Some companies are starting to increase their exports, others are making efforts to broaden their client base domestically; in both cases, the companies are targeting non-English speaking customers.

As of late, Ray Michaels, Marketing Director at Localization, LLC Translations Boston points out that there has been an increase in demand for translation of medical equipment manuals, legal contracts and technical and safety data sheets. "There is a great demand right now for American made services and equipment," says Ray. "Canada, our closest neighbor, is the No 1 importer of American goods and services. South American, Asian and European clients are also buying US made product so when you sell to a foreign country, all the supporting documentation has to be in the language of the country the product is going to."

The greatest demand at Localization, LLC Translations Boston are Spanish and French translations. "Which makes sense," says Ray since Spanish is spoken throughout North and South America and French speaking Canada is only 5 hours away.

When asked about all the available automated translation such as Google Translate and Babel Fish, Mr. Michaels also adds that he doesn't feel translators and language professionals should be threatened by technological advances.

"Translation industry has evolved into a very diverse industry with services that may not come to mind right away when thinking of translation," says Ray. "To begin with, the automated translations have a long way to go in terms of accuracy and language grammar. They haven't yet learned how to decline or conjugate so that's why I always advise our clients to use these tools for personal needs such as translate an email or sentence or two. Do not use it if the translated document will be published or seen by others. It's dangerous because you never know what that machine translation can create: it could be offensive and expletive. Companies spend years building their reputation – machine translation can destroy it in seconds. And machine translations would never learn idioms, jokes and the overall spirit of the written text," adds Ray.

"Let's not forget," continues Michaels, "that translation is not the only service that goes into a project: most of our translation projects require formatting, desktop publishing or localization. In addition, some of the clients look to take their message beyond the written word; that's why Localization, LLC Translations Boston offers such services as transcription of foreign languages, voice over and dubbing."

About Localization, LLC Translations Boston:

Localization, LLC Translations Boston is a full service translation company providing comprehensive translation, localization and multimedia services in over 50 languages.

With offices in Boston, Massachusetts, Localization, LLC Translations Boston are much honored to provide language services to our clients in Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C., San-Francisco, London, Mexico City and Paris to name a few. More information: http://www.localizationllc.com .

Copyright © 2012 MassachusettsNewswire™ and Neotrope®. Massachusetts Newswire is a publication of the Neotrope News Network and a TM of Neotrope.

"As the market shifts to cyber intelligence driven security, many companies are trying to figure out how to effectively target, gather, produce and analyze cyber intelligence," says Bardin. "The training is designed to help clarify the OSINT methods available to target and gather data points used to create actionable information and intelligence."

The SecureWorld Expo conferences are current, subject matter expert focused events where unadulterated, clear and concise cyber security topics are openly discussed. The first conference of 2012 will take place March 28 and 29 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts. SecureWorld Expo also holds conferences in Atlanta, Houston, St. Louis, Dallas, Philadelphia, Detroit, Seattle, Charlotte and the San Francisco Bay area.

The Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative (CNCI) calls for defense against the full spectrum of threats by enhancing U.S. counterintelligence (CI) capabilities and increasing the security of the supply chain for key information technologies. It also requires the strengthening of future cybersecurity environments by expanding cyber education. The Treadstone 71 Cyber Shafarat 2012 online training program combined with SecureWorld Expo supports the initiative with innovative courses that combine theoretical with practical hands on experience.

"Treadstone 71 and SecureWorld Expo are expanding cyber intelligence and CI education and awareness programs and workforce development to integrate CI into all cyber operations and analysis, while increasing employee awareness of the cyber CI threat," indicated Kerry Nelson, Managing Director, SecureWorld Expo. "The training and our conference content directly aligns with the National Counterintelligence Strategy of the United States of America and supports the other programmatic elements of the CNCI."

"The OSINT course is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to building an effective cyber intelligence program," stated Bardin. "Treadstone 71 offers always-on, online courses in cyber intelligence, cyber counterintelligence, cybercrime, cyber warfare doctrine, analysis, and cyber jihadist online methodologies, to name a few."

For more information on SecureWorld Expo, see www.secureworldexpo.com .

