On July 14, the Chamber hosted its 7th Annual Golf & Tennis Tournament.  Approximately 125 members gathered to network and enjoy a day on the course and courts.  The day in the sun is one of the highlights of the Chamber's summer programs.

For images from the event, click here.

The Chamber would like to thank the sponsor of the 2008 Golf & Tennis Tournament: Berry.

 Join us for our 7th Annual Golf & Tennis Tournament.

There is still time to register for this event on Monday, July 14th.  It is a wonderful opportunity to network and enjoy a fantastic day on the course and courts!

We hope you will be able to attend one of the Chamber’s exceptional summer programs and spend a day with your colleagues.   Don’t miss out on this unique event!

Click here to register.

On July 3, 2008, Governor Patrick signed a corporate tax bill that couples changes in tax policy with a corporate tax rate cut.

Despite unified support among state government leaders to advance such a package, agreement on how these policy changes and rate cuts would be crafted was far from certain.  Several key provisions advocated by the Chamber have been included in the final package - including a clear definition of policy changes and phased-in corporate tax relief that, when fully implemented, will move this package closer to revenue-neutrality. 

It is true that changes in long-standing corporate tax policies have an impact on economic competitiveness - both in perception and reality.  However, the impact of such tax code changes can be mitigated when crafted in a clear, transparent, and discretion-limiting manner, while providing much-needed tax rate relief to businesses currently paying some of the highest rates in the nation.  A quick summary of the bill is included below. 

Tax Rate Cuts - Lowers the current rate for C-corporations of 9.5% (fourth-highest in the nation) to 8.75% in 2010, and makes further reductions to 8.0% by 2012.  The bill also cuts the rate paid by financial services institutions from 10.5% to 9.0% during that same timeframe and provides similar phased-in rate relief to S-corporations.  None of these tax cuts would be predicated on economic triggers, as had previously been considered by the legislature.

Policy Changes - Implements mandatory unitary combined reporting with a water's-edge election and the following provisions: adoption of a 10-year binding federal consolidated return election; inclusion of Federal Accounting Standards (FAS) 109 relief - a deduction designed to mitigate the financial reporting impact on net deferred tax liabilities or assets; and sharing of credits and net operating losses within a combined group.  The bill also establishes conformity to federal "check-the-box" provisions for entity classification.  The bill includes strict limitations on Dept. of Revenue discretionary powers in administering changes to the corporate tax code.

Studies - Establishes special municipal relief commission to study options for new and expanded local taxes, directs the Dept. of Revenue to prepare a feasibility study regarding conformity to the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement, and establishes a special legislative commission to further review state corporate tax laws (modernization and simplification of the current business tax laws, including the rate structure; reporting mechanisms of corporations; and the use and effectiveness of the single-sales factor apportionment formula).

The Chamber will continue to monitor this legislation as it is implemented.

Have you seen the Chamber's newly-launched television ad campaign? We will be periodically releasing the commercials on the blog over the next several weeks.  The campaign gives viewers a sense of how some of the region's most prominent business leaders utilize Chamber membership.

Earlier this week, Chamber president & CEO Paul Guzzi was a guest on WBZ Newsradio 1030's Nightside with Dan Rea.  Paul joined the program to discuss the proposed Massachusetts ballot question that would repeal the state income tax and result in a $12 billion cut to the state budget.

Click here to listen (Paul's segment follows Carla Howell at about the 22 minute mark).

The Chamber has just confirmed the date of the 100th Annual Meeting and Dinner! The historic event will be held on May 19, 2009 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
 
Mark you calendars now, as this promises to be a memorable evening. We hope to see you there!

To see pictures from this year's Annual Meeting and Dinner, click here.

Yesterday, Joshua Boger, president & CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, addressed the Chamber's Life Science Forum. In his presentation, Dr. Boger discussed some of the company's experimental drugs, as well as his positive outlook for the biotechnology industry here in the Commonwealth.


Photos of the event can be seen here.

Read more about Dr. Boger's comment in the Boston Herald, or on boston.com.

The Chamber's May 2008 Monthly Jobs Update, released today, shows that Massachusetts added 1,400 jobs last month.

Other key findings include:

• Massachusetts posted 0.4% job growth over the last 12 months, which ranks the state 25th nationally
• Four of 12 regions added jobs over the last 12 months
• Greater Boston and Metro West regions grew fastest
• State remains 92,100 jobs below previous peak
• State manufacturing jobs down 1.3% last 12 months; only Berkshire Country and Metro West regions added manufacturing jobs

Compare this month against previous jobs reports here.

For more information on the Chamber's Job Creation Policy Agenda and ongoing advocacy, please visit the Chamber's Policy & Research page.

The Chamber is pleased to announce that the 10-year, $1 billion Massachusetts Life Sciences Initiative was overwhelmingly passed by the Legislature last week and signed into law by the Governor on Monday. Click here to access the Chamber's latest Life Sciences Policy Update.

With the passage of this bill, Massachusetts can grow its leadership in this critical industry cluster, drive advancements in cutting-edge fields of research, and retain more of the bright young researchers graduating from our colleges and universities.

As you may know, the Chamber had testified in support of and worked to advance the goals of this initiative, which seeks to secure Massachusetts’ global leadership in the life sciences industry through a series of tax incentives, capital expenditures, training initiatives, research grants and other targeted life sciences investments. Included in this law is a Chamber-filed tax reform that extends the net operating loss (NOL) carry-forward period for life sciences companies in Massachusetts. 

