The first Economic Forecasting Breakfast Speaker Series, apparently pulled together through the efforts of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, kicks off at Holyoke Community College’s Kittredge Center (pictured), 303 Homestead Avenue, on Tuesday, September 18, from 7:45 to 10:30 am. Participants are requested to bring empty mugs and oversized, retro microphones. The event (PDF), titled “Modeling Change for Urban Communities,” is also co-sponsored by the Bank of Western Massachusetts.
Providing the “latest research and trends for cities and towns in Massachusetts and the region” will be speakers James Stergios of the Boston-based Pioneer Institute and Barry Bluestone of the Center for Urban and Regional Policy at Northeastern University (both pictured).
A panel will also include Massachusetts Senator Michael Knapik of Westfield, Holyoke Mayor Michael Sullivan, and Allan Blair of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council.
Business and civic leaders are expressly invited for the purpose of discussing findings with the panelists. The event—as well as future events like it—is intended to help businesses and community members plan ahead for anticipated growth, challenges and opportunities. Future speaker series topics will include global trade, information security and assurance, and changing education pathways.
Registration is $20; you may attempt to register online (note: the new event did not yet appear in the pop-up menu last I checked) and/or send a note and a check to the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, 177 High Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. Attendees are requested to park in Lot D or E; the session and breakfast will take place in the PeoplesBank conference room.
