Today, the Chamber hosted a Clean Tech Forum with moderator Ian Bowles, Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and panelists Tim Healy, chairman & CEO of EnerNOC; Dr. Christina Lampe-Onnerud, founder & CEO of Boston-Power, Inc.; and Hemant Taneja, managing director of General Catalyst Partners and chairman of the New England  Clean Energy Council. Among many topics of discussion were renewable energy, energy regulations, the role of strong state and federal energy legislation, and the importance of reducing waste.

To view images from today’s event, click here.

The Clean Tech Forum was covered by the Boston Business Journal.
 

Massachusetts Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo was the featured speaker at this morning's Government Affairs Forum.

The Speaker's remarks focused on reform, leadership, and the state's challenging fiscal picture.

He concluded with an optimistic take on our current economy: "As Speaker, I will stand for the proposition that our future as a Commonwealth is bright, and I will work to ensure that our public officials live up to as high a standard as the people of Massachusetts have set over the centuries."

Coverage of the event can be found in the Boston Globe and Boston Herald.  If you missed the speech, you can listen Sunday at 8:00 p.m. on 90.9 WBUR.

Click here for photos from the event.

The 2009 Small Business of the Year Award & Entrepreneur of the Year Award nomination process is now open! Click here to dowload a nomination form. All nominations are due to the Chamber by April 10 in order to be considered for the 2009 award program.

Presented annually since 1985, The Small Business of the Year Awards honor the achievements of small business and the spirit of entrepreneurship.  This awards luncheon typically attracts more than 300 attendees from a wide array of industries in the region. To view a list of previous winners, click here.

The 2009 Small Business of the Year Awards Luncheon will be held on Thursday, October 15 at the Sheraton Boston Hotel.

Today the Chamber honored the winners of its 2009 Pinnacle Awards. 

This year’s honorees were recognized for their accomplishments in the following categories:

Lifetime Achievement: Myra Kraft, President, New England Patriots Charitable Foundation. 

We are all familiar with the incredible on-field success of the New England Patriots.  Yet the impact of the Patriots Charitable Foundation and the Kraft Family foundation under Myra’s leadership is equally impressive. A tireless worker on behalf of the organizations she serves, Myra has been recognized for her devotion to community-based organizations that are often overlooked by substantial donors. 

The Kraft Family Foundation focuses on furthering educational initiatives and other civic minded causes, donating to medical, educational, and arts organizations as well as numerous Jewish groups.  And the Patriots foundation gives to a wide variety of youth sports organizations, Catholic schools, and programs for at-risk children. 

Achievement in the Professions: Diane Patrick, Partner, Ropes & Gray LLP.

With an extensive background in law, public education, and human resources – it is no surprise that Diane has seen the positive impact of strong and diverse teams.  At Ropes & Gray, she is working with colleagues and The Partnership, Inc. to develop an Attorneys of Color Leadership Program.  Launched in 2008, this program brings together young lawyers from firm offices across the country to place them on the right roads to success, and help them navigate the inevitable challenges.

Achievement in Management, Private Sector:  Julie Kahn, Vice President/New England Market Manager, Entercom New England.

As the driving force behind WEEI, America’s most listened-to sports radio station, Julie has paved the way for women in sports radio.  She has built a broadcast empire that spans New England – syndicating Boston sports across nine radio stations in four states – and is expanding on the web.  Julie and her team also have an extraordinary impact on the community – raising over $20 million for charities such as the Jimmy Fund.

Achievement in Entrepreneurship: Andrea Cohen, Co-Founder & CEO, HouseWorks.

Guided by her own personal experience, Andrea founded HouseWorks to change the way care was delivered to seniors at home.  She understood that as the population aged, many seniors wanted to stay in the homes where they raised their children and lived their adult lives.  Through innovation, Andrea and her team have achieved financial success and positive social change – bringing all the benefits and safeguards of senior housing to the doorsteps of seniors and their families.

Achievement in Management, Government: Luisa Paiewonsky, Commissioner, Massachusetts Highway Department.

At a time when state government has never been more challenging and state workers are consistently underappreciated, Luisa stands out as a true public servant.  A former intern who worked her way through the Department of Transportation, Luisa does not seek the limelight, yet has achieved great success at every stop in state government.  Her mission seems simple: fix our roads and bridges and keep our highways safe.  In reality, her task is one of our region’s most difficult.

