Press Releases for 2000

Archives: 2006 - 2005 - 2004 - 2003 - 2002 - 2001 - 2000

November 17, 2000 - Stephen Bishop hired to lead Visitor Center Project

City Manager Thomas R. Hoover announced today that Stephen R. Bishop has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Blackstone River Valley national Visitor Center project. The position is funded through collaboration between the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and the City of Worcester. Bishop will begin his duties with the City on November 27, 2000.

Presently the Town Planner for the Town of Millbury, Bishop replaces Alan Gordon who left the post last month to accept a position as the Principal Planner for Palm Beach County, Florida.

"I am delighted to welcome Stephen Bishop aboard to direct this important project," Hoover said. "Not only will this project create a northern gateway into the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, it is an integral component in our efforts to revitalize the City's Quinsigamond Village neighborhood. We are grateful for the continuing support of the Corridor Commission in our efforts to protect, preserve and promote this historic district."

In accepting his appointment Bishop said, "I am excited and eager to continue the good work of my predecessor to ensure the continued success of this project. I look forward to working with the City administration, the Corridor Commission and the many dedicated neighborhood residents to help bring this project to fruition."

BRVNHCC Executive Director Michael Creasy said, "We are pleased to be partnered with the City of Worcester and look forward to continuing our work with Stephen Bishop and the City to promote this historic village which played such a critical role in our nation's history."

Patricia Glodis, a Greenwood Street resident and active member of the Northern Gateway Visitor Center Task Force said, "I look forward to working with Mr. Bishop. His past experience with projects within the Corridor make him an excellent choice for this position."

"Stephen brings great expertise to this project," Chief Development Officer Everett R. Shaw agreed. "With his neighborhood and planning background, his experience working with a variety of elected and appointed officials, and his familiarity with the Route 146/Mass Pike Connector, he is a natural fit for this position."
In his current role, a post he has held since 1992, Bishop has been involved with such projects as the Route 146/Mass Pike interchange, the Blackstone Valley Bikepath, the Millbury Senior Center and the restoration of the Asa Waters mansion.

Bishop holds a Master's Degree in Regional Planning from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University. He is a member of the American Planning Association, the American Institute of Certified Planners and the Massachusetts Association of Planning Directors.

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November 16, 2000 - City program puts new face on Main Street mainstay

Palson's first to receive new grant funding

City Manager Thomas R. Hoover was joined by Judith Palson, President of Palson's Inc., Everett R. Shaw, the City's Chief Development Officer and other downtown business leaders today to celebrate the completion of facade improvements to one of Main Street's mainstays for more than half a century.

Accessing the City’s new Facade and Awning Incentive Grant Program, Palson undertook a renovation of the front of her building located at 184 Main Street. The $12,000 renovation included painting of the front exterior of the building, installation of a new sign, and new blinds on the second floor. A new flagpole is also to be installed.

"Once we learned of the program we knew it was something we wanted to pursue to improve the look of our building and the look of downtown Worcester," Palson said. "We want to participate in the effort to redevelop the look and the feel of downtown Worcester. By putting on a new face it shows that we care."

"Often times we are quick to herald the accomplishments of our big businesses and big industry, but in fact it is our smaller and often family operated businesses which truly make this City great," City Manager Thomas R. Hoover said. "It is my pleasure to join you here today at the site of one of Worcester's mainstays for the last half century to celebrate a new face not only for Palson's but for our entire Centre City. We are grateful to Judy Palson for being the first to participate in this program and look forward to working with many more downtown merchants."

An active member of the Centre City Development Council, a partnership of individuals and businesses committed to creating a vibrant Centre City, Palson said it was a pleasure working with the City and she hopes many of her fellow Centre City merchants and property owners located within the program's targeted area will soon follow suit. "The City staff was very helpful, very courteous and very anxious to get this façade program underway and to ensure it is a continuing program," she said.

Shaw said, "As the heart of any city, the success of the greater community will in large part depend on the success of its center. This program is designed to stimulate the revitalization of targeted areas, leverage private investment in the physical and aesthetic improvement of storefront properties and to enhance the attractiveness of our Centre City – both to encourage new business as well as to encourage existing businesses to remain."

Funding for the Facade and Awning program is provided through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program. The program is designed as a deferred loan, with payments deferred for a maximum of five years. At the end of the five-year period, up to $10,000 of the $25,000 maximum loan amount will be forgiven and conveyed as a grant to the borrower if the property is not sold by the building owner within the five year term and if the improvements are maintained. A Design Review Committee has been established to review the projects and provide guidance on design and materials.

