Welcome to the inaugural newsletter from Conan Harris & Associates. Once a month, I'll be sending news and updates from our partners and supporters.

I founded CHA to uplift and strengthen marginalized communities by diversifying the supplier pipeline used by large organizations for services and personnel. We empower those we serve to engage in conversations that are relevant and critical to their economic development and sustainability. Click here to meet the CHA team.

Below, you'll find information on employment opportunities, resources, and networking events. I'm excited to keep you in the loop; forward this email to let someone in your circle know about the great things happening!

Conan Harris

Meet Boston is a not-for-profit, membership-driven sales and marketing organization of over 900 companies in Boston, Cambridge and across New England that depend upon the visitor and convention industries for their own success and growth. Its mission is to elevate Boston’s vibrant neighborhoods and diverse people, amplifying their stories and sharing them locally and across the globe.

The Meet Boston team

“This program is part of a broader workforce development initiative that seeks to raise awareness about and fill opportunities in Boston’s hotel and tourism industry while also increasing workforce diversity to reflect the city's vibrant communities.

The importance of this initiative extends well beyond these goals. It’s really about providing access to our young and diverse talent while also cultivating, empowering, and connecting them to real opportunities that will create a path to meaningful careers and success.”

Hilina D. Ajakaiye

Executive Vice President, Meet Boston

The Meet Boston team delivers exciting and inclusive programs and services that drive the Boston economy by unifying a diverse range of community stakeholders around the opportunities, experiences and energy that define our destination and enhance our industry.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & SUPPLIER DIVERSITY INITIATIVE

CHA will collaborate with Meet Boston and their partners to evaluate the present state of the hospitality and tourism cluster, identifying prospects for both workforce development and enhancing diversity and accessibility in the procurement process.

The Supplier Diversity & Workforce Development Task Force plays a crucial role in advancing our commitments to supplier diversity & workforce development. Members of the task force collaborate with other industry leaders, share best practices, and work together to create strategies that promote diversity among our suppliers.

To better acquaint you with each person on our Task Force, we will profile a member every month in this newsletter. Stay tuned!

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The Workforce Development Initiative aims to empower individuals from all backgrounds by offering training opportunities that will improve their skills and enhance their employability. This initiative will raise awareness and fill career opportunities in Greater Boston hotels and tourist attractions.

Promoting Advancement in Tourism & Hospitality (P.A.T.H.) is a dynamic career immersion program aimed at addressing the current shortage of diverse talent by filling these positions with culturally diverse individuals aged 18 – 24+, aspiring to build careers in the hospitality and tourism sector.

Click here to apply to the P.A.T.H. program or pass along this opportunity to any potential candidates that may be interested!

JOB FAIR

• Boston Harbor City Cruises on Tuesday February 13th, 2024
• 1 Long Wharf Boston, MA 02110
• Morning Session from 9:00AM - 12:00PM ET
• Afternoon Session from 1:00PM - 3:00PM ET

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

WORKFORCE HOST SITE PARTNERS

Host Site partners will share their job vacancies to encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. The initial placements will span three months, with the ultimate goal of transitioning individuals into permanent roles, while providing support throughout the process. In addition, we will offer a professional development series to equip participants with essential skills to thrive in the sector. Our Host Site partners include:

Hilton Seaport

The Envoy

The Hyatt Regency, Boston

Westin Copley Place

Fairmount Copley Plaza

City Experience

Don Quijote

Hotel Commonwealth

Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge

Boston Copley Marriott

Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Seaport District

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY INITIATIVE

The Supplier Diversity Initiative aims to broaden Meet Boston's supplier network by incorporating businesses owned by women, People of Color, veterans, and other underrepresented groups, fostering economic growth in marginalized communities.

Efforts to enhance workforce diversity in Boston's economic landscape are underway, with CHA and Meet Boston collaborating with CRM software developers and municipalities to design a tailored system that streamlines the vendor search process. A CRM, or Customer Relationship Management, is a technology that manages interactions with current and potential customers, enhancing organizational efficiency.

Would you like to share your expertise and knowledge with the future workforce of the community? We will be hosting sessions based on the following topics:

• Effective Communication
• Time & Project Management 
• Leadership 
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Stress Management
• DEIB / Cultural Competencies

Email info@conanharrisassociates.com and let us know if you are interested in sharing your knowledge and expertise with our community.

Thank you.

Conan Harris

Founder & Principal