3 recognized for contributions to local economy

NEW BEDFORD – Three organizations were recognized for their contributions to the economic development of the region by the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce last week.

Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care, the New Bedford Regional Airport and the Bristol Community College/Higher Education Partners LLC received awards during the Chamber’s 125th annual meeting and business luncheon on Nov. 17.

“These businesses, through their investment, have created or retained jobs, improved the general appearance of the community and generated economic growth throughout the Greater New Bedford Area.”

The Chamber highlighted Southcoast for opening a 56,000-square-foot, $60 million facility in Fairhaven – a project that created 40 new permanent jobs and 250 temporary construction jobs.

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The airport was honored for its economic impact – generating more than $26.6 million in the local economy with its 14,000 passengers annually, a news release said. It also has a $17.4 million reconstruction project underway, involving the expansion of the safety aprons on both ends of the airport’s primary runway to increase the main runway length to 5,400 linear feet, and other projects.

Bristol Community College and Higher Education Partners were recognized for partnering on the year-old eHealth Careers Initiative, offering a hybrid – online and onsite – education. In 2012, $500,000 will be spent to add nursing to the program, a news release said.

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