9.13.2021
Staff Contribution
As summer turns to fall, we hope you’re well and gearing up for the Red Sox in the playoffs and the Pats first home game.
Just as exciting for us, is sharing the news that the New Bedford Ocean Cluster recently established itself as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.
The NBOC’s mission is to leverage New Bedford’s coastal position, marine knowledge base, and landside capacity to drive employment and wealth creation in Greater New Bedford. This will be accomplished through a dynamic approach to targeted business recruitment, the creation of unique economic infrastructure, workforce development, and support for homegrown ocean economy companies.
The NBOC will enhance the port’s existing strengths in maritime industries while advancing new programs, start-ups, and technology partnerships with a primary focus in four different industry areas. These four industry areas include: commercial fishing and processing, aquaculture, offshore renewables, and the innovation & technology sector.
To read the full press release regarding the NBOC incorporation, please click here.
In addition to this news, the NBOC also announced its partnership with Vineyard Wind
for the launch of Act Local, a program designed to maximize the positive economic impacts of the Vineyard Wind 1 project in the greater New Bedford region by encouraging local business participation in the offshore wind industry.
The Act Local Program, facilitated by global energy consultancy Xodus, is a streamlined matchmaking system designed to connect local businesses with offshore wind opportunities. It seeks to take major Requests for Proposals issued by original equipment manufacturers and Tier 1 companies, and break them down into well-defined work scopes using common language, allowing local companies to more easily self-identify as potential bidders, and to recognize work scopes that relate to their product/service offerings.
“Vineyard Wind is a true partner in the economic growth in the region,” said John Bullard, NBOC President. “This innovative approach of directly connecting suppliers with opportunities highlights not only the strength of our local companies but the commitment of Vineyard Wind to the region.”
To read the full press release, please click here.