About Treadstone 71:

Treadstone 71 ( https://www.treadstone71.com ) a woman and veteran owned small business delivers strategic and trusted advisory services geared towards senior IT and cyber security leadership. Treadstone 71 provides ongoing research and analysis on cyber adversaries using OSINT methods to target, gather, produce, analyze and communicate recommendations and opportunities for clients. Founded in 2002, Treadstone 71 provides subscription-based cyber intelligence services. For more information call (888) 714-0071.

Copyright © 2012 MassachusettsNewswire™ and Neotrope®. Massachusetts Newswire is a publication of the Neotrope News Network and a TM of Neotrope.

In the face of unprecedented fiscal challenges, government needs to be smarter about how it delivers services. Reforms included in the Governor’s budget proposal will drive innovation and implement bold changes to improve accountability and transparency.

The budget invests in Governor Patrick’s four key priorities: growing jobs, closing the achievement gap in our schools, lowering health care costs and ending youth violence by supporting positive youth development.

“Under this budget, Massachusetts will create more jobs, further reduce the cost of health care, bring us closer to closing the achievement gap and build safer communities for our families,” said Governor Patrick. “I look forward to working with the Legislature to advance these strategies, because together we can build a stronger Commonwealth.”

“Massachusetts’ economy is growing, but we are still faced with difficult budget choices,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “Our Administration remains committed to creating more innovative reforms, increasing efficiency in the delivery of services, and providing critical resources for Massachusetts residents as we continue to keep close watch on how we spend taxpayers’ dollars.”

“Our new fiscal reality requires that we change the way government does business,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Jay Gonzalez. “This budget is fiscally responsible, and it builds on the many reforms and efficiency initiatives we have already implemented with new initiatives to achieve better outcomes at lower costs to taxpayers.”

The Governor’s FY13 budget recommendation proposes state spending of $32.3 billion, or a 2.98 percent increase from the current year estimated spending levels. This year-on-year spending growth of $935.9 million is significantly less than originally projected because of significant program reductions, positions eliminations and reforms.

A number of efforts are being made to control the largest cost drivers in the state budget, particularly health care costs. Even with these cost-saving measures, many areas of state government will see flat or reduced funding levels and, in the aggregate, total funding for state government outside of health care, safety net and certain legally-obligated fixed costs will be reduced from FY12 levels.

Supporting Shared Values

Closing the Achievement Gap – The FY13 budget supports many initiatives that will improve Massachusetts schools, move towards closing the achievement gap and preparing every student for success in a global economy. These investments include record-high state aid for K-12 education (Chapter 70) of $4.136 billion, $10 million towards promoting efforts to close the achievement gap in the Commonwealth’s Gateway Cities, and $219 million to community colleges (an increase of $10 million from last year) to support the Governor’s call for reforming the Commonwealth’s community college system to address the skills gap and expand employment opportunity. This budget supports ongoing efforts by the Department of Higher Education to promote reforms and improved outcomes at state campuses through performance incentive funding, and maintains funding for our public campuses. Almost all programs within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) have level or increased funding levels.

Controlling Health Care Costs – Similar to last year, this budget maintains the Commonwealth’s nation-leading universal health care coverage, while preserving benefits and eligibility. The Administration was extremely successful in containing growth in health care costs in FY12 achieving nearly a billion in savings through MassHealth, Commonwealth Care, the Group Insurance Commission (GIC), the Department of Corrections (DOC) and municipal health care reform. The FY13 budget continues the Administration’s commitment to support efforts in innovative procurement and re-contracting strategies, achievements in healthcare reform and the implementation of payment and delivery system reform policies that will enable Massachusetts to achieve state budgetary savings of roughly $730 million.

Job Creation – This budget invests in the Commonwealth’s economy by funding programs that help put people back to work through infrastructure projects, assisting unemployed people with training to attain high-skilled jobs, supporting industries that help create jobs (such as life sciences and tourism) and improving the business climate in Massachusetts by easing burdensome regulations. Under the leadership of Governor Patrick, Massachusetts gained 40,700 jobs in 2011, which is the strongest annual job growth performance for the state since the onset of the recession.

Positive Youth Development and Youth Violence Prevention – The FY13 budget supports many initiatives to provide opportunities for positive youth development and youth violence prevention through summer jobs programs, youth violence prevention funding and targeted services in communities with the greatest demand for intervention. This budget invests $35.5 million in programs related to these efforts, including an investment of at least $8.6 million in summer jobs, $8 million in Senator Charles E. Shannon, Jr. Community Safety Initiative grants and $10 million for Safe and Successful Youth Initiative grants.

