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Home > Press Release > Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Announces 2021 Annual Meeting & Inductees into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians
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          Join on us on Friday, January 30, as we host our highly anticipated 2026 Pinnacle Awards Luncheon.

          01/30/2026

          11:00am - 1:30pm

          Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

          arrow-go
          Read More
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          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
          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
          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
          Partnership with Boston Public Schools 

          The Chamber Foundation invites the business community to engage with Boston Public Schools leaders and their students to help build the future workforce.

          Read More
          Strategic Communication for Better Collaboration

          Level up your leadership and communication in this Boston Chamber workshop for professionals—gain essential skills in team alignment.

          Read More
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          arrow-go
          Read More
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          Explore our key priorities and strategic efforts.

          arrow-go
          Read More
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Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Announces 2021 Annual Meeting & Inductees into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians

April 7, 2021

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Chamber’s Annual Meeting, the region’s preeminent business event, will convene virtually with the theme, “Recovery. Renewal. Renaissance.”  

The pandemic and racial reckoning tested our community, but people throughout Massachusetts demonstrated both the grit and empathy needed to forge a new beginning. Our present and future demand the agility that the people of the Commonwealth’s business community are known to deliver. Chamber members are accelerating the region’s robust economic recovery with determination and building an equitable future. We are ready to welcome a bold renaissance – a rebirth and new economy created to amplify all voices and empower every person, business, and community. Our region’s revival is our new future.

“Our business community is forever changed by the pandemic and most recent racial reckoning – we are all eager for a new future. Together, we are shaping a new beginning that is powered by equity and agility,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. 

“During this recovery, the Commonwealth’s business community will show the country how to infuse equity into a new, inclusive economy. This year’s Distinguished Bostonians recognize and drive this work forward, building a better future for all of us.”

“With their celebrated accomplishments and bold vision, the honorees joining the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians inspire all of us to build a better, equitable future. Congratulations to the inductees of the Academy, and thank you for your tremendous contributions to our region,” said Micho F. Spring, Chair of Weber Shandwick’s Global Corporate Practice and New England President and Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

During the Annual Meeting, the Chamber inducts illustrious members of the business community into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians. Our 2021 Distinguished Bostonians are Kate Walsh, President and CEO of Boston Medical Center Health System, Paul S. Grogan, President & CEO of The Boston Foundation, and Melvin B. Miller, Founder, Editor & Publisher of The Bay State Banner. These Distinguished Bostonians are dedicated to the revival of our region, actively contributing to our recovery, renewal, and renaissance. Walsh, Grogan, and Miller join an exemplary group of Academy members, including business leaders, philanthropists, elected officials, dignitaries, and sports greats – all with local and international acclaim.

“I’m truly honored to receive this recognition, which represents the commitment of my colleagues at Boston Medical Center Health System, as well as the organizations we are proud to partner with across the city,” said Kate Walsh, President and CEO of BMC Health System. “Our partners, like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, share the goal of lifting our city up by fostering our interconnectedness in an effort to provide equity and opportunity to all. Working together, in business, academia, health care, government, and with our neighborhoods, we can emerge from this historic challenge stronger than ever before.”

“I am deeply honored to be inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians, and to be selected alongside Kate Walsh and Melvin Miller, said Paul Grogan, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation. “It has been an honor to work alongside the Chamber and its members to take on some of the most challenging problems facing Greater Boston. As the region emerges from the pandemic, we must continue to strive together to embrace equity, strengthen opportunity and stand for justice and representation for all, if we are to truly meet this moment and create a stronger city.”

“Boston has become one of the nation’s most racially and ethnically diverse cities. This strength should inspire economic innovation in the emerging renaissance,” said Melvin B. Miller, Founder, Editor & Publisher of The Bay State Banner. 

The Greater Boston Chamber’s 2021 Annual Meeting Host Committee is co-chaired by Roxann C. Cooke, Consumer Bank Regional Director at JPMorgan Chase, and Michael Carson, President of the combined organization of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan. The Annual Meeting is the Chamber’s signature convening for the region, and one of the largest gatherings of the Greater Boston business community, attracting more than 2,000 business, government, and civic leaders whether virtual or in person. Information to purchase tickets and a list of past honorees are available online. 

  

Press wishing to cover the event should RSVP to Casey Baines at [email protected].

Download the Press Release

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Casey Baines

Director, Policy & Communications

[email protected]
617-557-7320

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