Brockton - From shoe city to ... food city? school city? or healthcare city?

Brockton has a long proud history. Founded as an agricultural community, it soon found the production of shoes as its claim to fame. Now, food producers, food processors and food distributors are increasingly making Brockton their home. With its central location, skilled labor, infrastructure and business friendly policies Brockton businesses now produce everything from ribbon candy to smoked salmon. Thousands of food items are made in Brockton and distributed throughout the United States and internationally each day. In addition, Brockton has many new schools, from kindergarten to college. Brockton is home to Trinity Catholic Academy, a new model for Catholic education throughout New England. This $12 million academy joins three new public elementary schools and will soon be joined by two more in 2008. SABIS International School has also recently announced the addition of a Brockton campus to serve the entire Metro South Region. Massasoit Community College, Bridgewater State College, The University of Massachusetts, Eastern Nazarene, and Stonehill College all have a strong presence in the community. The addition of a new Education Collaborative is also well on its way. Healthcare is Brockton's leading industry and accounts for its highest employment by sector. The new $18 million Neighborhood Health Center opened recently and joins Brockton Hospital, Caritas Good Samaritan Hospital, Bridgewater Goddard Medical Center, The VA Hospital and nearby New England Sinai Hospital to make the city and region a destination for exceptional medical care. Brockton's diversified industry base and strong commitment to education and workforce development position it for continued success. With desalinated water beginning to flow in the spring of 2008 and transit oriented development continuing to transform the neighborhoods around Brockton's three rail stations the future has never looked brighter, even when shoe's in Brockton, were the talk of the town. Christopher Cooney is president and CEO of Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Brockton, Mass.