Commitment to Municipalities

In keeping with the Patrick-Murray Administration’s commitment to cities and towns, the FY13 budget proposes more than $5.2 billion for local aid, including $4.1 billion for K-12 Chapter 70 education aid – a $145 million increase in state funding to municipalities over FY12, and the highest level of K-12 Chapter 70 aid in history.

The increase in K-12 Chapter 70 aid will fully fund all school districts at foundation levels and ensure that all school districts will receive equal or greater funding than in FY12. Maintaining a strong investment in education is a crucial component of the Patrick-Murray Administration’s efforts to close the achievement gap and to make Massachusetts a global leader in education.

FY 2013 Local Aid funding includes:
•Unrestricted General Government Aid $833.9 million (with the same provision for an additional payment of $65 million should sufficient surplus funds be available for FY12 surplus);
•Chapter 90 Local Road Program $200 million;
•Special Education Circuit Breaker $213 million;
•100% Veterans Homeless Shelter Reimbursement Rate;
•State Owned Land (PILOT) $26.3 million;
•Regional School Transportation $43.5 million;
•Charter School Reimbursement $71.5 million;
•School Food Services Program $5.4 million;
•Municipal Library Aid $6.8 million; and
•Regional Library Local Aid $9.1 million.

Reforms for Future Generations

The Patrick-Murray Administration will continue to use the budget as a vehicle to drive an aggressive reform agenda. Proposed reforms include:
•Local Housing Authorities: Strengthening reporting requirements, establishing a commission to review the governance and management structure, capping executive directors’ salaries at $160,000, in line with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s new salary cap, and tightening rules to address financial transparency and management of the state’s public housing portfolio;
•Homelessness: Investing in a Responsible and Targeted Emergency Shelter and HomeBASE System, as well as investing in Expanded Community-Based Housing utilizing existing DHCD Programs;
•Community Colleges: Giving budget and leadership control to the Board of Higher Education to help meet the Governor’s vision for community colleges to prepare students of all ages for the local job market by providing relevant and affordable education and training;
•Criminal Justice Reforms: Improving the state’s criminal justice continuum from sentencing to incarceration to re-entry with sentencing reform, corrections master plan, unifying parole and probation, and prison closure to gain savings;
•Improving Services for Children, Youth & Families: Focusing on improving access to information and services through a more comprehensive, integrated, coordinated system of care through implementation of CYF Advisory Committee recommendations;
•Government Accountability: Improving performance and transparency; maximizing federal grants; reducing fraud, waste and abuse; and aligning resources to strategic goals and facilitating informed engagement with the public;
•Social Innovation Financing: Performance-driven agreements designed to support innovative approaches to preventative services that achieve better societal outcomes at lower costs to taxpayers; and
•Innovation & Technology: Proposes the appointment of a Government Innovation Officer, Governor’s Council for Innovation, statewide competition for innovative ideas and creative financing for technology improvements to drive technology-supported innovations in government that improve services at lower costs to taxpayers.

Responsible Fiscal Leadership

Once again, the Governor’s budget proposal is structurally balanced and sustainable. The budget minimizes the use of the state’s stabilization fund with a draw of $400 million, which will leave a rainy day fund balance of $1.037 billion at the end of FY13.

The Patrick-Murray Administration’s fiscal management has been recognized by all three rating agencies. In September, Standard and Poor’s upgraded the Commonwealth’s credit rating to AA+, resulting in all three of the state’s credit ratings being just one notch below the highest possible rating and giving the Commonwealth the highest credit ratings in its history.

Under Governor Patrick’s leadership, the Patrick-Murray Administration is the first ever to develop a long-term financial forecast and planning policy, which will be published with the FY13 budget. Long-term financial planning is a best practice, and the Administration is committed to using long-term financial planning to inform the development of structurally balance, sustainable budgets.

The Administration continues to reduce state employee positions. In addition to the nearly 6,000 budgetary positions eliminated since October 2008, the FY13 budget proposes eliminating over 1,100 positions as a result of proposed budget reductions in FY13. This is a net reduction of roughly 300 positions after accounting for increases in certain agencies like the Committee for Public Counsel Services, Department of Transitional Assistance, MassHealth and the State Police. With these reductions, the total state budgetary workforce will have declined by over 9 percent over a four-year period, despite increased demand for state services across a number of state programs.

