Please join us for this event which features a speaking program, salutes to area businesses and a networking breakfast.  More than 200 area professionals attend. 

Sponsorship Available

Salutes Include
Mary Dean, New President, Clinton Savings Bank
Jennifer Herring, Ph.D. New Executive Director, Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC)
Dr. Sean Ryan, New President, Anna Maria College
Meghan Montaner, New Executive Director, Mechanics Hall
Hyde Group, 150th Anniversary
Lisa Swanson, New CEO, Better Business Bureau

Keynote Speaker:

ROBERTA BRIEN
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, WBDC

As the Executive Vice President of the Worcester Business Development Corporation (WBDC),
Roberta Brien brings a wealth of experience in real estate, project management, and strategic
planning. A key leader within the organization, she collaborates closely with the President and
CFO on high-level decision-making, financial oversight, and staff assignments. She also manages
all WBDC projects and directs fee-for-service activities. With expertise in real estate, community development, and urban planning, Roberta takes a holistic approach to project management. She oversees the development of WBDC-owned properties, facilitates mixed-use projects, industrial parks, and infrastructure expansions, and leads the acquisition, relocation, and asset management of various properties. Additionally, she plays a pivotal role in securing project financing through new market tax credits, historic tax credits, conventional loans, and state and federal grants.

One of Roberta’s most transformative projects was the redevelopment of 20 Franklin Street in downtown Worcester. This ambitious three-year initiative resulted in a vibrant, multi-use hub featuring an entrepreneurial co-working space, a downtown campus for Quinsigamond Community College, modern office spaces, a restaurant, and a black box theater. The project significantly contributed to the revitalization of downtown Worcester, attracting new businesses and organizations to the area.

Chief Greeter: Jeff Camusso, Vice President, Fontaine Bros,. Inc.