INSIDE THIS EDITION • NEW BUILDS • PUBLIC POLICY • EVENTS • OPINION • UPCOMING Women’s Leadership • LEADERSHIP Conference Touts • SMALL BIZ Empowerment • PHOTOS • ADS PAGES B1-2

WORCESTER REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSPAPER • VOL. 1 ISSUE 2 - JUNE 2017

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Special Report - Pages A8-14 DAWNDAWN OFOF AA NEWNEW ERAERA

Worcester redevelopment renaissance surges ahead

prouting from what City Manager through a bevy of city-infused tax increment continues at a rapid pace. A new $21 million Edward Augustus, Jr. calls “big, financing deals downtown and in outlying Homewood Suites hotel in Washington Square dead walls” at the now-razed neighborhoods. Nonetheless, today's historic just opened. Worcester Center Galleria mall efforts are completely re-shaping Worcester's Around City Common, the Grid District’s complex, a group of massive new skyline. Many of the new and revitalized buildings multitude of 365 modern apartments and mix of downtown redevelopment projects rising downtown, situated nearby at the South restaurants progresses with more unit and lobby are accelerating this spring along with significant Worcester Industrial Park and biotech Gateway openings soon. Nearby, Roseland Residential industrial expansion in abutting neighborhoods. Park, or supporting new job creation among Trust’s $90 million upscale apartment homes SFacilitated by $90 million in state and federal expanding Quinsigamond Village and Canal project is well under construction. funds to demolish the former mall along with $10 District manufacturers are either now open, in And just outside the downtown area, major new million in city district improvement financing to next phase development, or slated to launch at building continues to advance at commercial and modernize most of the area’s key streets and various points this year. industrial developments helping to attract more infrastructure, more than $300 million in private In the downtown area alone, a multi-phase companies to relocate here while encouraging investment has poured into the city over the last $70 million downtown garage and twin office existing firms to remain and expand. five years. towers development nears the finish line. The Developer interest was partially garnered city center’s future $30 million AC Marriott hotel SPECIAL REPORT BEGINS ON PAGE A8 Manufacturing careers boom

As Worcester continues to see economic as expected. In response to this, Worcester growth and development, the city’s long Regional Chamber of Commerce President time industries have been seeking new ways and CEO Timothy P. Murray, along with to maintain and contribute to a vibrant local David J. Ferreira, executive director of the economy. A prime example of this can be Massachusetts Association of Vocational found within the manufacturing industry. Administrators, and Lewis Finfer, executive With a majority of the city’s director of the Massachusetts Communities manufacturing jobs being occupied by older Action Network, created the Alliance for generations, many employers are faced Vocational and Technical Education. with a new wave of job openings due to With the success of fundraising efforts, the retirement of their primary workforce. the AVTE asked The Kitty and Michael Although Worcester County is home to Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional multiple technical and vocational schools, Policy at Northeastern University to these jobs have not been filling up as quickly SEE MANUFACTURING, PAGE A7 PAGE A2 • CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER - JUNE 2017

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flyworcester.com JUNE 2017 - CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER • PAGE A3 PUBLIC POLICY Forum fears impact from Health Care Reform With Worcester Cham- Secretary Sudders casts ber President and CEO Timothy P. Murray looking concerning voice toward on, Marylou Sudders, state Secretary of Health repeal and replace bill & Human Services, told a packed audience at the Marylou Sudders, state Secretary of Health & recent Business & Govern- Human Services, told listeners at a recent Business ment Forum that healh care reform will hurt the & Government Forum that health care is an Massachusetts economy. “extraordinary economic engine” for Massachusetts with about one in 10 jobs now associated with that industry. The quarterly Worcester Regional Chamber Business & Government Forum sponsored by Fallon Health and Ventry Associates was held on MCPHS’s 9th floor in March 2017. The morning session featured Sudders and UMass Memorial Health Care President and CEO Eric Dickson in an audience packed room offering panoramic views overlooking the expanding downtown development of citizens in the United States at just about 97 This is a federal-state share program and we now landscape. percent,” says Sudders. “Coverage is a good base have 300,000 people [in Massachusetts] on Medicaid Speaking just prior to the first decision by U.S. to start from, but we then understood we had to as a result of that expansion.” Congress not to repeal and replace the Affordable tackle affordability and availability. When you pass Sudders adds that there’s currently 1.9 million Care Act, Sudders spoke often with “irreverent” something, it doesn’t mean you stop thinking about residents on Medicaid’s Health Insurance Plus language to describe the still lingering possibility it, tinkering with it and revising it. We have tinkered program, and another 252,000 residents on the of Republican-driven change to the current $19.77 with our coverage bill at least three times.” Connector who have subsidies as a result of the billion health care system in Massachusetts. Unlike the law’s ongoing review in Massachusetts, Affordable Care Act – 190,000 of whom qualify “Think about Worcester and the surrounding the nation’s Affordable Care Act has never once through cost sharing subsidies or advanced premium area and how much of it is health care-related,” says been revised. “For anyone who thinks it passed once tax credits. Sudders. “Then extend it out when you think of so it should not be revised, that’s really not good Today, Medicaid applicants have to only be Boys and Girls Clubs, social services, and children governance,” says Sudders. “Seven years later and considered low income or earning an annual salary and family programs. Health care coverage is a right now we’re going to repeal and not first think about of $16,383. This is the big change for Medicaid with and Massachusetts coverage has a long history of what we are going to revise, fix or improve upon; state expansion, Sudders says, which previously bipartisanship.” this is what we have at this moment.” allowed residents to apply on the basis of income The 2006 Massachusetts Healthcare Reform and other qualifying conditions. Act that currently occupies 40 percent of the state MEDICAID EXPANSION WOES “So we have at-risk just under a half a million budget was used by former President Obama’s people in a Commonwealth of 6.6 million who are Administration in 2010 as a blueprint for the nation’s Often the focus on Medicaid casts the system into at risk of losing health coverage [if the Republican’s Affordable Care Act. Sudders said authors of the a national spotlight, but Sudders says there are 50 repeal and replace measures passes],” Sudders says. original first-in-nation state law here knew it would different Medicaid programs in 50 different states Medicaid is also a revenue producer for be complex and must be tackled as separate issues. right now. “When you’ve seen one state’s Medicaid Massachusetts. Of the $37 billion in revenue that “We have the greatest [health care] coverage program, you’ve seen one state’s Medicaid program. comes into the state on average each year, $11 billion is Medicaid driven. UMass Memorial CEO believes better coordination among STATE WOULD FACE DEEP CUTS patients with multiple problems key to fixing health care What has happened in Massachusetts is reverse osmosis with almost an equal share of 500,000 e makes no don’t want to have that stroke residents previously on commercial health insurance qualms about it. or heart attack, then you should plans switching over to MassHealth in recent years. Worcester and move to Canada, France or Ja- It is projected that two million people will enroll in Massachusetts pan because you’re much more the state’s health care program next year. have the best res- likely to have that prevented in Based on the Congressional Budget Office cue care system in the nation, those countries.” calculus and methodology on the cost of replacing Haccording to UMass Memorial The fundamental problem the existing American Care Act, Sudders’ own data Health Care President and CEO with the current health care analysts projected $1.3 billion in lost revenues for Eric Dickson. system, Dickson believes, is not the state of Massachusetts in Fiscal Year 2020. “It “If you get in a bad car being able to effectively treat increases to about $2 billion two years later,” Sudders accident, get a stroke or have a and cure patients experiencing adds. heart attack then Worcester is multiple problems spread across The Secretary is quick to call Congress’s now the best place to be,” Dickson multiple providers and several stalled repeal and replace bill regressive, arguing that told listeners at the Worcester sites of care. The frustrating fact it eliminates a lot of tax cuts, provides more benefits Regional Chamber’s March for Dickson is that the United UMass Memorial Health Care Pres- to people of higher incomes, and targets older adults 2017 Business & Government States spends twice as much on ident and CEO Erik Dickson takes a in two different ways. The bill would have increased Forum. “We have stroke pa- health care as any other indus- question from the audience. private premiums for people over the age of 60 five tients now who lose the ability trialized nation. capacity or care for recovery?,” times that of younger people, and the actuarial value to speak or entire movement of “That squeezes out every- asks Dickson. of the benefit decreases. side. We send them up to angio- thing else we want to spend A staggering 5 percent of “You’d be paying more, buying less,” Sudders says. plasty so they can do a catheter, money on. K-12 education, patients utilize 50 percent of The existing federal law’s $20 million allocation to which will grow up through the infrastructure investments, the health care resources in the Massachusetts through its Prevention and Wellness leg and snatch that clot away. libraries and the arts; there’s no United States and it applies to Trust Fund, which helps fund the state Department You’ll watch them recover right money left for that. We all need all commercial, Medicare and of Public Health and youth service agencies such as before your eyes. It’s absolutely to come together to help bring Medicaid populations. For the the Boys & Girls Club in Worcester, would be cut. amazing.” the cost of health care down.” 95 percent that use up the other Moreover, the repeal would have eliminated all Dickson adds that the The system that defines how resources, Dickson adds, the of the family planning services, not just abortion flipside to that success story health care was created is what system works just fine. programs, Sudders says, including contraceptives are other patients in that same needs to be fixed, Dickson says. “If you’re in that 5 percent and counseling among others. The bill also would emergency department with the How to manage care from a re- with multiple problems that have changed qualifiers for seniors in need of same problem that don’t receive gional level and how and where requires multiple coordination, entering nursing home care. that level of care. “We don’t have those health care dollars will be you’re unhappy with health “As I kept reading, I kept looking for what’s good a great preventative health care spent is paramount to future care,” says Dickson. “That’s why for us,” Sudders says, who breathed a collective sigh system in this country or in reform efforts. “Are we going to we don’t see the changes that we of relief when not enough GOP Senate support this state,” Dickson says. “If you spend it on doubling our MRI need.” was found to pass the repeal. “With removal of the employer mandate, there would be even more people without employer-sponsored insurance.” PAGE A4 • CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER - JUNE 2017 PUBLIC POLICY Worcester's JetBlue Airways spreads its wings to NYC Worcester Regional Airport is expanding once again with JetBlue Airway’s plans to add flight service from Worcester to New York City’s JFK Airport. The new flights will begin as soon as Worcester Airport’s owner Massport completes a new state-of- the-art $30 million Category III instrument landing system. That FAA-operated system will allow for the long sought ability to land aircraft in low visibility conditions. In making the announcement at Worcester Airport on Feb. 28, JetBlue Director of Airports Scott Link says his company has a long flight path in Worcester dating back to 2004, while crediting low fares and strong customer service as the core ingredients for continued growth. The service will feature the Embraer 190 Aircraft that can accommodate up to 100 passengers in two-by-two layout rows with full in-air amenities. Link adds the new airport enhancements will pave the way for additional service, with the non- stop NYC flights expected to make daily trips, accessing more than 70 airlines that operate out of JFK. New York City is JetBlue’s largest focus city, with the carrier offering up to 175 daily national and international departures. Timothy P. Murray, president and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, led efforts as lieutenant governor to have Massport acquire the regional airport. He calls the announcement another major milestone for the State and regional leaders including (left to right): MassPort Director of Aviation Ed Freni, Rabbi Fogelman, Worces- city, citing a recent Department of Transportation ter County Sheriff Lew Evangilidis, MassPort CEO Tom Glynn, Kathleen Polanowicz with Congressman McGovern's economic impact study that found the airport has office, MassPort Airport Director Andy Davis, JetBlue Director of Airports Scott Links, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, and contributed $46.4 million to the regional economy. Worcester Regional Chamber President and CEO Timothy P. Murray, celebrate the expanded JetBlue Airways to New “If you study regions that are vibrant and York City announcement. growing, it’s because their transportation systems are functional and dependable, and create linkages along with City Manager Edward Augustus, the Commonwealth,” says Polito. “This took a lot of contacts to other regions,” says Murray, adding Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis,of planning and follow through and bi-partisan that Massport has been a steadfast and committed Massport CEO Thomas Glynn, and Massport leadership.” partner. “When you have a company like JetBlue that Chairman Michael Angelini. Polito cited a February The Worcester Regional Airport first opened in comes here, it sends a signal and adds opportunities 2017 ranking by US News & World Report that 1946 and has been providing commercial aviation for our economy to grow further.” lists Massachusetts as the number one state in the services for more than 70 years. Follow them on Another long-time local airport champion, Lt. country to live. Twitter @FlyWorcester for updates on when service Gov. Karyn Polito, spoke at JetBlue’s announcement “More people are earning a good living here in to NYC will begin. PUBLIC POLICY BRIEFS

