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!

On Wednesday night, the Chamber hosted approximately 250 members for a night of networking at Fenway Park, home of the 2007 World Series Champions! After the reception, Chamber members enjoyed a 6-3 Red Sox victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Jason Varitek hit his seventh home run of the season, and Bartolo Colon picked up his 150th career victory as the Red Sox extended their lead in the American League East.

For images from the reception, click here.

The Chamber would like to thank the sponors of 2008 Night at the Red Sox: Fitcorp, Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina, and Videre Conferencing.

Yesterday, syndicated radio host and media entrepreneur, Mel Robbins addressed the Greater Boston Chamber Women's Network. In her speech, Mel discussed what she calls the Momentum Factor; using principles of Momentum to get over yourself and get things done.

Quoted remarks from today's Metro can be seen here.
Photos of the event can be viewed here.

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.

On Sunday's edition of This Week in Business, Tom Kinton, CEO of Massport, will join Paul Guzzi and Mike Nikitas to discuss the continued turmoil in the airline industry and its impact on Logan Airport.

Then, Dr. Tom Lee, network president of Partners Healthcare, will join Paul and Mike to discuss health care costs.

Plus, NECN's Peter Howe on Liberty Mutual's acquisition of Safeco Insurance.

Be sure to tune in Sunday at 12:30 on NECN.

On Tuesday April 8, the Chamber hosted the Women's Network Breakfast. Marsha Firestone, president of the Womens' Presidents Organization addressed the Chamber membership about women in enterprise.


Photos of the event can be viewed here

At yesterday's Women's Network program, Diane Patrick, partner at Ropes & Gray and first lady of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, addressed a crowd of more than 300 women business leaders.

Her deeply personal address, in which she discussed her career, her husband's campaign for Governor, and her battle with depression, received a standing ovation and a warm reception in today's papers. 

The Boston Herald's Christine McConville lauded her "courage", while The Boston Globe's Matt Viser detailed how she had "climbed back" from depression.

Click here to view photos from the event.

To learn more about the Chamber's Women's Network, visit bostonchamber.com.

Yesterday, the Chamber Women's Network hosted a breakfast discussion panel with some of Greater Boston's most successful professional women.

Carol Fulp, vice president of community relations at John Hancock Financial Services, Joanne Jaxtimer, senior vice president & director of public affairs at Bank of New York Mellon, and Geri Denterlein, president, Denterlein Worldwide and author of  "The Power Chicks’ Guide to Boston," shared their thoughts on how emerging professional women can find their way to the top of the Boston business community.

For photos of the event, click here.

At yesterday's Pinnacle Awards Luncheon, the Chamber's Women's Network honored eight outstanding women for their business and civic contributions. 


 
For photos of the event, click here.

For more information on the event, click here.

As we begin the New Year,the Chamber is pleased to announce the opening of our new office at 265 Franklin Street, 12th Floor. We look forward to continuing to serve our members from our new location. Phones, faxes, and e-mails remain the same. Click here for directions.

We are also delighted to offer our members another exciting year of programs and events. Take a look at some of the upcoming Chamber events below, and be sure to visit bostonchamber.com for the most up-to-date listing of 2008 programs.

