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Exploring Economic Development with MEDC: Michelle Mercier
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MEDC Board Member Spotlight
This month, the MEDC Board Member Spotlight features George Aronstein of APEX Entertainment. Tune in to hear how George got his start at Apex and how the City and MEDC worked collaboratively with RA Ventures to bring the Apex Center of New England to Marlborough.
MEDC Board of Directors Spotlight is a series that introduces members of our Board of Directors and shares more about the people who help guide MEDC in carrying out its mission and implementing the city's economic development goals annually.
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Economic Development In Our City: Marlborough Restaurant Association
This month's installment of
Economic Development In Our City features Lindsey Jaworek, Director of Business and Community Development at MEDC, as she discusses how MEDC partners with our local restaurateurs through the Marlborough Restaurant Association to bring fantastic dining experiences to both residents and visitors alike.
Make sure to check out our entire mini-series, where we share how MEDC helps businesses, investors, residents, and visitors in Marlborough.
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Creative Econ Arts & Culture Symposium
MEDC's Director of Business
& Community Development Lindsey Jaworek will be a keynote speaker at Creative Econ's Arts & Culture Symposium this September.
Whether you are a municipal planner, economic development professional, a member a local zoning board, or even a small business advocate this event is for you!
Come explore strategic investment in the creative economy—through arts, culture, and design. |
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Downtown Pop-Up Shops
The Marlborough Downtown Pop-Up Shops are open every weekend through December. Join us in supporting unique vendors, makers, and creators as they expand their brands in our great temporary storefronts.
Hope to see you at the shops!
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Annual Food Truck & Arts Festival
Mark your calendars for one of our favorite days in the City of Marlborough!
Join us and all of the makers, food trucks, musicians, community groups, dancers, restaurants, touch-a-truck vehicles, interactive art projects, & more on Main Street Sunday, September 14th for the 6th Annual Food Truck & Arts Festival!
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MEDC Featured In Local News
Community Advocate featured MEDC in a recent article about how to grow your business in Marlborough. This year, MEDC introduced the Small Business Expansion Program, offering up to $25,000 to established local businesses planning to grow and create jobs. Looking ahead, MEDC is developing a “Forward Plan” to guide sustainable growth in the city.
Learn more about how MEDC plays a crucial role in supporting Marlborough’s economy! |
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Picco Awarded Toolbox Grant
We are delighted to have been able to support restaurant owner Tony Lawrence and business partner Rachelle Cando open up their second location of Picco through our Amenities Financing Program. This program reimburses eligible Marlborough businesses, both new and growing, for rental and equipment expenses.
After major success in the South End of Boston, Tony decided his hometown of Marlborough needed to experience it for themselves. Restaurant Pizza and Ice Cream Company, better known as Picco, opened its doors to guests in early August. Since opening, their sourdough pizza and in-house ice cream has been a hit. We had the pleasure of sitting down for a bite and it was absolutely mouth-watering. Make sure to try it for yourself. |
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MARLBOROUGH BUSINESS NEWS |
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Newsweek Award Recipients
Marlborough based companies Ken’s Foods, Boston Scientific, Hologic, and IPG Photonics were all named one of Newsweek's America's Greatest Workplaces for Manufacturing 2025. This award is a reflection of commitment to their employees, strong workplace culture, and dedication to excellence in manufacturing.
Congrats!
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Lifeward Expands Middle East Reach and Announces New CFO
Marlborough-based medical device company Lifeward announced in a recent press release that they will be expanding into six new countries. Offering their mobility treadmills within the United Arab Emirates and throughout the entire Gulf Cooperation Council bringing incredible opportunities to the lives of those with physical limitations or disabilities.
After previously holding dual positions as Vice President of Finance and Chief Accounting Officer, Almog Adar has accepted Lifeward's CFO position. This adjustment is a part of a broader leadership transition, highlighted by the retirement of former CFO Michael Lawless in late June.
