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          A Fireside Chat with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, Boston University

          This Women's Network event will offer an insightful conversation with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, the 11th President of Boston University and both the first woman and the first Black woman to lead the institution since its founding in 1869.

          06/18/2025

          11:30am - 1:00pm

          Fairmont Copley Plaza

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          Special Event
          Talent and Competitiveness in 2025: Finding Opportunity in Uncertain Times

          Join the Chamber and Massachusetts Business Roundtable for a deep dive into employer insights, featuring analysis from McKinsey and a panel of experts.

          06/26/2025

          11:00am - 12:00pm

          Virtual

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          Pacesetters
          Doing Business with Mass General Brigham

          Join us for our installment of the Pacesetters Doing Business series featuring Mass General Brigham on June 26, 2025.

          06/26/2025

          1:00pm - 2:00pm

          Virtual

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          This program is in redevelopment. Click this page for DEI resources.

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          Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.

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          Boston’s Future Leaders

          Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.

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          Authentic Professionalism for Early Career Professionals

          Join us on June 12 for a highly interactive virtual workshop with Strategic Career & Leadership Coach Carole-Ann Penney.

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          Economic Inclusion
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          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

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          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

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          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          Read More
          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

          Read More
          Women’s Network

          For over 30 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

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          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

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Bostonchamber
Boston Chamber
  • Events
        • Events

          • Overview
          • Events Calendar
          • Chamber Awards
          • New Chamber Event Series
        • ...
          Women's Network
          A Fireside Chat with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, Boston University

          This Women's Network event will offer an insightful conversation with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, the 11th President of Boston University and both the first woman and the first Black woman to lead the institution since its founding in 1869.

          06/18/2025

          11:30am - 1:00pm

          Fairmont Copley Plaza

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Special Event
          Talent and Competitiveness in 2025: Finding Opportunity in Uncertain Times

          Join the Chamber and Massachusetts Business Roundtable for a deep dive into employer insights, featuring analysis from McKinsey and a panel of experts.

          06/26/2025

          11:00am - 12:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Pacesetters
          Doing Business with Mass General Brigham

          Join us for our installment of the Pacesetters Doing Business series featuring Mass General Brigham on June 26, 2025.

          06/26/2025

          1:00pm - 2:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Learning & Development
        • Learning & Development

          • Overview
          • Call for Nominations
          • Insights
        • Transformational DEI Certificate

          This program is in redevelopment. Click this page for DEI resources.

          Read More
          Women’s Leadership Program

          Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.

          Read More
          Boston’s Future Leaders

          Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.

          Read More
          Authentic Professionalism for Early Career Professionals

          Join us on June 12 for a highly interactive virtual workshop with Strategic Career & Leadership Coach Carole-Ann Penney.

          Read More
  • Economic Inclusion
        • Economic Inclusion

          • Overview
          • Pacesetters
          • Resources
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Small Business
          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Policy & Impact
        • Policy & Impact

          • Overview
          • Leadership Councils
          • Amicus Advisory Board
        • GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

          Business Climate
          Read More
          Climate & Energy
          Read More
          Health Care
          Read More
          Housing & Development
          Read More
          Talent
          Read More
          Transportation
          Read More
  • Our Networks
        • GBCC’s Networks

          • Overview
        • OUR NETWORKS

          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          Read More
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          Read More
          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

          Read More
          Women’s Network

          For over 30 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

          Read More
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          Read More
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Government Affairs Forum: Ronald J. Mariano, Massachusetts Speaker of the House

March 30, 2023 9:45 am – 11:00 am Colonnade Hotel

Event Details

  • This event sold out!
  • Attendees heard from the Massachusetts Speaker of the House, Representative Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy), at the Chamber’s Government Affairs Forum.

Tickets

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

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  • Overview
  • Speakers
  • Agenda
  • FAQs
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Government Affairs Forum


We hope you enjoyed attending our second Government Affairs Forum of 2023 where Speaker Ronald Mariano addressed the Chamber’s business community.

Speaker Mariano has represented the 3rd Norfolk District, comprised of Quincy, Weymouth, and Holbrook in the Massachusetts House of Representatives since 1991. He was elected Speaker of the House in December 2020 after serving as Majority Leader since 2011. Throughout his career he has been an ardent proponent of LGBTQ rights, civil rights, and ensuring access to reproductive justice and women’s health care.

Following Governor Healey’s budget proposal, we heard from Speaker Mariano about his priorities and strategies to strengthen the communities and economy of Massachusetts.

