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Articles by Chris Geehern
Massport Posts Gains Despite Global Challenges
The Massachusetts travel and trade gateway remains vibrant, despite tariffs, government shutdowns and rising fuel prices. Rich Davey, CEO of the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), told an AIM audience yesterday that Logan International Airport just posted the second highest passenger volume in its history while the Flynn Cruiseport had a record year serving almost half a million vacationers. Worcester Airport recorded its busiest year since 1991.
AIM Elects Nine to Board of Directors; Two Join Executive Committee
Nine Massachusetts business leaders representing industries from construction to technology have been elected to serve as members of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts Board of Directors.
Groundswell of AI Deployment Underscores Need for Risk Policy
By Stacey Hyland Stacey Hyland is the Employee Benefit Practice Leader at global insurance brokerage HUB International in New England. There’s a groundswell of enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI) among Massachusetts policymakers and businesses that’s causing adoption to surge as a lever for boosting efficiency and productivity, among other benefits.
State Rules Ban Certain Fire-Retardant Chemicals
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Technology, Analytics Shape 2025 Employee-Benefits Environment
By Stacey Hyland Editor’s note – Stacey Hyland is the Employee Benefit Practice Leader at global insurance brokerage HUB International in New England. Massachusetts employers are looking at an 8% increase in health plan costs in 2025, pushed by higher behavioral care and pharmaceutical costs (like for the popular GLP-1 drugs for diabetes and weight loss) even as utilization continues to climb. Such medical cost trends are likely to cause premiums to rise at a faster rate than in years past.
Five Join AIM Board of Directors
By Hodan Hashi Director of Communications Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) announced today the election of five prominent business leaders across the Commonwealth to its board of directors. These individuals were elected by fellow board members to fill vacancies on the AIM board.
$4.96 Billion Economic-Development Bill Will Enhance Competitiveness
Back to Posts $4.96 Billion Economic-Development Bill Will Enhance Competitiveness Posted on November 20, 2024 By Sam Larson Vice President, Government Affairs Today, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed economic development legislation following the Legislature’s recent passage of the sweeping package designed to encourage job creation and enhance the state’s overall economic competitiveness.
Thomson Named to BBJ 'Power 50' List of Influential Business Leaders
AIM President and CEO Brooke Thomson has been selected as one of the region’s most influential business leaders by the Boston Business Journal in its 2024 Power 50: The Movement Makers.
Governor to Kick Off Massachusetts 250
If you are not an AIM member - Consider joining. AIM Members receive access to all our premium content online. If you're an AIM member please login to your AIM account to view this post: On Tuesday, September 17, Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll will host a kick-off for Massachusetts 250, a statewide initiative to celebrate 250 years of America’s independence and Massachusetts’ revolutionary spirit.
UMass Lowell Earns 2024 Gould Award
UMass Lowell is on a roll. Named the No. 1 public school in the Commonwealth by the Wall Street Journal, research and development expenditures at UMass Lowell have more than doubled in the past decade to $117 million. The university is leading a $4.3 million project to establish a first-of-its-kind advanced manufacturing technologist training program to support Massachusetts’ aerospace and defense workforce needs.
Business Confidence Hits 10-Month Low Original
Business Confidence Hits 10-Month Low Economy News | January 10, 2022 By: Chris Geehern Resurgent COVID-19 disruptions, persistent supply chain issues and a slowing state economy pushed confidence among Massachusetts employers to a 10-month low at the end of 2021. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index (BCI) declined 1.2 points to 56.7 in December.
Road to Recovery News 2022
Road to Recovery News 2022 Economy Health Care Costs HR & Employment Law News | November 30, 2021 By: Chris Geehern State and federal governments continue to address a myriad of issues of importance to business – from taxes and COVID-19 to fiscal matters and regulation. Here is a summary for employers. If you have questions regarding these or other public policy issues, please contact a member of the AIM Government Affairs Team.
Six Companies Earn 2021 Next Century Awards
Six Companies Earn 2021 Next Century Awards Economy News | November 29, 2021 By: Chris Geehern Six Massachusetts companies that found ways to succeed and serve their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic have been honored with AIM Next Century Awards for 2021.
