GOVERNOR PATRICK ANNOUNCES INNOVATION MISSION TO ISRAEL AND UNITED ARAB EMIRATES TO GROW THE MASSACHUSETTS GLOBAL ECONOMY

GOVERNOR PATRICK ANNOUNCES INNOVATION MISSION TO ISRAEL AND UNITED ARAB EMIRATES TO GROW THE MASSACHUSETTS GLOBAL ECONOMY

Mission will strengthen relationships with key global centers of growth, foster new partnerships in Israel and the United Arab Emirates

BOSTON – Tuesday, May 13, 2014 – Governor Deval Patrick today announced he will lead a coalition of the Commonwealth’s government and industry leaders on an innovation mission to Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to expand opportunities between the Commonwealth, Israel and the UAE for economic development and job creation in the innovation economy sectors. 

From May 27, 2014 – June 4, 2014, the Innovation Partnership Mission will make stops in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in Israel and in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, where the Governor and members of the delegation will visit companies and business organizations in the innovation economy sectors, and meet with top business and government leaders to highlight all that Massachusetts has to offer. The Governor will deliver the keynote at the U.S – Israel CONNECTED Summit, an event that will bring together hundreds of American and Israeli business leaders, academics and government leaders to participate in industry-specific discussions on topics such as medical devices, neuroscience, Internet of Things, eHealth, water tech and cyber security. The Governor will also meet with Israel’s Chief Scientist, Avi Hasson, while in Israel. In Abu Dhabi, the Governor will meet with leaders from the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE’s premier research university focusing on advanced energy and sustainable technologies.

“Massachusetts is already a national leader in the innovation economy, but we can’t compete by looking inward,” said Governor Patrick. “This mission is a tremendous opportunity for us to strengthen our relationship with key global growth centers to compete for jobs on the global playing field and position Massachusetts as the North American destination for business growth.”

Since taking office, Governor Patrick has led coalitions of the Commonwealth’s leaders from business, academic, financial services and cultural communities to 13 countries including China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Israel, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Chile and Brazil.  These visits focused on expanding opportunities for job creation in the life sciences, IT, water technology, clean energy, transportation and education sectors to foster opportunities for collaboration between Massachusetts and our global partners.  

“The upcoming mission to these important jurisdictions in the Middle East is symbolic of our Commonwealth’s focus on building key trade and investment relationships with partners in countries which share our belief in the power of collaboration in the innovation economy sectors to improve our local economies and strengthen our global economy as a whole,” said Richard Elam, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment.

Following the Governor’s mission to Israel in 2011, Israeli biotech firm EarlySense announced new jobs in Massachusetts and established its U.S. headquarters in Waltham. Israeli company Desalitech, Ltd., a provider of advanced water treatment solutions, also moved its headquarters to Newton. Desalitech was named in the 2013 Global Cleantech 100 as a top company in clean technology. The 2011 mission to Israel also helped launch and coalesce the Commonwealth’s water technology sector, solidifying this important cluster in Massachusetts.  

“When Governor Patrick first traveled to Israel in 2011, he challenged us to harness Massachusetts brain power and innovation to create a water cluster in Massachusetts,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan. “Today, Massachusetts is home to nearly 300 water industry companies, organizations and institutions, creating local jobs in a global market that is estimated to generate nearly $4 billion in annual revenues. This mission will continue that important work”

Last year, a report by the New England-Israel Business Council underscored the impact of Israeli-founded companies on the Massachusetts economy that has grown significantly in recent years, following the Governor’s 2011 mission to Israel. According to that study, Israeli-founded companies in Massachusetts booked $6.2 billion in revenue in the state in 2012 and employed nearly 6,700 people. The study also found that the growth rate of Israeli companies in Massachusetts is five times that of the Massachusetts economy as a whole.

“This mission will bolster the already strong ties between Massachusetts and Israeli companies doing business in the growing clean energy and water innovation sectors, while expanding our collaboration with businesses in Israel and the United Arab Emirates,” said MassCEC CEO Alicia Barton. “Solving the world’s energy and water challenges will take a truly collaborative effort, and missions like these will expand markets for Massachusetts companies looking to do business on the global stage.”

