Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | December 9, 2024 | Worcester Business Journal 5 B R I E F S Long-time manager of Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center retires Aer a nearly 30-year career with the Johnny Appleseed Visitors' Center in Lancaster, Diane Burnette has retired from position as manager of the Fitch- burg-based North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce's center, effective Dec. 3. "Diane's contributions to our organi- zation and the communities of North Central Massachusetts cannot be overstat- ed," Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the chamber said in a Dec. 3 press release. "She has not only managed the visitor center with exceptional skill but also played a crucial role in promoting our region and supporting local business- es. Her dedication has helped countless visitors discover the beauty and charm of North Central Massachusetts." Burnette will be succeeded by Sabbra Reyes, an employee of the visitors center for nearly nearly 15 years. e Johnny Appleseed center is the re- gion's touchpoint for the tourism industry, which generated $1.3 billion in economic impact in Worcester County in 2023. To facilitate the change in leadership, Burnette will continue to work closely with Reyes as she assumes her new role. "I am honored to follow in Diane's footsteps and continue the tradition of excellence she has established," Reyes said in the release. "e Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center plays a vital role in show- casing our region, and I look forward to working with our team to enhance the visitor experience while maintaining the high standards Diane has set." In recognition of Burnette's years of service, the chamber will host a special Business Aer Hours from 5-7 p.m. Jan. 15 series at the Brew Barn at Red Apple Farm in Phillipston. Ticket proceeds from the event will benefit the Johnny Apple- seed center. With 700 members, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is the second largest chamber of commerce in the region when ranked by total mem- bership by WBJ's Research Department. Founded in 1984, the chamber has 16 full-time equivalent employees, the most out of Central Massachusetts' largest 18 chambers. Redevelopment Authority criticizes Polar Park developer over delays Two days aer several members of the Worcester City Council criticized Mad- ison Properties for pulling out of a key tax-break deal in the district surrounding Polar Park and a lack of communication from the Boston-based development firm, the Worcester Redevelopment Authority attempted to get answers from Madison regarding the status of several properties key to the plan to fund the $160-million public ballpark. Madison Properties President Denis Dowdle was in attendance but declined to speak during the Nov. 21 hearing. He was instead represented by his counsel, prominent real estate attorney Mark Donahue, director of Worcester-based Fletcher Tilton PC. During the proceed- ings, Donahue mostly fielded questions from Michael Angelini, the chair of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority and another key figure in the region's business scene. Dowdle declined to speak about the hearing to a WBJ reporter as he exited the room following its conclusion. Along with former city manager Edward Augustus and the late Worces- ter Red Sox Chairman Larry Lucchino, Dowdle was once seen as one of three key figures in the effort to bring the minor league baseball team Pawtucket Red Sox to Worcester with a new publicly funded stadium in the Canal District. Dowdle had proposed building five projects in the area surrounding the stadium, and the tax revenue from those projects was sup- posed to cover the majority of the bond payments to pay for the stadium, which was not supposed to need general taxpay- er funds to cover its costs. In exchange for giving the City of Worcester the land to build Polar Park, Dowdle's firm received millions of dollars in tax breaks and waived permitting fees. When now City Manager Eric Batista revealed ahead of the Nov. 19 City Coun- cil meeting that the ballpark district had a $792,000 revenue shortfall and would need to rely on the general fund to make payments, most of the City Council's ire fell on Dowdle, who had terminated one of his development agreements. Angelini began the WRA meeting with an opening statement, where he outlined the timelines for completion of construc- tion he said Madison signed off on in part of its agreement with the City, including the firm's plans for a hotel and a second residence building on Madison Street. e hotel was originally slated to be complete by May 2024, while the second residence was slated to be completed by In-N-Out Burger should open a Central Mass. location Fast food restaurant chain Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers is looking to open a third Central Massachusetts location, this time on Lincoln Street in Worcester, after the Louisiana-based chain announced it would open its second location in the region in July. Known for its chicken strips, crinkle-cut fries, and Texas toast, Raising Cane's' newest location is part of a string of fast-casual restaurants opening or significantly expanding in Central Massachusetts over last few years, including Dave's Hot Chicken, Chick-fil-A, Kelly's Roast Beef, and Jersey Mike's. Which regionally famous fast-food chain would you like to see open a Central Massachusetts location? In-N-Out Burger White Castle Culver's Carl's Jr./ Hardee's Del Taco Whataburger Cook Out Jack in the Box Skyline Chili Other (mention in comments) 37% 13% 10% 9% 9% 2% 2% 2% 1% 16% Reader comments: "Primanti Bros." "None. Support the locally owned restaurants we already have." "Sonic. Walhburger." - Richard J. Patient "I'd love to see Tatte and Life Alive." - Abby Mayou Continued on next page Diane Burnette (left) and Sabbra Reyes www.stmaryscu.org (508) 490 8000 DEDICATED TO SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITIES. Giving back is at the route of who we are and what we do. That's why St. Mary's Credit Union is proud to donate over $200,000 annually to support local nonprofit organizations and businesses within our communities. Live Local, Shop Local, Bank Local St. Mary's Credit Union LEARN MORE Visit stmaryscu.org/about/community-impact

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