2024波士頓馬拉松賽選中Rob Gronkowski擔任大統帥 將頒給"愛國者"獎

           (Boston Orange 摘譯) 波士頓體育會 (BAA) 3月12日宣佈，將頒發”愛國者”獎給美國足球聯盟超級碗的4X球員Rob Gronkowski ，並請他擔任今年的波士頓馬拉松賽大統帥。

”愛國者”獎是一個頒給愛國，做慈善，鼓舞人心，培養善意及體育精神的個人或組織的一個獎項，也使得從1897年開始舉辦的波士頓馬拉松賽和愛國者日有了更緊密結合。

            Gronk以其體育運動上的成就令人印象深刻而聞名。他對新英格蘭的影響，遠超過足球場的範圍。他和家人創辦了Gronk國家青年基金會，致力鼓勵青年藉由體育運動，教育，以及社區和健身，發揮最大潛能。該基金會目前的項目包括在查理士河畔建造Gronk遊樂園。

            波士頓體育會發展主任Nicole Juri表示，該會十分榮幸，能有Rob Gronkowski今年成為該會悠久傳統和慶祝的一部分，在比賽當天擔任大統帥。

                    波士頓體育會預定於4月13日(週六)，在該會的”回饋”慶祝中，由美國銀行頒給”愛國者”獎，並就任2024波士頓馬拉松賽大統帥，坐上全電動的2024本田序言 (Honda Prologue)汽車，從霍普金頓 (Hopkinton)開道Boston，把馬拉松獎盃送到終點線。

            波士頓體育會上周還宣佈了”黑女孩跑 (Black Girls RUM)”是2024 Dick and Rick Hoyt獎的得獎者。這一表揚展現支持，包容精神的獎項也將在波是噸體育會的”回饋”慶祝活動中頒發。

Rob Gronkowski named as Patriots’ Award recipient and Grand Marshal for 2024 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America

BOSTON—The B.A.A. is delighted to announce that 4X NFL Super Bowl Rob Gronkowski is the recipient of the 2024 Patriots’ Award. This award is presented to a person or organization who is patriotic, philanthropic, and inspirational, and fosters goodwill and sportsmanship. The Patriots’ Award further unifies the Boston Marathon with Patriots’ Day, the holiday on which the race has been held since 1897. 

Known for his impressive athletic achievements, Gronk’s impact on New England extends far beyond the football field. Along with his family, he founded the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation which is dedicated to inspiring youth to reach their maximum potential through sports, education, community, and fitness. The current project of the Foundation involves constructing Gronk Playground on the Charles River Esplanade.

Gronkowski said, “Giving back has always been a priority in my life. When I first got to New England, Mr. Kraft and the Patriots Foundation ingrained in the team the importance of giving back to the community that gives back to us. And this community has supported me throughout my entire career. Now it's time for me to give back to help set others up for their own journey, especially the youth. This is why the Gronk Playground project is close to my heart. My family and I are honored to be able to give kids an awesome new space to play in the city.”

Nicole Juri, B.A.A. Director of Development said, “We are honored to have Rob Gronkowski as part of our Boston Athletic Association's long-standing traditions and celebrations this year. The work that he has done and continues to do for the Boston Community exemplifies what we look to recognize with our Patriots’ Award.

“Having him also serve as Grand Marshal on race day will bring a lot of added joy and excitement for the thousands of spectators who will be lining the streets from Hopkinton to Boston.”

Gronkowski’s amazing work will be applauded at the B.A.A. Gives Back Celebration presented by Bank of America on Saturday April 13, and in his role as Grand Marshal he will tour down the marathon course from Hopkinton to Boston in an All-Electric 2024 Honda Prologue delivering the trophy to the finish line ahead of the athletes on Monday April 15. 

Last week it was announced that Black Girls RUN! is the recipient of the 2024 Dick and Rick Hoyt Award which will also be presented at the B.A.A. Gives Back Celebration. This award is presented to a person or organization who exhibits their spirit through advocacy and inclusion.  
 
