MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES NEW BUSINESS RECRUITMENT PARTNERSHIP AS PART OF ‘YOU CAN’T BEAT BOSTON INITIATIVE’ TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN BUSINESS, DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH ACROSS THE CITY

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES NEW BUSINESS RECRUITMENT PARTNERSHIP AS PART OF ‘YOU CAN’T BEAT BOSTON INITIATIVE’ TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN BUSINESS, DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH ACROSS THE CITY

BOSTON – Tuesday, April 14, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the launch of a new business recruitment partnership as part of You Can’t Beat Boston, a public-private initiative designed to bring together leading companies, institutions, and public partners to attract global investment and support economic growth across the City and region. The new fund will be seeded by M&T Bank with support from the Boston Foundation. This announcement was made by Mayor Wu today at the U.S. - Spain Business Summit organized by ICEX, a state-owned agency that promotes the internationalization of Spanish Companies, and the Economic and Commercial Offices of the Spanish Embassy in New York and Chicago, powered by the Richi Foundation, M&T Bank, SMCU, and the City of Boston. The summit focused on strengthening business ties between Spain and the United States, particularly Massachusetts, and between Spain and the Boston innovation ecosystems.

 

“Leading companies—from Uniqlo and Hasbro to Dechra and Lovable to homegrown tech and life sciences leaders like Vertex, Gingko Bioworks, WHOOP, Klaviyo—are choosing Boston because it’s the best city to raise families and a place where talent, ideas, and innovation thrive,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Through this partnership, we will bring together Boston’s leadership across sectors to recruit even more companies, attract more investment, and drive economic growth. I’m grateful to our partners, M&T Bank and the Boston Foundation, for helping seed and launch this important initiative, and we look forward to working together to sustain these efforts long-term.”

 

The new fund is launching with initial seed funding of several million dollars from M&T Bank and will strengthen Boston’s position as a premier global hub for talent and innovation while supporting local and international companies seeking to scale in the City. The effort will create new pathways for innovation, investment, and job creation while expanding opportunities for residents and businesses. 

 

Through the You Can’t Beat Boston initiative, the City and its partners will: 

·       Champion global investment and inclusive economic growth 

·       Serve as the central point of contact for businesses considering growing in Boston

·       Build and maintain relationships with existing businesses to support retention and growth

·       Establish a strong foundation for international businesses to launch and scale in the City

·       Develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies for Boston

 

“M&T Bank has a long history of investing in communities and helping businesses scale, grow and thrive,” said Jeff Carpenter, M&T Bank’s Regional President in Massachusetts. “Through this initiative, we are proud to support both local and global companies as they establish and expand their presence in Boston while reinforcing Massachusetts as a destination for innovation, ideas and investment.”

 

“In a changing world, it is vital for Boston’s public, private and philanthropic communities to work together to ensure that we are providing opportunities for everyone who calls this city home,” said Lee Pelton, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation. “We thank our partners at M&T Bank and the City of Boston for their shared commitment to strengthening Boston’s connection to global innovation and its reputation as a hub for opportunity and growth.”

 

The “You Can’t Beat Boston” fund is a direct recommendation of the City’s Business Recruitment Taskforce, which convened in 2024 to advise the City on strategies to advance business recruitment and retention in Boston.

 

“I am very pleased that the City has created a new business recruitment fund, seeded by M&T Bank and the Boston Foundation,” said Pam Eddinger, President of Bunker Hill Community College and member of the City’s Business Recruitment Taskforce. “The creation of this fund reflects our recommendation to convene a new public-private entity that brings partners together to advance collective efforts for business recruitment and growth. This result reflects the deep listening and collaborative thinking of the taskforce and informed this new approach.”

 

"The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce congratulates Mayor Michelle Wu on the new innovation and economic growth fund launching in partnership with M&T Bank, The Boston Foundation, and the Spanish government. This new strategic economic development initiative will accelerate the growth of companies while championing our workforce across the biotechnology sector in both Boston and Spain, sharpening our region’s competitive edge,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

 

In addition to providing seed funding, M&T Bank convened public- and private-sector leaders and engaged partners including the Finance Ministry of Spain and the Richi Foundation to help bring the initiative to life and strengthen global collaboration.

