The Merrimack Valley Economic Development Council, Inc. was created to advance the economic interests of the Merrimack Valley of Massachusetts. The Council encourages greater communication between the public and private sectors and fosters collaborative efforts between and among communities, leading to sustainable economic growth and prosperity for all.

Quick Facts

The Merrimack Valley Economic Development Council is a private, non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization, created in August 1999 to promote the interests of the entire Merrimack Valley region, from Greater Lowell to the sea.

The Council is co-chaired by Kendall M. Wallace, chairman of Lowell Sun Publishing, and Vincent C. Manzi, Jr., of the law firm Manzi & McCann in Lawrence. The Council’s President is Robert J. Halpin, formerly Town Manager in North Andover and Westford. David A. Tibbetts, formerly Massachusetts Director of Economic Development and a founder of the Council, serves as General Counsel. Mary Cuticchia is Executive Assistant.

By bringing together leaders in the public and private sectors from communities across the region, the Council provides a valuable forum for sharing information, developing joint strategies to address specific challenges and ensuring that the interests of the entire Merrimack Valley are advanced effectively.

The Council’s primary source of funding is an annual appropriation from the Massachusetts Legislature. The Council supplements these funds with contributions (cash and in-kind) from Middlesex and Northern Essex Community Colleges, the University of Massachusetts Lowell and major private sector stakeholders who wish to support the Council’s efforts in the Merrimack Valley.

Basic membership is available for $500 to any individual, organization or business in the Valley. Any member of a local Chamber receives a discounted membership rate of $400.

The council strongly encourages businesses with a limited amount of resources to join their local chamber of commerce before joining the council. Chambers depend on local businesses for support and the Council benefits by having strong, vibrant chambers in the Valley.

Keep informed of the Council’s activities and economic development issues throughout the Valley by checking the News pages of this Web site and the Council’s electronic newsletter, Merrimack Valley happenings…