LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR MURRAY LEADS FIRST IN SERIES OF REGIONAL ECONOMIC SUMMITS
Patrick-Murray Administration calls together leaders from across Greater North Central Massachusetts to address economic challenges and continue path to recovery
"Based on the great success of the statewide summit this fall, the Lieutenant Governor and I are now continuing the discussion on a regional scale," said Governor Deval Patrick. "By convening representatives of commerce, industry, and academia from each region of the state, we can continue to plot a collaborative course to make the most of our recovery and assure that no one is left behind."
Recent reports indicate that Massachusetts is set to emerge from the current recession more quickly than other states, thanks in large part to the Patrick-Murray Administration's focus on long-term economic development and investments in key industries, such as life sciences, health care, education and clean energy. The Greater North Central Regional Economic Summit is the first in a series of regional events designed to help Massachusetts develop a strategic and targeted roadmap to recovery throughout the Commonwealth.
"We are committed to working collaboratively with industry and academia to address the challenges confronting us all," said Lieutenant Governor Murray. "As we embark on a series of regional economic summits, including today's Greater North Central Regional summit, we have the opportunity to continue to work with our regional partners to encourage development across the entire Commonwealth, and help build a stronger, more innovative economy for Massachusetts."
The summit was organized in partnership with the Patrick-Murray Administration's Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, led by Secretary Greg Bialecki, who worked closely with a planning committee comprised of leaders from Fitchburg State College, Mount Wachusett Community College, regional Chambers of Commerce, the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, New England Peptide in Gardner and Nypro in Clinton to develop and lead the summit's comprehensive agenda.
"Mount Wachusett Community College is proud to be a partner in this vital collaboration to help North Central Massachusetts to compete, grow and thrive in the global economy," said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino. "Community colleges play a key role in the economic health of their regions by preparing an educated, trained workforce with the skills businesses and industries need to remain competitive. Mount Wachusett Community College has been a leader in workforce development in our region for nearly five decades, and we continue to prepare students for jobs of the future, in growing industries such as biotechnology, energy management and health care. The ideas and plans that will emerge from this summit are essential to create a sustainable economy for our region and for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."
"Fitchburg State is proud to be part of this effort to promote economic development in North Central Massachusetts," said college President Robert V. Antonucci. "The health of individual regions is tied to condition of their urban centers, and an approach to development that embraces this concept is critical. As a college we are committed to promoting civic engagement and helping sustain an educated workforce, both elements that will help North Central Massachusetts to prosper. We welcome the insights and solutions that the civic, business and education leaders can share at this summit."
The summit included discussions on the current state of the United States' and Massachusetts' statewide and regional economies, the Administration's four-point strategy for growth through regional economic development, investments in education, infrastructure and innovation that will create conditions for maximum job growth, and public-private collaborations that can move the local economy forward. Participant working groups also strategized around finding long term solutions to creating access to capital and advice for small businesses, clearing the way for business expansion and competing globally in manufacturing.
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