Join us for an exciting Speed Networking event on Wednesday, August 5th, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM! This fast-paced, casual gathering is the perfect opportunity to make new connections, explore potential collaborations, and expand your professional network in a dynamic setting. Don’t miss your chance to meet a variety of people quickly and spark new opportunities!

Event Agenda:

9:30 - 10:00 AM: Registration & Open Networking

10:00 - 11:00 AM: Speed Networking

Table Moderators will include:

• Casserly Consulting

• Gienapp Architects

• Incompass Human Services

• Lowell Plan

• Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union

• Nitsch Engineering

• Pin Point Line Striping & Marking

• Project Learn

Thank you to Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union for hosting this event!

Event Registration, Refund, and Cancellation Policies:
For details on registration deadlines, walk-in policies, refunds, and event cancellations for Middlesex 3 Coalition events, please click here to view our full Terms of Service.

Find the event photos here.

Find our LinkedIn recap post here.

Find the event slides here.

Thank you to our speakers:

• Professor Sukesh Aghara, Director of the Nuclear Engineering Program at UMass Lowell

  • Learn more about The Nuclear Roadmap for Massachusetts

  • If you are interested in taking a tour of the Nuclear Reactor, fill out this form, and we will follow up at a later date.

• David Miller, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Clean Energy Ventures

• Katie Raymond, Director of Energy & Sustainability at AHA Consulting Engineers

• Lynne Garone, AVP Corporate Learning and Social Responsibility at E Ink

• Frank Urro, VP of Energy Strategies for NRGTree

Highlights from the Conversation:

• Massachusetts must diversify its clean energy portfolio.

  Meeting future energy demand will require a balanced mix of renewables, advanced nuclear, energy storage, and other emerging technologies to achieve a reliable, low-carbon grid.

• Innovation is essential to accelerating sustainability.

  From advanced nuclear technologies to next-generation clean energy startups, continued research, commercialization, and investment will be critical to reducing emissions and achieving long-term sustainability.

• Advanced nuclear is emerging as a key opportunity for Massachusetts.

  Professor Sukesh Aghara highlighted how advanced nuclear technologies—including small modular reactors and fusion—can strengthen grid reliability, support economic growth, and complement renewable energy sources.

• Collaboration will drive the clean energy transition.

  David Miller emphasized that lasting progress depends on partnerships among industry, investors, academia, and government to scale innovative technologies and bring sustainable energy solutions to market.

Thank you to E Ink for hosting and to NRGTree for sponsoring this meeting!

Find the event photos here.

Find the LinkedIn recap post here.

Thank you to our Keynote/Fireside Chat

  - Geoff Grove, National Advocate for Manufacturing Energy & Technology

Thank you to our panelists from:
  - Allium Engineering
  - American Insulated Panel
  - Fabri, Inc.
  - Rennscot Manufacturing

Key Takeaways:

• Cybersecurity is Critical – Manufacturers navigating defense supply chains must prepare for evolving requirements like CMMC and protect critical information to remain competitive.

• Process Comes Before Technology – Panelists emphasized the importance of strengthening operations, improving processes, and building a strong foundation before investing in new equipment or emerging technologies.

• Talent Remains a Top Challenge – Workforce shortages continue to impact manufacturers, highlighting the need for stronger connections between employers, training providers, and workforce organizations.

• Manufacturing is Entering a New Era – From advanced manufacturing and additive technologies to clean energy innovation, Massachusetts companies are helping drive the future of American manufacturing.

Thank you to Billerica Planning and Community Development and the SBA for partnering with us on this event!

Find the event photos here.

Find our LinkedIn recap post here.

Find the event slides here.

Thank you to our keynote & moderator:

• Dr. Jared Auclair, Dean of the College of Professional Studies, Northeastern University

Thank you to our panelists:

• Dr. Molly Smith, Associate Dean of Corporate & Community Engagement, Northeastern University

• Diego Martins, Student at Northeastern University & Apprentice at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center

• Richard Meiklejohn, Innovation Hub Director, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center

If you're interested in learning more about Northeastern's AI workshops for corporate and community partners, or their newly launched apprenticeship program, they would love to continue the conversation. Please reach out to Molly Smith (m.smith@northeastern.edu) or Uwe Hohgrawe (u.hohgrawe@northeastern.edu) — they'd be glad to connect.

