Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1181010
6 Worcester Business Journal | November 4, 2019 | wbjournal.com R E G I O N S G R E A T E R W O R C E S T E R simjangworcester.com 774-243-7750 72 shrewsbury street, worcester online ordering and delivery available! • korean fried chicken • ramen • rice bowls • craft beer • tiki bar & drinks • softserve • private events • live entertainment • free parking a f f o r d a b l e • f r e s h • c r e a t i v e • l o c a l "In the five years we have participat- ed, we've seen a 400% increase in the participation in this program at the EcoTarium," Hale said. e EcoTarium makes a $400,000 annual investment to underwrite the program for food assistance programs. "ese funds are raised through our annual gala, A Night at the Museum, through special grants, and individual contributions," she said. Additionally, the Worcester Public Library offers free or reduced admission passes to the EcoTarium along with a variety of local cultural institutions in- cluding: Mass Audubon, Old Sturbridge Village, Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Worcester Art Museum, and Worcester Historical Museum. Stephanie Ramey, Discover Central Mass executive director, said she recruits visitors and new residents by effective- ly communicating the ways in which Worcester's cultural institutions contrib- ute to a better quality of life. She urges the city's cultural organizations to propel the buzz by providing internships for college students to help educate them about offerings off-campus. "Worcester is a city worthy of explora- Community Minutes Worcester .........................................24 West Boylston .............................. 24.7 Holden ........................................... 27.5 Auburn .......................................... 27.7 Shrewsbury .................................. 28.8 Boylston ............................................29 Paxton ............................................ 29.1 Leicester ....................................... 29.5 Rutland ......................................... 32.2 Hardwick ...................................... 33.8 Oakham ........................................ 36.3 New Braintree ............................. 39.9 Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2013-2017 American Community Survey Greater Worcester residents' average commute times tion, and students need to feel invested in their community and ultimately fall in love with it," Ramey said. "When stu- dents feel that connection, they will be more inclined to put roots down here." e City's Cultural Development Office likes to think of Worcester as a "three-c" space embracing creativity, collaboration, and community. "Great cities and towns that are exciting, thriving communities embrace arts, culture and creativity for everyone," Williams said. "Creativity sparks the economy and build community." Continued from Page 5 Troy Siebels, president & CEO of the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory, standing in front of his theater in Frank Carroll Plaza, which is being expanded to accommodate more events. FB PHOTO/GRANT WELKER