Economic Development

Under the direction of researchers Nora Ganim Barnes and Eric Mattson, The Center for Marketing Research at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth recently conducted a new in-depth and statistically significant study on the usage of social media in fast-growing corporations. This new study revisits the Center’s study of Inc. 500 social media usage for the third consecutive year making it a valuable and rare longitudinal study of corporate use of these new technologies. The new study compares adoption of social media over the last three years (2007, 2008 and 2009) by the Inc. 500, a list of the fastest-growing private U.S. companies compiled annually by Inc. Magazine.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- The City of New Bedford is pleased to announce its second annual partnership with AHA! to present a youth and family-based New Year’s Eve celebration, City Celebrates! New Year’s Eve. This event will be held from 4-9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve in downtown New Bedford to encourage family-centered activities and participation. After 9pm, restaurants and bars throughout the city will offer live entertainment and great food to welcome in 2010.

New Bedford, Massachusetts – The City hosted two film crews over the weekend: Original Productions filmed at the Waterfront Grille on Friday night and Silent Dinner Productions filmed several scenes at the Law Offices of Lipman & Lipman on Sunday.

NEW BEDFORD – The Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board (WIB) recently hosted the Harvest Awards to recognize the dozens of local businesses and youth service providers who responded to the rapid influx of $1.5 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) dollars for youth jobs this past summer. The event took place at Normandin Middle School in the city.

At a press event today, Mayor Scott W. Lang and the New Bedford Economic Development Council announced a six-month agreement with Community Rowing Inc. (CRI), to help develop a successful plan to make rowing available to public school students and community members in New Bedford.

CRI is renowned for their successful rowing programs that emphasize fitness and team building for diverse populations. Based on the Charles River in Brighton, Mass., the nonprofit organization is the biggest rowing organization in the world with 35 coaches and 700 people on the water every day in 150 boats. The organization was recently named as the US Rowing’s Club of the Year from among more than 1,000 member organizations across the country

New Bedford, MA—November 17, 2009—The New England Business Bulletin, a product of SouthCoast Media Group, will be announcing the winners of the first annual Top Young Professionals Under 40 in Southeastern MA & RI in the December issue.

New Bedford, MA - Scott Kirsner, Author, Professional Speaker, and Innovation Economy columnist for the The Boston Globe will be the keynote speaker at the 123rd Annual Meeting & Business Luncheon for the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Kirsner will share his perspective on the Innovation Economy in New England.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- After years of research and months of planning, Southern Mass Credit Union recently purchased property on Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford’s north end across from Trucchi’s Supermarket for the purpose of building a full service credit union office. Anticipated for completion in the late spring/early summer of 2010, this office will provide a complete array of financial services and will house the following:

New Bedford, Massachusetts- At a press event yesterday, Harbor Development Director Kristin Decas and City Councilor Kathy Dehner along with CEO Jon Williams celebrated the opening of the Atlantic Red Crab Co.’s premier processing facility with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. The ultra-clean, state of the art facility consists of eleven thousand square feet and contains high grade stainless-steel processing equipment, staffed by highly trained production workers to ensure the highest quality products.

The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network (MSBDC), in conjunction with The SouthCoast Entrepreneurial Network: the Quest Center and the Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center’s Technology Venture Center (ATMC), are sponsoring a FREE workshop for regional businesses interested in obtaining federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants. The workshop will be held in New Bedford on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

New Bedford, MA - On Monday, October 26, 2009, the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc. (WIB) awarded nearly $500,000 in economic stimulus dollars to fund local programs in Literacy and Energy Efficiency.

After receiving $2.9 million in total stimulus dollars, the WIB released two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) over the summer: one focusing on the literacy needs of the New Bedford region, and the other focusing on the quickly developing energy efficiency and clean energy industries. “Our RFPs align with the priority industries and populations of the WIB, and fulfill a big need for the region.” said WIB Executive Director Leonard Coriaty.

What: Announcement and check presentation of grant awards from the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.

When: Monday, October 26, 2009 at 10:00am

Where: City Hall - Ashley Room - 133 William Street - New Bedford, MA 02740

Background: The Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc. (WIB) will present their American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus plan. The WIB issued two Requests for Proposals to the region, a $260k proposal focusing on the literacy needs of the region and a $200k proposal focusing on the quickly developing energy efficiency and clean energy industries.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- At a press event this evening, New Bedford Mayor Scott W. Lang along with Councilor Steve Martins celebrated the dual opening of Sound Xplosion and Lumina Images with a ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremony. Chris Saraiva, owner of Sound Xplosion and Nelly Soares, owner of Lumina Images hosted the event in their joint studio on 761 Purchase Street.

NEW BEDFORD, MA (October 20, 2009) – Members of the New Bedford Economic Development Council (EDC) and Mayor Scott Lang welcomed Congressman Barney Frank, members of the local State legislative delegation, and community leaders to Regency Tower on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 to celebrate an important cornerstone in the revitalization of downtown New Bedford. Regency Tower, one of the most prominent buildings in downtown New Bedford and a critical piece in the plan to revitalize all of the downtown area, is the focus of an extensive $30 million redevelopment plan.

New Bedford, MA – Flu season is creeping up on us, how do you know your employees and customers are safe?

The New Bedford and Fall River Area Chambers of Commerce and the Southcoast Hospitals Group, Inc. will be hosting a workshop entitled “What Businesses need to know about H1N1” on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the SouthCoast Business Expo at White’s of Westport, 66 State Road, Westport, MA.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- At a press event today, New Bedford Mayor Scott W. Lang along with City Councilors David Alves, Steve Martins and Linda Morad and Portuguese Consul Graca Fonseca celebrated the opening of newly owned and operated Airport Grille with a ceremonial ribbon cutting followed by a cooking demonstration by distinguished chef, Fernando Dovale. Airport Grille partners William Whelan, Sr., William Whelan, Jr., Tony Cruz, Paul Cruz and Oliveiro Ferreira hosted the event.