Chamber signs on as Worcester gets highest-ever midst of a transformation, and the city for a safe and vibrant downtown with of Worcester is looking to make the strong economic and cultural assets.” first MBAE affliliate bond rating from Fitch Worcester Common the hub of it all. City Manager Edward M. Augustus, The Worcester Regional Chamber City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. has challenged his staff and the Chamber of Commerce of Commerce has signed on with the Jr. announced last winter that Worcester community to make 2017 the biggest joins NE Coalition Massachusetts Business Alliance for has received its highest-ever municipal year on the Common yet. So the city of Education (MBAE) as its first business bond rating from Fitch Ratings, a global Worcester has launched #Worcester100, for Affordable Energy affiliate signaling a core commitment independent credit rating agency. a campaign to bring 100 events to the The Worcester Regional Chamber to driving education improvements The agency upgraded the city's area of the Common this year. of Commerce recently joined the New that will ensure all students get the municipal bond rating to AA, up from Plenty of events are already planned, England Coalition for Affordable education they need to be successful AA-. including the popular Out to Lunch Energy, a regional group advocating in their college life and career. The city of Worcester is rated Concert Series, a weekly farmers for an all-resource strategy. Sources of The Springfield Regional Chamber annually by three independent rating market, yoga on the Common, and the energy include pipelines, wind turbines, of Commerce, Boston Chamber of agencies. In addition to the Fitch 6th Annual Worcester Food Truck & gas-fired power plants, and hydropower. Commerce, Springfield BusinessRatings AA (stable) rating, Moody’s Craft Beer Festival, which will move The strategy aims to reduce the rapidly Leaders for Education, Newton- Investors Service and Standard and downtown from Elm Park this year. rising energy costs in New England Needham Regional Chamber of Poor’s Rating Service have reaffirmed More events are being added every and address the impending shortage of Commerce, Concord Chamber of the city’s strong ratings of Aa3 (stable) week. For a listing of upcoming events, energy infrastructure in the region. Commerce, and TechNet have also and AA- (stable), respectively. visit WorcesterCommonOval.com. New England has the highest energy joined the network. Private sector investors depend on costs in the continental United States, Groups are responding to their the agencies' ratings and reports of the a distinction increasingly driven by members’ concerns on education and city’s fiscal health when investing by Urban Revitalization Plan inadequate energy infrastructure. the workforce expressed through a purchasing bonds. Higher ratings mean receives state approval Residents pay 58% higher and recent statewide employer survey. lower borrowing costs. An upgrade industries pay 80% higher. According to 72% of Massachusetts employers say can potentially save taxpayers millions The city of Worcester’s Urban a 2016 report, if no new infrastructure the schools need major or moderate when the city uses bonds to pay for Revitalization Plan has been approved is developed in New England by 2020, change. Employers believe that there schools, roads and other infrastructure by the state Department of Housing energy costs could increase by $5.4 is much room for improvement and capital projects. & Community Development, City billion, resulting in even higher costs. in preparing youth for success in Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. The Chamber joined the Coalition postsecondary education and the recently announced. because it knows that energy costs workforce. Inequities in education Revamped City Common “This plan sets an ambitious roadmap are critical to members. Individual that leave far too many students on for the future of downtown Worcester, events scheduled businesses are welcome to join as well. the economic sidelines and a widening ramping up an already growing sense If you're interested in learning more skills gap that makes it difficult for of momentum and vitality in our city’s With construction cranes filling the about the Coalition, contact info@ employers to find qualified candidates core,” says City Manager Augustus. skyline, and new businesses opening neaffordableenergy.org. to fill positions, must be addressed. weekly, downtown Worcester is in the “The state’s approval validates our vision JUNE 2017 - CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER • PAGE A5 SMALL BUSINESS PROFILE Creedon hits homeruns for family business From his early days as a successful to the table with an offer to lease its lawyer who returned to lead the family Fitton Field stadium to Creedon, and catering and tent rental business to he was to able to start a franchise as the national acclaim, John W.S. Creedon, Worcester Bravehearts playing in the Jr. has dodged plenty of curve balls in Futures Collegiate Baseball League. his career, culminating in ownership Four years later, The Bravehearts of a successful minor league baseball sit among the top 10 Futures teams team. in the country for attendance, won Officially founded in 1985, Creedon two consecutive championships, and Co., Inc.’s first home dates back to and have hosted many players who the steady and hard-working leadership eventually moved on to the majors. of his father John W.S. Creedon running The Bravehearts offer 28 home games, a small diner on the bottom floor of a 28 concession stands, and more than triple-decker in Quinsigamond Village. 1,000 people per night in the stands. “My dad was earning more money as a “It's been a labor of love seeing local senior in high school making pizza than kids rooting for the Bravehearts,” says his economics teacher was,” Creedon Creedon, acknowledging that the hard recalls at the May 10 Woostapreneuers work has only begun for his teams. event at Worcester State University "We’re trying to make the field the where he was keynote speaker.. “Sleep John W.S. Creedon, Jr. speaks at the May 10 Woostapreneuers event at Worcester State premier outdoor summer destination was never a priority. My dad opened University. in Worcester. We've gone from the ham the greasy spoon diner and built up a and includes daughter and sister Julie, his company rented a tent to the now and cheese game to a people's game.” steady following.” has a thriving catering, events and defunct Worcester Tornadoes, later And the company's expansion Soon, his dad was earning enough to tent rental business. The company providing food and concessions for the into baseball has been a hit for the expand the diner into catering. As that was first to offer customers one of the struggling team back in 2005. traditional catering business as well. operation grew, and requests for tents, largest tents in the country - a structure After the Tornadoes folded, Creedon Creedon sums up this whirlwind tables, chairs and other equipment stretching three football fields in length seized the opportunity to bring business expansion by drawing upon increased, so did the need for additional that was quickly rented across the US baseball back to Worcester and began his younger days as a lawyer. space. and even in Key West. researching how to bring a summer “I'd acknowledge that I was not the In 1998, the company moved to After passing the bar and practicing collegiate team to the city at today's best lawyer in the world, but on that 39 Jolma Road. The new facility, law at Fletcher Tilton PC for a few years, Hanover Park at Holy Cross College at particular day for that particular case, Creedon traded in his wing tips and after an additional expansion in a fraction of the cost traditional minor client and court, I was the best prepared golf clubs for boots and sledgehammers league teams cost. 2008, now consists of approximately lawyer to try that case." and returned to the family business. 24,000-square-feet of warehouse space, “I had to overcome the perception He adds that as a former high school Here, he learned the valuable business 3,000-square-feet of kitchen space and that the collegiate league was inferior rowing athlete, he always strived for the lesson of leveraging word-of-mouth 2,600-square-feet of office space. to the minor league franchise,” says perfect race but never achieved it. "We relationships. Today, the Creedon empire, which Creedon, who also beat thyroid cancer just had to be better that day than the He grew the business by helping has grown from 30 to 160 employees during this same time. other boats on the water.” MEMA with disaster relief efforts, and In 2013, Holy Cross College came

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Chamber announces 2017 award recipients The Chamber’s annual awards presen- the Year; Harry Kokkinis, Table Talk tation takes place each May, before Pies - Richard B. Kennedy Business that month’s Business After Hours, to of the Year; Jay Evangelista, Dino’s recognize members for their outstand- Ristorante - Family Owned Business of GRAND OPENING White City Shopping Center ing business activities and historic the Year; Dr. Marianne Felice and Dr. 84 Boston Turnpike building restorations. The Chamber’s Ivan Green, board members, Hanover Shrewsbury, MA 01545 mission: Recruit, Retain, Incubate, Theatre Conservatory, Silver Hammer (508) 217-7200 would not be possible without a strong Award; Carla Smith, Fallon Health and vibrant business community. It is - Ambassador of the Year; Michael WIDE SELECTION OF FRAMES TO MEET EVERY NEED AND BUDGET these hard-working women and men Kearns, VP Construction for MG2, who make that happen. They get up Bancroft on the Grid - Silver Hammer Most major vision plans accepted including every day, face whatever lies ahead, Award; Karen DiVerdi, Enchanted and work to provide jobs, services, Fireside - Small Business of the Year; products, and a great place in which to Robert Branca, Owner Branded SAVE Both frame and lens purchase required. Valid prescription live and work. The Chamber is proud Realty/Branded Management, 72 required. Excludes certain frames including Maui Jim. Cannot $ be combined or used in conjunction with any store o er or to recognize them at this event. Shrewsbury Street - Silver Hammer discount. Not valid on previous purchases, readers or non- L-R: Nigel Belgrave, PuroClean - En- Award; Timothy P. Murray, president 100 OFF prescription sunglasses. Savings applied to lenses. Valid at Shrewsbury location only. Some restrictions may apply. See associate COMPLETE PAIR for details. ©2016. Pearle Vision. All Rights Reserved. O er ends trepreneur of the Year; Chris Crowley, and CEO, WRCC; not pictured: Brian OF SUNGLASSES OR RX SUNGLASSES 9/30/17. acting chair of the Chamber’s board of Thompson, Commerce Bank – Cham- directors; Robert and Brian, Barrows ber Advocate of the Year. Hardware - Joe Cohen Retailer of

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MANUFACTURING, FROM PAGE A1 stage. Right WPS has 15 students from the Gerald Creamer Center, conduct a study to analyze how which is a program for over age, under vocational school “administrators, credited students. Those students are students, graduates, employers, and now partnered with Worcester Tech parents, and the public at large view the learning machinery and they are going current state of vocational education in to Primetals for that work. The plan the Commonwealth and how it could be is for internships after that and job strengthened.” placements. According to this report, several Another conclusion drawn by the key factors have contributed to the Northeastern study shows that even hindrance of the vocational workforce though Massachusetts vocational pipeline. One main contributor is the schools cannot meet demand under over enrollment of these schools which current funding conditions, there results in long wait lists of potential is even more demand that remains students. Due to the high reputation and untapped. The study also suggests that competitive nature of Massachusetts better marketing strategies may need to vocational schools, 16 percent of current be implemented in order to reach more students did not get into their preferred potential students and their parents. program. “Manufacturing is a huge employer In an effort to address this issue, in Central Massachusetts. It’s critically the city of Worcester applied for and important that we make sure parents was awarded a Career and Technical and young people understand the Education Partnership Grant in the Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Maureen Binienda wants to bring manufac- meaningful careers they can have amount of $10,000. The grant was used turing training and jobs to her students. in manufacturing,” says Worcester to begin planning and developing new Regional Chamber of Commerce strategies to place more students in Both of these grants were provided with The main strategy being carried out President and CEO Timothy P. Murray. vocational education. This led to the Federal Perkins Funds. is to increase school hours of operation “There’s opportunity to earn and learn, creation of WIN-WIN. The planning With the help of this grant, Worcester in order to cater to the high demand work in innovative places, make things process for WIN-WIN (What I Public Schools and its partners have of students looking for a vocational that transform lives, sectors of the Need/What Industry Needs) was a begun implementing strategies to education. “We really want to expand economy, and communities.” collaborative effort of the Worcester provide educational opportunities to the Worcester Tech program so that it Although Worcester is steadily Public Schools (WPS), the workforce students who would normally not have goes 16 hours a day. The plan is twofold. evolving into a modern city with new investment system Central Mass access to them. One is that around 60 kids from the and diverse businesses, the native Workforce Investment Board (CMWIB) “The Worcester Public Schools have comprehensives would be able to go in manufacturing industry is working to and regional economic development been working very strategically around the afternoon from three to six…and retain its workforce and economic role agencies, including the Worcester the area of manufacturing,” says WPS the other is to partner with our adult in the city. With the help of this grant, Regional Chamber of Commerce, to Superintendent Maureen Binienda. “We education program…and once they Worcester Public Schools will be able prepare youth and young adults for realize there are a lot of job openings… pass the GED, we can also train them in to provide students with increased skilled careers in manufacturing, says and we have the students. We’re trying manufacturing because there is a great learning opportunities and a clear path Gregg Bares, manager of grant resources to figure out how to help students get need,” says Binienda. “This training to success. at Worcester Public Schools. the training so they can get the jobs. will prepare them for placement in the “It's imperative that we develop skill On Jan. 31, 2017, Worcester That’s the end game for education…we manufacturing sector and in jobs that levels of prospective employees so they was awarded $122,500 to begin train students so they can get good jobs pay a living wage and hold the promise can fill those jobs,” says Murray. implementing this project. This was and have good lives for themselves and of a lifelong career,” agreed Bares. one of only seven awarded in the state. their families.” As of now, this plan is in a trial - Zaven Donoian

