News

As a white male, can I effectively lead reporting on diversity & inclusion in the Central Mass. business community? Sure. Would I be better at it if I were someone from an historically excluded group? Absolutely.

In a White House speech that made clear his frustration with the status of the nation's fight against COVID-19, President Joe Biden said Thursday that the country is in the midst of a "tough stretch" of the pandemic that could last a while. He said it will take Americans coming together and the government using the tools at its disposal to overcome the virus.

The U.S. Small Business Association announced Thursday new changes to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program for companies impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The University of Massachusetts system will expand its online education footprint through a new UMass Global arm after officially acquiring Brandman University, officials announced Thursday.

The number of unemployed workers in the Worcester metropolitan area took a slight uptick in July, but still remains almost half of what it was this time last year, according to the latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released Wednesday. 

The Worcester Historical Museum announced on Tuesday it will postpone its 21st Harvey Ball celebration, scheduled for October, among the first major fall events in Central Massachusetts to postpone or cancel due to concerns over a resurgence in COVID-19 cases.

As community resource centers, nonprofit organizations saw the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on the community first-hand. While experiencing a huge increase in demand for services, nonprofits had to navigate providing resources while staying socially distanced. 

WBJ on Monday announced the recipients of its annual 40 Under Forty awards, honoring up-and-coming business professionals who've already made a significant impact on the Central Massachusetts economy and community.

Much like the hospitality, manufacturing, retail, and construction industries right now, the social service nonprofit sector is facing a staffing shortage. Particularly for human services caregivers, the pay is low, the job is hard, and the coronavirus pandemic compounded an already strained situation.

This year, WBJ received 207 nominations for 131 nominees. To pick the winners, the nominations were sent to judges Abed Hamid, Brian Treitman, and Valerie Zolezzi-Wyndham, who were each selected for their expertise and background.