Annu2015al report

30 Pearls of wisdom

www.wrrb.org Commerce Bank Congratulates The Research Bureau on 30 Years of Outstanding Work.

Commerce Bank is proud to be this year’s Presenting Sponsor of The Research Bureau’s 30th Annual Meeting. This important milestone reflects The Research Bureau’s efforts and solidifies its position as a leading source of information for government, business and society.

Like The Research Bureau, Commerce Bank has a strong commitment to the communities we serve. From volunteering time to investing in neighborhoods, our employees believe in building a better future, and we are proud to support The Research Bureau for 30 years of outstanding work.

Since our founding in 1955, Commerce Bank has become one of the largest independent banking companies in the region. And as we continue to grow, we remain a strong, local bank committed to supporting the needs of the people and businesses we serve through our adherence to core principles and our ability to deliver the innovative products, services and capabilities our customers need and deserve.

Again, I would like to congratulate The Research Bureau on 30 years of outstanding work and dedication to researching public policy.

Brian W. Thompson

President and Chief Executive Officer Commerce Bank

www.BankAtCommerce.com A Message from the Chair of the Board and Executive Director

Dear Friends of The Research Bureau: educating the public and government officials about opportunities and best practices. The Bureau is committed to building a factual basis Thirty years ago, the City of Worcester government adopted a new for discussion. The Worcester Almanac and our reports and briefs lay Charter and hired a new City Manager. While municipal resources a foundation for discussion about managing municipal resources and were in high demand to address significant social and economic assets and prioritizing municipal activities. We remain a strong voice change, the municipal budget labored under the limitations of the for excellence in government and in public policy. Commonwealth’s Proposition 2½ and the decline in Federal funding for cities. The Research Bureau’s establishment in 1985 represented Many thanks to all who contribute to The Research Bureau’s success. a joint commitment by the civic and business communities to The diversity of our support reflects the continued generosity of maintaining smart, efficient government focused on promoting Worcester’s civic, business, and philanthropic communities. The sustainable economic growth, educating our children, protecting our dedication of our Board of Directors, past and present, who have given residents, and maintaining our infrastructure. time, money, and insight, shaped our storied history and ensure a strong future. We are deeply grateful to the corporate and foundation In our initial year, The Research Bureau published three major reports, communities, as well as individual supporters, who provide valuable the first focused on the loss of Federal General Revenue Sharing Funds resources to further good public policy in Worcester. We thank our (one part of the Gramm-Rudman deficit reduction law), the second friends in government and the non-profit sector who offer invaluable focused on revenue and expenditure trends highlighting an increasing insights into issues and opportunities. Finally, we thank the dedicated dependence on State aid, and the third focused on the long-term staff of The Research Bureau for their enthusiasm, diligence, and needs, and costs, of the City’s water and sewer system. A special report commitment to building a healthy and successful region. Sadly, we was prepared at the request of the City Council’s Housing Committee highlight the passing of our good friend Christo Cocaine of Table Talk on the arguments for and against rent control. The Bureau held one Pies. A member of The Research Board for two decades, Chris was forum that first year, entitled “The Financial Plight of our Cities.” stalwart in his support of our efforts. He is a clear example of the civic The Research Bureau has expanded its focus from the City of pride that runs through Worcester’s corporate leadership. Worcester to the region, but often the same issues consume local In our inaugural annual report in 1986, then President George W. leadership in both urban and rural communities. Continued stress on Tetler, III wrote “A solid foundation for the Bureau has been laid and local budgets from a challenging tax structure, unpredictable State and its future is promising. I hope you will join us in fulfilling the Bureau’s Federal aid, and increasing operational costs and post-employment promise in the years to come.” Like The Research Bureau’s original obligations mean an ongoing desperate need to prioritize efforts and mission, these words remain so very true today. identify efficient, cost-effective delivery of government services. On behalf of The Research Bureau, we thank you for your continued The Research Bureau’s mission – conducting independent, non- friendship and support and look forward to your partnership in the partisan research and analysis of public policy issues to promote decades to come. informed public debate and decision-making – remains as necessary today as it was in 1985. A new City Manager balances public priorities with limited resources. The City and the region seek to tap economic growth by redeveloping public and private property, providing business and real estate incentives, and promoting the arts, culture, and tourism. Communities look to strengthen partnerships with neighborhood stakeholders to create jobs and develop affordable workforce housing. Greater Worcester municipalities struggle to increase funding for public education without negatively impacting local services. The City of Worcester works to curb violence in schools and neighborhoods and address the issues of substance abuse. Sincerely, The Research Bureau has a well-earned reputation as a respected advocate of responsible government and a resource for financially- challenged municipalities seeking public policy guidance. For thirty years, The Research Bureau has worked to protect the public interest Karen E. Duffy Timothy J. McGourthy in Greater Worcester by identifying issues, investigating impacts, and Chair of the Board Executive Director | 3 The Year In Review 30 Pearls of Wisdom

