Denis Hanks - Plymouth Regional Economic Development Foundation is the South Shore's "one stop shop"

Destination, Plymouth In the ever changing world of economic development and small business assistance in today's economy one thing remains clear. Businesses looking to expand, relocate or train employees want to deal with one contact, receive confidential professional assistance and not get the usual run around for economic development assistance. Time is money when it comes to investigating new locations and possible incentives related to a company move. Even more importantly once that move is made how does your company cope with changes that are inevitable with settling into a new facility. Luckily for businesses seeking the Plymouth area as a new destination. Combinations of services are available all under one roof. The South Shore's "one stop shop" for business assistance is conveniently located at 134 Court St. This business center features all the ingredients to make your business venture a success. For starters, a business looking to locate to the Plymouth area can seek free and confidential assistance from the Plymouth Regional Economic Development Foundation Inc., a nonprofit economic development agency operating in Plymouth for the past decade. They have successfully facilitated hundreds of millions of dollars in development projects and location incentives for businesses. From identifying a new site for lease or for sale to hiring qualified employees, the foundation prides itself on its one on one personal service. Need financing, permitting assistance, employee training? The foundation works cohesively with other federal, state and local organizations to identify the programs and services you need and deliver results. In addition to the previously mentioned economic development services the business center in Plymouth also offers a number of programs in partnership with the Regional Chamber of Commerce. The Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce supports 10 communities throughout the South Shore from Marshfield to Plymouth. The synergy between the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce and the foundation provides a seamless delivery of services to meet all business needs from A to Z. This 800 member business organization not only strengthens the South Shore business community with programs and services but also advocates on your behalf for many small business legislative issues. Workforce development support and other key industry specific initiatives are all components of this partnerships program of work. In 2010 alone over 1,200 small businesses and their employees utilized the business center for training programs and workshops directly related to specific business needs. Marketing, social media training, financing, business planning, grant writing, customer service training and sales training all topped the list of free or low cost training provided by the chamber and the foundation. This effort could not be successful without a number of strategic partners to deliver training and programs that meet the everyday needs of the business community. When you enter the business center you can take advantage of a whole menu of services from our partners such as: * The Mass. Small Business Development Center and SCORE who provide one on one small business counseling to meet any business need regardless of size or industry. * Destination Plymouth and the Plymouth County Convention & Visitors Bureau who offer tourism assistance, group tour planning, lodging and many other group conference related programs. * Massasoit Community College, a strategic higher education training partner of the Business Education Center offering certificate and non credit training. Need to meet and network with your peers? That's a given when you are a member of the chamber and participate and with the hundreds of businesses that meet monthly under the auspice of the chamber. Business Network International also meets weekly at the business center. All of these programs and more can be found at www.plymouthareabusinesscenter.com Join us June 15 for the real estate/economic development tour Developers, investors, brokers and other real-estate professionals, save the date. The foundation and the chamber will be hosting its annual economic development bus tour in the Plymouth area. Last year 2 bus loads of over 100 local professionals joined us for a 3 hour tour which highlighted major development projects in various phases. Over 35 residential and commercial development projects were highlighted in Plymouth alone showcasing hundreds of housing units and hundreds of acres of developable commercial/industrial land. This tour is a real estate familiarization tour you can't afford to miss. The cost is $25 which includes continental breakfast and lunch as well as a full briefing handbook related to your tour. Reservations are needed and seating is limited so contact us at 508-830-1620 to reserve your seat today. Denis Hanks is the executive director of the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce and the Plymouth Regional Economic Development Foundation, Plymouth, Mass.