Jan. 24 2008 Pinnacle Awards Emceed by WBZ-TV News Anchor Lisa Hughes, the annual Pinnacle Awards luncheon will honor eight outstanding women leaders for their accomplishments in business and management, including Natalie Jacobson, who will be accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award. Jan. 29 Government Affairs Forum   Attorney General Martha Coakley, Commonwealth of Massachusetts   Regarded as one of the Chamber's premiere event series, the monthly Government Affairs Forum connects business and government. Join business leaders from a wide range of industries at the first Government Affairs Forum of 2008, featuring Attorney General Martha Coakely.   Feb. 5 Women's Network Breakfast   "Boston’s Leading Women: The Female Executive’s Inside Track to Success"   This special panel discussion will bring focus to the professional insights of three of our region's most esteemed female professionals:        ●  Geri Denterlein, President,          Denterlein Worldwide        ●  Carol Fulp, Vice President of Community Relations,            John Hancock Financial Services        ●  Joanne Jaxtimer, Senior Vice President            and Director of Public Affairs,            The Bank of New York Mellon     Mar. 18 Government Affairs Forum   Speaker of the House Sal DiMasi, Commonwealth of Massachusetts   Join other senior-level business executives at the March Government Affairs Forum to gain valuable insight from Speaker Sal DiMasi, build a strong network within the business and government communities, and engage in important policy issues that impact your industry.     Mar. 26 Life Sciences Forum   Christoph Westphal, M.D., Ph.D. , CEO and Vice Chair, Sirtris Pharmaceuticals   The Chamber’s Life Sciences Forum features industry leaders from the biotechnology and life sciences sectors, and highlights emerging trends, best practices, and new initiatives that are emerging in this vital industry.

Remember, Chamber membership extends to every employee in your organization. If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to contact Jody Kieval, Director of Member Services, at jkieval@bostonchamber.com or 617-557-7344. I look forward to seeing you in 2008!

 

 

In Monday's edition of Metro Boston, Randstad's Eileen Habelow was our featured Boston's Future Leader. 

Currently a regional VP and director for Randstad USA, Eileen began her career at AT&T, started her own HR consulting company as she started her family, and transitioned back to the corporate world full-time in the staffing business in 2000. As a mother of three, Eileen calls family her “cornerstone,” and is thankful to be in a career that combines her passions for organizational management, education, and helping people.  Chamber president & CEO Paul Guzzi asked her about Randstad, living in Boston, and networking.

PG: If you were recruiting someone to work for you, what would be your number one selling point about Ranstad?

EH: To work for Randstad you have to like talking with people and asking tons of questions to understand their operating reality: If you’re interviewing a candidate you have to understand what they want to achieve and in what types of e

nvironments they thrive, and if you’re talking with a potential client you have to ask lots of questions to understand exactly where the pain is.  It’s a fascinating industry because you get to talk with so many different company leaders in so many different types of companies.

PG: What is your favorite thing about working in Boston?

EH: Every time I drive down Storrow Drive, I think ‘Wow, what a great city to live in’.  I think Boston is beautiful.  I also enjoy bragging about our knowledge economy and all of the amazing things that this region discovers and builds every day.  Our educational opportunities are something to be proud of.

PG: How can young professionals expand their networks and increase their impact in Boston?

EH: I believe in networking without necessarily trying to “achieve” something on every encounter is a great way to meet people who may or may not be influential for you at the first meeting, but who knows about the future.  My goal is simply to meet different people wherever I go – at some point in life, many of these encounters will become very important or even valuable to me, professionally or personally.  However, if I went to every event looking for only the next best business contact, I think it would begin to become too much a part of “working” and not enough a part of just getting to meet new people, period.

Read the full interview here.

 

Rosabeth Moss Kanter was the featured speakers at yesterday's Women's Network Event.

One of the most influential business strategists of our time, Kanter holds the Ernest L. Arbuckle Professorship at Harvard Business School. A former editor of the Harvard Business Review, she specializes in strategy, innovation, and leadership for change – and her insights have guided leaders of small businesses, large corporations, and governments for over 25 years.

Kanter is the author or co-author of 17 books, including The Change Masters, which was called one of the most influential business books of the 20th century – and her latest, America the Principled: 6 Opportunities for Becoming a Can-Do Nation Once Again.

For photos of the event, click here.

The Chamber today announced the winners of its 2008 Pinnacle Awards. 

Honoring the accomplishments of eight women in Greater Boston who have achieved excellence in business and management, the Pinnacle Awards will take place on January 24, at the Westin Boston Waterfront hotel.

The awards luncheon will feature Lisa Hughes, anchor at WBZ-TV, as the master of ceremonies.