 

The announcement of this new fund and You Can’t Beat Boston initiative builds on the momentum of the Spanish Government opening a new trade office in Massachusetts and launching a new $200M million venture capital fund. Together, these new initiatives reinforce the City’s position as the global hub for talent and the premier destination for business growth and innovation. This strong partnership also builds on the City’s ongoing efforts to convene leadership across sectors to recruit more companies, attract more investment, and drive economic growth.   

Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike Highlights Affordable Career-Connected Learning Opportunities in Western MA During 413 Day

Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike Highlights Affordable Career-Connected Learning Opportunities in Western MA During 413 Day

 

Administration officials visited MCLA and Franklin Tech to showcase the impact of state financial aid, early college and career technical education expansion

 

NORTH ADAMS/ TURNERS FALLS — As part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s celebration of 413 Day, Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike visited Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in North Adams and Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls yesterday. These visits highlighted ways the administration is working to help students be career ready through cost-free opportunities to earn high-value industry recognized credentials and free and affordable higher education credits and degrees. 

 

“As Secretary, one of my focus areas is access to career-connected learning at all ages. In Massachusetts, we want to make sure that students are set up for the workforce of today and tomorrow,” said Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike. “It was a pleasure to visit MCLA and Franklin County Technical School to see how early college, career tech programs and financial aid expansion are supporting students to discover their career paths in affordable ways.” 

 

Secretary Zrike and Higher Education Deputy Commissioner Michael Dannenberg joined MCLA President Dr. James Birge for a roundtable discussion on higher education affordability. The conversation included students accessing higher education through Governor Maura Healey’s expansion of state financial aid, as well as local Early College students from Drury High School. Through this financial aid expansion, middle-income students have their cost of tuition and fees cut in half, and low-income students eligible for federal Pell grants have their tuition, fees, books and supplies paid for by state and federal financial aid. MCLA’s Early College partnership with Drury High School provides students with the opportunity to earn college credits cost-free while still in high school, expanding access and reducing the cost of a college degree.  

 

“The compelling numbers about Massachusetts’ growth in Early College and financial aid cannot convey the impact of these investments as well as student voices,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “I’m grateful to the students who shared their experiences with DHE and administration colleagues, and I want to thank the partners who arranged for us to engage with those who are benefitting from our investments in higher education access.”  

 

"Affordability is not just a policy conversation, it is a deeply personal one for our students and their families. We are grateful to Secretary Zrike and Deputy Commissioner Dannenberg for coming to North Adams to hear directly from the people these programs are designed to serve. At MCLA, we see every day how financial aid and early college access change the trajectory of a student's life, and we are proud to be part of that story," said James F. Birge, Ph.D, MCLA President. 

 

"The difference between a college degree and a high school diploma is $1.2 million in Berkshire County. That's how much more college graduates make over the course of their career in vital employment sectors like Education, Health Care, and Social Assistance. The partnership between MCLA and the North Adams Public School has been a game-changer for the community, as we work to ensure that almost all of our Drury High School graduates leave high school with a significant number of college credits completed, making a low-cost, nearly-debt-free college degree a real possibility," said Timothy Callahan, Superintendent of North Adams Public Schools. 

 

"I’m pleased that Secretary Zrike is making MCLA one of his first stops after being on the job for less than a month. His visit is a meaningful opportunity to speak directly with students and administrators about programs and resources that help shape the student experience. His focus on affordability highlights one of the most significant barriers many students face in pursuing higher education. Ensuring students have access to a quality, affordable education is critical in helping them succeed," said State Representative John Barrett III. 

 

Secretary Zrike and Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Deputy Commissioner Lauren Woo toured Franklin County Technical School’s career technical education (CTE) programs. CTE programs equip students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market, including at least 900 hours of immersive learning time, co-operative education in partnership with local employers, and opportunities to earn high-value, industry recognized credentials.  

