MetroWest495 Biz

4 MetroWest495 Biz | February 2014 495BIZ M E T R O W E S T produced by WBJournal.com 495BIZ produced by WBJournal.com Want to reach us? Visit: www.WBJournal.com/MetroWest495Biz Email: MetroWest495Biz@wbjournal.com Call: 508-755-8004 executive editor Rick Saia editor Susan Shalhoub staff Writer Emily Micucci Contributors Livia Gershon Mark Sullivan Researchers Roger Magnus; Heide Martin art Director Kira Beaudoin graphic Designer Mitchell Hayes manager of Video/multimedia ser vices Matthew Volpini Director, major accounts Bonnie Leroux marketing & events manager Kris Prosser sales admin & account Coordinator Susan Munyon senior account managers Chris Juetten, Matt Majikas Publisher, CeO Peter Stanton group Publisher Joe Zwiebel associate Publisher Mark Murray t oday's educational emphasis is on SteM (science, technology, engineer- ing and math) to keep up not only with other educational institutions, but also work- force demand and global competitiveness. Private schools are part of that trend, which shows no signs of going away. In our cover story, on Page 16, Mark Sullivan shows us how prestigious area prep schools are working to keep ahead of the curve and progress into the future with dedicated STEM facilities, hands-on curriculum and other efforts. Also, this issue of MetroWest495 Biz puts healthcare under the stethoscope to see what's at the heart of the industry today. On Page 12, Emily Mi- cucci shows us how hospitals raise capital — with private contributions as a central focus as a way to make up for fewer and fewer federal funds. Previ- ously a nice add-on to help pay for a critical project, philanthropy is now a main conduit in a healthcare facility's momentum to expand its scope, put up a new building or renovate space. To give you a snapshot of facilities in our area, our list of the key hospitals in the region, compiled by Roger Magnus, is on Page 10. Custom coverage With defined contribution healthcare plans, employees in the region are getting more choice and more control over the healthcare plans they choose, and what they pay for them. On Page 14, Livia Gershon gives us some insight into this emerging trend, where — with potentially lower costs for employers and a greater ability for workers to tailor their coverage — it just might become a win-win in some situations. Balancing the brand A recognizable name at the pump, Gulf Oil LP, based in Framingham, is making the most of this iconic American brand by expanding into the unbranded fuel and electricity markets. Under the ownership of Cumberland Farms since 2010, the company is strategizing growth. On Page 18, we look at how the company is leveraging a well-known image to set a trajectory for its future in emerging markets, with diversification fueling the way. Vintage value Page 20 brings us Emily Micucci's story on "what's old is new again." For some companies, newer office buildings may not be all they're cracked up to be. Businesses like Penta Communi- cations of Westborough and Merry Design Group of Holliston are locating in older structures for their unmitigated character and charm. Historic build- ings — especially for creative industries — make a synergy that these companies say can't be beat. And they wouldn't have it any other way. Our other features On Page 15, David Price of BrightStar, a home care agency serving Milford, Worcester and the Blackstone Valley, talks about how a shortage in healthcare staffing could be remedied with innova- tive approaches to training. Our What It Takes interview, on Page 22, features Marc Tewey of Ayer-based Cambrooke Therapeutics, which makes nutritional products to aid those with rare diseases. The Real Angle, on Page 11, looks at the MetroWest commercial property market. Healthcare is an evolving industry and, like any other, has its challenges. We hope this issue helps you navigate those challenges and offers perspec- tive, insight into trends, and possible solutions. Thanks for reading. And raise a glass — to your health! n Susan Shalhoub, Editor FROm tHe eDItOR People. Places. Product. Photographic images for advertising, public relations, graphic and corporate communications groups . See the difference. 165 Holly Lane • Holliston, MA 01746 Phone/Fax: 508.429.3188 • www.ronbouleyphoto.com R O N B O U L E Y P H O T O G R A P H Y MetroWest495 Biz is published 5 times a year by New England Business Media, LLC. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Worcester Business Journal PO Box 330, Congers, nY 10920-9894 845-267-3008 • Fax: 845.267.3478 metrowest@cambeywest.com Physical health today, economic health tomorrow

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