Calendar of Events
Commonwealth Conference 2009: Moving Forward in a Backward Economy
Presented by Greenberg Traurig LLP
On April 14th, The Commonwealth Conference was pleased to present our 7th Annual Commonwealth Conference for CEOs. This year's event, generously sponsored by Greenberg Traurig, focused on “Moving Forward in a Backward Economy.”
Donna Evans, Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, welcomed the group of over 60 women CEOs and set the stage for the half-day program, emphasizing “the power of women.” A panel discussion, moderated by TCI Board Member Pam Reeve, followed and included the following prominent business leaders:
- Beverly Carrieri, Counsel – Employment, Bain & Company, Inc.
- Gail Deegan, former CFO of Houghton Mifflin
- Helena Foulkes, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer, CVS Caremark
- Diane Hessan, CEO of Communispace
Each panelist shared lessons they have learned over the years and discussed what they are doing in their current positions to keep “moving forward”. The tone of the panel, and the event as a whole, was positive and upbeat. All the panelists agreed that this is an opportune time to transform your business.
After the panel, participants attended workshops addressing the following issues:
Getting Customers to Spend: Branding in Sensitive Times
- This session focused on strategic approaches to branding and marketing your business. Participants discussed current branding and marketing efforts, while facilitators shared successful strategies.
- Facilitators: Helena Foulkes, CVS Caremark and Barbara Marx, Insight Media
Social Media: Cost Effective and Cutting Edge
- This session focused on how small businesses can use the various types of social media as a means of business development, customer relationships, marketing, and more.
- Facilitators: Diane Hessan, Communispace and Pam Rosenthal, HealthTalker
Employment Issues: Critical Components to Put in Place Now
- This session explored all issues surrounding employees during a down economy: recruitment and retention, how to handle layoffs, company morale, etc.
- Facilitators: Beverly Carrieri, Bain & Company, Inc. and Kate McLellan, The Pentad Group
Financial Strategy: Changing the Playbook in Unpredictable Waters
- This session focused on how to protect and secure your business, geared towards business owners who are worried about reduced business, cash flow and an insecure future.
- Facilitators: Gail Deegan and Donna Evans, Greenberg Traurig
Each workshop allowed facilitators and participants to have candid discussions about these topics and how they relate to business.
The day concluded with lunch where attendees could regroup and share stories and network with one another. Navjeet Bal, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, delivered the luncheon keynote. Commissioner Bal discussed how she is leading the agency in these unprecedented times. The Department of Revenue focuses on tax administration, child support laws, and municipal finance – all issues that have been impacted by the economic downturn. Bal mentioned that federal stimulus is starting to arrive in the individual states and encouraged everyone to visit www.mass.gov/recovery to see exactly where the funds are going in the Commonwealth.
Thank you again to Greenberg Traurig for hosting and special thanks to the following people who made the day a success:
Donna Evans, Greenberg Traurig
Cindy Brennan, Greenberg Traurig
Ellen Keiley, Greenberg Traurig
Pam Reeve, The Commonwealth Institute
Beverly Carrieri, Bain & Company, Inc.
Gail Deegan
Helena Foulkes, CVS Caremark
Diane Hessan, Communispace
Barbara Marx, Insight Media
Pam Rosenthal, HealthTalker
Kate McLellan, The Pentad Group
Navjeet Bal, Massachusetts Department of Revenue
