Economic Development

Join the Northeast Massachusetts Regional Economic Development Planning Session on Monday, June 5th

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is inviting you to join the Northeast Massachusetts Regional Economic Development Planning Session on Monday, June 5th1:00 – 3:00, at North Shore Community College, Lynn Campus. This will be the fourth regional meeting as part of the 2023 Massachusetts Economic Development Planning Council.

Over the course of the next several months, the Economic Development Planning Council will work to set long-term goals, measurable benchmarks, and propose major economic development initiatives to guide Massachusetts’ economic development policy over the next four years. These engagement sessions will be an integral part of this work as they seek to collect public input and feedback this spring and summer relative to the state’s economic development needs and opportunities.

This session will allow residents, municipal leaders, businesses, and organizations from the Northeast Region to engage with state officials in the process of developing the economic plan, policy, and strategy for our state. At each session, there will be breakout tables to collect input in the general areas of:

1) Business Climate; 2) Community and Neighborhood Development; 3) Key Clusters and Innovation; 4) Workforce and Talent; and 5) Equity and Opportunity.

Please use the following link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northeast-regional-economic-development-planning-session-tickets-629428516637

If you are unable to attend on June 5th, the Greater Boston Regional Economic Development Planning Session will be on Monday, June 12th11:30 am – 1:30 pm, at Roxbury Community College, Boston.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/greater-boston-regional-economic-development-planning-session-tickets-643988305357

Billerica Economic Development Update

From Billerica Monthly Newsletter

Learn About Our New Logo

We are excited to showcase our new economic development logo! The logo was designed as part of a collaborative project for the spring semester Branding & Identity Class at Framingham State University. Special thanks to Professor Laura Osterweis and her talented students including- Maddison Behringer, Hakim Carnes, Hayley Gaskin, Hannah Guerin, Geanny Infante, Thalia Nesvacil, Jake Petersen, and Lior Rachmany- for their high level of creativity and professionalism in this process.  

“We enjoyed working with the students through this process and are excited to start using this great logo in our economic development work.” said Planning and Community Development Director Erika Oliver Jerram. The final design chosen was designed by student Lior Rachmany using a tagline submitted by a resident as part of the Community Survey. The map locator marks the spot as “The Place to Be” and the red, blue, and green colors represent the historic fabric (mills), open space, and water (two rivers).  The logo can be used in a variety of ways so keep an eye out as we broaden our efforts. 

Update on 279 Boston Road, Concord Shores

The development project at 279 Boston Road, Concord Shores, is the first project permitted under the Mixed-Use Overlay zoning enacted in May 2021. The project, located at the south corner of the intersection of Boston Road and Bridge Street, will feature a single building with a ground floor restaurant and retail space, and 20 residential units. The project received board approvals in January 2023 and has received approval from the Town’s Building Department to begin site preparation. Work is expected to begin in the next few months.

The Mixed-Use zoning allows for increased residential density in return for transit amenities. In this case, the applicant is creating a bike share program for tenants, installing bike racks for retail patrons, and will work with LRTA leadership to construct and maintain a bus shelter on Boston Road. In addition, site improvements will vastly improve the way stormwater is managed on this riverfront site and the project will greatly increase landscaped areas.

Community Survey

Throughout the month of March, the Town ran a resident survey aimed at identifying businesses and services our residents enjoyed, and what they wanted. Overwhelmingly, the messages were “we love our small-town charm” and “we want a great meal”! The big items on most people’s wish-list were general retail, specialty restaurants, and amusement options for kids. For town amenities, a lot of people are using the library and existing trails, but would like more access to sidewalks, bike paths, and community spaces.

The Planning and Community Development Department is using the feedback from this survey in two main ways: as they talk with potential new businesses and brokers about coming to Billerica; and as they highlight our existing businesses in town. The survey also provided resident input on the tagline that the Department has incorporated into their new logo which will be debuting in the next few weeks.

Local Food Truck Spotlight

The Town has issued over a dozen Mobile Food / Canteen Truck licenses this year! Many of these morsels are owned by Billerica’s very own residents and ready to cater any private or corporate event you have!


