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| Dear Friend,
Just two years ago on April 15, 2013, a pair of bombs halted the 117th Boston Marathon and its runners in their tracks, sending shock waves throughout Boston that reverberated across the nation.
In the hours and days immediately following the Boston Marathon bombings, the Offices of Governor Deval Patrick and Mayor Thomas Menino were inundated with calls from people wanting to know what they could do and how they could help those affected.
Understanding the need for a principal charitable outlet for victims, Mayor Menino and his staff quickly convened some of the city's most prominent business, civic and political leaders to brainstorm the most effective way to organize fundraising efforts.
Soon thereafter, One Fund Boston was created. In just its first week, One Fund Boston raised $20 million in donations, with over 60 corporate donors and more than 50,000 individual contributors.
Jim Gallagher, chief administrative officer at John Hancock, was a key player in spearheading the initial formation of One Fund Boston and in coordinating efforts among the private companies and public offices involved. As a result of Gallagher's guidance and management as president of the fund, One Fund Boston dispersed over $81 million in aid, not including an additional $1.5 million devoted to the creation of the One Fund Center located at Massachusetts General Hospital, which is specifically dedicated to providing personalized care and support to victims in recovery.
This year, I am so pleased that Jim Gallagher has been named the 2015 recipient of the Speaker Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. Award for Exemplary Public Service by the Greater Boston Federal Executive Board. Established in 1987, the award honors my father's life and legacy as a public servant and is presented annually to an individual who has created a national impact through their public service endeavors.
Under Gallagher's leadership, One Fund Boston not only provided much-needed aid to victims and their families, but also unified the City of Boston as it emerged after the Marathon bombings stronger and more resilient than ever before.
As One Fund Boston now enters its second phase with Gallagher still at the helm, the organization will continue to symbolize the true definition of public service and remind us of the importance of helping our neighbors in their time of need.
Sincerely, Tom O'Neill Chief Executive Officer Twitter: @tponeill3
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Current Events and Expertise
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What Do We Do Now?: A Perspective on Healthcare
By Senior Vice President Al Jackson
 At the end of The Candidate, the 1972 movie in which Robert Redford plays Bill McKay, a long shot candidate for U.S. Senate from California, McKay, having just been elected, looks at his campaign manager and famously utters, "What do we do now?"
For Republicans and Obamacare, they are facing that question on two fronts. The first is the upcoming Supreme Court decision in King v. Burwell. The case asks whether the Affordable Care Act intended to provide subsidies to eligible Americans who obtain insurance from state-run exchanges, but not to those who apply through federal or federal/state exchanges.
Republican activists brought the suit as a way to bring down Obamacare, and it might work. All of the House votes to repeal the ACA couldn't do it, but this drafting error and subsequent lawsuit - the result of late nights and legislative gridlock preventing a "technical correction" - may succeed.
Now, some Republican leaders are insisting that the Obama Administration devise a plan to make sure people will not lose their Obamacare health insurance if the Supreme Court rules that citizens of the approximately 37 states with federally managed exchanges should no longer receive subsidies to purchase health insurance.
Why are the Republicans worried about the potential destruction of Obamacare after spearheading so many efforts to repeal it? The reason, of course, is that at last count about 20 million Americans have insurance today as a result of the ACA - most of whom would likely have remained uninsured if the attempts to repeal Obamacare had been successful.
Now, Republican activists are suddenly worried that millions of Americans might lose their coverage and are trying to come up with an alternative approach - or shift the blame - should the Supreme Court agree with them.
The second and related problem that Republicans face is the growing public acceptance of Obamacare. The latest Kaiser Family Foundation survey shows Americans are evenly split on their view of Obamacare: 43 percent view it favorably, 42 percent unfavorably.
However, when asked whether Obamacare should be outright repealed - as the GOP has tried to do 67 times in the House - only 37 percent of Independent voters favor repeal. Republican candidates need independent voters to win. So, maybe repeal isn't the best approach after all.
That may explain why there have been fewer votes to repeal Obamacare in the first months of the 114th Congress than in the last months of the 113th. It also illustrates the challenge facing Speaker of the House John Boehner and, even more so, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. They would like to preserve their majority, but they also have to figure out how to keep the more conservative members in their party on board.
So what do they do now?
To continue the conversation with Al Jackson, connect with him on Twitter.
For more information about O'Neill and Associates' healthcare expertise, click here.
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UMass Announces Krystle Campbell Scholarship Recipients and Honors 2015 Boston Marathon Team
On April 6
th, the University of Massachusetts announced the first two Krystle Campbell Scholarship recipients during a Scholarship Presentation and Boston Marathon Celebration event. Founded in 2013 by University of Massachusetts trustee Richard P. Campbell, J.D., and his wife Barbara, the Krystle Campbell Scholarship Fund honors the life and legacy of Krystle Campbell, a UMass Boston alumna who lost her life during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings.
