Worcester Business Journal

24 Worcester Business Journal | Fact Book 2018 | wbjournal.com C e n t r a l M a s s . S o u t h R E G I O N S THE REGION'S PREMIER BUSINESS BROKERAGE FIRM 65 James St. Worcester, MA georgeandco.com 508-753-1400 Business Brokerage Business Appraisals Financing Mergers & Acquisitions Since 1981 Is it time to sell your business? Need to know what your business is worth? Thinking about buying a business? At George & Company we have the knowledge and experience to help businesses of all sizes find what they are looking for, be it a buyer, seller, acquisition, or their own value. * Premium Cigars * Craft Beers * 100+ Whiskies * Live Music * New Selection of Coffee Drinks Now Open Everyday at 12:30 pm MichaelsCigar.com • 1 Exchange Place Worcester, MA • (508) 459-9035 Continued from Page 23 Another huge plus of the area is access to talent such as Worcester Polytechnic Institute engineers. Small-business bonds Along with advanced manufacturers and quality restaurants, the area is home to several smaller, community banks as well as small businesses. Second-generation family business It's About Time Dry Cleaning rented out a storefront three years ago just off Main Street in Southbridge. Owner Chris Treadwell said the town's director of economic develop- ment and planning, Rosemary Scrivens, as well as Town Manager Ron San Angelo sought input on ways to grow the town's economy. "They told me there was a real strong push to create a more business-friendly approach for the Town of Southbridge," he said, with town officials reaching out to Putnam, Conn., which has revived its downtown, for guidance. All this led up to the 2017 formation of the Southbridge Business Partnership, said Treadwell, to put a more focused effort on filling empty storefronts and aligning business own- ers, the town and the Chamber of Central Mass. South. Thirty members strong, the group has proven a good outlet for network- ing, brainstorming and things like vol- unteer engagement for town events, Treadwell said. The partnership spearheaded the town's AutumnFest event this year, and organized a Southbridge Rocks social media promotion, with business-brand- ed rocks placed around town. All give Southbridge and this part of the region a more focused, united front. Americana appeal Immediate past president of the Realtor Association of Central Massachusetts, Sarah Gustafson, said the reasons business owners are drawn Sarah Gustafson, immediate past president, Realtor Association of Central Massachusetts Chris Treadwell, owner of It's About Time Dry Cleaning

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