Shovel ready opportunities - the Commonwealth's plan to boost dev.

Where will the next development opportunities be, and what is the Commonwealth doing to help? Find out at this "ground-breaking" program, presented in partnership with AAREP-New England and featuring a diverse group of professionals representing state, local, and industry perspectives: *Keynote speaker Dan O'Connell, secretary of housing and economic development, will kick off the discussion with a look at the state's current economic picture and the administration's plans to help, including efforts to make development more attractive throughout the Commonwealth. *Bob Culver, president and CEO of MassDevelopment will give an overview of the state's Gateway Cities, areas where affordable housing, growing population centers, and new businesses are creating exciting new development opportunities. *Young Park, president of Berkeley Investments, will then share his own experiences as a major developer in one of these communities, discussing the challenges and benefits of development outside of Rte. 128. Before and after the program, representatives from many of the state's gateway cities will be on hand to discuss their "shovel-ready" sites and other opportunities for development. Learn more about "shovel-ready" sites and other opportunities for development during a special trade show before and after the program, featuring representatives from the following cities: Brockton, Fall River, Haverhill, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Springfield, and Worcester. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn what is in store for development throughout the Commonwealth in 2009. Held Wednesday, February 4th, at the Hyatt Regency Boston, One Avenue de Lafayette. registration and trade show begins at 7:15, the program runs from 8:00-9:15 a.m., followed by trade show from 9:15-9:45 am. Cost is $55 for NAIOP and AAREP-NE members, $70 for employees of NAIOP member firms, and $85 for non-members. To register or for more information, visit www.naiopma.org or call Pauline Rand at 781-453-6900 x4.