Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts visited Haverhill in April to announce that the City is the first of 16 regional "growth districts" designed to be magnets for new business development. The "regional growth districts" are key to the Governor’s long-term economic development strategy for the State. The districts are targeted for older mill towns and cities near highways or other transportation. Thumbnail image: 

Lawrence can be the global leader in green jobs creation. It is ideally suited for the challenge.

Three cheers for the Valley Patriot on it's 5th Anniversary.  This upstart is creating a platform for new voices to be heard throughout the Merrimack Valley.  One of those new voices is us, writers of the Innovation Valley column.  For the past three years our column has been a regular feature and we are grateful. As readers of the Innovation Column know, it's goal is to highlight the world's leading initiatives for municipal business development and quality-of-life improvements.  Every month we report on a program that provides opportunities for the Merrimack Valley.

Michitson makes regional economic development presentation to the Haverhill City Council.

[Download PDF version as it appeared in the October issue of Valley Patriot] Imagine an Olympics of urban foresight and sustainability. How would Merrimack Valley cities do? Gold? Silver? Bronze? Honorable Mention? We may soon find out. Thumbnail image: