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EDC January 08 Newsletter01/31/2008
Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts MonthlyUpdates/www.WesternMassEDC.com
Western Massachusetts EDC launches a New and Improved Online Home The EDC is proud to announce the launch of our new website, www.WesternMassEDC.com. Just days after "going live," the site has spawned inquiries about the region from across the country. Months of research and collaboration have resulted in an array of data and resources to greatly enhance this electronic hub for the region's economy. New features include industry cluster and city profiles, expanded real estate listings, "Green Region" resources, a comprehensive information databank and daily updates of Western Massachusetts business news from across the globe. Beginning in July, the EDC worked closely with Gravity Switch web design company, our affiliate partners and many others to develop a site that would not only be valuable to companies and site selectors, but to better serve local businesses, municipalities, brokers and our partners. We would like to thank those involved in helping to shape this project and encourage everyone to explore the all new www.WesternMassEDC.com. For more information, contact Danielle Paine at (413) 755-1387 or d.paine@westernmassedc.com Skybus adds new flights to Westover Metropolitan Airport Skybus Airlines recently confirmed the success of its service to Chicopee by announcing the addition of a second daily flight from Westover Metropolitan Airport to its Columbus, Ohio hub beginning March 7. This news comes as Skybus launches another daily flight, from Chicopee to Greensboro, NC, one of 17 other cities in its service area. These new additions will make a total of three daily flights to and from Chicopee, with Columbus connections departing at 11:48 am and 8:49 pm. Since July 2007, when the discount passenger airline began the first passenger service in Chicopee in about 20 years, Skybus has seen consistent support for the destination through an average of 100 passengers using both in and outbound flights. The EDC, in conjunction with the Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation, works with Skybus to promote and enhance local air service, as well as the economic development potential it creates. For more information about Skybus Airlines, or to book a flight, visit www.skybus.com. The ACCGS Presents Outlook 2008 Key-Note Speaker John Zogby The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield is pleased to announce that John Zogby, nationally know pollster and President and CEO of Zogby International will serve as the Keynote Speaker at Outlook 2008 on February 1, 2008 at Chez Josef in Agawam, MA. John Zogby is the President and CEO of Zogby International and has been involved in polling for almost 25 years. He has conducted polls around the world but is best know for his polling in United States presidential elections. During the 1996 presidential elections, his final poll came within one tenth of a point of the actual results and in 2000, John Zogby's poll correctly predicted the cliffhanger outcome. In 2004, his final poll had President Bush beating Senator Kerry by one percentage point. Mr. Zogby will share his techniques and the results from the data he has collected. U.S. Congressman Richard E. Neal will be making the keynote address, Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray will provide the State Outlook and Holyoke Mayor Michael Sullivan will give the Regional Outlook. All reservations must be made in writing and in advance. Social Hour will be at 11:15 am with the program beginning promptly at 11:45 am. Tickets are $45/ Chamber members and $65/ non-Chamber members. Sign up online at www.myonlinechamber.com or contact Diane Swanson at (413) 755-1313 and swanson@myonlinechamber.com. The Regional Technology Corporation Welcomes New Members The Regional Technology Corporation (RTC) would like to acknowledge its newest members that joined in 2007. We are grateful for their support and encouragement. It is through the support of organizations like these that we are able to continue to strengthen our programs and to develop new and innovative projects to serve our members and the technology community. Please see our latest blog at EDC's blog page on MassLive.com here with details of our newest members: http://blog.masslive.com/edc/2008/01/you_like_us_you_really_like_us.html. For questions regarding membership in RTC, or general inquiries, please direct them to acloutier@rtccentral.com. The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau Awards Mini-Grants The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (GSCVB) awarded a total of $15,000 in tourism mini-grants to five of its members to be used for a variety of projects including website, direct mail, print advertising and marketing. Recipients include the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, the Hampton Inn, the Pioneer Valley Hotel Group, Olde Deerfield Craft Faire and the Springfield Business Improvement District. The grants are awarded to GSCVB members for projects and events that are designed to increase visitation and visitor spending in the three-county Pioneer Valley region. According to GSCVB President Mary Kay Wydra, "We're happy to assist in the funding of such an interesting range of marketing initiatives. We're helping members reach out to the group tour and gay/lesbian markets, build a "girl's getaway" promotion and help publicize Downtown Uncorked, a successful annual event held at a number of venues." The tourism mini-grants are another example of the strong partnership that exists between the GSCVB and its members as we work together to enhance their success and market the region as an ideal travel destination. "They are made possible by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's 1038 Grant Program. For more information, visit www.valleyvisitor.com.
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© 2008 Western Massachusetts Economic Development 1441 Main Street Springfield MA 01103 |
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