 

Franklin County Technical School received Federal Aviation Administration’s certification of their Aviation Maintenance Technology program this January and are working towards approval as a DESE designated CTE aviation program. Administrative officials toured their new 12,000 sq. ft. aviation hangar, flight simulator, and learned about their state-of-the-art aviation training modules. Certified aviation mechanics are in high demand and salaries can run from $50,000 to over $200,000. 

 

“Our goal is for students to know about the wide array of careers available here in Massachusetts and to take steps toward a career even before they graduate from high school,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. "I want to see more students finish high school with industry-recognized credentials, college credits, or both, giving them the opportunity to enroll in college or enter the workforce while continuing their training.”  

 

“We were honored to welcome Steve Zrike to Franklin County Technical School to mark an important moment for our region. His visit to our new aviation hangar and the newly approved FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician program strategically located along the boundary of Franklin County Tech and Turners Falls highlights the Commonwealth’s commitment to building a highly skilled, career-ready workforce,” said Franklin Tech Superintendent Rick Martin. “It was a privilege to host Secretary Zrike alongside distinguished guests from the Executive Office of Education and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, as well as local and regional state representatives, town administrators, selectboard members, and our school committee. The tour provided a valuable opportunity to showcase how initiatives like the state’s Skills Capital Grants are directly impacting students by expanding access to high-demand, high-skill career pathways. This investment in aviation education reflects a broader vision one that aligns education with workforce needs and creates meaningful opportunities for students across Franklin County and beyond. We are grateful for the continued partnership and support from the Commonwealth as we prepare the next generation of skilled professionals.” 

 

“I was so pleased to join Secretary Zrike and Assistant Secretary LePage at Franklin County Tech during 413 Day. The new Aviation Maintenance program offers a pathway to innovation and success for our students. Congratulations to FCTS for always raising the bar when it comes to education and opportunity,” said State Representative Susannah Whipps.  

 

In Governor Healey’s third State of the Commonwealth address, she set new goals of enrolling 100,000 students in Early College in 10 years. Since taking office, Governor Healey has been expanding Early College and Career Innovation Pathways so that more students can get started on their college degrees while still in high school – for free. The administration has also doubled state financial aid, made community college free and with the Board of Higher Education, approved new regulations recently that allow public and private colleges and universities to propose pilot programs that include the option to offer three-year bachelor’s degrees. These efforts make Massachusetts more competitive, lower costs, and support students and our workforce. 

 

Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget includes $53 million for the administration’s Reimagining High School initiative, which supports programs like Early College and Innovation Career Pathways. It also invests $103 million to sustain financial aid expansion and other financial aid. 

慶祝麻州醫療健保法改革20週年 五名麻州長齊聚芬紐廳

5名麻州州長齊聚芬紐廳，慶祝麻州健保法改革20週年。左起，Maura healey，
Deval Patrick, Mitt Romney, William Weld，Michael Dukakis。（周菊子攝）

             （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）和4名前州長，米特·羅姆尼（Mitt Romney）、派區克（Deval Patrick）、威廉·威爾德（Bill Weld）及麥可·杜卡基斯（Michael Dukakis）等人，4月13日在芬紐廳（Faneuil Hall）慶祝麻州醫療保健法改革20週年。

5名麻州州長齊聚，慶祝麻州醫療健保法改革20週年。（周菊子攝）

            奚莉州長指出，20年前的2006年，又稱「第58章（Chapter）」的這法案，就是在芬紐廳由共和黨籍州長米特·羅姆尼（Mitt Romney）簽署通過的，並創立了「麻州健保交易平台 (Massachusetts Health Connector)」。2007年民主黨籍州長Deval Patrick接任州長後，認真執行，不但讓麻州成為全美醫療健保改革模範，更彰顯了當政府不分黨派，齊心為民眾著想時，可以做得多好。

左起，Maura healey，Deval Patrick, Mitt Romney, William Weld，
Michael Dukakis。（周菊子攝）

            奚莉州長表示，「麻州健保交易平台 (Massachusetts Health Connector)」迄今協助了150多萬麻州居民獲得醫療保險，使麻州居民的投醫保率高達97%，幾乎已是全民健保了。她指出，在當前川普政府掌政中，民眾擔心的不再是“有沒醫療保險”，而是“能不能負擔得起”。她推出歷史性的削減共負額（copayment）和自付額（deductibles），和保險商合作，取消多項常規醫療的預先授權（prior authorization