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

• Achievement in Entrepreneurship: Kip Hollister, Founder & CEO, Hollister, Inc.;
• Achievement in Management, Private Sector:  Maura Banta, Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs Regional Manager, IBM;
• Achievement in Management, Government: Leslie Kirwan, Secretary of Administration & Finance, Commonwealth of Massachusetts;
• Achievement in Management, Non-Profit: Catherine D’Amato, President & CEO, The Greater Boston Food Bank;
• Achievement in the Professions: Paula Johnson, M.D., M.P.H., Chief of Women’s Health, Brigham & Women’s Hospital;
• Excellence in Arts & Education: Dr. Jacqueline Weis Liebergott, President, Emerson College;
• Emerging Executive: Kim Steimle, EVP, Marketing, Business Development & Community Relations, Suffolk Construction Company, Inc.; and
• Lifetime Achievement: Natalie Jacobson, Former Anchor, WCVB-TV, Channel 5

“This year’s honorees exemplify excellence in their respective fields and their commitment to the region’s civic community is nothing short of remarkable,” said Paul Guzzi, president and CEO of the Chamber.  “Each recipient is an inspiration to women aspiring to lead in business, government, academia, and media, and the Chamber looks forward to honoring them in January.”

To register for the event, click here.

Now in its 14th 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.

In today's Metro, Chamber CEO Paul Guzzi interviewed Bill Power, managing director for Citi Markets & Banking and another ourstanding member of our Boston's Future Leaders program.

A native of Framingham, Bill’s first job out of college was selling life insurance for Northwestern Mutual.  He has worked on the Institutional Equity Sales desk at Citi (in Boston) for over 11 years, and currently resides in the North End with his wife, Rebecca.  Bill is a big fan of the local Boston sports teams and was the Big East Tennis Champion and a walk-on quarterback while at Boston College. 

PG: What is the coolest part of your job? 

BP: Working and interacting with so many smart clients and colleagues within the investment industry. 

PG: If you were recruiting someone to work for you, what would be your number one selling point about Citi?

BP: The working environment.  I work on an open trading floor with dozens of people seated close to me.  You might lack some degree of privacy, but you are constantly engaged and able to learn something new everyday.

PG: What is your favorite thing about working in Boston?

BP: I love to travel, but Boston is my home.  I don't think there's another city that offers the culture, history, higher learning, geography, convenience, and – at the moment – dominant sports teams that Boston does.

PG: How can young professionals expand their networks and increase their impact in Boston?

BP: Volunteer – Give your time to a cause you care about and you'll be amazed at the great people you can meet.

To read the full interview, click here.

For this week's Metro column, Chamber president & CEO Paul Guzzi had a chance to quiz Boston's Future Leaders alumni Maura Rudolph of Accenture.

Maura joined Accenture in 1995 and is currently responsible for market development, strategically positioning Accenture in the New England business community, and helping to improve engagement of the 750 employees in Boston.

PG: What is the coolest part of your job?

MR: Helping people.  I am the “point person” for Accenture’s Boston office.  I connect employees and clients to help them productively solve issues, expand their networks, and work more effectively.  This in turn generates business for Accenture and improves the morale and efficiency of our employees.

PG: If you were recruiting someone to work for you, what would be your number one selling point about Accenture? 

MR: There is constant change. Everyday is different. Helping our clients become high performing businesses, governments, and educational institutions is a powerful motivator to come to work everyday with your best game on. And the people you work with are top notch.

PG: How can young professionals expand their networks and increase their impact in Boston?

MR: Seek out events related to your business or interests: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Conference for Women, etc.  Don’t be afraid to reach out to individuals and ask to follow up with them. If you need help, get to know the staff of the organization running the event and ask them to facilitate introductions to key players in your area.  Generally people are willing to help if you just ask.

PG: What reading material is on your nightstand?

MR: Family Fun magazine, Working Mother magazine, Golf For Women, the Harvard Business Review.  The last book I read was The Talent Powered Organization by Peter Cheese, Robert Thomas, and Elizabeth Craig.

