Last week in Boston, David Chang, COO of PayPal Media Network, brought together over 80 state legislators, technology entrepreneurs, business and association leaders for an event focused on the economic importance of technology in Massachusetts. Senator Karen Spilka and Representative Ann Margaret Ferrante of Massachusetts’ Tech Hub Caucus opened up the discussion by highlighting the role that government can play in enabling technology businesses to continue to make Boston and the surrounding area a major innovative hub helping to build the local economy.

Mr. Chang followed the opening remarks with a presentation on the history of eBay Inc. and PayPal and the dynamic role that large companies are playing in bolstering small businesses in Boston. The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by David which highlighted Linda Moore, CEO of TechNet, and three Start Tank business executives from the region. Start Tank gives entrepreneurs an innovative work space in which they work alongside PayPal employees, fostering collaboration and enabling them to tap into the network of contacts and resources to help grow their startup companies. The panel spurred discussion as to how government can encourage small businesses to prosper in the state’s tech ecosystem, especially with the help and guidance of larger companies like PayPal.