VOLUME 12, NO. 3     MAY 1999

Economic summit builds community

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Carol Browner and Representative James McGovern at the 1998 Central Massachusetts Economic Summit.

n December, WPI hosted the 1998 Central Massachusetts Economic Summit. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Rep. James P. McGovern, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Carol Browner and nearly 400 government, higher education and business leaders came to Alden Memorial to launch a cooperative relationship between the federal government, local communities and businesses, educational institutions and other organizations to improve the economy and the environment. During the summit, President Edward Alton Parrish, Kennedy, McGovern, Browner and several other key attendees signed the Central Massachusetts Regional Compact as a statement of their pledge to that relationship.

"The strength of our high-tech and manufacturing industries and the significant growth in the small business sector have been powerful forces contributing to the creation of new jobs," said Kennedy. "Wise investments in jobs and job training and education are essential for our continued economic prosperity."

"We are finding ways-in partnerships with businesses, communities, environmentalists and government at all levels-to meet [public health] standards in cost-effective, common sense, market-based ways," remarked Browner, who noted the connection between a strong economy and a healthy environment.

Parrish had high praise for the initiative. "Today, as in the past," he said, "WPI remains committed to promoting the strength and vitality of the region. Business partnership is an important part of WPI's history."