In business, the right location can make the difference between success or failure. Lowell, Massachusetts blends the best elements of location for business and residents. Lowell is home to some of the nation's most dynamic companies, from global technology leaders to world-class industrial and manufacturing operations to retailers any city would proudly host.

Regional Proximity -- Lowell is located at the heart of the Merrimack Valley just 30 miles northwest of Boston and provides businesses the opportunity to access markets for commerce throughout the Northeast. To the northeast are Portsmouth, NH (48 mi.) and Portland, ME (97 mi.); to the northwest are Manchester, NH (38 mi.), Burlington, VT (212 mi.) and Montreal, Canada (252mi.); and to the south and west are Worcester, MA (38 mi.), Providence, RI (75 mi.), Hartford, CT (103 mi.), and New York City (170 mi.).

Highway Access -- Any business located in Lowell is just minutes from a major highway or interstate. Lowell is located at the hub of the entire New England highway system, at the junction of Interstates 495 and 93 and Route 3. Interstate 95, connecting northern and southern New England and providing access to the entire Boston perimeter commercial market, is accessible in minutes from either Interstate 495 or 93. Interstate 90, New England's east/west corridor, is also easily accessible via Interstates 495 and 95.

Air -- Boston's Logan International Airport is 40 minutes away, while just 30 minutes away is New Hampshire's Manchester Airport which has become a favorite to business travelers because of ease and access.

Rail -- Commuter Rail Access Commuter rail access to Boston is provided via the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority located within walking distance of downtown Lowell at the Gallagher Terminal. Express bus service from the terminal to downtown Lowell is also available on a regular basis. Freight service is provided by the Boston and Maine Railroad.

Bus Transit -- Local commuter routes and Greater Lowell regional service to surrounding communities is provided by the Lowell Regional Transit Authority.

Water -- Lowell's industrial beginnings evolved from the abundance of water power provided by the Merrimack and Concord rivers. Today, businesses searching for a competitive advantage find that Lowell offers an abundant water supply at the lowest rate in the Merrimack Valley. Lowell's rivers and canalways also supply residents opportunities for active and leisurely activities. There's canoeing, sailing, and fishing on the Merrimack and Concord Rivers, while biking, walking and rollerblading are common along the Vandenberg Esplanade Riverfront and Sheehy Parks. The Concord River also supports some of the area's best whitewater rafting.

Education and Technology Resources -- Lowell businesses needing specialized technical or business solutions can utilize the education, research, and technical programs available at two of New England's finest institutions - the University of Massachusetts - Lowell and Middlesex Community College. UMass Lowell's Council for Industrial Development -- works in partnership with business through the following specialized research centers:

* Advanced Biomaterials Institute * Center for Advanced Materials * Center for Advanced Computation * Nanotechnology * Center for Advanced ComputationCenter for Environmentally Appropriate Materials * Bioprocess Development Center for Productivity Enhancement * Institute of Plastics Innovation * Toxic Use Reduction Institute * Center For Health Promotion * Center for Industrial Competitiveness Middlesex Community College provides day and evening classes for Associate degree and certificate programs. In addition, customized on-site business, online couses, and industry training programs are available.