Business Confidence Drifts Lower
Business Confidence Drifts Lower Budget, Tax, & Finance Economy News | October 31, 2021 By: Chris Geehern Confidence among Massachusetts employers drifted lower during October, dampened by a slowing state economy and a persistent labor shortage. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index (BCI) declined five-tenths of a point to 58.4 last month. The Index remains 12.2 points higher than a year ago but now sits at its lowest level since March.
Business Confidence Weakens in September
Business Confidence Weakens in September Economy News | October 6, 2021 By: Chris Geehern Increasingly severe shortages of workers and critical supplies drove Massachusetts business confidence lower for a second consecutive month during September. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index (BCI) declined 3.1 points to 58.9 last month.
Confidence Index Traces 30 Years of Employer Sentiment
Confidence Index Traces 30 Years of Employer Sentiment Economy News | August 6, 2021 By: Chris Geehern The year 1991 was an eventful one. The Soviet Union ceased to exist. The Dow Jones Industrial average topped 3,000 for the first time. Larry Bird played his final season with the Boston Celtics.
Business Confidence Hits Three-Year High
Business Confidence Hits Three-Year High Economy News | August 6, 2021 By: Chris Geehern Confidence among Massachusetts employers rose to its highest level in more than three years last month as the state and national economies continued to expand despite renewed COVID-19 outbreaks. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index (BCI) marked its 30th anniversary in July by rising 2.2 points to 65.6, some 20 points higher than a year ago.
Future of Work Report, Facebook Expansion Confirm Need for Training
Future of Work Report, Facebook Expansion Confirm Need for Training Economy News | July 13, 2021 By: Chris Geehern On a day when Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker outlined a new economic world of job transitions and hybrid work, Facebook reminded everyone that the commonwealth remains uniquely positioned to thrive in the new world.
Business Confidence Rises Again in June
Business Confidence Rises Again in June Economy News | July 6, 2021 By: Chris Geehern Confidence among Massachusetts employers rose for the fifth time in six months during June amid signs that the recovery of the labor market is gaining momentum. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index (BCI) rose 1.5 points to 63.4 last month, leaving it 14.4 points higher than a year ago.
AIM Elects Five New Directors; Re-Elects 17
AIM Elects Five New Directors; Re-Elects 17 | May 10, 2021 By: Chris Geehern Members of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) ratified the election of five new directors and the re-election of 17 incumbent directors during a special meeting Friday. The new members of the AIM Board of Directors are: Joe Bahena, Senior Vice President, Joseph Abboud Mfg.
Business Confidence Remains Flat in April
Business Confidence Remains Flat in April Economy News | May 3, 2021 By: Chris Geehern Business confidence was virtually unchanged during April even as the Massachusetts economy surged with business re-openings, federal stimulus money and widespread distribution of COVID vaccines. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index (BCI) fell 0.2 points to 60.7 last month after surging more than 10 points during the first quarter of 2021.
AIM Honors Vaccine Pioneers with 2021 Vision Award
AIM Honors Vaccine Pioneers with 2021 Vision Award | May 2, 2021 By: Chris Geehern Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) announced today that it will present its 2021 Vision Award to biopharmaceutical pioneers Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca for their extraordinary efforts to develop multiple COVID-19 vaccines in less than a year.
Author, Entrepreneur Honored with 2021 Gould Award
Author, Entrepreneur Honored with 2021 Gould Award Economy News | April 22, 2021 By: Chris Geehern Michèle Dufresne carries many titles – acclaimed children’s book author, teacher, consultant, entrepreneur and CEO. She now adds another title to her collection – winner of the 2021 AIM John Gould Education and Workforce Training Award. AIM announced today that it will honor Dufresne and her company, Pioneer Valley Books of Northampton, for their longtime commitment to teaching children to read.
New Commonwealth Fund Honored with Inaugural AIM Latimer Award
New Commonwealth Fund Honored with Inaugural AIM Latimer Award Economy News | April 14, 2021 By: Chris Geehern Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) today announced the creation of the Lewis Howard Latimer Award to be presented annually to a Massachusetts innovator, organization or business leader who has broken barriers to innovate and create economic opportunity.
