At yesterday's Government Affairs Forum, Boston Mayor Tom Menino addressed a wide array of topics - ranging from his efforts to move City Hall to his support for a portion of the Chamber's Financial Services Initiative. (View photos of the event here.)

Speaking at the Westin Boston Waterfront in front of more than 500 business leaders, the Mayor also reiterated his support for the BU Biolab, mentioned the Boston Redevelopment Authority's new approach to development, commented on the presidential election, and discussed waterfront development.

In referencing the Chamber's report on the Financial Services industry (Securing Massachusetts' Leadership Position in Financial Services), Mayor Menino announced his intention to convene university officials and industry leaders in order to create a financial services industry-specific think tank. (Read the full report here.)

The Chamber is also working to implement several other recommendations outlined in the report,  in order to secure a more streamlined, predictable and competitive tax, business cost and regulatory environment for this critical industry.  From our advocacy with the state’s corporate tax commission to our collaboration on a sweeping business regulatory review initiative recently launched by Governor Patrick and Attorney General Coakley, the Chamber is actively working to provide a strong voice for financial services institutions in order to spur business expansion, job growth, and economic development in the state.