Joe Landry: Industry in Franklin (video)

Joe Landry presented on Industry in Franklin at the Franklin Senior Center. Franklin TV video is available - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfEsSvTOq3A

Note: Joe Landry will be recording at the Franklin TV Studio a new program on Feb 18 at noontime. If you'd like to be in the studio audience, it is easy to be there. 

Franklin's tax rate will decrease to $11.79/thousand for FY 2024 (video)

In about 35 minutes, the Franklin (MA) Town Council heard the tax assessor's update and voted on the series of resolutions to approve setting the tax rate for FY 2024 as $11.79/thousand.

The tax rate is in and of itself a simple calculation: how much revenue do we need to raise from the total assessed value of Franklin? As most folks would realize, the valuations have been rising recently. 

The table here depicts the last 5 years 2020-2024 for assessed value by property classification.

Residential Commercial Industrial Personal Property Total 

2020 4,506,862,400 384,322,107 502,632,510 188,319,520 5,582,136,537

2021 4,684,479,315 385,565,160 515,163,940 188,874,770 5,774,083,185

2022 5,037,676,355 415,756,887 568,964,110 216,250,290 6,238,647,642

2023 5,876,670,670 471,504,398 657,052,300 230,364,400 7,235,591,768

2024 6,473,395,910 523,347,555 734,290,380 259,381,120 7,990,414,965

The combination of new growth and the 'automatic' 2.5% increase allowed provides the revenue allowed to be raised to fund the budget approved by the Town Council. The final adjustment for the FY 2024 budget was approved by the Finance Committee on Nov 8 and then by the Council Nov 15.

The key decision at the tax rate hearing is to maintain the single tax rate or move to a split tax rate. The Board of Assessors memo to the Council lays out the argument distinctly:

"A single tax rate means that all property classes (residential, commercial, industrial and personal) are taxed at the same tax rate. A dual tax rate means the commercial-industrial-personal tax rate is increased while the residential rate is decreased. In other words, some of the residential tax burden is shifted towards commercial, industrial and personal properties.

Please note that a dual tax rate does not produce more tax revenue, it simply shifts the burden." (Bold added for emphasis)

Franklin has historically had an approximate 80-20 split between residential and commercial/industrial as shown in the following chart.

the residential vs. commercial/industrial split has been in the 80-20 range over time

As the assessed valuation increases over time, the tax rate will drop. As the valuation decreases, the tax rate will increase. The tax rate is a good talking point but is simply the result of math driven by the assessed values and the amount to be raised to meet the budget.

as the assessed valuation increases, the rate decreases, and vice versa

The rate means little to the average home owner. Whether the rate goes up or down, it is more important to know what the valuation of the residence is. The chart here shows that over time, the tax rate can go up or down but the average tax bill will continue to increase.

whether the rate goes up or down, the overall tax bill does increase

The Town Council agenda includes the tax rate hearing information from which these charts were created.     https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_21_2023_town_council_tax_hearing_agenda.pdf

Download the charts as one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gJvC5DdCmmeU2tQ_bycWPJETpKvVuMtw/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qrgc2zjfLE

Tax Rate Hearing - Charts to help understand the Town of Franklin rate, tax bill, and assessed valuation relationship

DATE:  November 21, 2023 

To:  Town Council 

FROM: Board of Assessors

Kevin W. Doyle, Director of Assessing

 

RE: FY 2024 Tax Rate Hearing

Please find attached our information related to the annual Tax Rate Hearing. The hearing is required by Law and is intended primarily for the Town Council to determine whether the FY 24 Tax Rate (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024) will be a single/uniform or a dual/split tax rate.

A single tax rate means that all property classes (residential, commercial, industrial and personal) are taxed at the same tax rate. A dual tax rate means the commercial-industrial-personal tax rate is increased while the residential rate is decreased. In other words, some of the residential tax burden is shifted towards commercial, industrial and personal properties.

PLEASE NOTE THAT A DUAL TAX RATE DOES NOT PRODUCE MORE TAX REVENUE, IT SIMPLY SHIFTS THE BURDEN.

