomorrow from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Westin Boston Waterfront. As there is a convention being held next door at the BCEC, we do encourage folks to allow a few extra minutes for transportation, and to take public transportation whenever possible. Visit the hotel’s transportation options web page for more information on getting to the venue.

Thank you for your involvement and support. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

WEATHER UPDATE: Mayor Menino Declares Snow Emergency

Are you parked on a city street this evening? Important update for Chamber members on the latest snow storm to hit our region. Mayor Menino has declared a snow emergency in Boston, and a parking ban will go into effect on the city streets effective at 7 p.m. tonight.

From the city of Boston website:

Mayor Menino reminds residents of the following:

• During a Snow Emergency, parking is prohibited on all major arteries in Boston. These streets are posted with “Tow Zone No Parking During Snow Emergency” signs.
• A listing of major arteries and alternate parking can be found at http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking/.
• On streets other than major arteries, do not park within 20 feet of an intersection or further than one foot from the curb, as this impedes access for both emergency vehicles and snow plows.

For more information, please click here.

Recap of This Morning's Government Affairs Forum with Martha Coakley

More than 200 Chamber members came out this morning to hear from Attorney General Martha Coakley at the Chamber's latest Government Affairs Forum. During her remarks, Coakley announced the formation of two new divisions within the Attorney General's office that will focus on financial fraud and public corruption respectively.

Click here to view pictures from the breakfast.

We'll post video of her address tomorrow morning. Read a recap of the event in the press coverage in the links below:

• Boston Herald: AG Martha Coakley will form public corruption, white-collar crime unit
  
• Boston Globe: Coakley pledges crackdown on corruption, fraud
• AP: Attorney General Martha Coakley proposes extra focus on public corruption
  

Thank you to Bank of America for sponsoring the Government Affairs Forum. Our next Government Affairs Forum will be a luncheon on March 7 with Larry Summers. Click here to register for that event.

To sign-up for e-mail updates on upcoming Government Affairs Forum breakfasts, click here.

2011 Event Calendar Keeps Growing

When is the last time you checked out the Chamber's calendar of events?

In the past few weeks, we've added numerous speaking programs, networking receptions, and best practices workshops. There is something for every member company! Here is a quick sample of upcoming events:

• Free 2011 Economic Outlook Breakfast with Sovereign Bank
  
• Free "Boston After Five" networking reception at the new Ames Hotel
  
• 102nd Annual Meeting and Dinner - our premiere event of the year
• Free "Best Practices Seminar" on online marketing and social media
• Government Affairs Forum with Senate President Therese Murray
  

Be sure to bookmark our online calendar and check back frequently. Also, if you're reading this blog you should sign up to receive communication from the Chamber - it will only take a few minutes. From our monthly calendar of events to our public policy update, we'll keep you informed and keep your network growing.

For more information on how you can take full advantage of your Chamber membership, get in touch with our director of member services Melanie Axman. Tell her Dan sent you!

Listen to the Chamber's "Renew Mass" WBZ Radio Spot

As part of the launch of the Chamber's 2011 "Renew Mass" policy agenda, Paul Guzzi recorded two radio spots this week that will air on WBZ-1030 AM over the next two weeks during the morning commute.

Take a listen:





Visit the "Renew Mass" web portal for complete information on the Chamber's 2011 "Renew Mass" policy agenda, including a download-able PDF file.

Taking a look at the US-China Summit on 'This Week in Business'

Yesterday on This Week in Business, Boston College Professor Jun Qian joined host Paul Guzzi and NECN business reporter Peter Howe to weigh in on last week's US-China Summit and what it might mean for New England.



In the Briefing Room, Paul and Peter discuss the latest Massachusetts jobs report. They also take a look at news in the entertainment industry as the NBC, Comcast merger is finalized and controversy around the Massachusetts film tax credits heats up.



On the Business Beat, Paul and Peter talk about changes to President Obama's Economic Advisory Panel, a shake-up at Massport, and the future of Apple.

Genzyme CEO Henri Termeer addresses Chamber members

Last week, Genzyme chairman, president, and CEO Henri Termeer spoke to members of the Greater Boston business community at the Chamber's Executive Forum. Termeer spoke about the company's growth and achievements in recent years, and also commented on the growth of the biotechnology industry.

Click here to view photos from this event.

Tune into the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Boston Business Journal, Reuters, and Mass High Tech for highlights from Termeer's address.

Don't forget to register for the next Executive Forum with Jay Hooley, president & CEO of State Street Corporation, on March 24. Click here for more information.

