News

Worcester Business Journal is seeking nominations for its 24th annual 40 Under Forty Awards.

Both domestic and international economic conditions continue to show cause for concern, with the rippling effects of two major bank closures still visible, and uncertainties about inflation and our ability to sidestep a recession remain top of mind. Yet, certain business sectors still provide cause for optimism, and in Central Massachusetts, there’s much to like about the staying power of the manufacturing industry.

I am often contacted by aggrieved homeowners, who have retained a home improvement contractor and find themselves in a difficult situation: Project deadlines have past, costs have soared, and phone calls are unanswered.

With this April 3 edition, we arrive at another set of awards, the third of five WBJ will publish this year. The Manufacturing Excellence Awards remains our only sector-specific award and honors accomplishments in one of the foundational industries in Central Mass.

There’s much to love about what Central Massachusetts venues and attractions have to offer businesses, visitors, and residents. They may not jump out at you the way Boston or Cape Cod do, but this region’s offerings have substance and plenty to explore.

Central Mass. has a real opportunity to leverage its successes and make a significant mark upon the global life sciences industry.

The board chair of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, Steve Messineo, will take on the role of president, after outgoing President Robert Schlacter retires at the end of March.

From 2010 to 2020, the population of Central Massachusetts grew 8.1%, outpacing both the state and national averages, while closing in on nearly 1.3 million people throughout Worcester County and the MetroWest region. While all that change has caused some headaches, like a lack of affordable housing, it has created plenty of opportunities.

WBJ editor Brad Kane writes about the challenges of balancing work while standing in as a single parent for a week.

Rarely ever do you see Bill Gates, Joe Biden, and the community of Devens all in one story, but the palpable excitement around the opening of a $2-billion energy company in Central Massachusetts is creating just such that buzz, with the future of the world’s energy sources and climate on the line.