Currently the single tax rate for FY 23 is $12.58 and the proposed tax rate for FY 24 rate is $11.79. The average single family assessment value increased from $593,800 to $650,400 or $56,600 (9.5%). For the average single family assessed at $650,400, the tax bill will increase by $198 a year. Individual homes may increase or decrease depending on numerous other factors.

Approximately 81% of property tax valuation and thus tax revenue is from residential taxes and 19% from commercial, industrial and personal property (CIP) taxes. If the council voted for a duel tax rate then then the shift from Residential to CIP would be on a 4 to 1 basis. For example if the Residential tax rate was lowered by $1 per thousand dollars valuation, the CIP tax rate would need to increase by $4 to offset the reduction in taxes collected by Residential properties.

 

Franklin has always had a single rate; we're happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Special Note: We send out quarterly tax bills. The first two (July and October) are preliminary largely based on last fiscal year's bills. The final two tax bills in January and April are based on the Actual Tax Rate and Final Assessment of each property. Accordingly the four quarterly bills are usually different. The first two are generally lower while the last two are higher.

Simple Example - Your last year's tax bill was $6,000 and this year it goes up $200 for a total of $6,200. Your first two bills would be $1,500 each for a total of $3,000. The last two tax bills are the final actual total less the first two preliminary tax amounts ($6,200 minus $3,000 = $3,200) divided into the two (January and April) final installments ($1,600 each).

Many folks multiply their third quarterly $1,600 amount times four and think their new bill is $6,400 for the year. They need to look at the total annual tax as indicated on the actual 3rd Quarter Tax Bill, not just at one quarterly bill. Remember that valuations typically change annually in accordance with use of the State required data. The Total Tax Levy typically increases by 2 ½%(Proposition 2 ½), by New Growth Revenue (improvements and new properties added to the tax base), and by adjustments in the Debt Exclusion amount to be raised for payments on long-term capital projects (i.e. schools).

The full tax rate hearing package can be found ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_21_2023_town_council_tax_hearing_agenda.pdf

Download the charts as one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gJvC5DdCmmeU2tQ_bycWPJETpKvVuMtw/view?usp=drive_link

cover page for FranklinMatters.org explanation

historical tax rate shown

as the assessed valuation increases, the rate decreases, and vice versa

the residential vs. commercial/industrial split has been in the 80-20 range over time

whether the rate goes up or down, the overall tax bill does increase

Register O'Donnell Reports on 2022 Annual Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported that Norfolk County recordings for 2022 indicate a shifting real estate market, where the year started off strong and ended with significant drops in mortgage activity and average property sale price as compared to 2021.

 

In 2022, there were 130,051 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, a 33% decrease from 2021.

 

"The real estate market is feeling the effects of inflation and steadily rising interest rates, which is limiting how much money customers can save," said Register O'Donnell. "The total number of documents is much lower in 2022 than it was in 2021, but the change from month to month is less pronounced. The number of recorded deeds, which is one measure of document volume, shows a drop in real estate sales from the previous year."

 

Average Annual Sale Price Commercial-Residential

The number of deeds for 2022, which reflect real estate sales and transfers, both commercial and residential, was 17,398—a decrease of 17% from 2021.

 

Sale prices for 2022 appear to have increased slightly compared to 2021. The average sale price for all of Norfolk County, both commercial and residential, this year was $1,173,256, a 10% increase from 2021. However, the total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales is down, decreasing 10% from one year ago.

 

"With the average sales price showing increases for the year as a whole and the total volume of sales decreasing, indicates that in 2022 there were fewer homes being sold, but at a higher price," said Register O'Donnell.

 

Total Number of Deeds Recorded in 2022 for Norfolk County

According to numbers from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the median interest rate of a 30-year fixed-rate conventional loan started at 4.14% in January 2022 and grew to 6.61% by December 2022, a more than 63% increase.

 

"The increasing cost of living and rising interest rates that the country is currently experiencing have an effect on the local real estate market," noted O'Donnell. "With interest rates more than double what there were at the start of 2022, consumers appear to be less inclined to borrow, and the decline in average sales prices suggests sellers are lowering pricing to compensate,"

 

Overall lending activity showed a continued downward trend. A total of 23,265 mortgages were recorded at the Registry in 2022, 50% fewer than a year earlier.

