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Governor's report: Massachusetts, moving forward. Governor Maura Healey on the state's talent, innovation ecosystem and strategy for attracting and growing business. Published: October 12, 2026 at 1:14 PM ET Continuing to strengthen its position as one of the nation's leading destinations for business investment, Massachusetts offers a central location, extensive transportation network, and skilled workforce. Under Governor Maura Healey's leadership, the state has emphasized innovation, workforce development, and strategic investments designed to enhance its long-term competitiveness. In this Q&A with Business Facilities, Gov. Healey discusses the state's economic development priorities and how Massachusetts is preparing for the next generation of industry. Business Facilities: Please tell us about the business climate in Massachusetts. What would you share with companies considering locating to or expanding in the state? Governor Maura Healey: Massachusetts has what businesses need to succeed: talented people, world-class research, and an administration committed to helping them grow. We have the most highly educated workforce in the nation, the nation's top-ranked public schools and workers who ranked among the three most productive in the country in 2025. Our economy outpaced national GDP growth in three of the past four quarters. Companies locating here gain access to a concentrated network of universities, research hospitals, investors, incubators and established industry leaders. Those connections help businesses find the right people, develop new products and bring them to market. "We want to be a partner to businesses at every stage, from finding a location to hiring and training workers." - Governor Maura Healey. I'm also making it easier to do business here. Through the Business Front Door, companies have a central point of contact for financing, tax incentives, workforce programs, site-selection assistance and other resources. Businesses should not have to navigate state government on their own. My administration is ready to work with them, whether they are opening their first U.S. location or expanding an existing operation. BF: Would you highlight a company investment or two that have chosen Massachusetts, and what attracted those decision-makers? Gov. Healey: We are investing in industries where Massachusetts can lead and create good jobs: life sciences, artificial intelligence, climatetech, quantum computing, robotics, defense technology and advanced manufacturing. We have the researchers, skilled workers and businesses to help these industries grow - and we want that growth happening here. VulcanForms, an MIT spinoff, is investing $220 million to expand advanced manufacturing in Devens. Boston Dynamics, another company with roots at MIT, is expanding its robotics operations in Waltham. Their growth demonstrates how Massachusetts can turn university research into companies, manufacturing operations and jobs. GE Aerospace is investing $42 million in its Lynn manufacturing facility. Procter & Gamble is also advancing a $1 billion headquarters and innovation center for Gillette in Boston that will support approximately 750 jobs. TransMedics is planning a major expansion in Somerville, with its workforce expected to reach approximately 900 employees by 2032. Our specialized workforce, research institutions and access to investors give companies strong reasons to choose Massachusetts. My focus is making sure they have the support they need to keep growing here. BF: What incentives and other programs are being emphasized to encourage retention of businesses and encourage others to come to the state? Gov. Healey: In 2024, I signed the nearly $4 billion Mass Leads Act to create jobs and strengthen Massachusetts' leadership in the industries shaping our future. It includes $1 billion for life sciences, $1 billion for climatetech, $100 million for artificial intelligence, and additional support for advanced manufacturing, technology hubs and workforce development. Earlier this year, I proposed the Mass Wins Act to build on those investments with new funding for quantum technology, robotics, defense, advanced manufacturing and the creative economy. It will improve tools used to attract businesses and streamline development in locations such as Devens. It would also lower the cost of starting a business, expand energy tax relief for small businesses and make local permitting more predictable. In 2026, our Economic Assistance Coordinating Council approved incentives for 17 projects expected to create more than 3,400 jobs, retain more than 2,900 jobs and generate over $1.5 billion in private investment. Through Business Builds, we awarded $6 million to six company expansion projects expected to support more than $300 million in private investment and create approximately 1,000 jobs. We have made community college free for Massachusetts residents, increased financial aid at public four-year colleges and expanded early college, career and technical education, Registered Apprenticeship and training developed with employers to meet their hiring needs. BF: What are the key issues facing Massachusetts in terms of business development? How are you addressing these issues? Gov. Healey: Lowering costs is my top priority. Businesses need to be able to afford to operate here, and their employees need to be able to afford a home, raise a family and get to work. Our administration has spurred the construction of 100,000 homes since taking office. I signed the Affordable Homes Act, the largest housing investment in state history, eliminated renter-paid broker fees and provided up to $25,000 in down-payment assistance to first-time homebuyers. Building more housing is essential to keeping talented people in Massachusetts and helping employers recruit. I'm also focused on improving roads, bridges and public transportation. The MBTA has removed slow zones across the system and launched South Coast Rail to restore rail service to southeastern Mass for the first time in 60 years, and we also secured billions of dollars in federal support for projects including the Cape Cod Bridges and West-East Rail. I also advanced a historic $8 billion investment in roads, bridges and public transportation across Massachusetts. We are also supporting child care providers and helping more families afford care. Parents need reliable child care to go to work, and employers need to know their workers have that support. BF: What else would you like to share about how the state supports new and expanding business? Gov. Healey: We want to be a partner to businesses at every stage. That means helping them find a location, hire and train workers, secure financing and address infrastructure or permitting needs. I'm just as focused on keeping companies here as I am on bringing new ones to Massachusetts. We want the ideas developed in our universities and labs to become businesses that grow, manufacture and create jobs here. My message is simple: we want you to build your future in Massachusetts. We're investing in our people, lowering costs and making sure businesses have the support they need to succeed - not just in Greater Boston, but across our state. Anne Cosgrove is the Editorial Director of Business Facilities. With more than 20 years of experience covering site selection, facilities operations, and the forces shaping economic development, she collaborates with site selectors and industry stakeholders to deliver insights for business relocation and expansion decisions. Outside of work, Cosgrove can be found reading a book or spending time outdoors along the Jersey Shore. Follow Business Facilities on Google Make Business Facilities a preferred source. Get more Business Facilities news, site selection insights, economic development updates, corporate expansions, investments, workforce trends and industry developments highlighted in your Google Search results.

