NEC Notes
July 2020
Welcome
to the July 2020 edition of
The New England Council's E-Newsletter.

Upcoming Virtual Events

Politics & Eggs with
John Heilemann
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

A Conversation with 
Mayor Marty Walsh
Thursday, July 9, 2020
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Capitol Hill Report with
Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE)
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
4:30 - 5:15 p.m.
Recent Virtual Events
Recent Virtual Programs Feature Congressional Leaders, NH Governor, British Trade Official


While in-person programs remain suspended due to the pandemic, the Council continued to host a variety of virtual programs during the month of June, including our popular  " Capitol Hill Report " virtual event series.  In addition to the these discussions  with members of Congress, the Council has also featured other key policy leaders, including Governors  and key Congressional staff members. The Council's goal in offering these virtual program is to help our members stay connected with our region's Congressional delegation and other key leaders, and to be informed about the latest developments on Capitol Hill as Congress works to provide relief and economic support amid this crisis.  Recordings of each recent program are available using the links below.
Recent "Leading in a Crisis" Programs Feature Banking, Higher Ed Leaders
Leading in a Crisis: Banking
On June 4, 2020,  the Council hosted "Leading in a Crisis: Banking."  The fourth event in the Council's newest virtual event series featured leaders from several of the region's financial institutions who discussed the banking industry's work to support businesses and individual customers amid the pandemic.  The panel included:
If you have any questions about this program or the NEC Financial Services Committee, please contact Griff Doherty.
Leading in a Crisis: Higher Education
The fifth program in the "Leading in a Crisis" series took place on June 18, 2020, featuring leaders from the region's higher education sector.  Several college presidents joined the Council to discuss how their schools responded to the crisis, and the impact of the pandemic on their students, faculty, and campuses.  The panel included:

If you have any questions about this program or about the NEC Higher Education Committee, please contact Taylor Pichette.

NEC Calls on Congress to Enact Temporary Liability Relief

Council Sends Letter to NE Senators Urging Support for Liability Relief
As Congress considers additional measures to provide relief and stimulate economic recovery in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, The New England Council wrote to the region's Senate delegation on June 23, 2020, encouraging them to take steps to provide temporary liability relief for businesses and institutions who have followed appropriate public health guidance and requirements.

As noted in the letter, the Council in recent weeks has heard from members across a range of industries about their concerns about frivolous lawsuits, and stressing the need for protections to ensure that the region's essential businesses that remained open during the pandemic are not penalized for their service. At the same time, as more businesses gradually reopen, the Council urged Senators to provide a safe harbor for businesses following public health guidance and taking reasonable precautions during this unprecedented time.

For more information on this issue, please contact Griffin Doherty.
NEC in the News
Recent Op-Eds Highlight Infrastructure, Liability Relief Priorities
In recent weeks, several op-eds written by NEC President & CEO Jim Brett have appeared in publications in the region.  These pieces complement the Coucnil's recent federal policy advocacy efforts on such issues as infrastructure investment and temporary liability relief:
NEC Seeking Submissions for 4th Edition Partnership Directory

NEC to Publish 4th Edition of "Partnerships for the Talent Pipeline Directory" This Fall
The New England Council is seeking submissions for the 4th edition of our "Partnerships for the Talent Pipeline: Directory of New England Higher Education & Industry Partnerships." The directory highlights examples of successful models used in New England to connect students and employers in order to strengthen our regional workforce and ensure career success.

The directory was first published in 2016, with updated editions released in 2018 and 2019. The Council is now seeking submissions from our members - both educational institutions and employers - to include in the fourth edition of the directory, which will be released this fall. Council members are invited to share information on various partnership programs, including experiential learning opportunities, mentoring programs, and curriculum development and coordination initiatives.  

Click below to submit information for the directory.  If you have any questions, please contact Taylor Pichette.  
Policy Committee Updates
Higher Ed Committee Hosts Discussion with NECHE Leaders
On June 16, 2020, The New England Council Higher Education Committee hosted a virtual meeting, featuring a discussion with both the incoming and outgoing presidents of the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), the region's accrediting organization. Emerson College President Lee Pelton led an engaging conversation with Barbara Brittingham, who will retire from her post leading NECHE, and her successor, Larry Schall, who is currently serving as the President of Oglethorpe College in Atlanta.

For more information on this meeting, or on the Council's Higher Education Committee, please contact Taylor Pichette.    

Member News From Our Blog
Recent NEC Member News
In addition to daily updates about COVID-19 related relief efforts, the Council continues to feature other news and updates about our members on our blog.  Check out some of the recent news about our members:


Have news you'd like to share with fellow Council members? Please contact Emily Heisig to submit blog items.  
Membership Update
June New Members
Please join us in welcoming the following new members, who joined the Council in June: