Workforce Development

Automation is without a doubt the way of the future in manufacturing. But automation is not just bringing in robots and machines to replace labor. It is about retaining good paying jobs and increasing efficiency in the workplace. Join the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce to hear from <strong>Todd Basque</strong>, an engineer from CryoXtract Instruments who has vast experience in consulting and working with manufacturing employers around Massachusetts, including many in Central Mass. Todd will provide his insight, including misconceptions about the benefits and drawbacks of automation, how automation enhances efficiency, and how it can be leveraged to positively impact workforce and employment. Also MassMEP's very own <strong>Ellen Ellsworth</strong>, Innovative Growth Services Director, joins them to talk about her experiences advising manufacturers around the state about preparing for future growth. Please register below! [mep_register url="https://business.worcesterchamber.org/events/details/manufacturing-roundtable-12-6-23-the-other-side-of-automation-16684"]

WiM Massachusetts invites you to our annual ÔShine Bright!’ Holiday Party on Wednesday, December 13th, 2023. Join us to learn more about WiM, connect with our local WiM Massachusetts Chapter, and meet female/male professionals from a wide variety of area companies. There will be complimentary appetizers and beverages. 6:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. | Guests arrive 6:15 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Enjoy Appetizers and Beverages 7:00 p.m. - 7:05 p.m. | Welcoming Remarks from Wendy Dalwin and Bonnie Perkins 7:05 p.m. - 7:20 p.m. | Guest speaker- Andrea Pion, VP of National Client Programs, Davis companies 7:20 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Networking Location: Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation 154 Moody Street Waltham, Massachusetts 02453 Cost to Attend: WiM Member = $20 Nonmember = $30 [mep_register url="https://www.womeninmanufacturing.org/events/wim-massachusetts-shine-bright-a-holiday-party/register"]

On September 1, 2023, each investor-owned electric distribution company operating in Massachusetts was required to submit individual Electric Sector Modernization Plans (ESMPs) under the landmark 2022 climate and energy law. ESMPs are meant to allow the utilities to look out towards 2050, with the goal of achieving Net Zero, to determine what infrastructure will be necessary. As a first step in the review process, each ESMP was submitted to the statutorily-created Grid Modernization Advisory Council (GMAC), which will have until Monday, November 20, 2023 to review the entire proposals and to provide feedback. After nearly a year of development, National Grid has filed their ESMP – known as "Future Grid” – which proposes historic investments aimed at achieving the Commonwealth’s ambitious 2050 net-zero emissions goal. Future Grid provides a roadmap for the electrification of transportation and heating, and the integration of renewable and distributed resources. The plan also seeks to build resilience in the face of a changing climate and more extreme weather. Specifically, the plans proposed investments in distribution infrastructure over the 5-and-10-year horizons as well as an assessment of expected electric demand growth and needs through 2050. We know that implementing this plan is both challenging and exciting. And we know that we can’t do it alone. Through the ESMP process, National Grid has engaged with hundreds of stakeholders across the Commonwealth, including government officials, municipalities, environmental and environmental justice advocates, nonprofit groups, business associations and labor representatives. We look forward to building upon these relationships, and to working with you, as we transition to a clean energy future. Join Nicola Medalova, Chief Operating Officer of Electric for National Grid in New England, state and local policymakers, as well as business leaders, to learn more about Future Grid and how the transition to a reliable and resilient clean energy future will impact the Commonwealth’s business community. 8:00am - 8:30am: Breakfast and Networking 8:30am - 10:00am: Keynote and Panel Discussion [mep_register url="https://my.aimnet.org/Register-for-an-Event-Class/Meeting-Home-Page?MeetingId={E83EFA14-3552-EE11-BE6F-000D3A578D5D}"]