MEDC Chairman, Arthur Bergeron’s keynote speech, reflected on 18 months of significant achievements for the organization and the city. He congratulated MEDC’s leadership and staff for helping to attract and secure the moves of leading retailer TJX Companies Inc. and life-sciences giant Quest Diagnostics into previously-vacant Marlborough business sites. These feats, Bergeron said, along with Boston Scientific’s headquarters relocation to Marlborough, to be completed by October of this year, will undoubtedly be major boosts to the local economy.

“These companies were not just looking for a great location for their businesses,” said Bergeron. “They were looking for a place where their employees can have a great quality of life. Marlborough already offers an enviable location and lifestyle, but we know there is more work to be done. We know, for example, that we still need an urban walking area and, over the next year, we will definitely figure out a formula to do that.”

Bergeron said the MEDC will also focus its future efforts on increasing sports tourism, by growing the city’s youth baseball league. In addition, he said, the MEDC will continue promoting the new Wayside District along Route 20 East, which is expected to improve property values and attract even more business to the City of Marlborough.

“The MEDC plays a vital role for local business and continues to drive the economic engine in the region,” said Senator Eldridge. “Businesses and organizations representing a broad array of industries that partner with MEDC have spurred revitalization and growth in Marlborough, positioning the city as a leader in fostering community development, job growth and economic prosperity.”

“The MEDC staff works extremely hard to showcase and promote our city. Thanks to their efforts, Marlborough is now looking at a very bright economic future,” said Mayor Vigeant. “ We also owe a debt of gratitude to the MEDC founders and contributors, whose vision and dedication helped make today’s success possible.”

One of the city's more recent success stories began with the October 2011 purchase of the long-vacant former HP site off Route 495 by Framingham-based real estate investment firm, Atlantic Management. Just 18 months later, the site has been rezoned into an overlay district and has signed its first big long-term lease with Quest Diagnostics for a new laboratory facility expected to employ 1,200 people. Atlantic Management President & CEO Joseph Zink says he is excited about the potential of the new high-end mixed-use development, which will include 350 residential units, a major hotel operator and a number of commercial and retail outlets.

“Atlantic Management owns and operates 26 developments across the state, and Marlborough is definitely in our top 2 communities in terms of ease of doing business, infrastructure, and positive economic outlook," Zink said. "MEDC has helped us every step of the way, and we are very grateful to have them on our side, as we continue to develop our project in Marlborough.”

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