Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | May 1, 2017 | Worcester Business Journal 5 Webster • Dudley • Oxford • Auburn • Worcester • Shrewsbury Learning the story behind each business and business owner he works with so he can help them achieve their financial goals. At Webster Five, your success is important to us. Whether you're a small start-up or a large corporation, we offer all the financial tools, resources and progressive services you need to succeed. Make an appointment and tell Rob what's important to you. Visit web5.com/Rob or call 508.438.4711. What's important to Rob? Rob Totaro, Business Lending Officer KHJ23479_WEB-374_BuisLender_4.3x5.5_Rob_Mech2.indd 1 3/31/17 11:38 AM B R I E F S Don't share customer information In April, an Illinois man sued Framingham's Bose Corp., saying the electronics maker secretly collected information about his music and audio selections and shared it with third parties, including a data-mining company. When polled, the majority of WBJ readers said companies should not be allowed to share information in such ways. F L A S H P O L L Marlborough wants downtown brewpub Citing Marlborough's growing status as a place where people live, work, and play, Marlborough Economic Development Corp. said a brewpub could be successful downtown and is working to bring one in. MEDC bought a print advertisement in the May issue of BeerAdvocate, a well- regarded industry magazine and the only monthly beer publication that circulates in the U.S., in hopes of bringing a brew- pub downtown. MEDC has also launched a dedicated "Brewpub Wanted" webpage, citing Marlborough's location and eco- nomic vitality, as well as availability of liquor licenses, financial assistance and space to bring a brewpub to the MetroWest city. A brewpub is a restaurant that serves beer brewed on-premises. The Gardner Ale House is considered a brewpub in that North County downtown. "We are now focusing our efforts on cre- ating and expanding Marlborough's recre- ation and entertainment offerings, so peo- ple don't have to leave the city to find plac- es to relax and unwind," said Meredith Harris, MEDC executive director. Continued on next page The only AAA Four Diamond-rated Hotel in the region Voted Best Hotel for Business Clients and Best Venue for a Business Meeting, Worcester Business Journal Best of Business Award Voted Best Hotel, Telegram and Gazette Best of Central Mass Award 363 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605 Phone: 508.754.5789 | BEECHWOODHOTEL.COM THE SMALL LUXURY HOTEL LOVED BY THE BIG NAMES IN BUSINESS. Should data companies be allowed to collect personal information on its customers and share it with third parties? Yes. The information is largely used to improve companies' products and the world we live in. No. Once information is shared with third parties it becomes an invasion of privacy. 50% Yes. But only if the individual gives them explicit permission. 27% COMMENTS: "Companies should ask if you will allow them to share. Some people don't mind, but just because you want to download one app doesn't mean you want to have hundreds of spam emails, etc. from other companies. You would think a company would protect its customers' privacy." "Data collection has really expanded too rapidly for consumers and regulators to keep up with safeguards. Most consumers have no idea just how much data is being collected on them, and companies make it near impossible to opt out. Just the other day, I made a purchase in person, and I received the receipt in my email, despite not being any type of a rewards member or having offered my email address. It honestly made me feel a little uneasy." "Follow the money. If subjected individuals share in the profits generated by their information being shared, I might be more accepting of the practice. Given that individuals do not receive a cut of the profits, the practice should not be allowed, notice given or not." 2% No. I limit my use of electronics and apps because of this. 21% Marlborough wants something similar to the Jack's Abby brewery in Framingham.

• Cover