According to Julie Jacobson, Economic Development Director, there are currently three additional facade grant applications pending for the program. Eligible uses of the program include complete façade renovations, awnings, exterior lighting, signs, windows, doors, and painting. Areas being targeted and thus eligible for funding through the Facade and Awning Incentive Grant Program include Main Street extending from the state courthouse to the federal courthouse, the Arts Overlay District and properties around the Common

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November 14, 2000 – WSBI to host Family Business Expert

Nationally renown Ira Bryck to visit Worcester

Recognizing that family owned business is the predominant form of organization in the United States, accounting for 90% of all U.S. companies, the Worcester Small Business Institute will welcome nationally renowned family business expert Ira Bryck to its third in an ongoing series of sessions on Thursday, November 16, 2000, at the MLK, Jr. Business Empowerment Center, 237 Chandler Street.

Bryck, Director of the University of Massachusetts’ Family Business Center and a veteran of his family's ninety-year-old business, will discuss the strategies and commitments that entrepreneurial families need to think about in order to benefit from the "family-ness" of their business.

"It is our pleasure to welcome an expert of Mr. Bryck’s stature to Worcester," City Manager Thomas R. Hoover said. "Family businesses play a critical role in our nation’s economy and likewise represent an integral part of our City’s business base. We are pleased to be able to offer our small businesses – particularly family businesses in this instance – access to Mr. Bryck’s wealth of knowledge and expertise."

"The classic and stereotypical challenges faced by family businesses: running the business like a family and the family like a business; compensating and managing based on personal needs and assumptions; running scared from formal policies and structures and outside advice, to name just a few- continue to threaten families, communities, and the American economy,"Bryck says.

Specifically, the presentation will express the need for formalizing business procedures and governance structures, in order to clarify each person's role and contribution to the company; to institute policies to guide compensation, achieving a strategic mission, managing conflict, creating a healthy workplace for both management and employees, and staying abreast of the challenges of the marketplace and the customer with proactive, objective advice.

"The City offers the WSBI in recognition of the critical role small businesses will play in Worcester’s future prosperity," said Everett R. Shaw, Chief Development Officer, "allowing the local business community a resource from which to draw assistance they would not otherwise have or be able to afford."

"Whether you are a family member in business, work for a family owned company, or serve as a professional advisor to such an organization, we believe you will find this session very relevant and useful," said Jim Lavin, the City’s Director of Loan Packaging and WSBI Facilitator.

"Entrepreneurs not in business with family will also find this talk on target, with insights and suggestions to make any business operate with greater organizational health," agreed Jay Mattier, SBA/BIC Manager for the MLK Business Empowerment Center.

WSBI – a unique partnership between the City of Worcester, the Martin Luther King Business Empowerment Center and Centro Las America’s - is an outreach program designed to provide an ongoing resource for Worcester’s new and existing neighborhood businesses in order to optimize their chances for success. All sessions, held the third Thursday of every month, are FREE and open to any locally owned and operated business employing fewer than 250 people.

Contact Jim Lavin, Director of Loan Packaging at 799-1400 x123 or Jay Mattier,
SBA,BIC Manager at 756-6330 x221 for further information.

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September 18, 2000 – Worcester Small Business Institute Kicks Off

First session to focus on cash flow

The Worcester Small Business Institute (WSBI) – a unique partnership between the City of Worcester, the Martin Luther King Business Empowerment Center and Centro Las Americas – will host its first session on Thursday, September 21, 2000 at 8 a.m. at the MLK Center, 237 Chandler Street, Worcester.

For its inaugural session, WSBI will focus on helping small business owners manage cash flow. Guest speakers include Carol Cedrone Brennan who will discuss "Financing Cash Flow," Attorney Richard Rafferty who will discuss "Collection Strategies," and Patricia Jones, CPA who will discuss "Cash Flow Budgeting."

WSBI is an outreach program designed to provide an ongoing resource for Worcester's new and existing neighborhood businesses in order to optimize their chances for success.

Sessions, to be held the third Thursday of every month, are free and open to any locally owned and operated business employing fewer than 250 people. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and networking, class will run from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.