The Campbells, who are of no relation to Krystle, created the fund as a tribute to the Medford native and to assist community-minded young women who are committed to furthering their education. Like Krystle, Richard Campbell is a graduate of Medford High School and UMass Boston.
The first two Krystle Campbell Scholarship recipients - Micki Hall and Miriam Asangong - both embody Krystle's passion for serving others as well as her commitment to academic excellence.
A junior at UMass Boston's College of Management, Micki founded a community service club at UMass Boston and has volunteered with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at Action for Boston Community Development and with the nonprofit Strong Women, Strong Girls. Similarly, Miriam Asangong, a junior in UMass Dartmouth's Charlton College of Business, balances a 3.957 GPA with extensive community service, which includes assisting senior citizens with tax preparation, participating in the VITA program and mentoring inner-city school children.
The Scholarship Presentation and Marathon Celebration event also recognized the 2015 UMass Marathon team, "Running for a Reason: Krystle's Legacy." The ten-member team consisted of local business executives and UMass students, graduates and staff, who ran the 2015 Boston Marathon to raise funds to support the Krystle Campbell Scholarship Fund. To read more about the Krystle Campbell Scholarship Fund and the 2015 UMass Boston Marathon team, visit www.RunforKrystle.com and read additional media coverage in the International Business Times, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, the Lowell Sun, the Greenwich Daily Voice, WBUR-FM and WCVB-TV Channel 5.
To learn more about O'Neill and Associates' higher education expertise, click here.
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Meritage Restaurant + Wine Bar Brings the Vineyard to the Table
 Meritage Restaurant at the Boston Harbor Hotel has long been known for its excellence in wine and food pairings as well as its stunning waterfront views. After a refresh, MERITAGE RESTAURANT + WINE BAR reopened this month to debut a stylish, refined dining room and wine bar. In addition to the new bold, elegant interiors, Chef Daniel Bruce introduced a unique Vineyard-to-Table menu concept so that dinner guests can share in the special relationships he has formed with winemakers from all over the world. The menu is thoughtfully designed to complement the characteristics of wines with suggested White Wine Pairings and Red Wine Pairings.
The connection between wine and food is integrated throughout the new dining experience - from the wine aperitif pairing that guests enjoy with their Amuse Bouche to the olive oil poured tableside from a different featured vineyard each month. Chef Bruce is working with vineyards across the globe to source ingredients exclusively for Meritage that will be incorporated into the menu. Native to New England, Chef Bruce has established longstanding relationships with local farmers and purveyors, and bases his menus solely on ingredients at the peak of freshness.
 Another new addition is a sophisticated, white marble-topped wine bar featuring wines from around the globe, sharable dishes, and an ever-changing menu of wine flights and themed by-the-glass lists. Led by Advanced Sommelier Nicholas Daddona and his team of sommeliers, the wine program at Meritage is known for its extensive and varied collection. With over 750 different labels on the menu, and well over 100 options for under $100, the Meritage wine experience works for any occasion.
The new design also features two private dining rooms, named Napa and Sonoma for the restaurant's ties to the world of wine. These rooms provide an exclusive and customizable Meritage experience for business and social gatherings of 8 to 40 guests.
Reservations can be made via OpenTable or by calling (617) 439-3995.
Tuesday - Saturday: 5:00 - 10:00 PM | Sunday Brunch: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
To learn more about O'Neill and Associates' public relations services, click here.
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Comic Legend Stan Lee Joins 2015 Boston Comic Con
Co-Creater of Classic Superheroes Will Appear at Regional Convention
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Boston Comic Con Co-Creater Nick Kanieff (left) with Comic Legend Stan Lee
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If you happen to be in Boston's Seaport District the weekend of July 31 to August 2, you may find yourself surrounded by people in superhero costumes. That's because Boston Comic Con is returning to the
Seaport World Trade Center
for another summer weekend full of festivities, such as the Boston Comic Con Costume Contest at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the Cosplay Harbor Cruise and the official after-party at Laugh Boston comedy club.
In the eight years since its founding, Boston Comic Con has transformed from a one-day show with estimated 900 comic book enthusiasts to the region's largest comic convention with a turnout of more than 32,000 visitors, over 200 local and regional artists, and many A-list celebrities.
This year, living legend Stan Lee will appear at the popular convention to sign autographs and answer questions from his biggest fans during the "Stan Lee VIP Experience." Lee, age 92, is the co-creator of classic and internationally-recognized superheroes such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, Daredevil, The Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Silver Surfer.
