Knowledge Corridor

The Hartford-Springfield Economic Partnership constitutes an economic and cultural partnership between the Connecticut River cities of Springfield, Massachusetts, Hartford, Connecticut, and surrounding towns. Formalized by business and education leaders in 2000 [ [http://www.hartfordspringfield.com The Hartford-Springfield Economic Partnership ] ] at the Big E in West Springfield, the partnership seeks to engender economic and cultural opportunities for New England's second most populous region, (after Greater Boston) of 1.86 million residents and 120,000 college students. The Hartford-Springfield area hosts 32 colleges and universities, and thus received the moniker Knowledge Corridor from regional boosters.

Hartford and Springfield share a common Connecticut River heritage since their respective foundings in 1635 and 1636. During the mid-20th century, the cities shared a dramatic loss of industry, white flight, and disastrous urban renewal. Knowledge Corridor initiatives attempt to rectify these problems.Facts|date=December 2007

While Hartford and Springfield's urban cores lie only 25 miles apart (with Bradley International Airport situated midway between them), the Hartford-Springfield metro region includes outlying cities like Northampton and Amherst to the north in Massachusetts's Pioneer Valley, and Middletown, Connecticut to the south.

The New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Line is intended to further unite the region and ease residents' dependence on Interstate 91. [ [http://www.ct.gov/dotinfo/cwp/view.asp?a=2181&Q=295562 DOTINFO: New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Implementation Plan ] ]

Economy

The region has a workforce of 1.1 million people and 41,000 businesses.

Notable Companies

* Aetna- Hartford
* Lenox Tools- Longmeadow
* Baystate Health- Springfield, MA
* Friendly Ice Cream Corporation- Wilbraham
* Gerber Scientific- South Windsor
* The Hartford- Hartford
* HSB Insurance- Hartford
* Kaman- Bloomfield, CT
* Marox- Holyoke
* MassMutual- Springfield, MA
* Northeast Utilities- Berlin, CT
* Phoenix Wealth Management- Hartford
* Smith & Wesson- Springfield, MA
* Spalding- Springfield, MA
* The Stanley Works- New Britain, CT
* United Technologies- Hartford
* Yankee Candle- South Deerfield

Higher education institutions

Public college and universities

*University of Connecticut
*University of Massachusetts Amherst
*Eastern Connecticut State University
*Central Connecticut State University
*Charter Oak State College
*Westfield State College

Community and technical colleges

*Asnuntuck Community College
*Capital Community College
*Greenfield Community College
*Holyoke Community College
*Manchester Community College
*Middlesex Community College
*Springfield Technical Community College
*Tunxis Community College

Private college and universities

*American International College
*Amherst College
*Bay Path College
*Elms College
*Goodwin College
*Hampshire College
*Hartford Seminary
*Mount Holyoke College
*Smith College
*Springfield College
*Western New England College
*Rensselaer at Hartford
*Saint Joseph College
*Trinity College
*University of Hartford
*Wesleyan University

Cultural institutions and attractions

* Eastern States Exposition ("Big E")
* Connecticut State Capitol
* Wadsworth Atheneum
* Mark Twain House in Hartford
* Basketball Hall of Fame
* Springfield Armory
* The Quadrangle in Springfield
* Yankee Candle Company
* Six Flags New England in Agawam
* Springfield Symphony Orchestra
* Connecticut River
* Various state parks and recreation areas
* New England Air Museum
* "Bright Nights" and the Zoo at Forest Park
* Sports, including hockey, golf, basketball
* Historic Deerfield
* Old State House in Hartford
* Hill-Stead Museum

References

External links

* [http://www.hartfordspringfield.com/ Official website]
* [http://www.hartfordspringfield.com/employers.asp Major regional employers]