 

"This year, month to month, the registry figures show significant increases in the number of pending foreclosures, with as many as 40 in one month," said O'Donnell.

 

Total Numbers of Foreclosure Deeds & Notices to Foreclose

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely monitoring the foreclosure market. In 2022, there were 68 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, whereas in 2021 there were 52 recorded. However, in 2022, there were 308 notices to foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, significantly more than the 141 recorded in December of 2021.

 

"The substantial increase in the number of notices to foreclose is troubling. This suggests that more of our neighbors may have financial difficulties in the future," said O'Donnell. "We have seen this number more than double this year and will continue to monitor these figures in 2023."

 

For the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs (617-479-8181 x376) and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (508-587-0950) to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400.

 

"If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance," said Register O'Donnell.

 

Register O'Donnell concluded, "Inflation in the US has been increasing since mid-2021, and it hit a 40-year high exceeding 8% in September 2022. The Federal Reserve raised interest rates many times in 2022 in an effort to slow the rise in inflation. As a result, borrowing money now costs more. This year, mortgage rates have doubled, which has led some buyers to pause their home searches, and, on average, fewer offers are being made to sellers."

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

 

Industrial revolution not sustainable

Vala Afshar (@ValaAfshar) tweeted Sat, Dec 03, 2022:

"Something to think about:

The Earth is 4.6 billion years old. Let's scale that to 46 years.

We have been here for 4 hours. Our industrial revolution began one minute ago.

In that time, we have destroyed 50% of the world's forests. This is not sustainable."

Shared from Twitter  https://t.co/sqQKxvPl4H

Industrial revolution not sustainable

Finance Committee hears of the assessment process which accounts for about 60% of the Town of Franklin revenue (audio)

FM #867 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 867 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, Oct 26, 2022. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: 6 members of the Finance Committee were in the Council Chambers along with some of the public, 1 member was remote along with some members the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period. 

The primary discussion was with Kevin Doyle, Assessor and Chris Feeley, Chair of the Board of assessors as the assessment process was covered at a high level. How are residential homes assessed? How are commercial/industrial properties assessed? 

Interesting fact, the assessment process produces about 60% of the Town of Franklin revenue.

The meeting recording runs about seventy minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Oct 26, 2022.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-867-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-10-26-22

--------------

Meeting agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10-26-22_finance_committee_meeting.pdf

 

My notes ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qvpZtcz3JE529S9wN1tkJJ3FB9w92B8N/view?usp=sharing

Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 

YouTube recording =>  https://youtu.be/OaibaQ9dOBk 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Finance Committee hears of the assessment process which accounts for about 60% of the Town of Franklin revenue (audio)

Franklin, MA: Industry in Franklin - video by Joe Landry

This video highlights the many mills and factories that were in Franklin over the years.

video link -> https://youtu.be/AlVAnMVnQ_M

Franklin, MA: Industry in Franklin (video)

This is a video that highlights the rich history of Franklin's industrial past. 

Video link = https://youtu.be/B8E2ztPoHWM

new webpage to explore -> Industrial History New England

"This new website is a celebration of New England as a landscape of work and innovation and a portal for exploring the American birthplace of a revolution that triggered the most profound set of social and environmental changes in human history."

Shared from Twitter:   https://t.co/A6zJj5rzrU

Explore the web page -> https://industrialhistorynewengland.org/

new webpage -> Industrial History New England

What about a Marshall Plan for today?

From The Washington Post, an article of interest for Franklin:

The writers are the mayors of Pittsburgh; Youngstown, Ohio; Dayton, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Cincinnati; Huntington, W.Va.; Morgantown, W.Va.; and Louisville.

"Every four years, voters in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky are told how important they are to American industry, but once the election is over, nothing happens. The United States now has a president-elect who comes from our region originally and is more likely to understand what we need to revive it. We, the mayors of eight cities, are banding together to demand real investment in our shared region, which has fueled the U.S. economy for generations yet never gets the attention it deserves.

It’s why we’re asking for an ambitious federal response to save our industries and communities from destruction: a Marshall Plan for Middle America.

