Neal, Berkshire Chamber Sponsor STEM Development Forum
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal will join the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce for an "I-90 Corridor STEM Forum," an event to help encourage and facilitate the interaction between STEM businesses along the Massachusetts Turnpike corridor and provide information that will assist in their growth, leading to greater economic development.
The forum takes place at the Berkshire Museum the Crowne Plaza on Friday, April 17, from 8:30 to 11:15 a.m. This forum is free and open to all interested participants. Following the forum, a special business luncheon with Neal will be held across the street at the Crowne Plaza in the hotel ballroom at noon. The luncheon is $45 to attend and includes a plated lunch.
The STEM Forum will feature two panels. The first will be composed of state and federal officials who will elaborate on how science, technology, engineering and math plays a role in their field of work and in what capacity they can be a resource in the future for businesses in this region looking to expand in the fields of science and technology.
The second will be composed of representatives from educational institutions and employers, who will discuss how they are currently benefiting from STEM initiatives and where they are concentrating their efforts.
Moderators will be state Rep. Joseph Wagner, D-Chicopee, and state Rep. Gailanne Cariddi, D-North Adams, House chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.
Panelists are Brian Baker, director of the FDA Engineering and Analytical Center in Winchester; Robert Coughlin, president and CEO of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council; William Mulholland, vice president of community education and workforce development at Berkshire Community College; Monica Joslin, dean of academic affairs at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts; Jim Capistran, director of the University of Massachusetts Innovation Institute; John Goodhue, director of Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center; James Castracane, professor and head of the Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology of Albany, N.Y.; Patrick Muraca, president and CEO of Nuclea Biotechnologies, and representatives from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment and U.S. Small Business Administration.
At the following luncheon, Jay Ash, secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, will provide the keynote address with guest speakers Neal, state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, Pittsfield Mayor Daniel Bianchi and a representative from the New England Council to talk about manufacturing opportunities.
Space is limited and advanced registration is required for both special events. To register: berkshirechamber.com, dthomas@berkshirechamber.com or call 413-499-4000, Ext. 126.
The I-90 Corridor STEM Forum is sponsored by Neal and 1Berkshire, the luncheon by the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce with sponsorship from Neal and SABIC.
Tags: Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, business forum, business growth, congressman, economic development, Neal, state officials,
