Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development
892 Worcester Street, Wellesley, MA 02482 Phone 781 489 6262 Fax 781 489 6263 www.massecon.com
For Immediate Release: June 29, 2006
MAED Contact: Strictly By–The Book: Gregg Simon Erez Bredmehl Director of Business Services President 781-489-6262 x13 508-675-5287
STRICTLY BY-THE BOOK SELECTS FALL RIVER Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development (MAED) Executive Director Susan Houston today announced that Strictly By–The Book, Inc., a distributor of books, audio books, CD’s, DVD’s and VHS tapes, has purchased a 255,000 square foot facility from Quaker Fabric Corporation at 763 Quequechan Street in Fall River. The expansion will retain the company’s existing workforce of 35 people and is expected to add 45 new jobs over the next three years. “We are thrilled that Strictly By–The Book has found a new home in Fall River,” Houston said. “MAED, which is a member of the Massachusetts Business Resource Team, was pleased to coordinate resources to support Erez Bredmehl and his consultant, Austin Smith of Lincoln Property Company, during their evaluation of facilities in Massachusetts.” Erez Bredmehl, President of Strictly By–The Book said, “We at Strictly are very happy to keep our base of operations in New England, and especially here in our own backyard. Fall River is a great fit for us – much of our workforce lives here already, and the new facility can accommodate our growth. We look forward to a vibrant partnership with the city.” Austin Smith of Lincoln Property Company said, “This was an important collaboration between MAED, MOBD, the City of Fall River, and Strictly. Our search parameters included relocating this company out of state, and we are pleased to have been able to retain this vital and growing company in the Commonwealth. We are particularly pleased to bring jobs to Fall River, which worked diligently to make this transaction possible.” Edward M. Lambert, Jr., Mayor of Fall River and Chairman of the Fall River Office of Economic Development (FROED), hailed the announcement as “further proof that the City of Fall River is open for business.” He praised the partnership that convinced Strictly to remain in Massachusetts and select Fall River for its expansion. “I applaud Strictly By-The Book's decision to expand in our city, and I am confident that this investment in our workforce will be richly rewarded.” Rod Jane, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development said, “This is a wonderful example of collaboration among members of the Massachusetts Business Resource Team. It demonstrates the impact of bringing together the expertise of
The Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development is a private, non-profit partnership of business, industry leaders, and government dedicated to retaining and fostering economic growth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
our economic development partners under one umbrella to assist companies who want to create new jobs in Massachusetts.” Strictly By-The Book, Inc. has been a national leader in the bargain and remainder book industry since 1996, offering high-quality titles in every category and genre, with a special strength in children’s books. Strictly™ distributes most major publishers and processes over 2 million units per month, shipping to thousands of customers worldwide. Currently headquartered in Bridgewater with warehouse space in Fall River, Strictly™ is pleased to consolidate their hub of operations into one location. For more information, go to www.strictlybythebook.com. Company executives had evaluated facility options in Missouri, Indiana and Rhode Island for strategic reasons before selecting the Fall River facility. The public-private sector team assembled to assist Strictly By–The Book included Massachusetts Business Resource Team Members MAED, Massachusetts Office of Business Development, MassDevelopment, as well as the City of Fall River. Strictly By – The Book is eligible for a variety of state and local economic development programs such as the Economic Development Incentive Program (a partnership between local municipalities and the Commonwealth). Strictly By-The Book worked with Mayor Lambert and FROED to secure tax incentives. These incentives have been approved by the City of Fall River and the State Economic Assistance Coordinating Council.
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The Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development is a private, non-profit partnership of business, industry leaders, and government dedicated to retaining and fostering economic growth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts