Friday, December 12, 2008

"Everyday Heroes" Red Cross Event Rings in Holiday Season

Last week, we started the season in style with our fourth annual Red Cross fundraiser, "Everyday Heroes: Celebrating the American Red Cross." Our enthusiastic co-sponsor is Network World.

Every year, this evening gives us a chance to mingle with our friends in the business, while doing something a little different than the usual holiday party. All told, we've raised $40,000 for the Red Cross at these events.

The American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay supports 1 million people in 36 cities and towns with an array of invaluable programs. Last year alone, the American Red Cross distributed 23,489 bags of groceries to families in need and responded to 46 disasters, fires, floods and gas leaks, aiding 266 children and adults with lodging, food, clothing, medicine and mental health counseling. One can guess that the need will be greater this year.

Chris O'Brien (pictured here), a Boston-based singer/songwriter, providing an entertaining bright spot in our evening. Our silent auction, which featured sports memorabilia and those Fenway seats I blogged about earlier, got the competitive juices going among attendees.

If you missed this year's event, we hope to see you next year. In the meantime, we wish you and yours a restorative holiday season.

For more party pix, check out Meghan Locke's Flickr stream.

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Thursday, December 04, 2008

World Economic Forum Names Phase Forward Tech Pioneer

It's pretty cool to open an email and learn that one of your clients has been selected by the World Economic Forum as a Technology Pioneer for 2009. This year, our client Phase Forward got the nod, as one of only 34 companies selected from 320 applicants worldwide. Yowza.

This means that Chairman and CEO Bob Weiler will be heading to Davos at the end of January for the prestigious annual gathering of political and business leaders.

The other Boston area companies who made the cut are Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and video platform pioneer Brightcove.

Being recognized by the World Economic Forum is an honor in a class all its own, because the organization is "committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agendas." WEF describes the Tech Pioneers as innovators of the highest caliber, whose technologies will have a deep impact on business and society.

Here's our release and a video interview with Bob, which is also located on the World Economic Forum website.

Warmest congrats to the team at Phase Forward.

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Monday, December 01, 2008

Xconomy's Battle of the Tech Bands, Take Two

Last January, several of us CHENers, along with a couple of adventurous clients, checked out Xconomy's first Battle of the Tech Bands. That was the first time I'd set foot in the Middle East in more years than I care to count, and I had a good time. (I really need to get out more.)

Xconomy reports that close to 350 people gathered last year to hear six local groups, so they're going to stick with a winning formula. The event again will be hosted at the Middle East in Central Square, Cambridge, on January 22. This year, half of all ticket proceeds from the event will go to benefit local charities.

To be eligible, at least one member of the band must have a day job at a New England-area technology or life sciences company or a venture-capital or private-equity firm that invests in technology. Check this for the nitty gritty details. The deadline for entries is Friday December 12.

Prizes go to the Audience Favorite and Most Innovative bands.

Meanwhile, Xconomy recently announced that it has closed the first tranche of its second round. CommonAngels re-upped from round one and LaunchCapital, a small early-stage fund, also participated. Individual angels rounded out the round.

Xconomy is on a roll. In June, Xconomy Seattle launched, followed by Xconomy San Diego in October. According to Xconomy, these were "key steps in fulfilling our mission of providing hyperlocal coverage of the innovation communities in key technology and life sciences clusters."

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