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PAID FOR & AUTHORIZED BY THE GEORGE RUSSELL COMMITTEE PAGE A8 - CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER - JUNE 2017 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CitySquare, Mercantile Center primed for next phases significant component of downtown Worcester’s redevelopment is Franklin Realty Advisors’ Mercantile Center, which is replacing much of the former Worcester Center Galleria mall. Core elements of that cornerstone project have already been finished while phase two will involve renovating the remaining vacant space in both towers into Class A office space. AThere is approximately 71,000-square-feet of vacant space left in the nine-story office tower at 120 Front St., and 112,000-square- feet of vacant space in the 100 Front St. tower. An additional 25,000-square-feet is also still being earmarked for the antic- ipated return of the Foothills “One of the Theater. Chamber’s priorities Franklin Realty President Charles F. Norton, Jr. says the is promoting and theater has attracted some supporting economic interest, but it will probably be one of the final phases of the development in all total development footprint. parts of the city. That Foothills Theater would have an entrance in the plaza at 100 role means wearing Front St. with the majority of many different it sitting below ground. Within two years, Norton envisions that the hats and includes restaurant and entertainment end of Mer- many different cantile Center will also be at capacity. Early plans call for at least 50,000-square-feet of activities – one of retail development opportunity, and two local which is being at the restaurant developers have already expressed interest. table to facilitate “Food and entertainment go hand and hand introductions, and more is sometimes better than less,” Nor- ton says. “We think there is a substantial pent partnerships, and up demand. The more hotels and apartments seizing opportunities are built downtown, the more that will stimu- late the after 9-5 activity.” as they arise." Mercantile Center's first phase now sports a $39 million building redevelopment that - Timothy P. Murray attracted UMass Memorial Health Care, which will eventually occupy 75,000-square-feet of space with about 500 employees in the refur- President and CEO bished 20-story office tower at 100 Front St. Worcester Regional UMass is moving over in phases this year. Chamber of Commerce Additionally, a $5 million, 1,647-space garage was completed on Commercial Street development phase, Norton foresees the garage working out well as the typical lunch last year to better accommodate new workers as crowd is already on site as employees or visitors. And at night and weekends when well as patrons and future DCU Center events. the offices are closed, there will be plenty of parking available for public use and DCU “We expect at development for that garage to be fully utilized,” says Norton, adding Center events. that most office leases in Worcester include parking as part of the rent whereas in a “We think the two uses are very compatible [for parking],” he adds. “We want to city like Boston parking is mostly separate from the rent. Retailers are also very sen- be considered one of the prime parking areas for DCU events. We see that as a very sitive to the availability of parking and cost for their patrons, adding to the challenge. important component of our project.” “The world is changing and these garages are expensive to fix and maintain.” Once the total project is finished, Norton expects about 1,800-2,000 employees to Assuming Mercantile Center attracts primarily food-related businesses in its next 237 apartment homes on the rise Roseland Residential Trust, a wholly The building will also have a full-time owned subsidiary of Mack-Cali Realty Cor- concierge, a fitness center with on-demand poration (NYSE: CLI), is steadily progress- yoga and spinning classes, and a clubroom ing in its quest to complete construction on with billiards, computers, a lounge area, upscale apartment homes at 145 Front St. in and a game room. Additionally, there will Worcester. be 12,000 square feet of ground level retail The $90 million CitySquare core project space. now under construction will be built in “This development brings a new dimen- two phases. When complete, it will com- sion in luxury living to the rapidly growing prise 365 apartment homes, with phase one downtown Worcester area – an unrivaled completion expected this fall to include 237 set of amenities, convenience, and a high- apartment homes. It is a key component of end lifestyle,” says Andrew Marshall, presi- the master-planned, mixed-use develop- dent and chief operating officer of Roseland ment that is revitalizing the city’s down- Residential Trust. “This property and the town. entire development will make Worcester The luxury residential community will the quintessential urban live-work-play feature studio, one and two-bedroom units, environment, and we are thrilled to be a with a wide range of state-of-the-art ame- part of it.” nities, including an outdoor swimming This property is expected to be especially pool with a sundeck, a courtyard with fire attractive to Worcester’s growing workforce pit, barbecue grills, a dog run, and more. in advanced manufacturing, information JUNE 2017 - CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER • PAGE A9 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CitySquare, Mercantile Center primed for next phases AC Marriott set to open in Spring 2018

As a major springboard to fill an outdoor patio seating area. new projected retail and restau- Worcester Mayor Joseph M. rants in the heart of downtown Petty says the “CitySquare devel- Worcester, XSS Hotels collaborated opment and this hotel are at the with the Manchester, NH based heart of our plan for revitalizing PROCON, who is the designer our city’s core. Even before the and construction manager for the construction began, we started $33 million, 117,000-square-foot seeing the positive impact with upscale, six-story AC Hotel by new restaurants and businesses Marriott now under construction opening around our downtown.” at 125 Front St. The AC Hotel sits atop the city’s As part of CitySquare, plans recently opened 586-car under- call for 170 king suites and dou- ground parking garage that will ble-queen guest rooms to be locat- service the hotel and surrounding ed on floors two through six of the buildings. Work began on the site building with upscale decor and last October and the building was large corporate meeting spaces. weathertight by February 2017. The European-inspired ho- Construction is expected to be tel will offer a robust package completed by Spring 2018. of guest-friendly amenities. The To develop the property, XSS design concept includes a fitness Hotels is tapping into the Tax In- development phase, Norton foresees the garage working out well as the typical lunch be scattered among his various leased spaces, with the potential for an additional 200- center, a yoga room, a 24/7 mar- crement Financing option offered crowd is already on site as employees or visitors. And at night and weekends when 300 employees in retail developments. ket, conference center and meeting by the city to spur economic devel- the offices are closed, there will be plenty of parking available for public use and DCU For Norton, the opportunity to develop such a massive project is historic. “We’re rooms and a business center. opment by private entities. Center events. honored to work on a really exciting mainstay in downtown Worcester,” Norton says, Expansive public spaces will While the agreement with the “We think the two uses are very compatible [for parking],” he adds. “We want to adding that he feels "a civic responsibility to develop this project correctly, to set the feature a bar and lounge area city of Worcester will reduce the be considered one of the prime parking areas for DCU events. We see that as a very right tone, and see ourselves as the building block for further development. My hats that flows to an outdoor terrace. hotel’s tax payments to the city important component of our project.” off to all the major players at the chamber and the city manager. We never would have Additionally, the 7,100-square-foot over a 10-year period, an estimat- Once the total project is finished, Norton expects about 1,800-2,000 employees to put this deal together without them.” function room will include an in- ed $4 million will be added to tax house full-service restaurant with rolls. Recalling when CitySquare first 237 apartment homes on the rise took root with early 2013 tenants The building will also have a full-time technology, biotechnology, and healthcare. concierge, a fitness center with on-demand Roseland’s focus on developing in down- Until Hanover Insurance as principal financial inves- yoga and spinning classes, and a clubroom town areas is readily apparent elsewhere tor in the 12-acre CitySquare project suceeded Berkeley with billiards, computers, a lounge area, in Massachusetts as well. The company Investments in 2010, and then hired Leggat McCall and a game room. Additionally, there will is building Portside at East Pier in East Properties to manage the sprawling downtown develop- be 12,000 square feet of ground level retail Boston where it is redeveloping a stretch ment potential, the project was unable to attract its first space. of waterfront property on Boston Harbor. major tenant. “This development brings a new dimen- Portside at East Pier is composed of 181 Leggat bolstered the once struggling $565 million sion in luxury living to the rapidly growing apartment homes that are fully occupied, project, and Hanover Insurance built a $70 million of- downtown Worcester area – an unrivaled 296 that are currently under construction, fice tower building to host Unum. The 214,000-square- set of amenities, convenience, and a high- and an additional future phase which will foot building was constructed with mostly recycled ma- end lifestyle,” says Andrew Marshall, presi- likely include a mix of apartment homes, terials, and the lobby and top floors were made available dent and chief operating officer of Roseland condos, a hotel, and multiple public ameni- for leasing. Unum has a 17-year lease of that property, Residential Trust. “This property and the ties. and adds immediate density to Worcester’s blossoming entire development will make Worcester Roseland is also constructing The Chase downtown daytime population. the quintessential urban live-work-play II at Overlook Ridge five miles north of Additionally, a new $23 million Saint Vincent Cancer environment, and we are thrilled to be a Boston. Chase II is a 292-apartment home & Wellness Center development was realized once Hanover entered the picture, open- part of it.” community and part of a master-planned ing in 2013 on Foster Street. The center occupies three foors and 65,000-square-feet. This property is expected to be especially community, currently comprised of 1,400 St. Vincent's received a 15-year tax-increment financing deal from the city to enable attractive to Worcester’s growing workforce apartment homes, and approved for a total the agreement. Saint Vincent will be exempt from paying $9.7 million in real estate in advanced manufacturing, information of approximately 2,800 apartment homes. and personal property taxes over the 15-year life of the deal. During the same period, the hospital will pay the city an additional $3.2 million in taxes. PAGE A10 • CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER - JUNE 2017 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upscale apartment-retail mix unfolds at The Grid The unrealized potential of a six-acre prime rede- velopment project with high and low rise buildings situated in the heart of downtown would make some question why it remained vacant for so many years before the arrival of John McGrail, president and CEO of MG2. Twelve years ago, McGrail found this “overlooked opportunity” and is turning it into a gem as the largest concentrated mix of upscale apart- ments, diverse restaurants, a coffee house, an outdoor beer garden and retail storefronts in the history of downtown Worcester. The massive development titled “The Grid Dis- trict” situated within the city's Theater District spans several city blocks from the backside of Hanover Theatre all the way to the Worcester Public Library, and runs adjacent to the green space of the Worces- ter Common. MG2 has already invested more than $30 million in transforming an assemblage of eight buildings into a vibrant urban community with sev- eral major portions of the project already opened for business. “You’re going to want to live here,” says MG2 Vice President Joseph Donovan. “Whether a student or a The Grid's signature Bancroft Building is nearly complete and the developer plans to convert the former Paris Cinema young professional lives here, this is the epicenter of into an outdoor beer garden. Below is the newly opened lobby of the Bancroft. what is going on downtown.” Targeting both college students and profession- says the units differ in color arrays and furnishings In addition to these buildings’ transformations, als, MG2 hopes to capitalize upon this growing to avoid a homogenized appearance to attract both two of six planned eating and drinking establish- downtown development boom, including MCPHS professionals and college students. Hallways are ments recently opened on The Grid last year with University and new bio-tech firms, which have been painted in a soft medium gray with white treatments “The Brew on The Grid” and “Techni” both operated expanding their own downtown footprint over the and comfortable carpeting. by former Starbucks executive Frank Peace, Jr., now past several years. Donovan said monthly rental “We’re trying to make all the buildings a little owner of New England Craft Restaurant Concepts. costs ranging from a $875 studio to a rarer $3,600 different from each other, and give them all different The Brew on the Grid opened in August 2016 and five-bedroom unit are priced competitively in order personalities,” adds Carter, who has also helped shape is the perfect meeting place for trendy millennial to establish a base and move MG2’s plans forward. the overall look and feel of the buildings. meets professional with music, Wi-Fi and streets- Intensive renovation work with as many as 75 Two of The Grid’s buildings are also among the cape views. The expansive menu offers nine types construction workers on site daily last fall is paying most treasured historic properties in all of Worcester. of gourmet and regular coffees, an $18,000 expresso off. Many renovated units at The Grid’s signature Both the 100,000-square-foot Park Plaza Building at machine, keg-chilled coffee, four super juices, craft 260,000-square-foot building, Bancroft on the Grid, 507 Main St. and the Bancroft each towering above sandwiches including vegan options and salads located at 50 Franklin St., are now complete, with the eight stories were originally inspired by the Beaux made fresh locally as well as pastries and liquor. No grand lobby and second floor expected to fully open Arts City Beautiful Movement at the turn of the cup of joe served at The Brew will be more than one on June 1. Newly installed white marble flooring, century. The buildings received window replace- hour old. Peace hopes this coffee house serves as the columns, comfortable open seating areas, secured ments, re-pointing of the brick façades, renovation of model for other similar MG2 developments outside elevators, and a 24-hour staffed concierge desk greet ornamental stonework, and first floor retail storefront of Worcester. residents and visitors. restorations back to historic conditions. The Ban- “This was really meant to take the artisanal ap- Adding to the refurbished stylings of this hotel is a croft and Park Plaza draw upon more classic design proach towards coffee,” Peace says. “National chain 24-hour fitness center with the latest equipment that aesthetics while the remaining structures offer either brands have gone to more automation, and modified comes complimentary as part of the rental agree- modern or industrial stylings. Bancoft on the Grid their sizes and contents, and it really has diluted how ment. Parking is available as well as laundry rooms, was the recent recipient of the Chamber’s prestigious great coffee is. I decided I wanted to be very consis- free Wi-Fi in the common areas and communal work Silver Hammer Award that recognizes redevelopment tent with coffee.” areas for residents. and renovation of historically significant buildings Peace notes that his Techni restaurant that opened “We have also added Doorbell.me to coordinate that brings buildings back to life with renewed use in October 2016 is different from any other down- resident events on a weekly basis to our community. and restoration. town restaurant. It offers a Mediterranean grill with A resident can reach out as well to a fellow resident to falafel, kabobs, sandwiches, salads, and Greek bowls inquire about borrowing a cup of sugar through our NEW RESTAURANTS PLANNED in a fast, casual Chipotle-type dining experience. resident app,” says MG2 Director of Operations Steve “You are able to come in and select all of your fresh Carter. In the next phases, MG2 will focus on delivering ingredients with a quick in and out,” Peace says. “It Upstairs at the Bancroft, new residents are discov- additional restaurants and finalizing renovations to provides an outlet for to-go ordering as well.” ering the 600 to 1,120 square-foot studio, and one-, Park Plaza on The Grid. All told, the eight buildings Both The Grid residents and public will soon two-, and three-bedroom units offering wide span- in MG2’s portfolio comprise 538 residential units in begin to see the restaurant end of MG2’s vision fully ning views of the downtown area with kitchenettes, addition to 60,000-square-feet of retail space, and the unfold. Two side-by-side restaurants with a dual fully renovated bathrooms, large bedroom, and cozy, potential to develop up to 350,000 additional square kitchen called “Pie and Pint” and “Craft Table and bright living areas with unique wall artwork. Carter feet. Bar” as well as “Comedy on the Grid” will be accessi- ble from street level and interior resident elevators. “On one side will be this electric, colorful bar with over 50 craft beers on tap where millennials can get a pizza with fresh hand-crafted dough and local ingre- dients made in under three minutes. Or you can sit out back and have the casual dining experience and be waited on by a server,” says Peace. “We are creating a complete entertainment experience on The Grid.” Additionally, Peace is planning a major café and outdoor beer garden at the site of the former Paris Cinema, once demolished. The space will feature both indoor and outdoor seating. Peace hopes to see that 25,000-square-foot venue open in July of this year. “The beer garden will become the crown jewel for Worcester,” Peace says. “This will be an outdoor, comfortable, hip place. We plan to have tribute bands in there and movies.” And finally, “The End: Eatery and Drinkery,” a high end farm-to-table restaurant with a rotating brunch menu, is also slated to open next year. Peace calls it the perfect middle ground for people going out to the theater or DCU Center, and will be open seven days per week. JUNE 2017 - CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER • PAGE A11 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

