New Bedford Economic Development Council

WPRI News 12 visits with three inspiring educators in New Bedford: “Back to school means new beginnings for students and a new generation of educators ready to give back to the community that raised them. Some new teachers and counselors will also be starting school, and some of them are graduates of New Bedford High themselves. https://lnkd.in/e4MaWWqC

New Bedford’s dining scene is no stranger to the spotlight. In August, the national travel series “Lost In” hosted by Christian “DJ BBQ” Stevenson, filmed an episode at Goulart Square Bakery, PLAY Arcade, The Whale’s Tail Clam Bar and The Black Whale. These celebrated establishments join a growing list of city restaurants that have also enjoyed national attention, such as The Dipper Café, Ray’s Pizza, Pa Raffa’s, Churrascaria Novo Mundo and Tia Maria’s European Café featured on television shows such as “Roadfood,” and “Best Thing I Ever Ate" and Dave Portnoy’s “One Bite” pizza reviews. https://lnkd.in/eQVhePyG

START YOUR WEEK HERE: Margo Saulnier, creative strategist for New Bedford Creative at the NBEDC, believes the city’s landscape of grants and support for artists is not only robust but evolving in ways that can serve as a model for other communities. https://lnkd.in/eqsR8Z7H

SUNDAY MORNING READ: Great feature story from Love The Ave! The NBEDC is pleased to play a role in the continuing revitalization efforts on Acushnet Avenue and in North End, New Bedford. https://lnkd.in/es-YUSkM

"It started as just a scallop-shucking contest, but has now ballooned into a whole night of festivities.  From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Thursday, Aug. 14) we are going to have an all-out fishing and scallop celebration in our building, our parking lot and up and down Bethel Street." - New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center Programs Director Joe Ritter https://lnkd.in/eSVpqn5g

We’re beyond proud to share the news that One SouthCoast Chamber will honor NBEDC President Anthony R. Sapienza at the annual Roger Valcourt Outstanding Citizen Award Dinner, to be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Century House in Acushnet. One Southcoast writes, “A respected leader in the men’s apparel industry, Anthony “Tony” Sapienza brings over four decades of executive experience to the table, most recently serving as President and CEO of JA Apparel Corp. Under his leadership, the iconic Joseph Abboud brand experienced significant growth, ultimately leading to its $95 million acquisition by The Men’s Wearhouse in 2013. His deep industry knowledge also stems from key roles with Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corp. in New Bedford, as well as leadership positions with Southwick/Grieco Bros., GFT USA Corp, and Joseph J. Pietrafesa Corp., where he managed operations for high-profile labels such as Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, and Polo. “Beyond his remarkable business career, Mr. Sapienza has remained deeply committed to the South Coast community through decades of civic engagement. He currently serves as President of the Board of the New Bedford Economic Development Council and has held influential positions on numerous nonprofit and educational boards, including the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Bristol Community College, and the New Bedford Light. A champion of workforce development, he has led both the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board and the Mass Jobs Council.”

Join The New Bedford Ocean Cluster for light hors d’oeuvres and spirits on August 20th. The event is free, but registration is required. You can do just that at this link: https://lnkd.in/eeKDN6Gd

TGIF: Boston Magazine dines out in New Bedford - and finds five seafood restaurants that whet their appetite. They write, “New Bedford—now more accessible from Boston than ever thanks to the new South Coast commuter rail line—is the nation’s wealthiest commercial fishing port. So, when you visit, you should eat some seafood. At the link, find five top fish-focused restaurants to try." https://lnkd.in/eK3iXd6W

When it comes to innovating new products and technologies that have to do with the water, part of testing those ideas involves seeing how they fare in the conditions they'll potentially be exposed to when in use, including the harshest scenarios. That said, one challenge this poses is that the ocean doesn't have a way for one to order, say, hurricane conditions on demand. However, the new Blue SWELL Lab being designed for UMass Dartmouth's School for Marine Science & Technology (SMAST) in New Bedford will be able to do exactly that, and much more. https://lnkd.in/ec4Su3Mh

Early Bird registration for the New Bedford Ocean Economy Conference, Oct. 1-3, 2025 is NOW OPEN! It is the New Bedford Ocean Cluster’s annual immersive industry event located in historic downtown New Bedford. This year's program will include tours, panel discussions, and an industry exhibition across four tracks: #Aquaculture, #CommercialFishing, #MarineTechnology, and #OffshoreRenewables. Join the NBOC and network with blue economy leaders, local businesses, and key stakeholders at the forefront of advancing the ocean economy in New Bedford and beyond. Space is limited; take advantage of the early bird registration and sign-up today at: https://nboc.org/