Town Manager Thinking Long Range: McKenna Knows the Success of a Community Lies in It Small Businesses

Town Manager James McKenna has been setting his sights on building up the small business community, telling the Council that the town has applied to be part of a state initiative (a plan that includes Revere and Chelsea) that grants tax credits to small business owners. McKenna also spoke about efforts to boost Winthrop as a destination for tourists, knowing that millions of visitors come to Boston each year. With some creative marketing and hosting of special events on Winthrop’s part — not to mention regular ferry service and completion of the Winthrop Beach Renourishment Project — the town could expect an influx in visitors to our town.

Of course, the purchase by Robert Deeb of the Michael’s Mall property and other Winthrop Center properties is exciting for the town’s future. Deeb has a bold vision for making Winthrop a bustling town where small business owners and residents will benefit.

Meanwhile, McKenna continues to move the town forward. For the upcoming Fall Forum, the town manager has asked town department heads to look five years down the road and present a plan for Winthrop’s future. What will Winthrop be like in the year 2018?

See you at the Fall Forum.