The effort by Worcester officials to convince the Red Sox' Triple-A affiliate to move from Rhode Island to Worcester was joined by 98 key Central Massachusetts business leaders.
Clinton Savings Bank, Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Venture Community Services were among the eight organization announcing new hires and promotions.
A 77-room Holiday Inn Express opened last month on Route 20, and as soon as September, work will begin on a new building with 28 hotel rooms at the Publick House.