 |
|
City economic development leaders pursue employer
input
 Beginning
in September, the Lang Administration and the New
Bedford Economic Development Council are embarking on an
ambitious series of meetings to share ideas and receive
feedback from more than 60 of the city’s employers.
"As Mayor of the City of New Bedford, I have met with
dozens of local employers, and would like to continue to
dedicate time to interacting with the business
community, learning their ideas and setbacks and sharing
New Bedford's objectives and plans regarding economic
development. I look forward to sharing information about
available resources and learning about business needs
with which the city can assist," Mayor Scott W. Lang
stated.
“To keep sustainable economic development going, you
need a broad-based approach and understanding throughout
the business community,” said Matthew Morrissey,
executive director of the New Bedford Economic
Development Council. “We also understand that there are
always pressures that face businesses and we want to
know what we can do to help.”
Tony Sapienza, president of the Council and president of
Joseph Abboud Manufacturing, which is one of the largest
employers in the city, stated in a recent letter to
employers:
Over the last year and a half, the Scott W. Lang
Administration has undertaken an ambitious agenda and
moved to align the City of New Bedford’s resources,
attempting to build a better climate for living and
working in the City. While sustainable progress takes
time, already there are gains in the areas of economic
development, public safety, education, and neighborhood
issues.
Specifically, the City’s crime rate is down in nearly
every category. The drop out rate has been reduced for
the first time in 10 years. The number of permit
applications and awards are at an historic high, and we
are aggressively pursuing new job creation opportunities
in the emerging sectors of alternative energy, life
sciences, marine science and technology, medical
devices, and bio-technology. The City has taken over $5
million in tax title and debilitated property.
Development in the city is occurring at a rate not seen
before, and there is more contiguous planning than in
memory.
While progress in these areas is critical, the Lang
Administration and the NBEDC feel that it is the
continued success of our current employers that is most
important. We must make every effort to retain the
city’s outstanding employers like Smith Enterprises.
We are seeking your help, and hope in turn to find ways
the City can better support your business needs. We want
to ensure the future success of Smith Enterprises as we
continue to shape the City’s economic development
agenda.
My wish is that you will find an hour to join me, Mayor
Lang or NBEDC Executive Director Matthew Morrissey for a
brief conversation about how the City of New Bedford can
better respond to your company’s needs.
Ms. Deidre Jarvis will follow up this letter with a call
to schedule a time most convenient for you.
Sincerely,
Anthony Sapienza
President, NBEDC Board of Directors
President, Joseph Abboud Manufacturing
If you are an employer and you would like to share your
thoughts about how we might help you sustain and build
your business, please call Deirdre Jarvis at
508.991.3122 to set up an appointment. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
