E-Newsletter
An Electronic Publication of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
Chamber submits testimony on economic development bill
Approving a comprehensive economic development plan is vital to our state and region’s economy
Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO and Patrick Lawlor, Public Affairs Manager for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce attended the four hour hearing on April 5, 2016 of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies to submit testimony on the state’s new economic development bill.
In his testimony, Nascimento stressed the importance of passing a final bill that emphasizes regional equity and greater investment in other parts of the state outside of Greater Boston. He called the Baker administration’s proposal a robust economic development bill, noting that the Chamber supports many of the items in the bill, especially the heavy emphasis on manufacturing – an industry that accounts for one in four jobs in North Central Massachusetts. However, he highlighted the need for more economic development resources devoted to the central and western part of the state so that these regions can achieve their true potential and share in the economic growth of Greater Boston. The testimony also highlighted the need for more support for small businesses and the need for more investment and support of the tourism industry, the third largest industry in the state. Nascimento also advocated for greater investments in high speed connectivity for residents and businesses in North Central Massachusetts.
Passing a comprehensive, economic development bill that supports the advancement of North Central Massachusetts is a top priority for the Chamber this legislative session. Click here to read the testimony. For more information about the Chamber’s advocacy on this issue, please contact Patrick Lawlor, Public Affairs Manager at .
