Tagged: economic development

   The Massachusetts Legislature during the course of its just concluded two year session passed some key measures affecting businesses. On the whole the session was seen as beneficial to the state’s business climate.  WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports

Officials in Springfield Massachusetts have signaled they are ready to get serious with potential casino developers.  The city has hired a Chicago based law firm to serve as its gaming consultant.  WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.

Patrick Administration officials are introducing a long term economic development plan at a series of meetings across the state with local government and business leaders.  WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports.

            The plan focuses on workforce development, nurturing  the innovation economy, and empowering communities to develop their local economies.  State Representative Joseph Wagner of Chicopee who chairs the Joint Committee on  Economic Development and Emerging Technologies says local leaders had a say in developing the plan and now have a roll to implement it.

The top economic development officials from Massachusetts and Connecticut met on Tuesday to talk about collaborative efforts.  The focus is on the Hartford-Springfield region, which has been dubbed-“The Knowledge Corridor”.   WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill spoke with Massachusetts Economic Development and Housing Secretary Gregory Bialecki.

More state funding is being sought to redevelop a major tourist attraction in Western Massachusetts.  Officials made their pitch Tuesday to Governor Deval Patrick for more help for the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton.  WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.

        Governor Patrick said he was impressed by the progress made so far on what is planned as a $50 million dollar project to develop a facility capable of hosting events year round. But he stopped short of a firm commitment of more state money.

The University of Massachusetts is looking at the feasibility of
establishing satellite campuses. The mayor of Springfield wants a
satellite of the flagship Amherst campus located in his city's downtown.
WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.

        Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno publically lobbied Monday for
what he called a quicker pace to the four year old Springfield-UMass
partnership.