Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1456884
10 Worcester Business Journal | March 7, 2022 | wbjournal.com R emarkable. Inspiring. Successful. Amazing. Awesome. Any number of adjectives could describe the best of the best of Central Massachusetts' business professionals this year, but one word – or even a strong collection of words – doesn't do justice to WBJ's five Business Leaders of the Year. ey've committed themselves to excellence, elevating their companies and their communities to levels not possible without their involvement. As the relatively new leader at a Fortune 1000 company, Udit Batra already has taken the $2.4-billion Waters Corp. to new heights, infusing the healthcare manufacturer with his special mix of data-driven sensibilities, risk-taking, and effective communication. In less than two years as president and CEO, he's more than proven his value to the company, the community, and the industry. Over at Charlton manufacturer MTD Micro Molding, Gary Hulecki faced a much different type of leadership transition when he was suddenly thrust into the top job aer President Dennis Tully died unexpectedly. e moment was sink or swim for MTD, and Hulecki ensured it swam, all while staying true to the beloved Tully's memory. Bo Menkiti was initially thrust into the Worcester development scene when his father enlisted his help in realizing a real estate vision. In the time since, Menkiti has been a force in the city, transforming buildings while remaining true to their historic roots and the populations they serve. Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor has been a force on another side of the real-estate spectrum, growing her family's realty business during an unprecedented time in the industry, all while remaining true to the family's values and giving back to the community. Joy Murrieta took her love of art and music into one of Worcester's lowest- income neighborhoods and created a nonprofit providing aer-school programming, which is now discovering a number of young artists making their mark across the city. Once spring arrives, WBJ will honor these Business Leaders of the Year, as well as the WBJ Hall of Fame Class of 2022, in a special ceremony harking back to the original Business Leaders awards from 40 years ago. We invite you to join us in recognizing these professionals whose greatness just can't be put into words. – Brad Kane, editor W B U S I N E S S L E A D E R S O F T H E Y E A R FOCUS Greatness achieved H A L L O F F A M E A W A R D S & 2022 Honorees Small Business Leader of the Year Gary Hulecki CEO, MTD Micro Molding Page 11 Large Business Leader of the Year Udit Batra President & CEO, Waters Corp. Page 12 Nonprofit Business Leader of the Year Joy Murrieta Executive director & co-founder, Main IDEA Youth & Arts Page 15 Family Business Leader of the Year Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor President & chief operating officer, ERA Key Realty Services Page 16 Innovative Business Leader of the Year Bo Menkiti Founder & CEO, The Menkiti Group Page 17