A thirtieth anniversary is institutions in Greater Worcester have each partnered with The traditionally celebrated by the gift of pearls. As Research Bureau to showcase their valuable contributions to world evident from our many reports and forums, The knowledge and to Worcester’s role as an intellectual capital. Research Bureau has been providing pearls of Our core work, however, remains and The Research Bureau wisdom to the Greater Worcester community every year for continues to inform key issues. thirty years. From an early focus on public finance, the Bureau has expanded its purview to include best practices in public administration, education, economic development, safety, and Public Finance community engagement. Like the oyster crafting a gem, The In 2014, The Research Bureau initiated its “Breaking Down Research Bureau identifies nagging issues, isolates facts, wraps the Budget” series, to annually highlight the operating and them in layers of analysis, and puts forth for consideration rare capital budgets of the new fiscal year and review the financial insights into the issues of the day. strength of the City. In conjunction with the Worcester Education Collaborative, the Bureau held a series of forums including the The past year has been no exception. Since our last annual Mayor, City Manager, and Superintendent of Schools among others meeting in 2014, The Research Bureau has been actively engaged to improve public understanding of the Chapter 70 on a broad agenda. We have reconnected with civic, business, funding formula and its impact on State and Local budgets. The and political leadership to identify challenges and develop new panel focused on the challenge of balancing the needs of an urban areas for consideration. We have built new partnerships, working education system with the demands of an active municipality. In collaboratively with local and regional entities to highlight pressing anticipation of the Worcester City Council’s discussion of the topic, public concerns. We have expanded our influence, embracing new we also released a Bureau Brief on Other Post-Employment Benefits formats and technologies to engage new audiences. We are working (OPEB) and the staggering (and increasing) $727 million liability diligently to fashion new pearls for The Research Bureau’s already the City currently faces. long strand.

During this time, we have embraced our 30th Anniversary with enthusiasm. Since our founding in 1985, The Research Bureau Public Administration has held over 200 public forums and released more than 225 2014 was an important year for the City of Worcester as a reports and briefs. These efforts, supported by business, civic, and permanent City Manager was identified and appointed. The philanthropic partners, have led discussion locally on key issues of Research Bureau released a Bureau Brief highlighting best practices municipal importance. In recognition of these accomplishments, from the International City/County Management Association we hosted a reception at the in honor of (ICMA) and hosted a discussion with three experienced City our Board, highlighting the long history and bright future of the Managers from the Massachusetts Gateway Cities of Chelsea, organization. We have also worked with our college and university Lowell, and Worcester. The Bureau also offered briefs outlining partners to host the Fairman Cowan Collegiate Lecture Series – an the process for modifying the City Charter and explored non- opportunity to highlight the groundbreaking research underway profit exemptions to municipal taxation and local regulation. In on local campuses. From indexing the Worcester economy to recognition of The Research Bureau’s important work, the Bureau’s understanding global migrations, the twelve higher education Executive Director was appointed to Governor Charlie Baker’s

