The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce held its 99th annual Meeting and Dinner last night. During the program, Chamber president and CEO Paul Guzzi delivered his report to the board, in which he addressed the challenges facing our region’s economy and the Chamber’s efforts to overcome them.
1 On challenges:
“We once again face serious economic turmoil, much as we did in the early ’90s and following the events of 9/11. The world has changed since those past downturns. Competition for jobs is more intense than ever. And we face daunting challenges in business costs, health care, workforce training and developing future leadership.”
2 On the region’s economy:
“Much as the world has changed, so too has our region and this Chamber changed. We are in a stronger place today than we were in the early ’90s or 2001. Our economy is more diversified.”
3 On building a stronger economy:
“We will take the next step in health care reform, and address the critical issues of cost and quality. We will focus on education and job training, and transform all of our talent and diversity into the next generation of leadership. And we will push for a more competitive, business friendly environment to encourage job creation.”
4 On the future:
“We must be guided by the lessons we have learned: to be optimistic, to persevere, and to collaborate. For we know that no one of us can do everything, but that together — there are no limits to what we can achieve.”
Coming up at the Chamber:
State Treasurer Timothy Cahill will address the Chamber’s Government Affairs Forum on May 22, at the Langham Hotel. For more information or to register for these events, visit 
bostonchamber.com.
