SUBCOMMITTEES ENHANCE MEMBER ENGAGEMENT AND deepen commitment from community leaders

The EDC now has six subcommittees at work to report on key focus areas: diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB); education; infrastructure; legislation; new industry sectors; and strategic planning.

“We’re eager to reintroduce a committee structure,” says Xiomara Albán DeLobato, chief of staff. “The goal is to engage our membership in valuable work beyond general member participation and to draw a higher level of commitment from our community leaders in areas they are deeply impassioned about that effect our economy.”

Each subcommittee focus has a major impact on the operation of the EDC and its vision. Says Xiomara, “We live in an ever-changing world, and we have an ever-changing economy, so having a focused framework in each of these areas of expertise allows our experts to forecast the future for us and inform the EDC team on various initiatives and projects we need to be involved in.”

Our members and community leaders are very busy people, and we thank them for enhancing our engagement. It’s a sign of their dedication to revitalizing the economy of Western Massachusetts.

Meet Our Committee Chairs And Hear About The Focus Of Each Group

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & BELONGING (DEIB) SUBCOMMITTEE

Chair, Crystal S. Neuhauser, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Bay Path University

The relationship between diversity and business performance is statistically significant. Studies conducted by McKinsey & Company found that diverse teams have strong financial performance. This subcommittee seeks to bridge not only the EDC’s organizational work on creating and cultivating an inclusive space but also influencing the work among the broader membership and regional community. The EDC is a convener and the DEIB subcommittee serves as a conduit to help business partners explore how they can tackle and deliver on DEIB to impact growth and business performance for a more equitable economy.

Education Subcommittee

Chair, Sandra J. Doran, J.D., President, Bay Path University

The Education Subcommittee’s primary role is to advocate for educational policy that will influence and support workforce development while simultaneously helping to prepare the next working generation for the next phases in their lives, work, military service, or education. The committee is committed to raising awareness and leveraging the higher ed system that we have in Western Mass. The relationship between the EDC and institutions of higher education is essential in the advancement of tech and vocational development in the region.