Full and original article posted on Telegram & Gazette
WORCESTER — In the never-ending quest to attract and grow their business sectors, leaders in Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities — a designation given to more than two dozen post-boom industrial sites such as Worcester, Lowell, Chelsea, Fitchburg and Leominster — are betting that economic development comes to those who offer convenience and predictability, even ahead of cost savings and location.
This idea seemed almost counterintuitive to Jay Ash, Chelsea’s city manager.
“To my surprise, I would’ve thought it was all about the numbers when you talk about economic development,” he said. “The numbers are important — but the relationships, and the trust, is almost more important.”
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