Government Affairs Forum

U.S. Congresswoman Lori Trahan

October 15, 2026 9:45 am – 11:00 am The Westin Copley Place

Overview

Join us for our final Government Affairs Forum of the year featuring Congresswoman Lori Trahan.

Gain insights into the federal policy issues shaping Massachusetts’ business climate, workforce, innovation ecosystem, and economic competitiveness through a conversation with Congresswoman Trahan.

Tickets

Individual Member/Government Rate: $75
Member/Government Table of 10: $750
Individual Non-member: $120
Non-member Table of 10: $1,200

Government Affairs Forum

Join the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce for a special Government Affairs Forum featuring Congresswoman Lori Trahan, who represents Massachusetts’ Third Congressional District and serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. This conversation will explore the federal policy issues shaping Greater Boston’s economy, innovation ecosystem, workforce, and long-term competitiveness.

As businesses, organizations, and communities navigate an evolving economic landscape, understanding the policy environment is more important than ever. Congresswoman Trahan will share her perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing Massachusetts and the region’s employers, workers, and institutions.

Following her remarks, she will participate in a fireside chat with James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, to discuss the issues influencing economic growth, innovation, workforce development, and the future of Greater Boston.

WHY IT MATTERS

Federal policy decisions influence the operating environment for employers across Massachusetts, from innovation and workforce development to infrastructure, competitiveness, and economic growth. This conversation will provide business leaders with valuable context on the issues shaping the region’s future and what they could mean for the broader business community.

WHY ATTEND

Gain Valuable Policy Insight — Better understand the federal issues and legislative priorities influencing the business environment, economic competitiveness, innovation, and workforce development across Massachusetts.

Expand Your Network — Connect with professionals from across industries and sectors while building relationships that extend beyond the event itself.

Stay Informed on Issues That Matter — Hear perspectives on the trends, challenges, and opportunities affecting employers, employees, and communities throughout the Commonwealth.

Invest in Your Emerging Leaders — Government Affairs Forums offer emerging professionals a unique opportunity to connect with leaders, gain new perspectives, and deepen their understanding of the issues shaping Greater Boston. Consider bringing your rising talent to help them build connections and grow professionally.

ABOUT GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS FORUMS

Our Government Affairs Forums provide a platform for professionals to gain valuable insight from prominent government officials, build a strong network in the business and government communities, and engage in important policy issues impacting their region.

Space is limited and expected to fill quickly. We encourage interested attendees to register early for this special opportunity.

Questions? Contact us.

Angelica Medina

Senior Program Manager

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Email Angelica

Speakers

U.S. Congresswoman Lori Trahan

Congresswoman, Massachusetts 3rd District

Congresswoman Lori Trahan proudly represents Massachusetts’ Third Congressional District, made up of 35 cities and towns including her hometown of Lowell. The…Read more

Congresswoman Lori Trahan proudly represents Massachusetts’ Third Congressional District, made up of 35 cities and towns including her hometown of Lowell. The granddaughter of immigrants, Lori grew up in a working-class family with her dad working long, hard hours as a union ironworker and her mom juggling part-time jobs while caring for her and her three sisters.

Lori is a proud graduate of the Lowell Public School system, and during her time at Lowell High School, she became a standout volleyball player. She earned a volleyball scholarship to Georgetown University where she became the first person in her family to graduate from college. Like many, Lori was introduced to public service as a college student in Washington, D.C. After college, she joined former Congressman Marty Meehan’s staff, working her way up to Chief of Staff. She deeply enjoyed working to serve her hometown and people across Massachusetts, but she also witnessed firsthand the increasing partisanship that served wealthy special interests instead of families like the one she grew up in.

After a decade in public service, Lori took on a new challenge in the private sector as the only female executive at a tech company. Her passion for bringing women into leadership positions led her to co-found a women-owned and -operated consulting firm. In that role, she advised various companies on business strategy and how to create the ideal conditions for employees – especially women – to thrive.

Lori decided to run for Congress in 2018 – the first time she had ever sought public office – because she wanted to expand economic opportunities for working families in Massachusetts. Sworn in alongside a historically diverse class of new members, Lori immediately got to work for the people of the Third District. Now, as a member of the powerful House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Lori is an advocate for Third District residents – working to expand access to affordable, quality health care, end the addiction crisis, rebuild our infrastructure, tackle climate change, protect kids online, and more. She also serves in House Democratic Leadership as Co-Chair of the Democratic Policy & Communications Committee, Senior Whip and member of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.

