At a Special Leadership Breakfast held by the Chamber this morning, former Federal Reserve Bank of Boston CEO, Cathy Minehan, spoke on the critical importance of both corporate and personal leadership during this economic climate.  She emphasized the need for a well-developed plan or vision, and constant communication within an organization to keep everyone informed on decisions being made.  Minehan predicted that the economic downturn would continue, but that Greater Boston would ultimately recover and thrive, as it has done before.  With several years of leadership at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Minehan’s experience not only provided insight, but also a sense of confidence that the region would be able to weather the storm.    

 

Images from the event can be viewed here.

 

The Chamber would like to thank Towers Perrin for sponsoring this event. 

Yesterday’s Government Affairs Forum featured Cokie Roberts, political commentator for ABC News and senior news analyst for NPR.  In a memorable address, Roberts spoke to nearly 200 Chamber members interested in her take on the recent presidential election of Senator Barack Obama. 

With years of media experience covering politics, Roberts provided a historical account of the parallels between 1980 and 2008.  Adding humor and honesty, Cokie Roberts shared thoughts on the impact of race, gender, and youth on the recent election as well as the electoral map going forward.  During an interactive session of Q and A, she touched upon the role of media in the election, new organization tools used by the Obama campaign, and the challenges that await his new administration. 

The event was covered by the Boston Herald, Boston Business Journal, and Metro Boston. 

It will be broadcast in its entirety this Sunday, November 23, at 8:00pm on WBUR 90.9. 

Images from the event can be viewed here.

Don’t miss out on the last Government Affairs Forum of 2008 with Mayor Thomas Menino!  For event details and registration, click here.

The Chamber would like to thank Bank of America for sponsoring the Government Affairs Forums. 

United States Representative Niki Tsongas was the featured speaker at yesterday’s Women’s Network Breakfast.  Congresswoman Tsongas led a discussion before a room of Chamber members eager to hear her thoughts on the economy and the new administration that will inhabit Washington in January.  Not only did Tsongas provide insight on the economy and globalization, but she focused on the increasing number of women in Congress and the positive implications.  In conjunction with a recent Chamber report indicating the state’s diminishing competitive edge in workforce talent, Congresswoman Tsongas stressed the importance of education for talent retention.  She also restated her commitment to health care cost control and the possibility of national reform under the Obama administration. 

This event was covered by the Boston Herald, and can be heard in its entirety this Sunday, November 23, at 8:00pm on WBUR 90.9.

Images from the event can be viewed here.

Don’t miss the next Women’s Network Breakfast series with Trudy Sullivan, president and CEO of Talbots, Inc., on December 10.  For event details and registration, click here.   

The Chamber would like to thank Citi for sponsoring this event. 

 

Last week, the Chamber hosted an all day “Connecting Business with Government” program for the 2008 Boston’s Future Leaders class.  This customized session was held at Suffolk University Sawyer Business School and it explored government functions at the state, local, and federal level as they relate to business interests.  The day’s goal was to help participants gain a better understanding of how to effectively work with government as a partner, and advance public policy issues as business leaders.  Participants had the opportunity to hear from a wide-range of speakers including Peter Meade, communications and public affairs strategist for Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications; Paul Connolly, first vice president and COO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston; and Charlie Baker, president and CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.

 

Images from the event can be viewed here.

Earlier this morning, the Greater Boston Chamber hosted a Leading Industries Executive Forum featuring Richard Meelia, president and CEO of Covidien Ltd. (formerly Tyco Healthcare).  A large assembly of Chamber members gathered to hear Meelia explain the company behind the Green Monster logo at Fenway Park.  Meelia reinforced Covidien’s commitment to innovation, growth, and operational excellence.  He also told the audience of Covidien’s plans to add jobs here in Massachusetts.  This news was particularly encouraging given the challenging external environment.  

Images from today's event can be viewed here.