In the post-World War II recovery period, the Marshall Plan was a $13 billion ($143 billion today) investment strategy to rebuild Europe and foster economic and democratic institutions. Like postwar Europe, Middle America faces similar issues of decline — a shared crisis of aging infrastructure, obsolescence of business and government institutions, and the need for upskilling and reskilling the workforce."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/11/22/marshall-plan-middle-america-eight-mayors/

The Marshall Plan  https://www.marshallfoundation.org/marshall/the-marshall-plan/history-marshall-plan/

 

Note: how can we get out of the pandemic and fix some of the major ills across the board? A modern version of the Marshall Plan might just be the thing to do so.

In the News: "One challenge the region faces due to its economic success is traffic congestion"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:  

"The MetroWest region’s unemployment rate has been consistently lower than the statewide numbers for the past three decades thanks in part to an influx of biopharmaceutical, information technology and analytics as well as medical device companies moving to the area.

But the increase in new businesses coming to the region has created some challenges, such as increased traffic congestion, according to a new profile of economic and demographic trends released Monday.

The Westborough-based 495/MetroWest Partnership and the Public Policy Center at UMass Dartmouth released the new profile, which indicates the region continues to enjoy a number of strategic advantages while continuing to confront challenges related to transportation and housing."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200915/three-main-industries-have-contributed-to-3-decades-of-low-unemployment-in-495metrowest-region-it-is-one-of-strategic-advantages-for-region?rssfeed=true

 

Visit the 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership, Inc. online at https://www.495partnership.org/ 

Get your copy of the full report to read and review

https://mecc.memberclicks.net/assets/495MWSECC/495%20MetroWest%20Profile%202020.pdf

 

 

In the News: "One challenge the region faces due to its economic success is traffic congestion"

Once Upon a Town: Industries of Franklin MA

Join Eamon McCarthy Earls and Joe Landry to hear about how

"Franklin boomed in the 19th and 20th century thanks to industry as entrepreneurs launched new businesses making straw hats, felt, shoes, other textiles and even sugar"

https://youtu.be/RPjNer1iIls

Franklin Economic Development Survey - your chance to provide input

The Town of Franklin, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) are conducting a community survey regarding economic development in our town. 

Please click on this link to access the survey form:
https://forms.gle/6SJpXeWPvg2H37A96 

This survey will be available until December 13. 

There are hard copies available in the Town Administrator's office if needed. Thank you in advance for your input, ideas and feedback!

Franklin Economic Development Survey - Provide your input!

Franklin Economic Development Survey - Provide your input!

The Town of Franklin, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) are conducting a community survey regarding economic development in our town. 

Please click on this link to access the survey form:
https://forms.gle/6SJpXeWPvg2H37A96 

This survey will be available until December 13. 

There are hard copies available in the Town Administrator's office if needed. Thank you in advance for your input, ideas and feedback!

Franklin Economic Development Survey - Provide your input!

QinetiQ North America expands to Franklin

From the business radar, QinetiQ North America expands to Franklin.

"Transwestern Consulting Group (TCG) brokered the $6.4 million sale of 130 Constitution Blvd. in Franklin, Ma, on behalf of Novaya Real Estate Ventures. 

The 59,970-square-foot industrial building was purchased by Albert Milstein, Barry Kirschenbaum and Sanford Bokor. TCG Partners John Lashar and Chris Skeffington, along with Vice President Roy Sandeman, represented the seller and assisted in sourcing the buyer. 

Novaya purchased the building in 2013 as part of a two-building portfolio in a transaction also brokered by TCG and has since launched a significant capital improvement campaign. Novaya completed a full “vacancy preparation” repositioning of the building, which included painting the warehouse, a floor strip and seal, installing new lighting, and upgrading the dock doors with new levelers. In addition, a new roof and upgraded HVAC units were installed as part of the overall improvement campaign. 

“Novaya did an outstanding job repositioning 130 Constitution Blvd. into a first-class flex/manufacturing facility that really stands out in one of Greater Boston’s strongest submarkets,” said Skeffington. “The new ownership is purchasing a well-located asset that is 100 percent leased to a long-term, well-capitalized tenant.”

