Forsberg’s Moment

Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Anyone who remembers the downtown Worcester of 1992 and compares it to the city taking shape today can tell you what a difference 20 years make. And anyone who knows the Worcester business community can tell you what a difference one man has made in that transformation.

He would be the last one to boast of his role in any of the city’s many successes — from technology parks and the rebirth of Union Station to CitySquare and The Hanover Theatre — but David P. Forsberg, outgoing president of the Worcester Business Development Corporation, deserves every accolade that came his way yesterday during WBDC’s annual meeting, held at the DCU Center.

During the last 13 years at the helm of WBDC, Mr. Forsberg has been a powerful force in ushering project after project from conception to reality, providing countless new opportunities and making enduring contributions to the economic and social revitalization of Worcester and the surrounding region.

And as numerous speakers remarked yesterday, he has done it with intelligence, warmth, determination, humility, and a deep faith, always putting the needs of others, and the good of Worcester, ahead of himself.

With his family, friends and business associates on hand, Mr. Forsberg was surprised yesterday morning with WBDC’s Bowditch Award.

And as WBDC’s members and directors formally welcomed their new leader and president, Craig L. Blais, they were pleased to hear that Mr. Forsberg will remain with the organization as a senior adviser for at least the next two years.

We are delighted, as well. Under Mr. Forsberg’s leadership, WBDC, working with its staff, directors, the Worcester business committee, and city, state and federal officials, has been instrumental in helping Worcester achieve an enviable economic position. That record, including a seamless transition that has now placed Mr. Blais at the helm, promises continued success in the years ahead.