Dear Friend,

This second edition of N.B. Connects features examples of what the economic development of New Bedford is all about—a city that attracts world-class firms, a city government that intervenes on behalf of a struggling small business, a city of festivals and fun that awards its best, and a community organization that teaches young people valuable lessons in personal finances. Enjoy.

Sincerely,
Matthew A. Morrissey
Interim Executive Director

  World Renown Design Firm Makes New Bedford Its Home

C. Raymond Hunt Associates, one of the most widely recognized and respected names in naval architecture, has located its Design Office in the historic district in downtown New Bedford. “We are delighted to be in New Bedford. The city has tremendous history and a wonderful future ahead, and we’re excited to be a part of it.” said John Deknatel, President, C. Raymond Hunt Associates.

The company is known particularly for its designs utilizing the high-deadrise hullform known as the Hunt deep-V which revolutionized the development of fast powerboats. This hullform, innovated by founder Ray Hunt, one of the most innovative designers of his time, is the most widely used and ocean-proven solution afloat for performance...[read more]

  Lang's Plea Helps Keep NuTex Afloat
Textile firm's bankruptcy protection extended
By AARON NICODEMUS, Standard-Times staff writer
Reprinted from the Standard-Times, September 12, 2006

NEW BEDFORD — A small textile company in the city's South End has staved off a shutdown — at least until November — thanks to the intervention of the city and Mayor Scott W. Lang.
Since 1982, NuTex Industries Inc., located in the former Furniture City mill on West Rodney French Boulevard, has manufactured woven textiles used to make belts and suspenders, as well as webbing products that have military and medical uses.

The company employed 75 workers eight years ago, but is down to 38 as overseas competition took a substantial portion of its business. When the company's debts totaled $1.2 million in May, NuTex filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy...[read more]





 

  Come to the City's first Chowder Fest!
Come, participate in the First Annual New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival
By Kevin T. Pelland- Chairman, Downtown New Bedford, Inc.

By now word has probably reached you about Downtown New Bedford, Inc.’s efforts to put together a first class annual chowder festival in the center of the city. This will be no ordinary event. It will be an extraordinary new event that will rival similar tasting festivals in other parts of the country, with a strong annual following. Of course I am referring to the 1st Annual New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival. The “cook-off” will take place on Sunday, September 17 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, rain or shine, under a large tent at Custom House Square in the middle of downtown’s Historic District
...[read more]













 

  From Nickels & Dimes to the Federal Reserve

Forty-one children from the YMCA summer day camp participated in the Savings Makes Cents Program implemented as part of the NBEDC Community Outreach program with the help of Downtown New Bedford Inc, Citizens Union Savings Bank, Community Development, and the Economic Stabilization Trust.

YMCA Executive Director Michelle Rodericks and Youth Director Maxine Hebert, lead the children through a series of activities in preparation for the climax of the program—a trip to Boston and a tour of the Federal Reserve Bank. For some, this was their first visit to Boston. The children behaved magnificently and were great ambassadors for the city of New Bedford...[read more]