Connections
The newsletter for members and friends of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce
Vol. 73, No. 4
August 2010

859 Massachusetts Avenue
Kendall Sq. Walking Tour
We’ve just added a new summer event. On Thursday, August 19, take an exclusive walking tour of Kendall Square with local experts, find out about the latest architectural and “green” structures and learn the history along the way. Experts from MIT and the local business community will provide a unique insight into the history of the square and exciting plans for its future growth. The tour begins at 4:30 p.m. at the Technology Square Courtyard (Main Street).

We will provide water and sunscreen. Make sure to  wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers. A program of the CCC’s High Tech & Science Committee, the tour will start and end in the Technology Square Courtyard where post tour entertainment will feature the David James Duo, part of Alexandria’s  Summer Courtyard  Concert  Series. Tour attendees will receive two complimentary drink tickets.  

Thanks to our tour sponsors Alexandria Real Estate Equities & MIT and our 2010 HT&S programming sponsors Microsoft & Draper Laboratory. Register now at www.cambridgechamber.org/chamber/viewevent.html?id=280.  


 


Photo caption: Winners of the 2010 Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Business Awards: Ruth Fishbein from Nonprofit of the Year CASPAR, Inc., Denise Hutchins from Leading Edge winner Triumvirate Environmental, Jan Miller from Corporate Citizen of the Year Wainwright Bank, Ambassador of the Year Joseph Mahoney from Raymond James Financial, Dean Gabbert from New Member of the Year CMIT Solutions Boston, Carl F. Barron Business Person of the Year Joseph V. Roller II from Cambridge Trust Company and Mark Lemley from Small Business of the Year Kendall Press. PHOTO BY DAVID FOX PHOTOGRAPHER, WWW.DAVIDFOXPHOTOGRAPHER.COM
 





Excellence in Business awards presented
The Cambridge Chamber of Commerce presented the annual Excellence in Business Awards at the Cambridge Marriott on Thursday, June 10, 2010. Over 300 business representatives gathered to celebrate achievements and community involvement by Cambridge-area businesses.

Following a festive cocktail hour, the formal portion of the evening began with a brief welcome by CCC Board Chair William Sage of Sage Hotel Corporation, who introduced Cambridge Mayor David Maher. In delivering greetings from the city, Mayor Maher called attention to the extraordinary new library, police station, youth center and mentioned the construction of a new high school. He said that things are going pretty well in Cambridge compared to other municipalities and the business community’s contributions are appreciated.

CCC President & CEO Kelly Thompson Clark spoke briefly about the Chamber, promising to get attendees home in time for Game 4 of the NBA playoffs. After recognizing the members of the CCC Board of Directors and staff, she talked about how we are all adapting in order to remain successful under the current economic conditions and outlined some of the programs that the Chamber has developed to address members’ needs.

Kelly introduced Susan Lapierre from Cambridge Savings Bank, a member of the CCC’s Community Outreach Committee, who spoke about her experiences as the employer of a Cambridge student through the CCC’s Cambridge Challenge program and encouraged other companies to get involved.

Kelly then presented a speechless Joseph Mahoney from Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. with the Ambassador of the Year award. Joe was selected by his fellow Ambassadors as the recipient in recognition of his years of involvement and support of the CCC.

After dinner, Sarah Gallop of MIT introduced the keynote speaker, head of the Massachusetts Google operation Steve Vinter. Steve spoke about the importance of making decisions about what to do when great opportunities present themselves, especially in uncertain times like these. Eighteen months ago he was asked about the future of Android and said it had potential, but even he was using an iPhone then. Now there are 60 Android compatible phones. He said that the next product with potential may be Google TV, which would integrate the content and manipulability of the web into the television viewing experience.

Steve spoke inspiringly about Google’s organizational ability for agility and tenacity. They challenge themselves with audacious goals, for example, initially striving to improve latency by 5%, then increasing the goal to 50% and in the end achieving 70%. Steve said that he would like to set audacious goals for Cambridge, such as doubling the occupancy of Kendall Square within ten years and increasing the STEM pipeline to meet employers’ needs.

Six awards were then presented to exemplary CCC members. CCC President & CEO Kelly Thompson Clark presented New Member of the Year. Novartis Global Head of Communications Jeffrey Lockwood presented Small Business of the Year and Nonprofit of the Year. Margaret Chu-Moyer, PhD, Executive Director Research from lead event sponsor Amgen awarded the Leading Edge and Corporate Citizen of the Year. Carl F. Barron of CARU Associates, for whom the award was named, presented the Carl F. Barron Business Person of the Year award.

New Member of the Year—CMIT Solutions Boston
This award, recognizing a business or individual new to the CCC who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the Chamber and the community, was presented to CMIT Solutions Boston. Founded in 2004, CMIT operates an IT services practice offering Flat Rate IT with one fixed price and 100% service. CMIT representative Dean Gabbert says that the Business Development Group that he participates in is one of the best networking groups he has come across and he has referred many members to CMIT clients, knowing they will do a great job. CMIT has been instrumental in developing some new programming for the CCC regarding the new privacy law in Massachusetts. Upon accepting the award, Dean said that when Kelly called him to tell him that CMIT was a finalist for New Member of the Year, he said, “But Kelly, we’re not a new member!” adding, “I haven’t felt like a new member. I’ve felt like part of the CCC family.” Danversbank and Liberty Mutual were the other finalists in this category.

