The City of Lowell, through its Economic Development Office, is committed to ongoing business development and retention. Augmenting this commitment is a skilled work force, the business resources of the University of Massachusetts - Lowell and a Middlesex Community College, and the contributions of economic development groups such as The Lowell Plan and the Lowell Development and Financial Corporation.

What makes Lowell unique is its ability to successfully "retool" its business base, which has included renovation of many of the city's historic textile mills. Adapted for new uses, they now house affordable, attractive office space.

Perhaps the most dramatic example of business resurgence has been Cross Point, the former headquarters of Wang Laboratories, which has been transformed into a state-of-the-art office building with world-class amenities. Its high occupancy rate of tenants are proof of Lowell's position as a commercial hub.

As a result, Lowell boasts an impressive roster of businesses. Enterprise Bank & Trust, M/A-Com, US Filter, JP Morgan, Fred C. Church Insurance, Coca-Cola, Ballard, TRC, Interstate Container and The Lowell Sun Publishing Company all contribute to a bright outlook for Lowell's business community.

Small businesses abound in Lowell too! The same favorable conditions that have nurtured the growth of the larger companies have contributed to the vitality of the city's entrepreneurial firms and family-owned businesses. A booming downtown residential scene has attracting dozens of new shops and restaurants to the cobblestone streets of downtown Lowell. Downtown Lowell is an eclectic mix of national chains such as Barnes & Noble to independent local stores like Welles Emporium.

Supporting Lowell's business environment are nine banks, two full-service hotels, the DoubleTree Lowell and the Courtyard by Marriott, in addition to bed and breakfast houses. In addition, a wide variety of restaurants, from American to Greek to Cambodian to French, provide a wonderful venue for entertaining clients or just treating yourself when the work is done.

Don't forget Lowell's arts and entertainment scene. In addition to a downtown Artist district featuring museums like the New England Quilt Museum, the Revolving Museum, and the Whistler House, Lowell also has top notch theatre at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre. In addition, the Boston Red Sox affilliated Lowell Spinners play at stunning LeLacheur Park, while the AHL's Lowell Devils skate at the Tsongas Arena. The Arena also plays host to major concert events, political conventions, and family entertainment events.