UMassD Hosts Fall River Entrepreneurship Day: Celebrating the Spirit of Innovation and Resilience
A Glimpse into the SouthCoast’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
In the heart of Fall River, Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMassD) hosted its annual Fall River Entrepreneurship Day, a celebration of the city’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. The event, held as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community members to recognize the resilience and innovation that drive the local economy.
Regional Tourism Panel: Unveiling the SouthCoast’s Untapped Potential
A highlight of the day was the Regional Tourism Panel, organized by UMassD’s Charlton College of Business. This panel brought together industry experts, including Rick Kidder, CEO of Bristol County Visitors Bureau, and Patti Rego, Executive Director of Viva Fall River, to discuss the findings of a visitor profile study conducted by the college. The data gathered provided valuable insights into the preferences and behaviors of visitors to the SouthCoast region, paving the way for strategic initiatives to attract more tourists and stimulate economic growth.
Fostering Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
UMassD’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth in the SouthCoast region was evident throughout the event. Dean John Williams of the Charlton College of Business emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia, businesses, and the community in driving positive change. Through initiatives like the Regional Tourism Panel, the university aims to generate knowledge that directly impacts the lives of individuals, careers, and organizations within the region.
Expanding the Visitor Economy: A Collective Endeavor
Associate Professor of Management Paul Bacdayan expressed excitement about the visitor profile information gathered by the college. He emphasized the significance of sharing this data with the community to engage stakeholders in the local tourism economy. Bacdayan envisioned a vibrant tourism ecosystem where restaurants, lodging, museums, festivals, and entertainment venues work together to create a compelling destination for visitors, ultimately boosting spending and contributing to the region’s prosperity.
Future Plans: A Larger Tourism Summit on the Horizon
The discussions initiated at the Regional Tourism Panel will continue in the spring of 2024 with a larger tourism summit. This summit will provide a broader platform for stakeholders to explore innovative ideas for increasing visitation to area attractions. The goal is to develop a comprehensive plan that enhances the region’s competitiveness as a tourist destination and contributes to its economic vitality.
A Call to Action: Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Fall River Entrepreneurship Day served as a testament to the resilience and creativity of entrepreneurs in the SouthCoast region. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic planning in driving economic growth. As the region looks towards the future, it is crucial to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and continue fostering an environment that nurtures innovation and success.