Genzyme CEO Henri Termeer joins This Week in Business for an exclusive interview

On Sunday's edition of This Week in Business, Genzyme chairman, president & CEO Henri Termeer joined hosts Paul Guzzi and Mike Nikitas for an exclusive interview about the recent announcemnet of Genzyme's sale to Sanofi-Aventis for $20.1 billion.



In the Briefing Room, Rob Mechanic, senior fellow at the Heller School at Brandeis University, joined to discuss Governor Patrick's new proposal to contain the Commonwealth's escalating health care costs.



In the show's final segment, Dan O'Connell, president of the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, joined to discuss Governor Patrick's upcoming trade missions to Israel and Britain. He'll be joining the governor for the 10-day trip early next month and talks with Paul and Mike about the goals of the missions.

Governor's plan to cut health costs 'On the Record'

Last night, Chamber CEO Paul Guzzi went On the Record with NECN's Mike Nikitas to discuss Governor Patrick's address to the Chamber and his proposal to control health care costs, the sale of Genzyme to Sanofi for $20.1 billion, and an increase in Massachusetts exports in 2010.

More than 600 Chamber members attend Government Affairs Forum with Governor Patrick

This morning, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick addressed more than 600 Chamber members at a Government Affairs Forum at the InterContinental Hotel. Governor Patrick focused on phase two of health care reform in the Commonwealth: payment reform and cost control. The Governor called on members of the business community to get involved in the coversation and unveiled a new proposal that shifts from the current fee-for-service systems and moves toward global payments. The Governor said he is filing legislation this week.

To view photos from today's event, click here.

A full broadcast of this forum can be heard on WBUR 90.9 this Sunday, February 20, at 8:00pm. Click on the links below to read press coverage of this event:

• Boston Globe: Patrick prosposes health fee overhaul
• WBUR: Introducing...Massachusetts health care reform, part 2
• Boston Globe: Mass. gov. unveils plan to curb health care costs
• Boston Herald: Gov. Deval Patrick to meet today with Sanofi, Genzyme CEOs to discuss job losses
• Boston Globe: Patrick: 'Something must be done' about health costs
• WBUR: Patrick unveils plan to curb health care costs

Don't miss the next forum in the Government Affairs series with Larry Summers, former director of the Obama Administration's National Economic Council, on Monday, March 7. Click here for more information or to register.

The Chamber would like to thank Bank of America for sponsoring this important series.

Video of Governor Patrick's Address to the Government Affairs Forum

Earlier today, Governor Deval Patrick addressed more than 600 Chamber members at the Government Affairs Forum where he announced legislation aimed at controlling the cost of health care in Massachusetts. Watch his entire speech below - the Governor's remarks begin at the 8:00 mark.

Recap of Today's Best Practices Seminar: "Digital Strategies to Build Your Brand"

More than 70 Chamber members got an early start to their day this morning at the Metro Meeting Center for the Chamber's Best Practices Seminar. "Digital Strategies to Build Your Brand" was led by Stephanie Rogers and Mike Kirkpatrick, both Senior Directors with PARTNERS + Simons. The seminar covered web design, social media, mobile applications, and local media - or "SoLoMo" as our presenters put it.

Click here to read a recap of today's seminar on the Chamber's Twitter feed.

Our next Best Practices Seminar will be held on April 27, and is entitled "Train Your Head to Think on its Feet" - click here for more information. Thank you to Fitcorp for sponsoring this morning's event.

If you're not already, be sure to follow the Chamber on any of our social media vehicles below!

Boston Business Editors discuss President Obama's address to the US Chamber on 'This Week in Business'

Yesterday on This Week in Business, Boston Business Editors George Donnelly of the Boston Business Journal, Frank Quaratiello of the Boston Herald, and Michael Warshaw of the Boston Globe joined hosts Paul Guzzi and Mike Nikitas to discuss President Obama's address to the US Chamber of Commerce. The editors also weigh in on Governor Patrick's upcoming trade missions to Israel and Britain and his recent trip to DC.



In the Briefing Room, the business editors discuss President Obama's call for a renewed investment in the nation's high-speed rail system and expanding the Massachusetts film industry. They also share stories that their own papers are focusing on and make predictions for stories in the week ahead.



On the Business Beat, NECN business reporter Peter Howe joins to talk about a BCBS program incentivizing employees at small businesses to seek care at cheaper hospitals, the Massachusetts Senate's vote to freeze unemployment insurance rates, Verizon finally getting the iPhone, and the loss of Ken Olsen.

NYT CEO Janet Robinson addresses the Chamber

Yesterday, New York Times Company president & CEO Janet Robinson spoke to the Chamber's Women's Network. In front of an audience of more than 300 Chamber members at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, Robinson shared her professional journey and spoke about the changing media landscape. She also discussed her tenure at the Times and changes being made this year to institute a paid online content model. Robinson gave her thoughts on leadership and urged audience members not to just think vertically about things in their organizations, but to think horizontally, as well.

Click here to view photos from the event.