PG: Tell us something we should know about you.

MR: Prior to moving back to New England, I was one of three nationally certified referees for women’s lacrosse in the Midwest.  The best part was helping high school girls become involved in the game.

Read the full interview here.

Yesterday morning, Entercom's Julie Kahn was the featured speaker at the Chamber's Women's Network breakfast program.

Julie is vice president & market manager of Entercom New England, a media company made up of seven radio stations throughout the region – including WRKO, WEEI, and WAAF.  She came to Boston in 2000 to oversee two of Entercom’s FM stations. 

In 2004, she added Sports Radio WEEI-AM to her responsibilities – becoming one of the only female general managers in sports radio and helping the station reach unprecedented success.  Since Kahn took the helm, WEEI has consistently led the Boston market in ratings and been recognized as one of the top sports stations in the country.  In 2006, she was given responsibility for the entire New England region, and is now overseeing further expansion as WEEI is syndicated across 11 new stations in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Cape Cod.

At yesterday's event, Julie spoke about her career and offered her advice for attaining success to the nearly 200 guests in attendance.

See photos of the event here.

New Chamber members, as well as existing Chamber members who are interested in increasing their involvement, are invited to attend our upcoming Member Orientation. 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.

Chamber Member Orientation Details

Date: Tuesday, November 13th

Time: Registration and Networking: 7:45 a.m. Program: 8:10 - 9:00 a.m.

Location: Chamber Offices, 75 State Street, 2nd Floor

This program is free, but open to members only.

Click here to register.

Yesterday the Chamber hosted a panel of leading women in Greater Boston's health care industry as part of our Women's Network program.

The panel featured Deborah Enos, President & CEO of Neighborhood Health Plan; Dr. Barbara A.P. Rockett, a surgeon at Newton-Wellesley Hospital and president of the American Medical Association Foundation; and Kate Walsh, executive vice president & COO of Brigham & Women's Hospital.

Discussion ranged from the rise of women in the health care field, to the dilemma of maintaining quality care while combating rising cost.

Photos from the event can be viewed here.

Martha Reiss, senior VP for field marketing at Keybank's corporate and investment banking division is the featured Boston's Future Leader in this morning's Metro.

Martha began her career in sports marketing – handling advertising programs, corporate sponsorships and promotional events for the United States Olympic Committee. She followed this up with several years in retail marketing, working with the largest mall developer in the Northeast. In 1998, she joined KeyCorp in Burlington, Vermont, and later moved to the Boston office to assume national marketing responsibilities for the corporate and investment bank.

PG: What’s the best piece of career advice you have ever received?

MR: Always strive to exceed expectations, and always, always, return a phone call. Even if it's a salesman that you may think you might never have any use for, take just a minute for a quick professional courtesy and it will serve you well.

PG: Best place for an after work drink?

MR: Vintage Lounge. Very comfy furniture, pomegranate martinis, and mini kobe beef burgers to die for.

PG: Who do you admire in the business world?

MR: Vicki Donlan – publisher of Women's Business, which she built from the ground up with a strong passion for helping other women succeed. I admire her impeccable business etiquette, networking skills, and professionalism – not to mention her always fun and friendly personality.

Read the full interview here.

Matt Gill was our featured Boston's Future Leader in today's Metro. Matt oversees the executive search function at Pile and Company, and also serves as President of the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Board of Directors.

PG: What’s the best piece of career advice you have ever received?

MG: Build your network by helping your network.

PG: Who do you admire in the business world?

MG: I admire a category – the successful business leader who has also been able to improve the community at large. Boston has a number of them.

PG: How can young professionals expand their networks and increase their impact in Boston?

MG: Get out there and get involved. Whatever your interests are, make time to contribute and volunteer. Then, go back to the best career advice answer I gave: help your network and it will grow.

PG: If you could have any job in Boston, other than your own, what would it be and why?

MG: Captain and first line for the Bruins--it was a childhood dream.

Read the full interview here.