Economic Status
In 2008, Framingham’s commercial and industrial sector includes over 2,200 businesses, generates, over 45,000 jobs, with a $3 billion payroll and an average annual wage of $68,000. This represents 41% of the total employment in MetroWest and almost 45% of the total MetroWest payroll¹. Framingham’s diverse commercial clusters have helped it weather the economic downturn and though the town has lost jobs, the unemployment rate at 6.3% is still significantly below the state (8.3%) and national averages (9.5%)².   See Framingham mentioned in WIRED Magazine Online!

Who Chooses Framingham?
Framingham counts a number of world-class names among those who have chosen to do business in Framingham.

Framingham is the world headquarters for:

• TJX Companies - The parent company for TJMaxx, HomeGoods, Marshalls, and A.J. Wright
• Bose Corporation - World-renowned audio technology company
• Staples Corporation - Worldwide office supply company
• Cumberland Farms / Gulf - Major convenience store and gas station company

Additional major employers in Framingham include:

• Genzyme Corporation - More employees in Framingham than at any of their other locations
• Philips Lifeline - Medical device maker operates a large personal medical alert service from Framingham
• MetroWest Regional Medical Center - Major regional hospital including advanced cancer and cardiac care
• Framingham State University - Highly rated regional state university

Clusters
Framingham’s key clusters include:

Biotechnology and Technology Genzyme Bose Medical (Supplies and Service)  MetroWest Medical Center Lifeline

Retail TJX Companies Staples Corporation Education Framingham State University Mass Bay Community College

¹ Source: 2008 MA Division of Unemployment Assistance data and MetroWest Economic Research Center (MERC)
² Source: MERC, Framingham State College, and the Massachusetts Division of Unemployment Assistance