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!