Mayor’s meeting at Raytheon aimed at finding ‘creative’ ways to help city’s economy

By Owen Boss

WOBURN — In an attempt to foster the growth and success of artistic communities in cities, Gardner Mayor Mark Hawke recently traveled to the Raytheon Missile Defense Center to attend the monthly meeting of the Massachusetts Mayors’ Association, and met with community development, tourism and cultural experts. Mr. Hawke said that the meetings of the mayors’ association — a member group of the Massachusetts Municipal Association — are particularly important because they give leaders across the region the chance to discuss the opportunities for economic development, and that meeting held at the missile defense plant focused primarily on developing revenue through investing in the arts, culture and tourism. “The arts really are the hidden economy of our city,” said Mr. Hawke. “People already come here to Gardner for furniture shopping; if we can get them to stay through the arts, it would benefit every business in the local economy.” He added that his expectations for the local arts was greatly encouraged follwing a viewing of some the art area youth created at a recent art show held at Gardner High School. Patricia Mikes, communication director for the Massachusetts Municipal Association said that the meeting was arranged to stimulate new ideas for local economies. “The entire meeting was focused on economic development as it relates to tourism and the creative economy,” said Ms. Mikes. “Everyone on hand had the opportunity to talk about ways that the state and their respective organizations could move forwards in the economy.” Mr. Hawke said that following the meeting he had an increased appreciation for how much the arts can benefit the local economy. “I am very committed to fostering a strong creative economy in our community,” said Mr. Hawke. “Thre are very clear benefits that come from effective partnerships and strategies to build a strong creative sector at home which would provide our city’s residents with vibrant cultural opportunities and a higher quality of life.” oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 1 on 5/7/2008 (Vol. 203 No. 109)