Managing Tough Choices

In order to preserve key investments, the Administration made difficult choices in many other areas of the budget. These cuts will include:
•$30 million in savings will result from 400 additional layoffs or position eliminations in FY13 across the Executive Branch. This will come on top of the already-reduced head counts across most state agencies;
•A year-on-year reduction of $15 million in budgetary funding will require the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to generate additional revenues and/or curtail services provided through the Registry of Motor Vehicles;
•The closure of the Bay State Correctional Facility in Norfolk will result in $8.9 million in savings. The closure is consistent with sentencing reform, the Administration’s larger Corrections Master Plan and efforts to strengthen the state’s corrections and community supervision programs. Sentencing reform will ensure the savings can be achieved without increasing overcrowding in other facilities;
•$350,000 will be saved by closing the Newburyport shellfish depuration plant, which will eliminate shellfish cleaning services for close to 100 private fishermen;
•$5.5 million in savings from the Department of Developmental Service’s Family Respite and Support benefit, resulting in loss of services for 1,750 families;
•$4 million reduction to local tourist councils;
•$1.5 million reduction to Executive Office of Elder Affair’s Elder Nutrition Program, which will eliminate over 240,000 free or subsidized lunches for seniors provided through the councils on aging. This is a 24 percent reduction in capacity;
•$1.1 million in savings across multiple state agencies in State Office of Pharmacy service reductions;
•Limited funding for low-income child care vouchers, which will result in the growth of the waitlist for families applying for slots for roughly 20,000 to 30,000 families;
•$371,000 reduction to MRC’s Turning 22 programs;
•105 private schools and two public schools would lose their Essential School Health grant, which supports school nurses, because of a $465,000 reduction to the Department of Public Health’s (DPH) School Health account;
•1,200 dental visits for 25,000 developmentally disabled adults would be eliminated due to a $43,000 reduction at DPH; and
•Teenage Pregnancy Prevention receiving $94,000 reduction, resulting in service losses for 1,000 youth.

Other Budget Solutions

This budget includes initiatives to generate limited additional revenues, including:
•$61.5 million from eliminating the exemption on candy and soda sales from the sales tax to preserve funding for public health programs. This amount will be dedicated to the Commonwealth Health and Preservation Fund to preserve public health and preventative care services, except for roughly $10 million which will be made available to the School Building Authority and the Commonwealth Transportation Fund;
•$62.5 million from increasing cigarette taxes by $0.50 per pack;
•$10.4 million from increasing taxes on cigars and other smokeless tobacco by the same extent as cigarette taxes;
•$22 million from expanding the bottle bill. These revenues would be dedicated largely to recycling and water and sewer rate relief. These proposals will help protect key priorities and provide a more stable and sustainable funding base in the long-term;
•$22 million from enhanced Department of Revenue tax enforcement initiatives; and
•$10.8 million from agency revenue initiatives.

For more information on the Governor’s FY13 budget, please visit www.mass.gov/budget/governor.

“I am so proud to see these young people standing up and leading the charge to ‘Black Out Bullying’ in our schools,” said Governor Patrick. “‘No Name Calling Day’ is about the idea that each of us has the power to stand up and take ownership of our community. One voice has the power to become many and effect meaningful change.”

A provision of the anti-bullying legislation signed by Governor Patrick in May 2010, “No Name Calling Day” is recognized in classrooms across the Commonwealth on January 25. Working with superintendents and school leadership, the Governor’s Youth Council led events and activities today in: Quincy, Weymouth, Hyannis, New Bedford, Martha’s Vinyard, Nantucket, Greenfield, South Hadley, Hopedale, Somerville and Boston.

“We need to foster safe environments for students, and ‘No Name Calling Day’ is an initiative to help raise awareness that bullying should not be tolerated,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “I hope that on this day and throughout the year, students feel protected and safe in their schools and communities.”

“‘No Name Calling Day’ and the ‘Black Out Bullying’ initiative are going to play essential roles in moving towards a culture in the Commonwealth of zero tolerance for bullying,” said Victor (Manny) Cruz, chair of the Governor’s Youth Council. “This is a unique opportunity to spread awareness, and inspire educators, youth and parents to come together to build a safer and empathetic learning environment for everyone.”

