Urban Studies and Planning Commons^™

The Film Industry Cluster Development Recommendations For Western Massachusetts, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

California is home to the world's largest movie clusters. It grew out of the need to extend beyond New York's confined environment. The opportunities that lay ahead were carefully planned and exploited. For Western Massachusetts to learn from this example it will have to discover a niche that can be marketed as truly worthy of attracting businesses away from established clusters. This will require a top-down approach from government bodies to ensure that a successful cluster fits wit the New England lifestyle. Current opportunities exist within factory towns that have available old mill buildings and infrastructure. Unfortunately the establishment of …

Impacts Of Decreased Military Spending In Western Massachusetts Communities: Some Preliminary Considerations, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The following report addresses how the current changes in defense spending will impact communities in Western Massachusetts. It is evident that military spending will continue to decrease. This decrease, combined with the overall decrease in manufacturing industries is having an adverse impact on many communities. The degree of impact and how to offset, or respond to these changes is a concern of many community planners, and is the subject of this report. The information contained in this report is useful for local planners and citizens who may not necessarily have a background in regional economics or industrial development or military …

Business Matchmaking Feasibility Study - Just Find The Right Fit: Western Massachusetts, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This study explores the feasibility of a business matchmaking program for Western Massachusetts focusing on import substitution. Business matchmaking programs currently operate throughout the U.S.A. and Canada. Their goal is to retain capital in the area and develop the area's economy by linking local businesses to each other, and with national and global markets. Twelve operating programs were investigated and assessed for their adaptability to the Western Massachusetts context. Area businesses and economic experts were interviewed to determine if a similar program would work here.

From the twelve program models examined, four were selected as being the most applicable, and …