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Quest Grows with Fresenius Lab Acquisition
Quest Diagnostics has completed its acquisition of select clinical testing assets from Fresenius Medical Care’s Spectra Laboratories. This move expands Quest’s ability to serve independent dialysis clinics and, through a new lab services agreement, provide diagnostics for Fresenius-operated centers caring for about 200,000 patients annually. The transition is expected to be fully in place by early 2026.
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Boston Scientific Named One of America’s Best Employers for Women
In a recent Forbe's article, Marlborough based life science company Boston Scientific was mentioned on the list of America's Best Employers for Women.
Boston Scientific #3 Best Employer in Massachusetts
Congratulations on these impressive achievements Boston Scientific! |
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Loop CO2: 20-Liter Lab Goes Live
Loop CO2 has announced that its new 20-liter high-pressure scale-up laboratory, featuring a 16-foot fast-exchangeable distillation tower, has officially become operational at 260 Cedar Hill St. in Marlborough. Built on a limited budget and designed to accelerate their sustainable materials innovation process, the lab will allow the company to rapidly test, refine, and scale technologies that convert CO2 into valuable products. |
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Marlborough Hospital Emergency Room Will Double in Size With $46M Expansion
Marlborough Hospital has commenced a $46 million expansion to nearly double the size of its emergency department. The project includes adding 10 new beds to the existing 13 and increasing the department's space from 6,000 to 13,000 square feet. An additional $4 million will fund a new CAT scan machine, and $6 million is allocated for a multidisciplinary clinic to treat chronic illnesses. The expanded ER is expected to welcome its first patients by November 2026 and is part of a larger expansion proposal that includes adding Proton Therapy to the site. |
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Marlborough Companies Among Annual List of Fastest Growing Businesses
Worcester Business Journal reported that Inc. Magazine recenty published their annual list of fastest growing companies in the United States. Among this list were two Marlborough based companies; Cinch I.T. and Platinum Fire Protection & Services. Their recognition highlights Marlborough’s strength as a hub for both tech innovation and specialized services. Fun fact: Cinch IT owner Tye Jordan is an MEDC Board Member! |
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St. Mary's Credit Union Announces Merger and New President and CEO
St. Mary’s Credit Union in Marlborough and MetroWest Community Federal Credit Union in Framingham announced they’ll merge into a $1.15 billion institution operating under the St. Mary’s name and charter. The combined organization will serve over 62,850 members via eight branches and enhanced digital and ATM services. The deal is expected to close by early 2026.
Congratulations to Grace Lee as she was recently named as the new President and CEO. Before joining St. Mary’s Credit Union, Lee served as Eastern Massachusetts Regional President and Group Lead of New England Government Banking at M&T Bank. |
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Kens Dressing Makes a Strong Run
Marlborough’s own Ken’s Salad Dressing made it all the way to the Final Four in the Made in Massachusetts food bracket, beating out several iconic brands along the way. Though Kayem Hot Dogs ultimately advanced, Ken’s continues to shine as one of the state’s most beloved grocery staples. |
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IPG Photonics Innovates with CROSSBOW MINI
Marlborough based fiber laser company IPG Photonics steps into the spotlight with its new CROSSBOW MINI 3 kW. A high-energy, battery-powered laser defense system designed to neutralize drone threats. Tested on over 100 drones, this cutting-edge solution showcases how light-speed innovation is reshaping battlefield and private security. Catch its global debut next month in London! |
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Continuing Firefly's Legacy
Amy, Rachel, and Carly Uliss are working hard towards keeping their late husband/father's legacy alive through Firefly's BBQ. Knowing how much the restaurant meant to him, it has become a priority to uphold his traditions. The three women have made a great impact on the community by doing so, still allowing customers to come in and enjoy a meal and an environment they know and love. |
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STATE AND REGIONAL UPDATES |
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Massachusetts Invests in AI Leadership
Massachusetts is ramping up efforts to stay competitive in the AI race with a $100M investment to launch the Massachusetts AI Hub. The initiative brings together universities, businesses, and government to advance AI innovation while tackling challenges around ethics, workforce impact, and education. Early projects include AI tools for public services, classroom training for teachers, and a sandbox for safe state use.
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Massachusetts Makes Major Leap in Business Competitiveness
Massachusetts climbed 18 spots in CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business rankings, reaching #20 overall—the biggest leap of any state and the strongest showing in New England. The Bay State earned top honors for education, and landed in the top 10 for technology & innovation, quality of life, and access to capital. Key contributors to the improved ranking include continued childcare grants, the Mass Leads Act, AI, and life sciences.
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Central Mass Schools Granted $6.6M to Train Adults for High Demand Professions
Central Massachusetts educational institutions have secured a combined $6.6 million in state funding to enhance adult education and workforce training programs. This investment aims to equip adults seeking to advance their skills in high-demand fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, and technology, addressing workforce shortages. The funding will support initiatives across various institutions, such as community colleges and vocational schools including Assabet Valley Regional Vocational School District.
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Boosting MA Research: Grants Now Open
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center is offering up to $5M in funding for research infrastructure and equipment. Applications are open through Nov. 21, 2025 for universities, hospitals, incubators, and accelerators to expand shared labs and resources across the Commonwealth. |
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City Council Approves Marijuana Testing Lab on Cedar Street
On August 18th, the Marlborough City Council approved a Special Permit for Green Armory Laboratory, Inc. to open a testing lab at 260 Cedar Hill Street. There will be no marijuana sold at this location. |
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Ames Village Overlay Proposal Before Urban Affairs Committee
The Gutierrez Company was before the Urban Affairs Committee on August 4th with a zoning proposal called the Ames Village Overlay which would allow for multifamily housing by special permit within the proposed site.
The Urban Affairs Committee voted favorable on the proposal and it will now go to the full Council for a vote on September 8th.
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Procopio Tops Off 57 Main Street Development
Procopio reached an exciting milestone with a topping off ceremony for their new mixed-use development project at 57 Main Street in downtown Marlborough.
Learn more about why Marlborough is a great place to invest and do business below. |
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Marlborough Labor Day Festival & Parade
This years festival will be on Sunday, August 31st from 12 PM – 5 PM. Enjoy live music, local vendors, food trucks, bounce houses, a touch-a-truck exhibit, and so much more!
MEDC board member, and previous owner of Patriot Ambulance, Dave Walton has been named Labor Day Parade grand marshal. The parade begins at 12PM but the tradition continues with bed races starting at 9:30AM. Congratulations to Dave on this well deserved recognition! |
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Sts. Anargyroi Greek Festival
The annual Greek Festival is back this Labor Day weekend featuring Greek food, live Greek music and dancing, a Greek marketplace, beer, wine and more!
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Marlborough Prepares for Annual Veterans Fundraiser
The fourth annual Day to Benefit Veterans takes place September 7th at the Hudson Elks Pavilion, featuring live music, food from local restaurants, raffles, a silent auction, and even a tank display from the American Heritage Museum. Organized by local nonprofit A Day to Benefit Veterans, the event has raised nearly $50,000 for Massachusetts veterans’ programs in past years. General admission is $25, with proceeds supporting local charities. |
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Green Meadows Ribbon Cutting
On September 12th we will join the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the grand opening of Green Meadows newest dispensary location at 239 Boston Post Rd W. in Marlborough. The location officially opened for business on August 18th and is open 7 days a week. |
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Lalo's Celebrate Mexico Festival
Join Lalo's Mexican Restaurant in celebrating Mexican Independence on Sunday September 21st at 11AM. This event will feature food trucks, beer gardens, live entertainment, and more! Hope to see you there. |
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Marlborough Brewers Association Oktoberfest
On September 27th join the Marlborough Brewers Association for their 6th annual Oktoberfest celebration. Don't miss out on beer, food, live music, a Steinholding competition, costume contest, games and more!
The event will run from 1PM - 8PM. |
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