Dear Friend,

In this issue we highlight:
* yet another major step in building the the emerging alternative energy sector in New Bedford;
* opportunities for small business development and growth in the City;
* and examples of diverse uses for our harbor.

As the warmer weather approaches, we have much activity planned to enhance the business climate in the city.

Sincerely,

Matthew A. Morrissey
Executive Director

  New Bedford makes it to final round in National Wind Test blade facility site selection

Massachusetts and Texas are battling for a federally backed wind blade test facility, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles said he learned today.

The two states were among six who applied to Washington, D.C., but Bush administration Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman said in a meeting with Gov. Deval Patrick this morning that the choices had been winnowed, Bowles told legislators this afternoon adding that the facility offered "a chance for us to position ourselves as a leader in renewable energy.”... [read more]
 

  A vision for short sea shipping

Shipments of Florida oranges and New Bedford scallops would soon move from the road to the sea if a new mode of shipping domestic goods takes hold.

Under the concept, known as short sea shipping, produce, seafood, timber and other domestic goods would be transported along the East Coast by boat instead of truck, reducing traffic along the Interstate 95 corridor.

Ships would move up and down the Atlantic coast, carrying goods between Florida and Massachusetts. Trucks would meet the vessels in port, load the goods and deliver them to short-haul destinations... [read more]
 

  Another high tech success story for New Bedford

New Bedford. They don’t do high tech there, it’s a fishing town. And a murder capital. You know. The Foxy Lady, Puzzles Lounge, that kid of stuff.

That may be the view of this great city in the green rooms of Boston’s “all crime, all the time” TV stations, but it’s not the view at the Alverox Products plant in the New Bedford Business Park.

That’s where 180 or so local folks work making some of the most high-tech medical devices and “high reliability” aerospace equipment assembled anywhere in the world... [read more]

  New Bedford selected to host prestigious yacht cruise layover

The International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) of Newport RI announced last week its annual Classic Yacht Cruise schedule–which includes a first–a two night layover in New Bedford Harbor.  

Imagine up to 40 historic and pedigree classic wooden yachts sailing into our rich port. The cruise will start in Nantucket on Sunday, August 19, in conjunction with the Opera House Cup. They will sail to Martha’s Vineyard, the Elizabeth Islands and then on to New Bedford on August 22 and 23, before returning to Newport on August 24... [read more]

  Learn about resources available to help grow and strengthen your business

Three agencies have come together to demonstrate the resources available to help grow and strengthen your business.

The Greater New Bedford Career Center in partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, and the New Bedford Economic Development Council will host a Business Resources Presentation to help business owners learn about the many resources that are available to enable participants to better train and develop your workforce... [read more]