2023 Western Mass Developers Conference: A Resounding Success!

Springfield, MA – The Western Mass Economic Development Council (EDC) is thrilled to announce the triumphant conclusion of the 2023 Western Mass Developers Conference, held on Wednesday, October 18th, at MGM Springfield. This regional event brought together over 350 influential leaders, including business owners, developers, investors, commercial real estate agents, municipal leaders, and more from across the region and the state. The conference was meticulously curated to spotlight the region's strengths and development prospects, affirming Western Massachusetts as an exceptional destination for investment, business launches, and growth.

Generous Sponsors Pave the Way for Success

The event's success was made possible through the generous support of our esteemed sponsors. Their instrumental contributions ensured the conference's effectiveness and made it an enriching experience for all attendees. We extend our gratitude to the following sponsors:

• Presenting Sponsor: MassMutual Investments

• Host Sponsor: MGM Springfield

• Breakfast Sponsor: Golden Years Home Care Services of Massachusetts

• Lunch Sponsor: Westmass Area Development Corporation

• Silver Sponsors: Onyx Partners and M&T Bank

• Supporter Sponsors: Baystate Health, Eversource Energy, MassDevelopment, and Westover Metropolitan Airport

• Business Sponsors: Berkshire Bank, CRRC MA, Fitzgerald Law, Freedom Credit Union, Lisa Oleksak-Sullivan, Westfield Bank

Enriching Sessions and Distinguished Panel

The conference provided a dynamic platform for attendees to participate in informative and enriching sessions, including a CEO Panel featuring prominent leaders in the region:

• Dr. Mark Keroack, President and CEO of Baystate Health

• Charlie D’Amour, President and CEO of Big Y World Class Market

• Susan M. Kasa, President of Boulevard Machine

• Anton Melchionda, Founding Partner of Onyx Partners

Informative Breakout Sessions

The breakout sessions were a key highlight of the conference, offering attendees valuable insights into various facets of regional development:

Maximizing Municipal Incentives: Delving into the world of local incentives, this workshop unveiled a spectrum of opportunities, from tax benefits to new development prospects within municipalities. Attendees gained invaluable insights into sectors like housing, transportation, tourism, education, healthcare, and hospitality, equipping them with the tools to enhance their business ventures.

Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship: Our panelists inspired, informed, and motivated attendees as they explored the realms of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship in Western Massachusetts. The session unveiled future industry trends and the secrets to success in our tech-driven world.

City Showdown Lightning Round: In the City Showdown Lightning Pitches, municipal officials showcased their visionary plans for unlocking the potential of properties, identifying areas of opportunity, and shaping post-pandemic development in our cities.

Empowering Keynotes

The day culminated with empowering and motivational remarks from guest speaker Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao and a keynote address from Governor Maura Healey. They shared their vision and current action plan for boosting Massachusetts' economy, making it the most prosperous state, brimming with opportunities for business expansion and innovation across all represented industries. Governor Healey also announced the introduction of the $4B Housing Bond Bill, which will result in the development of thousands of new housing units across the state. Attendees left inspired and ready to act in the development and committed investment of the Western Mass region.

For a comprehensive overview of the event, including the order of events, please refer to the Western Mass Developers Conference program book.

Check out highlight images here!