Achievement in Management, Non-Profit: Mimi La Camera, President, The Freedom Trail Foundation.

Boston’s Freedom Trail is a key link to our nation’s past, and a main driver of Boston’s visitor industry.  Yet, when Mimi took over in 2005, the organization had huge debt and no vision for the future.  Under her leadership, the Foundation has eliminated its debt, built an endowment, and increased tours 40%.  Mimi has grown the role of the Freedom Trail in education, and last year orchestrated the celebration of the Foundation’s 50th Anniversary.

Excellence in Arts & Education: Linda Edmonds Turner, Ph.D., President, Urban College of Boston.

As the recession continues to deepen, Linda’s task of providing education and workforce training to Boston’s non-traditional adult learners has never been more critical.  Her achievements – including two new workforce training opportunities for Urban College students and the establishment of a mentoring culture – have led to increases in enrollments and graduates throughout her tenure. Linda continues to make a positive difference in the lives of all her students, while also helping to provide new job opportunities and improve workforce development in our region.

Emerging Executive: Susan Esper, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP.

An outstanding executive in Deloitte’s financial services group, Susan is also a leader in the company’s diverse culture. Since 1994, Susan has headed Deloitte’s Initiative for the Retention & Advancement of Women (or “WIN”) in New England, helping to develop the company’s most promising women professionals.  In order to leverage the culture WIN created, Susan developed the Deloitte New England Women’s Leadership Forum, a series of networking and professional development opportunities for senior women from Deloitte’s clients.

Now in its 15th year, the Pinnacle Awards are presented by the Women’s Network of the Greater Boston Chamber. The awards honor women for outstanding achievement in the workplace, demonstrated leadership that has made a difference, and a commitment to enhance the quality of life in the region.

The Women’s Network was founded in 1994 to promote and expand economic opportunities throughout the Greater Boston region for all women in business through shared leadership and expertise. The Women’s Network offers programs that provide career enrichment and development opportunities for women at all professional levels, spotlight the accomplishments of women, and promote the positive influence that women have upon the Greater Boston region.

Chamber President Paul Guzzi went ‘On the Record’ yesterday to discuss Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick’s $14.7 billion wish list for the federal stimulus package that President-elect Barack Obama is planning.  Guzzi also looks at Bay State weather woes. 

On January 29, the Chamber will host our 15th annual Pinnacle Awards, honoring the accomplishments of eight women in Greater Boston who have achieved excellence in business and management.  Today we are delighted to announce the 2009 honorees, who will be recognized for their accomplishments in the following categories:  

• Lifetime Achievement: Myra Kraft, President, New England Patriots Charitable Foundation
• Achievement in Entrepreneurship: Andrea Cohen, Co-Founder&CEO, HouseWorks
• Achievement in Management, Private Sector: Julie Kahn, Vice President/New England Market Manager, Entercom New England
• Achievement in Management, Government: Luisa Paiewonsky, Commissioner, Massachusetts Highway Department
• Achievement in Management, Non-Profit: Mimi La Camera, President, The Freedom Trail Foundation
• Achievement in the Professions: Diane Patrick, Partner, Ropes&Gray LLP
• Excellence in Arts&Education: Linda Edmonds Turner, Ph.D., President, Urban College of Boston
• Emerging Executive: Susan Esper, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP

We invite you to join us on January 29 at the Westin Copley Place, as we celebrate these remarkable women and their significant professional achievements. 

Click here to view photos from last year's event, or click here to view the list of past winners.

 

Tonight at 8pm on NECN and at 9pm on 90.9 WBUR, Chamber president and CEO Paul Guzzi and NECN senior anchor RD Sahl will host "CEO Summit: Confronting the Crisis."

"CEO Summit: Confronting the Crisis" is the 4th annual CEO Summit program.  It will feature a senior-level discussion among four of the region's most influential industry leaders, as well as an interview with Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), chairman of the Senate Banking Commitee, on the economic recession, the government's response, the impact on New England, and the challenges facing the incoming Obama Administration.

This year's 'CEO Summit' panelists are:

• Henri Termeer, Chairman, President and CEO, Genzyme;
• Bob Pozen, Chairman, MFS Investment Management;
• Gloria Larson, President, Bentley University; and
• Richard Feldt, President and CEO, Evergreen Solar.