1987 1989 1990 1986 1988 Real Estate Getting In and Worcester The Aftermath of Transfer Tax: Is There Still a Out of Worcester: City Proposition 2½: The Case for Housing Problem Our Regional Hospital, Shrinking Revenues and and Against in Worcester? Part I & Increased Dependence Transportation Network Part II 4 | Transition Team focusing on government best of the Class of 2014 was widely referenced in the For those who want to get practices. The Research Bureau has also worked media and the associated discussion forum at a good snapshot of where closely with the Central Massachusetts Regional Assumption College was very well attended. Worcester stands today, in Planning Commission (CMRPC) on the Central The Research Bureau also informed the City a variety of areas, check out Massachusetts DataCommon initiative – an and Worcester Redevelopment Authority “Worcester Almanac: 2015,” effort to build an online, public repository for urban renewal initiative, hosting a panel data on Worcester and the region to improve of leading experts on local urban renewal a first-of-its-kind effort by the understanding and administration of local authority from across the Commonwealth. The Research Bureau to government objectives. The Research Bureau’s Executive Director was capture key data points about invited to serve on the Governor’s Economic the city and the region. Economic Development & Development Advisory Council, charged with crafting an economic development plan for the In releasing the almanac The Changing City Commonwealth. last week, The Research Economic development has been an important Bureau said the compendium component of The Research Bureau’s mission Citizen Engagement includes the most recent for decades. As the national and regional information available on A disturbing trend nationally is the decline economies improve, The Research Bureau of civic engagement. The Research Bureau government, demographics, has highlighted key opportunities for Greater explored that concern in Worcester with its the economy, education, Worcester over the last year. The Worcester report Don’t Boo. Just Remember to Vote. A healthy Almanac: 2015 included significant information public safety and more, from government requires an active electorate. In about the strength and growth of the Central the best available sources. The the 2013 municipal election, however, 86% Massachusetts economy. The Research Bureau almanac shines a light on the of registered voters in Worcester failed to has been vocal on embracing the potential of many positives in Worcester vote. The Bureau makes recommendations to new, diverse populations and the City’s local and provides some insight on increase voter turnout, build civic awareness, college-based talent. The Fall 2014 Bureau Brief promote community understanding with public what issues may lie ahead. on demographic change, together with the education, and explore the inclusion of residents Worcester Almanac, are frequently cited in the Worcester Telegram through the potential of neighborhood councils media and in conversations about Worcester’s & Gazette and participatory budgeting. Engagement population changes. As a result, the City asked 2/15/15 requires a broad-based community approach. The Research Bureau to provide the factual Worcester, as the center of a region and host basis for the City’s Dialogues on Race, resulting to diverse interests and organizations, needs in four summaries focused on representative many partners to engage. The Bureau held a government, economic development, youth series of forums with educational institutions, and education, and public safety. The Bureau locally-based businesses, and multi-national also explored the impact of immigrants and businesses to discuss the role of private entities refugees on the City, including their economic – like schools, colleges, universities, and prospects. The Research Bureau’s report Central corporations – in contributing to community Massachusetts Talent Retention Project: A Survey life in Worcester. The Research Bureau brought

1991 1993 1992 1994

Thinking The Education About School Recycling in Reform Act of Union Station and Choice Worcester: 1993 Washington Square: Some Proposals What is the Scope of to Implement the the Project? Mandate | 5 The Year In Review 30 Pearls of Wisdom (continued)

“The commitment to members of the media together to discuss the society and self-governance, and the analysis strong communities, strong civic responsibilities of news organizations of public policy and political choice requires communities and strong – television, print, radio, and web-based – in the ability to gather and understand facts. coverage of City Hall and local public policy. In addition to its work with the Worcester businesses, goes together,” The Bureau, in cooperation with the Worcester Education Collaborative on public education said Bradley H. Johnson, Business Journal, also hosted March Municipal funding, The Research Bureau has continued its Vice President and General Madness – an opportunity for residents and examination of the public schools with its review Manager of Abrasives business leaders to select their own public of the Common Core State Standards, hosting in North America for priorities through a bracket-based competition a forum at Worcester Technical High School Compagnie de Saint-Gobain, like that of the NCAA tournament. that included Massachusetts Commissioner of a Paris-based materials and Questions for the 2015 Candidates for City Council Elementary & Secondary Education Mitchell and School Committee in Worcester laid out the key Chester and Superintendent of Schools Melinda building products company. public policy questions for candidates and voters Boone among others. The panel highlighted the “I don’t think one can exist in advance of the Preliminary and Municipal importance of the new standards, which were without the other.” elections. Together with the Worcester Regional incorporated into the Massachusetts Curriculum Worcester Telegram Chamber of Commerce and in partnership Frameworks in 2011. The discussion also & Gazette with Mechanics Hall, The Research Bureau focused on the opportunities and challenges 6/9/15 also hosted a series of debates for candidates facing the Partnership for Assessment of for School Committee, Mayor, At Large City Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), Council, and District Council. The Research a possible replacement for the Massachusetts Bureau also undertook efforts to expand its own Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS). engagement. The Bureau launched a new series, beginning with “Wait, wait…don’t tell me it’s “MARCH (MUNICIPAL) MADNESS: It’s March, Worcester?!?” in 2014 and “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grade Standardized Test?” in 2015 which means Worcesterites will be filling out their to draw visitors to the Downtown on a summer tournament brackets. No, not the NCAA tournament – evening and introduce residents to The Bureau, the March Municipal Madness tournament, sponsored its mission, and key issues in the community in by the Worcester Regional Research Bureau. The a light-hearted way. tournament pits different government initiatives and policies against each other, and residents can pick their Public Education favorites. Unfortunately, the winning policy will not The Research Bureau seeks to promote informed actually become law – hot button topics like ‘increase public debate and decision-making, and the police presence in schools’ and ‘establish a single tax rate’ foundation for that success resides in the public are available as choices – but five winners will receive schools system. The tickets to the WRRB’s 30th anniversary meeting.” champions the creation of “productive citizens.” Informed citizenry is founded in respect for Worcester Magazine 3/19/15

