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.

We look forward to seeing you over the summer!

In today's edition of the Metro, Chamber president & CEO Paul Guzzi talked to AIG's Ron Willett about his company, Boston, and pond hockey.

Ron began his career as a sales representative in the Accident & Health Division of

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

RW: AIG is a powerhouse Financial Services company with $1 Trillion in Assets and the most professional and talented people in the business.  We are the largest insurance company in the World.

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

RW:  I grew up here (Hyannis), so my favorite thing about working in Boston is being home.  The connections that I have established throughout my life are all still in play.  Boston is more of a big town than a city. 

PG: Favorite place to take a client for lunch?

RW: Mr. Dooley's.
 
PG:  Tell us something we should know about you.
 
RW: Every January my Brother (John), some good friends, and I travel out to Minneapolis to play in the US Pond Hockey Championships.

Read the full interview 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.

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!

As the calendar turns to November, the Chamber is busy putting the final touches on the 2008 Membership Directory.  

If you haven’t verified your contact information, please take a brief moment to confirm your free listing as it will appear in the Directory.  You can access this information through the password-protected "Members Only" portal on bostonchamber.com.  

The deadline for all updates is Monday, November 5. Remember, the annual directory will be distributed to each of our 1,700+ member companies in January.If you have any questions, or if you have misplaced your password, give us a call at 617-557-7353 and we'll be happy to offer our assistance. 

Remember, everyday the Member Services department is working for you!

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.

This morning the Chamber hosted a Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) breakfast with Charlie Baker, president & CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.

The BFL program is only a few years old – otherwise it would almost certainly count Charlie among its alumni. He joined the Weld administration at the age of 33, and by 37 was Massachusetts Secretary of Administration and Finance – serving as the state’s chief budget writer and Governor Weld’s closest advisor.

After winning wide acclaim for his work in state government, Charlie took the reigns at Harvard Pilgrim – rescuing the company from near bankruptcy and leading it to the top of national rankings for health care plans.

His address this morning was ideally suited to the BFL members and alumni in attendance.  Charlie spoke about being a leader, and used examples from his own life to illustrate the path one takes to get there:

• He noted the importance of either having a mentor or a model – someone you can watch, interact with, and learn from;
• The need to be patient and persistent – to open a 10th door if nine have been slammed in your face;
• The value of having a plan;
• The ability to learn from mistakes and not repeat them; and
• The great benefit of having a little luck.

Aside from sharing his experience and views on leadership, Charlie also offered some valuable advice to the dozens of Boston’s Future Leaders in the room:

• Leadership is more about who you are than what you do – the key is to really know yourself.
• Push past your limits, take risks, and do things that are uncomfortable, and you will expand your horizons and grow as a leader.
• Know and respect those around you. Build teams, connect with employees, and learn from both your superiors and your subordinates.

If Charlie’s career is any indication, following his advice just may present Boston’s Future Leaders with great opportunities for further development and success.

During the first week of the fall season, the Member Services department is focusing on verifying important member information prior to printing the Chamber's 2008 Membership Directory.

The annual directory will be distributed to each of our 1,700+ member companies in January. If you haven't already, please take a brief moment to confirm your information as it will appear in the directory.

You can access this information through the password-protected "Members Only" portal on bostonchamber.com. Don't know your password? Give us a call at 617-557-7353 and we'll be happy to offer our assistance.

Don't miss this important business development opportunity!