The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a Gubernatorial Forum featuring candidate Brian Shortsleeve on Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The event will take place in the Chamber’s conference room at 670 Linwood Ave., Suite 5, in Whitinsville.

Titled “Policy & Perspective: A Conversation with Brian Shortsleeve,” the forum is designed as a listening session and open dialogue focused on the future of Massachusetts and issues important to the Blackstone Valley’s business community. The Chamber said the event is part of its ongoing effort to provide a neutral, nonpartisan platform for civic engagement.

“Providing opportunities for open, respectful dialogue is central to the Chamber’s role in our region,” said Liz O’Neil, executive director of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce. “These forums are designed to inform and engage our members while upholding our responsibility to remain neutral and nonpartisan.”

Shortsleeve, a Harvard graduate, Marine veteran, and business leader, is the founder of M33 Growth, a firm that supports entrepreneurs and economic innovation. He previously served in state government, where he led a major reform effort at the MBTA beginning in 2015, focusing on cost reduction, budget balancing, and system modernization. He is currently seeking the Republican nomination for governor of Massachusetts.

The Chamber emphasized that it does not endorse political candidates and hosts forums strictly for educational purposes. As a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, it provides equal access to candidates to ensure a range of perspectives are available to its members and the broader community.

The forum is free and open to Chamber members and prospective members, but advance registration is required. Registration and additional information are available at www.blackstonevalley.org/events.

For questions, contact Liz O’Neil at 508-234-9090 or [email protected]