Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1375081
wbjournal.com | May 24, 2021 | Worcester Business Journal S3 S P E C I A L S E C T I O N : W O R C E S T E R E M E R G I N G On the path to progress e three-part webinar series examining community strengths, arts & culture, and development potential yielded intense and insightful conversations around everything making Worcester unique, led by panels of local experts who could speak firsthand about what they are seeing and doing in the second largest city in New England. is Special Section: Worcester Emerging delves into these concepts a little bit further, as we at WBJ seek to memorialize those webinar conversations, as well as add a little bit more insight about the foundational assets Worcester offers its business community, specifically by looking at how historic colleges are changing their approach to economic development and how government programs on the state and local levels are working to shore up weaknesses. In terms of its reputation outside of Central Massachusetts and its prospects for the future, the city of Worcester has been on the upswing in the past 10 years, culminating this spring when the Worcester Red Sox played their first game at the new, $160-million Polar Park public baseball stadium. at certainly was a seminal moment for the city, although as long as Worcester keeps promoting its strengths and enticing business interest, the WooSox debut will only be a stop on the path to progress. - Brad Kane, editor TABLE OF CONTENTS Page S4 Worcester's strengths As city and business leaders seek to attract more investment in Worcester, they boast of the myriad of advantages offered in the region. Page S6 From grads to CEOs In the past decade, Worcester's college have fostered a startup ecosystem to help students become business owners. Page S8 Cultural momentum Leaders in Worcester's cultural scene – in place before much of the buzz surrounding development – say the arts continue to thrive with collaboration and optimism. Page S10 Coming development Developers say Worcester's high-profile projects coming online will lead to increased interest from more firms. Page S14 A state-assisted boost Working to overcome Worcester's unique challenges, MassDevelopment fosters development and community connections Page S17 The List: Largest employers in Worcester W hen the State House News Service media outlet reached out to WBJ to jointly develop the webinar series that became Worcester Emerging, the approach was relatively straightforward: People outside of Central Massachusetts are seeing and hearing about all the high-profile projects and buzz in Worcester, and they want to know more. A health plan with a personal approach If you're an employer looking for a health plan that treats you and your employees like their most important customers, consider AllWays Health Partners. We put your care at the center of all we do. To learn more, call your broker or visit allwayshealth.org. Page S4 Page S8 Page S10