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

Former United States Secretary of the Treasury Larry Summers was the featured speaker at a Greater Boston Chamber Financial Services Forum on October 30.  Summers spoke on the economic bailout plan, as well as changes that need to be made to achieve long-term prospersity nationwide. The event was recorded by NECN, and can be viewed in its entirety below.

Lawrence Summers, former United States Secretary of the Treasury and current Charles W. Eliot University Professor of Harvard University, was the guest speaker at yesterday’s Greater Boston Chamber Financial Services Forum.  In the last forum of this series for 2008, Summers spoke to a room of nearly 200 Chamber members eager to learn his perspective on the financial crisis.  In order for the United States to achieve long-term prosperity, Summers called for fundamental change not only in economic policy, but in health care, energy policy, and income inequality, as well.  He predicted that the financial system could begin to bounce back in about six months and rebound in late 2009.  With that optimism, Summers said that the country has a long way to go and several issues outside of the financial crisis that must be responded to.  He stated that government policies must begin to reform an economy where benefits currently flow to the wealthy, in addition to restoring the financial system. 

 

This event was covered yesterday by the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, and NECN.  Summers received additional press today from the Boston Globe and Boston Herald.

 

Don’t miss Lawrence Summers’ entire speech on 90.9 WBUR this Sunday, November 2, at 8:00pm.

 

Images from the event can be viewed here.

 

The Chamber would like to thank Citibank for their sponsorship of the Financial Services Forum.  

Yesterday's Chamber Government Affairs Forum with US Congressman Barney Frank has received additional press coverage in today's papers.  The event was picked up by the Boston Herald, Metro Boston, and Reuters.

Don't forget to click here to register for the next Government Affairs Forum with Cokie Roberts, political commentator, ABC News, senior news analyst, NPR.

This morning, the Greater Boston Chamber held a special Government Affairs Forum with United States Congressman Barney Frank, chair of the House Committee on Financial Services.  As an architect of the $700 billion financial rescue package, Congressman Frank led a discussion on the current financial crisis impacting the United States as well as countries worldwide.  He noted that there may be need for more government action to pull the country out of the serious recession it is now facing.  Congressman Frank provided the audience with a stronger sense of confidence that with the right leadership, we will cycle out of these difficult economic times.

 

This event was covered by the Boston Herald, Boston Globe, and Associated Press.  Images from the event can be viewed here.

 

Don’t miss the Chamber’s next Government Affairs Forum with Cokie Roberts, political commentator, ABC News, senior news analyst, NPR.  For event details and registration, click here.

 

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

Margaret McKenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation, was the guest speaker at yesterday’s Greater Boston Chamber Women’s Network Breakfast.  In a room full of more than 200 Chamber members, McKenna spoke about the significant impact that the Wal-Mart Foundation has made worldwide, donating more than $360 million dollars a year.  She also discussed her ideas for improving education through philanthropy noting that a united effort is necessary to achieve change.  McKenna continues her efforts to bring people together from the private, public, and non-profit sectors to consolidate and collaborate on issues that demand attention such as the drop out rate, achievement gap, and affordable housing.

 

This event was featured in yesterday’s Boston Herald.  McKenna also received spotlight in today’s Metro Boston, and again in today’s Boston Herald. 

 

Images from the event can be viewed here.

 

Don’t miss the Chamber’s next Women’s Network Breakfast with United States Representative Niki Tsongas!  For event details and registration, click here.

The Chamber would like to thank PriceWaterhouseCoopers for sponsoring this event. 

On October 16, the Greater Boston Chamber held its 2008 Small Business of the Year Awards.  With nearly 300 guests in attendance, the Chamber honored the achievements of three small businesses and the spirit of one entrepreneur.  Elizabeth Grady and Bakers’ Best both received awards for Business Excellence, Dr. Janet Wolfe of Wolfe Laboratories Inc. received an award for Entrepreneur of the Year, and Hartney Greymont took home the award for Small Business of the Year.  Anthony Silva, business editor and drive-time anchor for WBZ-AM 1030, served as the event’s emcee for the ninth year, and Wyc Grousbeck, managing partner&CEO of the World Champion Boston Celtics, was this year’s keynote speaker.