Paul and RD will be eliciting insight from these top executives, and asking them for specific recommendations for our government leaders that will help our economy rebound from the current recession.

Be sure to tune in to NECN tonight at 8pm, or 90.9 WBUR at 9pm.

Chamber events attract hundreds of members from each of our region’s leading industries. Arm yourself with the most important networking tool of all: an attendee list. Contact the Member Services team prior to the event, or swing by the Member Services Center at the event, to get an attendee list.

We already have more than 450 attendees signed up for next week’s Government Affairs Forum with Mayor Menino, and over 250 for the Women’s Network Breakfast with Trudy Sullivan. There's still time to register!

Contact us if you are curious to see who will be in the room at each of these events.

During these challenging economic times, the Chamber is focused on working with members to enhance their business.  As you work to balance the needs of your company with fiscal prudence, we want to offer you a unique, efficient, and cost-effective marketing opportunity available only to members.  

 

For a limited time, we are reducing the annual rate of our exclusive Online Business Directory Category Sponsorship to $250 - a 50% reduction.  This special offer allows our member companies to position themselves atop the online business directory listing for specific industries for one full year. 

 

The Chamber's online business directory receives thousands of visitors each month from employers, tourists, and consumers looking for Greater Boston's best companies and services.  With the launch of the new bostonchamber.com, we have already seen our visitor numbers increase, along with the visibility of the directory and our member companies.

 

With this small investment, the Chamber will provide you with category exclusive visibility for your company for one calendar year - making the most of your marketing dollars.

 

For more information, click here.  If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please reply directly to this email.  This special opportunity will be offered until Friday, November 7, 2008, and on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Dan Esdale, marketing communications manager, at (617) 557-7325 or at desdale@bostonchamber.com.

Earlier today on WBUR's "Morning Edition," Chamber President&CEO Paul Guzzi discussed the perils facing Massachusetts if Question One suceeds next week.  He faced off against Libertarian Carla Howell, the chief proponent of the ballot question to eliminate the state income tax.  Click here to listen to the audio.

The Chamber, along with A.I.M., the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, and the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, released a report earlier this month outlining the devastating economic consequences of Question One.  Click here to view the report.

If you have not yet done so, this is your final opportunity to update your company information for the Greater Boston Chamber’s 2009 Membership Directory.

We ask that you take a moment to confirm your member information as it will appear in the Chamber’s 2009 Membership Directory. Each member will receive a copy of the Greater Boston Chamber Membership Directory in January 2009.

To update your profile, log in to the Members Only found on bostonchamber.com.

We ask that you please update or confirm your company information no later than Friday, October 24, 2008.

In addition, The Chamber Publishing Group will be contacting each member regarding advertising opportunities in the 2009 Directory. Advertising in the Chamber Directory is an excellent way to reach more than 1,700 businesses in the Greater Boston business community.

If you have any questions regarding the Directory, your profile, or your Chamber membership, please contact Sarah McNeeley, member services manager, at (617) 557-7353 or at smcneeley@bostonchamber.com.

Thank you in advance for your assistance and for your continued support of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce!

 

Yesterday, the Greater Boston Chamber hosted a special Government Affairs Forum Transportation Panel that was moderated by Secretary of Transportation, Bernard Cohen.  With comments from Cohen and the event’s four panelists, Dan Grabauskas, general manager, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; Alan LeBovidge, executive director, Massachusetts Turnpike Authority; Mike Leone, director of maritime, Massachusetts Port Authority; and Luisa Paiewonsky, commissioner, Massachusetts Highway Department, a discussion emerged on the various advances Massachusetts has made in transportation infrastructure along with the challenges that still remain.  Guest speakers focused on transportation budget cuts, ongoing programs, and planned improvements.  Even in these tough economic times, the panelists reassured Chamber members that the Commonwealth remains committed to transportation.

 

This event was featured in today’s Metro Boston, and also received media spotlight from State House News.

Images from the event can be viewed here.

 

Don’t miss the Chamber’s next Government Affairs Forum with U.S. Congressman Barney Frank!  For event details and registration, click here.

 

The Chamber would like to thank Bank of America for their continuous sponsorship of the Government Affairs Forums.