During her time in Congress, Lori has responded swiftly to crises from the Merrimack Valley gas explosions, when she secured passage of the Leonel Rondon Pipeline Safety Act, to the COVID-19 pandemic, when she co-founded the Pandemic Preparedness Caucus, to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, when she immediately got to work on behalf of women and health care providers. With every issue, Lori continues to prioritize the district she was born in, raised in, and that she and her husband are now raising their two young daughters in. To that end, Lori has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding for local infrastructure projects, small businesses, health centers, community organizations, and more.

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James E. Rooney

President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

James E. Rooney is President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the region’s most influential business association. With Rooney’s…Read more

James E. Rooney is President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the region’s most influential business association.

With Rooney’s commitment and leadership, the Greater Boston Chamber is now the leading convener, voice, and advocate for the region. Strategizing with government leaders, private companies, and public institutions to strengthen the state’s competitiveness, Rooney advances the future of commerce with public policies and legislation that champions dynamic and resilient people, communities, and workplaces.

Before leading the Chamber, Rooney served as executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), overseeing the development and construction of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) while leading the management teams of four MCCA-owned facilities. Prior, Rooney served two years as Chief of Staff to Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, chairing the Mayor’s cabinet to move forward all aspects of city governance.

Rooney started his public career at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), starting as a track laborer and ending as Deputy General Manager. He served one year as the MBTA’s Acting General Manager during a gubernatorial transition. Using his transportation financing expertise, Rooney led one of the nation’s largest transportation projects, the $15 billion “Big Dig” Central Artery highway project, and he served as Chief Financial Officer at the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.

Rooney serves in leadership positions on several boards of directors, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and the Committee of 100, Immediate Past Chair of the Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives (ACCE), Co-Chair of the Madison Park Steering Committee, and Member of the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC). Rooney continues to be recognized for his professional and civic contributions, including being named to the list of 100 Most Influential Bostonians by Boston Magazine numerous times, receiving the City of Boston Lifetime Achievement Award for advocacy of the immigrant community, and he was honored with the PCMA Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the global meetings industry.

Born and raised in South Boston, Rooney attended the prestigious Boston Latin School, where he served as President of his graduating class. He graduated from Harvard College with a bachelor’s degree in economics and attended the Boston University Graduate School of Management.

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Agenda

9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Registration & Networking

Guests arrive, sign in at registration, and network with fellow attendees.

10:10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Keynote Speech

U.S. Congresswoman Lori Trahan addresses the business community.

10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Q&A

Chamber President & CEO, James E. Rooney, moderates a fireside chat with U.S. Congresswoman Lori Trahan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in my registration?

Access to a welcoming community of professionals over a great conversation and morning refreshments!

What should I bring?

An interest in connecting and networking with other professionals. Oh, and don’t forget business cards.

What should I wear?

Please come dressed for your day!

When should I arrive?

Registration begins a 9:30 a.m., with program starting promptly at 10 a.m.

Do I need to register in advance?

We have a limited number of tickets available for this event due to capacity limits. Government Affair Forum events are some of the Chamber’s most popular and we recommend registering in advance to secure your spot!

PRESS & MEDIA

Press and media covering the event should RSVP to Casey Baines at [email protected].

The Westin Copley Place

10 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116

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All cancellations must be received at least three (3) business days prior to the event to avoid being charged or to receive a refund.

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce encourages persons with disabilities to participate, and engage fully, in its programs and events.

If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, including but not limited to, listening devices, closed captioning, large print, wheelchair access, allergies and environmental sensitivities, or if you have any questions about the venue, event format, or virtual platform, please contact us.

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EXPLORE OUR INITIATIVES:

Become a Member

About Us

Get to Know the Chamber

Member Benefits

Grow Your Business

Membership Directory

Not sure if you’re a member?

Events & Networking

WHAT’S NEXT

Upcoming Events

Engage & Learn

FEATURED EVENT

Limited Series

Executive Exchange | Science, Strategy & Impact with Christopher A. Viehbacher, Biogen

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMMING:

Member Engagement

Series

Maximize Your Membership | December 2026

Membership Directory

Discover fellow Chamber members.

Upcoming Events

Stay Involved

Talent & Workforce

Young Bostonians Collective

Women’s Leadership Program

Massachusetts Apprentice Network

Boston’s Future Leaders

Partnership with Boston Public Schools

Leadership Accelerator: Building Trust, Influence, and Presence

Policy & Impact

GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

Business Climate

Climate & Energy

Health Care

Housing & Development

Talent

Transportation