Black Girls RUN! is a community to inspire ALL women, especially Black women to be healthy & active. They are a friend and partner of the B.A.A. through the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program, the Boston Running Collaborative, B.A.A. Gives Back Grant recipient and participant at our events year-round. Join us in applauding all their work nationally and in supporting their goal and mission. We will celebrate their amazing work at our B.A.A. Gives Back Event this April.

Past recipients of the Patriots’ Award:

Robert and Myra Kraft and the New England Patriots (2002)

Red Auerbach and the Red Auerbach Youth Foundation (2003)

Ron Burton and the Ron Burton Training Village (2004)

Boston Red Sox Foundation (2005)

Rick and Dick Hoyt (2006)

Joan Benoit Samuelson (2007)

Mike Andrews and the Jimmy Fund (2008)

Boston bartenders and philanthropists Eddie Doyle and Tommy Leonard (2009)

New England Patriot and three-time Super Bowl champion Tedy Bruschi (2010)

Carol Fulp, Senior Vice President of Brand Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility for John Hancock Financial Services (2011)

Boston Red Sox pitcher and active community philanthropist Tim Wakefield (2012)

Boston Marathon Shadow Run Founder, Lt. Colonel Rodney Freeman (2013)

One Fund Boston, Inc. (2014)

Thomas M. Menino Fund for Boston (2015)

Adrianne Haslet (2016)

Meb Keflezighi (2017)

David Fortier (2018)

Linda Driscoll, Dream Big! (2019)

Marty Walsh (2022)

David Ortiz (2023)

Past recipients of the Dick and Rick Hoyt Award:

Dick Hoyt (2021)

Chris Nickic (2022)

Adrianne Haslet (2023)

Click HERE for more information on the B.A.A. Gives Back Celebration presented by Bank of America

Governor Healey Highlights Advanced Manufacturing Investments from Mass Leads Act at Western New England University

Governor Healey Highlights Advanced Manufacturing Investments from Mass Leads Act at Western New England University 

SPRINGFIELD – Today, Governor Maura T. Healey continued her Mass Leads Road Show with a stop at Western New England University (WNE) to highlight the bill’s proposed investments in advanced manufacturing and robotics. During the Mass Leads Road Show, Governor Healey is traveling to communities across the state to highlight the ways in which her Mass Leads Act will grow the Massachusetts economy, support businesses and attract talent to the state. 

“The Mass Leads Act will invest in every sector of our economy, across every region of our state. Western New England University is the perfect place to highlight the bill’s focus on advanced manufacturing and robotics,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Today we got a glimpse of what is possible when we invest in our innovation economy and our institutions of higher learning – we can spark research and advances in technology, while also training the next generation of workers.” 

“The Mass Leads Act supports our advanced manufacturing and robotics industries and encourages innovation in ways that strengthens our state’s competitive advantage,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “In order to keep talent in Massachusetts, we have to offer the training necessary to promote high paying and skilled jobs. The Mass Leads Act opens the doors for workforce developments and makes jobs more accessible for all.” 

“Massachusetts is home to world-class advanced manufacturing, with talented companies actively addressing challenges and expanding workforce opportunities for young professionals,” said Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao. “Attracting top talent, both locally and globally, is essential for fostering a strong innovative economy in our state. The Mass Leads Act will unlock new avenues within the robotics and advanced manufacturing ecosystems, paving the way for fulfilling career paths that will boost our competitiveness.” 

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration continues to invest in workforce development opportunities to meet hiring demands today and fulfill future workforce needs across high growth industries statewide,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “The proposed investments in robotics and advanced manufacturing through Mass Leads and in collaboration with Western New England University demonstrate our commitment to teaming up with industry, academia, and other key partners to attract, retain, and develop world-class, diverse talent that local businesses, large and small, need to thrive in this industry.”  