1995 1997 1996 1998

The Future of Facilitating the EMS in Worcester: Farewell to Worcester Memorial Cleanup and Who Should Worcester County Auditorium Development Provide It? Government of Worcester’s Brownfields 6 | Public Health The Research Bureau expanded its review into public health potential response capacity. With the generous support of in the face of rising public concern regarding Ebola in the Fall the DCU Center, The Bureau hosted a panel discussion with of 2014. While calls for border closings and the imposition representatives of Worcester’s medical community, highlighting of quarantines dominated newscasts, Worcester lacked good the region’s capacity to address a local Ebola outbreak and the information about the likelihood of outbreak and its own impact of the disease on local residents with ties to West Africa.

While we celebrate The Research Bureau’s 30th Anniversary, we recognize that we are a rare institution, reflective of a unique city. Our anniversary is really about the commitment of the community to support and promote good government and healthy public debate. Pearls are rare and hence valuable. We treasure our existence, are committed to continuing our mission, and look forward to celebrating many more events with you in the future.

Establish a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1 Expand police gang and drug units March Municipal school day 17 © 2 Expand response to roadside solicitation and panhandling Madness Upgrade school buildings 18 Expand after-school programs, 3 Expand police foot patrols (Please fill in item number of each including sports and arts 19 “winner” in each round) Expand video surveillance Expand school staffing to 4 programs decrease class size 20

Expand police traffic enforcement, PUBLIC SAFETY EDUCATION Increase the number of 5 response to jaywalking charter schools 21

Increase police presence in Establish school voucher 6 public schools program 22 Establish a citizen review board Establish universal, free pre-K 7 for police incidents starting at 4 years old 23

Increase number of neighbor- Establish exam school for 8 hood-based fire stations high-achieving students 24

March Municipal Madness Championship 9 Expand street repair, Match repaving program Establish a single tax rate 25

Construct additional parking Establish performance incentives 10 in commercial areas for municipal employees 26 Expand marketing of Increase funding for pension 11 Worcester and region and OPEB obligations 27

Expand incentives for new Expand professional development 12 business and job creation for public leadership 28

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS Establish a “Strong Mayor” 13 Expand incentives for new housing form of government 29

Upgrade sidewalks, Establish payment-in-lieu-of-taxes 14 crosswalks, bikepaths (PILOT) program for major nonprofits 30 Increase rail and bus activity Replace public pension system 15 at Union Station with defined contribution plan 31

Increase commercial flights at CHAMPION Outsource select city 16 Worcester Regional Airport operations to private vendors 32

Name: Email: © PHOTO/ANDY DAVIS Scan your completed bracket and email it to [email protected], or fax it to 508-767-7720.

With Special Thanks to Worcester Business Journal.

2000 2002 2003 1999 2001 Promoting Worcester Charter Schools: New England’s Regional The Use of Project Regional Airport: Their Future in Other College Town Economic Labor Agreements on Will It Take Off? Massachusetts Development Public Construction Projects: The Case for and Against | 7 Reports and Briefs

Since our last annual report, The Research Bureau prepared the following reports and briefs:

Breaking Down the Budget: Questions to Consider, City of Worcester & Worcester Public Schools FY15 Central Massachusetts Talent Retention Project: A Survey of the Class of 2014 Annual Meeting Notes from The Research Bureau Bureau Brief: Urban Renewal Bureau Brief: Charting Worcester’s Course Bureau Brief: The Changing City – Starting a Conversation Worcester Almanac: 2015 Bureau Brief: Non-Profits and Municipal Authority Bureau Brief: The Role of Media in Civic Life

