FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 4, 2015

Murray to Create Organization Focusing on International Economic Development for Commonwealth

-MassIgnite to Promote Business Development in Massachusetts and Increase International Profile of Commonwealth’s Emerging Economic Sectors-

(Boston, MA)- Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) announced today that once her term has ended on January 7th, she will launch MassIgnite  – Massachusetts International Growth Network for Innovation, Trade, and the Economy –a private, non-profit organization which will promote Massachusetts’ emerging economic sectors internationally.  Mass-Ignite will provide a local platform for international partnerships, research and development and market expansion for private companies, start-ups and entrepreneurs, universities, and incubators.

“MassIgnite will find and promote avenues of international collaboration and development allowing Massachusetts businesses and entrepreneurs to further their reach, and in turn, will help expand our economy,” said Murray. “A rising tide does in fact lift all boats, and Mass-Ignite will work to raise our economic tide to provide jobs and opportunities in the Commonwealth.”

Murray has worked to identify and promote emerging business sectors to create a stronger, more diverse economic base and increase job growth.   Her ability to bring together various partners on an array of issues has helped to increase the Commonwealth’s international profile.  Her success with these partnerships has afforded her the opportunity to speak about economic development around the world, earning an honorary Doctorate in Health from the University of Plymouth (UK), the medal of St. Olga from the Pskov region of Russia, the 2014 Bio International Legislator of the Year Award, and, most recently, the 2014 Tip O’Neill Diaspora Award presented to her by Irish President Michael Higgins.  

She hopes to replicate that success in the private sector.

“In order for our economy to continue to expand we must look to promote Massachusetts and the innovation going on here globally.  Finding avenues for our companies to expand and opportunities to attract new businesses will keep our economy moving forward,” Murray added.

Deliberate, focused relationship building and diplomacy is missing from current economic and scientific development initiatives at the international level.  MassIgnite will bridge that gap by providing information sharing and critical networking; research and investment opportunities as well as incubator and start up assistance.

MassIgnite will focus on the innovation economy and emerging economic sectors including, but not limited to, health care technology, life sciences, medical devices, big data, renewable energy and marine technology.  

###