MBI advances biomedical incubator market What began as a long-time dream of former Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce President William Short and Massachusetts BioMedical Initia- tive (MBI) President and CEO Kevin O’Sullivan has become a major na- tion-wide life sciences hub with a $550 million economic impact between 2000 and 2015. In 1987, MBI formed a venture cap- ital arm, Commonwealth BioVentures, that invested more than $8 million of public money and $50 million of private money in new technology driven companies. That focus changed to incubation in the late 1990s. Cur- rent Worcester Regional Chamber President and CEO Timothy P. Mur- ray spearheaded grassroots efforts as former lieutenant governor under the Deval Patrick Administration to secure support for a Life Sciences Bill. The true litmus test of MBI’s success arrived in 2002 when two executives from Pfizer Research Technology Center in Boston contacted O’Sullivan about starting a company after re- Blue Sky Biotech was acquired by Lake Pharma in 2016 and is thriving at MBI. searching the Worcester market poten- tial. They were interested in outsourc- vices and upkeep. Each new tenant is ing services to save money and had required to sign a one-year lease and an idea to develop protein synthesis, demonstrate their funding sources. which is one of the most fundamental Since the year 2000, MBI has helped to biological processes by which individ- create more than 100 companies and ual cells build their specific proteins. over 550 jobs – the majority of which That early vision with just three em- remain in Massachusetts and Worces- ployees here began what today is MBI’s ter County. It is estimated that, since most successful anchor tenant with inception, MBI has assisted more than 65 employees, Blue Sky Bio-Services, 150 companies and created 2,500 jobs. which merged with the large corpora- “We are all about providing the tion Lake Pharma in 2016. structure and the home of science labs,” “For the longest time, biopharma says O’Sullivan. “When it’s time to go, kept everything in-house,” says O’Sul- everybody knows it. Hopefully, when livan, “with fears of patent protection. they move on they stay in Central All of a sudden, they saw the merits Ma s s .” of outsourcing to get projects done quicker, cheaper and improve quality. At MBI, we don’t create businesses. We Old State Hospital help provide the support systems.” land being converted As an example, O’Sullivan says Lake Pharma located here because of MBI's expansion has only begun. commuting ease to Boston, and quality Francisco. He sees a strong biomedical facilities in and around Prescott Court, Driven by the vision of the Economic of life as well as good housing in and corridor emerging between Lexington, 75 percent of small firms who have in- Development Coordinating Council around the city. Worcester’s attractive MetroWest towns and Worcester. Be- cubated their businesses there end up for a real master plan, Craig Blais and labs, students, research professor pool, tween 2000 and 2010, the professional, moving on to expand elsewhere to be- the Worcester Business Development and future worker base within the scientific and technical sector grew come even more successful, O’Sullivan Corporation recently acquired 44 acres region’s 12 colleges and universities by a third accounting for 3,498 new says. MBI now incubates 33 different of the Old Worcester State Hospital are other prime reasons. MBI works jobs in and around Worcester. The top start-up firms, averaging 25-30 compa- grounds off of Belmont Street to build closely with WPI’s Biomanufacturing area with the most growth is research nies employing 120 workers annually. another innovation center as part of Center, Quinsigamond Community and development, which grew by 40 MBI was 98 percent full with tenants Gov. Baker’s initiative to remove old College’s workforce training program, percent. This sector thrives on clusters, last year, with many new firms coming state properties and sell them. and Worcester Technical High School. which exist and are growing in Worces- from the Boston area. O’Sullivan adds The site has been vacant since Taking a regional and statewide ter thanks to the region’s unique re- that the shelf-life of firms at MBI is 1991, but would be redeveloped as approach to shared cooperation, O’Sul- sources such as UMass Medical School, typically 24-30 months, and any lab 500,000-square-feet of biomedical livan believes life sciences in Worces- MBI, and WPI at Gateway Park, which space vacancies are short-lived. space adding 500 new jobs. ter and Massachusetts are quickly hosts the area’s most concentrated mix The majority of MBI’s funding “We hope to be a model for smaller becoming an international focus for of early stage science and engineering comes from charging rent, but state biotech,” says O’Sullivan. “We think investors and buyers similar to their companies in the country. funding also kicks in about $250,000 there is a real strong market with con- equivalents in the Bay area of San At MBI’s three different campus annually for shared equipment ser- tract research being outsourced. Our whole intent is to grow that.” PAGE A12 • CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER - JUNE 2017 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 150 Blackstone now open at full capacity wo and a half years taking deliveries at ago, GFI Partners 150 Blackstone in - with founding early May. Good- partner Steven man says Imperial’s Goodman - pur- impressive three- chased the U.S. Steel story automated building on Black- conveyor system stone River Road inside the new ware- in the Quinsigamond Village area of house will be up and Worcester. running and moving A recent aerial image of the completed 150 Blackstone commercial/industrial facility that is now fully TToday, GFI Partners’ $26 mil- product to upwards occupied. The building replaced the former U.S. Steel site. lion redevelopment plan to build a of 50 loading dock of $12.4 million in tax revenue during One of the main selling points for 610,000-square-foot facility known as doors in late May as well. Imperial the 15-year TIF Plan. GFI Partners during its search for a 150 Blackstone spread over 30 acres Distributors, Inc. will employ 300 in “It wasn’t until we had the TIF that TIF and tenants is that the Quinsiga- has been completed with a state-of-the- the new building. During construction, we could attract Imperial,” says Good- mond neighborhood offers a robust lo- art, multi-use industrial building - the long-time U.S. Steel site tenant, Mid- man, “and we would not have landed cal workforce to tap as potential future type of space that accentuates the po- States Packaging, temporarily moved to the G3 deal. This was about offering a employees. “This type of labor pool is tential for major developments outside a site in Auburn. Goodman says they very competitive deal.” harder and harder to find,” Goodman of the downtown area. also are expected to move back in May. Beyond the TIF, Goodman adds says, “That was a really important fac- GFI’s largest anchor tenant, Imperial Goodman says the city of Worcester that his firm has received “amazing tor in getting this warehouse leased.” Distributors, Inc., will relocate from was instrumental in making the project support” from Quinsigamond neigh- Founded in 1989, GFI is a full ser- Auburn and consolidate their oper- a reality by providing a Tax Increment borhood community leaders and local vice real estate advisor who has com- ations to this facility with shipping Financing (TIF) Plan that will provide politicians, including City Councilor pleted more than 100 transactions with expected to begin in late May. The an estimated $5 million in property George Russell and state Rep. Dan Do- a total value of more than $1 billion. development also includes Mid-States tax relief, which allowed his company nahue. “The reason we are having so GFI Partners has acquired, developed Packaging Inc., and G3, which is Gallo to perform needed building improve- much success is an absolute tribute to and managed more than 2.5 million- Wine’s distribution group, employing ments yet offer competitive lease rates. the city government here,” Goodman square-feet of real estate in Worcester. about 50 people. That company began The city will receive an estimated total adds.