麻州州長Maura Healey表示麻州將繼續領先全美。（周菊子攝）

）等政策，都是為了幫助民眾解決實際面對的醫療保險問題。最近麻州還成立了「醫療負擔能力工作小組」，因為「麻州不能等華府來解決問題」。

Deval Patrick笑言執行不易，這法案應該叫做Patrickcare。（周菊子攝）

            米特·羅姆尼（Mitt Romney）2025年才從猶他州聯邦參議員職位卸任，目前以猶他州為主要居住地。他把麻州醫療健保法改革的得以成功，歸功於3大要素，包括當年的參議會議長Robert E. Travaglini的務實，抱持「選戰已經結束，現在是處理人民事物的時候」，儘管州政府內領導層黨派政見不同，但每週一固定聚會，以建立信任，其中愛德華甘迺迪更起到關鍵的協調作用，此外則是談判法案細節的幕僚與官員們都十分優秀。他還特露，「全民健保」的最初構想，來自Staple創辦人Tom Stemberg的直言建議。

共和黨籍，現居猶他州的Mitt Romney在麻州州長任內簽署麻州醫保改革法。（周菊子攝）

            米特·羅姆尼還引用了愛德華甘迺迪當年幽默形容兩黨在麻州為醫保改革的合作，「當米特羅姆尼和愛德華甘迺迪再一起慶祝同一法案時，證明了一件事：我們當中有一個人沒看過條文」。以及Tom Stemberg當初說的，「如果你真的想要幫助人民，你就會找到方法讓每個人都擁有醫療保險」。

共和黨籍的William Weld(右起），Mitt romney和民主籍的Deval Patrick
這幾位前任麻州州長，難得共聚一堂。（周菊子攝）

            派區克（Deval Patrick）在致詞時開玩笑的說，麻州的醫療健保改革法應該叫做「派區克保險法（Patrick Care）」，因為在落實，執行這第58章法案時，他面對著如何化願景為實務的課宴，執行團隊必須定義何謂「可負擔（affordable）」，以及「最低達標保險（Minimum credible coverage）」，並舉行了無數次的基層座談來和民眾溝通。

麻州眾議會議長Ron Mariano笑說當年討論醫保法改革，先談覆蓋率，現在要考慮成本。
（周菊子攝）

為了讓那些自認不會生病年輕人也投保，以擴大保險池，州政府甚至找紅襪隊，賽爾提克隊（Celtics）來協助宣傳。後來聯邦政府推出「可負擔醫療法（ACA）」，麻州平台一度癱瘓，民眾怨聲載道，但政府團隊堅持著醫改核心是人，不是網站的初衷，在網站維修期間還繼續提升了投保率。

派屈克說，政策在觸及人民的那一刻，才具有最重要的意義。黨派合作從來都和完美，意識形態或黨派純度，或者在一起做事前，要達成完全共識無關，而是在於使命。

右起，Sal DiMassi和Robert Travaglini和Ron Mariano 從議會議長角度談麻州醫保改革。
（周菊子攝）

這場紀念活動大約有300人參加。麻州眾議會議長Ronald J. Mariano，2003到2007年的麻州參議會議長Robert E. Travaglini，以及2004到2009的麻州眾議會議長Salvatoro F. DiMasi也應邀出席，從議會角度做分享。

Ronald J. Mariano形容當年的協商會議枯燥、漫長，給人極大壓力，外界也普遍認為醫保改革是“不可能的任務”，但在友誼潤滑下，“沒有什麼問題是去北端（North End）吃一頓美味晚餐解決不了的“。

現場有約300多人。（周菊子攝）

Robert Travaglini笑說，處事成功的關鍵，在於讓所有領導人都能放下個人光環，黨派背景，為公共利益而合作。愛德華甘迺迪對麻州醫保的成就感到無比自豪，因為那是他在華府努力一生，卻未達成的理想。

