RESISTING RENTALS – With vacancy rates for apartments plunging, several developers see a big enough market to build apartment complexes in Central Massachusetts. But many are meeting with resistance from neighbors.
NEW APPROACH URGED ON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT – A state agency says experts who help workers build their skills need to focus more on the needs of employers rather than those of workers.
BLUE SKIES FOR GREEN ENERGY – Analysts say the recent struggles of Evergreen Solar and AMSC don’t deter them from their optimistic views about the future of Massachusetts as a hub for green energy innovations and businesses.
SPECIAL FOCUS: EDUCATION
STUDENT LOAN DEFAULTS ON THE RISE – A weak economy and higher tuitions and college fees lead to an increase in student loan defaults. One observer believes students who recently graduated were slapped with a “salary penalty” as they tried to enter the workforce.
BETTING ON FUTURE CAREERS – Courses at Quinsigamond Community College and the University of Massachusetts’ Amherst campus are preparing students for the expansion of gaming in the Bay State.
LOOSENING ADMISSIONS STANDARDS – More Worcester-area colleges have dumped the SAT and ACT standardized tests as requirements for admission.
EYE ON THE FUTURE IN DOWNTOWN WORCESTER – The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is nearing completion of its new $10 million optometry school, which the school’s leader says will inject “new life and vitality” into downtown Worcester.
THE LIST – Top Private Schools in Central Massachusetts
SHOP TALK – Q&A with Bob Murdock of Destination Worcester
EDITORIAL: Our Holiday “Wish List” for Central Massachusettsin 2012.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: More To Do For Businesses, Job Growth In Worcester
VIEWPOINT: Stephen Eide of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau: How To Boost Jobs In Worcester
VIEWPOINT: State Senator Michael Moore: Casinos Are A Step In The Right Direction
101: Stepping Down
Briefing: Initial Public Offerings
Knowhow: 6 Signs It’s Time For VoIP