Business Confidence Surges in March
Business Confidence Surges in March Economy News | April 5, 2021 By: Chris Geehern As the battle to moderate COVID-19 continues, Massachusetts employers have become enthusiastic about the direction of the economy. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index (BCI) surged 4.5 points in March to 60.9, its highest level since the pandemic and consequent business restrictions went into effect a year ago.
AIM Names Two New Staff Members; Promotes Two Others
AIM Names Two New Staff Members; Promotes Two Others News | March 22, 2021 By: Chris Geehern Associated Industries of Massachusetts has hired two people and promoted two others as the association expands to meet the needs of a growing membership. Two of the changes come in AIM’s high-profile government affairs operation.
Business Confidence Picks Up Steam
Business Confidence Picks Up Steam Economy News | March 8, 2021 By: Chris Geehern The recovery of business confidence in Massachusetts picked up steam during February, driven by surging optimism among employers in their own company prospects and an increasingly bullish outlook among manufacturers.
Employers Turn Optimistic as 2021 Begins
Employers Turn Optimistic as 2021 Begins Economy News | February 5, 2021 By: Chris Geehern Massachusetts employers began 2021 by turning optimistic for the first time since the COVID pandemic shut down large swaths of the state and national economies last spring. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index (BCI) climbed to 52.4 during January, surpassing the 50 mark that denotes an optimistic view of the economy.
Priority Should Be Economic Recovery
Opinion By Chris Geehern The unprecedented upheaval of 2020 will change the way we live and work for years to come, says John Regan, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM). Regan punctuated his annual State of Massachusetts Business Address with a call for state policymakers to support the recovery of an economy that remains fragile in the wake of the ongoing public-health crisis.
Regan: Priority for Massachusetts is Economic Recovery
Regan: Priority for Massachusetts is Economic Recovery Budget, Tax, & Finance Economy HR & Employment Law News | January 22, 2021 By: Chris Geehern The unprecedented upheaval of 2020 will change the way we live and work for years to come, AIM President and Chief Executive Officer John Regan said Friday.
AIM Adds Three to Senior Management Team
AIM Adds Three to Senior Management Team News | January 18, 2021 By: Chris Geehern Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) has added three respected business leaders to its senior management team as the commonwealth’s largest business association continues to grow. Christopher Kealey will join AIM as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer on February 1 after spending almost a decade as Deputy Director of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable.
COVID-19 News | AIM
COVID-19 News Economy News | January 14, 2021 By: Chris Geehern State and federal governments continue to pass measures and issue orders to address the medical and economic fallout from the COVID-19 issue. Here is a summary for employers. If you have questions regarding these or other public policy issues, please contact a member of the AIM Government Affairs Team.
The Road to Recovery News
The Road to Recovery News Economy News | January 14, 2021 By: Chris Geehern State and federal governments continue to address the medical and economic consequences the COVID-19 issue. Here is a summary for employers. If you have questions regarding these or other public policy issues, please contact a member of the AIM Government Affairs Team.
Business Confidence Remains Flat to Close out 2020
Business Confidence Remains Flat to Close out 2020 Economy News | January 11, 2021 By: Chris Geehern Confidence among Massachusetts businesses remained flat during the final month of 2020 as employers ended a tumultuous year with a cautious outlook. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index (BCI) remained unchanged during December at 49.3. The reading was 12.9 points lower than in December 2019, but more than 10 points higher than its 2020 low point in April.
Experts to Discuss Vaccine Implications for Employers
Experts to Discuss Vaccine Implications for Employers Economy Health Care Costs HR & Employment Law News | December 13, 2020 By: Chris Geehern Dr. Michael Collins, the Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, understands better than most people the importance of getting the new COVID-19 vaccines to residents in an efficient and effective manner.
AIM Honors Five Companies with 2020 Sustainability Awards
AIM Honors Five Companies with 2020 Sustainability Awards | December 10, 2020 By: Chris Geehern Five companies ranging from a global biopharmaceutical innovator to a 97-year-old central Massachusetts construction company that builds critical water infrastructure have been named winners of the fifth annual Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Sustainability Award.
