Finalists named for Excellence in Business Awards
Six exemplary Cambridge Chamber of Commerce members will be recognized and the outstanding achievements of all Cambridge-area businesses will be honored at the annual Excellence in Business Awards dinner on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at the Cambridge Marriott.
Awards are presented to exemplary companies, organizations or individuals who, over the past year, have made an impact on the Chamber of Commerce, the city of Cambridge and their industry.
We have narrowed down the nominees to three finalists in three of our award categories. A group of members have been selected randomly to take part in the voting process and the winners will be chosen with the assistance of an Award Subcommittee. The winners will remain confidential until the awards are presented on the night of the event. The list of finalists follows.
New Member of the Year
The New Member of the Year award recognizes a business or individual new to the CCC who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the Chamber and the community. The finalists in this category are:
• MassPay
• NSK Inc.
• Skillman Video Group
Small Business of the Year
Honoring a company in the Cambridge area with fifty or fewer employees that demonstrates excellence, professionalism, leadership and originality in its industry and exhibits a tangible record of positive impact on the community, the finalists for the Small Business of the Year award are:
• AFR Furniture Rental, Inc.
• PakCom, Incorporated
• W.T. Kenney Co., Inc.
Nonprofit of the Year
This award recognizes a Cambridge-area nonprofit that demonstrates superior performance, quality and consistency in the pursuit of its mission and evokes community spirit & participation. The finalists are:
• Cambridge Family and Children’s Service
• Child Care Resource Center, Inc.
• Hildebrand Family Self-Help Center, Inc.
In the remaining three categories, the honorees have already been named.
The Leading Edge
Given to a business that demonstrates leadership and innovation in the technology or biotechnology industries and dedication to product/process development to enhance and enrich people’s lives, the Leading Edge winner is:
• Pfizer Cambridge
Corporate Citizen of the Year
In the category of Corporate Citizen of the Year, which honors a business that demonstrates significant contributions, involvement or distinguished community service in the Cambridge area by developing community partnerships, supporting philanthropic activities and encouraging volunteerism, the winner is:
• Microsoft
Carl F. Barron Business Person of the Year
Named after Cambridge businessman Carl F. Barron, this award honors an individual who demonstrates professional excellence and outstanding leadership in the Cambridge community by supporting and motivating colleagues and employees with enthusiasm, vision and integrity. The Business Person of the Year is:
• Rachael Solem, Irving House at Harvard
In addition to presentation of the awards, this event will feature a keynote address by Genzyme Corporation Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. David P. Meeker, M.D. He is responsible for Genzyme’s commercial organization, overseeing the business units, country management organization and global market access functions. He works to maximize the potential of the company’s broad portfolio of products, most of which are in their growth phases. Currently, Dr. Meeker is playing a key role in the integration of Genzyme with Sanofi, which is intended to capitalize on the combined expertise and assets of both companies, as well as their shared vision to continue to deliver innovative treatments to patients.
We will also recognize City Manager Robert W. Healy for his 30 years of service to Cambridge. He, working with the City Council, has restored fiscal strength and stability to the city since taking the position in 1981. Today Cambridge is one of a very small number of cities in the country to have a “AAA” bond rating by all three major rating agencies. Under his leadership, an impressive number of capital improvement projects have been undertaken. He has also ensured investment in affordable housing, human services & public health, transportation, energy efficiency and improved water quality.
Join us on Wednesday, September 21 as we honor and celebrate the accomplishments of the entire Cambridge-area business community. The cost is $90 for members and $180 for non-members. Reserved tables of ten are available to member companies for $850. The evening will include cocktails (cash bar) and informal networking, dinner, dessert, a keynote address by Genzyme COO David P. Meeker and presentation of the awards.
Make your reservation now at www.cambridgechamber.org/chamber/viewevent.html?id=311. Reservations are required by September 19, 2011. No walk-ins. Thank you to lead sponsor Novartis and contributing sponsors Amgen and Cambridge Trust Company.
