On Page One
ADAPTING TO CHANGE — Amid declining oil consumption and the rise in energy efficiency, Central Massachusetts oil dealers are diversifying their offerings to customers.
PATENT FILINGS ON THE RISE — Technological innovations, as well as legal actions involving intellectual property, trigger a jump in patent applications.
GETTING BACK TO WORK — Hiring managers and staffing experts weigh the merits and risks of hiring workers who have been unemployed for more than a year.
News & Analysis
HIRING REBOUND — Staffing firms in Central Massachusetts are getting more calls for help, which they say indicate growth in hiring
FREIGHT RAIL FOR NORTH BROOKFIELD? — An investor sees market potential in a plan to revive a long-abandoned stretch of railroad bed.
OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE ROAD — A proposed 2012 ballot referendum that outlaws socioeconomic factors in setting Massachusetts auto insurance rates divides insurance agents and carriers.
Special Focus: BANKING & FINANCE
SUN SHINES ON SOLAR INSTALLERS — Despite recent negative headlines about the solar power industry, solar installers in Central Massachusetts are thriving.
GREEN PAYBACK — Two studies clash over whether green energy programs are worth the investment.
ANALYSTS PRAISE AMERESCO ACQUISITIONS —Analysts say the two recent acquisitions by Framingham-based Ameresco will help the company pursue its goals to become a bigger player in the energy services field.
Shop Talk
Q&A with David Easson, director of WPI’s Life Sciences & Bioengineering Center
Departments
Behind The Sound Bite: Smart Grid
Op-ed: Why We Must Pay More Federal Taxes
Op-ed: Putting America Back To Work
