On Wednesday, January 22^nd, the Foundation for MetroWest proudly launched our new initiative, Impact MetroWest. We were thrilled to partner with Middlesex Savings Bank on this community indicators project, and the theme of partnership continued through the event as each of our speakers took the stage in front of an audience of nearly 200 community members.

Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito joined us to offer her congratulations and express how important this resource might be to our region.

"As I reflect on the reasons that brought us together this morning, I know that government can't do everything," said the Lt. Governor. "You heard some of the major initiatives in the State of the Commonwealth address. We can't do it all. We really need strong partnerships in the nonprofit sector as well as the business sector to help—to be a part of the team to really make a difference in the Commonwealth."

Bloomberg’s Janet Wu moderated a wonderful panel of experts, Diane Gould, President and CEO, Advocates, Inc., Dana Neshe, Chief Operating Officer, Middlesex Savings Bank & President, Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation, and David Podell, President, MassBay Community College, who shared their insights on the data.

"One of the greatest things we can pursue is partnerships across organizations," said David. "Because each of us by ourselves can't do it. But in partnership and with coordination, so much more can be done."

We have received great coverage of our Impact MetroWest initiative over the last week. Below are some of the articles:

• Boston Globe – “Report finds abundant strengths, pressing challenges in MetroWest” by John Laidler, Globe Correspondent
• MetroWest Daily News – “MetroWest is a thriving hub, but many residents face income inequality, financial strain” by Jeff Malachowski, Daily News Staff
• WGBH – “Inequality, poverty has worsened in Massachusetts’ MetroWest, report finds” by Gabrielle Emanuel