麻州慶祝醫保法改革20週年。（周菊子攝）

Salvatoro F. DiMasi以自己在沒有熱水的貧民窟成長，又是癌症倖存者為例指出，醫保改革對他來說，從來都不抽象。他指出人際關係在政治中有極高價值，讚許Mitt Romney高度尊重民主黨佔絕大多數的議會，展現對話意願。

另外的2場座談，主題分別為「為歷史性改革鋪路：意想不到的夥伴攜手合作(Setting the table for historic reform: Unlikely Partners coming together)」，以及「確保實施得當：審慎決策與深遠影響（Getting implementation Right: Careful Decisions and lasting impact）」。

芬紐廳內老鷹矗立。（周菊子攝）

波士頓廣海同鄉會慶馬年新春 曹錦華、趙錦棠、余金美接任會長、常務副會長

波士頓廣海同鄉會會長曹錦華強調發揮團結精神，為鄉親、社區服務。（周菊子攝）

            （Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導）紐英崙波士頓廣海同鄉會4月11日在帝苑大酒樓慶祝馬年新春，不但有紐約，芝加哥，舊金山，佛羅里達等4埠鄉親組團來賀，還有紐約與波士頓兩地鄉親舞蹈團輪番獻舞，星樂隊現場唱奏，鄉親拉隊繞場揮舞，熱鬧非凡。

波士頓廣海同鄉會共同創辦人甄統文（左）和林偉森。（周菊子攝）

波士頓廣海同鄉會。（周菊子攝）

            廣海鄉親指出，中國台山市內的廣海鎮是一座有600多年歷史的海防古城，不但是古代“海上絲綢之路”的重要節點，也是台山著名僑鄉，有著「硬頸」和團結的傳統，而且廣海話腔調獨特，是不是鄉親，一開口就知道。

波士頓廣海同鄉會切金豬。（周菊子攝）

            波士頓的廣海同鄉會，是現年已90餘歲的甄統文，林偉森，以及彭天演，李好，朱星發，李景文等人在2012年牽頭創辦，2013年正式註冊，並在2014年3月舉行了第一屆幹部就職典禮的鄉親組織。

            11日晚的廣海馬年新春聯歡會，在胡清白鶴派5頭瑞獅齊舞的採青獻桔後，司儀林景常，甄小頻請會長、嘉賓致詞。

波士頓廣海同鄉會和瑞獅在馬年新春聯歡會中合影。（周菊子攝）

          第七屆會長曹錦華在慶祝會上感謝各地鄉親遠來同賀，直言該會將秉持傳統，發展會務，舉辦更多活動，幫助鄉親融入美國社會，和故鄉保持聯絡，繼續扶持青年後輩，造福鄉梓、社區。

廣海同鄉會幹部上台準備切金豬。（周菊子攝）

         創會總顧問林偉森以廣海話致詞，形容著「親不親，故鄉人」，還特地稱許紐約廣海在波士頓有活動時，總是組團來參加，盡顯鄉情。他也讚許會長曹錦華，常務副會長趙錦棠、余金美等人不分彼此，出錢出力的為鄉親服務。他還特地請德高望重的總顧問之一甄統文上台，和他一起祝福所有鄉親身體健康，家庭幸福，馬年吉祥。

波士頓市議員Ed Flynn（右）送表揚狀，廣海同鄉會長曹錦華代表接受。（周菊子攝）

          當晚到會祝賀，並送上表揚狀的政要有麻州參議員Nick Collins，波士頓市議員Ed Flynn。薩福克郡高等法院書記John Powers也應邀出席。遠道來賀的鄉親首長有海外廣海鄉親聯誼總會聯值會長林國東，紐約會長馮錦銳，三藩市會長劉德榮，芝加哥會長吳仕長，佛羅里達州世界廣東通祥會美亞分會顧問黃惠嫦。