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PHONE: 508.757.5690 FAX: 508.795.1960 [email protected] www.worcester.minutemanpress.com 122 Green Street, Worcester, MA 01604 JUNE 2017 - CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER • PAGE A13 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Railers build rink, announce NHL affiliation In the shadows of a sprawling new team practice and public ice skating facility now rising in the Canal Dis- trict, Worcester Railers Hockey Club announced in late April that it has reached an affiliation agreement with the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League. “This was a no brainer. There was instant synergy with the Islanders,” Railers Team President Mike Myers says. “They appreciated what we are doing not only as a team, but also as a community and business partner.” Team owner Cliff Rucker and Myers made the revelation at a Chamber business after hours event at Lock 50 restaurant, which is located directly across the street from the Worcester Ice Arena now under construction. Construction on The Railers new Canal District practice facility and public rink has moved indoors. Worcester will join the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey viously home to Worcester Warriors Schempp and Jesse Graham. Players ground broke on the 100,000-square- League as the primary minor league from 1954-56 in the now-defunct that finished the 2016-17 season with foot facility in May 2016 on 3.5 acres of affiliates for the Islanders organization. Eastern Hockey League, the Worcester the Islanders, who spent a portion of former contaminated land. Plans call “We are excited to partner with IceCats (AHL) from 1994-2005 and the their careers in the ECHL, include J.F. for an additional 40,000-square-feet of the Worcester Railers Hockey Club Worcester Sharks (AHL) from 2006- Berube, Thomas Greiss, Jaroslav Halak retail space. Construction is projected as our new ECHL affiliate and bring 2015. The Railers will play its home and Alan Quine. In addition, Thomas to be complete in September 2017. professional hockey back to an already games at the DCU Center and practice Greiss and Bracken Kearns both saw The Worcester Ice Center features established hockey city,” Islanders at the Worcester Ice Center. The new significant time in Worcester with the two sheets of ice seating 1,250 total President and General Manager Garth affiliation with the Islanders includes now defunct Worcester Sharks. and significant SRO as well, the Railers Snow says. integration into their scouting system, merchandise and skate center, a family Based in Worcester at the DCU strength and conditioning program, style restaurant, and other retail op- Center, the Railers will play its inau- and training camps among other Construction on new ice portunities. The $18 million project gural season in the ECHL’s Eastern things. arena moves to interior will also host colleges and universities, Conference, starting in October 2017. Additionally, several Islanders high schools, and youth hockey orgs, Founded in 2016, the Railers are the prospects saw time in the ECHL last Initiated by the Worcester Business including Becker College, Worcester first-ever ECHL franchise to play in season, including Matthew Finn, Ea- Development Corp. in concert with State University, Worcester Academy, Massachusetts. Worcester was pre- mon McAdam, Carter Verhaeghe, Kyle Rucker and Marathon Sports Group, Worcester Jr. Railers, and Jr. Crusaders. Homewood Suites eyes extended stays First Bristol Corporation President James J. Karam is serious when he says the city's Chief Development Officer Paul Morano gave him the design idea and inspiration during a meeting for the new Homewood Suites. Set to open in June, Homewood Suites by Hilton offered city leaders and press a recent tour inside the now completed $21 million six-story, 118- room, all suites hotel specializing in extended stays located in Washington Square across the rotary from Union Station. Moran was in attendance and Karam offered him kudos for his early vision. “Everybody is talking about Worcester,” says Karam. “This city knows what it wants.” Karam adds that the hotel is perfect for longer First Bristol Corp. President Jim Karam. far right, term stays, offering full services including grocery and Managing Partner Dennis M. Murphy of Ventry delivery, dry cleaning, direct MBTA commuter rail, Associates LLP, second from right, address the and breakfast. “It's almost like an apartment with a gathered leaders and members of the press on May 10. Below right, construction crews were busy finishing concierge,” adds Karam. up the punch list items. The hotel has already hired most of its projected 35 full and part-time workers, and it will be able to provide patrons with a salt water swimming pool, keting strategy makes perfect sense. He adds that fitness center, and smaller and larger accomoda- the hotel will also help attract more conventions to tions. Karam ruled out a large convention space Worcester. or full service restaurant opting instead for small meeting spaces accomodating up to 75 people. Cost for a room per night will average $139-189 depend- ing upon demand. About 125 parking spaces exist on the premises. The hotel plans to form partnerships with the booming restaurant corridors along Shrewsbury Street and in the Canal District as well as to cap- itlize on the city's robust arts community. Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Timothy P. Murray says with more than 55 new permits issued in the city for restaurants over the past 18 months, Hilton's mar- PAGE A14 • CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER - JUNE 2017 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Table Talk keeps snack pie expansion local ollowing in his grandfather’s footsteps, Harry Kokkinis is expanding the famous Table Talk Pies in his family’s native Worcester with a new production facility nearing completion in the South Worcester Industrial Park. Local real estate developer, Chacharone Properties, Fis constructing the 51,000-square-feet (SF), one-story building which will feature six loading docks, eight overhead doors and 24-foot ceilings in 45,000 SF of manufacturing space as well as 5,000 SF of office space. The site also includes parking for 75 cars and seven tractor-trailers. With completion expected in July of this year, the facility will utilize a new state- of-the-art air impingement tunnel oven, conveyors and spiral freezer technologies as well as updated packaging equipment that will be installed specifically for Table Talk’s signature 4-inch pie. “The key for us is to have one straight line and on one floor,” says Kokkinis. “We love Kelley Square, but Table Talk Pies was the recipient of the Chamber’s 2017 it’s hard to be a pie maker when you are on multiple Richard B. Kennedy Business of the Year Award (inset floors.” The new equipment will also enhance Table right). A rendering above shows the company's $5 million, Talk’s soft-sell products in stores. “They are as good 51,000-square-foot facility now under construction. as fresh pies,” adds Kokkinis. “This just enables us to increase our shipments across the country. It also frees says this is a re-creation of his grandfather’s former close by. The TIF lowered our taxes to what’s more in up production time for other pies in our main plant.” Table Talk store on the same street just a block away. line outside [of Worcester]. Being able to lower taxes Worcester’s beloved Table Talk is now found in helps keeps jobs in the city.” hundreds of U.S. supermarkets and shopping centers TIF LEVELS PLAYING FIELD Kokkinis credits Kelsey Lamoureux and Ronald and is well on its way to dominating the $1 four-inch Charette and the Worcester Jobs Funds who he snack pie market. Table Talk bakes pies in three sizes: To enable the project, Chacharone Properties says have been great to work with, along with the four inch, six inch and 10-inch in nearly a dozen sought a 20-year Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Quinsigamond Neighborhood Improvement Center varieties including apple, blueberry and lemon. plan from the city that was approved last fall. Under to help Table Talk Pies find new employees. The Last year, Table Talk Pies sold over 150 million this plan, Table Talk Pies will receive an average tax company already began the hiring process this spring 4-inch pies. With 200 current employees and plans exemption of 80 percent for 20 years – or $2.2 million along with training interested applicants. to add up to another 100 in phase 2 second conveyor tax savings for Chacharone. His father Christo reopened the 93-year-old driven pile line expansion at the new plant, Table Talk The city expects to receive an estimated total of company in 1986 in Kelley Square after it was Pies stands primed for major expansion. The company $750,000 in tax revenue over this 20-year period. “This previously sold in the 1960s and then temporarily also recently added a new retail store selling pies, opportunity allowed us to stay in Worcester and we closed. Kokkinis eventually joined in running the pastry and coffee on Green Street adjacent to their were very happy about it,” says Kokkinis. “We made business, though his father and grandfather continued Canal District facility and was just voted Best Retail a commitment that over 50 percent of employees to work at the sold business through the mid-1970s. Outlet in the city by Worcester Magazine. Kokkinis would be Worcester residents and people who live

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For further information, please visit us at www.assuredlanguage.com JUNE 2017 - CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER • PAGE A15 HIGHER EDUCATION Panel touts strength of student intern pool orking with an Left to right, Cherie Comeau, director projects center at WPI, Ales Jug, global University; and Judy Kenary, associate expert for the center of business and industry citizenship coordinator at Becker vp of academic affairs at Anna Maria forensic at Worcester State University, Corey College, Amy Whitney, director of inno- College. anthropol- Denenberg Dehner, director of the vation and entrepreneurship at Clark ogist on the Whitey Bulger case to restoring the Black- stone Canal and helping LL Bean Wreshape its millennials marketing, Worcester area college students, fac- ulty and employers alike have a trea- sure trove of options when it comes to enriching internship possibilities. Sponsored by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce in concert with sponsor TD Bank, the ongoing monthly Seminar Series offered a panel of experts from local institutions on May 11. The panel in- cluded: Cherie Comeau, director for tion, and a three-term project with members with colleges to help with the center of business and industry “Professional a local company that matches the recruitment and career services. at Worcester State University, Corey communication students’ majors. WPI also offers 6-8 This summer, a free Chamber series Denenberg Dehner, director of the month long co-ops as paid place- titled Higher Ed will be offered to Worcester Community Projects Cen- is one of the greatest ments. lead professional development skill ter at WPI, Ales Jug, global citizen- skills that is lacking with “Professional communication is development workshops. ship coordinator at Becker College, one of the greatest skills Amy Whitney, director of innovation millennials." that is lacking with mil- and entrepreneurship at Clark Uni- lennials,” says Dehner. FREE database versity; and Judy Kenary, associate - Corey Denenberg Dehner For Comeau’s center to connect young vp of academic affairs at Anna Maria Director of WPI Worcester of business and indus- College. The session was moderated Community Projects Center try at Worcester State professionals with by Karen Pelletier, Worcester Re- University, she develops area employers. gional Chamber Director of Higher numerous community Ed-Business Partnerships. Over at Becker College, Jug leads service projects and All panelists agree that college a micro-loan program to find and invites businesses in www.InternHub.com students today need to start early on train students who want to start and to speak with students as freshmen in preparation for later run a socially-oriented business. from the employer per- EMPLOYERS spective. work as interns. Most colleges and Two recent success stories involve a Internships are a great recruiting tool for fulltime talent, universities in the city have adapted student who is opening shelters for “Our focus is on your a great short term solution for companies seeking to to that growing demand by devel- abandoned animals in the Appala- current employees in increase productivity, and the best way to retain our local oping various immersion programs. chian Mountains, and other students terms of training,” says graduates and create a strong, educated workforce in That process often starts with such building sustainable housing for Comeau. “They come the region. simple employment hiring skills orphans in Haiti. The college’s social on site and run learning training as developing a confident business course also assists students and development work- Post your internships free on the Chamber’s database: handshake as well as ensuring stu- with creating business plans for shops as well as full cer- www.internhub.com to connect with talent from 12 area dents’ email addresses, social media refugees. tificate-based programs colleges and beyond. and online training.” pages and voicemail greetings are WPI takes a different approach STUDENTS | RECENT GRADS not offensive or misleading to pro- in one of its internship programs by Pelletier concludes spective employers. treating students like independent that the chamber is also Post your resume free online for hundreds of internship At Anna Maria College, Kenary research consultants, Dehner says, working to help build opportunities at companies including: The Hanover Insur- ance Group, DCU Center, Girls Inc, Worcester Railers, and says her school interviews every working for up to eight weeks in that the conduit between its UMass Medical School. new student during the first week on position. Also, the engineering-driv- member employers and campus to find their true career and en school offers two programs to area as well. A Cham- life passions. As early as sophomore complete a social science research ber program called the To learn more, contact Karen Pelletier at 508.753.2924, year, Kenary works with students project with an external organiza- Intern Hub offers a free ext. 229 or [email protected]. on resumes and internships ideas. platform to connect She does not wait until junior and senior year to begin that critical process. “If we have a curriculum that is not relevant to your indus- try, you are not going to hire our What’s important to Alex: students,” Kenary says, “so we also visit area employers [to better un- R Flexible lending solutions for real estate derstand their needs].” With Clark University’s little R Fast approvals to meet deadlines known but nationally top-ranked geography program, Whitney says R Bankers who know what it takes to the school has trained students in build a development the latest mapping information systems to help businesses study themselves and can map data and ...and a good relationship. where it happens in a community. She adds that faculty are constantly looking for area employers with practical-based opportunities that they can then implement into their curriculums. “When students arrive, they are really green,” says If it’s important to you, it’s important to us. Whitney. “When they progress and From responsive bankers who understand your business to mature, it’s really important that flexible solutions that meet your needs, Webster Five fits into we give them experience on the your blueprint for success. ground to develop critical thinking web5.com/business skills and then apply that in the NMLS #523049 field.”

HJ23559_WEB-378_BizBanking_Print_8x4.87_Alex_Mech.indd 1 4/20/17 6:58 PM PAGE A16 • CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER - JUNE 2017 HIGHER EDUCATION StartUp Worcester selects cohort of entrepreneurs In March 2017, a report released c omp any.” by TechNet and the Progressive As an initiative of the Worcester Policy Institute named Worcester Chamber, StartUp Worcester seeks as one of the top 10 emerging start- to maintain the growth of these up hubs in the country. For the companies within the region. The third year, StartUp Worcester is broad mix of Worcester natives proving the city deserves this title. and out of state college students StartUp Worcester is a partnership taking part in this competition between the Worcester Regional strengthens the idea that Worcester Chamber of Commerce, Worcester should remain one of the top 10 CleanTech Incubator, and The start-up hubs in the country. Venture Forum. This selection Following the second round process consists of two rounds of judging, the entrepreneurs of judging as well as attending attended the Five Minute Pitch college pitch nights, which results Contest, hosted by The Venture in 12 winning companies who are Forum. Eagerly waiting for the looking to start their businesses results, they had a chance to show in the region. The 12 selected off their posters and listen to other entrepreneurs are then provided companies pitch their ideas to The with year-long memberships to all Venture Forum. three organizations, work space This night of showcasing in the city, and personal business innovation and entrepreneurship mentors. These resources allow came to a close as Chamber these innovative companies to President Timothy P. Murray take their idea from concept to StartUp Worcester had energetic groups of young entrepreneurs putting their best pitch announced the nine remaining marketplace. forward in hopes of joining the victorious three from the first round. StartUp Worcester winners. The On Tuesday, April 25, StartUp alumni in the past, this year, budding entrepreneurs. Along with other three were chosen in advance Worcester held the second round of community members were given taking advantage of the networking at college pitch nights. judging at the WPI. This energetic a chance to showcase their ideas. opportunities, some treat it as a The 12 winners are Arrow, group of young entrepreneurs spent From medical devices to game and learning experience. “Taking part AsanaRa, Box Mountain Games, the night putting their best pitch app developers, a wide variety of in StartUp Worcester gives me Dropwise, FRWD Inc., GeoStage, forward in hopes of joining 2017 industries were on display. experience in pitching my concept,” HydroGlyde Coatings LLC, cohort. The event was sponsored Although not everyone can says Alexis Santiago of Paseo. “The Psychoactive Entertainment, PW by Commerce Bank. be a winner, the opportunity to feedback from the judges allows Industries, Simplicity Tech, The Although this event has been take part in StartUp Worcester me to validate and solidify my idea Hum, and WooRides. exclusively open to students and is a positive experience for the which will help me accelerate the - Zaven Donoian