Bureau Brief: Worcester’s Unfunded OPEB Liability 2015: $727,823,149 Are You Smarter than a 5th Grade Standardized Test? Don’t Boo. Just Remember to Vote. Civic Engagement in the City of Worcester Bureau Brief: Immigrants & Refugees in Worcester Bureau Brief: Community Dialogues on Race – Representative Government Bureau Brief: Community Dialogues on Race – Public Safety Bureau Brief: Community Dialogues on Race – Youth & Education Bureau Brief: Community Dialogues on Race – Economic Development Bureau Brief: Flag Etiquette Breaking Down the Budget: Questions to Consider, City of Worcester & Worcester Public Schools FY16 Questions for the 2015 Candidates for City Council and School Committee in Worcester

Worcester Economic Index Assumption College

2005 2007 2008 2004 2006 Condition Serious, Benchmarking Where Have all Will PILOTs Fly in Prognosis Uncertain: The Education Municipal Finance the Bidders Gone?: Worcester? Taxing The Impact of Gender Gap: in Worcester: Factors The Impact of Nonprofits and Municipal Employee Why are boys not Affecting the City’s “Responsibility” on Other Options Health Insurance in making the grade? Massachusetts Bond Rating Public Construction 8 | Forums and Events

The Research Bureau organized the following forums and events: “Massachusetts needs Worcester to be successful,” • Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me It’s Worcester!?!? Frederick H. Eppinger, Jr. of • Urban Renewal: An Owner’s Manual Hanover Insurance Group • Degrees of Separation: Retaining College Graduates in Greater Worcester told a small crowd assembled • Funding Public Education – Part I: Chapter 70 and Local Education Funding at the DCU Center. “You • Off Campus: Institutional Neighbors in the Worcester Community can’t put everybody in • Public Health in the News: Central Massachusetts and the Ebola Crisis Cambridge.” • Funding Public Education – Part II: Balancing the Needs of Schools and the Needs of the City The President and Chief • Digging into the Common Core: Education Standards and Testing in Massachusetts Executive Officer of the • Worcester Economic Index – Assumption College Worcester-based insurance • Impact of Domestic Violence – giant was one of four speakers • Video Gaming Industry – Wednesday at “Acting • Research that Impacts Our Community – Locally,” a discussion • The Role of Media in Civic Life on business-community • Assessing Technology: What’s New, What’s Not. – College of the Holy Cross engagement hosted by The • Acting Locally: Central Massachusetts Businesses & Community Engagement Research Bureau.

• Thinking Globally: National/Multinational Corporations & Central Massachusetts Worcester Telegram • Pharmacogenomics & Bioinformatics – MCPHS University & Gazette • Millennial Workforce Readiness – 6/17/15 • Are You Smarter than a 5th Grade Standardized Test? • Public Policy and Race Relations – Quinsigamond Community College • Regeneration Medicine – Tufts University, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

Acting Locally: Central Massachusetts Impact of Domestic Violence Video Gaming Industry Businesses & Community Engagement Anna Maria College Becker College

2009 2011 2010 2012

Municipal Elections Public Employment Top Ideas for Fare Play? Regulating in Worcester 2009: Pensions: Is the Revitalizing Cities Worcester’s Livery Questions for the Current System Vehicles and Taxis Candidates Sustainable?

| 9 Forums and Events

Ms. (Dianne) Williamson lamented, “I was told there wouldn’t be any sports questions,” after getting a few wrong, including mixing up Boston University and Boston College and forgetting about the repossession

debacle. But she managed Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me It’s Worcester !?!? to zing Worcester Regional Airport Director Andy Davis as he came up to answer a few questions (“I’m surprised you could get away, with all those… planes flying out of Worcester Airport.”)

Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 7/18/14, Millennial Workforce Readiness describing The Research Nichols College Bureau’s summer event “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me It’s Worcester!?!” Research that Impacts Our Community Clark University

Public Health in the News: Central Massachusetts and Thinking Globally: National/Multinational the Ebola Crisis Corporations & Central Massachusetts

10 | Funding Public Education – Part I: Chapter 70 and Local Education Funding

Assessing Technology: What’s New, What’s Not. Digging into the Common Core: Education Standards and College of the Holy Cross Testing in Massachusetts

Off Campus: Institutional Neighbors in the Worcester Community

Urban Renewal: An Owner’s Manual Degrees of Separation: Retaining College Graduates in Greater Worcester

| 11 th Annual Meeting 29of The Research Bureau June 5, 2014 DCU Center Worcester, M A

With Featured Speakers

Jay Ash City Manager of Chelsea

Bernard F. Lynch Founder, Community Paradigm Associates, LLC

Michael V. O’Brien Executive Vice President, Winn Development

12 | “It would be easy to give in to the weather and to conclude that Worcester is a bleak winter wasteland with nothing going on but the sounds of snow-removal operations that will last for what feels like 30 more years.

