News and Resources.

January 19, 2007

January 2007 - President's Update

Dear Chamber Member:

With a new governor in the corner office and the legislative session about to begin, I wanted to take a moment to update you on 1) our 2007 Job Creation Policy Agenda, 2) major upcoming Chamber programs, and 3) some outstanding guests scheduled to appear on This Week in Business on NECN.

1) 2007 Job Creation Policy Agenda

The Chamber’s Job Creation Policy Agenda has recently been finalized and we have begun meeting with administration officials and legislative leaders to discuss our priorities. This agenda is focused on critical issues that we believe will drive job growth, boost economic competitiveness, and enhance the quality of life throughout Greater Boston.

Throughout 2007 we will work to advance the following:

• Workforce Development - Increasing the availability of skilled workers via talent retention initiatives, enhanced job training partnerships, and increased support for higher education.

• Business Cost Competitiveness - Maintaining and expanding business cost and tax reforms designed to boost competitiveness and job creation within the region's leading industries.

• Health Care - Moderating costs and expanding access by implementing the new health care reform bill and building support for additional cost-control innovations.

• Housing - Securing long-term funding for smart growth housing development and building support for employer-assisted housing.

• Life Sciences Competitiveness - Implementing and promoting the commercial permitting reform bill, restoring the landmark stem cell research bill, and increasing federal research funding.

• Financial Services Competitiveness - Strengthening the competitiveness of this critical industry through targeted legislative advocacy, events, and a comprehensive study.

• Infrastructure & Transportation - Promoting increased efficiency and modernization of Logan Airport and working to secure long-term federal funding for Phase III of the MBTA Silver Line.

Through enhanced collaboration with business groups, expanded legislative outreach, and a focus on job creation, the Chamber will work to improve the economic future of all who live and work in the Greater Boston region.

2) Upcoming Chamber Programs

As we work to finalize our calendar of programs for 2007, several major events are quickly approaching. Some of the highlights include:

• 2007 Pinnacle Awards – These awards honor the accomplishments of eight women in Greater Boston who have achieved excellence in business and management. The 2007 Pinnacle Awards will be held on January 25 at 11:45 a.m. To learn about this year’s honorees and to register, visit bostonchamber.com.

• Government Affairs Forum – Attorney General Martha Coakley will be the featured speaker at the first Government Affairs Forum of 2007. This event will be held on January 30 at 7:45 a.m. For more information or to register, visit bostonchamber.com.

• Annual Meeting & Dinner – Join us for one of the region’s single largest gatherings of business and civic leaders, and help us honor the 2007 Distinguished Bostonians, to be announced later this month. This event will be held for the first time at the Westin Boston Waterfront, with the reception beginning at 5:00 p.m.. For more information or to register, visit bostonchamber.com.

Also remember to check our programs listing at bostonchamber.com for more information about our outstanding programs throughout 2007.

3) This Week in Business

This Week in Business, the weekly NECN business program that I co-host with anchor Mike Nikitas, is now entering its fourth year. We have already lined up an impressive array of guests for the next few weeks, and I wanted to draw your attention to a few:

• Sunday, January 21, at 12:30 p.m. – Charlie Baker, president & CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and Peter Meade, executive vice president of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, will join us to discuss the new political atmosphere in both Massachusetts and the nation.

• Sunday, January 28, at 12:30 p.m. – Joe Fallon, president, The Fallon Company, will join us to discuss development on the South Boston Waterfront, including his major Fan Pier project.

• Sunday, February 4, at 12:30 p.m. – Joe Campanelli, president and CEO of Sovereign Bank, will join us to discuss the results of an Economic Outlook Survey. Also, Joe Grimaldi, CEO, Mullen, will be our guest for a Super Bowl Sunday discussion of advertising and the cost of Super Bowl ads.

I hope you can tune in and join us for interesting discussions with these outstanding business leaders. You can also find these interviews at http://www.boston.com/news/necn/Shows/week_in_business/.

As always, I welcome your feedback and appreciate your support. Best wishes for a successful year ahead.

Sincerely,

Paul Guzzi

President & CEO