Regional Councils in Massachusetts to Spur Job Growth

Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney recently announced a plan to spur job growth in the state by tapping the expertise of area business, community and education leaders through Regional Competitiveness Councils. Six such councils will represent the Berkshires, Cape and Islands, Central, Northeast, Pioneer Valley and the Southeast regions of the state. The Greater Boston area, due its size and diversity, will be approached on a cluster basis by working through existing technology-focused organizations, such as the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council.

Each of the six councils is comprised of about 25 members from fields ranging from financial services and health care to manufacturing and tourism. In addition, key elected officials have been named as ex-officio members. The councils have been charged with a set of first tasks to perform, including:

• Conducting an in-depth analysis of their region's economic climate;
• Assessing local abilities to attract new companies;
• Identifying which companies and jobs are currently at risk; and,
• Devising a strategy to turn a region's resources – human capital, infrastructure and financial investments – into the greatest economic opportunity.

Governor Romney said in a press statement he would use the blueprint the councils develop to market each region's strengths, promoting economic development.

Each council is expected to convene its first meeting by mid-March. A complete list of each council's respective chair and members is available through the governor's website: http://mass.gov/portal/index.jsp?pageID=aghome&agid=gov