Ursula Burns, Karen S. Carter, Black Enterprise, and Procter & Gamble honored at BECA 2026 Manifest Awards. Oct 12, 2026, 10:03 ET Prestigious celebration brought together influential business and marketing leaders in Bal Harbour, Florida, to recognize trailblazing achievements and champion the next generation of leadership BAL HARBOUR, Fla., Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - BECA, an alliance of C-suite marketing and marketing-adjacent executives dedicated to sharing knowledge, developing future leaders and creating a more inclusive pipeline of marketing leadership, celebrated its fifth anniversary at the 2026 BECA Manifest Awards & Symposium on October 8 at The St. Regis Bal Harbour in Bal Harbour, Florida. The 2026 BECA Manifest Awards honored Ursula Burns, Founding Partner of Integrum, Chairwoman of Teneo, Retired Chairman and CEO of Xerox Corporation and VEON, Ltd.; Karen S. Carter, CEO of Dow; Procter & Gamble; and Black Enterprise, which received the inaugural Beacon of Light Award. "As we celebrate five years of BECA, I'm incredibly proud of the community we've built and the impact we continue to make together," said Jerri DeVard, Founder and CEO of BECA. "This year's honorees represent the very best of leadership, as individuals and organizations that have broken barriers, opened doors and created opportunities for others to succeed. The Manifest Awards are not only about recognizing extraordinary achievements, but also about inspiring and investing in the next generation of leaders. BECA is about sharing what we know, lifting as we climb and paying it forward." The evening was co-hosted by Bozoma Saint John, Creator and CEO of Eve by Boz, and Chris Foster, CEO of Omnicom Public Relations Group, both founding members of BECA. The 2026 Manifest Awards recognized the following honorees: Icon Award: Ursula Burns Ursula Burns, the first Black woman to serve as CEO of a Fortune 500 company, was honored with BECA's Icon Award, recognizing a career defined by extraordinary leadership, innovation, integrity and a transformational commitment to creating opportunities for others. Burns, who currently serves as Chair of the Ford Foundation Board of Trustees, Founder of Integrum and Chairwoman of Teneo, was presented with the award by Thasunda Duckett, President and CEO of TIAA. Trailblazer Award: Karen S. Carter Karen S. Carter, CEO of Dow, received the Trailblazer Award in recognition of her groundbreaking achievements, professional excellence and commitment to inspiring and advancing future leaders. Carter made history on July 1, 2026, when she became the first Black woman to lead Dow. Having joined the company in 1994, she rose through its leadership ranks to become Chief Operating Officer before assuming the CEO role. The award was presented by Jim Fitterling, Executive Chairman of Dow and Carter's predecessor as CEO. In a particularly meaningful moment, the evening brought together Burns, Duckett and Carter, three of the six Black women who have ever led Fortune 500 companies, underscoring both the significance of their accomplishments and the importance of expanding pathways to executive leadership. Corporate Champion Award: Procter & Gamble Procter & Gamble (P&G), a longstanding BECA partner and title sponsor of the 2026 Manifest Awards, received the Corporate Champion Award in recognition of its sustained commitment to leadership development, innovation, mentorship and community impact. Through its partnership and investment in BECA's mission, P&G has played a meaningful role in supporting the development and advancement of emerging marketing leaders. Marchoe Northern, President, North America Fabric Care, accepted the award on behalf of P&G. The award was presented by Gale King, retired Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Nationwide. Inaugural Beacon of Light Award: Black Enterprise BECA introduced its newest honor, the Beacon of Light Award, recognizing an individual or organization whose vision, leadership and enduring commitment to advancing the Black business community have created a lasting, multigenerational impact. The inaugural award was presented to Black Enterprise, the influential publication that has informed, inspired and empowered generations of Black entrepreneurs, executives and business leaders since its founding in 1970 by Earl G. Graves Sr. Earl "Butch" Graves, Jr., President and CEO of Black Enterprise, accepted the award on behalf of the organization, continuing the legacy established by his father. The award was presented by Najoh Tita-Reid, Chief Brand and Experience Officer of Mars Petcare. Investing in the Next Generation of Leaders Beyond celebrating established industry icons, the 2026 Manifest Awards spotlighted the future of marketing leadership with the graduation of 17 Future Leaders from the BECA Playbook Class of 2026. The BECA Playbook, the organization's flagship leadership and development program, is designed to prepare and empower the next generation of marketing executives through learning, mentorship and professional development. The graduation ceremony recognized the achievements of the Class of 2026 and acknowledged Deloitte, which co-leads the program. As BECA celebrated five years of progress, the graduation served as a powerful reminder of the organization's commitment not only to celebrating leadership excellence today but also to cultivating the leaders of tomorrow. The event was made possible through the support of leading corporate partners, including Title Sponsor Procter & Gamble; Symposium Sponsor Accenture; and Platinum Sponsors Adobe, Delta, Verizon and Marriott. About BECA Founded in 2021 by Jerri DeVard and 25 distinguished C-suite executives, BECA is a 501c (3) non-profit alliance of marketing and marketing-adjacent leaders committed to sharing knowledge, developing future executives and creating a more inclusive pipeline of marketing leadership. Guided by four core principles - Share, Learn, Elevate and Pay It Forward - BECA brings together accomplished executives dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders and driving meaningful, lasting impact. SOURCE BECA