Worcester Business Journal

4 Worcester Business Journal | May 27, 2024 | wbjournal.com I N B R I E F $1.23M grant "Genetically engineered bacteria have the potential to break down contaminants in soil, whether they are explosive materials deposited on military firing ranges or chemicals left behind by industry." Natalie Farny, assistant professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, on the bacteria she will study for potential use in environmental cleanups, after receiving a $1.23-million research grant from the National Science Foundation New director "Cheryl is passionate about the role healthcare innovation can play in improving outcomes and expanding healthcare access, and we look forward to her contributions as Boston Scientific continues to grow." Mike Mahoney, CEO and chairman of Marlborough medical device manufacturer Boston Scientific, on the appointment of Dr. Cheryl Pegus to the firm's board of directors. Pictured is Pegus. Be Hoppy "The Wormtown brand is a great brand, and Be Hoppy is one of the true success stories of craft beer in Massachusetts. The opportunity made sense to us, and we felt like it made both brands a lot stronger." Sam Hendler, co-founder and CEO of Framingham-based Jack's Abby Craft Lagers, on the reasons behind his company's April acquisition of Wormtown Brewery in Worcester and its Be Hoppy beer BY SARAH CONNELL SANDERS Special to WBJ S mall business owner Amy Chase, who is beginning to build a retail empire across Massachusetts, will open a new store in Worcester's Canal District on June 1. The new store – called Sol Rune – will feature home decor, gifts, and accessories. This newest storefront is located at 19 Harrison St., the former location of home design store Birch Alley, which this spring relocated to the District V House in Sutton. Sol Rune is the fifth small business in Chase's retail portfolio, which includes Crompton Collective, a boutique marketplace in the Canal District, as well as three Massachusetts locations of The Haberdash, a women's clothing and gift shop in Worcester, Hudson, and Harwich Port. Sol Rune will focus on affordability while offering products from Chase's unique sense of style. "My personal style is a mix of vintage and new on-trend decor," Chase said. "But I'm also budget- conscious, and I wanted Sol Rune to reflect that style. I want beautiful things in my home that create a peaceful vibe, but I want that at an approachable value." Sol Rune is not just a name; it's a symbol of renewal and resilience for Chase. "If you know me, you know I love my dogs," she said. "Rune is the baby in our family, and she is a bright light after a few tough years of my soul- dog, Penny, battling cancer." Like its namesake pup, Sol Rune represents a bright fresh. The new shop offers similar aesthetics to Chase's other holdings, combining bohemian style with industrial features like tin ceilings, exposed brick, beadboard walls, and original wood flooring. "The characteristics of old mills can't be duplicated; they are the perfect backdrop for retail and restaurants," Chase said. "As for location, the Canal District is filled with unique small businesses, and I think Sol Rune will complement what we already have here." Chase was one of the first visionaries to see the Canal District's enormous potential over a decade ago. Since Crompton Collective opened its doors in 2012, the business has driven substantial economic benefit to the community by creating gainful opportunities for local makers, antique dealers, and staff. Chase regularly takes on interns from her alma mater Worcester Technical High School, formerly Worcester Vocational High School, to ensure the sustained success of Worcester's arts and cultural sector. Sol Rune has four employees. The Canal District has experienced a great deal of change throughout Chase's tenure in the neighborhood, but she still sees room for growth. "There is about to be a huge increase in residents in our neighborhood, and that is something I've been dreaming about since I unlocked the doors at Crompton Collective 12 years ago," she said. Sol Rune will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its Instagram account is @shopsolrune. Crompton Collective owner to open new Canal District store PHOTO | COURTESY OF SOL RUNE W Sol Rune is set to open in the Canal District space previously occupied by Birch Alley, which moved to Sutton.

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