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          2025 BIMA Summer Sizzler

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          08/14/2025

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          Maximize Your Membership September 2025

          Enjoy networking with fellow members and hear from Chamber Staff on how to best leverage your Membership to achieve your business goals.

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          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

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          For over 30 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

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          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

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          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

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Boston Chamber
  • Events
        • Events

          • Overview
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          • Limited Series
        • ...
          Pacesetters
          Doing Business with Mass General Brigham

          Join us for our installment of the Pacesetters Doing Business series featuring Mass General Brigham on August 7, 2025.

          08/07/2025

          1:00pm - 2:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          BIMA
          2025 BIMA Summer Sizzler

          The BIMA Summer Sizzler is a chance to network with your digital media industry peers from the agency, publisher, and adtech community!

          08/14/2025

          6:00pm - 9:00pm

          Fenway Park

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Series
          Maximize Your Membership September 2025

          Enjoy networking with fellow members and hear from Chamber Staff on how to best leverage your Membership to achieve your business goals.

          09/09/2025

          3:00pm - 4:30pm

          Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Learning & Development
        • Learning & Development

          • Overview
          • Call for Nominations
          • Insights
        • Transformational DEI Certificate

          This program is in redevelopment. Click this page for DEI resources.

          Read More
          Women’s Leadership Program

          Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.

          Read More
          Boston’s Future Leaders

          Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.

          Read More
          Authentic Professionalism for Early Career Professionals

          In this highly interactive workshop with Strategic Career & Leadership Coach Carole-Ann Penney, you’ll define your professional identity and develop strategies to confidently navigate workplace dynamics.

          Read More
  • Economic Inclusion
        • Economic Inclusion

          • Overview
          • Pacesetters
          • Resources
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Small Business
          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Policy & Impact
        • Policy & Impact

          • Overview
          • Leadership Councils
          • Amicus Advisory Board
          • Government Affairs Forum (GAF)
        • GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

          Business Climate
          Read More
          Climate & Energy
          Read More
          Health Care
          Read More
          Housing & Development
          Read More
          Talent
          Read More
          Transportation
          Read More
  • Our Networks
        • GBCC’s Networks

          • Overview
        • OUR NETWORKS

          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          Read More
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          Read More
          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

          Read More
          Women’s Network

          For over 30 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

          Read More
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          Read More
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A Boston Chamber Member Story: IMA

Welcome to our Member Spotlight Q&A series, where we turn the spotlight on the vibrant individuals and businesses that drive innovation and excellence in our Greater Boston region. Join us as we delve into the journeys, inspirations, and impact of our diverse members, highlighting the unique contributions they make to our thriving community.

How would you describe your business in a few sentences?

IMA Boston is more than just an insurance broker. Previously known as EBS Insurance Brokers, the Newton-based team joined IMA Financial Group in December 2023 to bring years of experience in health and welfare plan administration, executive and international benefits, and financial services to the national firm.
IMA Boston President Paul Rooney says this new era is driven by “a growing team committed to a client-focused approach and making an impact in the communities where we live and work.” Today, IMA Boston has the local experience and know-how to serve the booming Boston business community, while now having access to the national resources of a larger firm to bring new capabilities to this market, including personalized services and expertise in property & casualty and 401(k) plans.
IMA aims to be the “Broker of the Future” by balancing strong growth and financial health with genuine care for both our associates and clients, focusing on a client-first experience, tech enablement, organic growth, partnerships, and a strong people-centered workplace. This strategy has led to an industry-leading growth rate more than double the industry average, with revenues in excess of $800 million, client retention at 96%, and consistent recognition as a Best Place to Work.

Can you share a memorable success story or milestone related to your business?

At IMA, we know that organizations thrive when their people do. That’s why we go beyond traditional brokerage services, partnering with clients to build benefits solutions that create cultures rooted in health, well-being, and sustainable success. Our approach at IMA is simple but powerful: when organizations take care of their employees, their employees take care of their customers. A shining example of this philosophy in action is our collaboration with Careforth, a mission-driven organization that is supporting family caregivers across the US.

