Dear Friend,

In this our 45th issue, we pause to acknowledge the many contributors whose content has helped us tell the story of New Bedford’s economic progress. This newsletter now reaches over 4000 people.

I want to specifically thank the news staff of the New Bedford Standard-Times, the Weekly Compass, the Boston Globe, the New York Times, the Rhode Island Monthly, the Providence Business News, and also the individual contributions of Jay Alexander, Lauren Daley, Joyce Goodman, Derek Santos, Ramon Silva, Angela Johnston, Deborah Trombly, Dee Jarvis, and Jill McLean. With their help, our goal to provide a growing archive accessible on the website (over 325 stories to date), continues to be realized.

As we look forward to these uncertain economic times which lie ahead, it is more critical than ever to continue to remain steadfast in our confidence that New Bedford is a great city in which to expand or establish a business and to invest scarce capital resources.

Sincerely,

Matthew A. Morrissey
Executive Director

  Bioneers by the Bay conference kicks off Thursday, October 23 at New Bedford’s Zeiterion Performing Arts Center

The 4th annual Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change conference kicks off on Thursday, October, 23 at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center with speakers Majora Carter, Van Jones, and Simran Sethi. The event is free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis. The event begins at 7:30pm. Doors open at 7:00pm.

The three-day conference, held in various venues in New Bedford’s historic downtown, seeks to inspire, motivate, and connect everyday citizens to restore the Earth and its people. Bioneers conferences seek to educate and   [read more]

  Workforce development strategies focus of October 23rd summit

The Massachusetts Regional Workforce Strategies Initiative will hold a Southeastern Massachusetts Workforce Development Summit on Thursday October 23, 2008 at Massasoit Community College Conference Center, 770 Crescent Street, Brockton.

Beginning with registration at 7:00am followed by a complimentary full breakfast and networking from 8:00 to 8:30am, the program will begin promptly at 8:30am and concluded by noon. There is no registration fee, however since space is limited, participants   [read more]

  SMILES mentoring program – making a difference in SouthCoast workforce development

The following is a three-part series on the SMILES mentoring program which appeared in the New Bedford Standard-Times. The author, Jim Mathes, is the executive director of the organization and Vice President of the New Bedford Economic Development Council Board of Directors.

When asked what SMILES – the SouthCoast Mentoring Initiative for Learning, Education and Service Inc. – does, I usually pause, then reframe the questions. Because while what we do is important, why are we doing it is the key to understanding the mission of SMILES.  [read more]

  Businesses benefit from District Attorney’s seminar on internal financial controls, employee fraud and more

The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with several area banks and Chambers of Commerce, will host the second annual Small Business Seminar for small and medium-sized businesses at White’s of Westport on October 24th, beginning with registration and continental breakfast at 8:00am and concluding with a light lunch at 1:00pm. District Attorney Sam Sutter will give brief introductory remarks. The seminar is free.

Topics include:
* Workers’ Compensation Fraud
* Best Practices in Hiring
* Practical Internal Controls  [read more]

  After two weeks on the job, new president of Whaling Museum has only positive impressions

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Standard-Times on Tuesday interviewed James P. Russell, who was named in mid-September as the new president of the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

An Attleboro resident, Mr. Russell, 43, is former vice president of the International Yacht Restoration School and Museum of Yachting in Newport, R.I.
Here is the transcript of the interview conducted in his office at the museum.

S-T: Mr. Russell, you have been  [read more]

  Downtown New Bedford Inc. names new executive director

The Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Diane Nichols as Executive Director of Downtown New Bedford, Inc., the voice of the downtown business community, its residents and property owners. Ms. Nichols will begin on a part-time basis and assume full-time duties in November 2008.

“We are delighted that Diane is joining our efforts to keep the heart of our city a welcoming place for visitors and a supportive resource for downtown businesses,” says Kevin Pelland, Board President. “Diane’s professional  [read more]