Newsletter Archives

Mass. High Tech Council Update
February 26, 2009

Council to Launch TalentConnect
 
On February 12 the Council hosted a significant gathering of tech executives, state legislators, higher education leaders and representatives of some of the most effective STEM-related education programs in Massachusetts to preview an initiative that will solve an elusive goal of a well-documented nationwide talent-pipeline problem.    
 
At the Council's March 3 Annual Meeting we will publicly unveil this comprehensive solution to the state's workforce development and educational improvement needs: TalentConnect.  The program, developed with our partners at ConnectEDU, will integrate an employer node in growing a national network of universities and high schools to track and support individual students, as early as 9th grade. 
 
Employers will gain the ability to identify, inform and develop relationships with students that have expressed interest in their organization or associated careers.  Additionally, the solution will provide qualified employers with the ability to present themselves and their career opportunities to students of interest.
 
This integrated STEM talent pipeline will provide higher education institutions a significant solution to guide students interested in pursuing careers in the technology industry.  Importantly, TalentConnect will provide participating Council members with a comprehensive, streamlined recruitment and talent cultivation solution that will result in an improved base of applicants as well as short and long-term cost efficiencies for member employers.
 
The Council and our partner ConnectEDU will be inviting up to 20 employers to join Deloitte and other Council members as Founding Partners that will enjoy exclusive access to the pipeline for the first two years. Additional details will be available following our March 3 public announcement about how you can participate in TalentConnect.

Council Announces 2009 Economic Strategy
 
In good times and in bad, we realize how important it is to consider the impact every public policy decision (state budget, taxes, education, infrastructure development or healthcare) has on our technology economy.  Perhaps at no time in history has this been truer.  Today, legislators in Massachusetts will face the unprecedented task of addressing the recurring state budget deficit, advancing education priorities and prudently spending the state's share of the federal "stimulus" funds.
 
This week the Council released our 2009 comprehensive economic strategy to both the administration and legislature to position Massachusetts ahead of the curve to achieve accelerated growth during and after the recession.  The Council's comprehensive economic plan is focused on tax policy improvements, increased ability for capital formation, expanded research and development capacity and reforming structural deficiencies that drive taxpayer costs without adding value in education, transportation and healthcare.
 
The 2009 strategy builds on recommendations we made beginning in 2002, most recently restated in 2007.  A comprehensive, long-term, technology-based economic development plan that boosts our overall competitiveness and anticipates economic dynamics will help reduce the likelihood of repeating the frequent practice of instituting permanent tax hikes to solve temporary budget challenges.  

The Council looks forward to working closely with technology executives and state and local officials to move closer to realizing this plan and to grow the Massachusetts economy.  Please do not hesitate to contact Council President Chris Anderson at chris@mhtc.org or Council Vice President Wyndham Lewis wyndham@mhtc.org with any questions regarding this strategy.

Council Establishes MassTrack Tech Caucus
 
Which Massachusetts communities are home to the highest concentration of the state's technology workforce?

Using MassTrack's municipal ranking, the Council recently identified 35 communities where more than 25% of residents are employed in the high technology/innovation economy.  These cities and towns are home to 1,664 technology businesses, account for more than 170,000 employees and by virtue of this distinction, they constitute the Council's newly identified MassTrack Tech Caucus.
 
It is well-documented that Massachusetts is a high-cost state for business, and its economic and regulatory policies are at times inconsistent, or worse, contradictory with the goal of business growth and expansion.  While a limited number of elements of a comprehensive strategy were implemented in 2008 (Life Sciences Initiative, Green Communities Act), a significant increase in corporate taxes was also imposed and many of the costly inefficient government "systems" were left unreformed.  Massachusetts still has a long way to go in creating the competitive "super climate" that will truly be the envy of the world. 
 
Since 2006, the Council has utilized MassTrack (www.masstrack.org), our online legislative assessment tool to ensure accountability among elected officials for their votes on issues of importance to the technology community.  We also assess a number of related attributes of each city and town in Massachusetts.
 
Through the MassTrack Tech Caucus, the Council will seek to strengthen connections between high tech executives and legislators to advance the economic and education policy priorities necessary for long-term growth and expansion. 
 
In February, the Council contacted the 55 legislators that represent these municipalities to begin the process of better acquainting them with the employers they represent.  In March, we will begin coordinating a series of forums hosted by Council member companies to bring together legislators with their technology leadership constituency. 
 
Please contact Wyndham Lewis at wyndham@mhtc.org or 781-890-6482 x14 to learn more about this exciting new effort.

2009 Annual Meeting Preview
 
Please join us to usher in the Massachusetts High Technology Council's 32nd year at our Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2009, 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM at the Westin Waltham-Boston Hotel. 
 
The event's keynote will be delivered by Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President & CEO, Eric S. Rosengren.  Mr. Rosengren brings a unique perspective on the current economic situation and from both the regional and national perspective.  Council Chairman, Dr. Joshua Boger, President and CEO, Vertex Pharmaceuticals will also add remarks.    
 
Registration and Buffet Breakfast
7:30 - 8:00 AM

Program
8:00 - 10:00 AM

Attendance is strong, but there is still space available.  For more info or to purchase a table or individual admission, please contact Jane Stoy at jane@mhtc.org or 781-890-6482 x10.