But a far brighter light has been shining on Worcester for literally the past 30 years. It’s The Research Bureau, and when it comes to gaining insight into the best minds the city has to offer, on topics in politics, economics, health, science, and much more, it’s hard to top the remarkable output that The Bureau offers each year.“

Worcester Telegram & Gazette Editorial 2/20/15

| 13 Thomas S. Green Public Service Awards

Each year, The Research Bureau recognizes the “unsung heroes” in municipal government who are committed to making Worcester and nearby communities better places to live and work. The 2015 Thomas S. Green Public Service Award recipients, honored at a ceremony and reception at Assumption College on March 24, 2015, were as follows:

Michael Ferguson City of Worcester Department of Public Works and Parks Pamela Callahan City of Worcester Department of Human Resources Patricia Bruchmann City of Worcester Department of Public Health James Robbins Town of Westborough Planning Department Michael Lyons Worcester Public Schools

Board of Directors Meetings March 12, 2015 September 23, 2014 Featured speaker Featured speaker Edward M. Augustus, Jr. Gary Gemme Worcester City Manager Worcester Police Chief

14 | Annual meeting Speakers

2015 Jonathan Kraft, President, The Kraft Group 2001 Heather MacDonald, Senior Fellow, 2014 Jay Ash, City Manager of Chelsea The Manhattan Institute 2000 Bernard F. Lynch, Founder, Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake, Senior Pastor, Community Paradigm Associates, LLC Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church and former U.S. Representative to Congress Michael V. O’Brien, Executive Vice President, 1999 Howard Husock, Director of Case Studies Winn Development in Public Policy and Management, 2013 Edward Glaeser, Fred and Eleanor Glimp Kennedy School, Professor of Economics, Harvard University 1998 Myron Magnet, Editor, City Journal 2012 Eric S. Rosengren, President & CEO, 1997 Thomas Birmingham, Senate President, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Commonwealth of Massachusetts 2011 Senator Scott Brown 1996 Glenn C. Loury, Professor of Economics, 2010 Lisa A. Mancini, Senior Vice President, Boston University CSX Corporation 1995 Peter Harkness, Editor and Publisher 2009 Amity Shlaes, Bloomberg News Columnist, of Governing Political Economist 1994 James Q. Wilson, Author and 2008 John W. Rowe, Chairman, President & CEO, Professor of Political Science, UCLA Exelon Corporation 1993 Robert Poole, President, Reason Foundation 2007 Dr. Thomas Payzant, former Superintendent 1992 William Hudnut, former Mayor of Indianapolis of the Boston Public Schools and senior lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education 1991 David P. Forsberg, Secretary, Executive Office of Health and Human Services, 2006 Dr. David Driscoll, Commissioner of Education, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1990 Bruce Carnes, Director of Planning and Budget, 2005 Tamar Jacoby, Author and Senior Fellow at the Office of National Drug Control Policy Manhattan Institute 1989 Edward J. Logue, CEO, Logue Boston, 2004 John Gannon, Staff Director, former Director of the Boston Redevelopment U.S. House of Representatives, Authority Select Committee on Homeland Security 1988 Raymond Flynn, Mayor of Boston 2003 Governor Mitt Romney, Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1987 William Bulger, Senate President, Commonwealth of Massachusetts 2002 Fred Siegel, Professor of History, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of 1986 Ira Jackson, Commissioner, Science and Art, New York City, and Department of Revenue, Senior Fellow, Progressive Policy Institute Commonwealth of Massachusetts

2014 2013 2015

Careers in Advanced Toward a Common Worcester Manufacturing: It’s Understanding of the Almanac: 2015 not your grandfather’s Common Core assembly line | 15 WRRB Officers, Executive Committee, Staff, & Board of Directors 2014-2015

Officers Executive Committee Staff Chairman of the Board: Members Executive Director: Karen E. Duffy Timothy J. McGourthy Brian J. Buckley, Esq. Vice Chairman: Director of Operations and John J. Spillane, Esq. Anthony Consigli Programs: Sandra L. Dunn Jean C. DeIeso Vice President for Finance: Brian Thompson W. Patrick Hughes Research Associate: Frederic Mulligan Mary E. Burke Treasurer: George W. Tetler III, Esq. Michael Mulrain Clerk: Nicholas (Nick) Smith Demitrios M. Moschos, Esq. Gayle Flanders Weiss, Esq.

