It's never been a better time to think about investing in a solid market like Plymouth, Mass.

What recession? With over 40 projects already planned and in the development pipeline, Plymouth is bouncing back early from the recent economic downturn with promising opportunities for all types of development. It's never been a better time to think about investing in a solid market like Plymouth Massachusetts. For nearly 400 years since the landing of the Pilgrims, Plymouth has been a destination for growing companies looking to take advantage of the extraordinary surroundings and a well trained workforce while being within a short commuting distance from major metropolitan areas like Boston and Providence. To entice quality business relocation and investments we are offering local and state incentive packages to jumpstart development in 2010. Our real estate development programs through the Plymouth Regional Economic Development Foundation office has worked for the past ten years in facilitating hundreds of millions of dollars of development projects which have created thousands of new jobs in the process. This one stop, one point of contact economic development effort has been instrumental in dealing directly with brokers, developers, business owners and investors looking to call the Plymouth area home for their next venture. Plymouth has long been known for its historical attributes and scenic vistas as well as for its superior quality of life in America's oldest community just 35 miles south of Boston. But Plymouth is also known as one of the premier business locations for many corporate office headquarters, entertainment and tourist destinations as well as many retail power centers. In addition we are also home to a number of the country's most recognized smart growth developments. They include projects all across the spectrum from golf and retirement communities to our newly permitted site for the motion picture and film industry set in a village concept on 240 acres. As part of our effort to showcase Plymouth opportunities for development and investment we hope that you can join us for a 55 mile town-wide bus tour of over 40 developments in various stages. They will include residential, commercial, office, medical and industrial projects throughout the Town of Plymouth. Our all inclusive tour will start and end with the Commonwealth's first approved 40-R smart growth development known as Cordage Park and the Cordage Commerce Center. This former mill complex stands today as one of Plymouth's and the state's most active and successful adaptive reuse project of a former manufacturing mill complex. With over 2,000 employees on this waterfront site and direct access to commuter rail and Plymouth Harbor, this project has all the ingredients for success. Also included in the tour and our only pit stop for the three hours is the HGTV Green Home located in the Pinehills community. The Pinehills is a 3,000 acre community which has over 3,000 homes planned, 1.3 million s/f of commercial development as well as 3 championship golf courses. Shoring up the tour will be many pockets of development and infill development opportunities throughout our industrial and commercial areas as well as throughout our 5 quaint New England style villages. Each village center serves as a service area for the residents throughout the town. Due to the sheer size of Plymouth with over 103 square miles, each one of these rural service delivery areas becomes a key component for amenities and offerings to local residents. Plymouth currently has over 58,000 residents but that population swells during the summer months to about 87,000 due to vacationers and seasonal residents. Predictions on future growth and population have Plymouth reaching 100,000 residents in the next 20 years. With 30 miles of coastline, 11 golf courses and 150 miles of recreational hiking and biking trails, Plymouth stands as a true destination for any recreational enthusiast, business owner or resident. With over 20,000 available acres in the Town left to develop, Plymouth has many opportunities for years to come with both development and redevelopment projects. Our broker assisted real estate assistance program can help you find the right opportunities for all of your business needs. Plymouth has predominantly 3 industries which drive its economy. Number one being tourism with over a million visitors a year, then financial and service related industries coming in a close second and third. This very diverse industry mix makes Plymouth a unique community with much to offer developers in those key industry sectors for many years to come. We hope that you can join us on this exciting economic development tour and learn about the many things Plymouth has to offer. Denis Hanks is the executive director of the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce and the Plymouth Regional Economic Development Foundation, Plymouth, Mass.