Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/616041
14 Worcester Business Development Corporation • 1965 - 2015 ships. From its inception, the organi- zation has developed, nurtured and maintained strong ties with various organizations, including the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administra- tion. Collaborations with WPI, UMass Medical School and the Cummings Veterinary School have resulted in the creation of first class research facilities, have helped to enhance academic op- portunities and have drawn students from around the world to the City. e WBDC's partnerships with financial institutions, foundations and individu- al citizens have strengthened efforts to rebuild the economy, create more jobs and expand the tax base. While these projects demonstrate the hard work and dedication of the WBDC and its partners, they also represent a huge step toward econom- ic recovery for Worcester. As of 2015, these combined projects have result- ed in 5,628 new jobs and contributed $8,239,830 to the tax rolls, for a total value of $335,998,150. But the work is not done. As the WBDC celebrates its 50th anniversary, the organization continues to be vested in Worcester's fiscal, environmental and social well being and vows to build its future on the successes of the past. n MA Biotech Park/AbbVie (above). DCU Center (below). "The WBDC has successfully facilitated several regional initiatives that have created jobs for residents in Central Massachusetts and resulted in economic spin-off for the Worcester Region. The Hanover Theatre is a spectacular example of the type of public-private partnerships that the WBDC has forged to stimulate economic development. The Hanover Theatre attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Worcester Region throughout the year, impacting area hotels and restaurants, and providing a tremendous cultural venue here in Central Massachusetts. Through the professional efforts and leadership of the WDBC, cities and towns have partnered with industry and not-for-profit organizations to leverage financing and bring housing, economic and cultural projects to fruition." Julie A. Jacobson Town Manager Town of Auburn