What: Ribbon cutting ceremony followed by cooking demonstration
When: Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 2:00pm
Where: Airport Grille - 1569 Airport Road - New Bedford, MA 02746

Background: Partners Bill Whelan Sr., Bill Whelan, Jr., Tony Cruz, Paul Cruz and Oliveirio Ferreira have completely renovated and expanded the Airport Grille restaurant. With manager and sommelier Kristian Vasilev of Sofia, Bulgaria and distinguished chef Fernando Dovale of Portugal at the helm, the newly owned and operated restaurant is excited to introduce its upscale, American bistro with a Mediterranean flair to the Greater New Bedford community.

New Bedford, MA -- On Wednesday, September 30, 2009 the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc. (WIB) held its quarterly meeting at Konarka Technologies, Inc.  Mitch Cahn of the recently-opened New Bedford Tactical Gear, LLC, spoke at the event about his recent experience with the WIB.

New Bedford, MA – The New Bedford and Fall River Area Chambers of Commerce will be hosting a workshop entitled “Financial Management in a Downturn” on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the SouthCoast Business Expo at White’s of Westport, 66 State Road, Westport, MA.

New Bedford, MA – Managing the energy needs of your business can better assist you in lowering operating costs and provide budget certainty for your business.

New Bedford, MA – The New Bedford and Fall River Area Chambers of Commerce are hosting a meeting of the SouthCoast Electric Power Group (SCEPG), a collaboration of thirty-six large users of electricity in the New Bedford and Fall River area, on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. at Rachel's Lakeside, 950 State Road, Dartmouth, MA. The meeting will recap the group's combined savings for 2009 and update members on electricity contracts for 2010. Representatives of Risk Services Group and Con Edison Solutions will be available to answer questions from members.

New Bedford, MA - Have you ever wondered if your business could be expanded internationally? Have you ever had some international inquiries, but weren’t sure how to handle them? Or, do you have some international sales, but wish that you could find a way to increase them? If so, then this is the program for you!

NEW BEDFORD, MA -- On Wednesday, September 30, 2009, Mayor Scott Lang will join fellow Gateway City mayors and city managers testifying before the state legislature’s Joint Committee on Revenue in support of a bill filed on behalf of these eleven communities by Representative Antonio Cabral of New Bedford and the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus. Immediately following the hearing, the mayors and city managers will answer questions at a press conference in front of the State House.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- At a press conference today, New Bedford Mayor Scott W. Lang, Senator Mark Montigny and owners Robert and Lois Wroble celebrate the 50th anniversary of LaBaron Corporation, is a small Cosmetology Arts and Science Chain incorporated in 1959.

Fully accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), LaBaron has graduated thousands of students and currently hosts its largest fall class in over 20 years. According to the 2007 NACCAS Annual Report, LaBaron graduates achieved a 100% Licensure Rate and a 91% Employment Rate.

The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network (MSBDC), in conjunction with The SouthCoast Entrepreneurial Network: Quest Center and the Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center’s Technology Venture Center (ATMC), will be sponsoring two FREE workshops for local companies to learn how to use social media to improve their business performance. Should you Twitter? Link-In? Blog? FaceBook? What's best for your type of business?

New Bedford Mayor Scott W. Lang and Senator Mark Montigny together with owners Robert and Lois Wroble, celebrate the 50th Anniversary of LaBaron Hairdressing Academy.

When: Friday, September 25, 2009 at 2:30 p.m.
Where: LaBaron Hairdressing Academy, 281 Union Street, New Bedford, MA 02740

New Bedford, MA – After a Summer break, the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce’s popular Good Morning SouthCoast! breakfast series returns on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at the Hawthorne Country Club, 970 Tucker Road, Dartmouth. The October edition is sponsored by the Citizens-Union Savings Bank. This fast paced morning program will help you start your business day with several interesting and informative segments.

Business After Hours
Thursday, September 17, 2009
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
20 South Sixth Street
New Bedford, MA 02740

Free to members
$15 for non-members (cash at the door)
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres & refreshments

Sponsored By: YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts

Join us on Thursday, September 17, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts for Business After Hours. This is a great way to network, socialize, meet your fellow Chamber members, exchange business cards, and promote your business. Please R.S.V.P. for this event by calling the Chamber at 508-999-5231 or click here to register online.

New Bedford, Massachusetts - At a press conference today, NSTAR Gas presented an $118,000 rebate award to the New Bedford Housing Authority for their participation in NSTAR’s Natural Gas Solutions program. In order to qualify for the rebate, the Housing Authority completed a five-month-long retrofitting project during which they installed 250 high efficiency condensing furnaces and 314 high efficiency on-demand water heaters in housing apartments located within the Shawmut Village and Satellite Village housing developments. 

New Bedford, Massachusetts- At a press event today, New Bedford Mayor Scott W. Lang, Representative John F. Quinn, and Chairman of the New Bedford Economic Development Council Tony Sapienza together with owners Chef Victor and wife Deanna Vieira, celebrate the opening of Fresca Grill with a ceremonial ribbon cutting followed by a cooking demonstration by Chef Victor Vieira. As the name indicates, (Fresca, translating to “fresh” in many languages), the focus of the new restaurant is to provide the freshest of ingredients at an affordable price to its valued guests.