Since 2018, Valeria (Val) Tivnan, IMA Boston Vice President of Population Health Strategy & Well-Being, has partnered with Careforth to build a wellness program from the ground up, transforming it into an award-winning initiative recognized on both local and national levels. Careforth’s wellness journey began at the grassroots level. In 2018, the organization had no formal wellness program. Together, they began with data to identify key areas of focus for population health concerns, such as diabetes, hypertension, and mental health.

From there, Val and the IMA wellness team introduced accessible, high-impact initiatives tailored to Careforth’s unique workforce. These included no-cost programs like IMA’s monthly wellness newsletter and a mental health awareness campaign, during which Val led on-site education sessions and guided mindfulness meditation experiences. As the partnership deepened, IMA and Careforth developed a holistic, multi-year strategy that integrated benefit design, mental health support, and a leadership commitment to employee well-being. This approach empowered Careforth to support their employees across all dimensions of wellness, including creating a flexible and safe work environment, providing a sense of community, and de-destigmatizing mental health.

Since the inception of their Wellness 360 program, Careforth saw a 14% increase in employee engagement, and its Net Promoter score (“I’d recommend Careforth as a great place to work”) jumped from 73% to 89%, signaling a workplace culture where people feel connected, supported, and proud to belong. Careforth’s Wellness 360 program has since earned accolades from Wellness Workdays, the Worksite Wellness Council of MA, and Cigna, along with an honorable mention in the prestigious Carolyn Mattingly Mental Health in the Workplace Award. These outcomes underscore what drives us at IMA: meaningful partnerships, data-driven strategy, and a belief that wellness isn’t a perk, it’s a business imperative.

Valeria Tivnan (Vice President of Population Health Strategy & Wellbeing at IMA Boston) and Alex Marcello (Director of Compensation, Benefits, and Systems at Careforth) at the 2025 Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO) Forum. Alex presented on Careforth's wellness journey. 
Valeria Tivnan (Vice President of Population Health Strategy & Wellbeing at IMA Boston) and Alex Marcello (Director of Compensation, Benefits, and Systems at Careforth) at the 2025 Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO) Forum. Alex presented on Careforth’s wellness journey. 

How is your business involved in the local community?

“Protecting assets is what we do. Making a difference is who we are.”   IMA Chairman and CEO Robert Cohen’s words guide our employees and represent a significant part of our mission: to make a difference in the communities IMA serves. The IMA Boston team makes service a daily priority—preparing meals at Pine Street Inn, collecting and creating clothing packages at Cradles to Crayons, and organizing lunch and learns with Casa Myrna. Additionally, the employee-led IMA veterans and allies resource group holds an annual Toys for Tots drive to provide toys to disadvantaged children, and our team supports 9 Miles East Farm weekly with Tuesday deliveries of meals and produce from the farm to our office.

This commitment to service is exemplified by I Make a Difference Day (IMADD), an annual corporate day of service across all of our markets, which brings IMA’s national vision to our local communities through service to nonprofits and participation in community cleanup and resiliency projects alongside IMA family and friends. For IMADD 2025, the Boston team volunteered at the Special Olympics Massachusetts Spring Track and Field Qualifier, helping as race timers, field measurers, and enthusiastic cheerleaders for the athletes. The IMA Foundation also drives positive change by awarding grants and hosting fundraising events that build community.

In 2024, the IMA Foundation raised over $1.3 million for nonprofits across the country. Almost all money raised for local events stays in the community, supporting nonprofits through local grants—so our national commitment to service directly benefits the places where our employees live and work.

Team members volunteering with Special Olympics Massachusetts at our annual "I Make a Difference Day" this past May.
Team members volunteering with Special Olympics Massachusetts at our annual “I Make a Difference Day” this past May.

What sets your business apart from others in your industry?

At IMA, our greatest asset is our people. What truly sets us apart is that every employee is also an owner, so we share in IMA’s success. This ownership mindset fuels a culture of accountability, innovation, and long-term thinking while providing financial benefits to our employees. It empowers our team to act in the best interests of our clients, invest boldly in new ideas and technologies, and support one another’s professional growth. Employee ownership is ultimately a reflection of IMA’s core belief: that when you invest in people, everything else follows.

Visit the IMA Boston team in our newly renovated office space at One Gateway Center!
Visit the IMA Boston team in our newly renovated office space at One Gateway Center!

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