Souped Up Food
“Not just soup, but souped up food!” They offer globally inspired comfort and street foods, with a constantly changing menu to highlight seasonal and health-focused dishes. This truck has been owned by Billerica residents since 2016. They are frequently found set up at Oak & Iron Brewery in Andover on Thursdays, at Carlson’s Orchard in Harvard during summer and fall, and at many other events! Find their schedule and book the truck (or their full-service catering, Above the Clouds) through their webpage. For the foreseeable future, they plan to stay in Billerica!
https://soupedupfood.com

Polish Prince Pierogi
These handmade pierogis descend from a 100yr old secret family recipe, and the Prince fills it with traditional fillings as well as modern creations. Recently, they celebrated March Madness with a Sweet 16 fillings bracket, where social media followers have voted on head-to-head challenges. Buffalo Chicken, Honey Hot Chicken, and Sausage made the Final Four, and the Winner is Potato and Cheese! Try all their flavors by finding their truck at nearby farmer’s markets or by picking up directly from their commissary kitchen at Browns Corner.
https://www.polishprince.com

What the Fork
What the Fork has a funny name with a serious menu! Their truck can be found at private catering events serving fine Italian food or popped up streetside for some juicy smash burgers. They’ve recently made the move to a “brick and mortar” restaurant location of their own, in the heart of Billerica, and should be opening soon. Until then, their truck is out front most evenings. Follow their social media to know when to make your next burger run!
https://www.facebook.com/whattheforkcateringbillerica 

Augusta’s Chicken on the Run
Most Billerica residents will tell you all about Augusta’s being a local success story. For more than 30 years, Augusta’s has served Billerica and the surrounding towns and took “the best damned chicken…ever” on the road in 2012. They still have two “Cluck Trucks” they use, which you can track on their social media.

https://www.facebook.com/ChickenontheRoad
Puffy Clouds
The Puffy Clouds party carts have redefined classic carnival confections like cotton candy, popcorn, and churros. Started during the Covid-19 pandemic, it has since grown into a multi-state, multi-cart resource for all sorts of social events like birthday parties, weddings, and corporate / branding events. Book them for your next event at https://www.puffy-clouds.com.
Did you know…The Town of Billerica has Economic Development resources on its webpage at https://www.town.billerica.ma.us/256/Business-Resources
Please fill out this form if you’d like to be added to the newsletter subscriber list: www.town.billerica.ma.us/EcDev-newsletter-signup

Maugel DeStefano Designs Healthcare Expansion for Woburn Pediatrics & Psychological Services

Maugel DeStefano Architects has completed the design of the 20,000 SF medical office expansion at Woburn Pediatrics Associates and Woburn Pediatric Psychological Services in Woburn, Mass.  Located at 7 Alfred Street, the renovation will increase capacity to 42 fully accessible exam rooms and 9 behavioral health treatment rooms. The expanded facility enables the practices to meet the growing demand for pediatric patient services in Woburn and the surrounding area. 

Maugel DeStefano worked as a strategic advisor to Woburn Pediatrics throughout the planning and site evaluation process. After a thorough analysis, Woburn Pediatrics elected to remain at the Alfred Street location and build-out additional space on the 2nd and 3rd floors. The Pediatric Psychological Services suite, currently located on the 1st floor, will relocate to newly renovated space on the 2nd floor. The move allows for better connection and communication between both offices, while maintaining a private waiting room and treatment rooms for behavioral health patients and their families.

Exceptional patient care is the highest priority for Woburn Pediatrics. To ensure the new healthcare suites fully meet the needs of patients, families, and staff, Maugel DeStefano conducted a comprehensive survey to gain insight into each user group’s requirements. Survey recommendations were then incorporated into the redesign of the medical suites, creating a welcoming, vibrant, and functional environment tailored for all ages.

Read the Full Press Release

Lowell High 2023 Career Speaker Week – recruiting local career professionals


MAKE AN IMPACT ON LOWELL KIDS – VOLUNTEER FOR LOWELL HIGH’S CAREER SPEAKER WEEK!

Lowell High & Project LEARN are teaming up for Lowell High’s 4th Annual Career Speaker Week to bring local professionals from all industries to share their stories and inspire the next generation of Lowell students.

More details below 👇

___________________________________

WHEN: Week of March 6th – 10th 

WHERE: Lowell High School @ 50 Father Morissette Blvd, Lowell, MA

PARKING: There is street parking available on Kirk St. (one-way street) and Central Street. We are also a short walk from the public parking at the John Street Garage and Leo A. Roy Garage.

VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES

We’re seeking volunteers to speak with students about their career and educational path. Our goal is to help students gain more knowledge and insight on what their future can look like!

Career speaker time slots are for 50 minute class periods (speaking time is about ~30 to 40 minutes). By completing this form, you are committing to attending at least 1 time slot.

No speaking experience required. Zoom Volunteer Orientation will be provided 1st week of March 2023.QUESTIONS?

Contact Program Director, Mira Bookman ([email protected])

NMCOG: Envision 2050 Focus Groups & Survey


The Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG) is developing a Long-Range Regional Transportation Plan called Envision 2050. As a part of that, we are conducting a public engagement process to understand and identify transportation needs in our region.  Envision 2050 is our comprehensive vision for the future of transportation in the NMCOG region. By projecting and planning for anticipated growth over 30 years, this plan will establish a foundation for cost-effective, energy-efficient, and equitable transportation options for all users. Over the next year, NMCOG staff are working directly with the constituents and city/town staff of Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Lowell, Pepperell, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, and Westford to develop our Envision 2050 Plan. Through a comprehensive evaluation of transportation services and community engagement, NMCOG will publish a report for the public. 

Northern Middlesex Council of Government (NMCOG) is embarking on Envision 2050 Long-Range Regional Transportation Plan, our comprehensive vision for the future of transportation in our region. Please take the Envision 2050 survey to help shape the future of transportation in our region. For more information on the plan, visit Envision 2050 website. Should you require assistance or have any questions related to this survey, or the transportation planning process, please contact the NMCOG office at 978‐454‐8021 or contact Justin Howard at [email protected].

  •        Envision 2050 Pedestrian/Bicyclist Focus Group: Virtual, January 17, 2023, 12 pm – 1 pm: Register here.
  •       Envision 2050 Transit Focus Group: Virtual, January 19, 2023, 12 pm – 1 pm: Register here.

Middlesex 3 Members McMahon Associates, Inc. Merges with Bowman Company.

Bowman expects the McMahon acquisition to initially contribute approximately $28 million of annualized transportation infrastructure-related net service billing and be immediately accretive. Structured as a stock purchase with a joint election under Section 338(h)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code, the $18.5 million acquisition price was financed with a combination of cash, seller notes and approximately 477,000 shares of restricted common stock of Bowman subject to a six-month lock-up agreement. Determination of the final acquisition cost is subject to customary post-closing purchase price accounting. 

“McMahon is well respected throughout the transportation field and will be an outstanding addition to our firm,” said Gary Bowman, CEO of Bowman. “Their leadership and team of consummate professionals bring tremendous value to our staff, our clients and our shareholders. As we have gotten to know McMahon’s business, we have become highly confident that this complementary combination will have a long-term positive impact that will be much greater than the sum of the parts.”

“The array of transportation services we can collectively provide our clients will continue to grow as client needs dictate, while we continue to deliver on our commitment to personalized attention on every project,” added Bowman. “The addition of McMahon will provide a broad platform from which to continue growing our share of the transportation market throughout the nation. We are just getting started on our 2022 acquisition program and I am pleased that we continue to deliver on our commitment to strategic growth initiative in such a meaningful way. Everyone at Bowman joins me in welcoming the employees, clients and business partners of McMahon.”

“For over 45 years, McMahon has specialized in delivering forward-looking transportation, planning, engineering and technology solutions to our clients”, said Joseph DeSantis, President and CEO of McMahon. “Our success is the result of the commitment and dedication of our employees, many of whom have been with the firm for most of their professional careers. Bowman is a well-established and culturally compatible firm with services that are complementary to ours. By joining up with Bowman we gain access to new resources and technologies that allow for an even greater investment in the delivery of innovative transportation solutions to our clients while continuing to offer the same personal attention and trusted relationships our clients have come to expect from us.”

“This partnership between McMahon and Bowman highlights the alignment of our cultures, our focus on growth and opportunity for our people, and our combined entrepreneurial spirit,” added DeSantis.  “McMahon has always been thankful for our clients and committed to contributing to our communities. We look forward to continuing in this fashion with Bowman’s first-rate organization.”