With the Larry O’Brien Trophy on display, Grousbeck engaged the audience with humor and purpose.  Focusing on achieving success for the Greater Boston region through teamwork and collaboration, Grousbeck noted the critical importance of small business to the region’s economic prosperity.  

Each of the four honorees followed Grousbeck with brief remarks as they accepted their award. The event is traditionally one of the high points of the Chamber's program calendar, and the 2008 luncheon certainly didn't disappoint.

 

To view images from the event, click here.

 

The Chamber would like to thank Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Sovereign Bank, Verizon, and Boston Globe Media for sponsoring this event.

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.

Dr. Robert Brown, president of Boston University, spoke at yesterday morning’s Greater Boston Chamber Leading Industries Executive Forum. With nearly 150 members in attendance, Dr. Brown spoke on the importance of enhancing the sense of community between local businesses and the plethora of young talent attending Greater Boston’s academic institutions. He also commented on his commitment to advancing BU’s position as a leading research institution in an effort to strengthen the region’s global standing in higher education. Building on that note, Dr. Brown made a strong proposal to set a collective goal amongst universities and the business community to retain local graduates to further secure economic growth.   

 

This event was featured in today's Metro Boston, and the speech from yesterday’s event can be heard in its entirety on Sunday night, October 19, at 8:00pm on 90.9 WBUR.

Images from the event can be viewed here.  

Don’t miss the Chamber’s next Leading Industries Executive Forum with Richard Meelia, president & CEO of Covidien Ltd. For event details and registration, click here.

 

The Chamber would like to thank Citi for their sponsorship of this event.

Yesterday, Deborah Dunsire, president & CEO of Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company, addressed nearly 160 Chamber members at the Life Sciences Forum. With an outstanding ability to connect with the audience, Dunsire spoke about the impact of the merger of Millennium and Takeda. She focused on the importance of talented workers in the life sciences field, and the need for stronger K-12 science education. Dunsire also addressed the critical importance of the state’s billion-dollar investment in the life sciences industry given today’s difficult economy.

 

The event was covered by the Boston Globe, and images from the event can be viewed here.

 

The Chamber would like to thank Weber Shandwick for sponsoring this Life Sciences Forum.

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.

Earlier today, more than 70 women gathered for a Women’s Network Roundtable at the UMass Club. The session, entitled “Networking for Results,” was facilitated by Dr. Stacy Blake-Beard, associate professor at the Simmons School of Management. All participants created a network map in order to analyze their network and help work their way towards a specific goal. Dr. Blake-Beard walked the group through their maps to determine where they had gaps, and shared useful tips and strategies to fill those gaps and achieve their goals. She also dispelled myths about traditional networking and taught participants how to make the most of their networking opportunities.

Click here to find out more about the Women’s Network Roundtable series.

The Chamber would like to thank Simmons School of Management for generously sponsoring the event.

Yesterday, the Greater Boston Chamber hosted a unique event at the InterContinental Hotel.  This Special Leadership Panel discussion focused on how Greater Boston can strengthen the diversity of its workforce and student population.  With moderator Karen Holmes Ward and guest speakers Dr. Ronald Crutcher, Beverly Edgehill, Lawrence Fish, and Steven Crosby, the program highlighted recent strides the region has made in creating a more inclusive community.

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

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.

Last night, the Chamber held the Annual Summer Reception from the Rooftop Ballroom at the Taj Boston. Always a popular event, more than 250 Chamber members from a variety of industries turned out for a night of networking among colleagues.

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

The Chamber would like to thank Citi for generously sponsoring the Summer Reception.

Please join us on the roof of the Taj Boston for our Annual Summer Reception. 

 

There is still time to register for this event on Wednesday, August 6^th.  Take advantage of a spectacular view of Boston’s skyline while connecting with Chamber members at this popular summer after-hours event.  

 

We hope you will be able to attend, and don’t forget to register soon.  Space is limited!

 

Click here to register.