And special thank you to all those who participated and shared insights in the roundtable discussion.

Highlights from the Conversation:

• Workforce Development & Talent Pipelines — Apprenticeships, work-based learning, and stackable credentials are creating new pathways into life sciences and healthcare careers.

•  AI in Life Sciences & Healthcare — Artificial intelligence is accelerating research, improving operations, enhancing patient care, and reshaping workforce needs across the industry.

• Industry-Academia Collaboration — Strong partnerships between employers, educational institutions, and government are essential to addressing workforce gaps and supporting innovation.

• Manufacturing & Emerging Skills — Growing demand for talent with interdisciplinary skills spanning life sciences, data analytics, automation, and advanced manufacturing.

• Maintaining Massachusetts’ Leadership Position — Continued investment in talent, infrastructure, and collaboration will help ensure the Commonwealth remains a global leader in life sciences.

Thank you to BW Kennedy & Co., OLSON LEWIS+ Architects, Northern Bank, Ryan, and Ultragenyx for sponsoring this event. Thank you to Northeastern University for hosting this meeting.

Find the event photos here.

Find our LinkedIn recap post here.

Find the event slides here.

Thank you to our speakers:

• Paul Stedman, Highway Director, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)

• Peter Tramontozzi, Civil Engineer, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)

• Amber Goodspeed, Manager of Airport Administration, Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport)

• Christopher Willenborg, Airport Director, Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport)

• Kelly Lynema, Deputy Director, Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG)

• Tricia Lachance, Manager, Inside Sale, Axis Communications

Thank you to our moderator:

• Rob Nagi, Principal & Director of Transportation Planning & Operations, VHB

Highlights from the discussion

• MassDOT Updates — Regional transportation leaders discussed progress on key roadway, bridge, and multimodal projects focused on improving safety, reliability, and connectivity across the region.

• Hanscom Field & Aviation Growth — Massachusetts Port Authority shared updates on investments at Hanscom Field that support aviation innovation, workforce development, and regional economic growth.

• Expanding Mobility Options — Northern Middlesex Council of Governments highlighted ongoing planning efforts to enhance bicycle, pedestrian, and community transportation infrastructure.

• Regional Collaboration — Public and private sector partners emphasized the importance of collaboration among agencies, municipalities, and industry to advance long-term transportation and infrastructure goals.

Thank you to Axis Communications for hosting and to VHB for sponsoring this meeting.

Find the event photos here.

Find our LinkedIn recap posthere.

Find the event slides here.

Thank you to our speakers:

• Casey Hagerty, Economic Development Manager at City of Woburn

• Anny Chum, VP of Operations and Administration at C2I Accelerator / CreaGen

• John Ross, Employee Benefits Broker at HUB International

• Jennifer Carrigan, VP, Director of Leasing at KS Partners

• Mike Ogasapian, Senior Vice President of Lincoln Property Company

• Vina Torossian, VP, Cash Management Relationship Manager at Northern Bank

• Joe Tarby, Partner of Rubin & Rudman

• Mitch Kumin, Corporate Managing Director at Savills

• Michele Brooks, Director of Consulting at TransAction Associates

Thank you to Northern Bank for hosting and to HUB International, Market Square Architects, and TransAction Associates for sponsoring this meeting!

Join us for the Greater Lowell Spring Job Fair, bringing together job seekers and employers from across the region.This event offers a valuable opportunity for growing companies to connect directly with local talent, showcase open positions, and strengthen their workforce pipeline, while giving job seekers the chance to explore career opportunities across a variety of industries.

An exclusive employer-only networking session will take place from 9:30–10:30 AM, offering an early opportunity to build connections with fellow employers ahead of the fair.

Employers are strongly encouraged to participate—there is no cost to exhibit.

Hosted in collaboration with the MassHire Greater Lowell Career Center, MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board, Town of Chelmsford, and Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce.

Job Seeker Registration

Employers scheduled to attend and open positions will be updated on the registration page before the event.

Find the event photos here.

Find our LinkedIn recap post here.

Find the event slides here.

