Small Business of the Year—PlanetTran, LLC
The Small Business of the Year award honors a company with fewer than fifty employees that demonstrates excellence and professionalism in its industry. This award was presented to PlanetTran LLC, the world’s first car service to employ hybrid technology in the public automobile industry. In accepting the award, owner Seth Riney said, “If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a strong business community to grow a business.” Fish Window Cleaning and Four Mangos were also finalists for this award.

Nonprofit of the Year—Boston Area Rape Crisis Center
This new award, which recognizes a Cambridge-area nonprofit organization that demonstrates superior performance, quality and consistency in the pursuit of its mission, was presented to the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC). BARCC was founded 33 years ago as the second provider of comprehensive rape crisis services in country, and is the only one in the Greater Boston area. Executive Director Gina Scaramella thanked the CCC and the City of Cambridge for the acknowledgment. The other finalists in the category of Nonprofit of the Year were the Cambridge Housing Assistance Fund and East End House, Inc.
 
The Leading Edge—Amgen
Amgen was honored with the Leading Edge award, which recognizes a business that demonstrates leadership and innovation in the technology/life sciences industries. Over the past 25 years, as Amgen has grown from a biotechnology pioneer to the world’s largest biotechnology company, their vision to use science and innovation to dramatically improve people's lives has never wavered. Amgen pioneered the development of novel products based on advances in recombinant DNA and molecular biology and launched the industry’s first blockbuster medicines. Director of Pharmacokinetics Zhiyang Zhao accepted the award for Amgen, noting that it is always gratifying to be recognized by one’s peers in the business community. He spoke about Amgen’s plans to grow their Cambridge research facility. Genetix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and WebGen Systems were the other finalists in this category.

Corporate Citizen of the Year—Genzyme Corporation
The Corporate Citizen of the Year award was presented to Genzyme Corporation, one of the world’s largest biotechnology companies. Their products and services are focused on rare inherited disorders, kidney disease, orthopaedics, cancer, transplant and immune diseases and diagnostic testing. Manager of Corporate Community Relations Judy Ozbun accepted the award. She noted that Genzyme is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, which is quite an achievement in the biotech industry. She emphasized that even though they have grown to be a billion-dollar company with 8,000 employees, Cambridge is still home to Genzyme. Judy encouraged the event attendees to get to know the 150 nonprofits in the Cambridge community, stating, “We’re very fortunate to have them here.” Genzyme edged out Fallon Community Health Plan and Healthworks Fitness Centers for Women for this award.

Carl F. Barron Business Person of the Year—Susan Lapierre of East Cambridge Savings Bank
Named after Carl F. Barron of Putnam Furniture Leasing in 2000 to celebrate his 60 years in business and as a Chamber member, the Business Person of the Year award honors an individual who demonstrates professional excellence and outstanding leadership in the community. Susan Lapierre, Vice President of Public Relations and Community Reinvestment Act Officer (CRA) at East Cambridge Savings Bank (ECSB), was honored for her dedication to the Cambridge community. A Cambridge native, Ms. Lapierre has worked at ECSB for almost 32 years. She directs and implements public relations, develops and cultivates relationships, evaluates donation requests from the community, ensures the bank’s compliance to CRA regulations and oversees commitment & outreach to the community. Ms. Lapierre oversees TEAM ECSB, the bank’s employee community volunteer program, and encourages employees to volunteer their services or coordinate drives for various nonprofits. Also nominated for this distinction were Margaret A. McKenna of Lesley University and Cara Spalla of Hotel @ MIT.

Ambassador of the Year—Nathaniel Cary of Granite Bay Wealth Management, LLC
This award recognizes a member of the CCC Ambassador Committee who distinguishes himself or herself as an invaluable asset to the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. Nat Cary’s dedication to the CCC is exemplified by his tireless efforts and involvement. The Ambassador Committee is the largest committee at the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. The Ambassadors assist with new member recruitment, ensure that existing members are getting the most from their Chamber investment, and serve as mentors for new or prospective members. They represent the CCC at Chamber events, as well as within the community. The Ambassador of the Year is selected by his or her fellow Ambassadors and the CCC staff.

Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible: lead sponsor Sovereign Bank, contributing sponsors Cambridge Trust Company and NSTAR, and media sponsor Boston Business Journal. In addition, we would like to note that flower arrangements were courtesy of David Levine, Central Square Florist; crystal awards provided by Sandor Goldstein, Adventures in Advertising; and photography provided by David Fox, Photographer, www.davidfoxphotgrapher.com.