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September 13, 2000-Proffitt named Cultural Officer

City and cultural institutions partner to promote the arts

City Manager Thomas R. Hoover was joined by Chief Development Officer Everett R. Shaw and several leaders of the City's cultural institutions today to announce that Christine Proffitt has been named the City's new Cultural Development Officer.

"We are pleased to welcome Ms. Proffitt to our City family," Hoover said. "She brings with her a wealth of experience in the arts and will be an invaluable asset in ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of Worcester's cultural institutions."

Shaw agreed, adding, "Worcester's cultural resources play a critical role in economic development here in the City. In short, they assure a superb quality of life which attracts individuals who want to not only visit, but live, work and conduct business here."

"The diverse arts and cultural organizations in Worcester are important contributors to the economic vitality of our City and are crucial to the social well being of our community," Proffitt said. "Having grown up in the area and having served most of my professional life in the arts and cultural arena of Worcester, I know firsthand how well-equipped the City is to become known as a City of Culture... to become a visibly culturally vibrant City."

Chair of the Cultural Coalition and Executive Director of the Higgins Armory Museum Kent dur Russell said, "This position will undoubtedly have a major economic impact on the City of Worcester and our efforts to bring new life to downtown."

Maryon Attwood, Executive Director of the Worcester Center for Crafts served on the search committee charged with selecting the Cultural Development Officer. "The search committee looked at well over fifty resumes and interviewed numerous candidates," she said. "We are very excited about the individual who was selected - Christine Proffitt has what it takes to do the job, to be successful. The Center for Crafts has been delighted to host the ongoing meetings of the Cultural Coalition and to participate in this important collaboration."

The position of Cultural Development Officer was created through a unique partnership between the City and its many cultural institutions. Funding for the position comes from renewable grants through the Massachusetts Cultural Council's Cultural Economic Development Program and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, a volunteer levy from the cultural organizations and a small contribution from the Development Office.

After a three-year period the City of Worcester will take over responsibility for the position. The Cultural Steering Committee raised close to $100,000 to support the position for fiscal year 2000.

"The addition of an individual as talented as Christine to our staff clearly demonstrates the City's commitment to preserving and promoting its wealth of breathtaking masterpieces and historical treasures, and serves as an excellent example of the important work which can be accomplished through public-private partnerships," Shaw said.
"I bring to this position a high level of enthusiasm and optimism, a strong connection and commitment to Worcester, a broad knowledge of the arts and cultural organizations in the City and a deep passion for the arts," Proffitt said. "I look forward to working closely with the Cultural Coalition to help the City realize its true potential."

Proffitt, born and raised in Central Massachusetts, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in studio art and art history from Clark University and is presently pursuing her Master's degree in Non-Profit Management at Worcester State College.

She has previously worked at ArtsWorcester, the Worcester Historical Museum and the Worcester Arts Museum where she currently serves as the Corporate, Foundation and Government Relations Manager, a post she will hold until officially beginning employment with the City on November 1.

WAM Executive Director James Welu said, "In her various roles at the Museum, Christine has contributed so much. We will miss having her on our staff; yet we couldn't be more pleased to have such an accomplished individual take up this new position, which is so important to our culturally-rich community."

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August 30, 2000 –City Invites Businesses Back to School

Worcester Small Business Institute Launched

City Manager Thomas R. Hoover and Chief Development Officer Everett R. Shaw, in partnership with the Robert Thomas Executive Director of the Martin Luther King Business Empowerment Center and Teresita Orozco Executive Director of Centro Las America’s, today announced plans for the establishment of the Worcester Small Business Institute (WSBI) – an outreach program designed to provide an ongoing resource for the Worcester’s new and existing neighborhood businesses in order to optimize their chances for success.

The WSBI will provide an ongoing forum for the City’s small business community to obtain practical management assistance from local experts in the various fields which comprise a firm’s operations: marketing, finance, human resources, business management, and information services among others. Professionals from the community will be recruited to serve as the WSBI "faculty". Drawing on volunteers from the legal, accounting, insurance and financial professions, the WSBI will call upon the knowledge of experts willing to assist the City’s small businesses.

The cumulative expertise of these professionals will be assembled at a WSBI monthly seminar, providing an opportunity for any Worcester businessperson to bring their questions, problems, or ideas. The first session of the WSBI has been scheduled for Thursday, September 21, 2000, at 8 a.m. at the MLK Center, 237 Chandler Street, Worcester. Future sessions are scheduled for the third Thursday of each month.