Small Business of the Year—Kendall Press
The Small Business of the Year award honors a company with fewer than fifty employees that demonstrates excellence and professionalism in its industry. It was presented to Kendall Press, an evolving Business Communications Company. As a commercial print shop, they can print anything onto almost any media, from wide format and posters to publishing books and printing as simple as flyers and business cards. Kendall Press started in Cambridge so recycling, environmental and sustainability issues have always been close to heart. 100% of what leaves their store is recycled. They often donate print and technological expertise to local nonprofits. Kendall Press has been recognized as a Favorite Place on Google and has received multiple Five Star Yelp awards. In receiving the award, owner Mark Lemley said that they try as a business to help their customers in the community be the best they can and they were so happy to see so many customers at the event that night. Sign*A*Rama Cambridge and Tobin Scientific Division Tobin & Sons Moving & Storage, Inc. were also finalists for this award.

Nonprofit of the Year—CASPAR, Inc.
This award, which recognizes a Cambridge-area nonprofit organization that demonstrates superior performance, quality and consistency in the pursuit of its mission, was presented to the CASPAR, Inc., a community-based nonprofit founded in 1970 to provide prevention, intervention and treatment to individuals and families whose lives are affected by substance use disorders. Dedicated to under-served populations, including individuals who are indigent and homeless, CASPAR’s mission is to reduce the harm associated with substance use and contribute to a healthier community. CASPAR operates one of only three shelters in the state that accept homeless people who are actively using alcohol and drugs and opened one of the first residential treatment programs for pregnant and parenting women with substance abuse issues. Interim Director Ruth Aaron explained that CASPAR just celebrated their 40th anniversary and she thanked the business community for helping them to address the issues that no one wants to talk about, even though they affect everybody. The other finalists were Central Square Theater and The Community Art Center, Inc.

The Leading Edge—Triumvirate Environmental
Triumvirate Environmental was honored with the Leading Edge award, which recognizes a business that demonstrates leadership and innovation in the technology or biotechnology industries. Founded in 1988, Triumvirate Environmental is a professional services firm focused on creating safe and environmentally-compliant programs for clients in life sciences, healthcare and higher education. They offer numerous services including chemical waste management, onsite support, chemical inventory, consulting, training, engineering and wastewater assistance. Triumvirate focuses on serving the life sciences community—taking care of their environmental and safety needs so that these organizations can focus on discovery for unmet medical needs. Triumvirate developed Project JumpStart to get organizations in environmental and safety compliance in less than 60 days and recently produced an online video training program that presents the necessary material for the Department of Transportation certification in a creative and humorous way. Denise Hutchins accepted the award on behalf of Triumvirate, saying that they have followed a distinguished list of previous recipients and they are humbled to be supporting the work that helps their clients make all of our lives better.

Corporate Citizen of the Year—Wainwright Bank & Trust Company
The Corporate Citizen of the Year award, which honors a company that demonstrates significant contributions, involvement and distinguished community service, was presented to Wainwright Bank & Trust Company. Nationally recognized as the leader in socially progressive banking, Wainwright provides complete commercial banking services to Boston and Cambridge area consumers, businesses and nonprofits with a proven commitment to issues of social justice. For more than two decades the bank has provided over $800 million in nonprofit financing for projects such as affordable housing, food banks, HIV/AIDS services, homeless shelters, breast cancer research, immigration services, inner-city schools, environmental protection, community health centers and more. Wainwright’s CommunityRoom.net provides free websites for nonprofit clients and allows them to accept online donations from anywhere in the world. Wainwright President Jan Miller accepted the award on behalf of all of the bank’s employees, saying “They do the hard work!”

Carl F. Barron Business Person of the Year—Joseph V. Roller II, Cambridge Trust Company
Named after Carl F. Barron of Putnam Furniture Leasing in 2000 to celebrate his 65 years in business and as a Chamber member, the Business Person of the Year award honors an individual who demonstrates professional excellence and outstanding leadership in the community. It was presented to Joseph V. Roller II, President & CEO of Cambridge Trust Company, a $1 billion full service commercial bank based in Cambridge, with a wealth management department. Under Joe’s leadership, Cambridge Trust encourages and supports employee participation in community activities and on nonprofit boards. The bank managed through the recent recession with high staff morale, no staff reductions and with record earnings. Joe said he was deeply honored and flattered to be receiving the award, more so because it was presented by his friend Carl Barron, adding that frankly he feels a little bit embarrassed. He feels that it provides recognition to his employer the bank and his colleagues. “I am supported by a wonderful team.”

He then spoke about the notion of being “in good company” and stretching the idea further into the larger context of the community. He said in short, it means being a good neighbor and being in good company means being a good company. He said that the ballroom was filled with good company and with good companies that add to the vibrancy of Cambridge and contribute to the fabric and quality of life of the community.

Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible, lead sponsor Amgen and contributing sponsor Cambridge Trust Company, as well as our hosts the Cambridge Marriott. Crystal awards were provided by Sandor Goldstein of Adventures in Advertising & Marketing and photography by David Fox of David Fox Photographer.  


 

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