“The Mass Leads Act invests across high-demand industries, making Massachusetts a place where innovative companies can take root and grow, and where our talented students from all backgrounds can begin exciting and fulfilling careers. Through the Mass Leads Act, we are increasing pathways for students to continue living and working right here, in Massachusetts, as part of a workforce that is second to none,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. 

“I want to commend Governor Maura Healey for her continued leadership and advocacy in advancing, supporting and highlighting our local economic development opportunities we have here in the City of Springfield.  Western New England University, under the leadership of President Robert Johnson, offers unique and innovative programs for students in the fields of advanced manufacturing and robotics,” said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. “Thanks to the investment from the Healey-Driscoll Administration, programs such as theses can flourish, creating more of that good four-letter word, jobs, which in turn will boost our local economy and continue the Commonwealth of Massachusetts position as a leader in business and technology.”     

Governor Healey toured classrooms that are part of WNE’s Advanced Manufacturing Systems (CAMS) and Robotic Welding Technologies Project. The Healey-Driscoll administration is currently supporting the project with a $1.1 million investment to fund a three-year project that establishes a research and training cluster in advanced robotic welding technologies at WNE. This collaboration involves working alongside Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and local industry partners, aiming to enhance the advanced welding cluster and deliver new, highly skilled workers to the region's employers. 

"Today's visit by Governor Healey marks a milestone in our journey towards leading in advanced manufacturing and robotics, underscored by the strategic investments of the Mass Leads Act,” said Dr. Robert E. Johnson, President of Western New England University. “At Western New England University, this support translates directly into cutting-edge research and development in areas critical to our nation's future, including our CAMS and Robotic Welding Technologies Project. This Act not only strengthens our state's competitive stance in the technology sector but also underlines the vital role of education in achieving sustainable economic growth and workforce readiness. We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their continued support of these life-changing initiatives." 

“Thank you, Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Secretary Hao for promoting the Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics provisions in the Mass Leads Act. We are grateful for your support to strengthen the State’s Advanced Manufacturing ecosystem thru capital and training investments across the supply chain,” said Michael Tamasi, President & CEO at AccuRounds. “These investments will ensure that Massachusetts remains a leader in both innovation and production.” 

“The funding outlined in the Mass Leads Act will ensure that the Advanced Manufacturing Industry in Massachusetts will continue to grow, be competitive and bring more work in to our State, creating more jobs, boosting our economy and providing top notch products to our customers,” said Kristin Maier Carlson, President of Peerless Precision. “I am proud to be a Manufacturer in a State that supports our industry like no others.” 

The Governor’s proposed bill will expand on these efforts and position Massachusetts to win more investment in the advanced manufacturing and robotics, develop more life-saving technology, and create more jobs. It will build on the success of prior authorizations while making adjustments to account for present-day challenges and opportunities.  

The Mass Leads Act will support advanced manufacturing and robotics with: 

·           $99 million for flexible grants to support advanced manufacturing initiatives through the Mass Tech Collaborative. This reauthorization will support collaboration among Massachusetts manufacturers, public and private institutions of higher education, non-profits, and private businesses—with the goal of strengthening the state’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem. 

·           $25 million for a new Robotics Investment Program for capital grants to advance the state’s leadership in the robotics sector through research, commercialization, and training. 

·           $95 million for the Matching R&D Fund at MassTech Collaborative to continue executing on partnerships with higher education. The state will leverage collaboration between higher education, research institutions, and industry to bolster the state’s innovation economy. 

·           $75 million for a Massachusetts TechHub program to establish a new program in Massachusetts for investment in consortia organized around key technology areas, modeled on the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Regional Technology and Innovation (Tech Hubs) Program.   

For more information about the Mass Leads Act, visit the Economic Development Bill website.  

