August 22, 2005

ROMNEY PUSHES FOR STATE MARKETING TEAM TO HELP CREATE JOBS

CHICOPEE – In an effort to keep Massachusetts-based companies adding jobs and to attract new companies to the Commonwealth, Governor Mitt Romney encouraged the legislature to beef up funding for the state’s sales and marketing efforts.

At Prima North America in the Chicopee River Technology Park, Romney said the state needs to do a better job of marketing to companies in Massachusetts as well as those outside the state to continue the trend of job growth. Massachusetts has had 11 consecutive months of job growth, dating back to September 2004.

"We need to send a clear message to companies in Massachusetts that we want them to grow and add jobs here," said Romney. "We can’t sit around while other states actively recruit our companies to move away. Aggressive marketing efforts will keep more jobs here and will attract companies that want to move to Massachusetts."

Romney’s economic stimulus package calls for $2 million to boost the state’s sales and marketing efforts. The House version of economic stimulus includes $1.5 million for the creation of a state sales force.

"I applaud the Governor’s efforts to keep companies growing and adding jobs in Massachusetts," said Dr. Paolo Cigna, president of Prima North America, a premier provider of lasers and laser systems for the aerospace and automotive industries. "Prima employs 90 people and plans to expand and continue adding jobs in Chicopee. I look forward to seeing more companies move into our Technology Park as a result of the Governor’s efforts to attract new firms."

The Chicopee River Technology Park opened in 2000 and is located in both Chicopee and Springfield. The state invested $4 million in infrastructure improvements and pre-permitted the site for construction of industrial facilities. The park is seeking to attract high technology and life sciences firms.

"The Technology Park is an ideal location for the types of companies the Governor would like to attract to Massachusetts," said Chicopee Mayor Richard Goyette. "Like many cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth, Chicopee wants to bring in more companies that provide long-term employment opportunities. Let’s give the state the resources it needs to bring more companies into Massachusetts."

"My colleagues in the State House understand the importance of marketing Massachusetts to create jobs," said Sen. Brian Lees of East Longmeadow. "Cities like Springfield and many of its surrounding communities want more companies to move here and bring the jobs that come with it. This area certainly has the talent, but the state needs to do its part to attract the companies."

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