麻州參議員Nick Collins（右起）送表揚狀，波士頓廣海同鄉會會長曹錦華
和常務副會長余金美代表接受。（周菊子攝）

          這場波士頓廣海同鄉會新春慶祝會和其他僑團新春慶祝會的最大不同是，不但有波士頓廣海同鄉組成的舞蹈團演出「太極功夫扇舞」，「荷塘月色」，紐約廣海竟也出動舞蹈團，演出了「杏花落」，「手心有你」。三藩市廣海也派出陳國平，林曉玲夫婦獻唱一曲之外，示範國標舞，美麗的舞服，優雅的動作，煞是賞心悅目。

紐約廣海同鄉會送錦旗給波士頓廣海同鄉會。（周菊子攝）

        「星樂隊」的現場唱奏，更是一絕，曾燕琴，趙寶玲，胡凡，桑永驥這4名唱將，一首首「我的心中只有你沒有他」，「龍船調」，「海闊天空」，「酒矸倘賣无」，「無言的結局」，「甄妮4首經典串燒」等歌曲，在甄若茅、李佩筠的鍵盤，梅偉文的架子鼓，Bob Lee的貝斯，John Summerson的吉他伴奏，以及劉曉翔，王蓓的伴唱中，把觀眾情緒帶到最高潮，由人撐起雨傘，揮灑紅巾的接龍繞場。

慶祝會一直進行到波士頓廣海常務副會長余金美帶頭唱「朋友」聲中落幕，300賓客中仍有許多人依依不捨的不願離席。

             紐英崙波士頓廣海同鄉會2026-2028的本屆職員有顧問甄統文，林偉森，朱星發，彭光復，劉素英。會長曹錦華，常務副會長趙錦棠，余金美，副會長李國星，譚福根，陳潔敏，王國治，李錦明，馮結鳳，楊銀容，曹佩英，秘書長甄小莉，理事長郭月好，趙錦棠，副理事長譚招舉，許祺，劉國任，財務王國治，楊銀容，娛樂部長陳潔敏，余金美，娛樂副部長李錦霞，李惠嫦。  （更新版）

波士頓廣海會長曹錦華（中），常務副會長余金美等人和星樂隊合影。（周菊子攝）

甄統文（左二）和甄小頻（左一），甄小莉（右一），甄若矛（右二）一家人
都是廣海同鄉會骨幹。（周菊子攝）

海外廣海鄉親聯誼總會聯值會長林國東。（周菊子攝）

會長吳仕長（右一）和芝加哥廣海鄉親組團來賀。（周菊子攝）

芝加哥廣海會長吳仕長。（周菊子攝）

紐約廣海主席馮錦銳。（周菊子攝）

紐約廣海鄉親。（周菊子攝）

三藩市廣海同鄉會長劉德榮。（周菊子攝）

三藩市廣海組團來賀。（周菊子攝）

佛羅里達世廣同鄉美亞分會顧問黃惠嫦。（周菊子攝）

波士頓廣海常務副會長趙錦棠。（周菊子攝）

波士頓廣海常務副會長余金美。（周菊子攝）

司儀林景常（右）和甄小穎。（周菊子攝）

曾燕琴（左）和趙寶玲都是星樂隊的主唱之一。（周菊子攝）

桑永驥獻唱時，有女士上台獻花。（周菊子攝）

來自三藩市的陳國平，林曉玲夫婦表演跳國標舞。（周菊子攝）

波士頓廣海和嘉賓敬酒。（周菊子攝）

紐約廣海同鄉會表演舞蹈。（周菊子攝）

紐約廣海同鄉會表演舞蹈之二。（周菊子攝）

波士頓廣海同鄉會跳「荷塘月色」。（周菊子攝）

波士頓廣海同鄉會跳太極功夫扇舞。（周菊子攝）

波士頓廣海同鄉會張明強獻唱「感恩」。（周菊子攝）

星樂隊現場唱奏。（周菊子攝）

星樂隊。（周菊子攝）

趙寶玲帶氣氛，率眾繞場。（周菊子攝）

會場賓客接龍繞場，熱鬧非凡。（周菊子攝）

星樂隊歌星曾燕琴（右起）、趙寶齡和2名伴唱劉曉翔，王蓓。（周菊子攝）