Devens

Manufacturing got a lot of attention in this election year, and now that the results are in, many smaller companies are feeling cautiously optimistic about what the future holds.

Predicting the short-term future isn't terribly difficult. Preparing for it is.

Three Central Massachusetts companies will be honored Tuesday at the 13th annual Massachusetts Economic Impact Awards for their contributions to the region's economy.

Laddawn, a packaging maker headquartered in Devens, prides itself on its giving nature. The company, which has 304 total employees in five different states, participates in several charitable events every year, and manufactures entirely with renewable energy.

Modern offices are gearing more toward an open collaborative environment, but everything starts with the culture a company creates.

Construction firms are cashing in on the booming life science sector's need for up-to-code, specifically designed facilities.

A new site in Devens will become the largest parcel of land available for commercial use in the area; and it is highly likely to attract businesses from the life science and technology sectors.

A zoning change approved by voters in three communities will create a 40-acre site available for commercial use in Devens, a space that could serve as a future home for a pharmaceutical company.

On Monday, voters approved the rezoning of a 32.7-acre portion of Devens land from residential for innovation and technology uses, opening up the land to commercial development.

Acacia Communications of Maynard has been recognized for a $5.6 million expansion that added 68 new jobs by MassEcon in its latest Economic Impact Awards round.