Greater Boston’s life science cluster is vital to the regional economy and global community – improving healthcare delivery and outcomes, producing life-saving therapies and vaccines, and supporting thousands of high-quality jobs. The Chamber applauds the enactment of this landmark law and looks forward to engaging member companies in the life sciences industry and working with state government leaders and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center during the critical implementation phase of this legislation.

For more information on the Chamber’s focus in the life sciences industry, click here. And don't miss the Chamber's Life Sciences Forum on June 26 at the the Boston Harbor Hotel with featured speaker Dr. Joshua Boger, Ph.D., president & CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Click here to register.

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.

Senate President Therese Murray was the featured speaker at yesterday's Government Affairs Forum. During the breakfast, Murray focused her remarks on the legislative efforts to grow jobs in Massachusetts. She touched on numerous topics, from the life sciences bill to the effort to repeal the state income tax. For more details on the speech, click here.

Murray's remarks were also covered by the Boston Herald, Boston Business Journal, and WBZ-TV. Murray also commented on the presidential race, which was covered by boston.com.

For a complete set of high-resolution images from yesterday's breakfast, click here

Murray's speech will be re-broadcast on 90.9 WBUR-FM on Sunday, June 15 at 8 p.m.

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

Attorney General Martha Coakley appeared on Sunday's edition of TWIB. Micheal Kagan, President of Constellation NewEnergy also made an appearance.

If you missed Sunday's broadcast, you can watch video feeds on NECN.com.

Video of Attorney General Coakley on the mortgage foreclosure crisis, efforts to curb auto emissions and the state's new auto insurance program can be seen here.

Micheal Kagan on the revolutionary thinking we need to transform the world of energy as well as an outlook on cost, supply and plans for the future can be seen here.

Peter Howe discusses troubling jobless figures as well as Ben Bernanke's comments on the economy during a speech at Harvard commencement. There is also a look at the state's mandatory health law for a progress report. Video can be seen here.

On Sunday's edition of This Week in Business, Attorney General Martha Coakley will join Paul Guzzi and Mike Nikitas to discuss her office’s efforts to combat the state’s foreclosure problem. She will also discuss deregulation in the auto insurance industry.

Then, Michael Kagan, president of Constellation NewEnergy, will join Paul and Mike to discuss how employers – including Gillette Stadium – are implementing clean and renewable energy programs, as well as his perspective on changing energy prices. 

Plus, NECN's Peter Howe talks about jobless numbers and Fed Chief Ben Bernanke’s comments about the economy to Harvard’s graduating class.

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

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.

Last week, State Treasurer Timothy Cahill addressed the Chamber's Government Affairs Forum.

In his speech, Cahill discussed the Massachusetts economy, with a special focus on state spending, pensions, transportation borrowing, and casino gambling.

Additional coverage by the Boston Herald can be seen here.
Quoted remarks made by the treasurer can be seen here in the Metro.
Photos from the event can be seen 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 Wednesday night, the Chamber hosted the 99th Annual Meeting & Dinner at the Marriott Copley Place. 

  

With more than 1,500 registered attendees, this was the Chamber's largest Annual Meeting to date. At the dinner, Gloria Larson was inaugurated as the new chair of the Chamber. She is the first woman and first collegiate president to be inaugurated in the Chamber's distinguished history.


The newest members of the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians were also inducted at this year's dinner. Micho Spring, chair, U.S. Corporate Practice & Weber Shandwick New England, Weber Shandwick Worldwide; Peter Meade, former executive vice president, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc.; Larry Fish, chairman, Citizens Financial Group, Inc. and RBS Americas; and Ted Cutler, philanthropist and vice president, The Interface Group - MA, rounded out the 2008 inductees.

Photos of the event can be seen here.
Photos taken by Bill Brett of the Boston Globe can be seen here.
Coverage by the Boston Herald can be seen here.

The Greater Boston Chamber's Annual Meeting & Dinner is just two days away! On Wednesday, May 14 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place we hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity to connect and celebrate with nearly 1,500 fellow business leaders from every industry across Massachusetts!

Some of the region's most prominent organizations will be in attendance. Companies supporting the Chamber's 99th Annual Meeting & Dinner as lead sponsors include: 

• Citizens Bank
• Constellation NewEnergy
• Eastern Bank
• Microsoft
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA
• Bank of America
• Northeastern University
• Bingham McCutchen LLP
• Partners HealthCare System
• National Grid
• Citibank North America
• Iron Mountain, Inc.
• Procter & Gamble
• The Boston Globe
• Goodwin Procter LLP
• Edgewater Technology
• Boston Culinary Group
• State Street Corporation
• Ropes & Gray
• SBLI
• Bentley College
• PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
• Suffolk Construction Co.
• Bank of New York Mellon
• Interface Group - MA
• Boston University
• KPMG LLP
• Mass. Convention Center Authority
• Weber Shandwick Worldwide

The Annual Meeting is the premier event on our program calendar, and is recognized as one of the largest gatherings of business leaders in the region. I hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity to connect and celebrate with fellow business leaders.

Click here to register for the Chamber's 99th Annual Meeting & Dinner!

The podcast of Governor Patrick’s address to the Chamber's Government Affairs Forum is now available on bostonchamber.com.

The Governor’s speech, given on May 1, 2008, was broadcast on Sunday, May 4, at 8:00 p.m. on 90.9 WBUR.