Here's how Career Fair looks to reach every to retain graduates On Wednesday, March 29, the advantages to attending and recruiting at home and business Worcester Regional Chamber of career fairs. The four advantages include: Commerce, in partnership with the gaining access to a large number of in these towns– Worcester Student Government candidates, increasing brand awareness, Association and Worcester State opportunities to meet with non- Auburn University held the third annual Live, traditional candidates, and networking Charlton Work, Play, Stay! Internship, Career with other companies. The Chamber’s and Live Local Fair. An initiative of diverse career fair is no exception. Dudley the Chamber’s Higher Education and Although the career fair was held on Douglas Business Partnership outreach is to bring a college campus, the attendees weren’t Grafton students and employers together. exclusively students. Among the young With resumes in hand, students hopefuls were experienced professionals. Mendon from nine area colleges flooded into “There is a good mix of college students Millbury Worcester State’s new Wellness Center and experienced professionals,” says building looking to make an impression. Baxter. “Many are looking to increase Northbridge “Everyone is well prepared, engaged and their skillset through a career change.” Oxford dressed properly,” says Kaylen Vangos This event reflects the Chamber’s of The Hanover Insurance Group. “The mission to recruit, retain, and incubate, Sutton resumes look good.” on several fronts. Not only does it provide Upton Recruiters were also impressed an educated workforce for Chamber with the new Worcester State facility. members, but it allows the chamber to Uxbridge “The brand new facility is an excellent connect students with area internships Webster location,” says Tina Baxter of Tri State and jobs by accessing local colleges. Trucking. “Everyone knows Worcester “With Worcester being home to State University.” various industries and some of the all 69,000 of them. From biomedical companies to retail top universities in the country, the outlets, 61 employers were represented Chamber’s Higher Education and and eager to recruit new members to Business Partnership initiatives work their teams. Along with these employers, to maintain an educated workforce eight area colleges were in attendance and create connections. More college and were actively searching for graduate students are looking to stay in Worcester school applicants. Bryte Photo also gave and contribute to the city’s growth and students an opportunity to receive a free local economy. This career fair, along professional head shot. with other Chamber initiatives reinforce Local business stories Although career fairs serve as a great this idea,” says Karen Pelletier, the are our beat. networking opportunity for students, it Chamber’s Director of Higher Education also benefits companies in multiple ways. and Business Partnership. [email protected] [email protected] According to an article published by Business Insider in 2014, there are four - Zaven Donoian JUNE 2017 - CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER • PAGE B1 B section WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP Empowerment trumps discrimination Anita Hill believes women’s Women's Leadership Confer- ence keynote speaker Anita workplace fight not yet over Hill offered keen insights into her experiences fight- he 8th annual Women’s place to protect them. ing sexual discrimination Leadership Conference Hill says that even into against U.S. Supreme Court in Worcester captured the 1980s some judges Justice Clarence Thomas. not only tales from a Mt. still viewed sexual Everest adventurer but extortion and verbal also the perseverance to fight sexual abuse as “personal” Tharassment on a national political and not a legal matter. stage. Moreover, the federal Two powerful speakers headlined Equal Opportunity the April 13 conference held at the DCU Council, charged with Center in front of 730 women, including enforcing workplace Anita Hill, a famous professor of Law, sexual harassment Public Policy and Women’s Studies at issues, also did not have Brandeis University, and Alison Levine, enough guidelines to a world-renowned hiker, humanitarian, deal with the issue at author and military leadership trainer. that time. Looking back on an incident that “So when a person eventually led to positive change came forward and said in workplace sexual and gender there is the Civil Rights was chair of the EOC in charge of companies and public offices leadership discrimination policies, Anita Hill, Act of 1964 and I’m being harassed, enforcing sexual harassment issues has stepped up since 1991 to address now age 60, says women can experience many of the courts said no,” Hill says. who was also a violator,” Hill says. “I sexual harassment with new tools, many forms throughout their careers. “It wasn’t that just the judges were testified because of my obligation to my policies and actions. The American However, she adds the trauma is most indifferent.” students and as a member of the bar. I Bar Association has called out sexual prevalent when forced to endure According to a study published by knew Thomas would have to sit on harassment as an ethical violation as harassment during a worker’s first the American Bar Association in 1991, sexual harassment cases because they has the National Academy of Sciences career experience. judges themselves were often found to would come. This was about justice and by convening groups to deal with the At age 35, Hill testified in 1991 be harassers. Hill says lawyers reported equal access to all.” problem. before the Senate Judiciary Committee, witnessing judges solicit sexual Moving forward, Hill encouraged “Businesses have really come alleging sexual harassment by the later favors from many women who came conference goers to not think about why together with advocates and confirmed and current U.S. Supreme before the courts, including criminal women don’t come forward enough enforcement officers to really get to the Court Associate Justice Clarence defendants, civil litigants, lawyers, with claims, but more importantly why root of the problem,” says Hill. “Sexual Thomas. “I was able to testify because prosecutors, public defenders, private women do come forward. She adds that harassment is not our burden to bear I wasn’t the vulnerable 25-year-old,” counsel, law clerks, court employers, many women voice their concerns and and it’s not our secret to keep any says Hill who had already made tenure job applicants, probation officers, often file charges because they don’t longer.” at the University of Oklahoma – a first juvenile court boards and jurors. want other women to have the same However, Hill adds that centuries for an African American there before “So what happened is women were experience. of abuse and neglect doesn’t change the hearings even began. “But as you really left on their own,” says Hill. “This “We should think of courage as overnight. Younger tip wage earners move up and opportunities open up for was just something that they had to put something we can do every day,” Hill are still more vulnerable, according to leadership, you’re still at risk. There is up with in the workplace and in many says. “Because if we don’t, just like a recent Boston Globe report. Hill says still a level of vulnerability.” cases that was the presumption.” that Senate judiciary committee tried sexual harassment is often coupled In 1976, a national poll found This was the backdrop against which to make me think like I was the only with other forms of discrimination that nine out of 10 women had been Hill was subpoenaed and testified person who had ever been sexually and affects every class level, age, shape, subjected to sexual advances in the before Congress regarding Justice harassed, we are not going to ever put color, religion and sexual identity. workplace yet there were few federal Thomas’s confirmation hearings. “Here an end to the problem.” “There’s no one sexual harassment and state rules or company policies in was a case against an individual who Hill acknowledges that in many victim,” Hill says. Diversity panel offers insights into workforce standards Diversity matters today in the meeting a quota, satisfying the bottom Women's Leadership Conference workplace more than ever before, not diversity breakout session line or fulfilling hiring legalities only to avoid costly lawsuits and public panelists included: Dr. Malika is critical for any organization or embarrassment, but more importantly Carter, chief diversity officer for company that truly wants to evolve. in hiring the very best talent available, the city of Worcester; Janice Ryan In a poll of the audience, Luster asked regardless of race, gender or age. Weekes, director of Workforce if hiring agents think critically about Central Career Center; Bonnie Led by moderator Stacey D. Luster, J. Walker, executive director for what is lost when a diverse applicant is Esq., assistant vice president of human diversity at WPI; and moderator not employed, and do their companies resources at Worcester State University, Stacey D. Luster, Esq., assistant think enough about age, gender and the Women's Leadership Conference vice president of human race when organizing work teams. "Diversifying Your Workforce" resources at WSU. About half answered in the affirmative. breakout session panelists echoed “When you are brainstorming about these sentiments, including Dr. Malika the next benchmark that you want to Carter, chief diversity officer for the meet or bringing a team together to city of Worcester; Janice Ryan Weekes, goal set,” says Walker, “think about who director of Workforce Central Career is on that team.” picture of how poorly devised diversity city employees into the new screening Center; and Bonnie J. Walker, executive Walker says that it's not only employment training and leadership process so everyone was on board. director for diversity at WPI. implementing the necessary diversity is often conducted versus pursuing a “We empowered internally and we Luster kept the audience engaged change, but also caring about those standardized process. executed externally,” says Carter, adding and busy by drawing upon a series people. Changing demographics play “We have a process where everybody that staff now take the characteristics of of interactive live polls and activities a critical role. “When those folks come should be doing the same thing,” says the person applying and use a scoring taken during the workshop linked to into your organization, those are the Carter, adding that one of the first sheet to determine if the resume is the each panelist's presentations. people you are going to want to retain things she did under City Manager right fit to further the interviewing Luster opened with having the and continue to build what you have Edward Augustus was to update and process. That same scoring sheet is audience draw the outline of a pig on already started.” create new standards for discrimination used following interviews as well. a blank piece of paper and then hold Commitment to an inclusive policies and procedures. “Standardization is legitimization. them up. Then, on the backside of that workplace culture is conducive to a Carter first met with as many This process helps us to be transparent same paper, audience members were broader effort to recruit, retain, and hiring managers as possible to fully with those in the community who are asked to use a visible standardized develop the most talented and diverse vet the process, and also extended that applying,” says Carter. process for drawing the pig. The individuals, Walker adds. education out into the city to search for Walker adds that truly understanding differences were stark. She used this diverse candidates. Then, she added all why diversity does matter beyond SEE DIVERSITY, PAGE B2 analogy to paint a much more serious PAGE B2 • CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER - JUNE 2017 WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP Leading at the highest levels Speaker inspires Women's Leadership Conference keynote speaker Alison Levine crowd with tales gestures to make a point in- side the DCU Center, which was of Everest, freed packed with 730 people. Ugandan slaves

fter scaling Mt. Everest twice, the second attempt reaching summit, Levine founded the Climb High Foundation, which trains jobless women in western Uganda to Awork as trekking guides in the Rwenzori Mountains. In both roles, Levine spoke during the recent Women's Leadership Forum to the core business and military leadership principle of overcoming adversity. “Sometimes you are going to have to go backwards for a bit in order to eventually get to where you want to be,” says Levine, referencing the exhausting routine of navigating up and down between high camps several “Sometimes you are times on Mt. Everest to acclimate to thin air. “Don’t look at backtracking going to have to go as losing ground [in life]. Look at it as backwards for a bit in an opportunity to regroup and regain some strength so you are better out of order to eventually the gates the next time around. Backing get to where you up is not the same as backing down… It’s about the lessons you learn along want to be." the way.” She adds, “the only reason I made - Alison Levine, it all the way up Mt. Everest is because I had that earlier failure [to summit] back in 2002.” motivational speaker Levine, who has climbed the tallest peaks on six continents, says a lack of failure tolerance stifles progress, when hiking there in 2005 that women and in turn would help fund health “The fact that these women were innovation and prevents people from were doing all of the physical labor. So care and education. It would also help able to climb up 14,000 feet and strap taking risks. She advises that when I asked if women could be guides and end poverty and social injustice. 12 kilograms on their back to complete you set high goals, allow the team the porters, and the male guide told me it So Levine set off to recruit and train the trekking circuit with a smile on freedom to think and inspire future was taboo.” as many women who were willing to their face was just amazing. The team of participants. That’s until Levine decided to try become mountain trekking guides women showed their entire village that Besieged by civil war, an eventual to change commonly accepted slavery and porters with a condition: “If they they can do whatever they want to do peace treaty between Uganda and the conditions there. In Uganda, women [women] can train and carry heavy and breakthrough traditional barriers.” Republic of Congo paved the way for were considered the property of men. gear in the mountains like the men do, Today, women in Uganda are Levine’s organization to effect change. They had no land rights, affordable you have to hire them and pay them the regularly employed as porters and Working as a native trekking guide access to education for adults and their same wage you pay local men.” trekking guides, earning the same wage or porter in the Rwenzori Mountains children, or health care. As a result, the The elders agreed, believing it would as men. Levine goes back every few proved difficult when access to them average female life expectancy was only never be possible. These women lived years to train more women to work in was shut off due to war. “People in 42. Levine demanded change among at the base of these mountains their those mountains. western Uganda were basically starving male elders, arguing that employing entire lives but were never allowed up “The only way progress happens is if to death,” says Levine. “But I noticed women on the mountains would generate more revenue for the village them. people ask questions,” Levine says.

DIVERSITY, FROM PAGE B1 Walker drew a stark illustration by comparing two companies: one with a diverse workplace and ability to retain employees versus one without. She points to key trends of why supporting diversity matters in colleges with raised expectations of the need for more workplace inclusion. Without a strong diversity employment approach, Walker adds that Taking care of the details up front, communication and customer companies won't even attract the right talent and it could create morale service I believe are essential for a smooth transaction, whether problems down the road. Weekes says that with 31 career centers across the Commonwealth, you’re buying or selling a home. Call me today and together, let’s with Worcester alone serving 37 communities, there is often a plan for your success! misconception that her agency is just for job seekers.“We now do personalized recruiting for just your own company's job fair,” says Weekes. “If you are looking for particular populations, we are willing to work with you.” Using the center's JobQuest online employment server, Weekes adds Chris Stratford, Realtor that her agency is also reaching out more to Worcester Public Schools. [email protected] Luster adds that job descriptions can be discriminatory in their own right. She encourages employers to review their own job listings to 508-414-8914 ensure that they are not restrictive and limiting to an outside candidate. 6 Park Avenue “It's not reducing a job description, it's making it more open to a Worcester, MA 01605 wider pool of applicants," says Luster.