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Thank you to our speakers:

• Allison Carter, Director of Economic Development, City of Lowell

• LZ Nunn, Executive Director, The Lowell Plan

• Cheryl Serpe, First Vice President, District Manager, Rockland Trust

• David Steinbergh, Principal, RCG LLC (Represents Hildreth Building)

• Rachel Chandler, Founder, Red Antler Apothecary (The Hive Public Market)

• Stephen Horan, Vice President of Leasing, Farley White Interests

• Jay Linnehan, President & CEO, Greater Lowell Community Foundation

• Geetha Rao Ramani, Vice President of Business Development, MassDevelopment

• Kim Holloway, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation Acceleration UMass Lowell

• Geoff Vercauteren, Systems Director of Workforce Development, Tufts Medicine

• Joe Hungler, Executive Director, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell

Thank you to The Hive Public Market for hosting and Rockland Trust for sponsoring this event!

Find the event photos here.

Find our LinkedIn recap post here.

Thank you to our table moderators:

• BW Kennedy & Co. – George Budri

• Cassidy Landscaping – Chris Puglia

• Metro Signs and Awning – Michael Torres

• Shine in Math Academy – Madhavi Tarugu

• Terracon – Ben Grigas

• USI Insurance Services – Edward Donovan

• Resource Options – Ellen Taylor

• Copy–Pro – Will Levine
  

Thank you to CBRE for hosting this event! To learn more about The Core at Crosby, click here.

Find the event photos here.

Find our LinkedIn recap post here.

Find UMass Lowells Presentation here.

Thank you to our opening speakers

• Christopher Hayes, Director of Housing and Economic Development, Northern Middlesex Council of Governments

  • Learn more about NMCOG's Housing Strategy here.

• Bethann Valentine, Research Development Specialist, UMass Lowell

  • Learn more about UMass Lowell's BuildSmart Housing Innovation TechHub here.

  • Register for the Umass Lowell's BuildSmart Housing Innovation TechHub Summit on April 29th, here. 

Thank you to our panelists:

• Jay Stephens, President & CEO at Lowell Five Bank

• Kyle Dupell, Executive Manager at Seaver Construction

• Matt D'Amico, Chief Operating Officer at Cabot, Cabot & Forbes

• Melissa Robbins, Partner at Farrell & Robbins, P.C.

Thank you to our panel Moderator:

• Demetrius Spaneas, President at Land and Sea Real Estate

Key takeaways:

• Regional Housing Demand and Long-Term Need – Greater Lowell is projected to need between 10,000 and 18,000 new housing units over the next decade. While new development and ADUs are expected, additional strategies will be needed to fully meet demand and support growing communities.

• Project Feasibility and the Cost of Development – Rising construction costs, financing gaps, infrastructure needs, and added regulatory requirements continue to make many housing projects difficult to move forward. Developers and lenders noted that more creative financing and partnerships are often required.

• Opportunities in Gateway Cities and Emerging Corridors – Developers are increasingly looking to gateway cities and communities along major corridors where there is local support for housing and access to workforce and transit. Lower land costs and proximity to employment centers are helping drive interest in these areas.

• Policy, Infrastructure, and the Path Forward – Zoning changes, housing initiatives, and regional collaboration are creating new opportunities, but permitting timelines, utility availability, and evolving policies remain important factors. Continued coordination among public and private stakeholders will be key to advancing housing solutions.

Thank you to Lowell Five Bank for hosting this event!

Find the event recording here. 

Find event presentations here.

Feel free to share our LinkedIn post here.

Find event photos here.

Thank you to our presenters:

• Braven presented by Ruben Sança

• Fuse Energy Group presented by Stephen Janes

• Habitat For Humanity presented by Zachary Schade

• Northeastern University presented by Mary McLaughlin

• Nterprisers presented by Deepa Krishnamurthy

• Outdoor Pride presented by John Tassinari

• Ryan Tax Firm presented by Liam Sullivan

• UMass Lowell presented by Katja Wald

• Valley Collaborative presented by Joseph Venskus Jr.

Event Cancellation Notice – Defense Readiness

Due to inclement weather and the University’s closure, the Defense Readiness meeting scheduled for February 23rd has been canceled. The safety of our speakers, partners, and attendees is our top priority.

We are actively working to reschedule the event and will share updates as soon as possible. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to convening this important conversation at a later date.

Please stay safe and warm.

Event Registration, Refund, and Cancellation Policies:
For details on registration deadlines, walk-in policies, refunds, and event cancellations for Middlesex 3 Coalition events, please click here to view our full Terms of Service.

