Consortium to Produce Promotional Video for Worcester, Region

Worcester, MA – The Colleges of Worcester Consortium, Inc. will use part of a $125,000 grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism to produce a Web-based video promoting Worcester and the region as an educational destination.

The grant, which was announced by Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray at the inaugural presentation of the George I. Alden Awards at Mechanics Hall in March, will be used to promote educational tourism. Collectively, the 13 colleges and universities in the Consortium attract more than half a million visitors to the region each year.

RDW Group, Inc., a marketing communications agency based in Worcester, Providence, and Boston, has been hired by the Consortium to produce a two to three minute Web-based promotional video which will showcase the numerous cultural, educational and entertainment offerings within Worcester and central Massachusetts. The goal of the video is to attract prospective college students in addition to future faculty, staff and administrators to the area. The online version of the video is expected to launch in mid August.

In addition to the video, the grant will allow the Consortium to undergo a re-branding effort led by RDW, which will include the design and implementation of a new logo as well as the creation of a trade show display to be utilized at business expositions and college fairs.

“As we look at ways to enhance Worcester and the region as a premier destination for future college students, faculty, and staff, this grant will play a vital role in our success,” said Consortium CEO Mark P. Bilotta. “The promotional video will be one more tool our admissions professionals as well as others can use to highlight the energy of this region.”

“This grant recognizes that there are new and creative ways that we can promote tourism,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray in comments made at the Alden Awards ceremony. “When thousands of parents and prospective students come to our city they can learn more about it and stay a little longer. They can visit our cultural institutions and restaurants and stay at our hotels.”

“Aside from the educational history and reputation of the Consortium, the City of Worcester and the surrounding area have many outstanding arts and cultural institutions,” said State Senator Edward M. Augustus (D-Worcester). “I’m pleased these funds will be used to help attract prospective students and their families, many of whom we hope will come to college, settle in central Massachusetts and contribute greatly to our future economy and community.”

“The colleges of Worcester are not only a tremendous educational resource, but also a key contributor to the vitality of our city,” said State Senator Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester). “This grant will allow the Consortium to show even more students and parents the great things Worcester has to offer.”

“The funds that have been appropriated from MOTT to the Consortium will give us the ability to show people around the world what Worcester residents have known for a long time—we provide a solid educational community with great scholastic and civic opportunities,” said State Representative Vincent A. Pedone (D-Worcester).