JUNE 2017 - CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER • PAGE B3 PROGRAMS & EVENTS Panel shares tips on improving customer service The most recent installment of prefers to ask for their recommendation the Worcester Regional Chamber of Jamie Adams, regional market manager instead of answering it for them. Doing Commerce’s Seminar Series offers of TD Bank in the Worcester Region, Mi- this empowers employees to make chael Covino, president of Niche Hospital- keen insight into how the development ity Group (standing), and Jessica Betten- future decisions on their own as well of a customer service culture serves court, president of Klem’s led the panel as reinforcing the customer service as a powerful tool for establishing discussion on customer service. culture. consumer loyalty. When developing a customer “If you don’t take care of your service culture, panelists feel it’s customers, somebody else is going important to focus on both the internal to take care of them for you,” says and external factors. From establishing Michael Flippin, chief training officer respect and accountability within the for Sandler Training/SaleFish LLC, company to going above and beyond who was also the seminar moderator. for consumers, a strong customer “Your best customer is someone else’s service culture will make any business best potential customer.” a viable competitor. Alongside Flippin was a table of “In the end, we are all consumers, panelists from different industries, and we expect a certain level of including Jamie Adams, regional responsibility to be taken for our market manager of TD Bank in the experience. “As consumers, we want to Worcester Region, Michael Covino, that the customer’s experience should “Internal customer service is be heard,” Adams says. president of Niche Hospitality Group, be a memorable one. “People make probably one of the most important - Zaven Donoian and Jessica Bettencourt, president of decisions based on emotion,” he says. aspects,” adds Bettencourt, mentioning Klem’s. In a successful customer service that her immediate customers are her “I think customer service is where culture, the internal relationships are employees. “It’s not about selling; it’s Developing a we can differentiate ourselves from just as important as the external. This really about solving whatever issues Customer Service Culture- competition,” says Bettencourt, adding means that the interaction between they come in with.” She also believes Repeat Performance that being a large independent retailer employer and employee should be that internal service relies on each Date: June 6 with a wide variety of products, Klem’s treated the same as an interaction with person doing their job. “I want my Time: 8:30-10 am has to provide a high level of service. the customer. “We call it a culture of employees to know I got their back.” Location: “It’s really one of the only ways that we hospitality…You can’t have external Elaborating on this, Flippin asked Worcester can compete. It’s providing customers hospitality if you don’t have internal,” the panelists to explain what they do to Regional with what they need and what they says Covino. “Most of our pearls empower their team members. Chamber don’t even know they need.” of hospitality are around internal Addressing the advancement of Fees/Admission: For TD Bank, convenience has hospitality…Everyone is always technology, Bettencourt explains how Free for Chamber been at the forefront of customer talking about giving 100 percent...we keeping employees off their phones is members; $25 for non-members service practices. According to Adams, call it 51 percent...A ‘51 percenter’ at a losing battle. However, due to the use Workshop Information: convenience can’t be the only asset work means that they’re 51 percent of a phone app, Klem’s has been able to 8:30 am Registration, coffee & muffins that keeps them competing. New emotional and 49 percent technical. It scan products and expedite potential 8:45 am Panel and discussion technology in the digital age has made means that what they’re doing, they’re issues by providing the customer with 10:00 am Closing banking easier by providing instant doing because they love it slightly more immediate results. “We empower them Register: http://business.worcestercham- results. Adams points out that this than their actual ability to do it.” [employees] to be able to have their ber.org/events/details/seminar-series-de- has caused a change in the need to Internal customer service practices phone, but be able to use it to provide veloping-a-customer-service-culture-re- physically go to the bank. He defines ensure that employees are motivated service.” peat-performance-5020 customer service in the financial and willing to be held responsible Adding to this, Adams says, “We Moderator & Speaker: Michael Flippin, industry as providing trusted advice. for the consumer experience. empower everyone up to our front line Sandler Training / SaleFish, “The highest form of flattery for us Adams spoke of using Service Level employees to be able to say yes.” When Panel Participants: is when someone can recommend Agreements as a tool to measure TD measuring standards, Adams feels it’s Jessica Bettencourt, President-Klem's us to somebody else. I would say as Bank’s legendary service. “We have vital to understand everyone’s role. Jamie Adams, a personal banker, the highest form to have this consistent vision painted “Teach your job to the person below Regional Manager at TD Bank of flattery for me is when a customer from the top about what legendary you and learn the job of the person won’t make a decision in their financial looks like. I think that’s where you above you. That really permeates Special thanks to TD Bank for life without consulting with me first,” start to develop culture, when it’s just throughout our culture.” sponsoring the 2017 Seminar Series. says Adams. relentless and there’s accountability He also adds that when employees Covino mirrors this by emphasizing across the board for everyone.” approach him with questions, he Experts push health care strategies for employers In 2006, Massachusetts pioneered health care deductible health plans like Health Reimbursement reform strategies that were then used as a model Arrangements and Health Savings Accounts. As of for the federal Affordable Care Act in 2010. Since “...We’ve had the most mandates 2016, 29% of insured employees are covered under then, the complexities of reform and overall health of any state, and no surprise the CDHP, a 25% increase from 2006. “I can confidently care cost continue to expand, resulting in confusion suggest that you’re going to see that trajectory carry among Massachusetts business owners and residents. corresponding cost is 33% higher forward significantly,” says McDonald. In response to this, insurance advisors such as McDonald also points out that companies Todd McDonald, president of Aisling Partners than the average." containing 200 or more employees have been making Insurance Brokerage and David Soltys of Small use of incentives when designing their health plans. Business Insurance Agency, have begun to de-velop - Todd McDonald, These incentives for employees come in the form of new, creative methods for employers to adopt. On rewards for completing health promotion activities March, 7, McDonald and Soltys served as presenters president of Aisling Partners such as biometric screenings and wellness programs. for the latest installment of the Worcester Regional “Regardless of market size, wellness and engagement Chamber of Commerce Seminar Series. The program biggest challenge. “Health insurance is expensive is paramount,” says McDonald. “Putting incentives in focused on business perspectives from a local stand because healthcare is expensive,” says McDonald. In place will drive behavior.” point, as well as tools to develop modern health care an effort to address cost containment issues, a variety Along with wellness initiatives, employee surveys strategies for employers. of measures have been pursued at the local level. One have been important in the decision making process According to McDonald, the three main factors of these cost containment tools comes in the form of for employers. “Getting employee feedback is driving current health insurance markets are the mandates, which in the end, have had a reverse effect. important and critical to your decision,” says Soltys economy, rising health care costs, and the uncertain “Those add layers of cost, and in Massachusetts, addressing the crowd of Chamber members. “We’re approach of a new administration. “This slide is no we’ve had the most mandates of any state, and no fortunate in Massachusetts to have five or six of the different than it was eight years ago,” says McDonald, surprise the corresponding cost is 33% higher than best health plans in the country…we as employees referring to the presentation displaying the three the average.” know that. If employ-ers ask their employees, I think factors. Other cost containment tools include interstate and employees are willing to cost share a little bit more.” In order to set the scene of the current market, free market competition. “I think this is back on the With constant debate and changes to health McDonald and Soltys examined the process of table. It’s an initiative of the Trump administration… care policy on both the national and local levels, healthcare reform. “The inclusion of so many I think that most of us believe the more competition employers can easily lose sight of how to pick the best elements…has just been a tremendous burden on the the better. It’s something you are going to see more health plan. Many business owners have been able to insurance companies…employers…and advisors,” and more of moving forward,” says McDonald. “There implement creative health care strategies in order to says McDonald. are no easy answers. It’s a shared responsibility.” work around the complexities of the industry. “I don’t From a local standpoint, Massachusetts has According to national trends, there has been have the crystal ball…but there’s indication that the successfully covered the uninsured, resulting in an a philosophical and financial shift in the types of burden will be lessened,“ says McDonald. insured rate of 97%. However, the cost of healthcare healthcare plans that employers are offering. Over the has not reduced and containment of it remains the past 10 years, consumer driven health plans (CDHP) ~ Zaven Donoian have seen a dramatic increase. This includes high PAGE B4 • CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER - JUNE 2017 PROGRAMS & EVENTS Performance leadership takes preparation, action Rod Fraser believes managers Fraser finds that listening and simply need to right the ship before an observation can be powerful tools employee gets too far off course. when it comes to discerning the culture As lead consultant for Professional of a particular employee department. Leadership Management Services, and “I never smoked in my life, but I use as a former Boston Fire Commissioner to go out and hang with the smokers on during the Marathon Bombing, Winter smoke break and you come away with Storm Nemo, and Hurricanes Sandy all sorts of information that employees and Irene, Fraser's most sage advice would only share with each other there.” comes from his vast experience while Managing a team should not be serving in THE US Navy for 30 years. micro-management, Fraser says, but it “It's your responsibility as a leader to also does not mean a manager should coach them and get them the training not check in and ask questions about that they need to be successful,” adding job performance. Management by that supervisors must also record that walking around is the new buzz word conversation and process just in case it in leadership training today, but really doesn't work out. is an old school tactic. “Just being Setting goals, developing a career present makes people more in tune that path, engagement and making they need to be doing their job,” adds employees feel valued are the best Fraser. things managers can do to motivate Specific feedback needs to be both their staffs, says Fraser, who spoke at positive and negative but sometimes, the Chamber's monthly Seminar Series Fraser says, it's needs to be more on Performance Leadership in March. critical. Performance leadership consultant Rod Fraser believes companies must track em- A 2013 survey conducted with ployee progress and hold people accountable. If an employee is not performing hundreds of companies about using at a high level and additional and performance management systems to 48 percent of companies in that same In a casual poll of his audience, most documented feedback and training has track employee progress found that survey felt their performance systems all of the 60 managers in attendance already been provided, then next steps 51 percent of those firms admitted need more work and only 3 percent felt systems that encouraged one-on- should involve a written performance their systems still need more work. said the existing systems provided one performance discussions and action plan followed by possible Moreover, 42 percent found their exceptional value. feedback with direct reports needed termination, Fraser says. good performance linkage to added “When I was in the Navy, their improvement. “You can improve yourself in any compensation was faulty and only 22 performance management system He adds that improving way you want by thinking about it and percent use 360-degree feedback, or makes you rank everybody,” says Fraser. communication through newsletters by studying. We learn by doing,” Fraser a method to gather feedback from all “You have to rank in the top 10 percent is an effective way to spread inside says. “Personal goal setting should be a peers to form a consensus prior to a so if you're not one of those top people, company information and help corporate and personal pursuit.” performance evaluation. Additionally, it's not a happy day for you.” motivate employees.

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800-ALCOHOL ADCARE.COM JUNE 2017 - CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER • PAGE B5 PROGRAMS & EVENTS

