Worcester Business Journal

36 Worcester Business Journal • January 18, 2016 www.wbjournal.com KEEP TAX BREAKS TO A MINIMUM A plot of land was sold by the city in the South Worcester Industrial Park for $10,000 to a manufacturer planning an expansion. The company will receive a 50-percent tax exemption on the increased property value for 10 years. "I'm glad a lot was finally sold, but at the price, I'm not sure a tax break should have also been included." - WBJournal.com commenter Padraig IMPROVED 'BOROS OFFICE MARKET The prediction for 2015 was for continued improvements in the MetroWest office market. "Investment sales in this submarket are now attracting a diverse group of investors. For example, the Solomon Pond Park in Marlborough sold to Nordblom Company for $34 million." - WBJournal.com commenter officesearchat There are many meetings where the power of inperson relationship is essential. For many more routine meetings, video converencing certainly reduces the cost and can be a valuable alternative. You can have six meetings in one morning electronically. Try that traveling. Best Advertising Agency Best Web Design Firm Proud Winner of Two 2015 Best of Business Awards Join the WBJ's LinkedIn discussion group by scanning the code to the left on your smartphone. To scan the code, you need the NeoReader. Visit get.neoreader.com to download it onto your phone. Want to participate in the conversation? F L A S H P O L L T A L K B A C K With cheaper alternatives to in-person meetings increasingly available, is business travel becoming a thing of the past? Business travel still a necessity A report out by the Travel Leaders Group indicates that anticipated growth of business travel for 2016 is down 9 percent compared to predictions for 2015 and the percentage of those who think bookings will slow down has increased over last year. However, despite these factors and increased technology, the majority of WBJ readers feel business travel will always be necessary. COMMENTS: Especially when dealing in other countries where relationships, trust and credibility matter. 8% Yes. The cost of business travel is difficult to justify. 11% No. There is no replacement for face-to-face meetings. 53% L ooking ahead to what their years may hold, more than half of WBJ readers say their top concern is growing revenue. Government regulation and retaining top talent are near the top as well. Revenue remains top of mind in 2016 Growing revenue is pretty important, right up there with oxygen. Growing revenue 55% No. The technology isn't strong enough. Retaining my top talent 13% New laws or regulations 21% What is your top business concern heading into 2016? Massachusetts sick leave law. Yes. Technology allows for meetings that are nearly as good as face-to-face interactions. 28% Energy prices 1% 1% Cutting expenses 8% Other COMMENTS:

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