Worcester Business Journal

4 Worcester Business Journal | September 16, 2019 | wbjournal.com C E N T R A L M AS S I N B R I E F Worcester wants Celtics' G-League team V E R BAT I M Manufacturing school safety "After doing a bunch of research on school shootings, one theme rang true: When there was a lock on the door that could be easily locked from the inside, shooters tend to move on." Salvatore Emma, co-founder of Defcon Products, on the classroom door locking device he invented in Fitchburg with his wife, Amy Emma Protecting IP abroad "We've always said this was more preemptive. We're aware that with the internet, anyone can market anywhere in the world. We sought to ensure that the Chinese companies could not unfairly compete with us here in the U.S." John Fairbanks, CEO of Northborough-based Aspen Aerogels, on the company's recent court wins against Chinese companies accused of stealing its intellectual property. Finding parking "If the parking issue figures itself out – and I believe it will – we're happy to look at other uses for the properties." Edward Murphy, president of Worcester-based 7 Hills Property Management, on his partnership with two other Canal District property and business owners to acquire $1 million worth of parking in the area to offset the lost parking due to the Polar Park construction A t the request of City Councilor Sean Rose, Worcester city officials will reach out to representatives of the Boston Celtics' minor-league affiliate in an attempt to bring yet another sports team to Worcester. Rose's motion to compel City Manager Edward Augustus to contact the Boston Celtics to bring G-League affiliate Maine Red Claws to the city was passed on Sept. 3. "I just want to extend that olive branch if there's ever any potential down the road," Rose said at the City Council meeting, calling Worcester one of the best sports cities in New England. Before the meeting, Rose told WBJ the recent move of semi-professional basketball team Worcester 78's to Salem opens the door for another basketball team to take its place. e Boston Celtics declined to comment for the story. Worcester is building a $101-million ballpark for the new home of the minor league baseball team Pawtucket Red Sox and already boasts professional hockey team Worcester Railers, collegiate baseball team Worcester Bravehearts and an arena football team Massachusetts Pirates. Laying the groundwork Any potential move may have to wait a few years, as the Red Claws are locked into a lease with the Portland Expo Arena until at least June 30, 2024. e team has an option to extend that lease to the end of the 2029 basketball season. A relocation would give each team a much shorter commute than the current two hours from Boston to Portland, and it would follow a trend of NBA teams relocating their G-League affiliate aer acquiring that team, which the Celtics plan to do shortly aer announcing a deal to buy the team in July. e Utah Jazz in 2015 purchased affiliate Idaho Stampede and relocated the team from Boise, Idaho to Salt Lake City a year later. e Phoenix Suns in 2016 moved affiliate Bakersfield Jam from Bakersfield, Calif. to Prescott Valley, Arizona aer a similar purchase. Not including the Celtics, at least 16 NBA teams own their G-League affiliate. e Red Claws debuted in the 2009- 2010 development league season as an affiliate of both the Celtics and the Charlotte Bobcats (now the Charlotte Hornets). at relationship with the Celtics became exclusive in 2012. Portland has had mixed success as a minor-league basketball venue. In their first two seasons, the Red Claws attracted sellout crowds and more than 70 corporate sponsors to their home court at the 3,000-seat Portland Expo. But attendance has steadily declined since then. e team finished last season with a 19-31 record, the fourth-worst in the G League. Information from MaineBiz was used in this report. W The Maine Red Claws can extend their contract with the Portland Expo Arena for another 10 years. BY ZACHARY COMEAU Worcester Business Journal Staff Writer PHOTO/PETER VAL ALLEN

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