Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | May 24, 2021 | Worcester Business Journal S9 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 tition and options allowing Worces- ter's growth. "As the city grows and becomes the Worcester that we know it [to be] today, what really has been driving [it] is more options and more opportunities," she said. In addition to arts and cultural insti- tutions, Ramey said Worcester's small business community is another unique aspect of the city, giving authentic meaning that supports tourism. "It's important and really drives well with modern day tourism. It's this idea of experiences and having a backstory and meaning beyond what you're do- ing," she said. Despite all of the ways Worces- ter continues to expand and how strong its cultural base is, the pandemic has definitely posed challenges. "We've had to be creative, but we've all got to be optimis- tic. You've got to look forward and find ways to serve your mission, fill your need, and reach your audiences," said Siebels. Cultural organizations have been able to find grounding in the community and its support. Siebels discussed how the Hanover eatre utilizes virtual platforms to increase community con- nection and continues its programming with schools during the coronavirus pandemic. Similarly, the Creative Hub has stayed focused on its community-centered mission and provides support for the low-income community it serves. Re- demption Rock Brewing Co. relies on a loyal customer base and utilizes a small mobile canner to create revenue and continue its connection with customers. Another challenge for Worcester is the deep need for walkability and public transportation in the city. Babineau said how though there are great neighbor- hoods emerging, connecting them and having a working public transit system is vital. It would increase equitability in the city and help businesses. "When you have a city that's built for pedestrians and [has] a public transit station, people are going to walk by more businesses. at ends up being more development opportunities for some of those businesses on the street. More feet on the street also leads to a perception that the area's safer," said Anderson. Creating and keeping equitability in Worcester isn't confined to transporta- tion. "We try to make sure that we're not only financially accessible and loca- tionally, but also that we're culturally, socially, emotionally accessible," said Marotta. As Worcester's cultural scene blos- soms, and leaders and citizens alike continue to support its growth, staying focused on the community is necessary. "We want new people to come in and we want the city to experience all that vibrancy and positivity," said Marotta. "e biggest question is how do you do it in a really genuine way that is citi- zen-centered and community-centered and human-centered." When the $160-million Polar Park baseball stadium opened on May 11, it joined a number of entertainment venues already in Worcester. Stephanie Ramey, Worcester Railers Hockey Club Troy Siebels, Hanover Theatre W Top Worcester entertainment venues Venue 2019 attendance Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center 750,000 DCU Center 553,320 The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts 197,000 Worcester Palladium 100,000 Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field 75,914 Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex 47,465 Fitton Field 27,614 Mechanics Hall 22,500 Tuckerman Hall 20,000 Sources: The individual venues

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