By Norman Halls, contributor to The Westfield News
There is a greater need for education to be involved with local businesses and the possibility of new businesses coming into the community. “Investing in education and skills has long been considered a key driver of economic growth” According to Hawkes Ugur report: “Evidence of the relationship between education, skills and economic growth”. It is well established that improvements in education are essential with long-term improvements in economic performance. In many cases, there has been innovation from education situations improving the capacity that stimulates the economy with new development and technologies with ground-breaking businesses. With new technology businesses bring all types of needed skills.
In the Worcester Business Journal, June 2014 wrote: “Education has long been called ‘the great equalizer’ in the United States”. “There is a strong link connecting education and economic development in a community”, said Dr. Phil Pepper in the Mississippi Business Journal. In the column it says: “knowing what must be done and doing it is always challenging”. In recent years, educational leaders, colleges and local school systems, have been involved in some form that has contributed to the area communities businesses in new technology proficiency. That is needed to draw new businesses to the community.
A number of foreign countries participate in an education/business partnership. Especially in European countries, where colleges assist in research for new products, product material, improving performance and training. Michigan State University, Eli Broad College of Business has a number of centers and institutes that partner with corporations and the community on research and other projects. Public technical schools could pursue a similar program that may offset the cost of some programs.
Advanced manufacturing, large or small, is critical to expand the economy in any community and retain skilled employees. Having a foundation in any community as manufacturing has closely ties to other sectors, i.e. health care advancement, energy independence, security, environmental sustainability, and transportation. There are many benefits to having an airport in your community, especially when there is Federal unit like the Air Guard that stationed at the airport, with unit like the Air Guard that maintains the runways.
As we know, many companies are shifting away from the suburban areas. In the last U.S. census, almost two-thirds (64%) of college-educated 25 to 34 year olds said they looked for a job after they chose the city where they wanted to live. Western Massachusetts has a lot to offer any young person and adults. There are the best educational programs that anyone would want. If one is looking for entertainment, there are many in the four seasons. There are many activities from skiing, hunting, museums, hall of fames, Tanglewood, great performances at colleges and universities. Suburban settings have more to offer and must be marketed that way.