The Chamber would like to thank Citibank for sponsoring the Executive Forum series.

A shake-up at Massport 'On the Record'

Last night, Chamber CEO Paul Guzzi went 'On the Record' with NECN business reporter Peter Howe to discuss Transportation Secretary Jeffrey Mullan's appointment to chair of the Massport board, Massachusetts' jobs report for December 2010, challenges and opportunities presented by this week's China Summit, and the Chamber's 2011 Public Policy Agenda.

Chamber launches 2011 Public Policy Agenda

With a new legislative session underway, the Chamber has outlined a 2011 Renew Mass Public Policy Agenda designed to drive job growth and improve the economic future of all who live and work in the Greater Boston region. The 2011 agenda incorporates feedback from our membership, and is designed to strengthen the Massachusetts economy by focusing on four critical areas: Tax Competitiveness, Workforce Development, Reform, and Economic Development.


Please click here to view the complete 2011 agenda.

The future of Evergreen Solar & Verizon's iPhone deal on 'This Week in Business'

Sunday on This Week in Business, Boston Business Editors George Donnelly of the Boston Business Journal, Steve Syre of the Boston Globe, and Frank Quaratiello of the Boston Herald joined hosts Paul Guzzi and Mike Nikitas to discuss the New England economy and provide input on the future of Evergreen Solar and Genzyme. The editors also talked about Boston Mayor Thomas Menino's 2011 priorities.



In the Briefing Room, the editors weigh in on Verizon's iPhone deal and share stories that their papers are focusing on.



On the Business Beat, NECN business reporter Peter Howe joins to talk about the announcement of a new UMass president, the auto industry's comeback, rising gas prices, and MA film tax credits.

A new UMass president announced 'On the Record'

Last night, Chamber CEO Paul Guzzi went 'On the Record' with NECN's Mike Nikitas to discuss what's ahead for new UMass president Robert Caret, a recent Federal Reserve Beige Book survey about economic conditions, and the Evergreen Solar announcement to close its plant in Devens and cut 800 jobs.

New political leadership & what is means for business on 'This Week in Business'

Yesterday on This Week in Business, Peter Meade, President & CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, joined hosts Paul Guzzi and Mike Nikitas for the first show of 2011.  Meade discussed what new political leadership in Congress and new priorities on Beacon Hill will mean for businesses this year.



In the Briefing Room, Duncan Richardson, EVP & Chief Equity Investment Officer at Eaton Vance, joined to discuss how new political leadership will effect the economy and the stock market. Richardson talks about what businesses can expect economically in 2011.



On the Business Beat, NECN business reporter Peter Howe weighs in on Paul Levy's decision to resign from Beth Israel, changes at BJ's, Shaws, and Wegmans, Goldman Sachs' Facebook investment, and Larry Summers' return to Massachusetts.

Chamber 2011 Calendar of Events

This month, the Chamber officially kicks-off an exciting line-up of 2011 programs & events. Don't forget to register for our great programs in our Government Affairs Forum, Executive Forum, Women's Network Breakfast, Innovation Forum, plus our free events and annual events. Below are highlights from our January event calendar:

January 11

Chamber Networking Group
Location: Rebecca’s Café, One Beacon St.

7:45-9:00 a.m. Registration & Networking

Free; Members Only

January 19

Executive Forum
Henri Termeer, President, Chairman, & CEO, Genzyme

Location: Four Seasons Hotel

7:45 a.m. Registration & Networking, 8:10-9:00 a.m. Program

Sponsored by: Citibank

January 26

Government Affairs Forum

Attorney General Martha Coakley

Location: InterContinental Boston

7:45 a.m. Registration & Networking, 8:10-9:00 a.m. Program

Sponsored by: Bank of America

January 27

Annual Pinnacle Awards

Location: Westin Boston Waterfront

11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Sponsored by: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Seyfarth Shaw, LLP, TJX Companies

Corporate tax rate lowered in MA

As of January 1, 2011, Massachusetts businesses will see some tax relief. The corporate tax rate has been lowered to 8.25% from 8.75% and is expected to save corporations an estimated $148.5 million in the current fiscal year. The financial institution excise rate will also be lowered to 9.5% from 10%.

Startups will see some relief, as well. As part of the Chamber's Renew Mass agenda, the "3-in-3 Investment Incentive" was enacted at the end of the last legislative session, and will now lower the capital gains tax rate for stock sales in some Massachusetts startup companies.

To read more about tax changes, visit the Boston Herald and the Boston Business Journal.