City of Boston Funding Update

 

The Funding Update

CITY The GrowBoston Education Grant is offering a total of $100,000 to fund educational programming about urban agriculture including farming, gardening, permaculture, food forests, beekeeping, etc. Funded programming should be completed by fall 2024. The purpose of this grant program is to invest in Boston residents’ urban agriculture knowledge. Organizations may apply for a maximum of $30,000 per application. Recipients must be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit or a community-based organization partnering with a fiscal sponsor that is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. No grants can be awarded to individuals or for-profit businesses. Applications for the GrowBoston Education Grant are due Monday, March 18, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.                                                        Check out all grant opportunities from the City of Boston here! You can also view Office of Workforce Development grants, Community Preservation Act grants, and Public Health Commission grants. Bids are updated continuously on the City of Boston Supplier Portal. Research Statistics All City of Boston Newsletters        Daily Updates from the City of Boston News, Resources, Applications, Permits, Jobs, Events and more!

Governor Healey Announces New Labor Advisory Council at Mass Building Trades Union Convention

Governor Healey Announces New Labor Advisory Council at Mass Building Trades Union Convention 

Roger Brunelle named Governor’s Labor Advisor 

SPRINGFIELD– Today, speaking at the Massachusetts Building Trades Union’s Annual Convention at MGM Springfield, Governor Maura T. Healey announced thatshe is signing an Executive Order creating a Labor Advisory Council to advise her on matters related to organized labor. This is the first time in more than 50 years that a Massachusetts governor has created such a council. Governor Healey also recently named Roger Brunelle as Labor Advisor in the Office of the Governor. 

“As the proud daughter of union members, I know that organized labor is a critical partner in our efforts to make Massachusetts more affordable, competitive and equitable. It’s essential that they have a seat at the table when decisions are being made that impact their members and all working people,” said Governor Healey. “We’re proud to establish this Labor Advisory Council to help guide our administration’s policy making and to appoint Roger Brunelle, a longtime advocate for workers and economic justice, as our Labor Advisor.” 

“Our administration recognizes the value of being directly connected with labor and informed about workers’ points of view. That’s why we are taking the important step of forming a Labor Advisory Council,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We look forward to also having the counsel of Roger Brunelle as Labor Advisor. He has the experience, the relationships, and the passion for labor that be essential in guiding our decisions every step of the way.” 

“Effective workforce development requires collaboration, and labor continues to serve as a meaningful partner to deliver quality jobs, workforce training for in-demand roles, and economic mobility for residents and households in every region of the state,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “This new council combined with Roger’s engagement will foster greater partnerships to support Massachusetts workers while also preparing a strong pipeline to meet future workforce needs.” 

The Council will be comprised of at least 15 members from the public and private sectors and will be from all different regions of the state. Members will represent the broad range of industries in organized labor, such as building trades, energy health care, government, manufacturing, professionals, service and retail, and transportation. 

As Labor Advisor, Roger Brunelle will work closely with the Advisory Council and advise the Governor and Lieutenant Governor on all matters related to organized labor. Brunelle joined the Healey-Driscoll administration in June 2023 as Senior Advisor for Labor and Workforce Engagement in the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office. Prior to this, Brunelle spent three decades in organized labor, first joining IUPAT DC #35 in 1992 and serving as their Political Director from 2014 to 2023. He also previously served as Vice President of MA AFL-CIO. He attended Bridgewater State College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. 

“In my time working in organized labor, I saw firsthand how committed Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll are to protecting the rights of workers to organize for fair wages and benefits,” said Roger Brunelle. “It is a deep honor that they have placed their trust in me to be their Labor Advisor. I look forward to working across the administration and with unions of all kinds to make sure the voices and perspectives of workers are centered in every decision we make.” 