Board of Directors Peter Alden Charles J. Faris Karen E. Ludington, Esq. James F. Paulhus David Angel, Ph.D. Aleta Fazzone Jennifer Luisa Deborah Penta Michael P. Angelini, Esq. Allen W. Fletcher Francis Madigan, III David Perez Craig L. Blais David Forsberg Barry Maloney Richard F. Powell, CPA Steven Carpinella Gerald M. Gates Peter McDonald, Ed.D. John Pranckevicius Gail Carberry, Ed.D. Tim Garvin Kate McEvoy-Zdonczyk William J. Ritter, Esq. Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. Lisa Kirby Gibbs Thomas McGregor Todd Rodman, Esq. Barbara Clifford J. Michael Grenon Joseph McManus Eric H. Schultz J. Christopher Collins, Esq. Abraham W. Haddad, D.M.D. Martin D. McNamara J. Robert Seder, Esq. P. Scott Conti Lloyd L. Hamm, Jr. James D. O’Brien, Jr., Esq. Philip O. Shwachman Michael Crawford Robert E. Johnson, Ph.D. Michael V. O’Brien Peter R. Stanton Ellen Cummings Will Kelleher Andrew B. O’Donnell, Esq. John C. Stowe James Curran Richard B. Kennedy JoAnne O’Leary Russell Vanderbaan Andrew Davis Richard Leahy Ivette Olmeda Mark Waxler Peter J. Dawson, Esq. James B. Leary, Esq. Kevin O’Sullivan Jan B. Yost, Ed.D. Christine Dominick Laurie A. Leshin, Ph.D. Deborah Packard Ellen S. Dunlap Robert G. Lian, Esq. Anthony Pasquale

