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Five years ago, WBJ created its Hall of Fame in order to honor the lifetime achievements of those professionals who have significantly improved the Central Massachusetts economy and community. With the induction this year of the Class of 2021, the WBJ Hall of Fame has grown to 17 members

When the professionals who would become WBJ’s 2021 Business Leaders of the Year started their years anew in January 2020, they could have had no idea the past 15 months would end up like they did. Yet, each of them in their own way, found a path for their organizations to thrive.

Ethan Lutz has been serving as an emergency medical technician in Worcester for the last four years. When the coronavirus pandemic was ravaging New York City last spring, the Federal Emergency Management Agency sent him to Queens, N.Y., to help.

New business startups thrive in times of stress and change, making this – hopefully, the back end of the coronavirus pandemic – the time the Central Massachusetts business community can bring its resources to bear to support our newest entrepreneurs.

Taking center stage in this new environment is the working from home phenomenon. COVID has forever changed the face of business. 

People are on the move at Clark University, Country Banke, AAFCPAs and more.

Creating and fostering a strong remote workplace culture helps not only retain existing employees but can attract job seekers as well. A positive company culture – even when work is remote – shines through.

Once you have employees, your business changes. Leadership isn’t defined by what you lead, but how you lead. Who do you put first at your business? Yourself? Your team? Your customers?

Public relations helps SEO.