Senator Jason Lewis to Host Forum for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesspeople

Continuing his “Community Conversations” issue discussions, Senator Jason Lewis is excited to announce an upcoming forum that will focus on issues uniquely facing entrepreneurs and small businesspeople in our communities.  Held in every community of the district, “Community Conversations” are issue discussions delving into a different topic at each forum, with ample opportunity for residents to share feedback and have their questions answered by experts on the given topic.

This upcoming event – Community Conversations: Challenges and Opportunities for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses in Our Communities – will take place on Wednesday, May 18.  The event feature coffee, pastries, and networking at 8:00am, a panel discussion at 8:30am, and a Question & Answer period at 9:00am.  The event will occur at the main office of Housing Families, located at 919 Eastern Avenue in Malden.  The event is free and open to the public.

This forum will offer the chance to hear directly from experts on local economic development and accessing resources at all levels of government.  Featured presenters will include: Massachusetts Assistant Secretary of Business Development Nam Pham; Massachusetts District Director Robert Nelson of the U.S. Small Business Administration; and, Kevin Duffy, Strategy and Business Development Officer for the City of Malden.  There will be ample opportunity for Q&A from attendees.

“Small businesses are the engine of our local economies,” noted Senator Jason Lewis.  “I hope that this forum empowers entrepreneurs and small businesspeople in our community with a greater ability to take advantage of economic development opportunities in our region.”

“The Metro North region is home to some of the Commonwealth’s most creative entrepreneurs and unique small businesses.  Communication with and support from government officials help to strengthen the potential of our Main Streets to thrive and prosper,” said Jenna Coccimiglio, Executive Director of the Malden Chamber of Commerce.  “I thank Senator Jason Lewis for convening this forum to connect experts from all levels of government with our local businesspeople.”

The forum is sponsored by Senator Lewis in coordination with Malden Mayor Gary Christenson, State Representatives Paul Donato, Paul Brodeur, and Steve Ultrino, the Malden Chamber of Commerce, the Melrose Chamber of Commerce, the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce, the Stoneham Chamber of Commerce, the Wakefield-Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce, and the Winchester Chamber of Commerce.

“Community Conversations” forums have been held in all six communities of the 5th Middlesex district on topics including: public transportation; energy policy and environmental priorities; and, efforts to combat substance abuse and opioid addiction in our region.