Collaboration stressed at anniversary gala for nonprofits

PHOTO/SAM BONACCI Gov. Charlie Baker addresses the joint 50th-anniversary celebration Thursday of the Worcester Business Development Corp. and Worcester Community Action Council.

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By Sam Bonacci

Gov. Charlie Baker stressed the importance of collaboration Thursday when he addressed the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Worcester Business Development Corp. (WBDC) and the Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC).

“Collaboration is about culture and culture is about people,” the governor said in his keynote address before about 100 people who were gathered beneath an outdoor tent behind Worcester City Hall. “The fact that you have been so successful at working together and understanding the big picture and not just your own is a tribute to the people who have been in your organizations and part of your organizations.”

The WBDC and WCAC were founded in 1965. The WBDC was created by private citizens to tackle economic challenges to the area. Over the years, it has worked on projects that include redeveloping buildings such as the former Telegram & Gazette site on Franklin Street, building industrial parks and creating jobs.

The WCAC was founded through an order by President Lyndon B. Johnson as one of several community action programs throughout the country designed with the goal of eliminating poverty by developing job opportunities and improving living, work and learning conditions.

These two organizations have worked together along with city officials and community members over the years and that collaboration is something that governments, grant-givers and developers look for when they’re deciding where to put resources, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito told the gathering.

“We are going to invest in a city that has their act together, has strong community leadership and that is what this city has and that is what we celebrate tonight,” she said.

Both organizations have done their part to build up the city in their own ways, Mayor Joseph Petty said.

“While the WBDC has nourished our economic development, the Worcester Community Action Council has nourished the city's soul,” he said in his remarks. “The programs they run give hope to those on the borders of life.”

The two organizations also presented awards Thursday night. The WCAC honored National Grid and law firm Mirick O’Connell for helping its fuel assistance program. The WBDC honored U.S. Rep. James McGovern for his support.