Manufacturing Our Future Summit 2000: An Economic Summit
October 11, 2023
Hosted at the Worcester Centrum Centre
MANUFACTURING OUR FUTURE: THE SUMMIT 2000 – “WE CAN MAKE IT HERE!”
MANUFACTURING OUR FUTURE: THE SUMMIT 2000 is scheduled for Wednesday,
October 11, 2023 at the Worcester Centrum Centre. The SUMMIT is
in conjunction with the AM EXPO NEW ENGLAND, which is the largest
automated manufacturing show in the Northeast. This year’s SUMMIT
will highlight the existing infrastructure in Central Massachusetts
to encourage existing and new companies to expand in this region.
With its proximity to Boston, Cambridge and Route 128, Worcester County
is the ideal location to manufacture the end products of research from
the new and exploding markets in the areas of Biomedical Research, Telecommunications
and Technology products. This fourth annual conference will present
seminars on real estate opportunities, technological infrastructure
and educational partnerships to illustrate how well prepared to compete
in the global economy.
Manufacturing has been a major economic force in Central Massachusetts
since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. It remains a significant
part of that economy today. From its beginnings in 1997, MANUFACTURING
OUR FUTURE: THE SUMMIT has had as its primary focus the continued
development and strengthening of the Worcester County’s manufacturing
economy. This annual economic summit brings together the region’s
considerable expertise in business, education and government to assess
and explore the strengths and weaknesses in the Worcester County manufacturing
community with the express aim of greatly enhancing this vital and historically
significant aspect of the region’s economy.
In preparation for THE SUMMIT focus groups meet to identify the specific
needs of the manufacturing community and to find solutions that can
be implemented and monitored to meet those needs. By creating a convergence
of differing points of view and different resources, these groups have
been able to significantly effect the problems facing the nearly 1600
small manufacturers in the region. It has been through these efforts
that “clusters” of companies that have similar needs and interests
have developed to enhance their competitiveness through discussion of
common issues and group purchasing of essentials such as utilities and
health care.
One of the key issues facing manufacturers that has been addressed
by The Summit has been the education and training of both management
and workers. Through the efforts of both manufacturers and the education
community, significant steps have been taken toward creating a better-trained
workforce. Training classes to upgrade the skills of workers and school-to-work
programs to encourage high school students to think seriously about
careers in manufacturing have been a major part of this new alliance
formed between the Education Community and Business. By substantially
increasing labor’s skill, manufacturers are better able to incorporate
new technologies that will make them more competitive in world markets.
The past three summits have served their purpose well. They have raised
the profile of manufacturing in the eyes of the larger community. The
city of Worcester and its surrounding communities have come to realize
the importance of this sector in the regional economy. Regional economic
planning now incorporates manufacturing as one of its major components.
No longer is there a sense that manufacturing is dying in Central Massachusetts.
The emphasis now is on continuing to expand the manufacturing base in
Central Massachusetts, which accounts for 74% of the economic sector,
through the efforts of many different organizations, both private and
public.
It is time to say, “WE CAN MAKE IT HERE.”
If you are interested in learning more about this exciting event, please
contact Katherine Mahoney by clicking on the e-mail address: [email protected].
AGENDA FOR THE SUMMIT
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
8:00 – 8:30 Registration
8:30 a.m. Welcome Remarks by Paul Kennedy
The Honorable James P. McGovern, Congressman 3 rd Congressional
District
The Honorable Richard Neal, Congressman 2 nd Congressional District
Leslie Parks, Economic Development Director for the City of San
Jose
9:00 a.m. Real Estate Initiatives
David Forsberg, President Worcester Business Development Corporation
Michael Hogan, Executive Director Mass Development
Michael Lanava, Director of Industry Development City of Fitchburg
Susan Houston, Executive Director Massachusetts Alliance for Economic
Development
Everett Shaw, Chief Economic Development Director for the City
of Worcester
9:45 a.m. Pathways to Education
Dr. Frank Loew, President Becker College, Chairman Colleges of
Worcester Consortium
Sandra Kurtinitis, President Quinsigamond Community College
Dennis Ferrante, Dir of Occupational Education Programs Worc Public
Schools
Brian Gilmore, Executive Vice President Public Affairs, Associated
Industries of Massachusetts
10:15 Break
10:45 a.m. Growth Companies
Biomedical Industry, Kevin O’Sullivan, Vice President of
Development Massachusetts Biomedical Initiative
Ann Hurd, Public Affairs Manager Intel
John E. Campbell, Manager of Facilities American Superconductor
11:15 Resources for Growth
Mark Love, President and CEO Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce
