A group of Moroccan professionals attending the Amherst-based Institute for Training and Development toured the Franklin County Community Development Corp. last month. The nine visitors work in varied careers, from municipal jobs, to business owners, and professionals in education and nongovernmental organizations. They were here to learn about the FCCDC’s approach to helping small businesses and overall economic development.

Executive Director John Waite and Business Development Director Amy Shapiro led the tour, along with Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center Food Business Coordinator Kate Minifie. Waite and Shapiro provided business counseling to one of the visitors previously, and even went to Morocco to deepen ties between the two countries and understand more about the business culture there.

“They are learning about manufacturing, exporting, importing, markets, and so much more,” Shapiro said.