The Old Colony Crossroads Collaborative

 

 

 

 

Here in the fastest growing region in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the cities and towns on the southernmost part of I-495 and the crossroads of Rtes 24 and 44 anchor a regional economy with great potential for further expansion. Bridgewater State University has worked economic development practioners and other stakeholders to help the region realize its promise.

The Old Colony Crossroads Collaborative (OCCC, www.oldcolonycrossroadscollaborative.org) is a new, regional economic development initiative targeting 28 communities and numerous organizations from across this region. OCCC is ready to respond to recent state legislation (Mass General laws chapter 23A Sections 3J and 3K) aimed at supporting regionally-based efforts to spark economic prosperity through attracting, growing and retaining business.

Currently the OCCC includes a number of city and towns and trusted organizations such as regional planning organizations and chambers of commerce. The OCCC will work for the region by

• Engaging in collaborative marketing efforts that promote a regional identity
• Meeting regularly to share information and work on mutually beneficial projects
• Acting as a regional contact for businesses seeking assistance from state or local governments, especially  those seeking to locate or expand in the OCCC region
• Collaborating to inventory  local and regional development parcels
• Building a network of public and private expertise related to regional assets, industry clusters, workforce and education opportunities, and public tax and regulatory incentive and capital access programs.

For more information, contact OCCC Coordinator Dr. Diana Jennings at diana.jennings@bridgew.edu

Last Modified: December 20, 2010