Foundations Corporations Doctor of Research Fletcher Tilton PC Greenberg, Rosenblatt, Kull & FLEXcon Alden Trust Endowed Chair Daniels Foundation Bitsoli, P.C. Lutco, Inc. Bank of America Ellsworth Foundation People’s United Bank O’Connell Development Group Commerce Bank Fletcher Foundation Siemens Providence & Worcester Railroad CSX Fuller Foundation Worcester Telegram & Gazette Saint Vincent’s Hospital Fallon Health Greater Worcester Community Research Professor Santander Hanover Insurance Group UniBank Foundation Benefit Development Group Harvard Pilgrim Health Care United Bank Harrington Foundation Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA Massport Verizon Health Foundation of Central Bowditch & Dewey LLP Massachusetts PENTA Communications, Inc. Carruth Capital, LLC Hoche-Scofield Foundation Polar Beverages Consigli Construction Co., Inc. McEvoy Foundation Rand-Whitney Cutler Associates, Inc. Stoddard Charitable Trust Saint-Gobain Eversource Wyman-Gordon Foundation TD Bank Fidelity Bank 16 | Unum Research Associate Steven Carpinella Joseph McManus Guertin Graphics BayState Savings Bank Francesco Cesareo Martin McNamara Greenberg, Rosenblatt, Kull & Bitsoli Beechwood Hotel Henry Ciborowski Charles Monahan MCPHS University Bollus Lynch, LLP Barbara Clifford Philip Morgan Nichols College DCU Center Christo Cocaine Demitrios Moschos PENTA Communications, Inc. First American Realty, Inc. J. Christopher Collins Frederic Mulligan Peppercorn’s Grille & Tavern – Kelleher & Sadowsky Associates, Inc. Anthony Consigli Michael Mulrain Wormtown Brewery Kinefac Corporation P. Scott Conti James O’Brien, Jr. Polar Beverages Lian Zarrow Attorneys Michael Crawford Kevin O’Sullivan Quinsigamond Community Ellen Cummings Andrew O’Donnell Marsh & McLennan Agency College James Curran Ivette Olmeda MassDevelopment Tufts University, Cummings Mirick O’Connell Attorneys Peter Dawson Deborah Packard School of Veterinary Medicine at Law Christine Dominick Francis Paquette Unum National Grid Karen Duffy Anthony Pasquale WCRN Radio Peterson Oil Service Ellen Dunlap James Paulhus R.H. White Construction Co. Sandra Dunn Deborah Penta Worcester County Registry Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. Armin Ernst Steve Pitcher of Deeds Table Talk Pies, Inc. Charles Faris Richard Powell Worcester Credit Union Webster Five Cents Savings Bank Aleta Fazzone William Ritter Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester Business Development Thomas Field, III Todd Rodman Worcester PopUP/Worcester Corporation Allen Fletcher Roberta Schaefer Cultural Coalition Worcester Credit Union Richard Foote Eric Schultz Worcester Technical High School Worcester Regional Chamber of David Forsberg J. Robert Seder Worcester Telegram & Gazette Commerce Richard Freedman Philip Shwachman Research Assistant Tim Garvin Edward Simsarian Thomas S. Green AdCare Hospital Lisa Kirby Gibbs Nicholas Smith Public Service Atlas Distributing, Inc. Wayne Glazier John Spillane Coghlin Electrical Contractors, Inc. J. Michael Grenon Peter Stanton Awards Sponsors Assumption College F.W. Madigan Company, Inc. Abraham Haddad John Stowe Beechwood Hotel Grasseschi Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Lloyd Hamm, Jr. George W. Tetler III Checkerboard, Ltd., Micah Chase Grimes & Company, Inc. Stuart Hammer Brian Thompson DCU Center Highland March Jeffrey Hillis Charles Valade EcoTarium Honey Farms W. Patrick Hughes Russ Vanderbaan Hanover Theatre Lauring Construction Company, Inc. John Hunt Dori Vecchio Julio’s Millbury Savings Bank Nason Hurowitz Mark Waxler Mechanics Hall Pojani Hurley Ritter, LLP Robert Johnson Gayle Flanders Weiss Music Worcester Quaker Special Risk Will Kelleher Janice Yost Eversource Seder & Chandler, LLP Richard Leahy Saint-Gobain Small Business Service Bureau, Inc. James Leary In-Kind Gifts/ Sharfmans Sole Proprietor, Inc. Dana & Christine Levenson Services Sole Proprietor, Inc. Sullivan Group Robert Lian Assumption College Telegram & Gazette Worcester Publishing Ann Lisi Anna Maria College Worcester Art Museum Wyatt Development LLC Karen Ludington BayState Savings Bank Worcester Bravehearts Jennifer Luisa Individuals Becker College Worcester Credit Union Francis Madigan, III Peter Alden Beechwood Hotel Worcester Cultural Coalition Barry Maloney David Angel Bowditch & Dewey LLP Worcester Historical Museum Francesca Maltese Michael Angelini Checkerboard, Ltd. Ziti’s Restaurant Peter McDonald Marge Beqiri Clark University Kate McEvoy-Zdonczyk Michael Brockelman College of the Holy Cross Timothy & Nadia McGourthy Brian Buckley D3 Synergy Printing Thomas McGregor Gail Carberry DCU Center

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of these lists. If we made an error, please let us know. Thank you. | 17 A Special Thanks to all of our Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

UniBank UniBank UniBank

Atlas Distributing National Grid Spillane & Spillane BayState Savings Bank Nitsch Engineering UMass Medical School Coghlin Electrical Contractors Providence & Worcester Railroad UMass Memorial Health Care Fidelity Bank The Quaker Agency of MA Waxler Hospitality Fletcher Tilton PC Reliant Medical Group Webster Five Leggat McCall Properties Saint Vincent Hospital Worcester Business Development Marsh & McLennan Agency Seder & Chandler Corporation Millbury Savings Bank Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. Worcester Credit Union Mirick O’Connell SpencerBANK Media Sponsor Host Sponsor

18 | Corrugated Boxes, Protective Packaging, POP Displays, Digital Packaging Print Services, Complete Service Provider from Concept Development through Manufacturing.

RAND WHITNEY CONTAINER WORCESTER, MA 508.791.2301

NEWTOWN, CT | PAWTUCKET, RI | PORTSMOUTH, NH Worcester Regional Research Bureau Nonprofit Org 500 Salisbury Street US Postage Worcester, MA 01609 PAID 508.799.7169 Worcester MA Permit No 2

Annual report The Research Bureau serves the public interest of Greater Worcester by 2015 conducting independent, non-partisan research and analysis of public- policy issues to promote informed public debate and decision-making.

30 Pearls of wisdom

www.wrrb.org