The 8th Western Massachusetts Economic Ecosystem Summit

We are excited to invite you to the 8th Western Massachusetts Economic Ecosystem Summit, a regional convening focused on advancing economic growth, strengthening cross-sector collaboration, and aligning ecosystem development efforts across Western Massachusetts. This summit brings together regional economic development leaders, municipal executives, industry experts, and ecosystem stakeholders to engage in data-informed conversations and coordinated strategies that support long-term regional prosperity.

This quarterly convening continues to bring together cross-sector leaders from across Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties to align around shared priorities and advance coordinated strategies for the region. Our upcoming summit centers on renewable energy, food systems, advanced manufacturing, regional readiness, and the future economy of Western Massachusetts.

Featured Panel - 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Powering Western Massachusetts: Energy, Equity, and Regional Economic Opportunity

Facilitated by Lydia Berry, Community Engagement Coordinator, ReVision Energy

Panelists include:
• Dee Boyle-Clapp, Director, University of Massachusetts Amherst Arts Extension Service
• Samantha Hamilton, Director of Coalition Building & Community Engagement, Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts
• Cassandra Holden, Executive Director, Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity

This panel will examine how climate and energy initiatives intersect with regional economic development, public health, and equitable implementation, while addressing barriers, highlighting active collaborations, and identifying opportunities for more effective regional integration.

Featured Presentations - 12:15 PM – 1:30 PM

This session features a fireside chat with Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council President and CEO Aaron Vega and Vice President Xiomara Albán DeLobato, MBA, as well as presentations from the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, and the Massachusetts Center for Advanced Manufacturing, highlighting key initiatives and opportunities across economic development, climate, innovation, food systems, and advanced manufacturing in Massachusetts.

This portion of the program grounds the day in current work across sectors and supports our ongoing effort to strengthen Western Mass’ regional identity while aligning more seamlessly with statewide strategy and investment. The afternoon will culminate in data collection focused on regional needs and priorities, contributing to a collective report to be published in Fall 2026.

Event Objective: To strengthen regional alignment, deepen collaboration, and support coordinated action across economic sectors in Western Massachusetts. This convening will focus on emerging opportunities in renewable energy, sustainability, climate justice, food systems, and innovation, while also identifying gaps, shared priorities, and strategies that position the region more effectively within statewide economic development efforts. Participants will contribute to ongoing regional data collection that will inform future reports, funding strategies, and policy alignment.

Summit Agenda: The Western Massachusetts Economic Ecosystem Summit brings together regional leaders and stakeholders to advance collaboration, strategic alignment, and sustainable economic growth across the region. The morning session will feature presentations from state and industry leaders, providing context on clean energy, climate justice, economic development, and innovation in Western Massachusetts. In the afternoon, attendees will participate in facilitated working sessions focused on collaborative strategy development, reviewing emerging insights from previous summits, and contributing to the development of a unified regional approach to economic growth and investment. This summit offers an opportunity to build stronger connections across sectors and shape the next phase of coordinated regional action. The full summit agenda, including session details and speakers, will be released in the coming weeks.

Registration Details: Please submit the Google Form to register for the 8th Western Massachusetts Economic Ecosystem Summit.

We look forward to your participation in this important convening as we continue working together to strengthen and align the Western Massachusetts economic ecosystem.

Event Sponsors: Springfield Creative City Collective, Valley Venture Mentors, and the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council.

With strategic planning and implementation support from Artist Dynamix, Inc413, ReVision Energy, Living Local 413, 413 Online, the ‘68 Center for Career Exploration, 1Berkshire, the North Adams Partnership, and Discover North Adams.

This initiative is funded by MassDevelopment/TDI and the Barr Foundation. This program is one component of the broader TDI Creative Cities initiative to support arts-based economic development.