If you weren’t able to join us for OUTLOOK 2026, you missed one of the Springfield Regional Chamber’s most anticipated gatherings of the year—an afternoon that brought together policymakers, business leaders, and community voices to explore the forces shaping our economy and our region in the year ahead.

Held at the MassMutual Center, OUTLOOK once again delivered on its reputation as the Chamber’s premier legislative and economic forecasting event. More than 630 attendees filled the room, with leaders from across Western Massachusetts gathering for the same reason: to better understand the opportunities, challenges, and decisions that will shape how our region grows and competes in the months ahead. 

From local leadership to national economic insights, this year’s program offered perspectives from every level of government and the broader economy. The conversation moved from city priorities to statewide economic strategy, national fiscal policy, and the larger economic outlook influencing businesses across New England and the country. 

Speakers included: 

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, City of Springfield 
Governor Maura Healey, Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Secretary Eric Paley, Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development 
Congressman Richard E. Neal, U.S. House of Representatives 
Susan M. Collins, President & CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (Keynote) 

Mayor Domenic Sarno opened the program by reflecting on Springfield’s continued momentum and the importance of strong partnerships between local government, businesses, and community organizations. He highlighted ongoing investments in infrastructure, downtown revitalization, and neighborhood development, emphasizing that collaboration has been key to the city’s progress and will remain essential as Springfield continues to grow. 

Governor Maura Healey focused on the Commonwealth’s broader economic priorities, including investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and strengthening industries that drive innovation and job growth. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that every region of Massachusetts—including Western Massachusetts—has the tools, talent, and resources needed to compete and thrive in a rapidly changing economy. 

Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley shared insights on how Massachusetts is positioning itself for long-term economic success. Drawing on his background as an entrepreneur and venture capitalist, he spoke about the importance of supporting startups, strengthening regional innovation ecosystems, and investing in the talent and infrastructure that help businesses start, grow, and scale across the Commonwealth. 

Congressman Richard E. Neal offered a federal perspective, discussing how national policy decisions—particularly around infrastructure, economic development, and investment—directly impact communities like Springfield. He highlighted the importance of continued federal partnership to ensure that regions like Western Massachusetts have the resources needed to compete, grow, and create opportunity for businesses and workers alike. 

Keynote speaker Susan M. Collins, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, provided a national economic outlook, discussing trends in inflation, the labor market, and the broader forces shaping monetary policy. She noted the resilience of the U.S. economy while acknowledging ongoing uncertainty, emphasizing that strong regional economies and continued investment in people, innovation, and opportunity play a critical role in long-term economic stability. 

The Takeaway: Why OUTLOOK Matters 

OUTLOOK continues to be one of the Springfield Regional Chamber’s most important forums for bringing together the voices shaping our economic future.

The event offers something rare: a single conversation that connects local priorities, state initiatives, federal policy, and national economic insight—all in one room. 

For business leaders, it’s an opportunity to step back from the day-to-day demands of running an organization and think more strategically about what lies ahead. 

For policymakers, it’s a chance to hear directly from the business community about the challenges and opportunities facing our region. 

And for everyone in the room, it’s a powerful reminder that Western Massachusetts moves forward when leaders from every sector come together with shared purpose. 

OUTLOOK 2026 did exactly that—offering perspective, sparking conversation, and helping our region prepare for the year ahead. 

If you joined us this year, thank you for being part of the conversation. 

And if you missed it… we hope to see you at the next Chamber event soon.