Communities Hosting “No Name Calling Day” Activities:
•In Quincy, at Atlantic Middle School, Secretary of Education Paul Reville joined students, local officials and school leaders to discuss efforts to reduce youth violence.
•In Weymouth, at Abigail Adams Middle School in Weymouth, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Mitchell Chester joined students for a morning assembly led by Youth Council member Andrea McDonagh.
•In Hyannis, at Barnstable High School, Youth Council member Fallon Rice rallied students to wear black and take the pledge to Black Out Bullying.
•At New Bedford High School, Youth Council member Gabrielle Monteiro rallied students to wear black and take the pledge to Black Out Bullying.
•At Martha’s Vinyard Regional High School, Youth Council members Emma Hallbilsback and Delmont Araujo rallied students to wear black and take the pledge to Black Out Bullying.
•At Nantucket High School, Youth Council members Eve Manghis and Cooper Voigt rallied students to take the pledge to Black Out Bullying.
•In Greenfield, at Four Rivers Charter Public School, Youth Council member Emily Bolduc rallied students to wear black and take the pledge to Black Out Bullying.
•In South Hadley, at Michael E. Smith Middle School students wore black and took the pledge to Black Out Bullying.
•At Hopedale Junior / Senior High School, Youth Council member Kiara Lum rallied students to take the pledge to Black Out Bullying.
•At Somerville High School, Youth Council member Kevin Ma rallied students to wear black and take the pledge to Black Out Bullying.
•At East Boston High School, Youth Council member Kimberly Mendoza rallied students to take the pledge to Black Out Bullying.

In each of the schools, students created banners and led rallies in cafeterias and auditoriums, encouraging their peers to sign up and publicly express their commitment to preventing bullying. Students also took to Facebook and Twitter to promote the efforts. In addition, Governor Patrick’s Project 351 Ambassadors, a group of eighth graders representing cities and towns from across the Commonwealth helped boost participation in their schools.

The Governor’s Statewide Youth Council is comprised of 28 young people ages 14 – 20, representing all 14 counties of Massachusetts. Council members were selected to advise the Administration on key issues affecting youth across the Commonwealth and identified youth violence prevention and education as the two issues they will focus on this year. View the full list of Youth Council members.

At Collins Middle School in Salem today, Governor Patrick joined Principal Mary Manning, Conflict Intervention Coordinator Brad Maloon and local elected officials taking part in the event. Among its efforts to create safe learning environments for its students, the Salem public school district has been working closely with the Essex County District Attorney’s Office on bullying prevention initiatives that include Stop Bullying Before it Starts, a bullying prevention awareness program for students and Think Before You Send, a digital communication program that addresses cell phone use, social media and internet safety.

Students are also encouraged to wear black as a sign of their commitment to “Black Out Bullying” in schools January 25.

“In my role as Governor and as a father of two daughters, I firmly believe that every child should come to school knowing that they are safe and free from bullying,” said Governor Patrick. “No Name Calling Day will remind us of the type of vigilance we should exhibit every day to ensure our students are free from the dangers and distractions of bullying.”

“We need to foster safe environments for students, and ‘No Name Calling Day’ is an initiative to help raise awareness that bullying should not be tolerated,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “I hope that on this day and throughout the year, students feel protected and safe in their schools and communities.”

Students will also have the opportunity to sign “No Name Calling Day” banners that will be created at each school to publicly express their commitment to preventing bullying. Working with superintendents and school leadership, members of the Governor’s Statewide Youth Council will help lead efforts in their greater communities to Black Out Bullying.

The Governor’s Statewide Youth Council is comprised of 28 young people ages 14 – 20, representing all 14 counties of Massachusetts. Council members were selected to advise the Administration on key issues affecting youth across the Commonwealth and identified youth violence prevention and education as the two issues they will focus on this year. Members serve for two years and attend bi-monthly meetings, with the next meeting scheduled for Saturday, January 7 in Easton, focusing on the anti-bullying campaign.

”’No Name Calling Day’ is both needed and significant, because it’s crucial for our peers to understand the detrimental effects that bullying leaves on an individual, both short and long term,” said James Villalobos, Governor’s Youth Council representative from Hampden County. “Words hurt, so we need to use this day to reflect on the things we say and how it can affect someone.”

