Ann Klee of GE Speaks at Foundation for MetroWest Breakfast

Business leader Ann R. Klee spoke to a crowded room at the Boston Marriott Newton as keynote speaker for the Foundation for MetroWest’s sixth Community Leadership Breakfast, “Business Leaders and Community Philanthropy: An Essential Partnership,” on October 27.

Klee is the Vice President of GE’s Global Environment, Health & Safety Group and Boston Development and Operations. Klee also serves as President of the GE Foundation.

She stated that GE’s focus on solving problems, both locally and globally, increases their philanthropic impact and community engagement. The event was chaired by Garry R. Holmes, President of R.W. Holmes Realty Co., Inc., who is also a Foundation for MetroWest trustee.

At the Breakfast, local Chamber of Commerce leaders Paul Joseph of the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce and Greg Reibman of the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber were each honored with the 2017 Civic Leader Award. This award recognizes the important work they do to create dynamic connections between communities and local business. Each honoree spoke about their personal and professional commitment to their communities. Joseph said his work as led him to “firmly believe in the power of giving back,” while Reibman made the case that it is important to remember to take care of others and to foster the arts and the environment as our region’s economy grows.

Attendees also heard from Ben Scire, a senior at Hopkinton High School, who is co-chair of the Foundation’s Youth in Philanthropy Junior Board. He said, “While YIP taught me so much about philanthropy, I don’t want to just be interested in the field. I don’t want to just donate my time or money; I want to be a catalyst for change in my generation.”

This annual event highlights businesses who play an important role in strengthening our community and inspires others to integrate community philanthropy into their business models. This year, the Community Leadership Breakfast engaged over 360 corporate decision makers and civic leaders in conversation. Over 175 companies and organizations were represented. Aside from the program speakers, the event showcases the Foundation’s work to make MetroWest a strong, sustainable community.

The event will be held next year on October 26, 2018. Please contact Jane Ellen Newman at communications@foundationformetrowest.org for more information and how to get involved.

The Community Leadership Breakfast was made possible by the generous support of sponsors:

Leadership: Gray, Gray & Gray, LLP; Kenneth Vona Construction; Middlesex Savings Bank; National Development; R.W. Holmes Realty Co., Inc.; and Yale Appliance + Lighting.

Supporting: Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.; Bob's Discount Furniture; Bowditch & Dewey, LLP; Brack Family Fund; Dacon Corporation; Global Organics, Ltd.; Headwall Photonics, Inc.; Northern Trust; PURE Insurance; Staples, Inc.; VHB; and Wellesley Bank Charitable Foundation.

Corporate Friend: Advisors Asset Management, AIS, Inc.; Avidia Bank; Ballentine Partners; Bearingstar Insurance Charitable Fund; BJ's Wholesale Club; Brendon Properties, Inc.; Brown Advisory; Carruth Capital, LLC; Casner & Edwards, LLP; Consigli Construction Co., Inc.; Crosspoint Associates; Cushman & Wakefield; Emerson Hospital; Fallon Custom Homes & Renovations; First Republic Private Wealth Management; Insource Services, Inc.; Leisman Insurance Agency, Inc.; The Nelson Companies; Newmark Knight Frank ; Platinum Fire Protection & Services, LLC; Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation; Schneider Associates; Shaker Autogroup/Wellesley Mazda; SharkNinja; Splash; Stanton Insurance Agency; Towerwall; TRANSWESTERN RBJ; The Village Bank; Waters Corporation; Wealth Planning Resources, LLC; Webster Bank; and Winter Wyman Company, Inc.

About Foundation for MetroWest

Established in 1995, the Foundation for MetroWest is the only community foundation serving the 33 cities and towns in the region. We promote philanthropy in the region, help donors maximize the impact of their local giving, serve as a resource for local nonprofits and enhance the quality of life for all our residents. Since inception, the Foundation has granted more than $14 million to charitable organizations and currently stewards more than $18 million in charitable assets for current needs and future impact. To learn more, please visit foundationformetrowest.org or call 508.647.2260.