Membership Directory
Work on the new edition of the Cambridge Chamber Membership Directory & Buyers’ Guide is underway. All CCC members get two free listings in this indispensable publication—alphabetically and by business category. There are still advertisement and enhanced listing opportunities available. To learn more contact Suzanne Johnson at (617) 876-4134 or (800) 790-3511 or email Suzanne at suzanne.johnson@atlantic4us.com.
Office Space for Rent
The CCC has a office space for rent in our building at 859 Mass Ave. Close to Red Line, located in quiet area of building, plenty of natural light, utilities included. For more information, contact Kelly at (617) 876-4217.
Networking Event Discount
For our loyal newsletter readers only, get a 20% discount on any Networking Breakfast or Business After Hours held between September and December 2012 with the coupon included in this edition of Connections. This offer is valid for members only and can only be redeemed once per person. Enter the promotion code when completing your online registration. Email ccinfo@cambridgechamber.org if you have any question.

Photo caption: The Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Business Awards were presented on June 6. 2012 at the Charles Hotel. The winners posed with their awards: Ellen McLaughlin, Executive Director of Nonprofit of the Year Tutoring Plus of Cambridge, Inc.; Benson Willis, General Manager of Small Business of the Year Hotel Veritas; solopreneur Pat Arcady of New Member of the Year Arcady Mediation; Business Person of the Year Jim Kappel, General Manager of the Cambridge Marriott Hotel; Ambassador of the Year Terry Cappuccio of Move Smart Move Management Services; Tris Oakley from Corporate Citizen of the Year Google; and CEO and founder David Lucchino of Leading Edge winner Semprus BioSciences.

The Cambridge Chamber of Commerce (CCC) presented the annual Excellence in Business Awards at The Charles Hotel on June 6, 2012. Over 300 business representatives gathered to celebrate achievements and community involvement by Cambridge-area businesses. The lead sponsor for this event was Novartis with contributing sponsorship by Amgen, Cambridge Trust Company and PakCom, Inc.
In addition to the presentation of the awards, highlights included a keynote speech by Mark C. Fishman, MD, President of the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research and a presentation by 6th grader Summia Mahmud of the Cambridgeport School, who thanked the business community for their support of Cambridge’s nonprofits and the CCC’s Cambridge Challenge Program and spoke about how her volunteer tutor has impacted her life.

The following awards were presented to Chamber member companies and individuals:

New Member of the Year—Arcady Mediation
This award, recognizing a business or individual new to the CCC who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the Chamber and the community, was presented to Arcady Mediation. Solopreneur Pat Arcady of Arcady Mediation coaches entrepreneurial leaders and their teams on how to address and manage workplace conflict in ways that increase team engagement, collaboration and productivity. Since joining the Cambridge Chamber of Chamber last fall, she has joined the Women in Business (WIB) Steering Committee, regularly participated in Networking Breakfasts and attended other events including Executive Speaker lunches and breakfasts. In accepting the award, Pat Arcady said that “I have had an absolute blast being a member!” Bellotti Law Group, PC and California Pizza Kitchen were the other finalists in this category.

Small Business of the Year—Hotel Veritas
The Small Business of the Year award honors a company with fewer than fifty employees that demonstrates excellence and professionalism in its industry. This award was presented Hotel Veritas, an independent 31-room hotel offering overnight accommodations to guests from around the world. Opened in May 2010, their primary objective is to provide an experience guests cannot find elsewhere. Their personalized service allows them to get to know guests extremely well and understand their reasons for coming to Cambridge, so the hotel’s staff of 13 can try to make their stay as fulfilling & relaxing as possible. General Manager Benson Willis accepted the award, saying that coming to Cambridge from Boston has really been an incredible experience and the community had been so welcoming of their little hotel. Liberty Square Group and Opus Design LLC were also finalists for this award.

Nonprofit of the Year—Tutoring Plus of Cambridge, 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 Tutoring Plus of Cambridge, Inc. For the last 48 years, Tutoring Plus of Cambridge has worked with thousands of students, families and volunteers. Founded in 1964, they provide free tutoring & enrichment programs for Cambridge youth in grades 4 through 12. Students are matched one-on-one with a volunteer tutor for an academic school year. Executive Director Ellen McLaughlin accepted the award on behalf of Tutoring Plus. She recognized the other finalists in this category, Breakthrough Cambridge and Cradles to Crayons, for also being on the front lines working for the families and youth of Cambridge. She thanked the Cambridge businesses that provide tutors, support the organization financially and allow them to offer special programming.

The Leading Edge — Semprus BioSciences
The Leading Edge award recognizes a business that demonstrates leadership and innovation in the technology or biotechnology industries. Semprus BioSciences, headquartered in Kendall Square, is a venture-backed biomedical company with a dual mission: to provide complication-free medical devices designed to preserve patients’ long-term health and quality-of-life and to contribute to healthcare cost efficiencies. Their innovative, multi-faceted approach to durable surface modifications signifies a breakthrough in medical device technology. Semprus founder and CEO David Lucchino talked about his sense of gratitude in accepting the award and how amazing work is being done everywhere in Cambridge.

The Corporate Citizen of the Year award was presented to Google. It recognizes business that demonstrates significant contributions, involvement, and distinguished community service in Cambridge. Google’s innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Googlers work hard to support the communities in which they live and work. The company sponsors events that align with their mission. Locally, Google supports educational initiatives in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and other projects that make a difference in the Cambridge community. The award was accepted on behalf of Google by Tris Oakley.

Carl F. Barron Business Person of the Year—Jim Kappel, Cambridge Marriott Hotel
Named after Carl F. Barron of Putnam Furniture Leasing to celebrate his 70 years in business, the Business Person of the Year award honors an individual who demonstrates professional excellence and outstanding leadership in the community. As General Manager, Jim Kappel is responsible for all services, products, guest experiences and community relations efforts at the Cambridge Marriott Hotel. Taking great care of his associates and managers allows them to take care of their guests, who return to the hotel again and again. Last year’s honoree, Rachael Solem, President & General Manager of the Irving House at Harvard, presented the award to Jim Kappel, noting that she has always been impressed with his reason, intelligence and generosity. Jim accepted the award on behalf of the entire team at the Cambridge Marriott, saying that it really is a team effort. He added that he has worked at Marriott hotels in 14 different communities through his 40 year with the company, and the chamber of commerce in Cambridge is by far the best.

Ambassador of the Year—Terry Cappuccio of Move Smart Move Management
This award recognizes a member of the CCC Ambassador Committee who distinguishes himself or herself as an invaluable asset to the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. Terry Cappuccio’s dedication to the CCC is exemplified by her tireless efforts and involvement. She is always the first one to volunteer, or volunteer others. In accepting the award, Terry said, “I don’t think that anyone who knows me doesn’t know how much I love this Chamber!” She dedicated the award to the entire Ambassador Committee. The Ambassadors assist with new member recruitment, ensure that existing members are getting the most from their Chamber investment, and serve as mentors for new or prospective members. The Ambassador of the Year is selected by his or her fellow Ambassadors.

Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners, and thanks to  our sponsors and everyone who attended and made this year’s Excellence in Business Awards a success!