Continue reading the full article online
http://bostonrealestatetimes.com/transwestern-consulting-group-brokers-building-sale-on-behalf-of-novaya-real-estate-ventures/

The "well-capitalized tenant" is QinetiQ North America. From the company webpage:

"QinetiQ North America (QNA) shapes the future with innovative products, advanced engineering and research and development for government, civilian, utility and commercial customers worldwide. We pride ourselves on developing, delivering and supporting a portfolio of industry-leading products that have been used and tested for decades. 

We are the world leaders in unmanned systems with proven innovations in military protection technology including ground and aircraft armor, RPG protection, and soldier protection systems. We also offer innovative technologies and products for the maritime, utility and commercial safety market. Together, our products aid in situational awareness, protect customer assets, increase mission effectiveness, reduce operational costs and save lives."

Find out more about their products  https://www.qinetiq-na.com/products/

Visit their YouTube channel  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1ZtYN59WSfHOPKCy5y1exg

https://twitter.com/QinetiQNorthAm

Tri-County Regional to host Manufacturing and Robotics Open House to celebrate Manufacturing Month

On Tuesday, October 25, Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School will celebrate October as "Manufacturing Month" by hosting an Open House for its Manufacturing and Engineering Technology programs.

Tri-County plans to showcase its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and equipment. The event is expected to draw legislators, business owners, parents, and any others who may be interested in seeing new education, career, and business opportunities.

The Open House will include presentations by Tri-County students, as well as administrators from the Wentworth Institute of Technology. Wentworth has offered evening courses inside Tri-County's Manufacturing Center of Excellence since 2014.

"Tri-County students construct and create new products every year by utilizing a state-of-the-art manufacturing lab that provides the tools they need to make their ideas real. Thanks to their dedicated teachers and administration officials, those students will be uniquely prepared to contribute to our manufacturing sector on the day they graduate." said Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III

"We are trying to change the perception of today's modern manufacturing," said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). "Today's manufacturing is clean, technology driven, innovative, and most importantly well-paying and accessible. Today's manufacturing is often dominated by the Biotech, Medical, and Robotic industries, and Tri-County High School is doing a great job at meeting the need for skilled workers head-on."

"Tri-County has created an Advanced Manufacturing Program that will not only train high school students during the day, but through a partnership with Wentworth Institute of Technology, will also train unemployed or underemployed adults at night," Said Tri-County Superintendent Stephen Dockray. "Tri County is providing the skilled labor desperately needed in the manufacturing industry."

"The manufacturing and robotics programs at Tri-County are shining examples of modern manufacturing education in our community," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Manufacturing is a significant driver of the Massachusetts economy, and these students are learning necessary skills to create, innovate and thrive in the workforce."

Many Massachusetts residents are unaware that manufacturing is alive and well across the Commonwealth. Massachusetts is home to more than 7,000 manufacturers, providing over 250,000 jobs to its citizens. These innovative manufacturers make groundbreaking products for global consumption.

Jobs in the Manufacturing Industry offer flexibility, excitement, and good pay. While companies seek smart, dedicated workers to fill job openings, Tri-County seeks out new ways to provide students with the training and employability skills necessary for success in this evolving industry.

Tri-County's Open House will expand awareness of the school's Career Programs. Several of these programs address the growing need for manufacturing workers in Massachusetts by offering students hands-on training that addresses the technological advances of the industry.

The School encourages all interested parties to visit.

Event details:

Manufacturing and Robotics Open House

9AM-11AM Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School

147 Pond Street

Franklin, MA 02038

image from Tri-County webpage

In the News: new high school, STEM roundtable, clean water grant

Every student has been assigned a Google Chromebook — affordable laptops — to use in class, Waite noted, saying it’s one of the things she’s been most excited about. 

Bates and Waite, as well as the other members of the student-led transition teams, were integral in preparing the school for the first day, Light said. 

"It was impressive work by a group of kids who were so enthusiastic and positive and willing to do all of the hard work behind the scenes to get the school up and running," he said. "That, to me, is really the most exciting thing: This is a place for the students, and we’re trying to create a culture where it’s led by the students, as well."

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140904/NEWS/140908725/1994/NEWS

Sparking interest in science and engineering early at the middle school level is one way to build a stronger workforce in the high-tech manufacturing fields, according to officials in the industry. 

Executives from four such companies on Wednesday met with U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III and state Rep. John Fernandes, D-Milford, for a roundtable discussion on potential solutions to the problems the industry faces. 

