Quincy Chamber & City Officials Promote Quincy at 2011 Biotech Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As the city prepares to add over one million square feet of office space within the new Quincy Center, the Quincy Chamber of Commerce, Department of Planning & Development, and Street-Works Development partnered together to promote this new construction at the 2011 BIO International Conference that was recently held in Washington DC.  Attracting approximately 20,000 visitors annually, the conference is the largest global gathering of Biotech and Life Science companies.  The new downtown was promoted as a BIOReady site within the Massachusetts Pavilion in collaboration with representatives of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBIO), the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and the Mass Alliance for Economic Development – leading organizations that facilitate the growth of this industry in the Commonweatlh.

In 2010 the City of Quincy was given a Platinum rating by MassBIO, the highest rating for a community seeking to attract and support biotechnology companies.  The Platinum rating means the community has features in place such as commercial sites designated for biotech uses, streamlined permitting, and abundant sewer and water capabilities.  The new development planned for Quincy Center meets and exceeds these criteria, and has over one million square feet available as of by-right zoning for laboratory research and biomanufacturing. “Attracting biotech companies to the city of Quincy will provide quality jobs for our residents and strengthen our commercial tax base,” explained Mayor Thomas P. Koch.  “We know how great Quincy is, and promoting Quincy at this conference is one example of how we are going to make sure national and international markets are aware of the amenities we have to offer as well”. 

Dean Rizzo, President of the Quincy Chamber of Commerce, and Nick Verenis, Economic Development Planner for the city of Quincy, attended the conference.  Over thirty-five countries and twenty-eight states were prominently showcased to promote their communities to conference attendees.  “We were able to promote and talk about the many great opportunities we have in Quincy to companies looking to locate in the Commonwealth”, explained Verenis.  “Quincy’s close proximity and convenient access to Boston and Cambridge, highway access, water transportation to Logan Airport, and the MBTA red line make Quincy a very attractive and viable location.”

In 2012, the BIO International Conference will be held in the city of Boston, bringing thousands of industry leaders to our region.  “Not only did we talk with many companies, but we were able to make strong connections with many agency representatives in Massachusetts that help to facilitate the growth of the biotech industry in the Commonwealth,” noted Rizzo.  “It was very important to have Quincy recognized as a partner in the Commonwealth’s effort to support this important industry sector of the economy as state leaders make plans for the conference to come to Boston next year.”

 “Attending this conference is an example of the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to attract quality businesses to Quincy,” noted Quincy Chamber Chairman Ed Keohane from Keohane Funeral Homes. “Partnering with the city and Street-Works to market Quincy is a great example of the benefits working jointly can bring as we wave our flag noting that Quincy is open for business.”

In addition to the over 1.1 million square feet of commercial office space available, the downtown development project includes 600,000 square feet of new retail & service space, an entertainment center, medical center and wellness facility, higher education component, and over 1,100 residential units.  “The new Quincy Center is designed to be a first class urban environment where one can work, live and recreate without getting into a car,” noted Richard Heapes, principal from Street-Works.  “Companies are looking to reduce their costs through attractive lease rates, access to national and international markets through convenient transportation networks and quality infrastructure, as well as attract a quality workforce through easy commuting and providing them a variety of recreational amenities,” Heapes further noted.  

Community leaders are bullish on the notion that there is no better place to meet all of these needs than the new Quincy Center.  Based on the high level of interest at the BIO International Conference it appears the private sector is beginning to take notice.  

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