In April, Lee visited Boston and met with Comic Con co-creator Nick Kanieff at InterContinental Boston where he was interviewed by The Boston Globe. A video of Lee's meeting with Nick can be found on Boston Comic Con's YouTube page, while tickets to meet Stan Lee at Boston Comic Con can be found at BostonComicCon.com.
To learn more about O'Neill and Associates' public relations expertise, click here.
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O'Neill and Associates Welcomes Former Congressman Todd Tiahrt!
Mr. Tiahrt Leads OA's Federal Appropriations Practice
This month, O'Neill and Associates welcomed former Congressman Todd Tiahrt as a senior vice president in the firm's federal relations division and as the leader of its federal appropriations practice. Mr. Tiahrt brings 16 years of experience as a Member of Congress and more than 20 years of business and government affairs experience to O'Neill and Associates. His range of experience includes aerospace, healthcare, energy, environment, government affairs and regulatory compliance.
"Each business, association and nonprofit organization faces challenges that restrict growth and innovation. I am pleased to join O'Neill and Associates so that I can further draw upon my public and private sector experience to help our clients meet and exceed their government and economic goals," added Mr. Tiahrt. "I look forward to working with O'Neill and Associates' experienced team of professionals to seamlessly integrate communications, public affairs and government relations to deliver dynamic results for our clients."
As a Member of Congress, Mr. Tiahrt served on the House Appropriations Committee with key assignments on the Defense Subcommittee, Labor, Health and Human Services Subcommittee, Interior Subcommittee, and the Transportation Subcommittee. He was also the founder and chairman of the Economic Competitiveness Caucus, which successfully developed and passed reforms eliminating government barriers to economic growth. In addition, Mr. Tiahrt served on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Mr. Tiahrt's business experience includes the turnaround of a technology company, effectively preventing it from closure and returning it to fiscal health. Additionally, Mr. Tiahrt has previously held management positions at the Boeing Company and as a project engineer at Zenith Electronics.
Mr. Tiahrt holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from Missouri State University and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Evangel University. He and his wife, Vicki, maintain homes in Alexandria, Virginia and Wichita, Kansas and have been blessed with three children.
For more information on O'Neill and Associates' federal relations practice, click here.
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Christina Fish, Esq Joins O'Neill and Associates!
Ms. Fish Joins OA's Community Relations Practice
 O'Neill and Associates also welcomed Christina Fish, Esq. this month as a director in its community relations practice. Ms. Fish advises real estate development clients on a variety of issues including community outreach, permitting, zoning, regulatory advocacy, and licensing concerns. In this role, she helps clients define key issues surrounding a proposed development, craft collateral materials for various projects, and identify key opinion leaders, stakeholders and constituents for outreach.
Before joining O'Neill and Associates, Ms. Fish was an Associate at Hinckley Allen in its Construction and Public Contracts practice group. In this position, she assisted clients in all phases of the construction process including planning, permitting, contract administration, alternative dispute resolution, and complex litigation. Ms. Fish collaborated as a member of the litigation team to resolve a variety of high-profile construction matters, including the $88.7 million settlement reached in the Central Artery/Third Tunnel C11 Project ("Big Dig") joint venture suit. Ms. Fish also held communications positions in the Press Office of former City of Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and with the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound.
Ms. Fish received her law degree from Boston College Law School and graduated from Bowdoin College with a bachelor's degree in English. She currently resides in Boston, Massachusetts.
To learn more about O'Neill and Associates' community relations practice, click here.
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O'Neill and Associates Adds Public Policy Aide to D.C. Office!
Jessica Rodgers Joins Federal Affairs Practice
O'Neill and Associates is thrilled to announce that Jessica Rodgers has joined the firm's Washington, DC office as a public policy aide. In this role, Ms. Rodgers conducts government affairs research, monitors key legislation, compiles advocacy briefings for clients, and manages client events and fundraisers.
Prior to joining O'Neill and Associates, Ms. Rodgers co-founded S.H.A.R.E. (Students Helping Alexandria Reach Success), an organization dedicated to managing and providing daily resource to homeless students in Alexandria and the greater Washington, DC area for continuation of their education. Ms. Rodgers coordinated the organization's regional advertising initiatives, programs and meetings with the dean of students' offices of surrounding colleges.
Previously, Ms. Rodgers also served as a research assistant for Dr. Robert Pasnack in applied developmental psychology, conducting on-site experiments, planning and research related to the teaching of key cognitive constructs to children.
Ms. Rodgers holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from George Mason University and currently resides in Alexandria, Virginia.
To learn more about O'Neill and Associates' federal relations practice, click here.
