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February 27, 2015

Chamber launches clickable look at downtown

Worcester's downtown is an increasingly dynamic place. Now the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce has put a map online that captures the changes and opportunities there.

The map, which can be viewed here, displays real estate and development opportunities, as well as projects under way or completed.

It is meant to "showcase Worcester’s progress to date and highlight the development opportunities to come,” said Sherri G. Pitcher, director of business recruitment for the chamber. “The tool has proven a valuable resource when connecting with site selectors, developers, new companies, and large corporations.”

The map, produced under Pitcher's direction, is the work of Clark University cartography graduate Joseph Danko III. It offers a variety of views to highlight businesses, cultural institutions and other points of interest in  downtown and surrounding area. Information is provided for potential developers, including address, project name, square footage, and contact information.

The chamber's Economic Development Coordinating Council convenes weekly to coordinate activity and develop sales pitches to new, targeted businesses and site selectors.

“The goal is to promote Worcester’s value proposition,” Pitcher said. “Over the last six months, we have wowed developers with the city’s progress — some of whom had never even been to Worcester. The map gives us a tool to tell our story visually and then, it is our job to get the developer to visit the city and check it out for themselves.”

The statement from the chamber said: "In recent months, members of the EDCC have conducted tours for national chains, such as Jimmy Johns, Atlantic Retail Partners, Distinctive Hospitality Group, and others.

"Companies that have already moved into downtown, or plan to, include the web consulting firm, ten24. Their move to 20 Franklin St., the former home of the Telegram & Gazette, provides all the amenities needed by a high tech company. The site, developed by WBDC, is now a modern commercial office space and urban campus for an educational institution. In June 2015, restaurateurs Sean Woods and Jared Forman will open at 38 Franklin St."

 “We believe we have a product with appeal,” City Manager Edward Augustus said in the statement. “With the right team, the right message, and a coordinated approach, we will be able to bring more businesses into the city in the next five years.”

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