“This idea needs to be spread to young people to empower them to help end aggressive behaviors,” said Fallon Rice, Governor’s Youth Council representative from Barnstable County. “Every student out there can help so victims don’t feel worthless and forgotten. So let’s do what we can to break the chain of aggression, to end the hurt and save lives.”

A year before the first Governor’s Statewide Youth Council was formed, Governor Patrick visited a Dorchester neighborhood in Boston that had experienced high levels of youth violence. There, the Governor was challenged by a young woman and members of Dorchester’s B.O.L.D. TEENS to provide a voice for youth in shaping the policies that affected them. Governor Patrick met the challenge by forming a working group, comprised of state and private sector employees, and together with the Governor’s Office of Community Affairs, conducted a vigorous search and extensive application process resulting in the selection of the 28 members of the first Statewide Youth Council.

Butcher brings nearly 20 years of experience to the table. Prior to joining Loureiro Engineering, he was senior vice president of operations at a Massachusetts-based environmental consulting firm.

In his new role at Loureiro, he will work as a Licensed Site Professional. Responsibilities include managing and overseeing assessment and remediation of contaminated sites in Massachusetts in accordance with the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP).

His particular interest and expertise is in the cleanup and redevelopment of underutilized contaminated properties. As a result, he will help clients to understand their responsibilities pertaining to the MCP in these areas.

Additionally, Butcher is a professional geologist and LEED-AP, credentials which complement his ability to provide assessment and remediation services to clients.

"Butcher shares the same ideals and values as Loureiro Engineering does when it comes to customer service," says Brian Cutler, senior vice president of Loureiro Engineering. "Customer service is paramount in his work ethic."

Finally, Butcher provides litigation support services and environmental consulting services across other regulatory programs including wetlands and underground storage tanks. He is also responsible for business development across a wide spectrum of Loureiro Engineering's service offerings.

A member of the Town of Duxbury Conservation Commission which regulates activities in accordance with the state and local wetland bylaws and regulations, he is well positioned to lead this new office to overwhelming success.

"Having an office in the Boston metropolitan area now allows us to service areas that were beyond our reach before," says Cutler. "Mainly, the Rockland office addresses a gap in service area coverage between Merrimack, NH and Wakefield, RI. "We are excited to have Butcher on board to oversee this new location; we have aggressive marketing and growth plans on the horizon."

About Loureiro:

Loureiro has been providing engineering, construction, EH&S, and energy and waste management services to a wide variety of public and private sectors throughout the Northeast since 1975. Engineering service offerings include: environmental; site; transportation; water and wastewater; underground utilities; land surveying; structural; mechanical; electrical; plumbing; fire protection; and facilities engineering.

Construction capabilities include: heavy and highway; bridge; site development; underground utilities; remediation; demolition; concrete and general contracting.

EH&S services encompass: multi-media consulting and permitting; auditing; training; emergency planning and response; management systems consulting; professional resource support; and transportation compliance.

Energy services include: assessing energy reduction opportunities; energy modeling; training; alternative energy; and energy metrics and reporting.

Waste management capabilities address: management; transportation; and disposal of industrial, construction and universal waste.

For more information, visit: www.Loureiro.com .

Copyright © 2012 MassachusettsNewswire™ and Neotrope®. Massachusetts Newswire is a publication of the Neotrope News Network and a TM of Neotrope.

“This MassWorks Grant award to the Town of Oxford is a great example of a public-private partnership supporting regional economic development,” said Lieutenant Governor Murray. “With this infrastructure investment, the towns of Oxford, Dudley and Webster are working across municipal lines to make improvements that will pave the way for future development opportunities and spur economic growth in the region.”

“The Patrick-Murray Administration remains committed to creating jobs and growing the Massachusetts economy through strong investments in education, innovation and infrastructure,” said Housing and Economic Development (HED) Secretary Greg Bialecki. “The MassWorks Infrastructure Program, like this project in Oxford, helps leverage private development by making vital improvements to local infrastructure and allowing companies to expand and invest in the community.”

