Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/469117
www.wbjournal.com • Worcester Business Journal 53 25 YEARS: IN REVIEW The Worcester Common Fashion Outlets — formerly the Worcester Center Galleria — opens in October in time for the holiday shopping season, with about 70 stores and eateries added after a $50 million remodeling. More stores were expected to be open by the holiday season while the site's owners were negotiating a tax increment financing deal with the city. Minor league ice hockey comes to Worcester as the owners of the Worcester IceCats of the American Hockey League sign an agreement to play at the Centrum. Price Chopper, based in Schenectady, N.Y., buys the Worcester-based Big D supermarket chain for an undisclosed amount and later renames all 12 stores. Price Chopper said it planned to keep all 1,300 Big D employees and inter- view the 50 employees at Big D head- quarters who may be interested in jobs. Construction begins on the Worcester convention center, which is targeted for completion in 1997. The project broke ground despite set- backs in receiving $17 million in state funding. Providence-based Dimeo Construction Co. withdrew its offer to build the center for $27.6 million, stating it could not legally enter into a contract with the city because it had not assured Dimeo that adequate funding was available. The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) signs an 18-month agree- ment to help get Worcester Regional Airport and its two-year-old terminal off the ground by committing more than $250,000 to fund technical assis- tance. Massport's plan was to market the airport outside the city to draw passengers from all around New England as an alternative to Logan International Airport in Boston. The AA Transportation Story • Established in 1996 by local entrepreneur Ron Ernenwein • Full service, family owned transportation company • Owns, services and operates over 475 vehicles with 5 area locations and a staff of 550 • Professional & experienced drivers- DPU certified and have passed all appropriate background and safety checks. Fully insured & bonded. • Ranked 36th on the Top 50 Contractor Fleets of 2012 by School Bus Fleet Magazine • 2012 Worcester Business Journal's Top Growth Award honoree. Can AA Transportation help with your transportation needs? Our Services • Safe and Reliable Transportation • Limousine, Motor Coach and School Bus Services • Wedding Transportation • Prom Limousines • Sports charters • Casino trips • Sporting Events • NYC Day Trips • Birthday Parties • Overnight Events We Bus more kids to school every day in Massachusetts than the entire state of North Dakota! That's right. AA Transportation buses 34,349 students and North Dakota buses 26,099! 605 Hartford Turnpike PO Box 639 MO Shrewsbury, MA 01545 508-791-9100 www.aatransportation.com Proud of our Past, Excited about our Future! 1995 The Galleria mall became the Worcester Common Fashion Outlets in 1994. >> Continued on Page 54