From left to right: WRCC; Jan Yost; CEO of The Health of the Worcester County Food Bank; Steve Fischer, executive director of Foundation of Central Massachu- Donna Lombardi, director of School New truck, the Regional Environmental Council; setts; Maureen Binienda, superin- Nutrition at Worcester Public Frank Carlson, Carlson Farms; Tim tendent of Worcester Public Schools; Schools. grant feeds Murray, president and CEO of the Jean McMurray, executive director Picture shot at North High School. the future at Food Hub There's a lot of fresh support feeding the Worcester Food Hub, now in its second year of operation. A new $500,000 grant from the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts will enable the Food Hub to collect local produce from area farms and then distribute it in local schools. To help with that distribution, a new 16-foot refrigerator truck was purchased by the Worcester County Food Bank. Health Foundation CEO Janice B. Yost helped New kitchen manager hired at warehouse facility unveil the truck and grant in a ceremony held at The Worcester Regional Food Hub announced in program participants. He also was honored as Worces- North High School in Worcester on May 8. She March the hiring of Worcester native Neil Rogers as its ter’s Best Chef by Foodies of New England in 2014, and says the truck will help extend the reach of the new kitchen operations manager. as a 40 Under 40 recipient by the Worcester Biz Food Hub's purposes while also boosting the A Shrewsbury native, Rogers brings with Journal in 2015. Food Bank's capacity to distribute healthy foods himmore than 20 years of experience in Rogers will manage day-to-day operations of to its broad network of hunger relief partners. restaurants in New England. Most recently, the Commercial Kitchen Incubator program of Worcester County Food Bank Executive Neil served as the executive chef de cuisine the Worcester Regional Food Hub. Neil will be the Director Jean G. McMurray says her organization for Niche Hospitality Group in Central primary point of contact for tenants, taking them is pleased to be a continued partner in the Food Massachusetts. Prior to that role, Rogers from an intake process through to producing their Hub's implementation phase by hosting the held positions as executive chef for Tomasso food products in a licensed commercial kitchen. program for the second year at its headquarters Trattoria and Enoteca/Panzano Market in Additionally, Rogers will provide onsite assistance on Route 9 at the Worcester/Shrewsbury line. Southborough; regional manager for Texas-based Love to support the development of food businesses by The Food Hub business is housed in the Bank's Shack celebrity restaurant group; and as chef de cuisine farmers, caterers, and other food entrepreneurs looking licensed commercial kitchen, and its separate for Max’s Oyster Bar/Trumbull Kitchen/ Max’s Tavern to start or grow an existing enterprise. aggregation and distribution of local fruits in Hartford, Conn. and Springfield. He was chosen as For more info, call Rogers at 508-842-3663, ext 242. and vegetables division operates out of the one of the Chamber’s 2016-17 Leadership Worcester warehouse there. “We are excited about the Food Hub's potential for growth in the number of food entrepreneurs using the kitchen and our local farmers supplying fresh 2 GREAT TOURNAMENTS produce as well as the number of institutions purchasing the produce,” says ONE GREAT CAUSE! McMurray. Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Timothy P. Murray says Worcester County has more farms than any other county in Massachusetts. “Linking these farms with consumers is critical, and with 25,000 students and counting, there's no bigger consumer than Worcester Public Mon., July Schools,” adds Murray. 17 Murray believes that the Chamber's Food Hub incubator and commercial The Haven Country Club kitchen will also help to further develop the city's food culture and recipes with 55 new restaurant licenses awarded in the past 18 months. Mon., Aug. Additionally, Murray acknowledges the need for more branding and 7 marketing, as evidenced by the new Worcester Food Hub logo that was created Green Hill Golf Course and designed by Assumption College student Emily Simpson. At the event, the very first delivery inside the truck was apples grown by Carlson Orchards in Harvard intended for Worcester Public Schools students. Contests, Raffles & Auction Prizes, Most of All – Great Fun! Carlson Orchards co-owner Frank Carlson says his farm has always supported WILLIAM J. SHORT MEMORIAL CLASSIC AT THE HAVEN the farm-to-school project, but never had the means to do store door deliveries Presented by until now. The program’s Hub for Aggregation, Marketing, and Distribution segment provides greater market opportunities for local farms by offering logistical support to help increase the produce purchased by local institutions, as well as the amount of affordable, local, healthy food available in under-served SCHEDULE PLAY communities. 10 am ...... Registration Individual ...... $300 The aggregation portion of the Food Hub program currently supports about 11 am ....Shotgun Start Foursome ...... $1,200 a dozen local small to mid-size farms. July 17 4:30 pm ...... Reception Exec. Package .... $1,600 CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC AT GREEN HILL Green Presented by Hill Golf Like what you see? Course SCHEDULE PLAY 8 am ...... 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Contact Tim at 774-757-7636 [email protected] REGISTER ONLINE wolfswampmedia.com worcesterchamber.org or 508.753.2924, ext. 224 PAGE B6 • CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER - JUNE 2017 OPINION Discover Central Small businesses are the anchor orking at the Worcester on partnerships to create new businesses. Regional Chamber of These partnerships involve the Small Business Massachusetts Commerce’s mail room as a Development Center, SCORE, SBA, Center kid in high school taught me for Women and Enterprise, and our many Wa very valuable lesson that's been reinforced valued lenders and banks to name a few. sells the region countless times and helped me during my time There is lots of information as well as otel occupancy rates in the as a lawyer, mayor and lieutenant governor: access to capital available that can save a city of Worcester averaged Small business owners substantially drive the small business or entrepreneur both time and 73.5 percent in March 2017, economic underpinnings of Worcester and TIM MURRAY money. This gives the business owner more a 6.8% increase over the our entire region. This is backed up by data from time to devote to selling or improving their previous year, according the United States Small Business Administration (SBA). product or idea. to Discover Central According to the SBA, small businesses provide 55% of Not surprisingly, Worcester was recently voted one Massachusetts, the region’s all jobs and 66% of all net new jobs since the 1970s. of the top 10 up-and-coming cities for small business travel and tourism agency. The data provided by While much of this newspaper is devoted to capturing start-ups in the country. Worcester was listed alongside Smith Travel Report (STR) also cited an increase the unprecedented growth in our downtown and several much larger cities we hear about regularly. This success Hin Worcester’s average daily rate for an overnight commercial properties in Worcester’s neighborhoods, and recognition speaks volumes to the innovation stay by almost 6%. This is good news for existing we can never forget or minimize the role small businesses happening right here at home, much of it fueled by our hotels and even better news for current and play throughout Worcester and Central Massachusetts. colleges and universities. Additionally, our diverse and prospective hotel developers looking to build Without them, none of the tremendous transformation entrepreneurial immigrant populations add significantly in the city. This past month, Homewood Suites we are witnessing today would be possible. In fact, two to this start-up dynamic as well. by Hilton opened its doors across from Union of the businesses featured in stories within this edition It's truly inspiring to see people who are not afraid to Station, adding another 117 hotel rooms to the were started by individual entrepreneurs with an idea. take risks, and work hard to ensure that their business is city’s inventory. Both of these companies, Imperial Distributors, and successful. In doing so, they pay tribute to the blue collar “This data signals that Worcester is a Table Talk Pies, started small and today are significant ethos that remains strong in Worcester and the region. competitive marketplace for conventions, employers that provide products throughout the At the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, meetings and events,” says Christina Andreoli, country. our staff works hard to cultivate all of these things president of Discover Central Massachusetts. In May, the Worcester Regional Chamber of and foster innovation. We are a resource for all small “Our sales team is aggressively selling Worcester Commerce and the SBA co-sponsored the second annual businesses, whether they are a Chamber member or not; as a premiere destination.” Woostapreneuers Forum at Worcester State University. on a daily basis we seek to recruit, retain, and incubate In 2016, Discover Central Massachusetts In speaking with many budding entrepreneurs and small businesses. We are very excited about what exists reported that over 23,000 rooms were booked future small business owners, I emphasized that small ahead for the future of our city and region. through its agency, with an economic impact of business owners and prospective entrepreneurs should No longer should Worcester be known as New more than $13 million to the region. Discover not be afraid to reach out and get the advice and help England's second largest city. We are becoming New Central Massachusetts recently printed a they need. We are blessed in Central Massachusetts England's best city and helping elevate all of Central comprehensive Meeting and Event Planner with a plethora of agencies and organizations that can Massachusetts. Guide, which is downloadable on the new web provide guidance — many times at little cost. - Timothy P. Murray is president and CEO of the site at www.discovercentralma.org/meet. The That's why we at the Chamber are doubling down Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. agency also attends national trade shows and provides site tours to meeting planners and sports organizers to showcase the city’s assets. My semester interning at the Chamber In March, Michael Lucey, the agency’s sports s a Communications Media student at Commonwealth. Seeing this unfold first hand instilled sales manager, attended the National Association Fitchburg State University, I was faced a sense of meaning into my internship experience. Not of Sports Commissions Symposium. With over with the task of landing a full-time, only did I get to work with the local business community, 45 appointments scheduled, Mr. Lucey was able semester long internship in order to fulfill but I had the opportunity to work with people who have to connect with several sports event planners, the requirements of my degree. Although as much Worcester pride as I do. providing potential leads for future events. Some this process is supposed to be exciting, I was constantly With the Chamber’s active involvement in the of these groups included USA Softball, Urban Aworried about the type of internship I might be forced revitalization of Worcester, I was able to stay up-to- Warrior Games, US Lacrosse, US Baseball, US to accept. Would I need to travel hours to date on the city’s latest ventures. In the short Badminton, and US Gymnastics, among others. get there? Would it be better than sitting in a time that I interned at the Chamber, JetBlue “The show was very successfully,” said Mr. classroom all day? Will the work be enjoyable? announced flights to JFK in New York, Lucey. “In fact, as a result of a conversation, Thanks to the internship placement program at Worcester was named one of the top 10 start- Worcester, in partnership with the Worcester FSU, I was pointed in the right direction. A few up emerging hubs in the country, and the Bravehearts, placed a bid on the 2019 U18 Baseball World Cup.” phone calls and an interview later, I accepted an Worcester Railers disclosed the New York Other events headed for Central Massachusetts internship position at the Worcester Regional ZAVEN DONOIAN Islanders as their NHL affiliate. As an intern, it this year include the Spartan Race at Treasure Chamber of Commerce. was exciting to work with an organization that Valley Scout Reservation in Rutland, 2017 From day one at the Chamber, I realized I is so instrumental in contributing to the upward American Legion Baseball – Northeast Regionals found the perfect place to live out the rest of my college trend of Worcester’s staying power. at Fitton Field at The Hanover Insurance career. As someone who has lived in Holden for 22 When it came to day-to-day work activities, I was Park, Vibram Open – PDGA National Tour at years, I have had the opportunity to see Worcester grow always faced with something new. From viewing live Maple Hill in Leicester, and the Massachusetts into a destination. From riding my bike around the city tapings of Tim Murray’s “Chamber Exchange” TV show Democratic Convention at the DCU Center, before my driver’s license days, to finding my first part to covering events and producing my own videos, the among many others! To learn more about events, time job here, I have always considered Worcester home. Chamber provided me with an ever-changing work visit www.discovercentralma.org. The Chamber has allowed me to get a behind-the-scenes week. The Chamber not only gave me the opportunity The agency also attends consumer-focused look at how this city continues to develop and evolve. to try new things, it also allowed me to incorporate my trade shows, such as the AAA Travel Marketplace The first thing I noticed that made me appreciate own ideas and skillset into their everyday marketing at Gillette Stadium and Day Trips and Destinations working with the Chamber was the evident dedication operations. This also helped make my internship in Plainville, Conn. The third edition of the to the city of Worcester and Central Mass that surrounds experience rewarding and worthwhile. Central Massachusetts Visitors Guide is also this organization. From its hardworking staff to the My semester at the Worcester Regional Chamber available (Spring/ Summer). It can be obtained by diversified member businesses, the Chamber serves as a of Commerce was both educational and rewarding. calling 508-753-1550. driving force in positively impacting the local economy, Along with the academic requirements that were being community, and overall quality of life in the city. met, the personal experience I was looking to get out of I was continuously impressed with the wide range of internship went above my expectations. Working with Chamber events and initiatives that were not only geared the Chamber exposed me to a community of people towards promoting a successful business community and businesses devoted to the future of Worcester. Like but were often educational and motivating. From seeing many college grads living in the area, I plan on working Anita Hill speak at the Worcester Women’s Leadership and living here. With organizations like the Chamber Conference to attending informative seminars and working to better our community and economy, industry specific round tables, I quickly realized the Worcester residents will continue to see their city see importance of the connections that the Chamber thrive and evolve. works to facilitate. These connections bring businesses, ideas, and people together right in the heart of the - Zaven was hired full-time by the Chamber in May. JUNE 2017 - CHAMBER EXCHANGE NEWSPAPER • PAGE B7 OPINION RESPONSIVE SOLUTIONS Decriminalization of recreational marijuana at the workplace By Joseph T. Bartulis, Esq., “enact and enforce workplace policies restricting the tested. If the employer drug tests for a particular consumption of marijuana by employees.” MGL c. position, all selected candidates for that particular n Nov. 8, 2016, the voters in 94G, section 2(e). job should be tested. Massachusetts decriminalized Regarding the third question, an employer’s - Joseph T. Bartulis, Esq., is an Employment Law recreational use of marijuana. ability to test for marijuana use now depends on attorney at Fletcher Tilton PC. The law took effect on December the timing of and reason for the drug 16, 2016. test: Is it pre-employment, reasonable In light of the new recreational suspicion, or random testing of persons marijuana use law, employers in safety-sensitive positions? What is the ADVERTISE have three common questions: employer’s need for the information? 1. What impact does the new recreational In Massachusetts there is no express Omarijuana use law have on an employer’s ability to law which prohibits drug testing. discharge or discipline an employee who comes to However, through case law, the work under the influence of marijuana? Massachusetts courts have weighed 2. What impact does the new recreational the privacy rights an individual marijuana use law have on an employer’s ability to has regarding bodily fluids, or the prohibit the possession of small, recreational use expectations of privacy of the individual, Advertising in the Chamber’s biannual newspaper amounts of marijuana on company property? against the employer’s need for the is a great way to reach new customers! 3. May an employer continue to drug test information. See MGL. c. 214 section employees for marijuana now that it has been 1B. See also Barbuto v. Advantage Sales REACH YOUR AUDIENCE of business professionals, elected decriminalized, and may an employer make hiring & Marketing, Inc., 48 F.Supp.3d 145 (D. officials, interested citizens, developers, commercial realtors. or termination decisions based on a positive Mass. 2015) (medical marijuana case marijuana test result? presently on direct appellate review by CIRCULATION | 20,000 copies distributed to: The short answer to the first two questions is Mass. Supreme Judicial Court). • Mailed to 4,900+ Chamber member / business professionals “none.” The decriminalization of marijuana for Regarding pre-employment drug • Mailed to 13,000+ registered voters in Worcester recreational use by persons twenty-one and over has testing, it may occur so long as: • Distributed at Chamber events and key locations in the city no impact whatsoever on an employer’s ability to 1) the applicant is made aware of the continue to prohibit all employees from being under drug testing in the job posting before he Ad sizes / rates available online or contact the Chamber the influence of marijuana at work, from using or she applies for the job; it during work time, or from possessing it in the 2) it only occurs after the employee RESERVE YOUR SPACE workplace. It is business as usual for employers with has been given a conditional offer of by Sept. 15 for the Oct./Nov. 2017 edition policies which address these first two questions and employment - conditioned only on his for employers seeking to implement such policies. or her passage of the drug test; and CONTACT Linda Salem Pervier: 508.753.2924, x223 An express provision within the recreational 3) all recipients of conditional offers marijuana use law provides that employers may for the particular position are also drug or [email protected]

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