Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | October 15, 2018 | Worcester Business Journal 5 B R I E FS Sturbridge's Idea Agency acquired by N.H. firm Idea Agency, a Sturbridge marketing firm, has been acquired by Pannos Mar- keting of New Hampshire. Pannos Marketing is part of a larger company, the Evolution Group of New Mexico. Idea Agency did not say wheth- er its personnel would be affected by the acquisition. Idea Agency and Pannos Market- ing were both founded in 1994. Idea Agency, which was founded by Chris- tine Tieri and began as Smith & Jones Advertising, has expertise in financial services, higher education, health care and nonprofits. WooSox architect should have urban stadium experience Worcester is interviewing seven architecture firms with an interest in building the $90-million Canal District stadium for the Worcester Red Sox, including four with experience building sports stadiums. One of them, DAIQ, Inc. of Somerville, designed improvements to Fenway Park. When polled online, WBJ readers said the most important trait for an architect is urban stadium experience. F L AS H P O L L What should the city look for in choosing an architect for the project? Urban stadium experience. An architect with a history of planning sports facilities in the middle of big cities will ensure viability. 62% "They should hire Dumbledore. Since a project like this has never lived up to expectations, they're going to need a wizard." COMMENTS: "Sports venue experience should be essential as this is a new stadium in a city having a great opportunity for further growth. What it is NOT, is a city seeking a blueprint of what the Red Sox would like to have built in Boston but on a smaller footprint." "You've got one shot at this, not like the Centrum/ DCU Center arena being reworked now for a third time. Let's get it right." Innovation. The city should not be afraid to think outside of the box in undertaking such a massive project that could transform an entire neighborhood. 23% Patriots firm to serve as WooSox project manager Worcester officials have selected New York-based Skanska USA, a subsidiary of Swedish construction firm Skanska, as the owner's project manager for the $90-million Worcester Red Sox stadium. e Worcester Redevelopment Authority, authorized the payment of $545,650 for the initial phase of services. e firm will be responsible for ensuring Polar Park, to be built as part of a $240-million redevelopment in the Canal District, is open for the start of the 2021 season. e firm has extensive experience building sports facilities, in- cluding Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Vibram CEO to retire Longtime Vibram Corp. executive Mike Gionfriddo is retiring as president and CEO at year's end, the North Brook- field footwear company announced.Fab- rizio Gamberini, formerly the CEO of Geox USA in New York City and general manager for Nike, will succeed him. 6% Continued on next page Working hard, being incredibly f lexible, always listening. Not exactly superhuman feats of strength, but we're told that when it comes to service, we're pretty amazing. CALL 877-223-0577 or visit altusdental.com, and let us be heroic for you. altusdental.com 877-223-0577 SUPERHEROIC Christine Tieri, founder of the Idea Agency Local experience. Knowing the city is essential to making sure the project fits Worcester.

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