大波士頓商會宣佈增加10名新董事 麻州大學羅爾分校校長陳理珠上榜

 Chamber Announces 10 New Members Elected to the Board of Directors

 Boston, MA - The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of 10 new members to the Chamber’s Board of Directors. On Monday, March 4^th, the Chamber Board of Directors voted unanimously to elect the following members to the Board:

• Marcela Aldez-Matos, CEO, Arka HR Solutions 
• Steve Baddour, Executive Vice President and Director of Operations, ML Strategies
• James Bumpus, Head of Intermediary Markets, Columbia Threadneedle
• Julie Chen, Chancellor, UMass Lowell
• Ben Lavallee, Director, Google Cloud
• Javier Reyes, Chancellor, UMass Amherst
• Glen Shor, Executive Vice President & Treasurer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Marcelo Suarez-Orozco, Chancellor, UMass Boston
• Scott Weintraub, Senior Vice President, United States Business, Alexion
• Lisa Wieland, New England President, National Grid

With this new slate of incoming Board members, the Board maintains gender parity and is comprised of 30% people of color.

 

“It is a pleasure to welcome this outstanding group of business and civic leaders to the Greater Boston Chamber. Their knowledge and expertise across industries and sectors represents the very best of the Greater Boston business community. As the region’s leading business organization, the Chamber leverages the skills of our Board to collectively address and solve complex challenges. Our new Board colleagues will bring significant contributions to our work for years to come,” said Ronald P. O’Hanley, Chairman and CEO of State Street and Chamber Board Chair.

 

“I am excited to welcome our new Board members who are impactful business and community leaders. With Ron’s leadership as our Board Chair, our Board is poised to tackle challenges facing the people and businesses of Boston while amplifying transformative opportunities. As the Chamber works to advance the Commonwealth’s competitive edge, our Board is essential to creating a successful future for the region,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

麻州長提名 Rafael Ortiz 為麻州保釋委員會委員

Governor Healey Nominates Rafael Ortiz to Massachusetts Parole Board  

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey announced that she is nominating Rafael Ortiz to serve on the Massachusetts Parole Board. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Ortiz will fill the final vacancy on the Parole Board.   

“Over the course of his career, Rafael Ortiz has proven to be a dedicated probation officer with a deep understanding of our criminal justice system,” said Governor Healey. “He brings an empathetic, compassionate and fair perspective to his work, and we’re thrilled to nominate him to the Parole Board. We’re thankful to members of the Governor’s Council for their consideration and look forward to their decision.”  

“We’re excited to nominate Rafael Ortiz to Parole Board,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “His service as a probation officer and his experiences in his community make him a qualified and eager candidate. We look forward to working with the Governor’s Council as they consider this nomination.”   

The Massachusetts Parole Board’s mission is to promote public safety through supervised, conditional release of incarcerated people to the community and to provide the support needed for a successful transition back into the community. Parole Board members conduct face-to-face parole release hearings, provide notice and assistance to victims, supervise parolees in the community, and provide reentry services to those leaving custody with no mandated post-release supervision.  

“I am honored by Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll’s nomination,” said Rafael Ortiz. “I have spent my career working with my community and am proud of the work I have done supporting the needs of youths and emerging adults. I look forward to continuing my life’s work advocating for a fair and just system.”   

Ortiz has served as a probation officer in central Massachusetts for more than three decades with a focus on juveniles and emerging adults. He has dedicated his career to working in a culturally diverse environment to facilitate re-entry while maintaining community safety. He has been instrumental in several partnerships between the courts, probation, and Worcester Public Schools designed to deter and divert court involvement for youth. Born in Puerto Rico, Ortiz moved to the United States at age 11. He received a Bachelor’s in Legal Studies from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and has completed additional coursework in Criminal Justice at Anna Maria College. He currently resides in Worcester.  