The Town of Oxford submitted a Massworks application with support from the Towns of Dudley and Webster to install a sewer extension that will open up previously developed and undeveloped areas for economic development and growth. The grant will extend 3,300 feet of gravity sewer in Oxford and 4,400 feet of force main in Dudley and Webster and include a new pumping station. The work is slated to begin spring 2012 and be complete by fall 2012. The businesses in the vicinity of this project have collectively pledged $100,000 to advance the design of the sewer project before MassWorks funds become available.

There are currently three large light industrial employers, IPG Photonics, Fabrico Inc. and Wilson Language Training Corp., along the proposed sewer route in Oxford which will benefit from having a public sewer as the space currently occupied for on-site treatment would become area available for expansion. In addition to the current businesses, more than 50 acres of land is also zoned for light industrial development, available as a result of the public sewer. Developers interested in the undeveloped parcels have indicated a strong need for sewer to support the water intensive use that they have identified.

The most immediate project to advance will be the expansion at IPG Photonics. IPG, founded in 1990, is the top-ranked manufacturer in the world of optical fiber-based lasers and one of the Commonwealth’s rapidly growing manufacturing companies, recently being featured in the “Globe 100” as a top three company in Massachusetts. IPG Photonics has grown from 40 employees in 1990 to currently more than 600 employees. The company’s expansion plans for a 101,500 square foot research, development and manufacturing space expansion and 175 new full time jobs was approved by the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council in December 2011 for $1.7 million in tax credits.

“I am proud of the collaborative efforts by state, local and company officials that resulted in HED approving Oxford’s request,” said Senator Richard T. Moore. “This sewer line connecting IPG Photonics with the Webster-Dudley Treatment plant, will ensure that IPG remains in Oxford, creating jobs and helping to stabilize the economy of the Webster-Dudley-Oxford area. Everyone involved came to the table ready, willing and able to work together. I am excited for the future of IPG Photonics, including their planned $18 million expansion that will result in 175 new high-paying jobs for the Southern Worcester county region.”

“I’m very pleased the Town of Oxford will be receiving this grant for the MassWorks Infrastructure Program, which will greatly benefit IPG Photonics’ future expansion in the community and keep good-paying jobs here in the Commonwealth,” said Representative Paul Frost. “I also feel this project of expanding the sewer lines into Dudley and Webster will give an opportunity for other economic development in the region.”

“This is a perfect example of how a public-private partnership can keep jobs in the Commonwealth,” said Representative Kevin Kuros. “IPG genuinely wanted to grow at their campus in Oxford and I’m delighted that IPG, Oxford, Dudley, Webster and the state were all able to work together to make it happen.”

“The IPG project will create good paying jobs, and help put people back to work in our area,” said Representative Ryan Fattman. “I am very supportive of this project and look forward to working with town, state and business officials to continue to build upon our success.”

The MassWorks Infrastructure Program, which is overseen by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, held its first competitive grant round in September, consolidating six capital budget programs to give communities a single entry point and one set of requirements for state public infrastructure grants. The consolidation aimed to improve efficiencies and streamline the decision-making process, increase access for municipalities of all sizes and enhance state-regional-local partnerships around economic development and housing production. To meet these objectives, the program launched an e-application and hosted 12 online tutorials to assist municipalities with the application process. During the first grant round, 158 applications requesting more than $400 million in infrastructure grants were received from cities and towns of all sizes and representing every region of the state.

“Water and sewer infrastructure are fundamentally important to the health, safety and prosperity of any community,” said Oxford Selectwoman Jennie L. Caissie, who accepted the grant on behalf of Oxford. “This is an important day for Oxford and for our sister towns of Webster and Dudley.”

“We are extremely pleased that the Patrick-Murray Administration has made these infrastructure tools available so that our business can expand and keep Massachusetts competitive in the global marketplace,” said Dr. Valentin P. Gapontsev, CEO and Founder of IPG Photonics.

To learn more about the MassWorks Infrastructure Program and how it is supporting job growth and long term, sustainable economic development, please visit: www.mass.gov/eohed/infrastructure.

“I am proud to honor a young man who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Commonwealth, our country and our freedom,” said Governor Patrick. “This is just a small measure of our gratitude for Jonathan Roberge, his family and his community.”

“Governor Patrick and I join the Leominster community and our colleagues in the state legislature to remember Jonathan Roberge for his service to our Commonwealth and our country,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans’ Services. “We thank all of our military servicemen and women throughout the year and designating the Jonathan Roberge Memorial Bridge will honor a brave hero each and every day in the City of Leominster.”

