Jeannie Hebert

When it comes to building new warehouse space in Massachusetts, the Blackstone Valley, despite its legendary status as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, tends to get overlooked.

Now, in its seventh year, the Manufacturing Excellence Awards seeks to accentuate the top performers in a highly complex and varied industry.

To help you navigate the ins and outs of the region's business community, WBJ has compiled a list for its Economic Forecast edition of 22 people who will have an outsized role in shaping those trends.

With the exception of certain municipalities taking the matter into their own hands, the lack of government direction on masks has left individual business owners and management to decide for themselves whether or not to require face coverings.

10) Networks for women in the workplace are increasing in both importance and demand. They provide opportunities...