Worcester Business Journal

6 Worcester Business Journal • April 25, 2016 www.wbjournal.com Corporation (MEDC). That organiza- tion has been in place since 2007 using a hotel rooms tax specifically for econom- ic development. Natick takes a more traditional path to economic development with a commu- nity and economic development direc- tor. That role was recently revamped to have a more economic development emphasis and serve as a point of contact for development in the town. "It can be a single, streamlined process for anyone looking to do business in the community… You can stay in the same department whether you are asking about simpler building codes or larger projects," said Jamie Errickson, commu- nity and economic development director for Natick. Courting businesses In Marlborough, courting businesses is a time-consuming venture that means trips to New York City, Chicago and Boston for Mayor Arthur Vigeant as he meets with developers and businesses, but having a contact with the city for businesses and developers is key, he said. While he primarily credits the city's recent success to its inborn benefits such as location and strong workforce, mak- ing sure the city is approachable and willing to work with businesses is the edge that communities need as growth MetroWest creating economic points of contact This can be seen through the commu- nities of Marlborough and Natick, where development pressures are playing out in different ways. While the city of Marlborough has been able to snag large businesses like GE Healthcare in recent years, the town of Natick has a bustling retail center along the active Route 9 corridor. While the emphasis of these two communities is slightly different, the key to their growth has been a responsiveness and willingness to work with developers and businesses, said Paul Joseph, president and CEO of the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce. "The goal for the towns is really to become more proactive. We are no lon- ger in an environment where reactivity will allow you to survive," Joseph said. "We have to invest in professionals that are educated, experienced and focused on this. You can no longer do this with a volunteer structure and compete with a community that is investing in it as a strategic priority." There are multiple models for a gov- ernment focus on economic develop- ment, said Joseph who chaired the Natick Economic Development Committee for six years, but it hinges on a primary point of contact for the com- munity that can help walk businesses through the process of locating to the area. Someone in this position can review applications and give developers and property owners not only a layout of the process but help them navigate around potential roadblocks. "That navigational advice pays off because it saves the extra meeting cycles," said Joseph. "The full-time pro- fessional does not only understand the map but also how the wind is blowing." In Marlborough, this economic devel- opment role is fulfilled by the Marlborough Economic Development BY SAM BONACCI Worcester Business Journal Digital Editor A s economic competition heightens among MetroWest communities vying for businesses fleeing Boston's sky- rocketing prices or coming into the area for the first time, cities and towns are putting an increasing emphasis on economic development to reel in businesses. Natick is home to a bustling retail environment, anchored by the Natick Mall. RETIREMENT PLAN EXPERTISE TO KEEP YOUR FIRM ON COURSE Worcester-area firms have been relying on Bartholomew & Company to help them navigate the retirement plan market since 1994. We would welcome the opportunity to demonstrate how our specialized knowledge and designations can make a difference—with everything from helping you manage your fiduciary obligations to delivering the kind of investment options and overall value your employees expect from their workplace plan. For a customized program that fits your company's goals and helps your employees plan smarter, contact the independent retirement plan experts who are right in your neighborhood. For a consultation, call Peter McManus at 508.753.8807 or toll-free at 800.440.8807, or visit us at www.bartandco.com. PLAN WISELY. INVEST CONSERVATIVELY. LIVE WELL. 370 MAIN STREET, SUITE 1000, WORCESTER, MA 01608 | 508.753.8807 Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network ® , Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.

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