Kennedy, a Democrat who represents the state’s 4th Congressional district, organized the session in part to update leading manufacturers on his bill that aims to establish regional manufacturing institutes across the country for education and research. The government would dole out funding for the centers through a competitive grant system.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140904/NEWS/140908721/1994/NEWS

The town has received $117,650 in state funds to improve storm water runoff, the state Department of Environmental Protection announced today. 

The money will aid the town in "mitigating the effects of polluted storm water," according to a press release.. 

"Clean lakes and streams mean thriving communities and healthy ecosystems," said Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner David W. Cash.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140902/NEWS/140909473

Barrett Distribution Centers has been honored again

For the third consecutive year, Barrett Distribution Centers has been honored as a part of the 2014 Inc. 500 | 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in the nation. This is Barrett’s sixth appearance on the list. Prior honors include 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2013. 

“Barrett Distribution Centers is proud to be in the company of so many of the most respected companies in America. We are grateful to our customers and team for making this achievement possible for a sixth time.”

Barrett Distribution Centers

Continue reading the article on the Barrett Distribution webpage here
http://www.barrettdistribution.com/blog/barrett-distribution-centers-named-to-the-2014-inc.-500-5000-fastest-growing-companies-list

Barrett Distribution Centers

VWR Internaional marks the 10th anniversary of its Franklin, MA Distribution Center

From the news wire, I find this company touting their Franklin, MA distribution center. I was unable to find the exact location but it is likely in one of our industrial parks. 

VWR International, LLC, a global solutions provider of laboratory supplies, equipment and services today announces the 10th anniversary of its Franklin, Mass. Distribution Center. Serving the Greater New England area, this location supports customers in the pharmaceutical, biotech and healthcare industry. Over the last decade, this location has provided a variety of services to help VWR customers maximize supply chain security by providing reliable and transparent solutions to critical research, process development and manufacturing process applications. 

A special capability provided by the Franklin facility is production chemical services and supply chain solutions through regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and supply chain assurance. These special services including sampling in an ISO Class 8 Cleanroom and other unique services meets the specific needs of VWR's biotech and pharmaceutical customers. The facility is compliant with International Pharmaceutical Excipient Council's (IPEC) Guidelines for current Good Distribution Practices (cGDP) and has been recognized by Avantor Performance Materials, Inc. as Certified Excipient Distributor (CED) facility. In addition, the facility is ISO 9001:2008 registered, and a licensed Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy (BOP) warehouse.
Besides traditional distribution other services conducted at this 55,000 square foot facility include custom pallet programs, storage and warehousing of customer dedicated, pre-reserved or customer owned inventory, custom bar-code labeling, and furnishing product certifications with shipments. 

"The Franklin facility is an integral and valuable asset to our supply chain. The local support we've received over the years has significantly contributed to the success of our manufacturing operations in many ways," shared Alex Malgieri, Associate Director of Logistics for Alexion Rhode Island Manufacturing Facility. "On behalf of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, we would like to say thanks for the exceptional level of support." 

"VWR continues to focus on providing superior service to our customers by minimizing complexity and increasing their productivity," said Tim Wedemyer, SVP, North America Operations for VWR. "With the many special services our Franklin facility can offer to our customers, especially in the area of research and production chemicals, we look forward to many more years of serving our customers in key geographies like New England." 

VWR International, LLC

About VWR International, LLC
VWR International, LLC, headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, is a global solutions provider of laboratory supplies, equipment and services with worldwide sales in excess of $4.1 billion in 2013. VWR enables the advancement of the world's most critical research by providing product and service solutions to laboratories and production facilities in the pharmaceutical, biotech, industrial, educational, governmental and healthcare industries. With over 160 years of industry experience, VWR offers a well-established network that reaches thousands of specialized labs and facilities spanning the globe. VWR has over 8,000 associates around the world working to streamline the way scientists, researchers, medical professionals and engineers across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific stock and maintain their facilities. In addition, VWR further supports its customers by providing onsite services, storeroom management, product procurement, supply chain systems integration and technical services. 

For more information on VWR, visit www.vwr.com. 

VWR and design are registered trademarks of VWR International, LLC.

http://investors.vwr.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=859165