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09/11/2024
4:00pm - 5:30pm
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09/14/2024 -
09/17/2024
Suffolk University
Join us to hear from experts on the evolving ecosystem of data and targeting, revealing answers to pressing questions in the industry.
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5:30pm - 7:30pm
Wayfair
Go deeper than basic DEI training to achieve higher productivity, satisfaction, and revenue growth with our new corporate workshop.
Join our Transformational DEI Certificate! Our comprehensive learning & development offerings are designed to connect and grow strong leaders who lead both inside and out of the office.
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.
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.
City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.
We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).
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.
For 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.
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.
We support small business through public policy initiatives, events designed to connect small businesses in Greater Boston to their peers and established business leaders, professional development offerings, and free small business advising.
Explore our mission and values to better understand how we are leading the business community forward.
Our member directory is your resource to discover, connect, and engage with Boston’s businesses from every industry and sector.
September 28, 2023
On behalf of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and our 1,200 members, I write in support of advancing $3.4 million to fund the Boston regional intelligence center (BRIC) to upgrade, expand, and integrate the Boston Police Department’s technology and protocols related to anti-terrorism, anti-crime, anti-gang, and emergency response and $1 million to fund continued enhancements for regional capabilities to detect nuclear and other radioactive materials and devices. The Boston Police Department urgently requires funding to secure necessary technology and resources.
The Chamber continues to hear from concerned workers, residents, community leaders, business owners, and the broader public about the recent rise in shootings and violent incidents. Funds for appropriate and necessary technology utilized for anti-crime and emergency response will help address the violence in all of Boston’s neighborhoods. While data clearly shows that Boston is not experiencing the levels of crime seen across the country, the work of our public safety officials is necessary and constant, and the business community has a clear role in advocating for a safe region where every person wants to live, work, and lead a thriving business.
Community leaders have expressed that the safety and well-being of the public is at a crisis point, and police funding is necessary to quell recent violence. The Commonwealth earmarked strategic investments in Boston Police Department’s investigations of gun violence and homicides, correctly recognizing that funding police technology will help bring justice to victims and their families. Also, the Department of Homeland Security reserved grant funds to aid the department’s detection of incendiary devices.
Understanding that strong public safety demands a commitment from every public, private, and community stake holder, the business community urges City Councilors to support this funding for data-driven policing that will support the highest quality of life and healthier business climate. While safer than other cities, Boston is not as safe as it needs to be for residents and businesses to feel that sense of safety and succeed. In the first half of this year, crime increased 7% in Downtown Boston. During the previous 19 months, the Boston Police Department was called to the Macy’s department store in Downtown Crossing nearly 150 times for reports of disturbances, threats, and acts of violence. In other Boston neighborhoods, shootings and violence continue and remain unsolved, prompting Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox to call on the public for information regarding violent incidents.
With the increased utilization of social media platforms to plan crimes and lead large, violent disturbances in Downtown Boston and other neighborhoods, the police department urgently needs updated public safety tools for prevention, mitigation, and investigations. We are fortunate to have a commissioner who has been a national leader in the development and use of community policing tactics. Our commissioner continues to prioritize accountability and transparency in the daily work and infrastructure of the police department. The Boston police department took action by removing inactive names from BRIC while also limiting the information that is shared from the database. With the expectations of accountability, 21st century community policing requires the strategic use of enhanced technology capabilities. Boston should aspire to lead all cities in the application of technology to community policing.
As we encourage residents and businesses to remain and grow in Boston, we need a city that is safe and not disrupted by violence. By prioritizing public safety, not only will residents and businesses stay in Boston, but they will also be more inclined to return to the office, support Downtown shops and restaurants, and further invest in a city that is their home.
Instead of turning away this police funding, the City Council should recognize that successful community policing will lead to meaningful results, including prevention, victim support, and solving crimes. This will ensure the long-term vitality and safety of the city’s residents, neighborhoods, and businesses.
The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce asks all members of the Boston City Council to vote to approve this earmarked federal and state funding for our police.
Thank you for your consideration and please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Sincerely,
James E. Rooney
President & CEO
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