Issue Highlights

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

101: Workplace Bullying

Behind The Sound Bite: Smart Grid

Op-ed: Why We Must Pay More Federal Taxes