Worcester Business Journal

4 Worcester Business Journal | November 13, 2023 | wbjournal.com C E N T R A L M A S S I N B R I E F V E R B AT I M GWCF grants "We are proud to support so many organizations that are working tirelessly to address the complex challenges facing our communities. By investing in these four focus areas, we are working in partner- ship with local nonprofits and our donors to build a vibrant, thriving, and inclusive region." Peter Dunn, Greater Worcester Community Foundation president and CEO, on the foundation's decision to donate $2.1 million to 148 local nonprofit organizations, including African Community Education and Edward Street Child Services. New CCC acting ED "I guess all I can say is wow. This is really an incredible opportunity. Am I a little bit scared? Of course. Am I worried? No, because I do have an incredible team. We have an incredible team and every day I interact with them it reminds me of the work that we're doing here and how important we are as an agency." Debra Hilton-Creek, chief people officer at the state's Cannabis Control Commission, upon being named the agency's acting executive director. Hilton-Creek was assigned the role until Executive Director Sean Collins returns from leave in December. Icon Museum evolves "By weaving both the Museum and the Study Center into the new name, I believe that we are a truly unique and welcoming resource in the world of icons and Eastern Christian art." Icon Museum Executive Director Simon Morsink, on the organization's decision to rebrand the museum from the Museum of Russian Icons to the Icon Museum and Study Center, as part of efforts to emphasize the museum's role in scholarship. BY TIMOTHY DOYLE WBJ Staff Writer F itchburg State University President Richard Lapidus will retire at the end of the 2023-24 academic year. "From the day I first interviewed for the position on campus, I knew that Fitchburg State was a special place and it has been an honor to have contributed to its positive evolution," Lapidus wrote in a letter to the campus community included in a press release from the school. "This is a campus of dedicated individuals who care deeply about our students and, as I have said many times, each of you makes a difference every day and for that I can't be more appreciative." In the letter, Lapidus said he intends to spend more time with family and friends and pursue interests outside of the university. He was hired by the university in July 2015. During his tenure, he saw the school through the COVID-19 pandemic, launched a new strategic plan, and worked to deepen ties between the City of Fitchburg and the university. Lapidus was named a member of WBJ Power 50 Class of 2022 for the effect he has had on the redevelopment of Downtown Fitchburg. FSU has played a crucial role in redeveloping older buildings, particularly along the theater block at 717 Main St., where it has installed new school facilities. One of the focuses of the school's efforts has been the restoration of the Main Street theater. Fitchburg State will undertake a comprehensive national search for a new president, according to the press release. Fitchburg State is the seventh-largest college in Central Massachusetts, as ranked by 2022-23 full- time enrollment, according to the WBJ Research Department. The school has 6,000 full- and part- time students enrolled, according to the press release. FSU's endowment is $24.4 million. Tree House Brewing expanding to New York e growth of one of Massachusetts' most well known cra beer companies continues, as Charlton-based Tree House Brewing plans on opening a location in New York. e announcement, which came via an Instagram post, says the company plans to build a new facility in Saratoga Springs. e location will be within an hour's travel of a number of upstate New York attractions, including the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Race Course, and Adirondack State Park. Tree House expects the new facility to create at least 60 jobs and add approximately $30-40 million annually to the area's economy. e Saratoga brewery will be Tree House's sixth location. In addition to its original facility in Charlton, Tree House has Massachusetts locations in Tewks- bury, Sandwich, Monson, and Deerfield, as well as Woodstock, Conn. e company remains a non-distrib- uting brewery, meaning its products are only available for purchase on site at its locations. Worcester's Washburn Building sold to developer for $4.2 million A 69,000-square-foot building located at 100 Prescott St. in Worcester has been sold for $4,200,000 to a Boston area developer. e property was purchased by 100 Prescott Street, LLC, which is managed by Jonathon Block, owner of a real estate investment firm based in Chestnut Hill. Fitchburg State president to retire Fitchburg State University President Richard Lapidus (center) describes the Theater Block project to Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale (left) and former Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash (right). W PHOTO | COURTESY FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY B R I E F S

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