PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

May 2013

An update from the 495/MetroWest Partnership, the regional economic development council serving thirty-three communities in the state's economic engine, 495/MetroWest.

www.495partnership.org

Partnership's 2013 Annual Conference on June 11th with Stephen Crosby 

On June 11th the 495/MetroWest Partnership will be hosting our 2013 Annual Conference, Ten Years of Collaboration - Decades of Results

This year's event includes a keynote address by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission Chair, Stephen Crosby. In addition to providing his perspective on the Gaming Commission's work, Chairman Crosby is a former state Secretary of Administration and Finance, former Chief of Staff to Governor Swift, and former transition team member for Governor Patrick, as well as an accomplished business executive.

In addition, the Conference will highlight the Partnership's work over the past ten years and offer insights into our priorities and ongoing initiatives on the region's behalf. 

The Conference is being held at the Double Tree Hotel in Westborough, with registration and breakfast beginning at 7:30 AM.  For more details please see the event flyer or register hereRegistrations need to be completed online by June 7th.  However, any questions, inlcuding Sponsorship opportunities, regarding the event should be directed to Jessica Strunkin at 774-760-0495 x101.

CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE

Energy & Sustainable Development Committee Meets with Massachusetts Office of Business Development

As part of the Partnership's Institute on Local Issues, our Energy and Sustainable Development Committee held a regional forum on April 24th.

At this forum, attendees from throughout the region heard from:

MA Office of Business Development:  Robert Anderson, who is serving as the MetroWest Regional Director, briefed attendees on his agency's programs and initiatives.  MOBD plays a key role in the state's economic development structure, with a mission to strengthen the Massachusetts economy by providing a highly responsive, pro business climate that stimulates job growth and builds on the core economic strengths of every region.  While their most well-known program is the state's Economic Development Incentive Program, he assured attendees that the agency was focused on assisting businesses in their success, growth, and expansion.  He addressed questions from the attendees on the state incentive programs, and reiterated his interest in meeting with businesses.

TechSandBox - A new innovation center has been launched in partnership with Becker College's Southborough facility to serve the 495/MetroWest region.  The mission of TechSandBox is to accelerate the success of science and technology entrepreneurs in our region by facilitating access to information, education, and expertise, and inspiring the sense of community and collaboration necessary to attract, grow and retain exciting businesses. Programs include panels developed in cooperation with key professional associations, networking events, and special interest groups. The Partnership has endorsed this terrific new resource, and would like to offer our congratulations to founder Barbara Finer; more is online at www.techsandbox.org .

REDO and FY 2014 State Budget

The Partnership is a participant in the state's Regional Economic Development Organization program, a competitive grant program created by the Legislature to provide support for regional economic development entities across the Commonwealth.  This program was funded by Governor Patrick in his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2014, but needs to be included in the budget approved by the Legislature.

As a result, State Representative John Fernandes was the lead sponsor of a budgetary amendment in the House to fund the program in FY2014, and was joined by fifty-four other House members as sponsors, including a strong showing from the Partnership's delegation.  

With the justification for this state investment in our regional economies, as well as the strong show of support from House members statewide, the full House approved this amendment to level fund the program at $850,000 next year. The Partnership is extremely appreciative of Representative Fernandes' leadership and our delegation's support, and would like to thank the amendment sponsors - State Representatives Arcerio, Barrows, Beaton, Benson, Conroy, Dykema, Fattman, Gregoire, Hogan, Kuros, Linsky, Peisch, Peterson, Roy, Sannicandro, and Walsh.

While the Senate Ways and Means Committee included funding for the program in their budget proposal, Senator Candaras, the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, recognizes the value of regional economic development and has filed an amendment to increase funding.  The Partnership is appreciative of her commitment, as well as the leadership of her amendment co-sponsors, including our region's Senators Karen Spilka, Jamie Eldridge, and Jen Flanagan.  The Senate is expected to address this budget amendment during the week of May 20th, when they finalize their budget proposal.

Other Developments

Final Public Mtg on Rt. 9  Smart Growth Plan:  On Monday, May 20th at 7pm in Natick's Morse Institute Library, the MetroWest Regional Collaborative and Metropolitan Area Planning Council are holding the last public meeting on this initiative. The agencies are working with the towns of Wellsley, Natick, Framingham, and Southborough on this plan to encourage companct, mixed-use developments that are more pedestrian and bike friendly.  After a presentation, attendees will be asked for feedback on traffic issues, opportunity areas, design guidelines, and implementation strategies. 


Boston MPO Workshop in Framingham:  The Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will be hosting a workshop on their DRAFT FY 2014-2017 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) on Thursday, May 30th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm in Nevins Hall at Framingham Town HallClick here for more details.


Manufacturing Summit in Foxborough:  As part of the Amp it up! Campaign the Commonwealth is hosting its Massachusetts Advanced Manufacturing Summit 2013 in the 495/MetroWest region.  The Summit is scheduled for June 25th at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

The summit will bring together hundreds of leading executives and managers from the manufacturing industry to share best practices, network, and discuss future opportunities and challenges. Topics will include sustainability, supply-chain strategies, advanced technologies and best business practices to gain and maintain a competitive edge in today's global economy.

