Worcester Business Journal

28 Worcester Business Journal • April 11, 2016 www.wbjournal.com 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 SHREWSBURY COMPANY FINED A Shrewsbury company is out $31,000 in a settlement with Attorney General Maura Healey after the company did not pay employees the right amount. "Go get 'em A.G. Healey!" Facebook commenter Nancy Smith AUBURN MALL THEATER STEALING FROM MILLBURY The Auburn Mall will get a new movie theater and restaurant. "A lot people come from west of Worcester and northern Connecticut that go to Millbury. It will be shorter to go to Auburn being right off I-290, I-90 and I-395." Facebook commenter Chris Generelli When it comes to business, is there such a thing as too much growth too quickly? Growth must be controlled W ormtown Brewery celebrated a year in its new location on Shrewsbury Street. However, the brewery is already looking for new space as production has jumped from 2,800 to 15,000 barrels of beer a year. This growth has been built on huge demand in the market that forced the company to grow much quicker than it ever planned. When polled, our Central Massachusetts business leaders cautioned about rapid growth hurting a company's long-term viability. COMMENTS: No. Strong management can keep a company on track during hectic times. 24% A Shrewsbury landscaping company in April was penalized $31,000 for not complying with wage laws. In announcing the penalty, the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office publicly named the company and detailed the offenses. When polled, two-thirds of Central Massachusetts business leaders said this type of negative publicity against offenders is good for the marketplace. Publicize business offenders' penalties "Innocent until proven guilty, then publicize the company and the penalty." Should regulatory penalties against businesses be publicized? COMMENTS: "Just what Massachusetts needs, more anti- business legislation." Yes. Growth has to be controlled so you maintain quality. 54% Yes. It is a deterrent for those who might otherwise make a similar offense. 41% Yes. As long as regulatory agencies are evenhanded in their publicity. 26% "No. You need to make the most of growth opportunities as they arrive." 10% 7% 12% Yes. Flooding the market can lead to customer backlash and company burnout. "Growth has to be maintained primarily to control cash flow along with quality and customer service." No. You need to make the most of growth opportuni- ties as they arrive. "Bring it on!" - Chip Emerson, president, Trade Winds Group No. Companies don't need to be publicly shamed. No. Politicians unevenly use these announcements to gain notoriety. 26%

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