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O'Neill and Associates Hosts Celebration of Barney Frank's Memoir
Join former Congressman Barney Frank at the Boston Harbor Hotel for Insights on "Frank: A Life in Politics From the Great Society to Same-Sex Marriage"
On May 19th, O'Neill and Associates will host a morning reception at the Boston Harbor Hotel with former Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank for a discussion of his memoir,
Frank: A Life in Politics from the Great Society to Same-Sex Marriage. At the event, guests will enjoy insights from author Barney Frank, who will also sign copies of his memoir.
Networking will begin at 7:45am with a continental breakfast. The main program will begin at 8:00am and books will be available for purchase.
If you are interested in attending the event, please RSVP by email to rsvp@oneillandassoc.com or by phone at (617) 646-1066 as space is limited.
About Frank: A Life in Politics from the Great Society to Same-Sex Marriage
Growing up in Bayonne, New Jersey, the fourteen-year-old Barney Frank made two vital discoveries about himself: he was attracted to government, and to men. He resolved to make a career out of the first attraction and to keep the second a secret. Now, sixty years later, his sexual orientation is widely accepted, while his belief in government is embattled. In this feisty and often moving memoir, Frank candidly discusses the satisfactions, fears, and grudges that come with elected office. He recalls the emotional toll of living in the closet and how his public crusade against homophobia conflicted with his private accommodation of it. He discusses his painful quarrels with allies; his friendships with public figures, from Tip O'Neill to Sonny Bono; and how he found love with his husband, Jim Ready, becoming the first sitting member of Congress to enter a same-sex marriage. He also demonstrates how he used his rhetorical skills to expose his opponents' hypocrisies and delusions. Through it all, he expertly analyzes the gifts a successful politician must bring to the job, and how even Congress can be made to work.
To join O'Neill and Associates' invite list for the Boston Harbor Hotel Speaker Series, click here.
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O'Neill and Associates Honors New England Law Enforcement
OA Partners with Friends of New England's Finest for Third Annual Benefit
In partnership with Friends of New England's Finest, a Washington, DC-based nonprofit, O'Neill and Associates will host "Thank You for Protecting Our Loved Ones At Home," the third annual benefit to thank New England law enforcement officials and remember fallen officers during National Police Week. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund gathers law enforcement officers from around the country each year in Washington, D.C. for National Police Week to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty, including many from New England. In 2013, Friends of New England's Finest organized the "Thank You For Protecting Our Loved Ones at Home" reception as an opportunity for New Englanders to gather in our nation's capital to show our appreciation for the sacrifices of our law enforcement officials. Last year, members of the New England congressional delegation, legislative staffers, and New Englanders residing in Washington, DC gathered together at Johnny's Half Shell for this honorary event - the only one of its kind - to personally thank over 200 police officers and law enforcement officials representing 43 departments across New England who were in attendance. Even more officials are expected to attend this year's event, making it the nonprofit's largest benefit to date. This year, Officer Gregg Maloney, Officer Dennis Simmonds, Officer Steve Arkell, and Special Deputy Marshall Frank McKnight will be entered into the National Law Enforcement Memorial, drawing a large contingent of officers, specifically from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Friends of New England's Finest will also pay special tribute to these fallen officers at the benefit to honor their service and sacrifice.
To sponsor the event, contact Jessica Rodgers at jrodgers@oneillandassoc.com. For more information on the event, please visit www.FONEF.org or connect with Friends of New England's Finest on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #NEFinest.
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Save the Date: Upcoming Events
O'Neill and Associates' clients to host inspiring events
- 5/6 Cristo Rey Boston High School's Academic Signing Day at the Boston Harbor Hotel
- 5/13 Friends of New England's Finest Hosts Third Annual Benefit
- 6/5 Boston Pride Week Flag Raising
- 6/5 Boston Pride's First Annual Gala
- 6/6 Boston Pride Day at Faneuil Hall Marketplace
- 6/6 Boston Pride's First Annual Black Pride Boat Cruise
- 6/7 Boston Pride's AIDS Walk
- 6/7 The Family Pantry of Cape Cod's 4th Annual Summer Gala
- 6/8 Boston Pride Diplomat Reception
- 6/10 Boston Pride's Forum on Human Rights
- 6/12 Boston Pride Night at Fenway Park
- 6/13 Boston Pride Festival and Parade
- 6/14 Boston Pride Back Bay Block Party and Jamaica Plain Block Party
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O'Neill and Associates, New England's leading public relations and government affairs consulting firm, is led by former Lt. Governor
Thomas P. O'Neill III
. With offices in Boston, MA and Washington, D.C., the agency employs senior level professionals to help clients define the right messages and get those messages to target audiences, including government officials, the media, community leaders and consumers. We serve clients in diverse industries, including
financial services,
transportation,
healthcare,
nonprofit,
energy, and
real estate development.
Contact us toll-free at 1-866-989-4321. Follow us on Twitter at @ONeillandAssoc.
   
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