Photos
Governor Deval Patrick, along with State Rep. Brad Jones and State Sen. Katherine Clark visited Keurig on Walkers Brook Drive, Tuesday, to hear about the company’s history and how it continues to grow.
A large contingent of the fast-growing company’s staff greeted the governor before company leaders took him for a tour of the office—including a look at many of the machines that the company has developed over its 18-year history.
The governor said that the company was helping the state’s economy and adding jobs through technological as well as consumer innovation.
“We are here as much as anything to call attention to that,” Patrick said.
While there, Patrick, Jones and Clark sampled some of the company’s products. The governor joked that Keurig probably has a well-caffeinated office.
Check back tomorrow for more on the governor’s visit.
Cin An
4:21 pm on Tuesday, July 19, 2011
I'd be smiling too - Campaign contributions from casino slots and Indian gaming lobbyists:
Sen. Catherine Clarke = $8,375
Rep. Brad Jones = $9,900
Gov. Deval Patrick = $16,000+
Birds of a feather...
George
10:10 am on Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The Selectmen should jump on the gov's positive comments about Reading to go out and solicit more businesses to locate in Reading. Here's an opportunity let's see what they do with it.
Karl Weld
11:23 am on Wednesday, July 20, 2011
According to the Town Manager and Selectman Ben Tafoya there is no room for additional commercial development in Reading. "That ship has sailed," was uttered at the last Economic Development Summit in regards to diversifying the tax base by increasing the commercial and industrial properties in Reading. With that philosophy in place, all new revenue growth will rest squarely on residents with increased property values and assessments (higher property taxes).
Ron Powell
1:00 pm on Wednesday, July 20, 2011
I agree with George. Peter Hechenbleikner and the Selectmen should capitalize on the free publicity to fill existing vacant commercial space in Reading. South Main has come a long way, but 258 Main Street is available, and 306 Main Street remains an eyesore. Additionally, the town needs to fill vacant commercial properties at the Charles Building at the corner of Main and Haven, 670 Main Street, 236 Ash Street, and especially the old RMV building at 275 Salem Street. I served in Town government when we were trying to attract businesses to 55 Walker Brook Drive, and we worked very hard for many months trying to attract businesses before Keurig came along. So Keurig is a success story not only for the company but also for the Town.
Erin Calvo-Bacci
12:04 pm on Monday, July 25, 2011
Reading is fortunate to have success stories such as Keurig, but based on the recent budget cuts we know it's not enough.This is a great time to for our leadership to act on moving Reading Financially Forward. if you don't believe our commercial development has sailed, what would you like to see our Town Manger do for the Town?
George
4:08 pm on Tuesday, July 26, 2011
It was disappointing to hear of the "ship has sailed" comment. The Town leadership needs to be out pounding the pavment and knocking on doors to get commercial enterprises to consider Reading. It can't be above anyone to go out and solicit.