Murray, a former Worcester mayor and lieutenant governor of Massachusetts under Gov. Deval Patrick, was initially approached to lead the Worcester chamber in 2013 by the board of directors.
Since joining as president and CEO, he’s used his business acumen and connections to boost the Central Massachusetts economy and serve the 2,300 members of the largest chamber of commerce in New England.
Founded in 1875, the chamber is celebrating its 150th anniversary, and Murray said the organization is hoping to raise funds for its Linda Salem Pervier Permanent Restricted Fund for workforce initiatives and economic development by the end of the year. As of early March, the chamber raised $2.5 million of its $3-million goal.
Also this year, Murray said he’s looking forward to the opening of the new Worcester Regional Food Hub at Union Station in collaboration with the City of Worcester.
The space spans about 6,000 square feet and will include a retail store selling locally-grown foods, classes on things like culinary skills and food safety, and farmers markets every weekend. The groundbreaking for the new food hub was held in March 2024.
Laura Finaldi is a former WBJ reporter and current freelance writer.