More information, including registration, is available here.

Life Sciences International Collaborative Industry Program (ICIP): At the international BIO conference, the MA Life Science Center announced this new grant program, a joint initiative with Victoria, Australia; the Wallonia region of Belgium; Quebec, Canada; and Alsace in France.

Under the program, eligible projects are in late-stage R&D from biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics and bioinformatics companies, with a partner company from one of the collaborative regions.  Currently this is a $1.5 Million program; awards will range from $100,000 to $500,000, and have a matching requirement from the companies, while international partners will fund their local company winners.  Phase I project applications are due in September, 2013, and announcement of the winners is expected in March, 2014, with an information session being held on Wednesday, June 19th, from 8:30 - 11 a.m. at MassBio offices, 300 Technology Square, 8th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139.


Closing the Massachusetts Skills Gap: Recommendations and Action Steps - This report was released by the Commonwealth Corporation, a state agency that strengthens the skills of Massachusetts youth and adults by investing in innovative partnerships with industry, education and workforce organizations.  The analysis outlines the state's labor demand and supply and offers recommendations to bridge the skills gap, including improving employment outcomes for young workers, providing adult basic education and English language programs; aligning education programs with skill needs; and crafting more effective and accessible educational models.

 

Senate President Therese Murray Addresses Partnership's Annual State House Day

 




 







Clockwise: Senate President Therese Murray; Senate Majority Whip Karen Spilka; House Chair of MetroWest Caucus Representative John Fernandes
addressing attendees at Partnerhip's Annual State House Day


The Partnership held their annual State House Day on April 9th, in the midst of plenty of State House Activity.  Transportation Financing and the impending release of the House Ways & Means FY 2014 Budget were on legislators' and attendees' minds alike as the Partnership's constituents from both public and private sectors listened to the Senate President discuss her priorities for the coming weeks and months of the new legislative session.

Attendees were welcomed by Senator Karen Spilka, Senate Majority Whip and Chair of the MetroWest Caucus.  She pointed out that the 495/MetroWest region had become the state's economic engine, not only with direct revenue from payroll and property taxes, but indirectly by providing a highly skilled workforce to high technology employers across the state.

Senate President Murray commended the Partnership for "getting it right" by bringing together the region's public and private sectors, and that everyone involved should be proud of the results.  In fact, that model of collaboration was why the Legislature created the Special Commission on Public-Private Partnerships - to which Partnership Deputy Director Jessica Strunkin has been appointed - to encourage such collaborations on transportation infrastructure projects. She outlined the Senate's intention of addressing the Commonwealth's transportation challenges, and announced that the Partnership's transportation position paper was "right on" the target with its priorities.

President Murray also singled out water infrastructure as a significant economic constraint and cited the work of the state's Water Infrastructure Finance Commission on the issue.  According to their analysis, the state is facing a $21.4 Billion challenge over the next twenty years, and an even higher bill when stormwater needs are included in that estimate.  As a result, water infrastructure needs will have a dramatic effect on our economy, and must be addressed.

Representative John Fernandes, House Chair of the MetroWest Caucus and Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Financial Services, thanked all involved in the Partnership for their participation and support.  He pointed out that the Partnership's work calling attention to the regional economy had already demonstrated real returns, and continued collaboration between public and private sectors was critical to our continued prosperity.

Nurses Hall was filled with state legislators, private sector leaders and municipal representatives for the Partnership's sixth successful State House Day.  Many thanks to our event sponsors, Beals + Thomas and Dean College, as well as to Senator Spilka's office for sponsoring the Partnership's use of Nurses Hall and for securing our keynote speaker.  We look forward to our seventh annual State House Day next April!

Update on Transportation Funding Legislation

The Massachusetts House and Senate have each passed slightly varying versions of Transportation Finance bills in response to Governor Patrick's proposed financing solutions for MassDOT (based on the Department’s Transportation Plan). H4315 and S1770, Acts Relative to Transportation Finance, will now be reviewed by a Conference Committee to resolve the difference.  Committee members include Representatives Dempsey, Straus and Howitt, along with Senators Brewer, McGee and Hedlund. 

Based on the carefully crafted positions outlined in the Partnership's Fairly Funding Transportation, a letter was submitted to the six Conferees prior to their first meeting on May 2nd. The letter reiterates the Partnership's main positions while noting our support for various elements of the two bills, namely:

  • Continued reform;
  • Increasing and indexing the gas tax;
  • MassDOT classifying and funding salaries and benefits of employees as oeprating expenditures;
  • Utility reimbursement;
  • Asset management; and
  • Performance management goals;
Additionally, the letter asks Conferees to include hard fought amendments by the Partnership's delegation relative to protecting tollpayers, a top priority for the Partneship.  Without protections for exisitng toll payers and support for expanding the tolling system, the Partnership is concerned that MassDOT will continue to rely upon toll hikes from the limited east-west travelling population for additional revenue, thus perpetuating the disproportionate financial burden on residents and businesses located along the Massachusetts Turnpike and the Tobin Bridge.

