City’s revitalization project garners Boston Globe’s front page NEW BEDFORD - In the mid-1900s, industries tossed tons of hazardous materials into New Bedford Harbor, transforming the once-pristine haven into one of the most polluted harbors in the country. Marine life dwindled, property values along the shore sank, and the harbor became a punch line for jokes and the home of an alphabet soup of chemical compounds. But now, the city is embarking on an [read more]   Work on permitting continues with release of entrepreneur’s guide Pioneer Institute, Mayor Lang and the NBEDC announce step by step guide New Bedford Economic Development Council Staff New Bedford, Massachusetts- With the recent release of a new comprehensive guide to small business development in the city of New Bedford, entrepreneurs have access to a business friendly guide that will assist them in navigating through the process of starting or growing their company in New Bedford. The Pioneer Institute has published “Navigating Through Regulations and Licensing Requirements in New Bedford,” a step-by-step guide for small business owners to meet government regulations. [read more]   Sovereign Bank expands New Bedford call center Sovereign Bank announced recently the expansion of its call center in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The bank will increase the call center’s second shift, which operates in the evening hours until 11 p.m. EST. "With the location of the new call center in Downtown New Bedford and now with the expansion of that operation, Sovereign Bank has displayed tremendous confidence in New Bedford and its workforce," said Mayor Scott W. Lang of Sovereign Bank’s announcement.  [read more] Darn It! A company’s transformation retains jobs New Bedford Economic Development Council Staff An “Extreme Makeover” of Ronnie Manufacturing in 1996 transformed the 35-year-old contract clothing business into a unique operation that solves quality control and logistical problems caused by offshore manufacturing. Darn It! was created in response to a dilemma facing the 350-employee, family-owned plant: the wave of outsourcing that was draining the U.S. garment industry. “The old adage - ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade,’ is fitting, according to Darn It!  [read more] VIEW: The old city is new again New Bedford Standard Times editorial A woman living in one of New Bedford's senior high-rises got all excited a few years ago when she told a Standard-Times reporter about the way things used to be downtown. She didn't live in the city center back then, but she spent plenty of time there as she was coming of age — meeting girlfriends and "fellows," admiring the clothes in the shop windows and going to dances. Those dances were the place to be. [read more]   Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. event kicks off Bioneers by the Bay conference with a free lecture at the Zeiterion The City of New Bedford will host a special kickoff event featuring a presentation by lifelong champion of conservation and environmental business practices, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to launch the “The Third Annual Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change” conference. The Bioneers by the Bay kickoff event will take place at the Zeiterion Theatre on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 7:30 PM and admission is free and open to the public however, seating is limited and will be on a first come, first serve basis. [read more]