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June 22, 2020
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Black businesses matter: Despite their importance to disadvantaged communities, black-owned businesses comprise less than 1% of Worcester County firms

Grant Welker

At such a perilous time, the Worcester County business community is hampered by an uncomfortable problem: In the homogeneous world of business leadership in Worcester County, top officials at the area’s largest and best-known institutions are almost entirely white.

  • Shop Talk
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    Shop Talk

    Q&A: Soxcessful founder Michael Agbortoko Jr. helps clients dream big

    Brad Kane

    Michael Agbortoko, Jr. founded Soxcessful in Worcester’s Midtown Mall last year, both as a space for creatives and a business linking clients up with manufacturers all over the world.

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    Mass. opioid deaths fell 6% at the start of 2020

    Grant Welker

    Opioid deaths across Massachusetts fell 5.7% during the first quarter of this year compared to 2019, according to new state data reported Wednesday.

  • Editorial
    Editorial

    A letter from WBJ: Picking up the fight against institutional racism

    Peter Stanton and Brad Kane

    The killing of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, filmed for us all to witness, was truly horrific. The nation, and for that matter the world, has borne witness to the senselessness of his death, and responded with a call to action unlike any time in the past.

  • Advice
    Advice

    10 Things I know about ... Building relationships during a pandemic

    Lysa Miller

    Reviewing your clients and contacts helps promote their business and shows them you really care enough to contribute (maybe they’ll do the same for you). 

  • Advice
    Advice

    101: Making statements

    Susan Shalhoub

    Whether concerning COVID-19 changes or reaction to racial issues after the death of George Floyd – a black man killed by a white Minneapolis police officer – company statements have been issued at a furious pace.

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    Advice

    What will you do going forward?

    Bonnie J. Walker

    I’m tired of racism. I’m tired of it on a personal micro level, and I’m seething at the truth of its existence embedded within every macro-structure of our country.

  • Advice
    Advice

    Don’t choose a family member to manage your estate plan

    Melissa A. Maranda

    It’s a scenario straight out of a movie: An oldest adult child is named the trustee or personal representative of a parent’s trust or will and before you know it, the whole family is fighting over everything from money to property to funeral arrangements. 

  • Opinion
    Opinion

    Racism starts in your heart

    Tamara Lundi

    Since the rest of the nation doesn't have the same experience with police, some see this as a black people issue, and others look at our country’s history and determine it’s a white people issue. Really, though, this is a human issue.

  • Editorial
    Editorial

    Editorial: Don’t be left on the sidelines

    In times of crisis, both the economy and people’s way of thinking can undergo a paradigm shift. For nimble business owners, it is important to recognize these shifts, change with the times, and even stay ahead of the curve in order to ensure your company’s long-term survival.

  • Movers & Shakers
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    Movers & Shakers

    Movers & Shakers for June 22, 2020

    Companies with new hires and promotions include ERA Key Realty Services, bankHometown, Clinton Savings Bank, The Junior League of Worcester, AdCare Hospital in Worcester and more.

WBJ Web Partners

Today's Poll

How important is it to you that the companies you do business with are located in Central Massachusetts?
Poll Description

When businesses pick vendors and suppliers, there are advantages to working with those based in the local market, including transportation savings, advanced understanding of the market, and boosting the local community. However, there are potential drawbacks as well, including they may not be the most affordable or highest-quality option.

More Information