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November 25, 2019 2019 Fact Book: Doing Business in Central Mass.

Marlborough, MA: Small city, big buzz

Great cities cultivate vibrancy by continually adding new jobs, entertainment venues, dining options and amenities that attract both people and businesses. A prime example of a vibrant city, Marlborough has been actively assembling these necessary pieces, which has helped to boost its reputation and its economy.

Marlborough’s commercial sector has grown significantly in the last eight years, adding more than 150 new companies and 7,000 new jobs. With a 2.5 percent unemployment rate in July and August 2019, which is lower than both the state and national levels, the city now sits among the top 25 percent of Massachusetts communities with the healthiest labor markets. And the reason is clear: Marlborough is centrally located, has affordable real estate and offers immediate access to multiple interstate highways. Furthermore, the city is extremely business friendly and continues to add amenities that make Marlborough the place to be.

Over the past year, downtown has seen an incredible amount of revitalization, led by the efforts of the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to bring unique and trendy amenities to the area. In the two short years after MEDC ran a campaign to attract breweries to the city, four microbreweries have opened in the city, quickly cultivating its reputation as a “Brew Town.” Just last month, the latest addition—Tackle Box Brewing Co.—opened alongside its parent brand, Marlborough’s Strange Brewery, and joined the city’s two other recently-opened downtown breweries—Flying Dreams Brewing Co. and Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Co., which also offers gourmet in-house-roasted coffee.

Through its Financial Incentives Toolbox for small businesses and business outreach programs, MEDC has also helped to serve up a number of new and growing dining experiences in Marlborough. Thanks to MEDC’s exclusive partnership with Phantom Gourmet – which was recently renewed – recognized brands are locating in the city and existing eateries are enjoying a surge in business. Local favorites, like Welly’s and The Vin Bin, and newcomers, like Double T’s Tavern, are generating continuous traffic to the downtown area, while, Niche Hospitality’s The Fix Burger Bar will soon be bringing the crowds closer to the city’s business area, when it opens its second location in Marlborough this fall.

Marlborough turned up the heat this summer with its Farmers Markets, outdoor concert series and inaugural Food Truck Festival that featured a Beer and Cocktail Alley and, in spite of the pouring rain, brought more than 2,000 people into the city’s downtown. Additionally, the opening of Massachusetts’ first Museum in the Streets, a free walking tour that showcases the city’s historical identity through a series of informational panels throughout downtown, has been drawing significant interest from residents and visitors alike. And the Apex Center of New England continues to attract visitors and new businesses to its mega-entertainment complex of office and retail space, restaurants and hotels.

MEDC’s strategy to attract new business is clearly working, as more than 20 companies expanded or relocated to Marlborough over the past year, including Exagrid, Doble Engineering and Candela Corporation, all of which moved their headquarters to Marlborough.

Well aware of the challenges transportation can present, MEDC launched a free commuter shuttle bus service to and from the MBTA Southborough station this fall, enabling workers to get into and out of the city with greater efficiency. This service supplements the Zagster bike share program, which offers an environmentally friendly way to commute around the city and/or view the scenery along the Assabet River Rail Trail.

To help keep the economic engine humming, MEDC organizes two annual job fairs that connect local companies with potential employees. While the fall fair focuses on entry and mid-level positions, mainly in the service, retail, hospitality and trade sectors, the spring fair features higher-level positions in science, biotech, high technology and advanced manufacturing. The goal of these job fairs is to reassure employers that Marlborough is able and willing to find talent for their companies; job seekers realize that the city is serious about maintaining its record low unemployment rate.

MEDC is actively trying to create a positive, cool space for those looking for housing, work, a handcrafted brew, first-class cuisine or unique entertainment. The buzz indicates that Marlborough is that place.

Contact Executive Director Meredith Harris at 508-229-2010 or mharris@marlboroughedc.com to find out how your business can become part of this thriving community.

Marlborough Economic Development Corporation

Address: 91 Main Street, Suite 204, Marlborough, MA 01749

Phone: 508-229-2010

Website: marlboroughedc.com

Executive Director: Meredith Harris, mharris@marlboroughedc.com

Year Founded: 2006