2021 Power 50: Craig L. Blais & Roberta L. Brien

Worcester Business Journal

More often than not, when you hear about a developer planning a new project in Greater Worcester – particularly on a long-stagnated property – the invisible hand of WBDC worked behind the scenes to get the deal done: prepping properties for development, connecting the right people, securing local and state incentives, dealing with utilities, and so on.

Craig Blais, the WBDC leader who seemingly knows everyone, and Roberta Brien, who oversees projects, both sit on the influential Worcester Economic Development Coordinating Council, a group of city and business officials who meet regularly to plan development.

Their work is about to pay off at The Reactory, a biomanufacturing complex with $500 million in development potential, and a long-awaited revitalization of the former Draper Mill in Hopedale.

What do you think the future holds for Central Mass.? Blais: “The best is yet to come. I remain bullish and positive.”

Brien: “Central Massachusetts could lead Massachusetts in a coordinated effort to develop a strong, regional economy.”

The superfan & the wanderer: Blais has attended more than 20 Aerosmith concerts, while Brien quit her first job as a transportation planner to travel for a year.