2011 40 Under Forty: Michael S. Lanava
DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC POLICY, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
Company location: Worcester
Residence: Worcester
Favorite color: Pantone 354
Age: 33
Career highlights: As a college student, I did an internship with the Worcester Business Development Corp. and was hired as a project manager. After my five-year tenure at the WBDC, I was hired by the chamber as the business resource manager. Now, as director of government affairs and public policy, I work closely with the chamber's board of directors, the presidents of the neighborhood business associations, interact with local, state, and federal officials, and monitor business-related concerns throughout the Worcester region.
Community involvement: My involvement in the community is diverse and widespread and includes participating with the neighborhood business associations, community events, local town meetings, city council meetings, state house activities, organizing political debates and sitting on the board of Massachusetts Economic Development Council.
Biggest success: Every day is successful when you help a small business. What seems like a small issue to some businesses can be a very large hurdle to those who are facing the obstacle. Two other major successes are reducing the local burden of property taxes for the business community and a year-long battle to achieve a balanced sign code.
Biggest challenge: My biggest challenge is creating a balance for businesses and residents. In other words, helping residents to understand that a strong business community will benefit the residents and that we should all work together for a stronger Worcester.
Mentor: When I am looking for someone to give me guidance, I look to my father who is a straight shooter that I can count on for his honest opinion.
Hidden talents: I can run a 20-minute mile, speak fluently in one language, climbed Grafton Hill in less than one day, swam across Lake Quinsigamond, did a man vs. food challenge where I ate at 27 Shrewsbury Street restaurants - in one evening - no, really - sarcasm is my talent. Period.
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