"The Worcester Small Business Institute is yet another example of a public-private partnership fostering economic development," Hoover said. "In combining the talents of the City, the MLK Center and Centro Las Americas, we have established a creative, cost effective means to promote the growth of our small business community."

"It is incumbent upon the City to provide the support that allows small business not only to survive, but also to compete and flourish," Shaw said. "In addition to disseminating valuable information and demonstrating the City’s commitment to small businesses, the WSBI will serve as an outreach tool through which the full range of business assistance programs available in the City can be accessed."

"We recognize the contributions small business makes to our economy and realize how demanding it is to run a business," said Thomas.

"If we can provide comprehensive and concise resources that small business can put right to work, then we view that as complimentary to our other forms of assistance," Orozco agreed.

James Lavin, the City’s Director of Loan Packaging and Jay Mattier of the MLK Business Information Center will serve as co-facilitators of the WSBI program. "Small businesses often operate with resource constraints. Small business owners often do not have the time, the money, or the staff to expend on items which do not immediately impact their operations. Important functions that are delegated to support staff in a largercompany – such as accounting, marketresearch or budgeting – are merely some of the competing demands on the limited time of a small business owner," Lavin said.

"Because small businesses operate with limited time, money and labor, they are often unaware of the operational and financial alternatives that can help them respond to adverse conditions," Mattier said.

Local professionals interested in participating as faculty – particularly individuals working in the legal, accounting, insurance and financial services industries - are encouraged to contact Lavin in the Development Office at 799-1400 x123.

Other topics to be addressed through the Worcester Small Business Institute include:"Managing Cash Flow," "Doing Business with the City," "Marketing Your Business," and "How to Secure Financing for Your Business." Small business owners interested in participating are also encouraged to call with questions, concerns, or topics they would like discussed at future sessions of the WSBI.

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August 21, 2000 -City aims to attract with its arts

New brochure targets visitors

Worcester City Manager Thomas R. Hoover, Chief Development Officer Everett R. Shaw, and City Marketing Director Susan J. Black today unveiled a new brochure trumpeting Worcester's numerous arts and cultural institutions. The stunning four-fold brochure details information about more than thirty cultural institutions and includes a map to guide visitors through Worcester's wealth of breathtaking masterpieces and historical treasures.

"There's always something happening in Worcester and now the world will know about it," Hoover said. "My congratulations to the Cultural Coalition members who worked so closely with Susan to produce this magnificent brochure."

"As the second largest City in New England we don't do enough to tell others what we have here in Worcester," Black said. "Before this brochure, there was no current literature available that focused on all of the numerous cultural institutions we are home to. Now we have a gorgeous tool to not only help attract visitors to our City, but also hopefully a means of extending their stay because of all the wonderful places to visit."

According to Black the brochure will largely target those who visit Worcester either as a guest to the Centrum Convention Centre or on other business. "We really want to broaden their view of what's in Worcester," she said, "and convince them they want to come back - and perhaps to next time bring the family."

Chief Development Officer Everett R. Shaw said, "Worcester's cultural resources play a critical role in economic development here in the City. In short, they assure a superb quality of life which attracts individuals who want to not only visit, but live, work and conduct business here."

The brochure highlights such well-known Worcester entities as the reknowned Worcester Art Museum, Higgins Armory Museum, Worcester Historical Museum and EcoTarium, to more obscure attractions including the American Sanitary Plumbing Museum, located on Piedmont Street.

"We truly do have something for everyone," Black said. "Worcester indeed is the right place and now is the right time!"

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August 9, 2000 -City Secures $200,000 to Study Blackstone Canal

Task Force leads charge to promote canal's potential

City Manager Thomas R. Hoover today announced that the Transportation Bond Bill recently approved by the state legislature includes a $200,000 state grant to support an extensive feasibility study of the Blackstone Canal. City officials lauded the substantial funding, noting it will allow for the first time the development of a truly comprehensive plan as to how the City can utilize the canal's rich history to most positively impact the local economy.

"As we work to create our vision for the future, it is imperative that the City take a look at an integral piece of its past as a source of future development - the Blackstone Canal," City Manager Thomas R. Hoover said. "We are grateful to our delegation for their diligence in securing this funding - this is an important first step to ensuring that the Blackstone River, as it did in the past, will play a key role in future growth in the City."

