Worcester Business Journal

6 Worcester Business Journal | July 26, 2021 | wbjournal.com B R I E FS Continued from Page 5 Amazon won't be good for Central Mass. Amazon is expanding its distribution network across the globe, including in Central Massachusetts, with a $300-million facility in Charlton, two last-mile delivery centers in Worcester, and warehouses in communities like Milford and Bellingham. The company will hire thousands of employees with starting salaries at $60,000 for managers and $15 per hour for hourly workers. It is making in-roads in being a good corporate neighbor, reflected through its July donation of $100,000 to the United Way of Central Massachusetts. Yet, the $2-trillion company has a mixed reputation, as Amazon is the subject of multiple antitrust efforts, has heavily resisted unionization among its employees, and is seen as a leader in an online retail movement negatively impacting physical retail establishments. When polled online, the majority of WBJ readers said Amazon won't be an overall positive for the region. F L AS H P O L L Yes, more jobs are always welcome. 27% 100 A June St. Worcester, MA 01602 508.310.5406 www.bestprollc.com Cleaning for Health Disinfecting Coronavirus Service We are open and ready to answer your questions related with COVID-19 . We use approved EPA registered hospital grade disinfectants and CDC recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) are worn at all times by our certified cleaning technicians. All surfaces are cleaned, disinfected, and materials are properly disposed. General Manager, Diana Gallego Commercial Cleaning Office Cleaning Janitorial Services General Cleaning Family Owned Serving Massachusetts Since 1998 COVID Disinfecting & Sanitizing Carpet Cleaning Floor Care Eco-Friendly Green Cleaning Services Electrostatic Cleaning Disinfection Facility Maintenance (landscaping, snow removal, and light construction repairs) COVID-19 No, Amazon takes market share away from smaller local companies. 38% WPI settles $4.5 M lawsuit with donor's ex-wife Janet Foisie, ex-wife of the late Worcester Polytechnic Institute donor and alum Robert Foisie, has reached an agreement to voluntarily dismiss a law- suit related to a $4.5-million donation her husband made to the school aer the couple's 2011 divorce, federal court documents show. e two had been tusseling in court over allegations Robert used money he allegedly hid during divorce proceedings to make hey donations to the school between the divorce and his death in 2018, including the $4.5 million. A stipulation of voluntary dismissal, filed on May 20, appears to bring the disagreement to a close. Details about the agreement were not delineated in the documents, although both parties agreed to pay for their own costs and to waive rights of appeal. "e only thing I can provide is that WPI is pleased to have resolved this matter amicably," WPI spokeswoman Colleen Womback said. Fontaine Bros. hires first director of diversity Fontaine Bros., a construction company with offices in Worcester and Springfield, announced in July it has named Elizabeth Wambui as the compa- ny's director of diversity, inclusion and impact. In that role, Wambui will be tasked with help- ing to maximize opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses, as well as help the compa- ny attract a more diverse workforce. As part of this effort, Fontaine Bros. plans to partner with local unions, trade schools and other community groups. CISCO sells $10.5M Boxborough-Harvard HQ California tech conglomerate CISCO sold its Boxborough campus for $10.5 million to a real estate and construc- tion managing company, Campanelli Elizabeth Wambui, Fontaine Bros. 7% Will Amazon's growing presence be a net positive or the Central Massachusetts business community? 16% Yes, Amazon has already shown a willingness to support the local community. Yes, the company is fulfilling an increasing local demand for timely online retail delivery. 13% No, the work is demand- ing and its wages aren't high enough compared to similar jobs.

• Cover