Robinson's full speech will be broadcast on WBUR 90.9 this Sunday, February 13, at 8:00 pm. Highlights from this event can be viewed below:

• Boston Herald: Times CEO mum on Globe future
• Reuters: NYT CEO: No comment on possible Globe sale

Don't miss the next program in this series on March 16 with Stephanie Sonnabend, president & CEO of Sonesta  Hotels. Click here for more information or to register.

Thank you to Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA for sponsoring this event.

State Senate votes not to increase unemployment insurance premiums 'On the Record'

Last night, Chamber president & CEO Paul Guzzi went 'On the Record' with NECN's Mike Nikitas to discuss the state Senate's vote not to increase unemployment insurance premiums, New York Times Company CEO Janet Robinson's address to the Chamber, UMass' record high research funding, and an announcement that new companies started in the Commonwealth increased 7.5% in 2010.

UPDATE - Governor Patrick to address the Chamber on February 17

Governor Patrick is now confirmed to address Chamber members at a Government Affairs Forum on Thursday, February 17 at the InterContinental Boston.

Click here to register for this event.

Egyptian unrest & Super Bowl advertising on 'This Week in Business'

Yesterday on This Week in Business, Nariman Behravesh, chief economist at IHS Global Insight, joined hosts Paul Guzzi and Mike Nikitas to discuss the national job report for January and the potential economic impact of turmoil in Egypt.



In the Briefing Room, Joe Grimaldi, president & CEO of Mullen, joined to talk about Super Bowl XLV advertising trends and identify this year's big players.



On the Business Beat, NECN business reporter Peter Howe joined Paul & Mike to talk about Genzyme's future, Pfizer's announcement to grow jobs in Massachusetts, a recent health care ruling, and the impact of snow on productivity.

Listen to the Chamber's Leadership Initiative Radio Spot

You may hear the Chamber's latest radio spot on WBZ-AM 1030 this week during your morning commute. Our president and CEO Paul Guzzi spends 30 seconds talking about the constantly evolving "Chamber Leadership Initiative," which kicks off this week for 2011 with new classes.

Video of the 2011 Pinnacle Awards

We just uploaded video from last week's Pinnacle Awards luncheon. You can watch the entire program below, including all of the honoree acceptance speeches. Congratulations again to each of the 2011 honorees!

Pfizer growing in Boston 'On the Record'

Last night, Chamber CEO Paul Guzzi went 'On the Record' with NECN's Mike Nikitas to discuss Boston's recent ranking as a leading US city for job growth in 2010, a recent health care ruling by a Florida judge calling the national health care law unconstitutional, Pfizer's announcement to add 350 new jobs in the Greater Boston region, and Senator Scott Brown's proposals to grow jobs in the Commonwealth.

February Calendar of Events Just Released

We just released our February calendar of events. If you aren't signed up to receive the e-mail, you can view the calendar here.

Note: Governor Patrick's Government Affairs Forum breakfast is being re-scheduled, as mentioned earlier. As soon as the new date is finalized, we will pass it along to our loyal blog readership.

View the latest Chamber Jobs and Policy Update

Yesterday, we released our latest Jobs and Policy Update to membership, outlining the 2011 "Renew Mass" policy agenda and the bills filed by the Chamber at the beginning of the new legislative session. To sign up to receive Chamber policy updates, click here.

JANUARY 2011 Greater Boston Chamber Public Policy News   The Chamber launched its 2011 Renew Mass Public Policy Agenda thismonth which focuses on growing jobs and making the Commonwealth a more competitive place to do business.   Read more... Working to advance the goals of the 2011 Policy Agenda, the Chamber has filed several bills designed to improve Massachusetts' tax climate and drive in-state hiring, growth, and capital investment.  Read more... Massachusetts Jobs Update: In December 2010, Massachusetts lost 2,100 jobs while the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 8.2%well below the national rate of 9. Read more... January Highlight Working to Renew the Massachusetts Economy The Chamber is working to advance a policy agenda that ensures that the employer community has the resources, infrastructure, and opportunities to extend its global competitiveness and keep the region's economy strong and growing.  The Chamber will work to advance competitiveness in four critical areas... Find Out More.. Upcoming Government Affairs Forums February 17  Governor Deval Patrick Commonwealth of Massachusetts Learn more... March 7  Larry Summers Former Director of President Obama's National Economic Council   Learn more... March 15  Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo Commonwealth of Massachusetts Learn more... April 7  Senate President Therese Murray Commonwealth of Massachusetts Learn more...

Former Congressman Bill Delahunt joins This Week in Business

Sunday on This Week in Business, former Massachusetts Congressman Bill Delahunt joined host Paul Guzzi and NECN business reporter Peter Howe to give his perspective on President Obama's State of the Union address and its emphasis on the economy and job growth.



In the Briefing Room, Zipcar CEO Scott Griffith joined to discuss the innovative company's expansion plans and partnership with Toyota which will allow Zipcar to test electric vehicles in their fleet.



On the Business Beat, Paul and Peter discuss a merger between Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Vertex moving to the South Boston waterfront, and Governor Patrick's $30.5 billion budget for FY 2012.