Chief Development Officer Everett R. Shaw said, "The creation of Blackstone Canal exhibits in the City will promote spin-off economic opportunities in the areas surrounding the exhibits, as a variety of commercial businesses would no doubt augment the canal exhibits. I commend the members of this task force, particularly the efforts of John Spillane, who have worked tirelessly to secure this funding so that we can develop a truly comprehensive look at the economic implications the Canal can have within the City."

According to Shaw, the feasibility study will focus on the potential for both restoration and replication of the canal; development of historical markings along the canal's route as well as the development of a Blackstone Canal Park strategically located along the canal bed.

Task Force member John Spillane said, "Worcester's historical growth is directly tied to the advancement of the Blackstone Canal from Providence to downtown Worcester. Exhibits portraying Worcester's connection to the Blackstone Canal are important for understanding the City's heritage and for promoting tourism."

City officials also cited the environmental benefits to be realized through the creation of canal exhibits noting that such exhibits would provide an open space opportunity within the City.

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August 9, 2000 - City Welcomes Qwest Communications

Colorado-based Telecom Company to move into Worcester warehouse

Worcester City Manager Thomas R. Hoover announced today that the Colorado-based Qwest Communications Corporation will be taking over the entire second floor of the former Chess King building at 44 Hammond Street, having recently signed a 15-year lease with property owner Robert Porter.

"This is tremendous news for the City of Worcester," Hoover said. "We welcome Qwest Communications to our City – a true leader in the telecommunications industry which further affirms Worcester’s mark on the proverbial map."

"By virtue of this lease with Qwest as an anchor tenant, I expect this property will draw other telecommunications companies and establish Worcester as the Central Massachusetts Telecommunications/Broadband Center in this fast growing industry," Porter said. "I am most grateful to the City administration and the Development Office for their cooperation and assistance in enabling me to attract such an industry leader this development."

Qwest Communications expects to create 20 new jobs within their first year with additional job opportunities likely should they exercise options to expand beyond the current 45,000 square feet. Engineers and consultants from Qwest were on-site in Worcester this week planning their move into the 44 Hammond Street property,which is anticipated to be completed by late fall.

Just last month, Qwest completed a merger with US WEST, Inc. creating an $85 billion dollar broadband internet communications competitor. The merger produced a company featuring Qwest's broadband Internet data, video and voice communications capabilities with digital subscriber line (DSL), wireless services and local communications services in 14 states.

During the past three years Qwest has become one of the fastest growing Internet communications companies in the world, solidifying Qwest's position as the third-largest carrier of Internet traffic.

"Qwest’s decision to locate here in the City of Worcester represents the beginning fruits of the labor of many individuals,particularly the WitP Task Force, who have been working closely with my office to help Worcester realize its full potential as an information technology hub," Shaw said. "As host to a tremendous state-of-the-art fiber optic network and access to broadband capacity second to none, Worcester truly is poised for tremendous continued growth."

In anticipation of Qwest serving as a magnet to other telecommunications companies, Porter is planning $800,000 in improvements to the Hammond Street property. Major improvements include the replacement of an existing exterior stair tower with a much larger, modern one, which will also encompass a new front entrance. He also intends to install a new 4500-pound hydraulic elevator to extend to the roof level where he is proposing a 30,000 square foot addition. Extensive exterior masonry repairs, new rubber roofing, new windows and an increase in electrical power supply are also planned.

"This project serves as a model for the various tools the City has at its disposal, and our ability and willingness to work closely with the private sector to assist in attracting new business to Worcester," said Julie Jacobson, Economic Development Division Director.

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July 24, 2000 - Manager Hosts Grand Opening Ceremony at Union Station

Federal and State Dignitaries Attend

Worcester City Manager Thomas R. Hoover was joined today by federal, state and local officials to celebrate the completion of renovations at Worcester’s historic Union Station and the commencement of commuter rail service from the station.

Governor Argeo Paul Cellucci and Congressman James P. McGovern were among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony, which was open to the public."Three years ago many of you joined us here in this very building – albeit a very different looking structure, as we set out on a journey to renovate and renew one of this City's true historic treasures," Hoover said. "Today, as you can see, Union Station once again shines. The magnificent twin towers have returned, serving as beacons welcoming one and all to the City of Worcester."

"It's my pleasure to welcome both our Governor, Paul Cellucci, and our Congressman, James McGovern – both of whom have been tremendous allies in helping the City bring this project to fruition," he said.

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"And, let us not forget the real impetus for our celebration this morning – the trains have also returned!" Hoover said. "What a thrill to hear the clacking of the tracks and the bells of the engine car pulling up to the station –discharging and picking up passengers just as trains did nearly a century ago!"