Watch the Event Here

Speakers

Mariano Headshot
House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano

House Speaker, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Representative Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy) has represented the 3rd Norfolk District, comprised of Quincy, Weymouth, and Holbrook in the Massachusetts House of Representatives…Read more
Representative Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy) has represented the 3rd Norfolk District, comprised of Quincy, Weymouth, and Holbrook in the Massachusetts House of Representatives since 1991. He was elected Speaker of the House in December 2020 after serving as Majority Leader since 2011.

Throughout his career, Speaker Mariano has been a driving force behind groundbreaking legislation related to health care, criminal justice, gun control, and education. Serving as the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Financial Services, Speaker Mariano was a key architect of the Commonwealth’s landmark health care reform of 2006, which went on to serve as a model for the Affordable Care Act. He was also a principal proponent of transitioning the state’s automobile insurance market to managed competition in 2008.

As Assistant Majority Leader and then Majority Leader, Speaker Mariano led many of the House’s conference committee negotiations for bills that established school accountability standards, contained health care cost growth, reformed the criminal justice system, created an adult use marijuana industry, and regulated ride-sharing services. Speaker Mariano was the lead negotiator in Massachusetts’ 2014 gun safety reform and the subsequent ban on bump stocks, which have made Massachusetts a national leader in gun safety. Throughout his career he has been an ardent proponent of LGBTQ rights, civil rights, and ensuring access to reproductive justice and women’s health care. Most recently, Speaker Mariano led the House’s efforts to reduce barriers to access telehealth services and to provide a financial lifeline to struggling community hospitals.

Speaker Mariano is a lifelong resident of Quincy Point and is married to Eve Powell, a retired Quincy Public School teacher. He attended Quincy Public Schools, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University and a master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston. He taught in the Quincy Public Schools for 12 years and served as a member of the Quincy School Committee for 18 years. He is a lifelong basketball fan and coached Quincy Youth Basketball for many years.

James Rooney
James E. Rooney

President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

James E. Rooney is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, one of the region’s leading business associations. Under…Read more
James E. Rooney is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, one of the region’s leading business associations. Under Rooney’s guidance, the Boston Chamber has become the leading voice of the business community on public policy issues, weighing in on important matters such as our region’s public transportation infrastructure, economic mobility, health care costs, workforce development and policy regarding our state’s competitiveness. In addition, Rooney has focused on broadening the Chamber’s membership, including introducing new programs and initiatives designed to attract and retain next generation leaders, minority-owned and small businesses. Prior to joining the Chamber in 2015, Rooney was executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority for nearly 15 years, overseeing the development and construction of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) and leading the management teams of four MCCA owned facilities in Massachusetts. Before moving to the MCCA in 2001, Rooney served two years as Chief of Staff to Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, chairing the Mayor’s cabinet and playing a critical role in all aspects of city governance including education, public safety, public works and transportation. He began his public career at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the nation’s fourth largest transit system, where he spent 18 years, starting as a track laborer and ending as Deputy General Manager. He also served one year as the MBTA’s Acting General Manager during a gubernatorial transition. During the 1990s, Rooney served in senior positions at the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority and the Central Artery Project, Boston’s $15 billion “Big Dig” highway project. Rooney has served in leadership positions on several boards of directors and currently sits on professional and non-profit boards including the Professional Convention Management Association’s (PCMA) North American Advisory Board/Mexico Tourism Board, Vice Chair of the Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives (ACCE), The Partnership, Inc., and the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC). Rooney has been recognized many times throughout his career for both professional and civic contributions including, a PCMA Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the global meetings industry and a City of Boston Lifetime Achievement Award for leadership and advocacy for immigrant advancement and diversity. In 2018, Rooney was named one of Boston’s Top 10 Most Influential People by Boston Magazine, and one of the “Power 50” executives who made the biggest impact on Greater Boston’s business community and the region’s overall economy by the Boston Business Journal. Rooney grew up in South Boston and attended the prestigious Boston Latin School, graduating as president of his class. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard College and attended the Boston University Graduate School of Management.

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

    House Speaker Ron Mariano gives annual address to the business community.

  • 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Fireside Chat / Q&A

    Chamber President & CEO, James E. Rooney, moderates a fireside chat and the audience Q&A with House Speaker Ron Mariano.

Press & Media

  • Press & Media

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

FAQs

  • 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!

  • COVID-19 POLICY

    -You are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the CDC.
    -You have not had a fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell that cannot be attributed to another health condition.
    -You have not had contact with a person known to be infected, potentially infected, or exposed to someone infected with COVID-19 within the previous 7 days. (Prior to the event date)

Series Sponsor

The Colonnade Hotel

120 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116

Get Directions

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.

265 Franklin Street
Suite 1701
Boston, MA 02110
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