Do you attend Chamber events? Make sure to stop by the Member Servies Center and arm yourself with the tools you need for the event.

The Member Services Center is the place to pick up attendee lists, as well as the current calendar of events - all of the resources that you need to continue building your professional network.

Before and after Chamber programs, you can find (from left-to-right) Leigh D'Ambra, Mary Beth Morris, and Sarah McNeeley at the Member Services Center. They are there to assist you with questions, and help identify the best ways to maximize your membership.

Visit the Member Services Center and introduce yourself to the team at the following events in October:

• October 16: Small Business of the Year Awards
• October 23: Women's Network Breakfast
• October 28: Chamber Networking Group

For additional questions on membership, visit the Chamber's new Member FAQ page on bostonchamber.com.

Yesterday, Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray addressed nearly 300 Chamber members at the Government Affairs Forum. During the breakfast, Murray unveiled details of a $250 million bond fund - dubbed "I-Cubed" - aimed at creating new jobs by financing targeted business development programs. He also assured the audience that he fully expected the current administration to seek re-election in 2010.

The event was covered by the Boston Herald and featured in today's Metro Boston. The speech can be heard in its entirety Sunday night at 8:00 p.m. on 90.9 WBUR.
For images from the breakfast, please click here.

Don't miss the Chamber's next Government Affairs Forum breakfast, a special panel discussion moderated by Massachusetts Transporation Secretary Bernard Cohen entitled "Roadmap for Success: The Critical Importance of Transportation & Infrastructure in Massachusetts." Panelists will include leaders from the Commonwealth's network of transportation agencies, including the MBTA, MassPort, the Massachusetts Highway Department, and the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority. For event details and registration, click here.

The Chamber would like to thank Bank of America for their continued sponsorship of the Government Affairs Forum.

Yesterday, the Chamber hosted a Women’s Network Breakfast panel at the Colonnade Hotel to kick off their fall programs.  With insight from moderator Gail Deegan and panelists Regina Pisa, Karen Kruck, and Deborah Re, nearly 270 guests were in attendance.  This breakfast series spotlights the accomplishments of leading female professionals and is one of the Chamber’s most enriching programs.

 

Click here to view the high-res images from the event.

 

The Chamber would like to thank MS&L for generously sponsoring this event.

Earlier this week, Chamber president & CEO Paul Guzzi was a guest on WBZ Newsradio 1030's Nightside with Dan Rea.  Paul joined the program to discuss the proposed Massachusetts ballot question that would repeal the state income tax and result in a $12 billion cut to the state budget.

Click here to listen (Paul's segment follows Carla Howell at about the 22 minute mark).

The Red Sox are in full swing and the thermometer has hit 90 degrees. That means the official start of the summer season is just around the corner. And the Chamber has a great line-up of events to help you stay active and beat the heat this summer!

Below, please find details on our free events in June and July that will be sure to keep you informed and your network growing. Click on each event to access registration information. And make sure to visit our Events Calendar for the most up-to-date listing of 2008 programs.

June 24	Chamber Networking Group
	Location: Rebecca's Cafe at One Beacon
	The Chamber Networking Group provides a more intimate forum for small- to medium-size member companies looking to expand their network of business contacts, generate new business leads, and learn the most effective strategies for networking. Members take part in facilitated networking sessions and break-out group discussions, and have the opportunity to develop new relationships.
	Sponsored by FedEx; Hosted by Rebecca's Cafe
July 9	Boston After Five
	Location: Bank of America Pavilion
	At these informal after-hours receptions, Chamber members have the opportunity to meet and network with other members of the business community. Meet potential clients and colleagues and enjoy the warm summer weather from one of the city's leading entertainment venues.
	Hosted by Live Nation
July 17	Member Orientation
	Location: UMass Club
	All Chamber members who are interested in increasing their involvement are invited to attend this breakfast meeting. This informative program will cover all of the opportunities available to you through your Chamber membership. You will leave this breakfast with new ideas for your company, as well as many new contacts. If you're new to the Chamber, this is a great opportunity to meet fellow Chamber members and the Chamber staff, and learn how best to get engaged.
	Hosted by UMass Club
July 22	Annual Business Showcase
	Location: Back Bay Events Center
	The second annual Business Showcase is a unique opportunity for Chamber members to connect with Greater Boston’s outstanding small businesses. The Business Showcase will allow exhibitors and attendees to generate qualified leads in multiple industries in the Greater Boston region and network with our small business community.
	Sponsored by Back Bay Events Center

The Member Services team is here to help you and every employee in your company take advantage of these opportunities. If you have any questions regarding your membership or how your company can get more involved with the Chamber, please don't hesitate to call Sarah McNeeley at (617) 557-7353 or send an e-mail to smcneeley@bostonchamber.com. 

