October 26, 2020Edition

Like many nonprofits in 2020, The Shine Initiative had to rethink its annual gala fundraiser this October, in the wake of social distancing rules amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Restaurants help attract other businesses, and they are vital in keeping workers at those companies out and about past working hours.

The challenges of running a small nonprofit are certainly compounded by the coronavirus. Funding opportunities have been diverted to COVID-19 relief funds, but the needs of our participants remain constant.

What can we – as leaders of an organization – do to address employee stress? It can seem like an overwhelming task, but experts say much can be accomplished by simply opening lines of communication and regularly considering team members’ status and circumstances.

If you are still asking this question, then you are behind the times. If your business is still thriving without attention to diversity and inclusion, I can promise you your organization is going to plateau or go under, sooner rather than later, as more culturally attuned organizations outperform yours. Data backs this up.

Many recipients of federal Paycheck Protection Program loan proceeds are now beginning the process of applying for loan forgiveness. The U.S. Small Business Administration recently issued additional guidance on PPP loan forgiveness. There are some key takeaways proving helpful with regard to owner-employees, eligibility of certain rental and mortgage interest payments, and related-party rent.

As a full-time working parent in a leadership position, with two children in two different schools learning remotely during the pandemic, I offer the following advice: Let the mom/dad guilt go. 

When a would-be restaurateur approaches Worcester city officials with a plan to open a new eatery, not so much stands in the way procedurally – at least compared to most Massachusetts cities and towns.

Between the upcoming presidential election on Nov. 3, fiercely divisive debates around social issues, and the governmental response to the coronavirus pandemic, strong opinions are everywhere. As community members with sometimes significant audiences, should brands and companies join the fray?

The UMass Medical School said Tuesday it will construct a $325-million, nine-story research and education building for a major expansion of its Worcester campus.