Positive on Business – Interview with Jonathan Zlotnik
State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik is Positive on Business in general, and especially positive on Gardner’s newest furniture factory, Wood You Build It. Listen to the Interview on any device, CLICK PLAY
Jon Zlotnik posted about the visit to Wood You Build It, “Last Friday we toured Wood You Build It, a new furniture factory in the City of Gardner. This business moved from Etsy to a 25,000 square foot factory with the help of the Wachusett Business Incubator. I’m very proud of the work the incubator is doing to help local start up businesses. Wood You Build It specializes in kitchen islands. Their products are hand made and custom made to order by expert craftsmen and artisans.” According to their website, the company makes kitchen islands, trash bins, stools & chairs, pet furniture, storage benches, and miscellaneous furniture. They write, “If you dream it, we can build it.”
“Wood You Build It is trying to bring the notation of handcrafted, heirloom furniture back to the City of Gardner, MA for which it belongs, one home at a time.”What started out with a makeshift basement workshop, has now become an endeavor of over a dozen employees. We now manufacture out of a 25,000 sqft facility.”
Economic Development Zlotnik’s Top Priority for the last 12 Years
Representative Zlotnik spoke of his priorities, “The number one need in this region, and certainly in my district: The creation of jobs, the creation of opportunity, the revitalization of vacant or underused properties is so important, not just for the,… community at large, but also really for the local tax base, to make sure that the municipalities out here can provide the services that their residents need and expect, and make sure that, the community can grow, prosper, be safe, and have all those opportunities.” Ten years ago, Jon Zlotnik and some business leaders were instrumental in starting the Wachusett Business Incubator. “The one that has become really a standout success is Would You Build It.”
Other Sections of Gardner
Jon Zlotnik spoke of the changes in Downtown Gardner and the conversion of manufacturing buildings to housing. He spoke of the possibility of another industrial park in Gardner. Zlotnik spoke of another ribbon cutting ceremony on West Lynde Street and celebrating the grand re-opening of Tanguay Jewelers being passed from the next generation to the next. He spoke of “investments from the state, federal, and local government into water and sewer infrastructure to make sure that those capacities are up to snuff for a growing population and a growing business community, as well.” We spoke of the Route 68 area, the tenants in Timpany Plaza, and the former Garbose metal property which is still up for grabs. “along Route 68 is, I think, one of the prime areas for significant economic development.”
On Politics
Zlotnik concurred that moving forward regardless of party is the way he thinks. We asked, “How about everybody just cooperate on ideas, forget the party, and just move forward, ” Zlotnik’s response: “I couldn’t agree more...” He pointed out the of 12 State budgets he’s worked on, 11 have been passed with unanimous or near unanimous support. “Despite the lopsided nature of the partisan balance in Massachusetts, there’s still a lot of effort to make sure that we can come together.” He also stated, “Political bickering and partisan fighting serves almost no one.”