Writer: Eleana Teran
2 min read November 2023 — The Boston region will continue to thrive thanks to its innovative and highly-educated ecosystem, as noted by the prominent business and political leaders today at the first-official Launch Conference of Invest: Boston, published by Capital Analytics Associates.
Held at the UMass Club in the city of Boston, the conference featured high-level insights and perspectives on the region’s business climate. The event featured three panel discussions centered on the challenges and opportunities that exist in commercial real estate, healthcare and longevity and the significance of the state’s higher-ed ecosystem supporting Boston’s growth.
Capital Analytics’ President and CEO, Abby Melone, opened the conference, emphasizing Boston’s dynamic economy. “As we noted in this year’s report, the Boston region, rooted in the country’s history and traditions, is evolving to meet the demands of a 21st century world. It has a solid foundation to achieve its ambitions, given a world-class education and research sector, a forward-looking healthcare industry and an economy that is diversifying to deliver the jobs – and the talent – of the future,” she stated.
Marty Meehan, president of the University of Massachusetts and a vocal advocate for education, innovation, and economic growth, delivered the keynote address, setting a tone of ambition and forward-thinking for the day.
The first panel discussion, ‘Building Bay State: Greater Boston’s changing real estate landscape and how the built environment impacts workforce and quality of life,’ was moderated by Joe O’Malley, principal at LGA, LLP and was introduced by panel presenter JD Chesloff, president and CEO of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable. The panel featured Peter Evans, EVP and managing principal of Hunneman; Kate Dineen, CEO of A Better City; and Gregory Janey, CEO of Janey Construction Management. Together, they explored how Boston’s evolving, built environment is shaping the region’s workforce and living standards.
The second panel, titled ‘The Longevity Economy: How Boston is leading the shift in care and education for healthier outcomes – and what still needs to be done,’ was moderated by Jon Chesto of The Boston Globe and introduced by panel presenter Hilina Ajakaiye, executive vice president of Meet Boston. Panelists included Brooks Tingle, president and chief executive officer from John Hancock; Dariush Mozaffarian, cardiologist and Jean Mayer professor of nutrition at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University; and Joseph Coughlin, founder and director at the MIT AgeLab. They discussed the advances and challenges in healthcare and longevity.
The final panel discussion, ‘Critical Mass: How the state’s higher-ed ecosystem is propelling the future workforce and entrepreneurial community and what that means for growth,’ was moderated by Susan Fournier, dean of Boston University’s Questrom Business School. The panel featured panelists included Robert Johnson, president of Western New England University and Mahesh Daas, president of Boston Architectural College. Presented by Joshua LaPan of S&G LLP, the panel highlighted the significant impact of Massachusetts’ educational institutions on economic growth and innovation.
The conference concluded with a keynote by Lauren Jones, secretary of labor and workforce for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, underscoring the state’s commitment to nurturing a skilled workforce in line with the evolving economic landscape.
For more information, visit: https://www.capitalanalyticsassociates.com/
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About Capital Analytics & Invest: Boston 2023-2024
Capital Analytics is an integrated media platform that produces in-depth business intelligence through its annual print and digital economic reviews, high-impact conferences and events, and top-level interviews via its video platform, Invest:Insights.
Invest: Boston 2023-2024 is an in-depth economic review of the key issues facing the region’s economy, featuring the exclusive insights of prominent regional leaders. Invest: Boston 2023-2024 is produced with two goals in mind: 1) to provide comprehensive investment knowledge on the Greater Boston region for local, national, and international investors, and 2) to promote Boston as a place to invest and do business.
The report conducts a deep dive into the top economic sectors in the region, including real estate, construction, infrastructure, banking and finance, legal, healthcare, education, and tourism. The publication is compiled from insights collected from more than 200 economic leaders, sector insiders, political leaders, and heads of important institutions. It analyzes the leading challenges facing the market and uncovers emerging opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
For more information, contact:
Ryan Gandolfo
Regional Editor
305-938-0293 Ext. 264
