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EDC April 08 Newsletter04/24/2008
Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts MonthlyUpdates/www.WesternMassEDC.com
Nine Months of Skybus sparked change and interests When rising fuel costs caused Skybus Airlines to file for bankruptcy earlier this month, its popular, local service, available through Westover Metropolitan Airport of Chicopee, was forced to cease operations after a total of nine-months, 360 flights and 65,000 passengers. This discount airline first launched its Chicopee location in July 2007 with one daily flight to and from its national hub in Columbus, Ohio. Upon the airline's termination, Skybus was offering flights to four destinations daily from this popular venue, including recently established locations in both Florida and North Carolina. Allan W. Blair, president and chief executive officer of Westover Metropolitan Development Corp., was joined by Representative Joseph Wagner and City of Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette in addressing the media about skybus and its positive impact on Western Massachusetts. A generous show of public support, a proven market response for local air service and an opportunity to showcase the airport's ability to accomodate passengers and flights were among the points discussed. Airport officials added that they will remain committed to seeking funds for terminal upgrades while pursuing negotiations with other discount carriers. For more information, contact Michael Bolton at m.bolton@wmass-arptcef.com. Governor Patrick names "Growth District" in Chicopee During a recent press conference at WestMass Area Development Corp., Governor Deval L. Patrick unveiled the Chicopee River Business Park as the first of three "growth districts" to be established in Western Massachusetts, now the third such property state-wide. Throughout the Commonwealth, the Growth District program will focus the development efforts of 16 business parks, through state assistance with marketing, land clearing, permitting, and improving infrastructure, in an effort to expedite their development. This aid will be customized for each district's specific, focused primarily on marketing for the Chicopee Park, a 171 acre site that already boasts roads, water and sewer infrastructure, as well as parcels with approved permitting and "shovel-ready" status. Several days prior to this announcement, Patrick outlined the program during a speech addressing the state's economy. By creating "growth districts," Patrick hopes to boost the current local economy while priming the Commonwealth for the growth that he anticipates will occur when national economy rebounds. For more information, contact Kenneth Delude, WestMass Area Development Corporation President, at k.delude@westernmassedc.com. HSEP to host Seventh Annual "State of the Region" Conference On Friday, May 30, the Hartford-Springfield Economic Partnership will explore and address the changing face of the Knowledge Corridor Region's workforce during their annual State of the Region Conference. Speakers Edward Barlow, president of Creating the Future Inc., and James Johnson, professor of entrepreneurship at the University of North Carolina, will discuss the current labor market transformation and offer their analysis of recent workforce data and trends. Following the program, being held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel of Enfield, CT, HSEP representatives will present the InternHero Awards, as well as review current regional marketing and policy efforts for the Knowledge Corridor Region. To register, visit www.HartfordSpringfield.com or contact dmclane@metrohartford.com. ACCGS to host Spring Events The ACCGS is amidst plans for two very big events slated for the upcoming weeks. On April 30, the Chamber and registered participants will travel to Boston's famous Beacon Hill to meet and interact with our state legislators. For more information, please contact Diane Swanson, Events Manager, at swanson@myonlinechamber.com. On May 7, the ACCGS is hosting the 2008 Business Market Show at the MassMutual Center. More information as well as details about attending and participating in this exciting event are available at www.businessmarketshow.com. SBID Supports Bike-to-Work Week Springtime is upon us and it is time to kick it into high gear. Start this season right by joining us for Bike-to-Work week, May 12-18. This event not only promotes the reduction of pollution, but also the health and wellness benefits of riding a bike. The BID will be showing our support on Thursday, May 15, 7 - 9 a.m. at Court Square by serving up hot coffee to everyone who does their part by biking to work. As always, please check our website www.SpringfieldDowntown.com for the most up-to-date information about this and other events. For more information, contact Sarah Fitzgerald at Sarah@springfielddowntown.com. The RTC's 2008 Digital Marketing Series Presents: Using Social networks as marketing tools The Regional Technology Corporation (RTC) is pleased to announce that its Technology Enterprise Council (TEC) IT network will present, "Using Social Networks as Marketing Tools," May 2, 8:30 -10:30 a.m., at the Springfield Technical Community College Technology Park. This, the second seminar in the popular Digital Marketing Series, will teach you how to develop new relationships with clients, partners or other key industry players. Presenters will guide attendees through examples of how to link to those who have similar interests, via these online services. Most social network services are primarily web based and provide a collection of various ways for users to interact, such as chat, messaging, email, video, voice chat, file sharing, blogging, discussion groups, and so on. Learn how you can use these technologies to support your own business objectives. This event is free to RTC members and $50 for non-members, advanced registration is required. Contact Suzanne Parker at sparker@rtccentral.com or (413) 755-1301 to register.
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© 2008 Western Massachusetts Economic Development 1441 Main Street Springfield MA 01103 |
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