"This station serves as a shining example of the fact that the City of Worcester is indeed on the right track," he added.

Hoover went on to acknowledge the efforts of the many individuals and agencies which worked in strong partnership with the City to realize "our collective dream of restoring this historic station."

He thanked Senator Ted Kennedy, Senator John Kerry and Congressman James McGovern who "have worked diligently to bring back the federal dollars needed to support the renovation."

In thanking Governor Cellucci and his administration for having committed millions in state dollars for the project, Hoover also noted the state’s support for furthering development of the Washington Square area.

"We were thrilled to recently announce that - thanks to the leadership of our good friend and Commissioner of the Mass Highway Department Matt Amorello – we will be able to fast track the reconfiguration of Washington Square," Hoover said. "Paving the way for the development of five new parcels…parcels which may in the not too distant future be home to a multi-screen movie theater, restaurants and a 500-space parking garage."

Hoover singled out Worcester’s State House delegation for "their unfaltering support for this project and determined efforts to restore and expand train service to the City" and thanked the Worcester City Council whom he described as "stalwart in both their desire and support for seeing our historic Union Station restored."

"This station serves as the cornerstone of an area ripe for growth… and I welcome you all aboard the City of Worcester Express – bound for continued prosperity and success!" Hoover said.

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June 28, 2000 -Local Company Plans $4M Investment

TIF approval to spark new jobs

ECM Plastics, Inc., a custom compounder of thermoplastics resins, received unanimous approval from the Worcester City Council last evening for a five-year TIF pan which will spark a $4,000,000 private investment and lead to the creation of 26 new, permanent full time jobs at the company's 53 Millbrook Street site.

"We are delighted that the 53 Millbrook Street LLC and ECM Plastics, Inc. have decided to make a substantial private investment in Worcester and create 26 quality manufacturing and professional positions," City Manager Thomas R. Hoover said. "This project is a key indicator of the City's ongoing efforts to retain our existing industry base."

According to Wayne Marquis, President of ECM Plastics, Inc., "The TIF has assisted ECM Plastics, Inc. and related LLC in acquiring this property, which is instrumental in implementing our future plans. The City has been very cooperative and receptive to the Certified Project application."

The TIF Plan approved by City Council will result in a 40% exemption on the increment as a result of improvements made to the property. An estimated savings of $26,172 will be realized by the company during the five-year plan, yielding the City $39,258 in new tax revenue during the terms of the TIF agreement. Based upon present value dollars and current tax rates, at the expiration of the TIF, the City will receive a total of $71,355 in tax revenues annually.

"The Tax Increment Financing plan for the 53 Millbrook Street LLC is a perfect example of a public and private partnership that will benefit a distinguished company in ECM Plastics, Inc., create jobs for Worcester residents, and increase the local tax base," said Everett R. Shaw, Chief Development Officer. "Projects such as this will bring Worcester to the forefront of economic development and stimulate spin-off investments."ECM Plastics, Inc. has purchased over $2 million in equipment and plans to purchase additional equipment totaling $861,000. Furthermore, renovations totaling $360,000 are planned including roof repairs, windows, rewiring, repaving the parking lot, HVAC, office renovations and communication upgrades.

Since its inception in 1996, ECM has increased its sales from $181,000 to $11.8 million in 1999. Its employment base has grown from seven in 1996, to over 50 in 2000. ECM currently leases three times the manufacturing space it leased in 1996. The 53 Millbrook Street LLC will purchase the property and lease the entire facility to ECM Plastics, which will eventually occupy all of the 116,000 square feet at 53 Millbrook Street.

"The commitment that ECM Plastics, Inc. has made to the City of Worcester is reflective of the resurgence of manufacturing in the local economy and the trend in today's market toward the renovation and re-use of existing industrial space," said Julie Jacobson, Economic Development Coordinator.

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June 14, 2000 – Worcester Partnership For Progress Plan

WEDC presents Plan to City Council

The Worcester Economic Development Council today submitted its Worcester Partnership for Progress Plan to City Manager Thomas Hoover for referral to the City Council. Development of the strategic growth plan represents one of several responsibilities charged to the WEDC when Chief Development Officer Everett R. Shaw first convened the group last spring.

The Worcester Economic Development Council (WEDC) serves as the primary advisory and supportive resource to the Chief Development Officer, working to affect policy in order to positively impact economic growth throughout the entire City.

