Business Profiles
Behind every business - large or small - there is a good idea or two, customer demand and a strong team to provide upward momentum. Here at Worcester Business Journal, we applaud the players doing just that in today's Central Massachusetts marketplace. Their work never ends; they must remain one step ahead for the future and keep a foot in the present, providing superior services today.
Business Profiles 2012 is a chance for us to tell you the stories of area businesses in more than just terms of simple profit and loss. These are stories we can all learn from in terms of maintaining perseverance, finding a niche, assembling a strong employee base and perfecting customer service.
In these pages, you'll see examples of well-established companies that have kept up with the times, such as a bank that has been around since the 1800s and now offers customer service 21th-century style - with added online options but no drop-off in personal attention. (Even its phones are answered by real people.) Or a community college which works directly with companies in a wide range of industries to find out what they are looking for in potential new hires. Or a four-year college which has created a master's degree program that focuses on leadership skills every company can use - no matter where on the globe it's located.
You'll also be able to find inspiration with stories of innovation, such as the creative craftsmanship that goes into running a display and exhibit company; a restaurant group that is anything but typical; a communications company that helps companies get their name out there and bring in business; and a cleaning company that specializes in an expansive suite of services, depending on client needs.
Every business needs accounting, legal and financial advice; Business Profiles showcases the best of the best. Need a place to bring a broken-down truck, rent storage, have an outdoor meal with music or hit the links? Area businesses are filling these niches and filling them successfully, with legions of loyal customers.
"This edition of Business Profiles represents a diverse range of local companies that can help other businesses with a variety of needs," said Peter Stanton, publisher of the Worcester Business Journal. "They are succeeding by building strong relationships with other companies and their clients."
Business Profiles also offers a look behind the philosophy, people and products or services you use regularly or may want to use. Readers get to see what comprises a business in more detail - beyond its logos, signage or website. Company heads detail features of their company's history, current offerings and style of doing business well beyond what you may already know. Behind every company is a local team that makes it all happen, every day.
Here at Worcester Business Journal, we also have a local team that makes it all happen, such as this publication: our marketing specialists Bonnie Leroux, Jeannie Cafarelli, Regina Stillings and Kris Prosser; project editor Susan Shalhoub; photographer Edd Cote, our go-to guy for great shots, every time; and Kira Beaudoin not only put all the elements together, but also made the publication beautiful, to boot.
"From our business to yours, enjoy this issue of Business Profiles," said Mark Murray, Worcester Business Journal associate publisher. "It's full of great stories. But keep it as a reference throughout the year for when you need a product or service from trusted providers."
Peter Stanton
Publisher
Mark Murray
Associate Publisher