Employer Confidence Strengthens During November
December 7, 2020 By: Chris Geehern Confidence among Massachusetts businesses last month rose to its highest level since February, inching toward optimism as vaccines raised hopes for an end to the COVID-induced economic slowdown. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index (BCI) gained 3.1 points to 49.3 during November, just shy of the level that denotes an optimistic view of […]
Opinion - BusinessWest
How to Handle Unemployment Fraud By Chris Geehern State officials and Massachusetts employers continue to deal with a surge of fraudulent unemployment-insurance claims generated as part of a national scheme using stolen personal information to attempt to access jobless benefits.
Employers, Officials Cope with New Surge of Unemployment-Claim Fraud
October 28, 2020 By: Chris Geehern State officials and Massachusetts employers continue to deal with a surge of fraudulent unemployment insurance claims generated as part of a national scheme using stolen personal information to attempt to access jobless benefits. Criminal enterprises with access to stolen personal information from prior national data breaches have been taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic by […]
Membership Sponsors Extend a Hand to Fellow Employers
Membership Sponsors Extend a Hand to Fellow Employers News | October 26, 2020 By: Chris Geehern Jim McCarthy knows all too well how it feels to lead a business through challenging times. That’s why the president and chief executive officer of R.H. White Construction Company Inc. in Auburn decided earlier this year to pay for five smaller companies in central Massachusetts to join the largest business association in Massachusetts.
Business Confidence Remains Flat in September
October 5, 2020 By: Chris Geehern Business confidence in Massachusetts was essentially flat during September as employers remained pessimistic about an economy that continues to struggle under the weight of the seven-month-old COVID-19 pandemic. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index (BCI) rose three-tenths of a point to 46.6 last month, up from a low of 38.4 in April but […]
AIM Honors Resilience of Massachusetts Employers, Workers
AIM Honors Resilience of Massachusetts Employers, Workers | October 2, 2020 By: Chris Geehern AIM’s first-ever virtual annual meeting Friday culminated with the release of Honoring Resilience, a half-hour documentary celebrating the determination and fortitude of Massachusetts employers during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Developed in collaboration with NBC Boston, the program will air Sunday on NBC 10 and again next Saturday on New England Cable News.
AIM Honors The BASE with 2020 Gould Education Award
AIM Honors The BASE with 2020 Gould Education Award Economy News | September 14, 2020 By: Chris Geehern A Boston-based urban academy that combines sports, educational opportunities and career development is the recipient of the 2020 John Gould Education and Workforce Training Award from Associated Industries of Massachusetts.
MITRE, AT&T Positively Digital Win 2020 AIM Vision Awards
MITRE, AT&T Positively Digital Win 2020 AIM Vision Awards News | September 7, 2020 By: Chris Geehern A 62-year-old company working at the intersection of advanced technology and vital global concerns and an initiative to equip Boston students with leadership skills for the digital age have been named recipients of the 2020 Associated Industries of Massachusetts Vision Award.
Lawrence Sportswear Maker Pivots to Making Isolation Gowns
Lawrence Sportswear Maker Pivots to Making Isolation Gowns Economy News | April 13, 2020 By: Chris Geehern AIM member 99 Degrees Custom, a Lawrence-based manufacturer of sportswear, normally takes 18 months to develop a new product. But in the face of COVID-19, the 150-person company pivoted in three weeks from making apparel to making FDA-compliant isolation gowns desperately needed by medical providers and first responders throughout the commonwealth.
Business Confidence Plummets
Business Confidence Plummets Budget, Tax, & Finance Economy News | April 7, 2020 By: Chris Geehern The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index recorded the largest monthly drop in its history during March as the COVID-19 pandemic unraveled the global economy. Confidence dropped 21.9 points to 40.2 on a 100-point scale, moving the reading into pessimistic territory for the first time since October 2013.
COVID-19 News and Updates
COVID-19 News and Updates Economy Health Care Costs HR & Employment Law News | March 13, 2020 By: Chris Geehern State and federal governments continue to pass measures and issue orders to address the medical and economic fallout from the COVID-19 issue. Here is a summary for employers. If you have questions regarding these or other public policy issues, please contact a member of the AIM Government Affairs Team.
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