Small business forum held in Northampton

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Some Pioneer Valley business owners were in Northampton Thursday to learn about resources and financing programs that could benefit them.

Marty Jones, the CEO of Mass Development , told 22news a lot of small manufacturers across the commonwealth continue to grow despite the challenging economic climate. However, one big problem is the lack of skilled employees available to fill manufacturing jobs.

According to Jones, “We are launching a campaign called ‘ Amp It Up,’ to try and promote manufacturing as a good career. I think a lot of people have an image of what manufacturing used to be and that's very diff from the manufacturing of today.”

That campaign will be geared toward parents, students and guidance counselors.