In this issue...

• Save the Date & Sponsorship Opportunities: 495/MetroWest Partnership Annual Conference



• Upcoming 495/MetroWest Partnership Committee Meetings

• MassDevelopment Small Business Financial Support

• MassDevelopment Small Business Survey

• Presentation on Accessory Dwelling Units in Practice

• Upcoming MetroWest Life Sciences Network Events

Save the Date & Sponsorship Opportunities:

495/MetroWest Partnership Annual Conference

The 495/MetroWest Partnership will host its Annual Conference this year on Friday, December 12th from 8:30 to 10:30 AM at the Hilton Garden Inn Boston/ Marlborough!

125+ leaders in in business, government, higher education, and the nonprofit sector from across the region will gather in Marlborough to celebrate our progress in advancing the interests of 495/MetroWest, and to discuss the unique challenges our region faces as we work to support sustainable economic growth – and how we can overcome those challenges.

This year’s policy theme is Infrastructure to Support Growth, focusing on the region’s water, sewer, and energy needs in the context of meeting state housing production goals and supporting economic activity.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available; click here to learn more. Individual event tickets will go on sale at the end of October.

Upcoming 495/MetroWest Partnership Committee Meetings

Transportation Committee Meeting October 14th: Framingham-Worcester Commuter Rail Line. The Transportation Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership will meet in-person on Tuesday, October 14th at 8:30 AM for a conversation focused on the Framingham-Worcester Commuter Rail line. Participants will hear a presentation from the Worcester Regional Research Bureau regarding their newly-published report, Express for Whom? Ridership, Recovery, & the Importance of the Worcester/Framingham Line. A discussion regarding current service levels, station access and parking capacity, and reliability will follow. This meeting will be hosted in-person in Westborough; click here to register.

Water Resources Committee Meeting October 16th: The Water Resources Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership will meet virtually on Thursday, October 16th at 8:30 AM. Committee members will hear a presentation from staff of The Kraft Group regarding water and sewer management strategies employed at Patriot Place in Foxborough, including its wastewater treatment and reuse system. Committee members will also hold a discussion regarding items to include in a refreshed water resources “Vision and Priorities” statement from the 495/MetroWest Partnership. This meeting will be hosted virtually via Zoom; click here to register.

Housing Committee Meeting: Modular Construction. The Housing Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership will meet virtually on Thursday, October 30th at 8:30 AM for a conversation about modular/ prefabricated housing construction. Modular housing, also referred to as factory-built, system-built, or prefabricated housing, is a construction method that builds homes in factory-controlled environments before transporting prefabricated sections to building sites for assembly. The Commonwealth has identified modular housing as a key strategy to address the state's housing shortage in its Unlocking Housing Production Commission report. Attendees will hear from representatives of modular/ prefabrication companies about their approaches, experiences in the region, and potential for expanded use of this construction method. This will be a virtual meeting taking place via Zoom; click here to register.

MassDevelopment Small Business Financial Support

MassDevelopment is offering tailored lending solutions to help small businesses undertake a wide range of activities, including managing day-to-day operations, seizing growth opportunities, and addressing unforeseen expenses. Financing options include term loans up to $2 million for business stabilization or expansion, lines of credit for working capital flexibility, loan guarantees to enhance bank financing, and microloans from $5,000 to $100,000 for smaller business needs. Click here to learn more.

MassDevelopment Small Business Survey

MassDevelopment, in collaboration with the Coalition for an Equitable Economy and MassINC Polling Group, is conducting a statewide survey of small businesses to better understand their current needs and improve programming and policy that support local businesses. The survey is available to all Massachusetts businesses with 500 employees or less. Participation will help ensure that MassDevelopment business assistance efforts are relevant, effective, and equitable; ten $500 gift cards will also be awarded at random to any participant. Click here to complete the survey.

Presentation on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Practice

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is hosting presentations for municipal planners in the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) region on supporting the implementation of Massachusetts' new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) law and regulations. The sessions will provide resources to aid local planning efforts, highlight best practices, offer updates on current ADU initiatives at EOHLC, and include a question-and-answer period. The same presentation will be offered at two sessions: September 30th at 1:00 PM and October 2nd at 2:00 PM. Click here to register.

Upcoming MetroWest Life Sciences Network Events

Brew Your Network: The MetroWest Life Sciences Network is hosting an edition of “Brew Your Network” on October 1st from 8:00 to 9:00 AM at 100 Pennsylvania Avenue in Framingham. This networking event is designed for professionals in the life sciences industry looking to expand their professional circle, explore career opportunities, or enjoy conversation with peers in the local community. “Brew Your Network” events take place on the first Wednesday of every month and are designed to convene life science professionals to discuss a variety of life science industry-related topics. Click here to register. 

Power Hour: The MetroWest Life Sciences Network is hosting a "Power Hour Speed Networking Event" on November 5th from 8:00 to 9:30 AM at Knowledge Park in Marlborough. The event will have multiple table topics to guide discussions and enhance interaction among participants, designed for 495/MetroWest life sciences professionals to broaden their network and gain insights into the field of life sciences. Click here to register.

Brew Your Network: The MetroWest Life Sciences Network is hosting another edition of “Brew Your Network” on December 3rd from 8:00 to 9:00 AM at 100 Pennsylvania Avenue in Framingham. Click here to register. 

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if the 495/MetroWest Partnership can be of any assistance to you:

Jason Palitsch, Executive Director

(774) 760-0495

Jason@495Partnership.org

Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening our region.