WEDC Co-chairs Richard Fates, Regional President of BankBoston and Sandra Kurtinitis, President of Quinsigamond Community College, along with James Harrington who serves as Economic Policy Advisor to the WEDC, presented the plan on behalf of the WEDC.

The group includes fifty leaders from the corporate, institutional, higher education, and human/community services sectors, striving to eliminate obstacles to economic growth and to foster an atmosphere that encourages investment in the community.

The WEDC’s primary charges are:

Several of the obstacles to growth, which the WEDC identified within the Worcester Partnership For Progress Plan, include:

The Worcester Partnership For Progress Plan also details numerous strategic growth initiatives, projects and partnerships supported by the vital organizational infrastructure necessary to its implementation. These initiatives will improve the quality of life, enrich educational and cultural programs and institutions, broaden the tax base, expand employment opportunities, enhance the transportation system, promote civic pride, and create a favorable business climate.

"There are many positive development projects now coming together and nearing completion here in the City," Kurtinitis said. "The WEDC's role was to look at the 'big picture'to ensure the City’s continued growth and success in the 21st Century – I think we have accomplished that goal with this document."

Fates agreed, saying, "With the breadth of experience represented on the WEDC, we were able to develop a forward-looking economic development policy for the City of Worcester."

"The City of Worcester is on the brink of the most exciting municipal renaissance that New England has ever seen," Harrington said. "The resources, the will, and the expertise are all in place to make this happen."

The WEDC Partnership For Progress Plan 2000 will formally be forwarded to the City Council through the City Manager later this week. The WEDC is seeking to secure the Council's unanimous endorsement of the plan.

City Manager Thomas R. Hoover who will recommend its approval by the City Council, also commented, "It is absolutely essential that the City of Worcester annually update its economic growth strategy and the value of the document is helped immeasurably when it represents the shared thinking of both the public and private sector. The strongest statement we can make is one that is supported unanimously by both the private and elected leadership of our City."

Shaw agreed, adding, "WEDC serves as the bridge between the City’s public and private sectors. The ability of those bodies to work together is not simply a desired end, but a necessity if the City is to flourish and grow. Such partnerships serve to allow discussion and dialogue on all economic development policies, plans and programs and are a conduit to forging consensus and support for economic growth throughout the City of Worcester."

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May 24, 2000 - Development Roundtable Underway

Response to Council request for monthly meetings

In response to City Councilor Michael Perotto's recent order requesting that the City Manger meet monthly with theChamber of Commerce, the Worcester Business Development Corporation and the Worcester Redevelopment Authority, Chief Development Officer Everett R. Shaw today provided details about the Worcester Economic Development Council (WEDC) which is already meeting under the auspices of his office and includes all of the agencies and leaders identified in Councilor Perotto's order.

"I commend Councilor Perotto for his interest in fostering partnerships between the City and the private sector," Shaw said. "The City of Worcester is truly fortunate to have the talent and expertise of a wide array of local, quasi public and private agencies and programs working to stimulate development and growth. The ability of those bodies to work together is not simply a desired end, but a necessity if the City is to flourish and grow."

The WEDC serves as the primary advisory and supportive resource to the Development Office, working to affect policy in order to positively impact economic growth throughout the entire City. This body includes leaders from the corporate, institutional, higher education, and human/community services sectors, and according to Shaw has "proven itself invaluable in bringing together the various parties necessary to ensure the City's continued growth."

Its mission includes four primary charges:

"My commitment through groups such as the WEDC, is to use my office to bring as much of the private sector to the decision-making table as possible," Shaw said. "Such partnerships serve to allow discussion and dialogue on all economic development policies, plans and programs and are a conduit to forging consensus and support for economic growth throughout the City of Worcester."

The WEDC is co-chaired by Richard Fates, Regional President of BankBoston, and Sandra Kurtinitis, President of Quinsigamond Community College, and presently has a membership of corporate CEOs, university and college presidents, as well as the leadership of a number of development agencies – both public and private.

James A. Harrington serves as the Economic Policy Advisor to the WEDC. "Worcester is embarked upon one of the most exciting municipal renaissance New England has ever seen," he said. "What will ensure its success is a working partnership between Worcester's public and private sectors. The WEDC is strategically important as a forum where the best thinking from each of those sectors can form a vital partnership aimed at Worcester's economic growth and vitality."

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