The Massachusetts-Israel and Massachusetts-UAE Connections:

In 2013, Massachusetts was Israel’s 12th largest import partner from within the United States, with Israel importing approximately $212 million in goods and services. In 2013, Massachusetts was Israel’s 11th largest export partner from within the United States, with Israel exporting approximately $291.8 million in goods and services and the UAE was Massachusetts 23^rd largest export partner. A leader in in the fields of clean energy, technology and life sciences in the Middle East region, the UAE and Massachusetts share a dedication to the innovation economy. The recent launch of Emirates Airline’s direct Dubai to Boston flight is presents an opportunity to deepen our relationship and strengthen existing collaboration between Massachusetts and the UAE.

“This mission is another step to ensure that Massachusetts remains an active player in the 21st century global economy,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Greg Bialecki. “We look forward to meeting with our foreign counterparts to help increase collaboration and expand the reach of our innovation industries.”

“This trade mission will be an opportunity to further cement and expand the strong ties between the thriving life sciences clusters in Israel and Massachusetts,” said Susan Windham-Bannister, Ph.D., President & CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. “Our last trade mission to Israel yielded concrete results, including the decision by EarlySense to locate its U.S. headquarters in Waltham, and the creation of a collaborative grant program to support joint R&D projects between Massachusetts and Israeli companies. We have since welcomed several additional Israeli companies to Massachusetts, such as ARGO Medical Technologies and NLT SPINE, and we look forward to interacting with more innovative Israeli companies during the upcoming trade mission.”

   

“Massachusetts is known around the world for its entrepreneurial culture in sectors such as eHealth and cybersecurity, so it’s no surprise that a strong partnership exists between the Commonwealth and Israel, which is known as ‘Startup Nation’,” stated Pamela Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. “We’re also excited to work with Governor Patrick and Secretary Bialecki to establish new connections in the UAE and to highlight the Commonwealth’s culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, and pioneering technologies.”

  

Government Delegation for the Massachusetts-Israel-United Arab Emirates Innovation Partnership Mission: 

Delegation members will participate in various portions of the mission. 

Governor Deval L. Patrick

Mayor Setti Warren, Mayor of Newton

John Barros, Chief of Economic Development, City of Boston

Secretary Greg Bialecki, Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development

Secretary Rick Sullivan, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

Commissioner Mark Sylvia, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

Undersecretary Kurt Schwartz, Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Susan Windham-Bannister, PhD, President & CEO, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center

Pamela Goldberg, CEO, Massachusetts Technology Collaborative

Alicia Barton, CEO, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

Richard Elam, Executive Director, Massachusetts Office of International Trade & Investment

Bunker Hill Community College TRIO-Talent Search Participants Accepted to Colleges

Bunker Hill Community College TRIO-Talent Search Participants Accepted to Colleges

BOSTON, May 13 – The TRIO-Talent Search program assisted 150 Chelsea High School students in 2013-2014 with services designed to prepare them for college. An array of two- and four-year colleges, universities, professional colleges, community colleges and colleges of art and design in 13 states have accepted many of the TRIO-Talent Search participants. “We work closely with students and their families to ensure that students are choosing colleges that will be the best fit for them,” said Program Director Austin Gilliland. 

The 54 institutions of higher education that have accepted the students include Bentley University, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, MCPHS University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Massachusetts Boston, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, University of Massachusetts Lowell and Yale University, to name a few.

Claire Pizarro, who will attend University at Albany, State University of New York, has been selected as a Bank of America Student Leader for her service to her community. Pizarro will participate in a paid internship with a nonprofit and attend a Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.

TRIO-Talent Search is funded through the U.S. Department of Education. It is operated by BHCC in partnership with Chelsea Public Schools and FUEL Education. For more information, contact the TRIO office, located at the Chelsea High School Library at 617-466-5075, or email Austin Gilliland at agillila@bhcc.mass.edu.

波士頓公共圖書館今晚（5/15）放映“誰是陳果仁？”

ADL’s ASIAN-JEWISH ROUNDTABLE TO HOST

EXCLUSIVE SCREENING OF VINCENT WHO?

WHO: Hosted by The Anti-Defamation League’s Asian-Jewish Roundtable.

Discussion with Curtis Chin, Director and Award-Winning Producer, to follow

WHAT: Screening of the award-winning documentary film that examines the historic Vincent Chin murder case and the current state of Asian American empowerment. This case inspired Asian Americans throughout the United States to come together to form a pan-Asian identity, and start the Asian American Civil Rights Movement.

In honor of Asian Pacific Heritage Month, leaders from Boston’s Asian and Jewish communities will come together for an exclusive screening of the award-winning film, Vincent Who? A discussion and Q&A with Director/Producer Curtis Chin will follow the film.

