Daily News

Western Massachusetts Developers Conference Set for June 23

SPRINGFIELD — The 2016 Western Massachusetts Developers Conference, slated for Thursday, June 23 at the MassMutual Center, aims to demonstrate why Western Mass. is a good place to invest.

Given the recent national and international companies choosing to call Western Mass. home, the conference, which was first presented in 2014, connects business leaders, entrepreneurs, developers, real-estate professionals, site selectors, economic-development professionals, and public officials from Western Mass. and across the Northeast.

This year’s luncheon keynote speaker is Gov. Charlie Baker. Since taking office in January 2015, Baker’s goal has been to make Massachusetts a better place to live, work, start a business, and raise a family.

The day will also feature a CEO panel where attendees can hear first-hand from some of the area’s top leaders about how the region supports growth; lightning-style presentations featuring a fast-paced format packed with information about innovative initiatives, workforce developments, and entrepreneurship; and an “Incentives in Action” workshop where a panel of regional experts will explain details of the various incentives that have enabled development projects throughout the region, with an opportunity for questions from the audience.

The day-long event —which includes a light breakfast, lunch, municipality and resource vendors, plus an interactive map featuring priority development opportunities — is being coordinated by key area organizations, including the Western Mass. Economic Development Council (EDC), Economic Development Partners, MassDevelopment, and MassEcon.

“We are thrilled to be a part organizing this event,” said Ann Burke, EDC vice president. “This is an incredibly exciting time for the region, with many investment opportunities, plus there are countless resources available to developers and businesses considering Western Mass., and we are excited to share them.”

Event sponsors include MassMutual Financial Group, WinnDevelopment, Westfield Bank, CRRC, Comcast, Westmass Area Development Corp., UMass Amherst, and MassDevelopment, among others.

The event is free for attendees, but space is limited, and registration is required no later than Friday, June 17. For more information and to register, visit www.westernmassedc.com.