Find the event photos here.

Find our LinkedIn recap post here.

Thank you to our panelists:

• Crosby Nordblom, Executive Vice President at Nordblom

• Matthew Malatesta, Senior Managing Director at Newmark

• Steven Vincent, Principal/Director of Project Management at SMMA

• Alexandrea Tomisman, Project Manager at Timberline Construction

Thank you to our panel Moderator:

• Melisa Tintocalis, Economic Development Director for The Town of Burlington, MA

Key takeaways:

• Future of Work = Offices Must “Earn the Commute”: The workplace is shifting from a place people have to go to a place they want to be. Employers and landlords are rethinking offices around experience, connection, and culture — creating environments that truly “earn the commute” by offering something employees can’t get at home.

• Amenity Spaces Only Work if They’re Activated: Beautiful design alone isn’t enough. Ongoing programming — events, tenant-led activities, food experiences, wellness offerings, and a dedicated on-site community/concierge role — is what turns amenity space into a true community hub that drives engagement and interaction across companies.

• “Frictionless” Matters More Than Flashy: Small convenience features (towel service, easy AV setup, on-site fitness, food access, car detailing, plug-and-play meeting space) reduce everyday hassles and remove barriers to coming into the office. These thoughtful operational details are becoming just as important as design in attracting and retaining tenants and employees.

• Flight to Quality Is Reshaping the Office Market: Companies across industries — tech, life sciences, clean tech, and beyond — are gravitating toward high-quality, amenity-rich Class A environments that support recruiting and culture. Large campuses can justify major investments in shared amenities, while smaller or outdated buildings face growing pressure to reposition or struggle to compete.

Thank you to Nordblom for hosting this event!

Learn more about the newly developed amenities center at Blue Sky Drive.

Find the event photos here.

Find our LinkedIn here.

Find MassMEP's 2025 Manufacturing Landscape Report here.

Learn more about Middlesex 3 Coalition's Tech Hub Designation here.

Learn more about the recently renovated advanced manufacturing facility at 10 Lyberty Way in Westford, MA.

Thank you to our opening speakers:

• Kristen Las, Town Manager of Westford, MA

• Jason Palitsch, Executive Director of 495/MetroWest Partnership

Thank you to our panel moderator:

• Kathie Mahoney, President of the MassMEP (Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership)

Thank you to our panelists:

• Charles Garris, VP of Engineering, R&D, and Operations at AM Batteries

• Lily Fitzgerald, Director of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing at MassTech Collaborative

• Jared Broberg, Head of GMP Clinical Manufacturing in Advanced Therapies at Sartorius

• Michael Dalton, Principal at Avison Young

Key Takeaways:

• Manufacturing Challenges & Trends: MassMEP highlighted that manufacturers were navigating three primary challenges—entering new markets, adopting new technologies, and recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce—while also facing significant upfront capital costs tied to modernization, automation, and AI.

• Scaling Innovation in Massachusetts: Speakers noted that many startups emerging from Massachusetts universities felt pressure to leave the state when scaling manufacturing. Organizations like MassTech worked to help companies remain close to their R&D, though workforce availability and retention continued to be key barriers.

• Infrastructure, Energy, & Workforce Pressures: Increased regulatory requirements and rising demand placed strain on energy infrastructure, while real-world projects such as Sartorius’ biospace development highlighted ongoing challenges related to power availability, evolving skill sets, and regional housing shortages.

• Regional Growth & Outlook: The discussion emphasized a shift toward electric-based manufacturing, the emergence of power-driven hubs like Holyoke, and the need for stronger regional communication and collaboration, with optimism around the Tech Hub initiative and continued growth across Massachusetts in the years ahead.

Thank you to our resource exhibitors: Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), FORGE, NAMC (Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium), AMTEP (Advanced Manufacturing Training Expansion Program), Nashoba Valley Technical High School (Westford), MassDevelopment, MassMEP (Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership), Maugel DeStefano Architects, Middlesex Community College, Northeastern University, SCS Construction Management, UMass Lowell, U.S Small Business Administration, and Valley Collaborative.

Thank you to the 495/MetroWest Partnership for partnering with us for this event. Check out their Westford community profile here.

Thank you to Avison Young, BTU, Maugel DeStefano Architects, and SCS Construction Management for hosting & sponsoring this meeting!