ADL’s Asian-Jewish Roundtable - Mission:

The Anti-Defamation League’s Asian-Jewish Roundtable was founded 2013 to advance alliances and partnerships  between Asian and Jewish communities through constructive dialogue, exploration of common ground, joint community projects, and coalition building.

WHERE: The Boston Public Library, Rabb Hall

      700 Boylston Street, Copley Square, Boston, MA.

SCHEDULE: May 15, 2014: Film: 6:30pm-7:30pm, Q&A: 7:30pm-8:30pm

MEDIA: Media is invited to attend. Please RSVP to CChipman@adl.org or

617-406-6340.

AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT:

Robert Trestan, Regional Director, ADL New England

Curtis Chin, Director/Producer, Vincent Who?

COMMONWEALTH DELIVERS GRANTS FOR 25 MUNICIPAL WATER PROJECTS

COMMONWEALTH DELIVERS GRANTS FOR 25 MUNICIPAL WATER PROJECTS

$5.27 Million Will Reduce Principal on Water Infrastructure Loans Statewide

            The Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust (MWPAT) today announced the approval of more than $5.27 million in need-based principal forgiveness grants on 25 water infrastructure loans from across the state.

            “Ensuring that communities have the tools they need to provide clean water to their citizens is of paramount importance,” said Treasurer Steven Grossman, who serves as Chairman of the MWPAT.  “The cities and towns benefiting from this latest round of grants often encounter financial challenges when building and maintaining water infrastructure, and this funding will help them redirect scarce resources to other local priorities such as roads and bridges, public safety and education.”

            The 25 grants, administered by the state and funded by the federal government, were awarded on a competitive basis to cities and towns most in need of financial assistance in order to afford these vital water projects.  Because of the reduction of loan principal funded by the grants, impacted communities will see their monthly loan payments reduced, resulting in more discretionary local capital.  The loans were originated to pay for municipal water projects such as upgrades to water treatment facilities and storm water and sewer improvement projects.

“Protection of public health and the environment is a necessary role of local governments, but it can be a challenge for local budgets,” said Commissioner David W. Cash of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). “Finding the funding for these water and sewer projects in any municipal budget is usually a chore, but even more so, for communities of low income. It is heartening, therefore, to be able to provide this modest boost to the bottom line of these Environmental Justice communities.”

            “I am proud to be able to provide an additional incentive for communities to move forward with their water infrastructure projects, beyond our low interest 2% loans,” said Sue Perez, Executive Director of the MWPAT.  “This year’s award represents the fourth year providing principal forgiveness and we have granted $39 million to communities throughout the state.”

The MWPAT lends financial assistance to the Commonwealth by providing subsidized loans to cities and towns for clean water and drinking water infrastructure development.  Since its establishment in 1989, the Trust has loaned $6 billion to improve and maintain the quality of water in the Commonwealth.  An estimated 97% of Massachusetts’ citizens have benefited from the MWPAT’s financial assistance.

###

A list of communities and loans impacted by the grants is attached.

Clean Water Projects (storm water processing, outflow and discharge mitigation, etc.)

City/Town                  Principal Forgiveness

Cambridge                  $669,681

Chicopee                     $74,267

Fall River                    $312,691

Fitchburg                    $326,477

Malden                        $94,883

Norwood                     $61,048

Palmer                        $139,897

Quincy                                    $71,239

Revere                         $159,651

Saugus                        $38,091

Taunton                       $157,736

Worcester                   $29,481

Total:                          $2,135,142

Drinking Water Projects

City/Town                  Principal Forgiveness

Barnstable                   $105,290

Fall River                    $174,406

Harwich                      $81,768

Lawrence                    $399,910

Lowell                         $421,565

Lowell                         $197,712

Malden                        $121,464

Randolph                    $127,713

Revere                         $200,570

Springfield                  $942,314

Taunton                       $260,369

Turners Falls              $34,571

Webster                      $72,148

Total:                          $3,139,800

波士頓亞美電影節今晚（5/15）放映金山鐵路

Iron Road
Thursday, May 15 @7pm
The Modern Theatre at Suffolk (525 Washington Street, downtown Boston)

Iron Road is a romantic drama inspired by a historic opera of the same name, and chronicles the untold story of Chinese workers who helped to build the Canadian Pacific Railroad in the 1880s, starring Peter O'Toole, Sam Neill, Sun Li, Luke MacFarlane and Tony Leung Ka Fai.