Roberge was driving a Humvee when he and fellow soldiers in the 3rd Battalion 8th Calvary Regiment came under attack by Improvised Explosive Device. Roberge received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart posthumously from the United States Army. He was a 2005 graduate of Leominster High School’s Center for Technical Education, where he studied in the automotive technician program. He is a former mechanic for Gervais Ford in Ayer and a former Boy Scout. He is survived by his parents: John and Pauline; his two sisters Meghan and Sarah; and a younger brother Andrew.

“I was very proud to have filed this legislation on behalf of the Roberge family; certainly this is the very least we can do to commemorate Jonathan’s memory,” said Senator Jennifer L. Flanagan. “May it serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifice made by all those serving in the military and how thankful we are for their service.”

“This is a very memorable occasion for our community as we honor Jonathan, a young man from our city who sacrificed his life in defense of our country, state and city,” said Representative Dennis A. Rosa. “I am so proud and honored to be a part of this recognition to one of our own city heroes.”

“Leominster’s commitment to the Roberge Family remains steadfast,” said Leominster Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella. “The naming of this bridge, together with the plans for the Jonathan Roberge Memorial Park, represent a state-wide acknowledgement of Jonathan’s sacrifice on behalf of all of us so that we may continue to live in a peaceful and free country. Leominster will never forget his dedication to his family and hometown. We hope both sites provide a place of comfort and peace for the Roberge Family and veterans throughout our community.”

"It's just a natural thing for us to do," says Joe Maruca, president and founder of Tre Olive. "The programs at the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation are at the forefront of a global movement towards sustainability. And, we at Tre Olive have a strong foundation in this same philosophy. Our goal is to avoid selling our olive oil to the large companies who often dilute it with lesser-quality oils from around the world."

So, why not consider giving someone a unique holiday gift – an olive tree – this holiday season? The cost is $110 for a one-year adoption. In return, Tre Olive will send the gift recipient three liters of some of the purest, most delicious olive oil produced in Italy. The gift package will also include: an adoption certificate; certificate/photo holder; welcome letter; brochure; and more.

About The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation:

The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF) is an award-winning international nonprofit charity dedicated to planting fruitful trees and plants to alleviate world hunger, combat global warming, strengthen communities, and improve the surrounding air, soil, and water.

For more information, visit: http://www.ftpf.org .

About Tre Olive:

Since 1934, Tre Olive has been growing olives and making extra virgin olive oil in southern Italy (Calabria). When a few family members (three cousins) moved to western Massachusetts, they discussed ways to preserve their rich heritage a commitment to fine quality, family, farmers and the land.

For more information, visit: http://www.treolive.com .

Copyright © 2011 MassachusettsNewswire™ and Neotrope®. Massachusetts Newswire is a publication of the Neotrope News Network and a TM of Neotrope.

"It's just a natural thing for us to do," says Joe Maruca, president and founder of Tre Olive. "The programs at the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation are at the forefront of a global movement towards sustainability. And, we at Tre Olive have a strong foundation in this same philosophy. Our goal is to avoid selling our olive oil to the large companies who often dilute it with lesser-quality oils from around the world."

So, why not consider giving someone a unique holiday gift – an olive tree – this holiday season? The cost is $110 for a one-year adoption. In return, Tre Olive will send the gift recipient three liters of some of the purest, most delicious olive oil produced in Italy. The gift package will also include: an adoption certificate; certificate/photo holder; welcome letter; brochure; and more.

About The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation:

The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF) is an award-winning international nonprofit charity dedicated to planting fruitful trees and plants to alleviate world hunger, combat global warming, strengthen communities, and improve the surrounding air, soil, and water.

For more information, visit: http://www.ftpf.org .

About Tre Olive:

Since 1934, Tre Olive has been growing olives and making extra virgin olive oil in southern Italy (Calabria). When a few family members (three cousins) moved to western Massachusetts, they discussed ways to preserve their rich heritage a commitment to fine quality, family, farmers and the land.

For more information, visit: http://www.treolive.com .

Copyright © 2011 MassachusettsNewswire™ and Neotrope®. Massachusetts Newswire is a publication of the Neotrope News Network and a TM of Neotrope.