Boston, Mass. (November 23, 2005) – MAED presented awards to organizations making significant positive impacts on Massachusetts’ economy at its Second Annual Team Massachusetts Economic Impact Awards Luncheon. Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, the event’s keynote speaker, praised those honored: “Today’s nominees have contributed significantly to the economic vitality of the Commonwealth through job creation, financial investment and community involvement.”

The Economic Impact Awards honor organizations from each of the five regions of the state (Southeast, West, Central, Northeast, and Greater Boston). Three Economic Booster Awards were also presented. More than 380 industry leaders attended the luncheon ceremony, held at the Sheraton Boston Hotel.The Economic Impact Awardees are:

Western Region Northeast Region
- Interprint in Pittsfield - Straumann in Andover
Central Region Boston Region
- Intel Massachusetts in Hudson - Merck Research Laboratories in Boston
Southeast Region
- DuPuy Orthopaedics in Raynham

Finalists included: Interprint and Kleer Lumber, both of the western region of MA; Cytyc Corporation and Wilson Language Training, both of central Massachusetts; Blount Seafood and Checon Corporation, both of the southeast region of Massachusetts; Cell Signaling Technology and Goodrich, both of the northeast region of Massachusetts; and First Marblehead Corporation, TechTarget, and The Mathworks, all of the greater Boston region.

The event also featured Economic Booster Awards selected by MAED’s Executive Committee. The Economic Booster Awardees were selected based upon the overall economic impact of the organization outside of the criteria set forth for the Economic Impact awards. The three Economic Booster Awardees are:

• Statewide Strategic Asset Award – Massachusetts Defense Technology Initiative
• Regional Economic Impact Award – Abbott Bioresearch Center
• City Revitalization Award – City of Lowell

Susan Houston, MAED’s Executive Director said, “Congratulations to all of the honoree organizations from across Massachusetts that have been recognized today. It is wonderful to see a variety of industries investing in operations in each region of the state. Business growth is alive and well in Massachusetts, and MAED is proud to be on the forefront of promoting Massachusetts as a business location.”

MAED’s services focus on providing decision-support to companies considering locating or expanding within Massachusetts. They include a Site Finder Service, Research & Information Service, Ambassadors program and www.massecon.com. Straumann, Sun Microsystems, Merck, Novartis, and Erie Plastics are among the companies MAED has helped locate here. Over the past 12 years, MAED’s work has resulted in over 32,000 jobs retained or attracted to Massachusetts.