“This is our second acquisition in 2022 and is a significant step toward our stated goal of acquiring $75 million of annualized net revenue this year,” said Bruce Labovitz, Bowman’s CFO. “The addition of McMahon nearly triples our transportation infrastructure business which will, over time, meaningfully impact our composition of revenue by market. While the acquisition is within our target multiple range, we believe McMahon’s operating margins will benefit from being part of Bowman and ultimately improve the effective multiple. As is our practice, we will provide more detailed information on our M&A activities and communicate updates to guidance in connection with scheduled quarterly communications.”

About McMahon Associates, Inc.

Since 1976, McMahon has specialized in delivering a broad array of innovative transportation planning and engineering services to private and public sector clients. The firm has built trusted and lasting relationships by surpassing the expectations of its clients. With over 200 dedicated professionals working out of 15 offices throughout the East Coast, McMahon has the talent, experience, and expertise to take on any transportation challenge. Additional information on McMahon, its team, and its projects can be found at mcmahonassociates.com.

MassEcon: VIDEO SERIES PROMOTING MASSACHUSETTS REGIONS AS HOTSPOTS FOR BUSINESS GROWTH

Northeast Massachusetts, regional, and statewide videos showcase advantages of working and living throughout the Commonwealth 

WATERTOWN, MA – MassEcon, the state’s private sector partner in promoting business growth in Massachusetts, today announced the release of a video series promoting Massachusetts as a place to work and do business.  The videos focus on the five regions of Massachusetts — Northeast, Greater Boston, Southeast, Central, and West — and Massachusetts as a whole.  

Click here to view each region and watch the videos, and click here to watch the statewide video.  

“In no uncertain terms, Massachusetts is a premier location for some of the most significant industries of our age and its regions provide unique opportunities to excel for employers and talented workers alike,” said Peter Abair, Executive Director of MassEcon. “While we are very self-critical in Massachusetts, our state is nonetheless an extraordinary place to live and to do business, offering an exceptional workforce and high quality-of-life.” 

MassEcon developed the videos with support from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development through a Regional Economic Development Organization grant administered by the Middlesex3 Coalition. Each video highlights the advantages of a specific region, showcasing it as a business location as well as a destination for talented workers to pursue a career and families to settle. The promotions will be released in multiple phases with a focus on a variety of audiences. 

“Massachusetts is home to an unparalleled ecosystem of industry, academia, and talent that provides the right environment for companies to thrive,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “MassEcon continues to be a valuable partner helping the Commonwealth put our best foot forward showcasing Massachusetts as the best place to do business.” 

The videos were developed after receiving input from national and global site selection consultants and in consultation with MassEcon’s many regional partners throughout the state. Regional partners include Western Mass EDC, Town of Chelmsford, Middlesex3 Coalition, Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, Visit North Central Mass, Town of Mansfield, MetroSouth Chamber of Commerce, and the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. Path8 Productions produced the videos, and Lauren Perna Communications is helping promote them.  

Later this month, MassEcon will be launching videos that highlight the thriving industries across the Commonwealth.  

About MassEconMassEcon’s mission is to promote and champion Massachusetts as the best place to start, grow and locate a business. Built upon a robust network of corporate and civic members, MassEcon convenes public and private sector leaders of industry to create an inclusive business ecosystem that enhances job growth across a diverse talent pool; promotes investment in all communities; expands equitable opportunities throughout the Commonwealth.  

CONTACT:     

ANNIE O’CONNELL, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR 

[email protected] 

DIA’s New Workplace Safety Grant Applications Open

You might be eligible to receive a Workplace Safety Grant!

Administered by the Office of Safety within the Division of Industrial Accidents (DIA), Massachusetts-based and operating businesses in good standing can submit a Workplace Safety Training Grant application of up to $25k per grant.

Applications are due August 31st, 2022. 

workplace safety grant

MOBD District Map

EDIP and Vacant Store Front Applications are Now Online

The state’s Economic Development Incentive Program is now fully online!

All 5 applications, Preliminary Application, Supplemental Application (sent pre-populated to appropriate companies), Local incentive Only Application, Vacant Storefront District, and Vacant Storefront Project can now be accessed via Massachusetts Office of Business Development | Mass.gov or Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) | Mass.gov

The Preliminary and Local Only Applications can be found on this page:

Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) | Mass.gov

The Vacant Storefront Applications are located here:

Massachusetts Vacant Storefronts Program (MVSP) | Mass.gov

A friendly reminder of application deadlines: Preliminary Applications were due to your MOBD Regional Director by COB on July 13th. All other applications and associated paperwork from the municipality will be due by COB on August 17th.