Highlights the Importance of Housing & Quality Jobs to Retention of 20 – 30 Year Olds

 Chamber Foundation’s Young Residents Survey

Highlights the Importance of Housing & Quality Jobs to Retention of 20 – 30 Year Olds

Young Residents Overwhelmingly Satisfied with Living in Greater Boston

BOSTON, MA – 

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation (the “Chamber Foundation”) and City Awake, a program of the Chamber Foundation, commissioned a survey from HIT Strategies to understand the personal and professional challenges and opportunities of 20 to 30-year-old residents living and working in Greater Boston. Young residents contribute significantly to the growth and vitality of local workplaces, communities, and economy, and the Chamber Foundation recognizes the heightened urgency as the Commonwealth loses young residents to competitor cities and states.

 

According to 2022 U.S. Census data, the most popular states that Massachusetts residents moved to are New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York, and Florida.[1] In terms of outmigration, even though the Commonwealth has seen modest improvement with population loss to other states, Massachusetts still exceeds typical outmigration levels, and only four other states experienced larger outmigration. Beginning in 2020 with the shift to remote and hybrid office policies, the mobility of the workforce increased, and we are seeing residents, especially young residents, move away from Massachusetts to more affordable regions.

 

Conducted in November and December of 2023, the young residents survey consists of 823 young adult respondents, who are 20 – 30-year-olds and live in Greater Boston. For this survey, Greater Boston includes Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Suffolk counties. One of the findings notes an overall satisfaction with living in Greater Boston: 89% of young residents are satisfied with their day-to-day lives in Greater Boston across race and gender.

 

With this positive reflection of young residents and their experience in Greater Boston, it is imperative that the region’s future and current workforce are able to stay in the region with a high quality of life and transformative policies and connections that amplify opportunities.  With this survey, the Chamber Foundation is committed to using the data to understand and magnify the concerns of the region’s young residents through essential convenings and the promotion of civic engagement and policy solutions.

 

As the region wrestles with departures to more affordable states and cities, the survey results showed that an alarming 25% of young residents are planning to leave Greater Boston over the next 5 years. 

 

Of the young residents who responded to questions about their plans to leave, there are different responses across race and sexual orientation: while 76% of millennial women and 77% of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) individuals surveyed noted that they plan to remain in Greater Boston, 35% of Black women and 31% of LGBTQIA+ individuals reported that they are more likely to leave Greater Boston. Compared to all of the respondents, cultural and racial diversity is more important to Black women and LGBTQIA+ individuals’ decision to stay or leave Greater Boston.

 

In terms of the reasons and factors that influence a young resident’s decision to continue living in Greater Boston, job availability, cost of rent, and the ability to purchase a home ranked as the most important issues for young residents as they choose to build a life and career.

• 87% of young residents surveyed responded that Job Availability is important.
• 83% of young residents surveyed responded that the Cost of Rent is important.
• 78% of young residents surveyed responded that the Ability to Buy a Home is important.

When asked about the most urgent issues for local leaders, respondents noted that housing, jobs, and wages should be prioritized.

• 66% of young residents surveyed responded that Housing that is Affordable should be prioritized.
• 39% of young residents surveyed responded that the Availability of Quality Jobs should be prioritized.
• 35% of young residents surveyed responded that Financial Compensation and Wages should be prioritized.

As Greater Boston and the Commonwealth continue to navigate a housing crisis, young residents are making decisions about the value of the region to their lives. To ensure that young residents want and choose to remain in Greater Boston, the most urgent issues of quality and available jobs, rent costs, and home ownership must be at the top of mind for public officials and the business community.

 

“The Chamber Foundation is committed to the success of every person in the Commonwealth, and our young residents are not only the future of the workforce, but also our current leaders and champions of our small businesses, downtowns, and workplaces,” said James E. Rooney, President of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “It is incumbent upon us to elevate the voices of young residents who are contributing to our local vibrancy and civic fabric while navigating significant hurdles. With meaningful and strategic initiatives, the Chamber Foundation helps address opportunities for young residents while working with partners to better advance the success of young residents so that they will make Greater Boston their permanent home.”

 

Download the Survey Questions and Results here.