Discusses legislation to improve business climate with Shirley firm's COO — April 12, 2010
SHIRLEY — Today Representative Jen Benson toured Bemis Associates, Inc. of Shirley, a local manufacturer of adhesives, coatings, specialty films and seam tape. Benson arranged the visit in order to learn how a successful local business is weathering the current economic storm, and to find out how the state can better partner with Massachusetts job creators.
Benson toured Bemis along with David McKeon of the North Central Chamber of Commerce, Rico Capucci and Kendra Dumont of the Shirley Board of Selectmen, and Jackie Esielionis of the Shirley Economic Development Committee. After a presentation by COO Scott Howard, the group had a productive discussion about the benefits and challenges of owning and operating a business in Massachusetts. The group ended the afternoon with a tour of the factory.
"I was very impressed with Bemis as a company and with Scott Howard as a business leader," said Benson. "His family has made smart business decisions guided by careful forecasting, leading them to expand beyond the local region and into the global marketplace which has carried them through this most recent economic downturn. It is inspiring to see a family business succeed and grow in this region. They are looking to hire and are going strong into their second century of operations."
Several concrete ideas on improving the Commonwealth's interactions with businesses were discussed. Benson will work to address these issues through legislation. "I am committed to having more in depth discussions with local business leaders and developing a partnership focused on creating jobs and getting through this economic downturn," said Benson.
