About three dozen MOTN Members, Gloucester City & Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce officials, and representatives of Endicott College had the opportunity to hear from four very dynamic speakers at our Sept. 29 Networking Event held at Endicott’s terrific facility on Gloucester Harbor.
We were honored to have Carolyn Kirk, Gov. Baker’s Deputy Secretary of Housing and Economic Development and Director of the Commonwealth’s Seaport Economic Council, provide opening remarks on the workings of the Council and its common interests with MOTN’s members.
Dana Eidsness, Director of the Maine North Atlantic Development Office (MENADO) spoke about the many exciting initiates currently being implemented in Maine by MENADO, including, but not limited to Maine serving as the host for upcoming Council of Arctic Nations meetings, creating an ocean cluster facility to foster innovation and collaboration in Portland, and the “Timber & Ice” concept of bringing art shows in shipping containers via maritime transport to be shown on an international scale.
Dr. Richard Upton next spoke about his newly founded company, Gloucester Innovation, a Cape Ann-based firm, where he is primarily focused on the promotion of growth of marine-oriented businesses involved in data analytics, mobility, remote sensing and autonomy – leveraging the entrepreneurial, financial, and academic resources of the Greater Boston area. Dr. Upton’s work thus far is exciting for the companies and technologies involved and for the greater Gloucester area, which is being utilized as a focal point for the company’s development of new marine technologies and applications.
Maggie Merrill spoke to the group about the Marine Technology Society on a national level, as well as the active New England Section as an opportunity to further business connections and gain knowledge of the industry as a whole, and its relationship with ocean researchers.
MOTN is very grateful to its fantastic speakers and to our very generous sponsors: Mr. Mike Neville of Green Insurance Exchange and presenter Dr. Richard Upton of Gloucester Innovation. MOTN also thanks Prof. Richard Weissman and Endicott College for hosting us at their gorgeous Gloucester Campus. MOTN also thanks its members and all others who attended and contributed to lively discussion and business connections!
