Convening business leaders. Generating ideas. Collaborating with public officials. Impacting public policy. For CEOs and senior executives representing diverse industries across the state, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable provides a dynamic platform to effect positive change in the public sector. Roundtable business leaders come together to share their expertise and collaborate with public officials to make Massachusetts more competitive in the global economy. Business leaders are bringing new approaches to some of the state’s most intractable challenges in areas such as transportation, energy, talent development, education, as well as tax and regulatory policy. The Roundtable platform provides members the opportunity to express ideas and develop innovative solutions. Thank you to all our members for your continued engagement and support.

MID-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS Summer 2016

Public Policy Energy—MBR’s Energy Task Force, comprised of leaders from large energy consumers, higher education, utilities, and renewable energy companies, developed a set of guiding principles supporting a balanced, competitive, regional approach to energy policy that includes renewable energy sources, natural gas, efficiency programs, and innovative on-site distributed generation solutions. These principles are being used by the broader business community to inform our advocacy in the development of comprehensive energy legislation.

Transportation—MBR’s Transportation Task Force continues to participate as a member of the Fix-Our-T Coalition with other business groups offering public support for reforms being implemented by the MBTA’s Fiscal Management & Control Board. The Roundtable continues to monitor the results of cost reduction efforts and major reforms to improve service at the MBTA, as well as advocating for statewide transportation improvements.

141 Tremont Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02111www.maroundtable.com @MABizRoundtable

Transportation Task Force Meeting with MBTA Chief Administrator Brian Shortsleeve

Economic Development—MBR participated on the Governor’s Economic Development Council and contributed to the development of the state’s economic development strategy, “Opportunities for All.” MBR conveyed the policy priorities of its members to ensure issues of talent development, transportation infrastructure, and regional diversity were emphasized in the plan.

Early Education—MBR’s Ad Hoc Committee on Early Education and Care developed a report, which was unanimously adopted by the Board of Directors, adding early education to the MBR education agenda. The report urged the Commonwealth to

make access to high quality early childhood education a priority not only for the benefit of our children, but also because it is a workforce issue, an economic development issue and a business imperative. The work of the Committee is helping to develop the new Business Advisory Group on EEC being convened by House Speaker Robert DeLeo.

Workforce Development—MBR continued to advocate for the top priority identified by Roundtable members—talent—through supporting programs and initiatives such as the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund; vocational technical education; information technology workforce development; lifting the cap on charter schools; and the Massachusetts Computing Attainment Network and various STEM-related activities.

Board Meeting March 2016 with A&F Secretary Kristen Lepore

Special thanks to Roundtable member John Farina, Managing Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers for hosting the 2016 MBR Annual Meeting at the company’s new headquarters in the Seaport Innovation District in Boston.

Thanks also to Roundtable Chair Michael Hogan, Vice Chair Marcy Reed, as well as the MBR Officers, Executive Committee members, Task Force Chairs and members of the Board. The Roundtable’s public policy agenda, mission and impact is driven by our business leader members, whose companies employ 250,000 people in diverse industries throughout the Commonwealth.

C A R R Y I N Gthe MessageInfluential Network

§ MBR members were provided an up-close look at one of the state’s most innovative companies, iRobot. This “Up Close Look at iRobot” event featured a conversation and tour with CEO Colin Angle at the company’s headquarters in Bedford, Massachusetts about the company, its history, and its commitment to STEM education.

§ In collaboration with Roundtable member Becker College and the New England Council, MBR members participated in a special discussion on social entrepreneurship with Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

§ Through MBR’s partnership with Northeastern University, MBR members attended the CEO Breakfast Series featuring Zipcar CEO Kaye Ceille who discussed innovation in the automobile industry in a presentation entitled, “This is not your father’s auto industry: How Zipcar is redefining how people get from Point A to Point B.”

§ MBR’s Board and Executive Committee engaged with leaders from Governor Charlie Baker’s Administration, including Secretary of Administration and Finance, Kristen Lepore and Chief of Staff Steve Kadish.

§ MBR created a unique member-led discussion on energy policy with Roundtable energy experts and senior executives addressing issues such as energy efficiency, natural gas pipeline plans, offshore wind, solar & distributed generation, hydroelectric power, and supply & delivery.

Making Connections § Recommended the appointment by Governor Baker of several Roundtable members to the state’s new Workforce Development Board.

§ Connected Roundtable members to Baker Administration officials on issues such as vocational technical education, information technology, and talent development.

§ Used social media to promote members’ brands and highlight the Roundtable’s policy agenda.

§ Launched the Biz-Education Partnerships project to highlight best practices and ways that member companies are working with and supporting schools.

§ Facilitated member-to-member business connections and collaboration.

State Needs Balanced Approach on Energy

Transgender rights bill gets bigger push from Mass. businesses