MVPC provides a broad range of services to support economic development in the Merrimack Valley. The Commission maintains the region's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The CEDS provides an overview of existing conditions; a list of public works projects; detailed statistics; regional resources; and presents a list of goals and objectives for the region, along with a plan of action. It is developed in concert with leaders from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.
Through the CEDS, MVPC manages the region's brownfields assessment program and GIS-based economic development marketing website, Merrimack Valley Means Business. In addition, MVPC is a regional economic and demographic data center and offers technical assistance via Policy Insight, an economic forecasting model that measures the regional impacts of shifts in public policy, demographics, or economic performance.
For more information about MVPC economic development projects and programs, contact Ted Semesnyei, MVPC economic development coordinator. All requests for data and information are responded to promptly.
Economic Development News Brief -- Winter 2010
Expanded Merrimack Valley Biz Site Released
On October 15, 2009, MVPC unveiled www.MVMB.biz to regional business leaders, community officials, and real estate professionals at a launch event held at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill. Merrimack Valley Means Business (MVMB) is a pioneering concept for new and existing businesses in the Merrimack Valley. Developed by MVPC through a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, in partnership with the Merrimack Valley Economic Development Council (MVEDC), regional Chambers of Commerce, and community development departments, MVMB offers a unique and technologically advanced service for prospective and existing businesses looking to market or expand in the region. The only comprehensive, field-based inventory of properties in Massachusetts, the website offers valuable information on over 11,500 businesses and 500 locations for sale or lease in the Valley, using the latest mapping and imaging technologies.
The October launch event featured a keynote speech by David I. Begelfer, Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP). Mr. Begelfer provided an overview of economic trends and explained why efforts such as MVMB are critical for regional business development. Following a presentation of the website by MVPC staff, the event closed with a panel discussion on partnership building through MVMB.
With the September announcement of the “Massachusetts: It’s All Here” statewide marketing initiative, the timing of MVMB could not be better. MVPC is highly committed to maintaining the success of MVMB and feel that this is a tremendous opportunity to support the statewide campaign. MVPC will aggressively promote the site over the coming months and is eager to form additional partnerships to expand the capabilities of the website.
Previous News Briefs:
Spring 2009: MVPC Awarded $1.4 Million for Regional Brownfields Assistance
Winter 2009: The Aging of the Merrimack Valley
Fall 2008: Industries Employing 2,000 or More in the Region
Summer 2008: Long Range Economic Development Plan Completed
Fall 2007: Development of a New Long Range Economic Development Plan Begins
Summer 2007: Technical Assistance Offered by MVPC for New State Expedited Permitting Program
