City of Cambridge Business Associations: Combined Cambridge Business Assn. Carl Barron

This group is an organization that is most unique and probably has no counterpart in any part of the United States. Carl Barron, the energetic leader of the Central Sq. Business Association founded this group in 1980. It consists of all of the 5 local business associations throughout the city, plus the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, all of the top city department officials, with representatives at the top level from Harvard University, MIT, Cambridge College, banks, the public transportation system (MBTA), down to one person operated businesses. It is operated largely without seeking publicity. Deputy city manager, Richard Rossi, has never missed a meeting, in 28 years, and neither has Carl Barron. Meetings are held every three months and the membership is a true cross section of the community. Members submit questions about problems directly to the top city officials and receive immediate replies. Announcements of importance to the city are made for dissemination through the various organizations. The very high level of unity and compatibility prevails without rancor, even when people view things differently. This organization provides a tremendous resource of information, distribution of updated data, and input from all levels. In the words of deputy city manager, Rossi, this organization is one of the best functioning entities for public benefit, nationwide. All meetings have been chaired by Barron, but the true value is based upon the cooperative spirit that prevails at every meeting. It is a voluntary organization that does a tremendous amount of good for the entire community. It is part of what makes Cambridge different from every other city of its size or larger, throughout the United States. It is extraordinary to have so many diverse entities meet together and personify, not diversity, but unity. It reflects the real character of the progressive city that is Cambridge.