Watch the trailer: IRON ROAD - MAY 15, 7PM, Boston Film Screening

			IRON ROAD - MAY 15, 7PM, Boston Film Screening
			View on www.youtube.com	Preview by Yahoo

The screening will be followed by a conversation with CHSNE member Ronald Eng Young, the grandson of a Chinese Railroad worker!

Tickets (at the door or online - Iron Road Tickets/More info): 
General - $8
Students/65+ - $5
Members (CHSNE, AARW, Suffolk) - Free

Presented by the Boston Asian American Film Festival (AARW). It is also co-sponsored by the Rosenberg Institute for East Asian Studies at Suffolk and Bridgewater State University.

Funding for this series has been provided in part by the MA Cultural Council, Deloitte, Charles River Neighborhood Foundation, The Boston Foundation and Tufts Medical Center. 

Mayor Walsh Announces Improved Access to BRA Board Actions & Contract Awards

Mayor Walsh Announces Improved Access to BRA Board Actions & Contract Awards

Part of ongoing review to improve agency transparency and accessibility

BOSTON – Today Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced the recent implementation of several online services at the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) that will contribute to ongoing changes to the agency’s accessibility, transparency, and operational efficiencies. New technology improves access to BRA Board meeting votes, city zoning, and available and awarded bids and contracts, and delivers up-to-the-minute metrics about Boston development.

“The BRA is making critical changes to its information management systems to make the agency operations more accessible,” said Mayor Walsh. “These advancements are increasing transparency and opening up the doors of the BRA business to the public.”

BRA Board Meetings

The BRA Board meeting agenda and associated board memos are now available 48 hours in advance of the monthly meeting. Board memos outline the final details of development projects, planning studies, development designations, and other BRA business that the Board is authorized to take action on. This change will ensure the public is notified of the final details of a development project ahead of a vote. The next BRA Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 15.

Allowing viewers to follow BRA Board meeting business more easily online, the agenda and board memos are now associated with a live video feed that is available via City of Boston TV. Following the meeting, all board documents will be time tracked to the recorded meeting video for the public to easily navigate and jump to agenda items post-meeting to review the board proceedings. All 2014 meetings are now available in the new “agenda management” format.   

Bids and Contracts

Access to the BRA’s awarded and available RFP/RFQ/BID contracts online has been improved and expanded. An upgrade to the contract search tool enables the public to search and filter RFP/RFQ/BID contracts by status of the project. This feature will better connect the public and development- and construction-related businesses to potential project opportunities in construction, engineering, design, and other fields. In addition, it will improve transparency around the companies being selected for contracts.

Companies will also have the ability to enlist in an email service providing updates when new RFP/RFQ/BID contracts become available. Sub-contractor registration will be created for prime contractors and consultants to reference the register and seek business from a sub-contractor of a particular trade. This is an effort from the City to encourage all applicable companies to participate in project opportunities.

Boston About Results

The BRA is now sharing metrics about development in Boston, including the total value of projects that are currently under construction and in the pipeline, on the Boston About Results (BAR) page of the City of Boston website. The information will be displayed with open data graphs and metrics and will appear alongside the data of several other City of Boston agencies. The platform includes additional metrics such as total square footage of development under construction in Boston, construction jobs created by new development, and total construction costs for all BRA Board-approved projects.

Zoning Viewer

The updated BRA Zoning Viewer gives additional access to zoning and planning information for any area of the city, giving clear access to zoning layers, base layers, boundary layers, regulated layers, and planning layers. 

Boston pass amendment of Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO)

In response to the Boston City Council's decision to pass an amendment to the Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO)

"I am pleased to announce that this afternoon, the City Council passed an amendment to the Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO). By signing this amendment, I am reaffirming the City of Boston’s long-term commitment to smart energy and climate policy. BERDO is an important part of the City’s Climate Action Plan, but it is much more than that. It is about managing our resources wisely and providing the real estate market with better information about building performance in Boston. It is also about engaging residents and building owners in better understanding the energy efficiency of the spaces in which they live and work.

"I am happy that our Administration worked with the City Council to come to this agreement. It is a sensible measure that gives building owners an additional four months to report their energy, water and greenhouse gas data. While the new September 15th deadline provides needed flexibility in implementing BERDO, I encourage building owners to report as soon as possible. The data we receive from buildings will help us better focus and target our energy efficiency programming and incentives as well as inform Boston’s 2014 Climate Action Plan Update. While today's ordinance provides reasonable accommodations to our industry partners to better phase-in implementation, we do expect to see a high rate of compliance in the first year. The sooner we receive this information, the sooner we can better serve our constituents, and maintain our leading role in both climate action policies and economic development."