Issue Highlights For April 2, 2012
HOTELS RIDE A SURGE - The Central Massachusetts hotel market has largely rebounded since taking a recessionary dip in 2009. But construction of new hotels here and across the nation is sluggish, due in part to financing issues.
APPROACHING CONSENSUS ON HEALTH CARE COSTS - State lawmakers appear close to passing some legislation that would control health care costs. But while all parties involved in the issue say they're closer to agreement on a bill, local hospital leaders are worried that state goals could be too extreme.
EASTERN EXPOSURE FOR COMMERCE BANK - Commerce Bank's deal to buy Boston-based Mercantile Bank for $26.5 million opens an eastern front for the Worcester-based financial institution. CEO Brian Thompson says the distinction between the Boston and Worcester markets is shrinking.
DIRECT AIR'S WOES CAST DOUBT ON FUTURE OF COMMERCIAL FLIGHT IN WORCESTER - When Direct Air stopped all operations last month, it left travelers scurrying to make alternate flight plans. It also raised questions about the viability of commercial air travel into and out of Worcester.
BIOTECH FIRM SETS SIGHTS ON BIGGER INVESTORS - Buoyed by early results from a human trial of an eye-disease treatment derived from embryonic stem cells, Marlborough's Advanced Cell Technology seeks a reverse stock split.
SPECIAL FOCUS: MEETINGS & GOLF GUIDE - Read an electronic version of our annual section containing the directors of meetings facilities and golf courses, along with lists of the top hotels and tourist attractions in Central Massachusetts.
SHOP TALK
Q&A with Bob Watson of 5 & Diner restaurants
OPINIONS
THE FUTURE OF WORCESTER'S AIRPORT - Direct Air's decision last month to suspend all its commercial flights reopened a long-running debate over the future of passenger air traffic at Worcester Regional Airport. Like the movie Ground Hog Day, Direct Air is playing out a scene that has been played out before in Worcester: bringing all commercial passenger traffic to a halt. But there's no need for a debate on this subject.
REGULATORY REFORMS NEED BUSINESS INPUT - Something unusual is happning in Massachusett, which presents a unique opportunity for positive change for businesses.
HANDS OFF COMMUNITY COLLEGES - Why is it that the natural impulse in Massachusetts to solve any problem is to create a bigger bureaucracy?
ALSO ...
10 Things I Know About ... Interviewing People Over 50
101: Talking Politics At Work
Behind The Sound Bite: Bedroom Community
Briefing: Worcester Transportation Hub
Digital Diva: How big firms struggle to rein in their social media houses.
Incorporations from Jan. 1-15, 2012
Knowhow: Grow Your Business Faster!
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