We look forward to seeing you over the summer!

Ealier this week, the Chamber hosted a Women’s Network Breakfast program on women’s entrepreneurship.

This special panel discussion was moderated by Candy Brush, chair of the Entrepreneurship Division at Babson College.  Dr. Brush led an open discussion about the fundamentals of successful entrepreneurship with  Anne Bailey Berman, president & CEO of Chadwick Martin Bailey; Donna Latson Gittens, principal at  causemedia; and Kip Hollister, founder & CEO, Hollister, Inc.

More photos of the event can be seen here.

 

At the Chamber's Life Sciences Forum on Wednesday, Dr. Christoph Westphal , CEO of Sirtris Pharmaceuticals addressed the Chamber membership. He spoke about the future of anti-aging pharmaceuticals and Sirtris’ leading role in their development.

The Boston Herald noted Westphal's enthusiasm about working in the Greater Boston area, " Boston is a great place to launch a life sciences company, because there are many skilled scientists, venture capitalists, lawyers and accountants."

Photos of the event can be viewed here.

The Greater Boston Chamber today announced the 2008 inductees into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians.  These outstanding leaders were selected for their significant contributions to the Greater Boston community and will be honored at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting on May 14 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place.  The 2008 inductees are:

• Micho Spring, Chair, U.S. Corporate Practice & Weber Shandwick New England, Weber Shandwick Worldwide
• Ted Cutler, Philanthropist and Vice President, The Interface Group – MA
• Lawrence K. Fish, Chairman, Citizens Financial Group
• Peter Meade, former Executive Vice President, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc.

Attracting more than 1,000 business and government leaders, the Chamber’s Annual Meeting & Dinner is a signature event for the region and one of the single largest gatherings of the Greater Boston business community.  The inductees will join a renowned group of current members of the Academy, including business leaders, philanthropists, governors, congressmen, cultural dignitaries, and sports greats.  More information on the Annual Meeting and a list of past inductees are available on bostonchamber.com. 

Micho Spring is chairperson of the U.S. Corporate practice and leads the New England office for Weber Shandwick Worldwide.  She is the former CEO of Boston Telecommunications Company, worked as Chief of Staff to Boston Mayor Kevin White, and served for four years as Deputy Mayor of the City of Boston.  As a government, civic, and business leader, Spring has helped shape public debate on numerous issues in Boston and beyond.  She has managed numerous political and advocacy campaigns, and is consistently ranked as one of Boston’s most powerful women.

Ted Cutler is an internationally recognized innovator in the travel industry and a leader in Boston’s civic and philanthropic communities, most notably in the fields of education, the arts, and health care. Over the course of several decades, Cutler has become a vital figure in the charitable and non-profit worlds of Greater Boston.  His current endeavors include creating a collaborative arts initiative with many recognized local institutions, serving as co-chair of the campaign for the Greater Boston Food Bank, and chair of the board of the Hebrew College.

Lawrence K. Fish is chairman of Citizens Financial Group (CFG).  Over the past fifteen years under Fish’s leadership, CFG has grown more than 30 fold, now ranking as one of the ten largest banking companies in the United States.  He holds leadership positions in numerous business and community organizations, serving as a director of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group and Textron, Inc., and a member of the MIT Corporation. Fish also serves as an overseer of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and on the boards of Boston’s Dimock Community Foundation and Rosie’s Place.

Peter Meade is former executive vice president at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, where his leadership and experience were instrumental in strengthening ties with government and in the community.  A longtime leader in Boston’s business and civic life, Meade previously headed the New England Council, spent a decade as a talk show host on WBZ Newsradio 1030, and served as Boston public safety coordinator during federally mandated school desegregation.  He is the chair of the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy, chair of the board of trustees at Emerson College, and co-chair of MassInc.

Click here to register for the Chamber's 99th Annual Meeting on May 14.