The Partnership will continue to track the progress of the Conference Committee Report relative to Transportation Financing and will keep our constituents informed of the final legislation's impact on the 495/MetroWest region.  If you have any questions regarding the Partnership's position paper, letter to Conferees, or our Transportation Committee, please contact the Partnership's staff.
Partnership's Advocacy for the Region
  • Serving on the state’s Economic Assistance Coordinating Council:  Governor Patrick has appointed the Partnership’s Executive Director, Paul Matthews, to serve on the state’s Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC), which oversees the state’s Economic Development Incentive Program.
  • Addressing Medway’s Business Resources & Economic Development Workshop: The Partnership presented an overview on the region’s economy and resources at this event for businesses, real estate developers, and bankers.
  • Supporting state’s selection as an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Test Site: At the Commonwealth’s request, the Partnership supported the UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance (NUAIR) team application’s with New York  to the Federal Aviation Administration for recognition as a unmanned aircraft vehicle testing area.  The NUAIR team is a collaborative approach with involvement from more than forty academic institutions, private companies, and public agencies, and offers tremendous economic potential from the technology.
  • Serving on the state’s Water Resources Commission:  Governor Patrick has appointed the Partnership’s Executive Director, Paul Matthews, to serve on this commission which provides input to state agencies for developing, coordinating and overseeing the Commonwealth's water policy and planning activities.
  • Supporting a shuttle for Westborough:  Partnership staff are continuing to work with the Corridor Nine Chamber and Worcester Regional Transit Authority to support the launch of a shuttle in Westborough in late summer of this year.
  • Participating in MassEcon’s Corporate Welcome Reception: Partnership staff helped welcome new companies to Massachusetts and the 495/MetroWest region at this annual event.
  • Serving on the Central Massachusetts MPO Advisory Group: Partnership staff serve as a member of the MPO Advisory Group, representing economic development and regional interests in developing CMMPO planning initiatives, and the Transportation Improvement Program for the central Massachusetts region.
  • Serving on the Fitchburg Line Working Group: Partnership staff have participated in this Group for over eight years, tracking the progress of the $200+ million Fitchburg Line Improvement Project to ensure maximum benefits for 495/MetroWest communities and employers.
  • Regularly participating in MAPC Subregional Groups: Partnership staff regularly attend Metropolitan Area Planning Council subregional meetings, representing our constituents interests, concerns and needs, including at MetroWest Regional Collaborative (MWRC), Minuteman Advisory Group on Interlocal Coordination (MAGIC), and South West Advisory Planning Committee (SWAP).
  • Supporting CrossTown Connect TMA:  Partnership staff are supporting the formation of a Transporation Management Association (TMA) in several communities at the northern tip of the 495/MetroWest region through advocating for resources, regularly participating in CrossTwon Connect organizational meetings, and publicizing the potential for this exciting new resource for residents and businesses.
  • Framingham Technology Park Association:  Partnership staff offer regional economic development perspective and assistance at the meetings of the Association.  The Partnership has been actively involved for several years as the Park has seen continued growth while furthering the need for solutions to area constraints.

Thanks to our Bronze Investors:

Atlantic Management

Avidia Bank

Beals+Thomas

Building Initiatives LLC

Capaccio Environmental Engineering

Capital Group Properties

Clarke Distribution Corp.

Comcast Corp.

Community Newspaper Co.

Green International Affiliates, Inc.

GZA GeoEnvironmental

The Gutierrez Company

HNTB

J.M. Coull Inc.

Serlin Haley LLP

Kleinfelder / SEA Consultants

MassBay Community College

Marlborough Hospital

MetroWest Regional Transit Authority

Milford Regional Medical Ctr.

Mirick O'Connell

National Development

Patridge Snow & Hahn, LLP

Richards Barry Joyce & Partners, LLC

Small Water Systems Services, LLC

St. Mary's Credit Union

Woodard & Curran

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.

Verizon

Special thanks to our state legislators for securing state funding for regional economic development, and the Office of Business Development for their support.

Special Thanks to Our Platinum Investors:

Bose Corp.                    Bowditch & Dewey LLP

Carruth Capital LLC              EMC²              IBM

 

Special Thanks to Our Gold Investors:

Cisco Systems           Fidelity Investments

Day Pitney LLP                        Genzyme Corp.

NSTAR, a Northeast Utilities Company


Special Thanks to Our Silver Investors:

Alexander, Aronson, Finning, & Co. PC

Fallon Community Health Plan   

Framingham State University     

  Middlesex Savings Bank

NAIOP Massachusetts              Patriot Place

Sam Park & Co. Ltd.

Staples                                          Sunovion

   TJX Companies         TransAction Associates

 

495/MetroWest Partnership

Private Sector CoChair                             Scott Weiss, The Gutierrez Company

Public Sector CoChair                              Glenn Trindade, Town of Medway

Private Sector ViceChair                          Kathleen Freeman, Northeast Utilities

Public Sector ViceChair                           Joseph Nolan, Town of Wayland

Treasurer                                                  Marc Verreault, Carruth Capital

Clerk                                                         Peter Martin, Bowditch & Dewey

Paul Matthews, Executive Director

Jessica Strunkin, Deputy Director